CEPi1 (24)

The CEPi1 team (#24) is from Albuquerque. This year they've submitted a project titled hydrophobic surfaces.

Interim Report
http://mode.lanl.k12.nm.us/get_interim1112.php?team_id=24

Problem Definition
Hydrophobic surfaces are used to repel water. We already use hydrophobic materials in basic tasks like protecting our vehicles we use a coating called wax, it repels the water off of our vehicles to protect them from water damage, we could use it on the roof of our houses to prevent excessive water from settling and creating leaks. We already use these materials for common uses, if we applied Modern technology it would allow us to use hydrophobic surfaces and material to control environmental issues, from transportation, dam efficiency, and even to help counteract nature and protect ourselves from one of earth’s elements of disaster. In certain circumstances water deteriorates certain surfaces. Destruction from tsunamis, title waves, and other flooding can be minimized with the help of hydrophobic materials.

The main goal of my project is to conclude the properties between water and its properties verses different surfaces and elements. I want to make a real life computational model to show the constants and variables within the fluid dynamics of hydro surfaces. By doing this I hope to prove that with modern technology we can predict and change the reactions of the basic elements that we live with to improve the quality of our efforts to preserve the things that we consider valuable.

Problem Solution
Water is an element that has predictive properties. If we are able to control the limitations of water then we can help preserve other significant elements. having these predictions we can take the assumptions of these properties and apply them if we can keep water off of metal I will reduce oxidation and prevent rusting, if we can keep water off of wood it will allow the wood to maintain stability and eliminate the wear and tear it undergoes through the expansion and contraction that water causes

Progress to Date
I have researched hydrophobic materials and surfaces I have learned that many insects have their own hydrophobic substance to help them remain above water and to protect them from natures elements. The leaves on the trees also have their own coating to protect them from excessive amounts of water and to keep them from getting weighed down and breaking. I have looked into Star Logo and Net Logo and decided to use Net Logo to show the computational outcomes.

Expected results
I expect to prove that the fluid dynamics studied by scientists in the past are capable of being both true and similar to hydrophobic surfaces. I hope to link the engineering properties and the scientific properties to model the potential outcomes for other people to understand and take part in research and further development.

Team Members
Codi Battershell

Sponsoring Teacher
Jerry Esquivel

Interim Comments
Introduction

Hello Team 24. My name is Peter Yanke and I have been involved with the Super Computing Challenge for 7 years or more. I am an entrepreneur with 20 plus years of experience in computers and Internet based projects and companies.

Project Notes

In reviewing your project, it does seem interesting. However, you did not state how you plan to achieve your expected results. I would suggest finding a simple, but effective method to test your theories. There may be tests performed by other scientists that you could recreate as a model in Net Logo. The goal is having a working model that runs and produces results, so keep it simple.

Other Sources

The internet has many resources, but you should also find someone who does this sort of thing as their job, so you can ask them questions. They will be able to give you real life information you cannot find in books or online and may give you a better idea of a simple project you can build your model from. Your sponsoring teacher should be able to help you locate someone.

Face to Face Evaluation

Remember that you have a face to face evaluation coming up in February, which may be a good time to get some additional direction and focus for your project.

Summary

I do think this project has some exciting real world applications and look forward to seeing more as you move forward.