Water Works Specifications
The following is a description of some key features of this year's Tech Challenge.
These measured drawings depict this year's test rig in greater detail.
The Test Platform
The test platform includes a "flume" (river) of water that is approximately 54 inches long, 6 inches deep, and 6 inches
wide. At one end, a hose delivers water at up to 20 gallons per minute. At the other end, the water flows out through a
round hole, creating a small waterfall into the catch basin below. The catch basin is about 3 feet below the flume. A
tank for you to fill is located just above the flume. The upper lip of the tank is about 20 inches above the flume. Be
sure to look at the test rig drawings for more information.
Testing space and team operation area
Your device can be placed anywhere on the test platform. Be sure to look at the test platform drawings before you
complete your design. Also, bring your device to at least on test trial to verify that it works with the test
platform. Your team can stand anywhere on the test platform. Of course, you cannot stand in the water! We
prefer it if you all stand on one side of the test platform so the audience has a good view of your device in
action.
Spectator viewing
All spectators, advisors, and family members may stand and observe the device operation outside of the testing space.
Test Platform variation
On the event day, there will be multiple test platforms in use. Every effort will be made to ensure uniformity between
the stations. However, small variations are to be expected. A robust device that has been tested repeatedly should
handle any small differences that may occur. A sample test platform will be available for viewing at the Information
Clinic and for testing your team's device at the Challenge Trials.
Home Testing Hints
It is not necessary to create an entire test platform to test your device at home or school. Here are a few ideas to help you test your device:
-
Use a garden hose to simulate the waterfall. Before your first test, use a bucket and a clock to measure the
"gallons per minute" coming from your hose. Note that there will be up to 20 gallons per minute flowing on The
Tech's test rig.
-
If your device uses the flume section, you can build one yourself from three pieces of standard lumber. The actual
width of a 6" board is only 5 3/4", so that is what we are using in the flume. This should make it easier for you!
If you test outside, you won't have to worry about leaks.
-
Your receiving tank can be a regular bucket. Ours will be one foot in diameter and one foot tall.
In addition to testing at home, we recommend testing devices on the official rig at the
Challenge Trials which are at The Tech Museum of Innovation.
|
