Energy Challenge 1998:
Thermal-Insulated, Impact-Resistant, Liquid Packaging

Thermal-Insulated, Impact-Resistant, Liquid Packaging was the competition's focus for Energy Challenge '98. This project had a special emphasis on a fundamental understanding of fiber-to-fiber bonding, the thermal properties of paper as a material, the structural mechanics of packaging products, the minimization of waste in product design, the liquid penetration resistance of paper and the environmental impact of paper design considerations. Students designed and constructed a container with the following specifications:

• a maximum volume of 1,728 cubic inches
• an internal continuous free volume of 64 cubic inches
  

At the final judging, the containers were filled with 32 degree Fahrenheit water and a raw egg to occupy the 64 cubic inch volume. The construction design was such that the egg was unrestrained within the water and no solid phase elements could pass through the water.

Thermosetting resins were used on the closure of the container provided that they were readily sealed at the time of competition. The container was then dropped 20 feet onto a solid surface. Fifteen minutes after the drop, the water temperature was measured to determine how close it is to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The container was inspected for damage and the egg was to be unbroken.

The only materials used for construction were chemical wood pulp, secondary wood cellulose and paper chemicals.

• Clarkson
• Georgia Tech
• Miami University
• Mississippi State University
• North Carolina State University
• University of Colorado @ Denver
• University of Maine
• Western Michigan University