Summary, Draft #1

In the article “How Volcanic Ash Strengthens A Roof Against Powerful Projectiles”, Williams (2019) states that the possibility of adding layers of volcanic ash on the roofs could mitigate the impact of volcanic projectiles on shelters around active volcanoes.

Williams claims that scientists found out mountain huts were capable of providing life-saving shelter for hikers during the eruption that took place at Mount Ontake, Japan 2014. This finding inspired the scientists to further study on how the addition of volcanic ash on roofs could reduce impacts of projectiles. 

Through meticulous simulation, scientists were able to deduce that the thickness of ash deposit is proportional to the energy absorption rate. However, heavier loads of ash may affect the structural integrity of the roof. Further investigation still needs to be conducted to determine the optimum range of ash deposit layers, to achieve a balance between reducing impact of projectiles and risk of roof collapse.

Introduction Letter

Dear Professor Brad,

My name is Tan Wei Zhang and I am one of your students in your effective communication module class. I am writing this letter with the purpose of introducing myself to you.

I graduated from Temasek Polytechnic in 2017 with a diploma in business process and systems engineering. This led me in obtaining certain aspects of knowledge in business and engineering. By the end of my diploma course, I was in quite a predicament. I did not know whether to pursue a business or engineering related degree. In order to finalize my decision, I spent some time discussing with my family and friends and ultimately decided to enroll in Singapore Institute of Technology, civil engineering course.

I would like to share a factor that got me more interested in wanting to be an engineer was upon seeing Jewel Changi Airport. I was very impressed by the design and thought of how skilled these engineers must be, to build something like this. I hope in the near future I could be as skilled and contribute to the society.

One of my strengths when it comes to communication, I feel would be listening with an open mind. I am willing to enter a conversation, even with people that I had disagreed with before, trying to understand their point of view. However, a weakness that I tend to have is my articulation of words. Oftentimes, I talk too quick when I am nervous which causes me to misarticulate words.

My goals in this module are to learn how to improve my pacing when speaking and how to maintain composure to prevent stuttering of words. I look forward in attending your class and learning more from you.

Best regards,

Tan Wei Zhang