Ethan Spain ’26, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Ethan Spain ’26

Major

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Project Title

Climate Adaptable Multifunctional Bridge-barrier

Presentation Link

View Ethan's Presentation

Minor(s): Computer Science

The Climate Adaptable Multifunctional Bridge-Barrier is a response to pressing issues arising across the world from climate change. This project intends to combine a bridge and flood barrier into a single, cohesive structure that can be built within the waterways of coastal cities. In this current stage of the project, we are conducting a case study of a site on the Aji River in Osaka, Japan. I helped finalize the structure for the Osaka test site and performed some initial optimizations. Additionally, I conducted initial structural and fluid analyses using hand calculations as well as finite element analysis. In the future, we plan to develop a sustainable actuation method that allows the barrier to be deployed without significant use of fossil fuel energy. Through this experience, I gained a deeper understanding of the intricacies of interdisciplinary research projects and honed my abilities using familiar software. Although the project presented me with significant challenges, it reaffirmed my interest in sustainable energy projects that are designed to safeguard the future.