Science and Engineering Projects Using the Arduino and Raspberry Pi : Explore STEM Concepts with Microcomputers

Hone your understanding of science and engineering concepts with the versatile Arduino microcontroller and powerful Raspberry Pi mini-computer. The simple, straightforward, fun projects in this book use the Arduino and Raspberry Pi to build systems that explore key scientific concepts and develop engineering skills. Areas explored include force/acceleration, heat transfer, light, and astronomy. You'll work with advanced tools, such as data logging, advanced design, manufacturing, and assembly techniques that will take you beyond practical application of the projects you'll be creating. Technology is ever evolving and changing. This book goes beyond simple how-tos to teach you the concepts behind these projects and sciences. You'll gain the skills to observe and adapt to changes in technology as you work through fun and easy projects that explore fundamental concepts of engineering and science. **What You'll Learn*** Measure the acceleration of a car you're riding in * Simulate zero gravity * Calculate the heat transfer in and out of your house * Photography the moon and planets **Who This Book Is For** Hobbyists, students, and instructors interested in practical applications and methods to measure and learn about the physical world using inexpensive Maker technologies. Table of Contents About the Authors About the Technical Reviewer Acknowledgments Introduction Chapter 1: Key Technology Tools Arduino Basics Arduino Setup Ports and Interfaces Lessons Learned About the Arduino Raspberry Pi Basics Raspberry Pi Setup Lessons Learned About the Raspberry Pi Basic Electronics Definitions Summary Chapter 2: Data Logging Basics Data Logging with the Arduino Data Logging with the Raspberry Pi Summary Chapter 3: Physics and Mathematics Basics Temperature Force Pressure Basic Concept of Algebra Statistical Concepts Direct Compared to Inferred Measurements Summary Chapter 4: Simple Science and Engineering Projects Buoyancy of Air Arduino Buoyancy of Air Version Raspberry Pi Buoyancy of Air Version Buoyancy Recap Demonstrating Pressure Pressure/Force Recap Capturing Counts Counts Recap Summary Chapter 5: Advanced Physics and Mathematics for Science and Engineering Basics Terms of Calculus How Heat Transfer Works Conduction Heat Transfer Convection Heat Transfer Radiation Heat Transfer All Three Heat Transfer Mechanisms Work Together! Mass Velocity and Acceleration Inertia Momentum Friction More Advanced Aspects of Calculus Summary Chapter 6: Time/Condition-Dependent Projects Conduction Heat Transfer Through an Aluminum Rod Ensure Consistency in Temperature Sensor Readings Aluminum Rod Conduction Heat Transfer Recap Conduction Heat Transfer Through a Window Window Conduction Heat Transfer Recap Convection Heat Transfer Convection Heat Transfer Recap Zero Gravity Demonstration Zero Gravity Recap Measuring Frictional Force Projects Arduino Frictional Force Project Operational Schematic Arduino Frictional Force Recap Raspberry Pi Frictional Force Project Raspberry Pi Frictional Force Recap Acceleration Projects Acceleration Direct to Computer Acceleration with Computer Recap Acceleration Measurement Without a Computer Acceleration Without Computer Recap Summary Chapter 7: Light and Imaging Projects Radiation Heat Transfer Analysis of Heat Transfer Radiation Heat Transfer Recap Astrophotography with the Raspberry Pi Camera Assembling the Meade ETX-60AT and Raspberry Pi Astrophotography Meade ETX-60AT Setup Recap Assembling the 4 1/2-Inch Reflector Telescope and the Raspberry Pi Components Needed to Assemble the Raspberry Pi 3 Mounting System to the 4 1/2-Inch Telescope Reflector Telescope Setup Recap Basic Raspistill Previewing an Image with the Terminal Command Line Using Raspistill to Capture an Image More Advanced Raspistill Input Without a Keyboard Raspistill Image Capture Recap Astrophotography Raspberry Pi Python GUI Initiating the GUI PI_SN003 Raspberry PI GUI Recap Assembling the Raspberry Pi and Touchscreen in the Case Raspberry Pi, Touchscreen, and Case Modification of the Case and Assembly Components and Assembly of the Raspberry Pi Case Recap Camera Modifications, Camera Case, and Power Cables Camera Modifications Building the Camera Case Final Assembly of the Camera in the Case Power Cord Combination Camera, Camera Case, and Power Cord Assembly Recap Building the Shelf for the Meade ETX-60AT Shelf Components and Assembly Recap Helpful Hints Using the Telescope and Raspberry Pi Lessons Learned Recap Example Images and Enhancing Them Using a Video Capture GUI Example Images Taken with the Upgraded Meade ETX-60AT Astrophotography System Example Images Taken with the Upgraded 4 1/2-Inch Reflector Telescope Astrophotography System Making an Astronomical Video and Creating Enhanced Images Image Creation and Enhancement from a Video Recap of Example Images and Enhancement Techniques Summary Appendix: Reference Material Soldering Safety General Shop Safety Manufacturing Techniques Soldering Basic Arduino and Raspberry Pi Python Commands Some Key Arduino Code Commands Some Key Raspberry Pi Code Commands 3D Printing Computer-Aided Design Options Project Management for Engineering Decision Analysis for Engineering Thermal Conductivity Coefficients Coefficients of Friction Astronomy Terms Specifications of the Meade ETX-60AT Setup, Updates, and Repairs Helpful Books Index Hone your understanding of science and engineering concepts with the versatile Arduino microcontroller and powerful Raspberry Pi mini-computer. The simple, straightforward, fun projects in this book use the Arduino and Raspberry Pi to build systems that explore key scientific concepts and develop engineering skills. Areas explored include force/acceleration, heat transfer, light, and astronomy. You'll work with advanced tools, such as data logging, advanced design, manufacturing, and assembly techniques that will take you beyond practical application of the projects you'll be creating. Technology is ever evolving and changing. This book goes beyond simple how-tos to teach you the concepts behind these projects and sciences. You'll gain the skills to observe and adapt to changes in technology as you work through fun and easy projects that explore fundamental concepts of engineering and science. You will: Measure the acceleration of a car you're riding in Simulate zero gravity Calculate the heat transfer in and out of your house Photography the moon and planets Hone your understanding of science and engineering concepts with the versatile Arduino microcontroller and powerful Raspberry Pi mini-computer. The simple, straightforward, fun projects in this book use the Arduino and Raspberry Pi to build systems that explore key scientific concepts and develop engineering skills. Areas explored include force/acceleration, heat transfer, light, and astronomy. You'll work with advanced tools, such as data logging, advanced design, manufacturing, and assembly techniques that will take you beyond practical application of the projects you'll be creating. Technology is ever evolving and changing. This book goes beyond simple how-tos to teach you the concepts behind these projects and sciences. You'll gain the skills to observe and adapt to changes in technology as you work through fun and easy projects that explore fundamental concepts of engineering and science. --Back cover