Gluesticks

Designs for a cantilever made out of popsicle sticks?

In tech class we have to build a cantilever that sits on a table and extends off the table as far as we can make it. We only get 100 popsicle sticks and hot glue. We can't glue or tape it to the table.

Public Comments

1. looks like the length hanging off the table will have to be less than or just equal to the length that rests on the table (assuming that the laps are the same). However if you try to keep more of the weight (sticks toward the back of the table - farthest from the fulcrum) you may get some additional benifit (moment on this side) to keep it from tipping (*see note). On the cantilevered side double up the sticks (or triple/quadruple depending)nearest the fulcrum (edge of table). This will keep the weight as close to the fulcrum as possible reducing the moment in the cantilever and providing more strength where the moment will be highest. As you go out farther out on the cantilever try to get it down to a single stick. Also, if you orientate the sticks so that the flat side is vertical (strong axis orientation) you will increase your section properties and bending strength (this will help greatly). *Note Keep in mind that the highest moment will be near the fulcrum so by having fewer sticks on the table side near the fulcrum this will decrease the capacity. If the moment is small this will less likely be a problem. I would try testing it with a couple of different configurations. Before testing, use statics to make sure that it will not tip over from the weight of the cantilvered side. You could also make a small cantilever and test the moment by adding a small weight to the end. You may have 2 different failures - failure of the stick or failure of the connection (glue). Use the test results to develop a cantilever based on moment and connection capacity. If you have a video camera, record it while you are constructing. If it fails you can play it back in slow motion to see where it failed and adjust your design. Hope you like popsicle's. Good Luck.