Category Archives: Projects

Representation of the project:

Over the last few weeks, I along with my group members have been working on creating an earthquake resistance structure, in the”Engineering Challenge”. However, the model we had to assemble was met with several strict rules and restrictions we had to follow, which would make devising our model a challenge. We had to use a list of given materials that included spaghetti straws of 10cm length ($1 per straw), blue-tack ($1 per gram), scissors and a ruler. On top of this, we were given a budget of $60 to spend on our earthquake resistant structure, this meant we could only have a certain amount of materials. The structure its self also had to cater to size requirements of a 30×030 cm base, and a minimum of a 60cm vertically taIl structure. In order to successfully complete the task with all the restrictions in mind, our group followed the engineering process, a sequence of steps that engineers use to help them develop and test potential solutions to challenges. In this case, our challenge was matching the success criteria that our group had in mind for the earthquake-resistant model. Our success criteria included a list of extensive goals that if all are met, would deem our model a “success” under our eyes. Following the engineering process setup for our engineering challenge, a prototype model had to be constructed first. We were able to plan our first prototype through many different steps in the engineering process such as design and research. All materials that were going to be utilised for the construction of our first prototype were laid out on a tray, given by the teacher. The first prototype was then constructed as seen in the image below, using given materials and sketched up designs that projected what the initial prototype would look like.

Once our first prototype was deemed “satisfactory” by our group and had met all the setup guidelines such as a 30×30 cm base, we moved on to construct our first prototype to be tested. The prototype would be tested on a “Shake Table”, a table that is able to simulate a 3.5 magnitude earthquake and ultimately test our model under earthquake conditions.

Video of our first prototype being tested under the “shake table”:file:///D:/l24muhaz/OneDrive%20-%20All%20Saints%20College/ASC%20Downloads/WIN_20211111_10_02_38_Pro%20(2).mp4

After our first prototype testing, we had to design a new and improved model that capitalised on weaknesses our previous prototype had during testing of its earthquake resistibility (Final model pictured below).

We tested this new and redesigned final model and saw a slight improvement in the effectiveness of our first prototype on resisting an earthquake. Our new model saw revamped and improved upon features such as boasting new cross bracing to our antenna which reduced the amount of movement during testing (link to its testing under a “Shake Table” below as a video).

Video of our final model being tested under the “Shake Table”: file:///D:/l24muhaz/OneDrive%20-%20All%20Saints%20College/ASC%20Downloads/WIN_20211118_10_19_53_Pro%20(2).mp4

Thus, by improving on flaws the first prototype model had, our final model was able to meet our success criteria better and make our final model a more effective one in regards to its earthquake resistibility. It was a long and rigorous challenge filled with many ups and downs, but in the end, our group was able to pull our weight in and complete the project successfully, meeting a majority of our set up success criteria goals we had in mind to follow through with, for optimal performance in the effectiveness of our structure under an earthquake simulation environment.

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Testing outcomes of our devised spaghetti model could’ve been improved upon with a few changes to the engineering process. The main intended outcome for the engineering process to tackle, is to have a structure that caters to all the guidelines set up for the structure and to meet success criteria goals we had set up as a group. The engineering process is a sequence of steps that engineers use to help them develop and test potential solutions to challenges.  During our engineering challenge, results were successful for the most part, and our intended outcomes were met. Using data, through a simulated 3.5 magnitude earthquake on the “Shake Table”, our model was able to meet our outcomes set up in our success criteria. This helps to prove that the engineering process is a valid and well-functioning system to follow, and can help meet testing desired outcomes. However, there are a few proposed changes I would’ve made to the engineering process, that would’ve improved testing outcomes towards our spaghetti models effectiveness in resisting a simulated earthquake on the “shake table”.

• Firstly, I would make a new step in the engineering process at the very start named “Form and allocate a team”. This new change step would cater to improving testing outcomes as everyone in the classroom (including my group), will know exactly who they are working with. As well as knowing who will be allocated to perform certain tasks. As seen in the real world, engineers rarely work alone and are always working in a team with allocated positions for every engineer in order to make improved testing outcomes.
• My very next step in the engineering process would see “Define”. My define stage will be the exact same one as the already made step in the engineering process, as it is very relevant to help meet intended outcomes.
• My third step in my modified engineering process will be “Brainstorm”. This will be a modified version of the already implemented step in the engineering process, that instead of brainstorming together, we could each individually do separate brainstorms and combine them together after. This would ensure the most diverse ideas are compiled, avoiding group-think bias as well.
• My fourth step will be “Research”, just like the already built-in step in the engineering process. Using websites to target issues at hand. A very effective change that would improve testing outcomes, however, will be by using peer-reviewed journal articles and textbook sources which increase the reliability of our research and will improve testing outcomes in the engineering challenge, oppose to random websites we have to research which can display false information. Improving testing outcomes for our model.
• My fifth step in my newly modified engineering process will be “Design”. This will be the exact same step as in the old engineering process, with sketches and team collaboration to devise a model that meets all the set requirements for improved testing outcomes on our model. Using 3D modelling software to design a scale model will directly assist with the design stage as well. This will be a new proposed change I would make to this stage to further help reach good testing outcomes for the next model, and help the evaluation stage.
• My sixth and new step will be “Peer feedback”, this step could be added into the process, as after testing the model, getting unbiased peer feedback before the creation of the new model to ensure the best product without wasting resources. Helping reach premier testing outcomes.
• My seventh step will be “creating” just like in the original engineering process, where everyone will work as a team to construct the model made in the previous step of the design. It is evident that this will help reach intended outcomes in the engineering challenge. Having a leader for the “create” process to facilitate the building production without any distractions and inefficiencies, the leader ensures everyone stays on task and testing outcomes will be improved.
• My eight-step will be “Test and Evaluate”. Just like in the original engineering process where you reflect on how your structure went during testing. A major flaw I see with this step is the “Shake Table”. I believe by changing it and using a more mechanised earthquake simulator can help to simulate an earthquake more effectively. Helping to see if our design was really effective
• My ninth and final step will be the addition of “Improving”. This will see the design having to be recognised for flaws it has, and how to improve it, as well as sharing our results with the class for feedback on how to improve the model for the next time. Improving testing outcomes as the next model can have improved features.

In the end, by implementing my newly modified version of the original engineering process, improved testing outcomes from the model will be present.

Collaborate:

Each team members allocated role in the engineering challenge was reflected on the strengths they each individually contributed to in the challenge, and how that improved the final result. Each and every one of us specialised in different fields that were all extremely relevant to the engineering challenge at hand. This group dynamic enabled us to all effectively contribute to the challenge.

One of the, if not the most important comportment in our challenge was to be able to research and see how engineers have dealt with similar challenges to our engineering challenge. I, Zaid Muhammed was allocated to perform this task as I have a strong passion for researching topics, with experience in numerous assessments that required researching several topics. I was allocated to complete questions 2 and 3 on Stile lesson 3.4. By me focusing on the research compartment, I was able to allow my group members to go ahead and focus on other tasks that had to be completed, enabling our group to effectively complete several components of the challenge at one time. I also helped pave the way for many important features in our design such as cross bracing to be included in our design as I was the one who researched my way into finding it. In the end, my research abilities was a strength I boasted that enabled the engineering challenge to be as efficient as it was through my contributions.

Another important aspect of the engineering challenge was being able to sketch and draw designs. Jaxon was allocated to carry out questions 4 and 9 on Stile activity 3.4 due to his ability to draw and sketch models. He has a strong suit in this compartment and in the end, his contribution enabled our model to be easier to construct as we had a very vivid and aesthetically pleasing looking sketch of what we were going to build already made for us. Thus, Jaxon’s drawing abilities contributed to a better engineering challenge on our behalf as a group.

A leader who is always checking in upon his group’s progress and ensuring everything is up to track is a capability every group needs for success. Ayush in our engineering challenge, served as a leader who stepped up and made sure we were on the right track as a group. Ayush would always notify when a certain piece of the challenge was due for submission, he would always upload all videos or media onto an accessible platform such as Microsoft Teams for anyone to check out and Ayush looked after the budget. Ayush’s skillset of great leadership was able to contribute vastly to getting our engineering challenge completed in a timely and efficient manner.

Lastly, what is the point of having all the mind power and imagination if you can’t actually physically act upon it? Marcus was the handyman in our group who by far had the largest contribution in the building of our model, erecting our model. He was able to piece together pieces of spaghetti, mould in with the blue tack and build with artistic intentions. Without Marcus’s strong suit, our model would’ve been a much worse one in real life, if we were even able to get it up and built without his aid.

All in all, the engineering challenge saw everyone pull their weight in, no matter how much we knew each other or anything else. Our model was a success never collapsing or sustaining any major damage. Although there were a few minor issues, these can easily be rectified next time. Next time I participate in a similar task of this nature, I will be sure to incorporate many skills I have learned from the completion of this project.