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1. Introduction:



This report is the first stage of the design, construction and testing

of a balsa wood structure. In April, the design will be tested against

classmates’ designs, where the design with the highest load/weight ratio

wins. The information gained from this report will be used in the

construction of the structure. The report is composed of two sections.

The first is an evaluation of material properties of balsa, glues and

different joint configurations. The second section consists of a

discussion on a preliminary design that is based on conclusions drawn

from the testing section.

Common material tests of tension, compression and bending were

performed and analyzed. The qualities of three different adhesives were

tested and evaluated, and finally, three different joint configurations

were tested. Illustrations of each test setup are included. Whenever

possible, qualitative results will be given as opposed to strictly

quantitative values. A qualitative result is much more useful in

general design decisions. Experimental results from the testing stage

combined with experiences is working with the materials offered clues

for the preliminary design.

The design section mixes both practical and experimental experience

together to present the best possible solution for the structure. It

also offers additional insights that were not considered in the initial

material testing procedure. The design presented in the this section,

is likely to be similar the final model, however modifications may be

needed for the final design that were unforeseeable at the time of this

report.
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