"Clemson University - 3CT"
(2nd place overall; 2nd in paper; 10th in presentation; 1st in product)

Presentation:

Four team members gave the presentation and they promoted their theme by explaining that the competition was a little like playing poker.

The team relied on two screens; one used primarily for stationary graphics, the other for videos.  They began by outlining the structural analysis.  After the loading and boundary conditions were specified, the team explained how they arrived at the required minimum compressive composite strength. 

Deflection was used to quantify the results and values were given for key design parameters.  The mix design process was explained and the strategy used to meet the C-33 requirementr was outlined.

Then the team explained how synthetic and carbon fibers were used and how pre-stressing was done.  They outlined the curing process and explained how thermo-graphic techniques were used to monitor it.  The management scheme was outlined along with the statistical analysis performed to track the project.  The method for selecting paddlers was outlined just before the team brought their presentation to conclusion.

Judges Comments/Questions:

Six people were on stage to answer the following questions:  

• If you had the chance, which activities would you have increased or decreased and why?
• Why was there a decrease in strength when the water content of your mix was increased?
• How did your actual time expenditure compare to your predicted time scheme?
• Why did you use nine roller supports to model the buoyancy force?
• How were you able to maintain thickness and quality control?
• What was your quality control process?
• Would you have used a different number of layers of reinforcement if you had to do this again, and why?
• What procedure did you use to test the air content of your mixture?
• Can you describe it?
• What is meant by the factor of safety and why did you use 1.75?
• Were any modifications made to the pre-existing form to produce this year’s boat?
• How was pre-stressing applied and how did you hold the force during construction?
• Did you assume any losses when the pre-stressing force was released?       

Commentary:

The presentation was very strong but there were some pretty difficult questions here.  The team answered most of them well but they hesitated in some cases.

Every good poker player knows that you need some luck in addition to skill to win a hand.  And, even though 3CT had a good hand here, lady luck just didn't seem to cooperate during the question and answer session.  But the game isn’t over until the dealing is done... and 3CT's a world class player.

Product:

Canoe Name: Aces Wild
Length: 21.4 ft
Weight: 202 lb
Color: Black

Clemson went with an asymmetrical hull reinforced with three layers of polypropylene mesh.  Silica fume and glass bubbles helped meet the C-33 requirement.

Vital Statistics