An Excel plot of the raw accelerometer data for Bull 303’s vertical (z) axis is shown in Figure 5. The motion correlated with a video of the ride so I was able to verify that the system had operated correctly.

Although advanced data analysis is beyond the scope of this project, it’s clear that the Buckymeter has a lot of potential. As you can see in Figure 5, the plot shows the maximum of ±8 g. Because these baby bulls are approaching the maximum of 10 g, it may be necessary to switch to an accelerometer with a higher limit. Contrary to the readings from the following bull that fouled, there are individual data points surrounding the climb to and from the maximum g-force readings. To put the bull force into perspective, a fighter pilot can pull 6 g sustained. The pilot will pass out at 9 g. In an automobile accident, 30 g is unlikely to cause injury. At 45 g, however, injury is nearly certain.

The logged data can point out a foul. The logged data showed me that Bull 31 ran into the side of the arena toward the end of his ride. This event caused a step change of 6,000 counts, or 9 g in the y-axis. Bull 208 ran into the gate when exiting the chute at the start of his ride. This event caused a step change of about 6,000 on the x-axis and 7,000 on the y-axis.

Normal ride data shows a variation of approximately 4,000 counts x, 2,000 counts y, and 2,000 counts z, or 3 to 6 g. The normal data variation is significantly less than the variation caused by a foul. In comparison, Bull 303 had individual data points leading up to the maximum reading. No step change exceeded 4,000 counts. This made it easy to detect certain fouls.