SpudFiles

This is probably directed more towards those in the field of engineering but id be happy to hear from anyone. I've been making these air riffles for some time now and these types of projects have lead me into a mechanical engineering major. Im looking for co-op positions now and was trying to put together a respectable resume. My question was how can I mention that I have experience designing air guns and things of that nature in a resume without sounding like someone of questionable character? I feel like If I were to mention spudguns, I would be portrayed as an immature suburban teenager who likes anarchy and blowing stuff up. I know most on this site aren't like that but thats who most people associate with these things. I think that my experiences designing valves and such would give me an advantage on others my age but im not sure how to go about mentioning it or if I even should. Is it OK to list individual design projects?

It's all about presentation, if you can prove you went about it in a scientific manner as opposed to spraying and praying then it should help.

Here's a recent case whereit worked

I think spudding is more than just blowing stuff up you know? It's all about engineering... there is so much science behind what we do, like physics and even chemistry. If you mention valve designs like the piston valve and the QDV I definitely think it sounds better than saying you've built a potato gun, you know what I mean? Good luck.

I wrote my college essay on the topic of spudgunning, and was accepted to my college of choice

It's very possible to present it in a scientific manner, if you begin by first making it clear you conduct this hobby with a significant safety factor, and explaining, as JSR says, that you go about this in a scientific manner.

Figures like a supersonic muzzle velocity or 1.25ms valve opening time will impress anyone.

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SpudBlaster15 wrote:Also, unless you have a degree and are applying for an engineering position or similar, do not mention anything related to combustion, fire, or air/fuel powered launchers.

Unless you're explaining you don't experiment with combustion-based propulsion because you think it's too dangerous

Something in the order of....

"Participated in the design, manufacture, testing and application ( )of devices similar to those used to test for tornado damage."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/19 ... 070015.htm

To simulate wind-borne debris, researchers use an air cannon to fire 2x4's and other materials against wall sections at speeds up to and exceeding 100 mph.

You COULD add avalanche control to that list as well...avalauncher eh!

If any of it was related to a science or engineering competition, and it is documented as such, it would be fine. Here is an example;
http://inteltrailblazerschallenge.wikispaces.com/

It helps if the design won.
http://inteltrailblazerschallenge.wikis ... lazer+Game

Adding engineering science and design process helps.
http://inteltrailblazerschallenge.wikis ... rim+method

In an interview that at the University of Alabama for undergrad research I brought up pneumatic cannons among other things (like my pulse jet engine and turbocharged mowers, etc.). Anyway they were very impressed and gave me the research slot.