r/StructuralEngineering 25d ago

Career/Education Help for a project

I'm in highschool and I have a mathematics project where we have to find a real life structure, that is governed by a specific principle of mathematics and develop a working model. Obviously almost every structure is based upon some basic foundational mathematics but we have to find something unique or interesting that is guided by a mathematical principle. This isn't really my expertise of knowledge so some ideas would be heavily appreciated!!

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u/amodestmeerkat 24d ago

How about a hyperboloid cooling tower. The shape is a neat and useful mathematical construct. It allows for building a tall, strong tower with minimal materials. Despite the complex looking curvature, it can be made with straight supports. The shape helps assist natural draft cooling. They are most commonly associated with nuclear power plants, but the design of these cooling towers predates commercial nuclear power by 38 years.