Physics Challenge: Building a Newspaper Structure

[Humblepeasant]

Hi Physics forums,

I have been approached by an interesting challenge proposed by my colleagues. The goal is to build a structure completely out of newspaper with the longest span to support a 1500.0g weight at its centre point, duct tape allowed to connect ends. The point scheme is as follows (in order of priority):

1. Ability to support the 1500.0g weight at its centre point
2. Amount of material used (mass)
3. Span

I am having a dilemma on the design of the structure. I was thinking of having a cylindrical bridge with triangular trusses at the bottom, but I am confused how to have the optimal span and mass. Any suggestions?

 

[berkeman]

Hi Physics forums,

I have been approached by an interesting challenge proposed by my colleagues. The goal is to build a structure completely out of newspaper with the longest span to support a 1500.0g weight at its centre point, duct tape allowed to connect ends. The point scheme is as follows (in order of priority):

1. Ability to support the 1500.0g weight at its centre point
2. Amount of material used (mass)
3. Span

I am having a dilemma on the design of the structure. I was thinking of having a cylindrical bridge with triangular trusses at the bottom, but I am confused how to have the optimal span and mass. Any suggestions?

Since the mass and span are related, you would need to specify the function that will be used to calculate the total points. Then you should be able to use some standard structures and some calculus to get an idea what the optimization would look like for max points.