AP Research: Mycelium and Seismic Performance
³Û±ð²¹°ù:Ìý2020
±Ê²¹°ù³Ù¾±³¦¾±±è²¹²Ô³Ù²õ:ÌýAnna Broerman, Kaitlyn Gentert
³§³Ü³¾³¾²¹°ù²â:ÌýErie High School student Anna Broerman, accompanied byÌýher teacher Kaitlyn Gentert,Ìýinvestigated the inclusion of mycelium in cement bricks to aid in seismic performance for her AP research project. Mycelium is derived from fungus-like bacteria, such as mushrooms, and has been shown to maintain its strength long after death, making it an interesting component for mix design. Anna compared results from compressionÌýand 4-point bending tests between bricks with and without mycelium fibers to characterize material properties using CIEST's 10-kip (45 kN)ÌýInstron UTM. Using mortar, she then constructedÌýsmall structures, again with and without mycelium, mounted to CIEST'sÌý4-kip (18 kN) shake table to see if the fibers provided a natural seismic resiliency. With special help from Dr. Jaroslav Hruby, the structures were taken through frequency sweeps where the eigenfrequency was isolated and then taken to failure with increasing steps in acceleration. This was a valuable hands-on experience for Anna and Mrs. Gentert.ÌýCIEST hopes to continue teaming up with local high schools to provide unique and unforgettable outreach experiences.
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