1. Boomilever 2019 Tennessee Science Olympiad Coaches Workshop
October 27, 2018
Will Schleter

2. Engineering at UT
College of Engineering web site:
UT Engineering Fundamentals web site:

3. 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

4. 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

5. Simple Analysis

6. 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

7. 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)