"University of Oklahoma"
(16th place overall; 18th in paper; 19th in presentation; 10th in product)

Presentation:

Oklahoma relied on 4 people to deliver their presentation.  They used 1 screen and presented their effort from a business standpoint.

Following team introductions, the team outlined their presentation.  Hull geometry came first and the team elaborated on their goals and the methods employed to meet them.

The team described the methods used for numerical modeling.  They specified the critical parameters and gave values for the values that needed to be achieved.

The team explained that they used mechanically activated fly ash (ground) and explained how their approach differed from the rest.  Then they outlined their testing program and explained how they achieved the goals established for their final mix.

Construction came next.  The team explained how they used a male mold to construct their canoe.  They explained how they modified last year’s mold and said that they cast a female mold but only after failing in their first attempt.

After elaborating on how they inlayed the sword in the boat, the team went through the methods used to select their team members including the paddlers and their management team.  Then they outlined the critical path and the time line contained therein.

Questions and Comments: 

• What other actions were taken besides increasing the flexural strength to ensure uniform thickness?
• How did you employ male and female molds yet place concrete by hand?
• What is “mechanically activated” fly ash?
• What are the advantages of using this component?
• Did you do any testing to confirm the air content of your concrete?
• The judges questioned the air content specified in the design report and asked the team to justify it.
• After citing several values in the report, the judges asked whether they were established for the concrete or the composite.

Product:

Canoe Name: The Sword in the Stone 
Length: 19.5 ft  
Weight:265 lb
Color: black and gray

Vital Statistics