Practical Engineering

Now you might think we do a lot of theory and math with our LSU students (which is true).  But sometimes we try to find ways to apply that theory, or get hands on some of the concepts.  So we have been doing failure analysis, engineering design and machine design in general.  There is lots of math and equations, lots of fun.  But saying a shaft should fail in fatigue based on the Goodman criterion really does not give you the idea of a bent shaft on a Briggs and Stratton, and putting an engine together for real gives lots of hands on experience in shafts, bolts, tension, setscrews, bearings and more... so here we go...

Here are some of our LSU students enjoying the experience in our machine shop this week.  I did not instruct them to wear purple, only to wear comfortable and safe clothing to work on the engines.  They did.  And they all tore the engines down to the valves and pistons; and they all put them back together and got them to start!!  Now that was some true hands on learning!

 

This group included some student workers and even one of our babysitters.  Pretty overqualified but great people.

This group (above) was looking at gears and other engine components, while the helpers (below) got to try their hand at education.  Thanks to all!

Lego

Take several 9 year old boys, head to the local (but huge) movie studio, play with legos, get a tour of the studio and enjoy a private screening of your favorite movies (Lego Star Wars, who knew those could go together so well, actually pretty funny with lots of 9 year old adventure...)  They had to play with legos and gave and received lots of lego too.  Here is one creation...

New Bed - Project

B has been working diligently with some old wood we picked up on the road.  And here is the reveal, moment of truth... will the new bed fit??  Well, a few more little tweaks to make, but basically, the answer is yes.  Here is an initial test on the patio...
J had some fun climbing on it, but I really like the wood (and a great day too!)  Sleep well...

End of the mice

A sad day, little wheel, the pet mouse, passed away recently.  D made this memorial for the mouse, who was about 2 years old, so a pretty good age for a mouse...  G buried the mouse in her garden.  A good lesson, from dust to dust...  but enjoy the run while you're at it.