Bungee Drop C Rules Clarifications

[auch]

Hello Bungee Drop victims!

As I get my Science Olympiad year started, I was looking for specification on some of the rules for Bungee Drop. I have always been a test taker, not a builder, so I would appreciate builders advice!

1. Are embedded technologies allowed? I plan on making a mechanism rather than just the elastic cord to greater increase the accuracy I can get.

2. What is all allowed to come into the event? As in, what level calculator, are we allowed to bring in computers, ect.

3. What is the definition of a "single elastic cord"? What I've schemed up is fully elastic 5m cord, with a 25cm long mechanism attached at the top (with pulleys and springs). I can't get too deep into it without revealing my teams game plan, but if you are apart of any other states science olympiad (other than Ohio) I'll share what I'm thinking with you if you message me.

4. THE BONUS DROP. Is the multiplier 0.8 or 1.8?

I would really appreciate any insight you guys might have on this. I am super duper excited to push this event to its limits!

[knightmoves]

For impound, the impounded calibration data is the only "paper or notes" to which you may refer. You must also impound all tools used.

The general calculator rules prohibit laptops, cellphones, and other multipurpose electronics unless specifically authorised for a particular event. So you certainly can't have a computer. I would seek clarification on whether the lack of a calculator specification in the rules means "all calculators allowed" or "no calculators allowed".

Rule 3b has a general prohibition on self-limiting brakes, but that doesn't seem to be the function of your mechanism at the top.

You will probably have more difficulty with rule 3a (no physical alteration except for marking drop location). What you seem to be proposing is a 5m elastic cord with a 25cm "mechanism" at the top. So when you adjust for a shorter height, you're either shortening the cord between the mechanism and the cord (that's a physical alteration), or the cord runs through the mechanism, in which case adjusting the location of your mechanism on the cord might be a physical alteration.

The multiplier is 0.8. Low score wins!

[knightmoves]

Depending on exactly what your mechanism is, you might also run in to trouble with "Supervisors will provide a top anchoring system to attach the top end of the elastic cord, which all teams must use".

[sluelway1973]

For Clarification is it legal if I take a 1 meter piece of elastic tubing and attach it to a non-elastic material, as long as it meets the test of elasticity to 1.25 meters with the 500 g. weight?

[SusanV]

Does the elasticity test of the bottom 1 m of cord mean that the tested bottom meter must remain at the bottom? Seeking clarification for students. Thanks!

[knightmoves]

Does the elasticity test of the bottom 1 m of cord mean that the tested bottom meter must remain at the bottom? Seeking clarification for students. Thanks!

Yes.

The students prepare a cord which terminates (at the bottom) in a fixed metal ring. This metal ring (which is used to attach the weight) defines the bottom of the cord. Students attempting to change this would run foul of rule 3a (no physical changes may be made to cords after impound)

[SusanV]

Thank you!

[pdxsciolyguy]

What is the definition of "drop height" ? Is it measured from the point where the chord is hooked by a clamp to the landing surface OR is it measured from the bottom of the bottle when suspended in ready-to-drop position to the landing surface? The rules don't clearly specify that.

[Northridge]

You are correct. It is not clear. For the tournaments I have ran we treated it as the release point, but I also gave the measurement of what it would be from the bottom of the bottle so that the kids had that as well. I feel like for folks who are event supervisors for this, the more information you can give the kids the better.

[pdxsciolyguy]

You are correct. It is not clear. For the tournaments I have ran we treated it as the release point, but I also gave the measurement of what it would be from the bottom of the bottle so that the kids had that as well. I feel like for folks who are event supervisors for this, the more information you can give the kids the better.

Thank you. As long as the ES clearly communicates, I think the students should be able to compensate for it. I found one event setup picture from Scioly that made it look like it should be from the release point. IMO, that's easy to measure as well for setup.