What is it?

• A contest for a team to construct a model crane-type, static structure using plastic drinking straws, tape, and thread, which will support an off-center load of 100 grams.
• Each team will consist of no less than two and no more than five people.
• Construction will be completed on site on the day of the contest and construction time will be limited to 30 minutes.
• Each team will be given a kit containing all materials and tools needed to construct a model crane.

Where and when is it?

• Ralph G. Anderson Rm 202 on the UK Campus.
• Saturday, February 23 during the hours of 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.  Winners will be announced at 1:00p.m. (winners need not be present).

Prizes

• First place: $50.00 gift certificate.
• Second place: $30.00 gift certificate.

Rules:

1. Using the thread provided, you must provide a way for the judges to hang the 100-gram weight on the structure.
2. The judges will keep time and no team member should touch the structure after time has been called.
3. Each team builds only one crane, but redesign and construction will be allowed during the 30-minute time limit.
4. The crane must support the weight.
5. The base of the crane should not cross the starting line marked on the table.

Materials Furnished:

1. 30 inches of 3/4-inch masking tape.
2. 15 plastic drinking straws (3 flexible, 12 straight).
3. 5 inches of thread.

Scoring:

Each crane will be scored based on a combination of the horizontal distance (reach) from the base to the weight, and the vertical distance (height) of the crane. The final score will be calculated using the equation:

SCORE = 5A + B

where:
A = The horizontal distance from base to weight
B = The height of the crane

Contact Information:
If you have questions, contact
Carl Staubach ccstau0@engr.uky.edu or
Keith Rouch rouch@engr.uky.edu

Sponsored by the student section of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers