2.2.8 TRUSS DESIGN SSA

PARTNER: Hanish Mamidala

SUMMARY:

In this activity my partner and I had to construct two trusses and perform destructive tests of each using a structural stress analyzer. We simply had to fabricate two designs - dimensions and material were already provided. Additionally, we had to document all of the successes and failures of the trusses we constructed, consisting of the displacement, the maximum force the trusses were able to support before failing, and the mass of the trusses. Below is a software representation of the true nature of our trusses (MDSolids) as well as a graph depicting the displacement of the truss compared to the force it supported (showing where major failures occurred and the max force).

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REFLECTION:

Learning:

This project was the first that tested my motor skills - learning the gentle yet firm nature of physical engineering. I do not excel at physical activities, so this project challenged me to engage in an activity I would not typically participate in. I got to somewhat interact with the Structural Stress Analyzer (SSA) and learned how the machine measured a truss's capability to support an applied weight. Additionally, I also had the opportunity to apply my knowledge of trusses (taught just a few classes before) to this project.

Improvements:

I made a rather significant mistake this project - one that was accepted by the project, however in the real world I am sure that it would damage preexisting plans I may have laid out. I applied wood glue to an additional surface - joining the paper and truss - which did not cause any major problems in the long run, as we were able to finish well within time. The most troubling aspect of this mistake was most likely my negligence of the instructions. If I had reviewed the instructions one more time as well as confirmed with my teacher, I could have avoided this simple mistake. Besides this one mistake, I feel that I was very successful in my work ethic: I worked with my partner efficiently and effectively so that we finished early, I participated in an activity that I don't usually engage in, and I actually learned the real-world application of truss design.