Tower Prototype Design Criteria

Materials Allowed for Prototype:

  • CORI cardboard and connectors

  • CORI string

  • Hot glue

  • Super glue gel

You can only use the materials listed above. Use of any non-approved materials will result in disqualification from the competition.

Kit Packages to Open:

  • "Tools and Adhesives"

  • "Design-Build Package"

  • CORI boxed kit

Please use the provided safety wear and equipment when using tools, including safety glasses, cutting mats, and protective gloves.

Be sure to budget your limited quantity of materials!

As the partner building the TOWER DESIGN, you must allocate your material usage appropriately. You will be expected to build:

  • TWO different prototype tower designs to be tested during Week 2 and 3 of COSMOS

  • ONE final prototype tower design to be tested during Week 4 of COSMOS (if you choose, you can utilize one of your previous two towers and perform a retrofit, but keep in mind the engineering drawbacks to using something that has gone through testing!)

  • ONE final BLADES DESIGN as provided by your partner's final drawings during Week 3 of COSMOS (this may utilize other materials beside the CORI cardboard, coordinate with your partner throughout the project regarding how much CORI cardboard you need to save to build their final design, if any)

Tower Goals

Follow these goals for your tower design to meet the requirements listed on the right and work towards having the best Performance Index.

  • Lightweight tower (this represents staying under budget). The lighter the better!

  • Structural stability - you want to withstand the minimum lateral force, but you don't want to overdesign it (i.e. make it too strong).

  • Taller towers will receive a wind energy bonus! But remember that height adds weight and taller towers may be more challenging to design to meet the minimum force.

  • Aesthetically pleasing - the final combined Wind Turbine Tower will be judged on creativity and workmanship

Design Requirements

Your TOWER portion of the Wind Turbine Tower must meet the minimum design requirements listed below. Any company whose final design does not meet these will be disqualified from the competition.

  • The top of the tower must be a minimum of 24" tall and a maximum of 40" tall.

  • The maximum plan dimensions of the tower is 16" x 16".

  • Tower have a base floor and top floor (NOTE: a floor consists of a horizontal plane that has at least 3-4 beams). The size of the floor can be variable.

  • The grant budget is represented by the weight, so the maximum weight of the TOWER+BLADES is 1.75 lbs.

  • The tower must be able to withstand a minimum lateral force of 15 lbs. and an ultimate force of 30 lbs. The tower will be loaded at the highest point and may be loaded in either direction (the instructors will decide on test day). Therefore, you should make it strong in all directions.

  • The tower must have an open internal vertical shaft running the entire height of the tower. This shaft must be at least 4" x 4" in plan and located in the center of the tower.

Tower Performance Index

P = Ultimate lateral load (grams)

H = Tower height (cm)

W = Tower weight (grams)

Example Images for Inspiration

These are basic designs with almost no lateral force resisting systems. Do NOT copy these designs, be creative and build your own!

Example Tower Design

Example Tower Design

Example of poor workmanship

Example of good workmanship with precise cuts