Engineering Students Showcase Skills in Boat Race
Students from the University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW) recently participated in the Coastal Engineering Wave Flume Boat Race, a hands-on competition that tests their engineering skills. This event, which emphasizes creativity and problem-solving, challenges participants to design boats that can navigate the waves generated in the Coastal Engineering Building’s wave flume.
Hands-On Learning Experience
Initiated two years ago by UNCW’s Society of Women Engineers, the Wave Flume Boat Race allows students to engage with the engineering design process while experiencing the importance of experimentation. This year, participants were allotted 45 minutes to construct their boats using materials such as cardboard, duct tape, aluminum foil, and a rubber duck designated as the “captain.” A new feature this year included the option of incorporating a battery-operated motor into their designs.
The challenge is not merely about constructing a boat; students must also take various engineering principles into account. “Students have to figure out how to balance the payload of the weight of the sub-assembly motor and the duck as the passenger with the security and stability of the boat,” explained Amy Reamer, director of the engineering program for the College of Science and Engineering.
Creative Solutions Under Pressure
One group showcased their problem-solving abilities when they realized their original boat design exceeded the width limit. With only 14 minutes remaining, they successfully redesigned their boat to comply with the specifications before launching it into the flume.
The students’ projects illustrated the integration of mathematics, science, and creativity essential to their engineering major. Many teams even adorned their rubber ducks with costumes, including tinfoil hats, plastic cup masks, and duct tape jackets. Additionally, several groups attached flags featuring their team numbers to their boats.
Program Growth and Student Insights
This event also reflects the ongoing advancements within UNCW’s engineering program. First-year students benefit from early exposure to practical design challenges, while upperclassmen witness the program’s evolution. Julia Morash, a senior coastal engineering student and teaching assistant for Engineering 101, remarked on the program’s growth, noting, “I didn’t have the wave flume or this competition my freshman year. It’s really cool to see and be able to experience something like this as a senior and get to help teach the new students about it as well.”
A Memorable Experience for All
As the construction phase concluded, students eagerly entered the wave flume to test their boats. Faculty and peers gathered to observe how each design fared against the waves. While some boats successfully navigated the flume, others capsized or lost their rubber duck passengers. Regardless of the outcomes, all participants left with valuable experiences that enhanced their understanding of teamwork, creativity, and the iterative process of engineering.
“This was a super fun and challenging experience,” one student remarked. “Putting our heads together to solve a problem and be able to see the outcome of it was a super rewarding experience.”
Source: UNC Wilmington
