Physics: Elastic Cord Drop Device Design and Competition Rules

What is the main objective of the elastic cord competition?

To design an elastic cord that conducts drips at a specified height and lands a mass in a bottle as close as possible to the landing surface without touching it.

What are the team size restrictions for the competition?

Teams can consist of up to 2 members.

What materials can teams bring into the competition area?

Only calibration data, the impounded elastic cord, and tools used for confirming heights, lengths, or mass.

What is the maximum time allowed for device preparation in the holding area?

3 minutes.

How long do teams have to complete their drops after preparation?

7 minutes.

What is the drop height range for regionals?

Between 2 to 5 meters at intervals of 25 cm.

What are the light and heavy mass specifications for the competition?

Light mass is 100g and heavy mass is 300g, both composed of a 500-591 mL plastic bottle, mass inside, and an attachment hook.

What is the requirement for the elastic cord regarding its construction?

The cord must terminate with a circular closed metal ring and may consist of multiple materials and strands.

What is the elasticity test requirement for the cord?

The bottom 0.5m of the cord must stretch to at least 1m when a 500g mass is attached and return to its original length when the mass is removed.

What happens if a cord is damaged during a drop?

The drop score will be 0.5 times the total drop height, and the cord cannot be used for subsequent drops.

What is the scoring system for the competition?

The final score is calculated as FS = HS1 + HS2 (state & national only) + BD, where HS is height score and DS is drop score.

What is the penalty for using a heavy mass during a drop?

An additional 20 points is added to the drop score for that drop.

What defines a successful bonus drop?

The bottom of the mass must be dropped within a specified distance from the bottom surface; otherwise, the bonus drop score is 0.

What are the tiers for device placement?

Tier 1: met all parameters; Tier 2: had some parameter violations; Tier 3: device/tools not impounded or calibration notes not impounded.

What is the consequence of not finishing a drop within the 7-minute test period?

The drop score will equal the entire drop height.

What is the maximum height for the masses when hung?

The height must be at most 35 cm.

What modifications are allowed after impounding the cord?

Marking the drop location on the cord is allowed; no physical modifications are permitted.

What happens if a team wishes to appeal a decision?

They must leave their device with the event supervisor.

What is the bonus drop condition for teams with a drop score of 1?

They are invited to complete a single bonus drop at a different height.

What are the tie-breaker criteria in the competition?

1. Success in the bonus score; 2. Number of drops completed with heavy mass; 3. Lowest individual drop score; 4. Lowest non-scored drop score.

What is the condition for the 'self-limiting break' mechanism?

No 'self-limiting break' mechanism is allowed in the design.

What is the requirement for the top anchoring system?

Supervisors must provide a top anchoring system with a release mechanism for attaching the top end of the elastic cord.

What is the significance of the drop height measurement?

It is measured from the bottom-most point of the clamp/attachment portion to the bottom landing surface.