Boomilever 2019 Tennessee Science Olympiad Coaches Workshop October 27, 2018 Will Schleter (wschleter@utk.edu) http://tiny.utk.edu/boom19

Engineering at UT College of Engineering web site: http://www.engr.utk.edu UT Engineering Fundamentals web site: http://ef.utk.edu/efp

Description The objective of this event is to design and build the most efficient Boomilever meeting the requirements specified in these rules. A Boomilever is a cantilevered wood and glue structure, mounted to a vertical Testing Wall, carrying a load at a distance from the Wall. A TEAM OF UP TO: 2 IMPOUND: NO EYE PROTECTION: B MAXIMUM TIME: 6 min

Sample Boomilever Results North Carolina State Finals (2007) Rank Boom (g) Load (kg) Efficiency 1 16.92 12.8 754 2 12.18 8.1 661 3 19.92 10.1 505 4 10.13 4.9 480 5 35.82 15.0 419 6 36.29 413 7 15.73 6.1 387 8 26.14 9.4 358 9 46.59 322 10 22.50 7.2 320

Simple Analysis

On-line Analysis https://ei.jhu.edu/truss-simulator/ Draw simplified design Click on the node names to apply loads and boundary conditions Top support is a pin Bottom support is a vertical roller Use to get a rough idea of the loads at the supports and the forces in the members

My 2 cents Hook support point is critical – make sure it will fit over hook and support a significant load Joints are important Keep width down Identify and remove unnecessary parts Component testing – i.e. testing parts of the design Practice, practice, practice KISS Winning design wont be the strongest or the lightest Practice loading – fast and steady is best Common Issues Cutting critical dimensions too close Mounting hook Load block Span distance Contact Depth Line Not understanding test device and procedure No tiebreaker number (estimated load)