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Chapter 12: Problem 11

Assemble a team of five students from your class and use the engineering design process to build a bridge that spans at least three feet between supports in contact with the ground. Materials: one roll of duct tape, 10 feet of rope, a 40 -inch by 75 -inch piece of cardboard, and 14 cardboard slats each 12 inches by 2 inches. After the design is complete, 40 minutes will be allowed for bridge construction and testing. The test: One of your team members must walk heel-to-toe across the bridge; extra points are awarded for spans exceeding three feet.

Short Answer

Expert verified
Answer: The key aspects to demonstrate in detail are the steps of the engineering design process and how to utilize the materials efficiently.

Step by step solution

01

1. Defining the problem

First, we must have a clear understanding of the problem. In this case, the goal is to design and build a bridge that can support a student walking across it, with a minimum span of three feet. The bridge will be constructed using a roll of duct tape, 10 feet of rope, a piece of cardboard measuring 40x75 inches, and 14 cardboard slats measuring 12x2 inches each.
02

2. Research and brainstorm

Before starting the construction process, it is essential to conduct research on various bridge designs and gather inspiration from existing structures. As a team, brainstorm and discuss ideas regarding the bridge's design, keeping in mind the available materials and bridge requirements.
03

3. Sketching the design

After settling on a design, create a sketch of the bridge. Ensure that it meets the requirements set out in the problem, such as having a span of at least three feet between supports. Additionally, consider the efficiency of the design, ensuring that it can support the weight of a student walking across it.
04

4. Listing materials and cutting

List out the materials needed for your chosen design, referencing the materials allowed for this exercise. Cut the cardboard and slats to the required sizes according to the design and make sure to avoid any wastage of materials.
05

5. Assembling the bridge

Assemble the bridge by connecting the cardboard slats and the cardboard base using duct tape. Use the rope to add support where needed, such as holding the cardboard base onto the supports or reinforcing specific areas that may be under more stress.
06

6. Testing the bridge

Once the bridge is assembled, it is time to test its strength and stability. One team member will walk heel-to-toe across the bridge while the other members observe the bridge's performance. Take note of any areas that may require reinforcement or adjustments.
07

7. Make improvements

If any issues arise during the testing phase, make necessary improvements to the bridge design to strengthen weak points or adjust the structure for better support. Test the bridge again with the modifications in place.
08

8. Evaluating the solution

Once the bridge has successfully been tested with a student walking across it, evaluate the final design. Discuss as a team what worked well and any areas where improvements could be made for future projects. If the bridge met the requirements set by the problem and was completed within the allowed time frame, consider this a successful solution.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Assemble a team of five students from your class and use the engineering design process to build a bridge that spans at least three feet between supports in contact with the ground. Materials: one roll of duct tape, 10 feet of rope, a 40 -inch by 75 -inch piece of cardboard, and 14 cardboard slats each 12 inches by 2 inches. After the design is complete, 40 minutes will be allowed for bridge construction and testing. The test: One of your team members must walk heel-to-toe across the bridge; extra points are awarded for spans exceeding three feet.

Identify five product, structure, or system designs you think can be improved. Pick one and write a preliminary problem statement for the engineering design process.

Get together with three other classmates and brainstorm at least 30 ways to use one of the following objects: a) Two-foot length of string b) Ping-Pong ball c) One plastic soda bottle d) Page of notebook paper and a two-inch piece of tape e) 10,000 plastic grocery bags f) Obsolete cellphone g) Deck of playing cards h) Yo-yo i) Metal coat hanger j) Empty plastic milk container k) 15 paper clips l) \(1 \mathrm{lb}\) of rotting vegetables m) Newspaper and 12 inches of masking tape

Assemble a team of four students from your class and use the engineering design process to build the tallest possible tower that can support a 12-oz can of soda/pop. Materials: one roll of masking tape, one package of straws, and one can of soda/pop. Constraints: Your tower must be freestanding and remain upright for five seconds under load to qualify for measurement. You have 30 minutes to complete this exercise.

Prepare a list of questions to be resolved in defining each of the following engineering challenges: a) Develop an improved manual gearshift for a mountain bike. b) Develop a chair, with back support, for an individual weighing 150 lbs using nothing other than cardboard boxes. c) Develop a hands-free flashlight. d) Develop a theft-proof bicycle lock. e) Develop a container to easily carry 10 gallons of water for five miles. f) Develop a secure storage area on a bike for a helmet. g) Develop an efficient open-air woodstove for baking bread.
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