Hovercraft

Hovercraft is an event where teams must design and build a hovercraft. It is a Division B and Division C event for the 2017 season. Teams will build self-propelled air-levitated vehicles, and also take a test on classical mechanics and other similar topics. The trial rules used at the 2016 National Tournament can be found at the bottom of the page in the "Links" section.

Description
Hovercraft is a dual lab, consisting of a test and a build portion. The test portion should take at least 20 minutes and competitors are allowed only 8 minutes to run their device. A 3-ring binder of any size is allowed, provided that all materials are hole punched and secure. Calculators of any type are also allowed and need not be impounded.

Construction
The hovercraft itself can weigh no more than 2000 grams. It is optimal that the hovercraft weigh as close to the maximum as possible while still being able to levitate, as this in turn will maximize score on the build portion. That being said, do not abandon functionality for the sake of attempting a perfect score. Any material is permitted for construction of the vehicle itself, but the vehicle must meet all specifications and cannot modify the track provided by the event supervisor. Brushless motors and integrated circuits are not permitted. For further information, the rules used at the the 2016 national tournament (when Hovercraft was a trial) can be found below.

Written Exam
Part 1 of the event consists of a written test which draws from the AP Physics 1, or algebra-based mechanics, curriculum. This test must contain at least five questions from each of the following topics: Newton's laws of motion, kinematics, kinetic energy, air cushioned vehicles and applications, and fluid mechanics for Div. C only. 20 – 30 minutes is suggested to complete this test. All answers must be provided in metric units along with the appropriate significant figures.

Links
Trial Events rules