This project was so fun that I just had to post it. Our third exam in Machine Design class was replaced by a project where we had to build a one-meter span beam made from illustration board. The requirement was when a 1 kg load is placed in the middle, the middle would sag or deflect downward by 3-6 mm only. Also, the top four lightest beams would get the top four grades (100, 90, 88, 78). You also get a bonus if your beam is tapered (the cross section gradually narrows or gets bigger).

My partner and I were so competitive that we had the MATLAB program find the proportions of the cross section (in this case a hollow rectangle) that would have the best strength-to-weight ratio. The results where then plotted into a 3D graph. We ended up with slightly-squarish rectangle.

For those without an engineering background, the strength of a beam comes from its cross section (aside from material). Those I and T shapes you find in steel beams in construction sites have been chosen because they have certain properties

The beam we ended up with tapers in two planes as well as tapering along its entire length. Our theory was this would save up on weight since we'll be able to maintain the perfect proportions through the entire span.

In order to test if our beam works (and therefore be confident on submission day) we used a 1kg sack of sugar and filmed its reactions. Then we had the video analysed using motion tracking software.

The initial results were good but on the day before the deadline our beam went beyond the 6mm limit! I spent the night adding more glue on the joints.

On submission day our beam performed well (final deflection of 5.48mm). But it seemed someone beat us to the 4th lightest place by 3 grams!

Probably one of the biggest drawing projects I've ever done for my student organisation. I collaborated with three other orgmate-artists, doodling and drawing for about three days, then complied and colored the whole damn thing in Illustrator. That took another full day.

http://www.scq.ubc.ca/physics-envy-among-biologists-fact-or-fiction-2/

Me: Why is a fox holding the Spear of Odin?

Fox: Why is a crownless sitting on the throne of Gondor?

I first doodled her the day after I got my heart broken, in the summer of 2012. She started out as some simple chibi sketch. I decided to redraw her and this is what came out.

Still have to work on my anatomy though. But a good start nonetheless.

Despite the problems plaguing Metro Manila, surprises can always be found.