Engineering Challenge 2024 Rubber Band Car FAQ

A: A vehicle is a device with a frame that has at least one wheel attached to an axle. Other devices that are rubber band-powered and generate forward movement, such as catapults or slingshots that launch separate projectiles, or an axle that just rolls forward without a frame, are not allowed.

A: No. The car must have at least one wheel, but it does not have to have four wheels.

A: No, that would violate Rules 1 and 2.

A: Yes, but material point costs are not prorated. For example, if you cut a sheet of cardboard and only use half of it in your car, it still counts for 10 points when calculating your score.

A: Yes, but you cannot use the drill to help wind or tighten a rubber band on an axle.

A: Yes. For example, if your car only has one or two wheels, other parts of the car can touch the ground to help it balance.

A: No. If you use any tape at all, you just count it as one roll (cost of 5 points) in your materials.

A: No. Partial use of any material counts as using the entire item. In this example that would count as two sheets.

A: Yes. You just measure the distance from where your car started to wherever it stops. See Figure 2.

A: Your car's wheels are spinning too fast, and there is not enough friction for them to grip the ground. Try making your car heavier by adding more materials, using a thinner rubber band, not winding your rubber band as tightly, or using bigger wheels.

A: No. Your car can become airborne as long as you follow all of the other rules. However, it must be resting on the ground when you measure the final distance.

A: A frame is a separate part that does not rotate with the wheel(s) or axle(s). It may provide structural support for, or connect, multiple axles. Note that single-axle designs must still have a frame (a separate part that does not rotate with the axle). For example, you cannot just tape a small piece of cardboard to an axle (so it spins along with the axle) and call that a "frame."

A: You do not need to worry about units when calculating your score—just plug in the numbers for distance in centimeters and materials points. If you want to use proper units with the equation, then you can attach units of "points per centimeter" (points/cm) to the factor of 2 in the equation. This will make the centimeters cancel out so you can subtract points from points.

A: Instead of tying or taping one end of the rubber band to the axle, just wrap the loose end tightly around the axle. That way, when the rubber band is done unwinding, the axle can continue to spin. If the rubber band is tied to the axle, then the axle will start to re-tighten the rubber band as it continues to spin, making your car stop or even go backwards.

A: No. You can only use the materials listed in the materials section.

A: Yes. The car must start completely behind the start line and be touching the ground.

A: Yes. A wheel is defined as a circular object that revolves on an axle. A circular object that is attached to your vehicle, but does not rotate, does not count as a wheel.