Engineering Design Cycle:
The first step of the engineering design cycle is identifying a need. The need we identified was bridges that do not collapse. The problem is that earthquakes, high winds, and strong water pressure were taking down too many bridges. We researched ways to increase the stability and structural integrity of different bridges and buildings, hoping to find useful techniques to implement. Next we made a list of some possible solutions. Some of the good solutions we found were fireproof pre-stressed concrete, earthquake resistant memory alloy infused columns, and football shaped columns to cut through the water to relieve some of the pressure. Using these ideas, we discussed different possibilities as to how this could be represented. We then built a prototype using wood and clay. This prototype was mainly for testing how water would be dispersed with our innovative pointed tipped pillars. The pillars were made of clay so that they could be formed meticulously into the desired shape. Once the prototype was constructed, we tested the pillars by running water against them and observing the way they cut through the water. Our tests proved that our prototype did indeed work. The redesigned computer model shown in our presentations shows our other improvements to fight flammability and strong winds. These two factors plus the threat of earthquakes is what brought us to our completed bridge.
The main research concepts for our group were hydrodynamics and overall foundation. Hydrodynamics is the branch of science concerned with forces acting on or exerted by fluids. This came into play while designing our pillar shape. To make sure the pressure of the water was not too great, we had to make sure the water. This is why we chose the pillar shape we did. We also had to make sure the structure's foundation was sound. To do this, we looked into ways to make the foundation as sturdy as possible. Foundation is key to having the bridge be collapse proof.
This project was a major milestone for me as a student. I felt as if i did key things for this project which I hadn’t in some other projects this year. One thing i did well was think of the main idea. I put in time researching on the internet about different columns and structures which directly resulted in our pointed tipped pillar concept. I also feel like I took on a big role in the creation of the presentation. I put together many slides of information to help form a more complete, in-depth representation of our creative engineering idea. Another peak for me was how well I feel I worked with my group. This group was the most overall intelligent group I have ever been apart of in STEM. This brought the best out of me and forced me to rise to the occasion. On the other hand, I could have demonstrated better leadership. Because of such a high intelligence level in this particular group, it was difficult for me to find any niche in which I was the leader. Nonetheless, I should have stepped up into more of a leadership role. More of an effort will be made in this area next project. Overall, this project was the most challenging, but one of the most interesting ones yet. I look forward to what comes next in the STEM program.
- Identify a need that you have.
- Conduct research on your problem.
- Go through a brainstorming phase, thinking of any and all possible solutions.
- Select the best solution you came up with.
- Create a plan to test your solution.
- Construct a prototype of your design.
- Put the prototype through a series of tests, and analyze the data.
- Communicate the data to others.
- Refine your idea and redesign your prototype.
- REPEAT
The first step of the engineering design cycle is identifying a need. The need we identified was bridges that do not collapse. The problem is that earthquakes, high winds, and strong water pressure were taking down too many bridges. We researched ways to increase the stability and structural integrity of different bridges and buildings, hoping to find useful techniques to implement. Next we made a list of some possible solutions. Some of the good solutions we found were fireproof pre-stressed concrete, earthquake resistant memory alloy infused columns, and football shaped columns to cut through the water to relieve some of the pressure. Using these ideas, we discussed different possibilities as to how this could be represented. We then built a prototype using wood and clay. This prototype was mainly for testing how water would be dispersed with our innovative pointed tipped pillars. The pillars were made of clay so that they could be formed meticulously into the desired shape. Once the prototype was constructed, we tested the pillars by running water against them and observing the way they cut through the water. Our tests proved that our prototype did indeed work. The redesigned computer model shown in our presentations shows our other improvements to fight flammability and strong winds. These two factors plus the threat of earthquakes is what brought us to our completed bridge.
The main research concepts for our group were hydrodynamics and overall foundation. Hydrodynamics is the branch of science concerned with forces acting on or exerted by fluids. This came into play while designing our pillar shape. To make sure the pressure of the water was not too great, we had to make sure the water. This is why we chose the pillar shape we did. We also had to make sure the structure's foundation was sound. To do this, we looked into ways to make the foundation as sturdy as possible. Foundation is key to having the bridge be collapse proof.
This project was a major milestone for me as a student. I felt as if i did key things for this project which I hadn’t in some other projects this year. One thing i did well was think of the main idea. I put in time researching on the internet about different columns and structures which directly resulted in our pointed tipped pillar concept. I also feel like I took on a big role in the creation of the presentation. I put together many slides of information to help form a more complete, in-depth representation of our creative engineering idea. Another peak for me was how well I feel I worked with my group. This group was the most overall intelligent group I have ever been apart of in STEM. This brought the best out of me and forced me to rise to the occasion. On the other hand, I could have demonstrated better leadership. Because of such a high intelligence level in this particular group, it was difficult for me to find any niche in which I was the leader. Nonetheless, I should have stepped up into more of a leadership role. More of an effort will be made in this area next project. Overall, this project was the most challenging, but one of the most interesting ones yet. I look forward to what comes next in the STEM program.