🚀 go-pugleaf

Joe,

        In response to your questions about the Ferris Wheel Competition,
here are my suggestions for the consideration of all.

        This is the first time that I have heard of this type of
competition.  Since this is being sponsored in part by Engineering
Societies, are they looking for engineering skill in construction or are
they looking for a more complete engineering skills that include the
requirement that the builder select the materials for their properties.
If the Engineers are looking for the second case, ( complete engineering)
let the kids pick their materials.

        I would suggest The judging proceed along the lines of the ratio
of the payload to the structure's weight or mass. This might include the
mass of the motor.

        You might also include the requirement that the Ferris Wheel might
be required to operate for a specific amount of time.

        If you specify a type of bearing, make sure that they are
available in large enough quantities to meet the demands of the contest.
Please also let us know where they can be purchased.

        Will the bearings be used for the main axle of the Ferris Wheel,
or would each basket also be required to use bearings?

        If a battery operated wheel is desired, is a 1.5 volt battery able
to run a Ferris wheel?

        What is the desired size of the model in the competition?  Is
there a Maximum diameter?

        I would prefer to see the model pre-constructed, or at least prefabed
so that the judging day can be dedicated to judging and not construction.

        Those are my suggestions.  Does anyone else have any comments?

Ed Henke
George Westinghouse HS
Pittsburgh, PA