ToothPick Project Options

[*RiC3xBoy*]

ToothPick Project

Design Criteria
The object of this project is to design and build a model oil derrick from toothpicks that will sustain the greatest load for its mass. The structure demonstrates the compressive load of capability of a structure composed of single members. The structure should be neat in design and construction. It should have a minimum of excess glue.

Design Contraints
A) Material Limitations
    1. Each model is to be contructed from no more than 750 ordinary flat wooden      toothpicks.
    2. Only woodworking glue can be used to attach the toothpicks. (white or yellow      glue, no epoxy or super glue)
B) Size Specifications
    1. The model be at least 35 cm vertical height.
    2. There must be an open space of at least 100 cm^2 at the base of the model.
C) Structural Limitations
    1. The model must be completely open on the inside and at the top and bottom.      No interal cross-bracing is allowed.
    2. The model must be self-standing.

So the Annual Physics Toothpick project is getting started and I was wondering if I could get any advice or help on it from cB. I'm not asking anyone to do the whole thing for me, but just to ask for pointers on things like which geometric shape I should use, what percent of the toothpicks should be used on the foundation, etc. Anywho, any help would be very nice and I'd like to thank everyone in advance.

[*RiC3xBoy*]

Jan 17th.

[illumineering]

Google oil derrick pictures. It generates 334,000 hits. You might also try oil derrick specifications, oil derrick models or oil derrick construction. Good luck!

[faded23]

we had to do this in shop with I don't remember (probably scraps) but I know ours lost but one held like 30-50 pounds at least...

use TRIANGLES! thats what i remember

[*mipadi*]

Base it on triangles. An arch would be better, but it could prove difficult to build a solid arch from toothpicks.