Boat Hull Design Challenge

Situation

In preparation for the big boat race, you need to prototype a new hull and propeller combination.

Problem

Design and construct a boat hull which will carry a specified weight through the Aqua Track with the fastest time using your skills in basic aquatic physics, watercraft design and boat building technology. The boat is propelled by means of an electric motor, propeller and a 9 volt battery system.

Requirements

Research different hull designs. ( look on the web for different hull shapes)

Hand in four (4) different sketches, and choose one

Draw a full size, front side and top view of your design on graph paper

Get styrofoam blank (3 1/2"X 9") from the teacher

Create prototype, and modify drawing

Race and record 3 times for evaluation

Materials

See attached

Assessment

See attached

Boat Hull Construction
After you have researched and chosen a boat hull design you are ready to draw a full size plan.
Obtain a styrofoam blank as a pattern and trace it onto a piece of 8.5x11 paper. Trace the edges that will represent a front view, side view and top view. /
Sketch the profile for each view in the spaces. /
Have the teacher check your plan and receive a styrofoam blank.
Start by cutting out the side view first with the styrofoam cutter.
Then cut the top view with the styrofoam cutter.
Shape your hull using knives or a rasp as shown here. /
To reduce hydrodynamic drag, the hull should be smooth as possible. Sanding with 150 grit sandpaper and sealing the hull will do this. /
The propeller is constructed by soldering a metal rod into a hole made in a piece of 1/4x3/4 (7mmx20mm) piece of tin plate. /
Connect the motor to the shaft using a splice of plastic insulation from an electrical wire. /
Design a motor mount that will enable the shaft to turn freely and also that the motor can be removed easily. /
Test it in the Test Tank and go for a spin.
Good Luck /

Boat ChallengeEvaluationName: ______

Drawing
Staple your drawing to the back of this sheet. / 4
Boat Resembles Drawing
Does your boat resemble your plan? YES/NO If not, why?______
______
Define the following and circle which best describes your design/drawing.
Monohull: ______
Catamaran:______
Trimaran: ______ / 4
Construction
Define the following:
1.)Propeller______
2.)Shaft ______
In the space provided, sketch an example of:
Two-blade prop / Three-blade prop / Four blade prop / Five –blade prop
/ 4
Race
What is pitch and why was it important? ______
______
______
What were your three race times?
1. / 2. / 3.
/ 4
Overall Experience
How can you reverse the rotation of your propeller? ______
If you had to do this unit again what would you differently? ______
______ / 4
Total