Paper Tower Challenge: Build a Stable Tower Using 1 Sheet & 3 Feet of Tape!

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SUMMARY

The Paper Tower Challenge requires participants to construct a stable tower using only one 8.5 by 11-inch sheet of paper and 3 feet of tape, with the structure needing to stand for 5 minutes. The discussion highlights the Eiffel Tower design approach, emphasizing the importance of strong shapes and structural integrity. Suggestions include using gusset plates at seams for added stability and considering the weight-bearing capacity of the design. Participants are encouraged to share their progress and relevant principles involved in their designs.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of basic physics principles related to structural stability
  • Familiarity with geometric shapes and their strength characteristics
  • Knowledge of construction techniques using paper and tape
  • Experience with design iteration and prototyping
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the properties of triangular shapes in structural engineering
  • Explore techniques for creating gusset plates from paper
  • Investigate the effects of weight distribution in tower designs
  • Learn about different paper folding techniques to enhance stability
USEFUL FOR

This discussion is beneficial for students in physics or engineering courses, educators guiding hands-on projects, and anyone interested in practical applications of structural design principles.

whateverr151
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technology assignment= PAPER TOWER

you can only use one 8 1/2 by 11 sheet of paper and 3 feet of tape
you can tape it to the floor
has to stand for 5 minutes

there are other threads about paper towers but none of them are specific enough to understand.

i was going to do the eiffel tower approach but i can't seem to figure out an idea for the middle part:


//||\\
________ <------------
// || \\


any ideasss?:confused: :confused:
 
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Thread moved to homework forums -- Intro Physics.

Welcome to the PF, whateverr151. For lower-division homework (even projects like this), the posts should be in the homework forums. And on homework problems and questions, you should show some of your own work so far, as well as state any relevant principles that you think are involved.

So your Eiffel Tower approach sounds interesting. Does the tower have to support some amount of weight while it is standing "for 5 minutes"?
 
What do you think are the strongest shapes? This should help both in your overall design shape, and also the shape you make you "columns". Also, consider making some sort of gusset plates for each seam.

What are you using to attach paper to paper(glue?)?
 

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