"North Carolina State University (NCSU)"
(14th place overall; 22nd in paper; 22nd in presentation; 14th in product)

Presentation:

NC State relied on 3 people to deliver their presentation.  They used 1 screen and presented their effort from a business standpoint.

The presentation began with an overview of the project and hull design came first.  Speed, stability and maneuverability were highlighted as the main attributes needed.  The team outlined the salient features of the hull.

Analysis came next and the team mentioned how relatively simple calculations were followed by FEM.  They showed the results and noted that high stress areas were found in the bottom of the boat and at the gunwales.

Concrete mix design came next.  The team said that no flotation was added.  Their aggregates included stalite and ceramic cenospheres.

The team proceeded to outline their testing program and specified the results and their conclusions.  They mentioned their factor of safety and said that they met their goals.

Construction came next.  The team explained how they did this process and used removable spacers to control thickness.

Questions and Comments: 

• The judges asked about the calculation made for the water to cementitious materials ratio and questioned the degree of accuracy to which calculations were made.
• Can you expand on why you used a cantilever support in your analysis?
• What was the condition of your aggregates when you batched your mix?
• The judges asked why certain testing methods were used and how concrete was placed over the reinforcement.
• What loading cases were considered during your analysis?
• Did you consider transport stresses?
• Do you think that a competitor could build your boat from your design drawings? 

Product:

Canoe Name: Carolina Tide   
Length: 20.75 ft
Weight: 148 lb
Color: Caribbean blue

Vital Statistics