"Western Kentucky University"
(10th place overall; 8th in paper; 12th in presentation; 13th in product)

Presentation:

WKU drove home their Black Widow theme in their presentation.  Two team members delivered it and they began by explaining what their canoe was all about.  The team specified the improvements made over last year and pointed out the major attributes of their hull.

While describing the structural attributes, the team explained that two- and three-dimensional analyses were performed.  During this segment, they elaborated on the boundary conditions and elements used.  They also explained the methodology used to meet the C-33 requirements and how they integrated all aspects of the competition into their delivery.  The team described how unique materials were incorporated into their canoe including shape memory alloy.

The management strategy was presented next.  After presenting their objectives, the team explained how tasks were tracked and analyzed.

The construction process came next and the team described their reinforcement and the placement methods that they used.  They explained how stress concentrations were avoided and described the method used to cure their concrete.

The rationale for selecting the theme was presented before the team brought their presentation to conclusion.

Judges Comments/Questions:

Two other team members joined the presenters as the question session began:

• The team was asked to clarify where the materials outlined in the bill of materials included on the design drawings were used.
• How did you come up with the idea of the emulsified asphalt and do you think that this is in the spirit of the competition? (Not good... and it was downhill for there.)
• What stresses and or forces were used to verify the adequacy of your 3/8” hull thickness?
• Your mix designs are not compliant.  Can you explain what happened? (Whops!... Big deductions in final product here.)
• How many layers of stain did you use to produce your spider web design?
• How did you achieve such smooth surfaces on both the exterior and interior of the canoe?
• What impact does the fineness modulus have on the construction and design of the hull?
• Could you comment about the anticipated and actual time expended during the project? 

Commentary:

The presentation included all of the critical components and the presenters did a good job.  To their credit, the team stood up very well under fire.  They maintained their cool and acted very professionally throughout the stint.  Their response to falling within the spirit of the competition was especially strong:  “We felt that one of the major goals of the competition was to be innovative.”

But rules are rules… and you pay a penalty when your team stretches them to the point where you fall out of bounds.  WKU was allegedly there and past the point where damage control was possible.

Product:

Canoe Name: Black Widow
Length: 21 ft
Weight: 179 lb
Color: Black with white web

WKU had a magnificent looking canoe decorated with a killer design.  The team used three layers of carbon fiber mesh and shape memory alloy to reinforce their hull.  They added ceramic spheres to their concrete mix to help meet the C-33 requirement.  The boat was asymmetrical and featured a whale tail to increase maneuverability.

Vital Statistics