OIT Kinetic Sculpture Racing
That Was Easy - Arcata KSR 2007
Introduction
Kinetic What? Kinetic Sculpture. A Kinetic Sculpture is a human powered vehicle able (in theory) to travel over roads, sand, mud and water. They are rolling sculptures and scored on art and engineering as well as speed. Awards are given for each of these categories and the overall Grand Championship won by the team placing best in all. Other more whimsical awards are given, some of which we try to avoid receiving. One is for the first vehicle to breakdown, another for the biggest splash entering the water, etc.
There are many Kinetic Races around the world, from Baltimore to Perth. The originating race is in Northern California, traveling from Arcata to Ferndale each year. This three day race is the World Championship Kinetic Sculpture Race and held annually. The OIT Team typically competes in this race as well as the Klamath Kinetic Challenge and the daVinci Kinetic Challenge in Corvallis.
OIT's Kinetic Sculptures
OIT, as an engineering school, is most interested in the mechanical design of Kinetic Sculptures. This is an environment of learning for our technical minded students. Yes, we do have some art but it pales in comparison to some of the well sponsored artists involved. However, OIT's sculptures are among the best in design and construction.
OIT began racing Kinetic Sculptures in 2005 with the Kinetic Pelican. Twelve students designed and built the Pelican as their senior project. It had four pilots, two in front facing forward and two in back facing backwards. It had center articulation with four 6' wheels. It was worked on until the morning of the race, and during the race, so the time spent on art was minimal. For a first year vehicle it performed exceptionally well.
The tradition was continued in 2006 racing Big Easy. Three students worked on the 2005 Sculpture as a senior project. They improved the drive train and decreased friction considerably. The brakes were also improved to a working condition. Art was added for a fine looking vehicle. A picture of Big Easy is at the top of this page. Wheel failures prevented completion of the Arcata race. However, repairs were accomplished and the Big Easy performed very well in Klamath and Corvallis.
The 2007 season was a great success for OIT. That Was Easy was the name of the 2007 sculpture. Considerable work was done in analyzing the wheels and building up two new wheels. We added front derailleurs and further cleaned up the drive. With four bicycle racers riding in Arcata we did very well, "Acing" the course and winning second place in engineering. The mud pit stopped up in Klamath, as it did all but one sculpture, but we gain a Leo in Corvallis and again won the Wizard's Choice award.
In 2008 an attempt was made to improve the steering and braking, mainly by reducing friction. The work was not completed so no races were entered. Bummer.
We're at it again in 2009. The plan is to rebuild the sculpture. It will be a three wheeler, two person vehicle. Again big wheels. A big project but the students are up for it.
Summary
Kinetic Sculpture Racing is a perfect project for OIT students. Design and construction of Sculptures is a multi-disciplined effort requiring a merging of engineering analysis and construction skills. Vehicles are non-standard requiring original design work, there is no formula. The races have a Festival atmosphere and provide an excellent proving ground for the student's efforts.
OIT's Kinetic Racing program is likewise a great way to publicize OIT, engineering at OIT, and the quality of our programs.
Come out to the races and cheer for OIT. Or even stop by and see the vehicle up close and personal. Or even better, come to OIT as a student and help build future vehicles.