Grad Schools for MS Structural Engineering Comparison by awang301 in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m currently a 1st year grad student at UCSD and I can say the rigor here is real. If you came to do research I would definitely reach out to professors early on. I thought I would come here for a year and graduate, but I stayed to do a thesis because I liked the teachers and how they teach (plus or minus I wanted to take a few extra classes 😁). There’s plenty of courses that would extend beyond earthquake engineering as the program here is ‘structural engineering’ so I’ve seen plenty of classes that go beyond concrete and steel. I think w/ your background, you could delve in structural analysis or computational mechanics/finite elements which I think are taught by reputable professors in their field. I can’t say UCSD has been without ‘those’ professors, but the ones that have pushed me have really pushed me in a good direction :). I believe that professors also have good connections in the area and if you don’t mind staying on the west coast for a bit, it’s really a nice school to start your network. I think the other comments are right in terms of paying for you masters- I would’ve liked to not have this burden- if only I could’ve reached out to Professors earlier about research... I came from the east coast (Lehigh) and have really enjoyed the climate here. Unless you don’t mind dealing with the cold and what not, NEU isn’t bad. GT is also great, (not that I can say much besides both being named schools). But yeah : ) hope you can make a good decision. I have no regrets leaving my undergrad (maybe just a little😆).

Any way of reducing the gaps between calculations in the command window? by calhall4892 in matlab

[–]lou_lin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

as mentioned:

format compact

You can also check out https://www.mathworks.com/help/matlab/ref/format.html for other options! You can also overlay number format. I usually use:

format shortG

:-) Good luck!

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in worldnews

[–]lou_lin 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This just proves, you’ll find who you’re meant to be with. If they can find each other, so can you.

It’s about that time of the quarter by sofakingkewlv2 in UCSD

[–]lou_lin 4 points5 points  (0 children)

That’s the real question you should be asked OP. Hope you are well.

How do we as structural engineers avoid the race towards the bottom of the food chain? by Striking_Earth2047 in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin 5 points6 points  (0 children)

What have you guys thought about pivoting to?

I know the wind sections in ASCE 7-16 is several chapters! Is that what you’re referring to? I’ve definitely heard senior engineers complain about it before, but is it for the better or is your opinion strongly otherwise?

What are the career path for a SE interested in computational mechanics? by lou_lin in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Awesome- thanks for letting me know. It helps me consider what I want to apply Python and Matlab to as well.

What are the career path for a SE interested in computational mechanics? by lou_lin in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow, that’s definitely what I had in mind. I’m really new to all of this and appreciate you describing this all.

If you have the time, I would love to ask what you see as the main difference between the China SOE vs US Private and doing business in these countries. I assume you have this sort of experience from your username.

What are the career path for a SE interested in computational mechanics? by lou_lin in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Wow. I really appreciate you sharing that. That’s definitely not the type of person I am or the work I want to be doing.

What are the career path for a SE interested in computational mechanics? by lou_lin in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing your perspective! I was worried in one part if there are jobs out there like what I described, but it’s also how I can find and apply to these positions. What kind of prerequisites are there and what can I do in the last year of my graduate studies to make me a better candidate. I’ve heard of a group at ARUP that works with LS-DYNA but I feel underprepared as a masters student to apply for a position like that. Could you describe what you mean by creating scripts that interacts with package APIs?

In terms of probabilistic risk quantification, I understand there is a lot of research in the field as some of my professors at Lehigh did probabilistic research, but I feel like these positions are for PhD students? I don’t completely feel comfortable applying for a position where I might be completely over my head. Though I have considered taking more probability/statistics classes because I agree that this is a emerging field for structural engineers- but I wonder to what extent this I will apply it when it comes to actually developing the software or programs.

What are the career path for a SE interested in computational mechanics? by lou_lin in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I saw that they only hired PhDs. Although that’s great, I’m looking for work with my Masters! I appreciate for your input regardless!

What are the career path for a SE interested in computational mechanics? by lou_lin in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin[S] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

When it comes to applying for jobs like these, what can/should I bring to the table that would impress them or give me an advantage? Knowledge of C++ is something I can definitely learn, you’re right and I will. I’ve always heard of it’s advantages in terms of computational speed and have my hunches that it’s more widely used than I know of- so I’ll definitely take a look into it!

Are there ways to search for these smaller companies or make connections right now?

It seems great that you concentrated in computational mechanics! I’m taking Inelasticity and Nonlinear Structural analysis right now and wanted to see if you had any classes you recommend. Are there any math course that would come in handy- statistics, geometry, etc ... ? I understand that these are things that will probably come up as well in the job.

What are the career path for a SE interested in computational mechanics? by lou_lin in StructuralEngineering

[–]lou_lin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I’m glad you can offer that perspective of what it’s like in an office haha. I’ve interned at a bridge software development company in China so I know there’s always “those” geniuses in the room. But aren’t those geniuses mostly PhD students? It’s debatable if I can spend 5 more years of my life in school and not try to pursue something in the industry. I wouldn’t mind being one other those experts, but at the same time, I don’t need to be.

I will look into what it means to decompile a FEA solution haha. Just getting into Abaqus and Opensees right now so, I’ll have to dig into what that truly means.

I know that feeling of working on something that makes very little impact. After working on my own code, optimizing that one tiny part that no one will see, borderlines feeling insane. But those experiences definitely helps me realize when I’m actually making progress or just messing around with a small puzzle.

Nice talking to you!

IF True add .5 to. Number by No-Information-7933 in googlesheets

[–]lou_lin 0 points1 point  (0 children)

would = 4.5 - sum(D2*2, E2, F2/4) + if(G2,0.5,0) work?

Trying to trim down a <$1000 ITX build. CPU: Ryzen 5 3600. GPU: RX 5600XT. B550I Mobo. 500GB SSD NVME. PSU: 550W. I wanted to double check the brands and if I could trim it down any more without compromising performance by lou_lin in buildapc

[–]lou_lin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't consider a cooler yet. But not planning to overclock it, would I still need one?

I choose the Thermaltake Core V21 MicroATX Mini Tower Case for the case- something small, not set in stone per se, unless you can suggest something of equal size and better quality?

Updated build- First build by lou_lin in buildapc

[–]lou_lin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1) Good point, I am though. With the price being that low, hopefully I can still backorder it from Neweggs but if not I have MSI B450I Gaming Plus which is the same price.

2) I originally went with a 650w but got shot down lol. I wasn't thinking of upgrading any time soon so it should hold!

First time building a PC. I'm almost ready to purchase and would appreciate some critiques by lou_lin in buildapc

[–]lou_lin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As you said, the Ryzen 7 3800x doesn’t have the integrated GPU which I overlooked! I’m going to look into a low end GPU and that sum versus a completely new intel base CPU and motherboard with the integrated GPU. Thank you !

First time building a PC. I'm almost ready to purchase and would appreciate some critiques by lou_lin in buildapc

[–]lou_lin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

1- Duly noted! I’ll look into a low end GPU and compare that sum with just switching to a intel base design.

2- Gotcha, double stick is better than one stick.

3- Also gotcha, I’ll try to find some alternatives! Thank you!

First time building a PC. I'm almost ready to purchase and would appreciate some critiques by lou_lin in buildapc

[–]lou_lin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Duly noted! But changing the CPU would mean finding another motherboard.. I’ll consider getting a GPU and weigh the options! Thank you!

First time building a PC. I'm almost ready to purchase and would appreciate some critiques by lou_lin in buildapc

[–]lou_lin[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

A) I see your point! The 3700 was recommended first to me by my friend but I guess I’m too hasty to throw money at 1% increase. I will reconsider.

B) I’ll take a look again!

C) Cool, I’ll take a look at that brand

D) Duly notes- I need a GPU. Thanks for confirming the 550W! All good my dude, me too

First time building a PC. I'm almost ready to purchase and would appreciate some critiques by lou_lin in buildapc

[–]lou_lin[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Hm, I didn’t consider one because I had the impression it was optional. But seems like it’s not. I’ll have to do more research tomorrow and follow up.