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5 Cool Engineering Projects

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Are you a kinesthetic learner? Being stuck at home during the pandemic can make it really hard to find interactive and hands-on activities for engineering students. But, you may not need fancy equipment and expensive gadgets to make something cool. Here are 5 DIY projects that you can try out with supplies you already have at home!

Build a Da Vinci Bridge

This self-supporting bridge was inspired by the design of Leonardo Da Vinci. You can experiment with the materials you use and the forces of compression and tension to see how much weight your bridge can withstand!

Build a Divinci Bridge!

Hand Crank Winch

This is a simple catapult-like machine made of recyclable items in your home! Use your knowledge of projectile motion to build a functioning hand crank winch… and its lots of fun!

Build a Hand Crank Winch!

Mechanical Hand

You can make this mechanical hand using a trigger connected to a hinge. You may need to go to the craft store for some of the materials but, once it’s done, it works like a makeshift prosthetic hand!

Build a Mechanical Hand!

Lifting Jack

With two plastic syringes and some popsicle sticks, you can make a hydraulic jack that can lift a load! This lifting jack demonstrates the concept of mechanical advantage by applying small force over larger distances to lift heavy loads with less effort.

Wrap A Fuselage

This is a very popular team challenge to make a human-powered wrapping machine for an airplane fuselage. The challenge is to make the machine function for 20 seconds, wrapping the fuselage with an even layer of fibre (yarn). Invite your family members along for this one and see which team can build a better wrapping machine!

TAME Engineering Adventure: Wrap A Fuselage State Challenge

Top 7 Interesting Research Topics In Engineering

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Research is very important to an engineer! If you’re ever bored and looking to improve your innovation and problem-solving skills, or even just want to learn something new, here are some super cool research topics in engineering for you to look into!

7 – Aerodynamics

In recent decades, the research in aerodynamics has progressed into a new era. Aerodynamics is the study of the flow field around objects of various shapes. Some technologies that depend on aerodynamics are cars, bicycle racing helmets, wind turbines, golf balls, and many more. Did you know that about 1/3 of your taste buds are numbed while flying. Maybe that meal was not that bland after all?

6 – Nuclear Power

Nuclear power is the use of nuclear reactions that release energy to generate heat, which is then used to produce electricity in a nuclear power plant. Nuclear is the world’s second-largest source of low-carbon power (29% of the total in 2018). In addition to research, nuclear reactors are being used for the production of medical and industrial isotopes, as well as for training. Fun fact; because nuclear fuel is so dense, all of the used nuclear fuel produced by the U.S. nuclear energy industry over the last 60 years could fit on a football field at a depth of less than 10 yards.

5 – Hybrid Vehicles and Electric Vehicles

Hybrid vehicles and electric vehicles are generally greener because they consume less fuel and emit less CO2 than petrol or diesel-engine vehicles. A hybrid vehicle is one that uses two or more types of power, such as diesel, batteries, gasoline, etc. Electric vehicles (EVs) will hit 10% of global passenger vehicle sales in 2025. Much of the world is planning to phase out gasoline-powered cars in the coming years, with Norway planning to do so by 2025, India by 2030, and France and the UK by 2040!

4 – Nanotechnology

Nanotechnology is the science of building things on the scale of atoms. To put it into perspective, a nanometer is one-billionth of a metre. The diameter of a single human hair is over 80,000 nanometres! Researchers today are using nanotechnology to investigate and monitor cellular and molecular function and to alter systems that are deregulated in disease. It is also being used in developing countries to help treat disease and prevent health issues. Did you know we have actually been using nanotech for centuries? The colours in medieval stained glass windows result from nanocrystals created in the heating and cooling of glass!

3 – Liquid Crystals

Liquid crystals or LCs are a state of matter that has properties of both conventional liquids and solid crystals. For example, a liquid crystal may flow like a liquid, but its molecules may be oriented in a crystal-like way. Research in LCs today is best known for application in flat panel displays, but LCs have plenty of unique properties with lots of potential for fundamental science and innovative applications. Liquid crystals are all around us; in computers, clocks, even soapy water!

2 – 3D Printing

In the coming decade, 3D printing will become a leading production tool. One of the most popular uses of 3D printing in 2021 is rapid prototyping, which is using a 3D printer to create a scale model of a product or piece. Some of the coolest things people have 3D printed include organs, boats, houses, and even food! The only limit is your creativity! Fun fact: a lot of the props used in movies such as IronMan, Jurassic Park, and the Avengers are 3D-printed!

1 – Artificial Intelligence (AI)

As you may know, artificial intelligence (intelligence demonstrated by machines) is getting more advanced every day. Machines in 2021 have become proficient at features such as natural language generation, speech recognition, decision management, and much more. Research says that as AI learns things faster and faster, it may one day become smarter than humans! Did you know that in some parts of the world, robots can have citizenship? Saudi Arabia has given citizenship to the social humanoid robot named Sophia!

Sources:

https://www.world-nuclear.org/information-library/current-and-future-generation/nuclear-power-in-the-world-today.aspx

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-00271-6

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/www.pocket-lint.com/gadgets/news/131685-best-3d-prints-the-crazy-and-coolest-things-people-have-printed.amphtml

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1567173912001113

https://www.azonano.com/amp/article.aspx?ArticleID=1134

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2793126/

https://www.science.gov/topicpages/h/hybrid+vehicle+research.html

The future of cars is electric – but how soon is this future?
Introducing Advances in Aerodynamics
What is artificial intelligence engineering?

engHERO: Abbey Slawich

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What is one thing you wish you knew about engineering when you were in high school?

I remember going to university open houses and seeing these elaborate design projects that engineering students have made, and I would think to myself, I could never figure out how to make something like that. But now I know that I can figure out how to make those elaborate design. You can build that robot, or concrete canoe, or solar car, or whatever project you put your mind to. Engineering will teach you how to apply what you are learning in class and use this knowledge to work on a team to solve problems, design, and let your creativity run wild. So, I guess what I wish I knew in high school is simply just “yes you can!”

What made you want to pursue engineering? 

For as long as I can remember I have enjoyed math, science and figuring out how things work. When looking at university programs, engineering seemed like a faculty that would meet my interests and one that I would very much enjoy. I also like to see the bigger picture as to why I am learning something, and engineering gives you that because you are constantly applying what you are learning in your classes to solve problems and create design projects.

What branch of engineering is your major and how did you decide on it?

I am studying electrical engineering. The reason I decided on electrical was because I really enjoy Physics in first year. The course taught me the basic principles of oscillations, waves, electric fields and potential, DC circuits, magnetic fields, magnetic induction and so much more. In addition, I also found the hands-on lab component of this course interesting. So, it seemed clear that electrical was the right choice for me. However, when I first entered the common first year, I never saw myself pursuing electrical engineering. As a result, I encourage an engineering program with a common first year so that you can explore all your options and figure out what you like.

What do you plan on doing with your engineering degree?

I am currently on a 12-month long work term between the third and fourth academic years, and I am working in electrical reliability. I really enjoy working with industrial power systems, but power distribution is something I would like to learn more about. I am searching for a career that offers learning opportunities, growth and development, leadership opportunities, support for women in engineering, that supports and encourages women to pursue engineering in a field in which they are underrepresented. Through my education and work term experience, I am confident that I will find a post grad career that I love.

What advice would you give to a young female who is considering the field of engineering, but isn’t sure if it’s right for them?

There are so many possibilities when you are studying engineering and having an engineering degree opens doors to a lot of different career opportunities. Since there are so many disciplines to choose from, and many engineering clubs and teams to be apart of, you are bound to find something that is for you.

Something that helped me realize that engineering was, in fact, the right program for me was that I attended some events at Western University for female high school students interested in studying engineering. These programs showed me what engineering is all about and the hands-on activities taught me that engineering is something that I can succeed in. Not only are these programs great for your confidence but they also answer any uncertainties you may have about engineering. I highly recommend looking into attending events, such as Go ENG Girl , to give you a taste of what engineering really is all about.

Engineering a Better World: Goal 2 Zero Hunger

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Have you ever thought about how potatoes can be modified to fight off disease? Engineers across the globe are doing things just like this to help beat hunger and contribute to the SDGs. The SDGs, also known as the Sustainable Development Goals, are 17 goals laid out by the United Nations that aim to make the Earth a better and more sustainable place to live. Goal #2, Zero Hunger, looks to end hunger and food insecurity around the world.

Here are 3 innovative and unique ways some engineers are taking action against hunger:

1 – Disease Fighting Potatoes

Photo: https://mndaily.com/239997/news/adpotato/

Did you know that the disease that caused the Irish Potato Famine about 175 years ago is still around and devastating communities across the globe? This is especially the case in Bangladesh, which already has one of the highest rates of child malnutrition on Earth. The issues with crops often lead to farmers using harsh chemicals like insecticide and fungicide which can be damaging to people and the environment. As a result, researchers from the United States, Indonesia and Bangladesh are working on genetically modifying potatoes that are resistant to the disease! They hope through genetic engineering, they will be able to fight off food insecurity and keep people fed, as well as prevent the need for chemicals

2 – Peanut Paste to Fight Malnutrition

Photo: https://www.nutriset.fr/en/history

Malnutrition is an issue caused by not receiving the nutrients your body needs to function. This can make someone more susceptible to infections, slower at fighting off illnesses, and cause both short and long term health problems. Nutriset was founded by an agricultural engineer in France who wanted to feed populations who don’t have access to nutritious food. Since then, the company has developed numerous products that treat many nutritional deficiencies from acute malnutrition to chronic malnutrition. One of their most notorious products is called Plumpy’Nut, a peanut paste food supplement that helps malnourished children gain 2 pounds a week!

3 – At-Home Milk Testing

Photo: https://www.alj.com/en/perspective/j-wafs-in-action-providing-safe-clean-milk-to-rural-communities/

Did you know that India produces more milk than any other country, but only ¼ of that milk gets tested when it is sourced? Hundreds of thousands of people die from foodborne diseases every year, and making milk production more secure is a key way to reduce hunger and save lives. This led to engineers designing an easy and inexpensive device to test milk quality. The team, funded by MIT’s Abdul Latif Jameel Water and Food Security Lab, uses a sensor to scan for fat and protein and then sends the results to a smartphone. This not only allows farmers to ensure the quality of their milk before selling it, but also helps them better price milk with a higher fat percentage for more money!

These are just a few examples of how engineers are using their minds and skills to improve conditions for people around the world. Innovations like these have the direct potential to save tons of lives, and help eradicate hunger in the process.

Fashion Forward Engineering

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Photo: https://urbanmilwaukee.com/pressrelease/female-engineer-launches-fashionable-steel-toed-footwear-company/

Clothes play a huge role in our self-esteem – they allow us to express who we are and help boost our confidence in our daily lives. Feeling good about yourself has many benefits, and can even make your work better.

This led project engineer Anastasia Kraft to start Xena Workwear and make a fashion-forward steel-toe shoe for women working in STEM fields!

In many STEM industries, you have to wear steel-toed boots while at on-site facilities. These boots help protect your feet from injuries.

For a long time, many female engineers have felt frustrated or have struggled with confidence in these places because of the shoe options available to them. Steel-toed shoes have classically been designed for men. Because of this, they can often be bulky, masculine looking, and hard to transition from on-site locations into the office. The more feminine options available are often just smaller versions of men’s shoes with a splash of pink on them.

This frustration led Anastasia to create a line of steel-toed shoes for women that are fashionable, trendy and, importantly, safe for work! They currently make 3 different styles of shoes in a variety of colours with vegan and non-vegan options.

The shoes have been met with an incredibly positive reaction from women in the industry!

Because of Anastasia, women have more options to help make them feel good and confident while working. She saw something that was lacking from the engineering world and created a product many now love. By having more girls in engineering, we can make the industry more comfortable and approachable for future generations of engineers so they can put their best foot forward.

Reduce Your Carbon Footprint With These Shoes

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Photo: https://www.parley.tv/updates/adidasxparley

Have you ever seen shoes made out of garbage? You just might’ve and never knew it!

In 2015, Adidas released shoes in collaboration with Parley for the Oceans which use recycled marine pollution as plastic. They’ve since extended this to other products such as athletic shirts, leggings, jerseys and more.

The shoes are made from plastic that is collected along our oceans’ coastlines. The garbage is then sent to Adidas, who utilize plastic waste like water bottles that contain polyethylene terephthalate, which is used to make polyester fibers. They crush the plastic and break down the waste into small plastic flakes, which are then further transformed into resin pellets. This eventually creates what Adidas calls Ocean Plastic, a material that can function like polyester yarn!

The United Nations estimates within every square mile of the ocean there are 46,000 pieces of plastic. This floating debris can be dangerous for the marine life that call the water home. They may get tangled or caught in the waste, or even mistake it for food. This kills more than 1,000,000 seabirds each year! According to Business Insider, through this collaboration, Adidas has stopped 2,810 tons of plastic from entering the ocean, which is equivalent to the weight of 14 blue whales!

In removing harmful waste from our oceans to make shoes, not only does this help save marine animals, but prevents the production of even more plastic. Plastic takes hundreds of years to break down, meaning things like the shoes we wear might outlive us in landfills, the ocean, or other locations! By reducing our own consumption of plastic and coming up with innovative solutions like these, we can help better our planet.