Compound Machines

Compound Machines is a 2013-2014 event for Division C in which students answer questions on simple and compound machines, and use a compound lever to determine an unknown mass. Students should bring their device and any other supplies for impound, a binder of notes, and any calculator.

Compound Machines can be considered the Division C equivalent of the Division B event, Simple Machines.

General
The event is split into 2 parts, the written test and testing the device. The test will include questions on basic concepts, calculations, and the history of compound machines. For the device testing, the supervisors provide a known mass and an unknown mass and the students will determine the unknown mass by using and adjusting a compound lever. Points will be awarded for accuracy and speed.

Materials
Students may bring a single device, one binder of notes, calculators, and tools/supplies. Any materials in the binder must be able to be inverted and not fall out of the binder.

Impounding
During impounding, all supplies must be impounded, including the device. All of these items must fit inside a box no larger than 100x100x50cm. This includes notes, tools, and the device itself. The calculator, however, does not need to be impounded.

Constructing the Device
The device must be a compound machine, composed of both class 1 and class 2 levers. Each lever must be less than or equal to 50.0 cm. Electronics are not allowed as part of the device.

Terms
Machine: A mechanical device that improves or assists in labor using force inputted, and converts it do a different type of force or direction

Simple Machine: There are 6 Simple Machines. These are all different types of machines that change the input force to a different output. They are:

1) Lever

2) Inclined plane

3) Wedge

4) Pulley

5) Wheels and axle

6) Screw

Compound Machine: A machine made up of more than one simple machine. A compound Machine can allow more complex machines and more complex outputs and functions. For example, a scissor combines three different simple machines. 1) Lever- The handle, 2) Wheel and Axle: Pin to attach both sides, 3) Wedge- Blade

Types of Machines
All concept questions will be limited to the topics of levers, inclined planes, wedges, pulleys, wheels and axles, and screws. See the Simple Machines page for more in-depth information.