"University of Massachusetts Amherst"
(21st place overall; 19th in paper; 18th in presentation; 20th in product)

Presentation:

The presentation began with an audio segment similar to the musical score of “Jaws.”  Four male team members gave the presentation.

The team outlined their design goals and elaborated on the analysis tools used during the project.  Then it was on to mix design.

The team described the constituents employed and described their reinforcing materials.  They outlined the goals that needed to be achieved and the steps taken to construct and cure the boat.  Concrete was rolled into thin sheets that were joined when placed over the mold.

The judges asked were transport stresses taken into account?  What load case provided the maximum load?  What did you assume for the specific weight of the concrete during the analysis?  What was the actual weight and was this difference taken into consideration?  

The team was asked to elaborate on the claims made regarding rocker.  How did you come to the conclusions regarding the effects of the micro-silica employed in the mix?  How did you ensure that the sheets were joined well?  What steps did you follow to adhere to safety standards?  How did you measure the percentage solids of the admixtures?  

The team was questioned on the management strategy and asked what problems they encountered.

Product:

Name: Great White
Length: 19' 3"
Weight: 318 lb
Color: blue

Vital Statistics