Transport a 12 oz. (0.382 kg) can of beverage 25 feet (7.62m) within a straight 4 feet wide lane in minimum time employing an electric DC motor(of your choice) and one AAA alkaline battery as the onboard energy source. The race course will be set up on a relatively smooth, level wood floor with a polyurethane finish (an old gymnasium).
No other energy sources may be used to propel the vehicle, i.e. the operator may not push the vehicle at the start; the pop can must remain in the same position relative to the vehicle during the race; capacitors may not be used; etc. The motor and battery must accompany the can of pop over the 25 ft.course. No equipment may be affixed to the floor or left behind after the vehicle has completed the course. The vehicle and refreshing beverage must start from rest. A starter switch must be placed on the vehicle so that it can be started without giving the car a forward push. For example, a toggle switch could be mounted such that the throw of the switch is along the axis of the vehicles axles. The vehicle can pass the finish line in motion. The vehicle design must enable inspection of the power source and motor for compliance with the rules. The payload holder design must enable the removal and replacement of the beverage can with a contest standard (6.5 cm O.D., 12.5 cm height). The vehicle must be able to operate over the course several times as various trials and final runoffs may be required. Battery changes are permitted. The contest is open only to students presently registered and attending a public or private high school. The contest organizers reserve the right to disqualify any vehicle that, or contestant who, does not, in the opinion of the judges, meet the contest rules as delineated above. The vehicles must be available for inspection by the judges, who may desire to witness a trial run and certify the cars for compliance with the rules prior to competition. A panel of faculty and staff will judge the winners of the awards for craftsmanship and creativity. The decisions of the judges are final. GOOD LUCK!
Every car races in the first heat. Every DQ in the first heat may try again after the end of the first heat. The cars with best times (about 20 cars) will race in the second heat. DQs in the second heat are final. The top cars (about 8) race head-to-head in the final heat to determine 1st, 2nd and 3rd places.
Download the MS Word formatted registration form or the PDF formatted registration form and mail or fax it to:
Carla Wilson
DEPT. OF MECH. & AEROSPACE ENGINEERING
GLENNAN BUILDING, ROOM 620
CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY
CLEVELAND, OHIO 44106-7222
Phone: 216.368.4580
Fax: 216.368.3007
Email: Carla.Wilson@case.edu