"University of Wisconsin - Madison"
(1st place overall; 1st in paper; 5th in presentation; 2nd in product)

Presentation:

Madison went with an engineering and architecture theme and relied on one man and one woman to deliver their presentation.

They began, “I know the price of success…” a quote by world-renowned architect Frank Lloyd Wright.

It was evident that the Badgers invested heavily to make their presentation a success as they moved forward to bill their hull design using some pretty slick slide transitions.  The team went through the structural analysis used to determine their canoe’s geometry and reinforcing scheme.  All during the stint, they stayed on track by stressing the boat’s architectural features.

The team described their mix design and explained how they designed the matrix and the reinforcement so that failure could be predicted.  They went through the construction process, explained the method used for placing inlays, highlighted their use of structural elements having different thickness, and explained how pre-stressed members were employed.  Curing was mentioned and the finishing techniques were outlined in detail, including the color scheme.  Then, the team described their management scenario and the methods of communication used.  The presentation was brought nicely to conclusion and the team was upbeat, confident, and very clear in their presentation. 

 Judges Comments/Questions: 

Four people were on stage for questions when the barrage began...

• How was pre-stressing accomplished?
• Why were fatigue tests done to establish punching shear?
• What did these tests tell you?
• What physical phenomenon created the supports in your simply supported beam analysis?
• The judges asked about mixture proportions and possible inconsistencies while recording batch weight.
• How did you decide on the percent distribution of the five aggregates used?
• Did you take relaxation into account during the analysis with regard to pre-stressing?
• You assumed the buoyancy force was uniformly distributed.  Why?
• Explain transport loads and tell us why you didn’t consider them.
• Three thousand person hours were reported.  Was a cost analysis computed?
• What was the range of thickness considered?
• Did you do any other research for your hull design different from looking at past competitions?
• What is the significance of the graphics used on the cover of your report?

 Commentary:

 A command performance delivered with enthusiasm and confidence.  Great job Badgers!    

Product:

Canoe Name: Taliesin*
* Taliesin, Frank Lloyd Wright's estate in Spring Green, Wisconsin, is regarded as an eminent example of Wright's vision of Organic Architecture, and encompasses work from every decade and phase of his career.
Length:  21.5 ft
Weight: 175 lb
Color: Canvas

The canoe featured four ribs and was strong enough so that it needed no gunwale cap.  It was reinforced using three layers of fiberglass and graphite mesh.  Two of the five aggregates used to meet the C-33 standard were ceramic spheres and glass bubbles.

Vital Statistics