2003 Engineering Design Compeitions - Catapult Competition

CATAPULT COMPETITION
February 21, 2003

Sponsored by: Oregon Beta Chapter of Tau Beta Pi, The
National Engineering Honor Society

Grades K-8: 1:00-2:00 PM
Grades 9-12: 12:00-1:00 PM

Design Statement
(1) The contestant must build a catapult that will propel a 50 gram weight 3 meters to a target. The weight, supplied by the judges, will be a "hacky-sack" that has been augmented to weigh 50 grams.

(2) The emphasis in this event is placed on the contestant's construction of a device that can accurately aim and propel a projectile exactly 3 meters.

(3) The target will be a bulls eye. The center of the target will be exactly 3 meters from the launch line.

(4) Contestants will be allowed to place their catapults precisely at the edge of the launch line, but not on top of the launch line.

(5) Contestants will be allowed 3 launches. The most accurate distance will be recorded as their score.

Catapult Construction
(1) The catapult must fit within a cube 1.5 feet on each side.

(2) Any catapult that appears unsafe or uncontrollable will be disqualified by the judges prior to the competition. No launch will be made from an unsafe device.

(3) The catapult can be powered by springs, elastic devices, pistons, or motors. No rockets or explosives can be used.

(4) The "hacky-sack" projectile will be supplied by the judges. The catapult should provide some leeway to adjust for the size of this projectile.

(5) The catapult should be of sufficient mass to ensure that it remains behind the launch line after the projectile has been launched. The catapult will be disqualified if it crosses or moves into the launch line.

(6) Sling-shot-type devices are not defined as a "catapult" within the confines of this competition.

Judging
(1) The winner will be the contestant whose projectile comes closest to the center of the bull's eye. This assumes that the catapult meets all other requirements, and that the device does not cross the launch line when fired.

(2) Grade Group classifications will apply in this event.

Prizes
Prizes will be awarded for First, Second and Third Place.