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
Tag Archives: college of engineering
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 Sweeps Recent ASM Student Competition
Each year, the Oregon Chapter of the ASM International (the materials information society) hosts a Student Night as a venue for students from Portland State, Oregon State, and the University of Oregon to present their materials research, with cash awards going to the top three presenters. This year’s competition was on April 23, and the winners were all from the OSU School of Mechanical, Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering.
