This project began with a simple but intriguing question: why are eggs so strong in some positions yet so fragile in others? To answer it, I set out to investigate how orientation influences the structural strength of an egg under both static and dynamic loading. What started as a classroom challenge quickly grew into a small research study that blended hands-on experimentation with data-driven analysis.
I worked with a partner to design and build test rigs that would let us load eggs consistently and record precise measurements. For static tests, we mounted eggs in different orientations: pole-up, pole-down, and on their side, under a compression frame instrumented with a load cell. For dynamic trials, we developed a drop-impact setup where eggs were released from fixed heights onto cushioned and rigid surfaces. My primary responsibilities included setting up the instrumentation, calibrating the sensors, and collecting force–displacement curves. I also took the lead on capturing and analyzing high-speed video footage, which allowed us to pinpoint the moment and location of crack initiation.
Our results revealed clear differences between orientations. Under static compression, eggs resting on their side consistently bore greater loads, about 15–20% higher, before shell failure compared to eggs aligned vertically. This suggested that the broader curvature of the side distributes stress more effectively than the poles. Under dynamic impact, however, the story was different: orientation had less influence, and failure was dominated by local curvature and energy transfer at the point of contact. These complementary findings showed how geometry and loading conditions interact to determine structural performance.
Beyond generating data, the project taught me how to approach a problem iteratively, designing experiments, troubleshooting test setups, and refining methods until the data became reliable. It also highlighted the importance of teamwork, since coordinating testing, data collection, and analysis required close collaboration. In the end, I co-authored our research paper, contributing heavily to the methods and results sections and helping synthesize the findings into a cohesive argument.
The paper garnered a lot of media attention for its high-impact nature, and was featured on many different international news source, such as the New York Times, Forbes, and many other media outlets.
What I value most from this experience is how it bridged the gap between everyday observation and mechanical insight. Something as ordinary as an egg became a model system for understanding material anisotropy, impact mechanics, and experimental design. The project not only strengthened my skills in testing and data analysis, but also gave me a deeper appreciation for how even small-scale studies can reveal principles that carry into larger engineering challenges.
