36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

36th WARMAN
DESIGN & BUILD COMPETITION
2023

Project REFUEL
CONTEXT
Gondwana is a small planet orbiting a star on the outer fringes of the Milky Way. The native Gondwanans
utilise hybrid propulsion engines to launch rockets into orbit of their planet. These rocket engines utilise a
liquid fuel and a liquid oxidiser which are mixed and combusted within the engine. Each liquid is stored
under high pressure in spherical vessels and will self-ignite when mixed. Due to the different properties of
these liquids and the ratios required for complete combustion, these storage vessels have different sizes for
each liquid component. The spherical design and materials used to form these containers allows for good
impact resistance and usually protects against the rough handling typically experienced during
transportation from the refinery to the rocket launch location. A recent near-miss incident at the storage
facility has highlighted potential risks with the handling and transport of these storage vessels, and the
Gondwanans have asked for assistance from Earth’s student engineers to improve their processes. Oxidiser
and fuel vessels were found to be leaking in the previously shared storage drop zone, which could have
resulted in a major explosion. The Gondwanans have redesigned their storage vessel drop zones where
quad-copters deliver the vessels, so that now there is a distinct and separate area for each type of vessel,
with an appropriate separation distance between these zones. Furthermore, they have committed to
ensuring that vessels of different size should never come into direct contact with each other, be carried
together in any loading or transport system, or be deposited into the incorrect storage vessel. Due to these
more rigorous safety requirements the existing systems used to load the vessels into their respective storage
silo have become obsolete, and require a clean-sheet redesign.

Your team of student engineers has been set the task of designing and building a scale, demonstration
system which is capable of separately picking up three Fuel and three Oxidiser vessels and safely
depositing them into their respective storage silos, which are typically located on small raised platforms.
Over the last 35 years, Earth’s engineering students have rendered invaluable assistance with such
engineering problems, and we anticipate you will again be successful on this thirty-sixth occasion.

OBJECTIVE
Prototype a reduced scale, proof-of-concept transport system, later referred to as the “system”, which will
precisely deliver scale representations of the Propellant Fuel vessels and the Propellant Oxidiser vessels,
from their respective drop zones to their respective storage silos. Referring to Figure 1, the team will have
freedom to position the six spherical vessels (three fuel and three oxidiser) at your chosen location within
the respective zone boundaries and the team will install the system within the boundaries of the Setup/Start
Zone. The fuel vessels will be simulated using tennis balls. The oxidiser vessels will be simulated using
squash balls. Your system must start in the Setup/Start Zone and be fully contained within an imaginary
400mm sided cube. When activated via a single starting action, your system will autonomously collect the
vessels (in the order of your choice) and deliver them to their respective storage silos. Vessels containing
the different fluids must not come into contact at any time, your system must not simultaneously carry
(fully support) vessels containing the different fluids, and you must not deposit a vessel in the incorrect
storage silo. Failure to comply with any of these three requirements will pose unacceptable risks. Your
system should return to, and/or finish the run completely within the Setup/Start Zone. The maximum
allowed time for the operation is 120 seconds.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

Figure 1. Schematic view of the Competition Track showing the system Setup/Start Zone, the Propellant
Fuel Drop Zone, the Propellant Oxidiser Drop Zone, and on raised platforms the Fuel Storage Silo and
the Oxidiser Storage Silo.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

International Competition Coordinators:
A/Prof Scott Wordley [email protected] Phone: +61 3 9905 3811
A/Prof Don Clucas [email protected] Phone: +64 3 3692212
Prof Craig Wheeler [email protected] Phone: +61 2 4033 9037
International Competition Supervisor:
Dr Michael Lucas [email protected] Phone: +61 419 737 869

Details follow:
• Competition Guidelines
• Competition Rules
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Further Competition Details
• Spirit of the Competition
• Appendix A – Detailed Drawings of the Competition Track and Relevant Component Details

Document Control:
Rev 0.0 Released 9/02/2023

Competition Guidelines
Wording: The language of the guidelines is tiered. Those clauses expressed as “SHALL” are
mandatory and failure to comply will attract penalties which in the extreme could lead to a
zero RUNscore or disqualification at the International Final. Those expressed as
“SHOULD” or “MAY” reflect some level of discretion and choice.

ELIGIBILITY
G 1. Teams that are eligible to represent their campus in the International Final SHALL
consist of students enrolled in the competition year in their first engineering design
course/subject/unit in an Australasian (or other countries, by arrangement) mechanical
or mechatronics-based BE or 3+2 ME programme. Teams SHALL consist of at least
two students, with teams of three or four strongly recommended, but it is recognised
that larger teams MAY be educationally appropriate at some universities. If an
alternative team structure is envisaged, an International Competition Coordinator
should be consulted to ensure that other teams are not unreasonably disadvantaged.
While students may be required to participate in the Warman competition more than
once at their campus level, students SHALL NOT compete at the International Final
more than once.

In registering a team, the Campus Organiser attests to the eligibility of the team and
teams found to be ineligible at the International Final SHALL NOT be eligible for an
award.

SAFETY
G 2. Safety is of paramount importance when participating in this competition. All engineers
SHOULD know that injury and damage to equipment and the environment occur when
the control of energy (in any form - whether strain, potential, kinetic or thermal) in a
system is lost.

G 3. As appropriate, protective clothing, footwear, safety glasses or full-face masks

SHOULD be worn by students working on systems during construction, testing, and

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

 competitions. Refer to your campus requirements. Appropriate, protective clothing,
footwear, safety glasses or full-face masks SHALL be worn at the International Final.

G 4. Students are encouraged to carry out a risk assessment for their system prior to campus
testing. Students are encouraged to embrace risk management in their own activities
and MAY need to demonstrate the safe operation and produce risk assessment
documentation in order to compete in either the campus heats or at the International
Final.

G 5. Appropriate fuses SHALL be used for electrical systems.

G 6. Compressed gas systems MAY be used, but if used, students SHALL gain Campus
Organiser approval based on a safety assessment.
Such systems presented at the International Final SHALL be examined against the following
principles and in order to run SHALL be found to be acceptable to the International
Competition Coordinators.
- Home fabricated pressure system components SHALL NOT be used.
- Commercial components SHALL be used (unions, vessels, cylinders, lines, etc).
- Evidence of proof testing of compressed gas systems SHALL be provided.

To avoid disappointment, students using compressed gas MAY consult with the International
Competition Coordinators prior to arrival at the International Final. The International
Competition Coordinators’ approval decision SHALL be final after examination of the
presented system and documentation at the International Final.

G 7. Systems that are deemed by the officials and judges to be hazardous SHALL NOT be
permitted to run. For example, employing any form of combustion SHALL be
considered hazardous.

COMPETITION TRACK, EQUIPMENT, AND ENVIRONMENT

G 8. The Competition Track base sheet SHALL reuse the 2022 track with minor
modifications. It will be fabricated using primarily one sheet of Medium Density
Fibreboard (MDF) or equivalent sheet material (MDF SHALL be used at the
International Final), with nominal dimensions 2400 x 1200 x 18 mm, arranged as
shown in Figure 1 and Appendix A Figure 2 and Drawings. A track supporting frame,
not shown, for the sheet MAY be fabricated by any convenient method. The supporting
frame SHALL NOT extend beyond the perimeter of the competition track.

NOTE: MDF sheets as supplied may be slightly larger than the nominal 2400 x 1200 mm
dimensions and are generally 2420 x 1210 mm. On request, all dimensions for the 2022 track
SHALL be supplied. It is based on sheet sizes of 2400 x 1200 mm. Competition Tracks at the
International Final SHALL be trimmed to be 2400 x 1200 mm sheets.
Raised platforms SHALL be made from Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) or equivalent
sheet material (MDF will be used at the International Final), with nominal dimensions 600 x
1200 x 18 mm, arranged as shown in Figure 1 and Appendix A Figure 2 and Drawings.

G 9. Each platform, refer G9, SHALL have four supports that SHALL be made from 18mm
thick Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) or equivalent material (MDF will be used at
the International Final), arranged as shown in Figure 1 and Appendix A Figure 2 and
Drawings.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

G 10. The target silos SHALL be made from Holman 100DN DWV PVC drain pipe and
SHALL be attached to the pylons using 3D Printed brackets. The print files are
supplied. Two identical brackets SHALL be used for each silo arranged as shown in
Figure 1, and in Appendix A Figure 2.

G 11. All screw or fastener recesses on the horizontal surfaces of the track SHALL be filled
and levelled.

G 12. The MDF track sheet with relevant features attached, not including the vessels, SHALL
be identified as the Competition Track as shown in Figure 1. The features include; the
central Zone which includes the Set-up/Start zone and two designated Drop Zones, the
platforms at each side, the two support pylons, the two storage silo tubes and their
mounting brackets with fittings.

G 13. The Setup/Start Zone SHALL be defined by the projected vertical planes of the track
sheet edge, the vertical planes of the platforms at either side and the marked boundary,
refer to Figure 1.

G 14. The lower surface track sheet, marked with the drop and setup/start zones, Figure 1,
SHALL define the competition base plane, which is nominally horizontal. Lettering
shown on the surface, Figure 1, are for clarity and SHALL NOT be applied to the track.

G 15. Permanent marker vivid pen lines with knife scribe lines, refer Appendix A Figure 2
and Drawings, SHALL define the boundaries of the Setup/Start Zone and the two
Propellant Drop Zones.

G 16. The competition base plane SHALL be no less than 300 mm above the supporting floor
at the International Final. The supporting table or frame is not shown in Figure 1.

G 17. Two pylons SHALL support the silos, these SHALL be welded and painted assemblies
of 40x40x3 SHS steel, detailed drawing are available on request. For campus’ recycling
the 2022 track, the oxidiser storage pylon SHALL be cut 192 +/- 5mm above the blue
platform surface, refer Figure 1 and Appendix A Figure 2. The height of the Fuel pylon
is as per the 2022 track, no change required. The pylons MAY be cut and drilled in situ.

G 18. The two pylons shall be attached to the track base sheet using M8 bolts without washers
under the bolt head and with washers between the nuts and track sheet.

G 19. The Storage Silos SHALL be made from Holman 100DN DWV PVC drain pipe. Refer
to this page: Holman 100mm PVC Pipe. It SHALL be nominally OD110 x ID 104 and
SHALL be positioned on the track at the locations shown in Figure 1 and Appendix.
The oxidiser storage silo SHALL be 200mm +/- 5mm tall and the fuel 530mm +/-
5mm. Each silo SHALL be attached to the respective pylon using two, 3D printed
brackets as detailed in Appendix A, Figure 2. *.stl are provided. The bracket material
SHALL be PETG, nylon or ABS with solid infill. The brackets SHALL be attached to
the pylons using two standard zinc plated M6 x 70mm bolts and nuts for each bracket.
One standard washer SHALL be fitted beneath the head and nut. Bolt holes through the
SHS SHALL be drilled through the pylon for the silo mounting the brackets. Note the
bracket orientation, refer Appendix A Photo 1. The top bracket SHALL be flush with
the top of the pylon and flat surface of the bottom bracket SHALL be 50mm off the

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

 surface of the platform, refer Appendix A, Photo 1 and 2. The heads of the bolts
SHALL be on the setup/start zone side of the track.

G 20. The flat horizontal, external surfaces of the track, and the vertical boundaries of the
Chasm zone SHALL be brush or roller coated with one coat of ESTAPOL® Water-
Based Xtra Clear – Satin as a sealer followed by two coats of Wattyl ESTAPOL® -
Polyurethane Matt (in accordance with Wattyl’s recommendations for use with MDF -
Refer: Estapol Polyurethane Material Specification and Estapol Water-Based Clear
Material Specification. Recycled track surfaces SHOULD be lightly sanded and re-
coated with two coats of Wattyl ESTAPOL® - Polyurethane Matt. The vivid and
scribed lines SHALL be applied following the last coat. If the MDF track from the
2022 competition is being recycled all the bolt holes and screw holes MAY be filled
and the top surface levelled to match the general surface. At the International Final
new or recycled 2022 tracks MAY be used but for recycled tracks the holes SHALL
be filled and resurfaced according to G21.

G 21. The three vessels representing the Propellant Fuel vessels SHALL be simulated using
Wilson Tour Competition Tennis Balls Wilson Tour Competition Balls. (These balls
were used for the 2021 competition). One standard zinc plated M12 nut per vessel
MAY be used to support each vessel.

G 22. The three vessels representing the Propellant Oxidiser SHALL be simulated using
World Squash Federation Approved yellow dot squash balls. Yellow Dot Squash
Balls. One standard zinc plated M12 nut per vessel MAY be used to support each
vessel.

G 23. Teams SHALL accept that the presence of bright lighting and photographic
equipment including flash and infrared systems MAY be part of the competition
environment.

G 24. Teams SHALL accept that the presence of air conditioning/ventilation induced air
movement MAY be part of the competition environment.

G 25. Teams SHALL accept track assembly, components, and the vessels are made within
defined tolerances.

G 26. Campus Organisers MAY modify the rules and or competition track for their local
competition but the guidelines and rules as stated SHALL be strictly adhered to at the
International Final.

G 27. At the International Finals, video recording SHALL be used to determine placings if
potential podium winning time scores are within 3 seconds.

PROOF OF CONCEPT SYSTEM

G 28. The system SHALL cease all operations within 120 seconds. The system MAY use an
identifying signal, for example a LED or similar visual or audible signal, to indicate
when all electrical and/or mechanical functions have ceased.

G 29. Untethered or tethered flying systems SHALL NOT be used, refer G2. The system
SHALL be fully supported by the competition track at all times.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

G 30. Prior to the start signal, the system SHALL contact the horizontal surface of the
Setup/Start Zone. It MAY also contact the vertical walls at either side of the Setup/Start
Zone. The system microelectronics MAY be initialised but SHALL not perform any
functions. The overall system SHALL fit within a virtual 400mm cube with one surface
of the cube parallel with the horizontal surface of the Setup/Start Zone.

G 31. To earn points for SUPPORTscore, DEPOSITscore, RETURNscore, and

RUNTIMEscore the system SHALL complete the tasks as defined in the scoring
formula (see SCORING).

G 32. The system MAY launch or throw the vessels into the storage silos.

G 33. The system SHALL NOT comprise multiple separate systems, or a system that
separates into multiple, unconnected sub-systems.

G 34. To commence setup a track official SHALL call the team to the track and on the
command of a track official the setup SHALL begin. The maximum setup time SHALL
be 120 seconds. Teams SHALL set-up their system during this time and position the six
vessels at their chosen location within the respective drop zone boundaries. Vessel
locating items SHALL not be left on the track. Vessels MAY be supported by M12 nuts
supplied by the track officials, refer Appendix A, Photo 3.

COMPETITION RULES

Objective

R 1. Points SHALL be awarded for achieving particular milestones including; the system
fully supporting each of the vessels at some point in the run, the successful deposit of
vessels in their correct storage silos, the system returning to (or staying within) the
Setup/Start Zone at the end of the run, and the time taken to complete the run. The
RETURNscore is contingent upon the successful deposit of at least one vessel in its
correct storage silo. The RUNTIMEscore is contingent upon the successful deposit of
all vessels and the system returning to the start zone.

R 2. Three conditions SHALL result in a zero RUNscore: Vessels of different types coming
into contact at any time; the system simultaneously carrying (fully supporting) vessels
of different types; depositing a vessel in the incorrect storage silo

System Design and Fabrication

Students SHALL manufacture and fabricate their “proof of concept prototype” system
themselves using commonly available materials, components and methods.
R 3. NOTE: At the International Final Campus Organisers MAY be required to confirm that
the system presented has been appropriately manufactured in keeping with the spirit of
the competition. While students MAY purchase components “off-the-shelf”, it is not
intended that they purchase systems / major subsystems as solutions directly.

R 4. In keeping with the spirit of the competition, teams SHALL NOT use
LEGOMindstorm® or similar comprehensive kitted systems at the International Final.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

R 5. In keeping with the spirit of the competition, teams MAY use Arduino or similar PIC
based components.

R 6. In keeping with the spirit of the competition, teams MAY adapt / modify / integrate
elements sourced “off-the-shelf”.

R 7. Systems using electric battery storage devices SHALL have an appropriately sized fuse
connected to one of the battery leads.

Pre-Setup Scrutineering

R 8. As directed, teams MAY attempt two runs.

R 9. The system MAY be modified between runs.

R 10. The mass of the team’s system (SYSTEMmass) SHALL be measured and recorded by
a track official. The system mass does not include the vessels, supporting M12 nuts, if
used, and any positioning jigs or setup equipment used by the team but removed from
the track before the run start. The SYSTEMmass SHALL NOT be greater than 6
kilograms.

NOTE: A maximum system mass of 6 kg has been selected to reflect carry on allowances by
Jetstar and Virgin airlines so as not to disadvantage interstate and international teams
traveling to the International Final who MAY wish to transport their system as carry on.
Teams must appropriately satisfy the airline's restrictions/limitations for carry on and/or
checked luggage, including restrictions for transporting dangerous goods such as batteries.

Pre-run System Setup

R 11. The team SHALL then be called to the trackside.

R 12. There SHALL be no contact by team members or their system/vessels with the
Competition Track before setup time commences, at the direction of the organisers.

R 13. When ready, an official will signal that the setup SHALL commence. The team
SHALL be allowed a maximum of 120 seconds for setup. During this time they are to
set up their system in the Setup/Start Zone and position all six of the vessels in their
correct drop zones.

R 14. During setup, the team MAY use additional objects not considered part of the “system”
to assist with setup. Any additional objects used SHALL be removed from the
competition track at the conclusion of the setup time. The mass of these additional
objects SHALL NOT be included in the SYSTEMmass.

R 15. After setup, the plan projection of the system SHALL lie fully contained within and
supported by any surface(s) within the Setup/Start Zone, including the vertical walls of
the zone at either end. The system SHALL NOT be in contact with the horizontal
surfaces of the raised platforms at either end of the competition track.

R 16. The installed system SHALL be fully contained within a virtual cube with 400mm sides
inside the Setup/Start zone, refer R15. One face of the cube SHALL be adjacent to the

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

 track surface. This SHALL be checked using C shaped gauges, with a 400mm square
internal cavity.

R 17. During setup, the vessels SHALL be placed by the team anywhere, such that their plan
projection is within the Drop Zone boundaries defined by projected vertical planes of
these zones, the edge of the track, and the vertical faces at each end, refer Figure 1. The
vessels may be in contact with the vertical faces of the platforms. The vessels SHALL
NOT cross the virtual boundaries defined by the zone markings or the edge of the track.
Each vessel MAY be supported by one M12 nut supplied by a track official.

R 18. The Team SHALL indicate to the appropriate competition official when their setup is
complete.

R 19. After setup, and prior to running, everything placed and left on the competition track,
except the vessels and optional M12 nuts, SHALL be considered to be part of the
system.

R 20. Officials SHALL inspect the team’s setup of their system and vessels, using the gauges,
rulers and large square edges. If the setup is found to be in violation of any of the
system starting location and size, vessel location requirements or any unintended or
unintentional movement of the vessels has deemed to have occurred, at the discretion of
the competition officials, the system and vessels MAY ONE TIME ONLY for each run
be removed from the track and the setup process IMMEDIATELY repeated. If after the
second setup the system or vessels are in violation of the setup rules a zero RUNscore
SHALL be recorded.

Run Process and Timing

R 21. On instruction by a clapper board type signal from a track official the run SHALL
commence. The start SHALL be counted 3-2-1-clap at nominally one-second intervals.

R 22. The system SHALL be started by a single team member, using a single hand, via a
single action, that does not impart any motion or energy to the system. Attaching wires,
fitting electrical terminals, or fitting plugs SHALL NOT be considered a single action.
Teams should install a reliable and easily accessible switch or mechanical trigger to
ensure safe and consistent starting.

R 23. If the team member accidentally or prematurely starts the system, at the discretion of
the competition officials, the system MAY ONE TIME ONLY for each run be removed
from the track and IMMEDIATELY reset and started again after repeating the setup
procedure. Rules R2 to R21 SHALL be adhered to. This rule SHALL NOT be used to
extend the setup time.

R 24. After performing the single action start, team members SHALL NOT control or touch
the system in any way during the run. Wireless control SHALL not be used. Team
members SHALL NOT interfere with the system. The team SHALL wait for a track
official’s approval to touch the system after the run has started. If team members
choose to intervene to protect a system that is malfunctioning, a zero RUNscore
SHALL be recorded.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

R 25. During the run, the system MAY contact the upper horizontal surfaces of both
platforms, the storage silos (inside and outside faces), the pylons and the pylon clamps,
in addition to all horizontal and vertical surfaces in the Setup/Start Zone, the two Drop
Zones and the intermediate space and the vertical surfaces at each end of the zones.

R 26. The system SHALL NOT contact any of the external vertical faces of the track, or any
track or ground surface below the Start Zone surface, refer G13. Such contact SHALL
result in a zero RUNscore being recorded.
R 27. During the run the system and vessels MAY extend or pass beyond the edges of the
perimeter of the competition track.

R 28. The run SHALL be designed to finish within 120 seconds. For timing, the run SHALL
be deemed to be complete when all functions of the system have ceased. An LED or
similar visual or audible signal MAY be used to indicate when the micro controller
program has ended.

R 29. At the completion of the run, all parts of the system SHALL cease controlled or
powered translation or rotation, and remain in this state indefinitely relative to the
competition base plane. Mechanisms and items within the system MAY continue to
move (i.e. to swing, sway or vibrate) but no further functions may be executed.

R 30. The team or system MAY indicate to the timekeepers when they declare their run to be
complete. However, the track officials SHALL make the final judgment as to when the
system ceases translation and all functions have ceased and the recorded time MAY
exceed the team’s or system’s declaration.

R 31. To ensure that judging has been completed teams SHALL NOT retrieve their system or
assist in gathering other items until directed by a track official.

R 32. A RUNtime SHALL be recorded and rounded up to the nearest half second.

Run Scoring

R 33. The relevant SUPPORTscore SHALL be awarded for any vessels which are completely
supported (i.e. collected) by the system, at any time during the run. To qualify for this
score the vessel may only be in contact with the system (and potentially other spheres
of the same type), but not with any of the competition track surfaces. Depositing,
discarding or loss of these vessels later in the run SHALL NOT affect this score. A
vessel MAY be supported multiple times but the SUPPORTscore SHALL be given
only once for that vessel.

R 34. The SUPPORTscore for each Oxidiser Vessel (squash ball) SHALL be 5 points.

R 35. The SUPPORTscore for each Fuel Vessel (tennis ball) SHALL be 10 points.

R 36. The relevant DEPOSITscore SHALL be awarded for vessels which are deposited into
the correct storage silo, and are completely below the plane made by the circular silo
opening. The vessel SHALL NOT be supported by the system.

R 37. The DEPOSITscore for each Oxidiser Vessel (squash ball) SHALL be 15 points.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

R 38. The DEPOSITscore for each Fuel Vessel (tennis ball) SHALL be 30 points.

R 39. At the conclusion of the run, vessels MAY be left in their initial drop zones, lost or
discarded off track, or retained within the system, however they SHALL NOT earn a
DEPOSITscore.

R 40. IF at least one vessel (of either) type is successfully deposited into the correct storage
silo, the run SHALL attract a RETURN score of 20 points IF the system plan projection
is fully contained within the Setup/Start zone at the conclusion of the run. The system
MAY remain in this zone during the run.

R 41. IF all six vessels are successfully deposited into the correct storage silo (full
SUPPORTscores and DEPOSITscores) AND the system fully returns to the Setup/Start
Zone (RETURNscore) then the run SHALL attract a RUNTIMEscore, based on the
time taken to complete the run (the RUNTIME). A RUNTIMEscore SHALL NOT be
awarded for runs that do not deposit all vessels and return to the start zone, refer R40.

R 42. Each team’s overall COMPETITIONscore SHALL be calculated based on their

maximum RUNscore plus 50% of their minimum RUNscore gained from a separate
run.

R 43. If two or more teams have equal COMPETITIONscores the competition placing
SHALL be determined by the SYSTEMmass of these teams. The lower SYSTEMmass
SHALL be preferred and will be calculated based on the average recorded
SYSTEMmass from both runs.

Conditions Determining Zero RUNscores

R 44. If vessels of different types are simultaneously fully supported by the system at any
time, this SHALL result in a zero RUNscore.

R 45. If at any time during the run, or at its conclusion, any part of the system is lost or
discarded off track, or is on-track but is separate (not maintaining physical contact
with) the rest of the system, a zero RUNscore SHALL be recorded. At the discretion of
the officials, trivial connections that are deployed to circumvent this rule, like string,
ropes, wires or chains SHALL NOT be considered sufficient to maintain physical
contact between otherwise physically separate sub-systems.

R 46. Vessels of different types which make direct contact with each other whilst within the
boundaries of the track perimeter SHALL result in a zero RUNscore.

R 47. Vessels of different types which make direct contact with each other, once outside or
below the boundaries of the track perimeter SHALL NOT result in a zero RUNscore.

R 48. Vessels deposited into the incorrect storage silo SHALL result in a zero RUNscore.

R 49. The system SHALL NOT damage or contaminate the competition track. The setup or
run SHALL NOT contaminate or damage the vessels. Teams presenting a system that
damages or is deemed to have the potential to damage the competition track or vessels
MAY be disqualified from the competition. IF damage or contamination is deemed to

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

 have occurred to the track or vessels a zero RUNscore MAY be awarded at the discretion
of the competition officials.

R 50. Violations of procedural rules SHALL result in a zero RUNscore being recorded.

R 51. The competition organisers’ decisions on all matters pertaining to the competition
SHALL be final.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

SCORING
The COMPETITIONscore SHALL be calculated using the following:

COMPETITIONscore = Max RUNscore + Min RUNscore/2

𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 = �(𝑆𝑆𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑅𝑅𝑆𝑆𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 + 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷𝑆𝑆𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 + 𝑅𝑅𝐷𝐷𝑆𝑆𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅 + 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅)�

SUPPORTscore: 5 for each Oxidiser Vessel the system fully supports.

10 for each Fuel Vessel the system fully supports.

DEPOSITscore: 15 for each Oxidiser Vessel deposited in the Oxidiser Storage silo.

30 for each Fuel vessel deposited in the Fuel Storage silo.

The following scoring is contingent upon the run achieving ANY DEPOSITscore:

RETURNscore: 20 if the system is fully contained within the Setup/Start Zone at the conclusion of the run. At

least one vessel Shall have been correctly deposited, Refer R41

RUNtimescore: RUNtime = time in seconds for a run that correctly deposits all vessels and the system

fully RETURNS to the Setup/Start zone within 120 seconds, refer RETURNscore. Points are

calculated based on the RUNtime and according to the following formula RUNtimescore =

(120 − 𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅𝑅) 𝑥𝑥 0.5 with a minimum RUNTIMEscore = 0

Notes: RUNtime is measured from the ‘Start Clap’ command until the system has ceased functions.

The system MAY sway but there SHALL NOT be translational motion relative to the

competition track.

RUNtime SHALL be rounded up to the nearest half-second. For example, 15.2s becomes 15.5s

and 15.7s becomes 16s

SYSTEMmass = the net mass, in grams, of the system. Excludes the vessels, nuts and setup tools.

Example score calculation:

The system supports all three fuel vessels but fails to deposit them and they are lost off the track. It then

supports one Oxidiser vessel and deposits it. The system fully returns to the Setup/Start Zone:

5+5+5 +10 +30 +20 = 75

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can part of a system be “discarded” off the competition track without penalty?
No. If the system, or part of the system, is discarded off the competition track this
would lead to a zero RUNscore (R49).

2. Can part of the system overhang the extremities of the competition track without
penalty when negotiating the track?
Yes, (see R27). After the run commences the system or vessels MAY extend beyond
the edges of the perimeter of the Competition Track. Contact between the system and
anything below the track base plane is not permitted at any time.

3. Autonomous – does this mean that the system on the competition track cannot
receive input or instructions from a Subsystem off the track (such as a computer)?
Or does it mean that the system on the competition track can receive input from a
Subsystem off the track (such as a computer) but that Subsystem (computer)
cannot be manipulated by a team member during the run? An example of the
second would be if the system was controlled by motors that ran to a pre-
programmed route transmitted from the computer.
Autonomous in this competition implies every control system for the system is to be
part of the system on the competition track that fits within the start volume. No remote-
to-the-track control systems of any sort can be used (manual or pre-programmed, hard-
wired or wireless).

4. Are programmable chips or microcontrollers allowed?

Yes. You can use a programmable chip or microcontroller, but there is to be no remote
communication during the run. However, LEGO ® Mindstorms ® or similarly kitted
systems are not allowed (see R3, R4, R5).

5. What is the allowable voltage and power of any employed electrical systems?
There are no restrictions this year but it needs to be risk assessed as safe. Refer G4 and
R7.

6. Can off-the-shelf items be used?

Commonly available components such as toy and machine parts are able to be used,
however full kits or systems such as LEGO ® Mindstorms ® are not allowed. The
spirit of the competition is that students manufacture and fabricate their system
themselves, meaning that professionals are not engaged to do it for them. It is possible
for some assistance to be obtained (e.g.; for a weld) but this should be minimal or
where possible be done by the students themselves. The production of major
components should not be outsourced.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

Further Competition Details

INTERNATIONAL COMPETITION FINAL

We are working on the international competition dates and event format and more
information will be posted to teams and competition organisers as soon as it is available.

Competition sponsors Weir Minerals Australia will offer the following prizes and cash
awards for participants in the International Final.

Overall Winning Team: AUD$3,000

Second Place Team: AUD$2,000
Third Place Team: AUD$1,000

Weir Minerals’ Prize: AUD$400

NCED Best Design Prize: AUD$400

Campus Champion Prize AUD$200

(awarded to all competitors in the international final)

SPIRIT OF THE COMPETITION

Although the rules may look rigid you will find that they have been written in a way that
allows, and in fact encourages creative and innovative solutions. This is not always the case
in real-world engineering projects. In this project and competition, the rules are there because
we have tried to be very clear on points which will be important when student groups come
together for the International Final. For this reason, it is essential to work with your Campus
Organiser from an early stage, and for the campus organiser to verify decisions with the
International Competition Coordinators so that everyone has the same understanding of the
meaning of the rules.

If you think you see a loophole, clear it with your Campus Organiser before you rely on it in
the competition. Even if it is accepted at the local level, you might be in for a shock at the
International Final where the interpretation might be different. Provision will be made for
confidentiality, so your idea will not be passed on to other students.

It is highly recommended that all students communicate with their Campus Organiser and
that if a ruling is required by the International Competition Coordinators, this is sought by the
Campus Organiser. Students SHOULD NOT contact the International Competition
Coordinators directly for an individual ruling.

The competition tracks, at the Campus Competitions, State/Country semi-finals and the
International Final, will be made with reasonable care but because it is a real engineering
object it may well be “wrong” in various small ways. For example, the competition base
plane might have a slight longitudinal slope. Your team is expected to consider these
possibilities in your design and develop a system that can function even if the competition
track has slight imperfections and inaccuracies. In other words, you are not allowed to blame
failure of your system on some minor imperfection with the competition track.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

A FINAL COMMENT ON SAFETY
Please be aware that in 2003 during a campus competition, a student was lucky to escape
serious eye injury when a Subsystem went off unexpectedly. While Campus Organisers run
their own competitions independently, they are strongly encouraged to consider all aspects of
safety in relation to the conduct of their competition.

Personal Protective Equipment, PPE, required for the competition is determined by campus
organisers for the campus heats. For the International final, it will be the International Final
organisers.

All participants SHALL use appropriate PPE during the building and development of their
system. Refer to campus organisers for campus requirements.

Appendix A –
• Track Drawings 1-5
• Figure 2
• Photos 1-4

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

 Figure 2. Track layout and modifications to the 2022 competition track

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

 Photo 1. Lower silo bracket mounting location and orientation.

Photo 2. Pylon, bracket and silo assembly.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

 Photo 3. Optional use of an M12 nut to support a vessel.

Photo 4. Modified 2022 track. Zone lines not shown.

36TH WEIR WARMAN COMPETITION RULES REV V0-1 20/2/2023

 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

2400

E Vivid Lines With Scribe Lines E

330.0
70.0 300

170.0
30.0

P
TY
0
9.
260.0

D D

600

260.0
1200

450.0
C C
1200 30.0
70.0

330.0

B B
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: FINISH: DEBURR AND
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING REVISION
DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS BREAK SHARP
SURFACE FINISH: EDGES
TOLERANCES: FINISH
LINEAR:
ANGULAR:

NAME SIGNATURE DATE TITLE:

DRAWN
2023 Warman
Competition Track Base
CHK'D

APPV'D

A MFG A
1 of 5
Q.A MATERIAL: DWG NO.
A3
18mm MDF

WEIGHT: SCALE:1:20 SHEET 1 OF 1

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

52.5

18.0
E E

170.0

D 45.0 D
1200

C C

600
B B
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: FINISH: DEBURR AND
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING REVISION
DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS BREAK SHARP
SURFACE FINISH: EDGES
TOLERANCES: As Per Rules
LINEAR:
ANGULAR:

NAME SIGNATURE DATE TITLE:

DRAWN 2023 Warman Competition

CHK'D

APPV'D Oxidiser Platform

A MFG A
MATERIAL: DWG NO.

2 of 5
Q.A
A3
18mm MDF

WEIGHT: SCALE:1:10 SHEET 1 OF 1

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

600

E E

1200

+2
45 0
D D

450
C C

+2
53 0

B B
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: FINISH: DEBURR AND
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING REVISION
DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS BREAK SHARP
SURFACE FINISH: EDGES
TOLERANCES: Refer to Guidelines
LINEAR: +/- 2mm Unless Stated
ANGULAR:

NAME SIGNATURE DATE TITLE:

DRAWN
2023 Warman
CHK'D

APPV'D Competition Fuel Platform

A MFG A
MATERIAL: DWG NO.

3 of 5
Q.A
A3
18mm MDF

WEIGHT: SCALE:1:10 SHEET 1 OF 1

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

9.0
TYP
4P
F lac F
es

+0.2
300.0 - 0.2
300
E E
+0.2
260.0 - 0.2

Plan

D D
and one at 220
One at 550

C C

300

B Elevation End Elevation B

UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED:FINISH: DEBURR AND
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING REVISION
DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS BREAK SHARP
SURFACE FINISH: EDGES
Enamel Gloss Paint

2 Off
TOLERANCES:
LINEAR: +/- 2mm Unless Stated
ANGULAR:

NAME SIGNATURE DATE TITLE:

DRAWN 2023 Warman

CHK'D

APPV'D Competition Pylon

A MFG A
MATERIAL: DWG NO.

4 of 5
Q.A
A3
40 x 40 x 3 Mild Steel SHS

WEIGHT: SCALE:1:10 SHEET 1 OF 1

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

F F

E E

+0.5
50.0 - 0.5
2 off 1200 and 6 off 582
D D

C C

B B
UNLESS OTHERWISE SPECIFIED: FINISH: DEBURR AND
DO NOT SCALE DRAWING REVISION
DIMENSIONS ARE IN MILLIMETERS BREAK SHARP
SURFACE FINISH: EDGES
TOLERANCES: Refer to Guidelines
LINEAR: +/- 2 Unless Stated
ANGULAR:

NAME SIGNATURE DATE TITLE:

DRAWN

CHK'D 2023 Warman Competition

APPV'D Platform Packers
A MFG A
MATERIAL: DWG NO.

5 of 5
Q.A
18mm MDF or A3
Equivalent
WEIGHT: SCALE:1:10 SHEET 1 OF 1

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1