Optimum Design of a 3D Truss Structure

During my second year Mechanics of Deformable Solids course, two team members and I designed and constructed a 3D truss that has optimum strength-to-weight ratio.

Problem Statement

Design an optimum 40 +- 1 cm long, 10 +- 0.5 cm tall, and 8 +- 0.5 cm wide truss that can handle the largest load-to-weight ratio. The truss is to be hung through a set of screw-in hooks at A, and smooth rest surface at B.

Design Materials & Tools

This project was constrained to the use of balsa wood, dowels, and the Epilog Mini 24 Laser Cutter

Testing

Since we were given limited materials for the project, we tested and modified our design twice before the final test

Final Design

Our final bridge yielded a load-to-mass ratio of over 350:1