Creative Engineering Design:
The task at hand was to create a device or method that would benefit a species in the world. This tool must help those in the midst of a world problem. At the end, we must present this device to the class and contact an organization or charity to distribute this item to help a species around the world. What did our group think of? Watertight housing and underwater pressure sensors.
The task at hand was to create a device or method that would benefit a species in the world. This tool must help those in the midst of a world problem. At the end, we must present this device to the class and contact an organization or charity to distribute this item to help a species around the world. What did our group think of? Watertight housing and underwater pressure sensors.
Our group started off with a huge brainstorm to think of world problems. Ludicrous examples include the lack of cheese, sharknados, and North Korea. The problem we decided was natural disasters, specifically tsunamis. Our main focus was the 2011 Japan tsunami that hit Sendai and other coastal cities. We researched mostly about the affect it had on Sendai. Next, we brainstormed solutions, again with more ridiculous ideas. Examples included superglueing the tectonic plates together, getting a giant vacuum, or finding a giant water bottle. Obviously, these weren't serious. Eventually, as a group, we decided on a dual action plan.
First, we needed a better warning system for they only allow a minute for evacuation time now. We chose underwater pressure sensors that activate when there is a large, sudden change in pressure. One of the signs to a tsunami is when the water recedes. When there is no water on top of the sensor, there will be less pressure. The sensor will then activate and send an alert to weather stations.
Secondly, we thought people need a safer place to go in hiding. Our solution was a watertight building. Boats use watertight compartments for buoyancy and to seal the boat from water. These compartments are mostly made of steel and tar. We created a model to test its waterproof abilities. Our representation was a wooden box sealed with caulk and covered with tin foil. The caulk was a representative of the tar while the tin foil was a representative of the of the steel. We splashed and played with the model and water in a container. The mass of the box was the same before and after the experiment. No water entered!
To execute the assignment, we sent an email to the Asian Pacific Red Cross. The email basically pitched our idea with our powerpoint presentation. We thought this would be a focus especially after the tsunami in the Phillipines. We haven't heard back yet, but if we do, I will notify you all.
First, we needed a better warning system for they only allow a minute for evacuation time now. We chose underwater pressure sensors that activate when there is a large, sudden change in pressure. One of the signs to a tsunami is when the water recedes. When there is no water on top of the sensor, there will be less pressure. The sensor will then activate and send an alert to weather stations.
Secondly, we thought people need a safer place to go in hiding. Our solution was a watertight building. Boats use watertight compartments for buoyancy and to seal the boat from water. These compartments are mostly made of steel and tar. We created a model to test its waterproof abilities. Our representation was a wooden box sealed with caulk and covered with tin foil. The caulk was a representative of the tar while the tin foil was a representative of the of the steel. We splashed and played with the model and water in a container. The mass of the box was the same before and after the experiment. No water entered!
To execute the assignment, we sent an email to the Asian Pacific Red Cross. The email basically pitched our idea with our powerpoint presentation. We thought this would be a focus especially after the tsunami in the Phillipines. We haven't heard back yet, but if we do, I will notify you all.
Engineering Design Cycle: A huge part of creating our project was the engineering design cycle. This was a method to complete the task in an orderly way. First, we needed to find the problem, like the lack of preparedness for tsunamis. Second, we researched how people were affected and what was the reason people were caught off guard. Third, we brainstormed, which is actually quite fun. Next, we selected our solution of a watertight building and underwater pressure sensors. We constructed a prototype and tested it and modified it until it worked. As you can see, these steps can be repeated over and over again until it fits your needs, hence the redesign step. With this order, we were able to reach an end product.
Main Civil Engineering Concepts Used to Build Our Shelter:
Strap - a component (usually steel) to ensure that walls are connected and restrained to the floor
Stanchion - steel column
Access chamber - underground chamber allowing access to underground services like drains
Bond - pattern of bricks in wall; each unit should overlap by at least 1/4 of the unit's length; this is used to prevent the wall from splitting and leakage
Cavity wall - two leaves of stone separated by an empty space to enhance water resistance and thermal insulation (introduced in Victorian times but commonly used in the 1930s)
Cladding - separately applied exterior finish of framed building
Damp proof course - impermeable material built into wall near ground to prevent rising damp (membrane also incoorperated in floor) (ours was lead-based)
Foundation - base of building built into ground (concrete reinforced)
H-section - steel component shaped in cross-section like H, especially for support
I-section - structural steel shaped like I for support
Different types of steel - mild and high-tensile steel, referring to its strength
Splice - steelwork connection to join two columns to form a stronger, longer column
For more engineering vocabulary, including different cultures' orders of constructing a building, go to:
http://www.aleckassociates.co.uk/glossary-of-structural-engineering-terms/#masonry
Strap - a component (usually steel) to ensure that walls are connected and restrained to the floor
Stanchion - steel column
Access chamber - underground chamber allowing access to underground services like drains
Bond - pattern of bricks in wall; each unit should overlap by at least 1/4 of the unit's length; this is used to prevent the wall from splitting and leakage
Cavity wall - two leaves of stone separated by an empty space to enhance water resistance and thermal insulation (introduced in Victorian times but commonly used in the 1930s)
Cladding - separately applied exterior finish of framed building
Damp proof course - impermeable material built into wall near ground to prevent rising damp (membrane also incoorperated in floor) (ours was lead-based)
Foundation - base of building built into ground (concrete reinforced)
H-section - steel component shaped in cross-section like H, especially for support
I-section - structural steel shaped like I for support
Different types of steel - mild and high-tensile steel, referring to its strength
Splice - steelwork connection to join two columns to form a stronger, longer column
For more engineering vocabulary, including different cultures' orders of constructing a building, go to:
http://www.aleckassociates.co.uk/glossary-of-structural-engineering-terms/#masonry
Havana's Protection Pod: This steel pod was designed by a team of engineers from Havana's Australian Boat Company. The Tsunami Survival Pod has air capacity for 2.5 hours, can hold a large family, has watertight sealant doors, has 1 inch thick windows, and is entirely made of steel. It can withstand up to 6 tons of debris!
We decided this was a great product to model our shelter after. About 90% of our shelter is made of steel. It has water sealant doors and 2 inch thick windows. The air capacity lasts for about a day in our much larger shelter. About 80,000 people can fit in our shelter.
For more information on the Tsunami Survival Pod, go to:
http://www.havanahouseboats.com/home/tsunami-survival-pod
We decided this was a great product to model our shelter after. About 90% of our shelter is made of steel. It has water sealant doors and 2 inch thick windows. The air capacity lasts for about a day in our much larger shelter. About 80,000 people can fit in our shelter.
For more information on the Tsunami Survival Pod, go to:
http://www.havanahouseboats.com/home/tsunami-survival-pod
How Japan was Affected: One of the most important things I learned was how Japan was tragically affected. In the coastal city of Sendai, Japan, 27,000 people were injured, 19,000 people died, and 1,000 children were orphaned. The tsunami went 16 miles inland and affected 23 cities on the Japanese coast.
It all started from an underwater earthquake on March 11, 2011. Its magnitude was 8.9 and off Japan's east coast. It was recorded as one of the largest tectonic plate slips. The trench slipped 164 feet. The tsunami came soon after the underwater earthquake. They gave a minute warning to prepare citizens to evacuate. Many were caught at the wrong time. Here is a video of a some of the destruction and devastation in Japan:
It all started from an underwater earthquake on March 11, 2011. Its magnitude was 8.9 and off Japan's east coast. It was recorded as one of the largest tectonic plate slips. The trench slipped 164 feet. The tsunami came soon after the underwater earthquake. They gave a minute warning to prepare citizens to evacuate. Many were caught at the wrong time. Here is a video of a some of the destruction and devastation in Japan:
What Causes a Tsunami: Tsunamis are mainly caused by underwater earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. These send powerful seismic waves (another name for tsunamis) that are so strong, they can obliterate a community. The most common place for tsunamis to occur are along the Ring of Fire. This is a ring of underwater volcanoes and faults that are still active. This goes along the coast of North and South America, through the Pacific, and throughout the Asian Pacific region.
The biggest problem is our lack of preparedness for tsunamis. Our solutions with underwater pressure sensors and watertight buildings is a way to try to protect people. With more time to evacuate and a stronger facility to go for protection, hopefully there will be less fatalities in the future.
The biggest problem is our lack of preparedness for tsunamis. Our solutions with underwater pressure sensors and watertight buildings is a way to try to protect people. With more time to evacuate and a stronger facility to go for protection, hopefully there will be less fatalities in the future.
Reflection:
This part is always very difficult for me because I haven't had a bad group yet. No matter what, we end up collaborating very well. In fact, it is usually technology and the actual project that bites us in the butt. For example, Toby, Logan, Emmy, and I had a blast working with each other. Our brainstorming session was absolutely hilarious. We were questioning whether "whale power" could be executed properly. Turns out, it can't. One of the times we felt very defeated was when the wifi was not cooperating. We wasted a whole class period trying to access the internet for research. Sure enough we overcame it, but it did drive a lot of frustration.
The solution to the world problem was moderately successful. Our underwater pressure sensors were just an idea. We thought about the physics behind it, and thought it was feasible. The watertight building was a little "iffy". The materials and design were well backed up from research from a boat's watertight compartments. The part that ended up hurting us was the size and cost. Over a million people live in Sendai, Japan, and we were aiming to give all of them protection against tsunamis. The cost would be over $40 million. Also, how would all these people get into this shelter with such little warning? Our goals were too ambitious. In hindsight, we should have made a shelter for a neighborhood or to protect the power plants. If this watertight building could protect the power plant from the tsunami, 300 tons of nuclear waste would not be leaking into the ocean. We should have looked for a more practical solution.
One of the two things I learned about myself was my ignorance. I was clueless to how many fatalities there were from the tsunami. So many families were tragically separated. Their homes were demolished. It is unfathomable to think that all you've known your whole life is gone. It makes me feel extremely thankful for all I have. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my mouth. As a society, we need to form more organizations to help these people in need. That is one of my goals in life: to help people.
Another thing I learned about myself was my ability to present. This was our longest powerpoint of twenty-five slides. I love to have notecards with me just so I know the information is right in front of me. I tend to freak out when I'm standing at the head of the classroom. With lack of time, we went without notecards. I read from the powerpoint, but I paraphrased. Turns out, I'm not bad at summing up the information and facing the audience while stating it. I was relieved to know I had developed a skill to speak to crowds. Sure, I still need to practice on presenting, but I do feel more comfortable in front of an audience.
One thing I will continue to work on is researching. If I grow up to be some type of scientist, research will the only reason people will believe my theories. When I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, I got very frustrated. If the answers were that easy to find, we would have a solution to world peace. For example, our class has been reading about quantum physics. Scientists for years have been trying to find an answer. Albert Einstein was furious that there was no solution. There are several theories to explain this madness that atoms are everywhere and nowhere at the same time. They might be true, or they might not. The beauty of life is that not everything has an answer. Some things never will be solved and others are out there waiting for you to discover them.
A second thing I need to work on is answering questions in front of a crowd. After our presentation, our classmates asked questions that I was not prepared for. In the future, I would like to sit down and think about possible flaws that might be questioned or areas that could be easily misunderstood. In a more professional setting, this might be very important.
This part is always very difficult for me because I haven't had a bad group yet. No matter what, we end up collaborating very well. In fact, it is usually technology and the actual project that bites us in the butt. For example, Toby, Logan, Emmy, and I had a blast working with each other. Our brainstorming session was absolutely hilarious. We were questioning whether "whale power" could be executed properly. Turns out, it can't. One of the times we felt very defeated was when the wifi was not cooperating. We wasted a whole class period trying to access the internet for research. Sure enough we overcame it, but it did drive a lot of frustration.
The solution to the world problem was moderately successful. Our underwater pressure sensors were just an idea. We thought about the physics behind it, and thought it was feasible. The watertight building was a little "iffy". The materials and design were well backed up from research from a boat's watertight compartments. The part that ended up hurting us was the size and cost. Over a million people live in Sendai, Japan, and we were aiming to give all of them protection against tsunamis. The cost would be over $40 million. Also, how would all these people get into this shelter with such little warning? Our goals were too ambitious. In hindsight, we should have made a shelter for a neighborhood or to protect the power plants. If this watertight building could protect the power plant from the tsunami, 300 tons of nuclear waste would not be leaking into the ocean. We should have looked for a more practical solution.
One of the two things I learned about myself was my ignorance. I was clueless to how many fatalities there were from the tsunami. So many families were tragically separated. Their homes were demolished. It is unfathomable to think that all you've known your whole life is gone. It makes me feel extremely thankful for all I have. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back, and food in my mouth. As a society, we need to form more organizations to help these people in need. That is one of my goals in life: to help people.
Another thing I learned about myself was my ability to present. This was our longest powerpoint of twenty-five slides. I love to have notecards with me just so I know the information is right in front of me. I tend to freak out when I'm standing at the head of the classroom. With lack of time, we went without notecards. I read from the powerpoint, but I paraphrased. Turns out, I'm not bad at summing up the information and facing the audience while stating it. I was relieved to know I had developed a skill to speak to crowds. Sure, I still need to practice on presenting, but I do feel more comfortable in front of an audience.
One thing I will continue to work on is researching. If I grow up to be some type of scientist, research will the only reason people will believe my theories. When I couldn't find exactly what I was looking for, I got very frustrated. If the answers were that easy to find, we would have a solution to world peace. For example, our class has been reading about quantum physics. Scientists for years have been trying to find an answer. Albert Einstein was furious that there was no solution. There are several theories to explain this madness that atoms are everywhere and nowhere at the same time. They might be true, or they might not. The beauty of life is that not everything has an answer. Some things never will be solved and others are out there waiting for you to discover them.
A second thing I need to work on is answering questions in front of a crowd. After our presentation, our classmates asked questions that I was not prepared for. In the future, I would like to sit down and think about possible flaws that might be questioned or areas that could be easily misunderstood. In a more professional setting, this might be very important.
Peaks:
1. We worked an hour after school practicing our presentation. 2. All of us equally contributed to the powerpoint. |
Pits:
1. Our wooden frame took a whole class period to build, which wasted too much time. 2. Our wifi went out on us 3 times. |
Hopefully, our solution can help many people. With the help of Red Cross, this solution can save many lives in the future. Like Mahatma Gandhi said, "The future depends on what you do today."