2. A Truss-Worthy Machine
Peeringthroughawallofmetallicrods,civilengineeringgraduatestudent
Kirsten Bramall Hinds (BS ’13) examines a prototype of a manufacturing
system that weaves carbon fibers in a desired pattern—in essence, a giant
loom. The machine will create IsoTruss structures—a technology patented
by civil and environmental engineering professor DavidW.Jensen (BS ’80)—
which can provide strong yet lightweight components in meteorological
towers, bike frames, and, potentially, aerospace configurations.
Jensen says the bigger machine they hope to build from this prototype
will be able to create more advanced configurations and at a much faster
rate than their current hand-woven method allows.Hinds has been working
with IsoTruss technology for over a year and is currently writing her thesis
on using IsoTruss in beam construction applications. “There are so many
applications [IsoTruss] would be good for,” she says. “A lot of research
doesn’t feel as new and exciting, but this just feels really innovative.”
This photo took first place in the science and research category at
the annual symposium for the University Photographer’s Association of
America. | Photography by Jaren S.Wilkey (BA ’01)
out of th e blu e