We worked to create a MatLab model of the thermodynamic cycles of two different types of ice cream makers, one with a compressor and without a compressor, to determine which would produce ice cream with a more desirable consistency. We examined the process of crystallization and made assumptions that would allow us to create an accurate model.
For the system with a compressor, we also analyzed the refrigeration cycle from data that we were able to find online. We modeled both systems in Matlab to compare them.
Lastly, we conducted real world experiments using both types of ice-cream makers. Only after this did we realize that our assumption that greater ice content indicates poorer quality ice cream does not always hold true. However, we learned a lot about the intersection between thermodynamics and material science through this project!