Q: What kind of apparatus will be used for testing the bowling balls—a hydraulic press or a handy machine like the previous competition? Also, what is the capacity of the apparatus?
A: The bowling balls will be tested on a Fornay hydraulic testing machine. The capacity of the machine will be in excess of 100,000 lb.
Q: According to the ACI rules, the density of the filler material for bowling balls must be less than 24 kg/m³, but the lightest suitable filler in our region has a density of 70 kg/m³. Are we allowed to use this filler?
A: In accordance with the rules, the filler material must be less than 24 kg/m³ If you use a higher-denisity filler material, your bowling ball will be disqualified.
Q: May we use fibers with a 0.3 mm diameter and 50 mm length?
A: You may use fibers of 0.3 mm diameter and 50 mm length, provided that the fiber material is of steel, glass, or synthetic or natural materials as described in ACI 544.1R.
Q: How is the bowling ball going to be tested? How is the load going to be applied to the bowling ball?
A: The load to the bowling ball will be applied in compression with the ball seated between two loading plates (similar to the C39 cylinder).
Q: Is a hole going through the center of the bowling ball still required for the 2010 competition?
A: No, a hole doesn't need to go through the ball, for the strength test is now done under a materials test system (mechanically) and not manually, as was done before.
Q: We understand that we can fill in any honeycombing that is present after we remove the mold, but are we able to perform any grinding?
A: Grinding, as a measure of finishing the ball, only such techniques as are possible on "fresh cement paste and fresh concrete" are permissible.
Q: Are we allowed to sand/grind any areas that we have filled or another section of the ball?
A: The finishing on the ball should only be that which is possible on fresh cement paste or fresh concrete.
Q: Understanding that the ball may be core-filled, are we then allowed to use materials other than concrete outside the central portion to hold the core material/structure in place?
A: Materials not specifically listed in the rules can be used for forming purposes only. The stated objective of the competition and Rules 1 and 3 are for determining what materials to use. The presiding judges will have the final say on whether the intent of the rules has been followed, as implied in Rule 7.