Flow-induced vibrations can have devastating consequences. For example, the Tacoma Narrows Bridge in Washington collapsed when strong winds induced vibrations that matched the natural frequency of the bridge. In California, Edison International decided to permanently shut down the nearly new San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station after vibrations in the steam generator caused alloy tubes to rub against each other, resulting in leakage and unsafe operating conditions. Continue reading
Category Archives: Students
One cure for distracted driving
Drivers distracted by the gadgets on their cars cause thousands of deaths each year. To address the problem, Steven Reid, David Taylor, Ryan Kalb, and Patrick Simonson set out to design an automobile dashboard that minimizes distractions by simplifying the interface and narrowing the driver’s focus to the steering wheel and the dashboard in front of it. Their interface won an honorable mention in Intel’s 2012 Cornell Cup competition.
“We want to reinvent the driver experience,” said Reid. “Safer, more efficient, but still have that rich, interactive experience — that’s what people are used to. We’re trying to build that in, but not make it distracting.” Continue reading
Congratulations to Our People’s Choice Award Winners!
Every year, Engineering Expo attendees can explore the many senior capstone projects and then vote for their favorite one—earning one team the coveted People’s Choice Award. This year, however, two teams from Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE) tied for the award. Sandra Woods, dean of the College of Engineering; and Peter Johnson (’55), grand marshal of the Expo, presented this year’s honors. Continue reading
Double victory: Lacrosse player and engineering student wins on and off the field
Ryan Squires has more than one cause for celebration. The captain of the Oregon State lacrosse team is gloating over a recent win against the U of O Ducks, the first in more than a decade. And, the biological engineering senior is getting ready to graduate after four years of hard work. Together the two accomplishments – while seemingly different – have taught Squires an important lesson in time management.
OSU’s Global Formula Racing Team Unveils 2013 Model in Preparation for Upcoming Competition
On Saturday, April 13, Oregon State’s Global Formula Racing (GFR) team unveiled their 2013 race car. Having three world championships under their belt, the unveiling was a highly anticipated event.
A 30-minute meet and greet preceded the unveiling, where attendees could ask questions about race car models that were on display from the three previous years. Attendees then had the opportunity to view a promotional video with highlights from the past four years with the GFR team.