NOVEL NEXT 42 PSME: The Confrontation
Following the sequence of questions, the competition between the teams became increasingly intense. De La Salle University managed to answer the second question faster than the others, while the University of the Philippines took the lead on the third question. This pattern of exchanging leads continued, resulting in a three-way tie, with each team securing three points apiece.
"Okay…we have an intense fight going on here," Sofia chuckled. "Now, for the last question that will determine the winner of this quiz competition. This question will test your understanding of fluid dynamics as well as your ability to apply mathematical principles to solve engineering problems. Here it is. Calculate the Reynolds number for water flowing in a pipe with a diameter of 0.5 meters at a velocity of 2 meters per second. Assume the dynamic viscosity of water is 1 x 10^-3 Pa·s and the density is 1000 kg/m^3. Is the flow laminar or turbulent?"
Teams huddled together, whispering and scribbling down formulas. The Reynolds number, a fundamental dimensionless quantity in fluid mechanics, indicates the type of flow in a fluid. Calculating it would require understanding its definition and applying the given values correctly.
Michael, taking the lead, quickly guided his team through the process. "The Reynolds number is calculated using the formula Re = (rho * V * D) / mu, where rho is the density of the fluid, V is the velocity, D is the diameter of the pipe, and mu is the dynamic viscosity," he explained efficiently.
After a brief moment of calculation, Michael and his team were ready. They pressed the buzzer, with the room's eyes turning towards them. Michael stood up, "The Reynolds number is 1,000,000. Given this value, the flow is turbulent, as it exceeds the critical Reynolds number for pipe flow, which is typically considered to be 2300."
Sofia nodded, signaling the judges to verify the answer. After a tense few seconds, she announced, "Correct! The water flow is indeed turbulent according to the calculated Reynolds number. Congratulations to the Technological Institute of the Philippines for answering correctly and winning the PSME Quiz Competition!"
The audience erupted into a round of applause. Michael glanced at the audience seat and saw their professors, specifically Mr. Delgado proudly clapping for them. Amidst the celebration, Michael couldn't help but notice the downcast faces of the students from De La Salle University and the University of the Philippines. Despite their best efforts, their expressions revealed a mixture of disappointment and defeat. It was a close competition, and every team had put in a tremendous amount of work, making the victory bittersweet for Michael. He knew all too well the feeling of falling short after pouring so much into something you believe in.
Michael approached the students from the other universities. "You guys were incredible," he said earnestly. "It was neck and neck until the very end. Your projects and your performance today were nothing short of impressive."
The students from De La Salle and UP managed a smile, appreciating Michael's gesture. "Thanks, man," one of them responded. "Your team was outstanding. That last answer was spot on. Congratulations on the win."
"Thank you," Michael replied. "I hope we cross paths again in future competitions or in the field. There's so much we can learn from each other."
"Now may we call on the winners of this competition, Mr. Michael Reyes, Kenneth Gonzales, and Janine Genese."
Sofia beckoned Michael, Kenneth, and Janine to the stage amid the continuing applause. As they made their way up, a large check for 100,000 pesos was displayed, alongside a set of medals and certificates laid out on a table.
"Congratulations to the Technological Institute of the Philippines," Sofia announced. One by one, Sofia handed each team member their medal, draping it around their necks, followed by the presentation of the certificates. Then, with a grand gesture, she presented the check to the team
Michael and his teammates held the check together for a photo, their faces beaming. The weight of the medal around his neck felt symbolic, a tangible recognition of their efforts and achievements. Holding the certificate, Michael felt a surge of pride not just for himself but for his team and their collective accomplishment.
"Thank you," Michael said, addressing Sofia and the audience. "This competition has been an incredible journey for us. We're grateful for the opportunity to compete among such talented individuals and teams. This experience has only fueled our passion for engineering and innovation even further."
As the applause died down and the formalities concluded, Michael, Kenneth, and Janine stepped down from the stage, their professors and fellow students eagerly waiting to congratulate them. "Now…let's wait for the announcement of winners in the technological exhibition," Delgado said.
***
Seven o'clock in the evening on December 17th, 2023, was a pivotal moment for all the participants of the Philippine Society of Mechanical Engineers (PSME) competition as the announcement of the winners for the technological exhibition was set to be broadcast on social media platforms. Contestants from various universities, along with their friends, families, and supporters, were all eagerly waiting for the results, whether they were present at the venue or watching the live stream online.
Sofia Hernandez, the moderator of the competition, appeared on the screen, ready to announce the winners. "Good evening, everyone. Thank you for joining us for the announcement of this year's PSME Technological Exhibition winners," she began, her voice echoing throughout the venue and across various online platforms. The atmosphere was tense, with every participant holding their breath in anticipation.
"The innovation and creativity displayed in this year's projects have been truly exceptional, making the judges' decision incredibly difficult," Sofia continued, building up the suspense. The camera panned across the anxious faces of the contestants, capturing the high stakes of the moment.
"And now, without further ado, the winners of the PSME Technological Exhibition," Sofia said, pausing for effect. "In third place, we have the team from De La Salle University with their smart waste segregation system. Congratulations!"
A polite round of applause filled the room as the De La Salle University team accepted their award with pride.
"Taking second place is the team from Ateneo de Manila University with their innovative water filtration device. An excellent contribution towards clean water solutions," Sofia announced, prompting another wave of applause for the Ateneo team. fr(e)e
Finally, Sofia prepared to reveal the first-place winner. "And the first-place prize goes to the University of the Philippines for their groundbreaking smart trash can project. Congratulations to UP for this remarkable achievement in sustainable technology!"
The room erupted in applause for the UP team, but amidst the celebration, Michael stood there, dumbfounded. He is not even in the top three? How could it be? His invention is the most sophisticated and advanced. When he looked at the judges, he saw them clapping, among them was Francis Peralta, who noticed him looking at him, and then—flashed a smirk.
Michael's eyes widened. He is smirking? Really? Did he rig the decision? He couldn't take this insult any longer.
With that, Michael approached Sofia and snatched the microphone from her hand, turning to face the crowd that had gathered for the announcement.
The room fell silent, surprised by Michael's sudden action. "Ladies and gentlemen," Michael began. "While I congratulate the winners for their achievements and innovations, I must express my disappointment and concern regarding the fairness of the competition's evaluation process."
The audience listened, intrigued by the unexpected turn of events. "I have developed a high-efficiency solar panel that has the potential to revolutionize the renewable energy sector. Yet, it seems that groundbreaking innovations are overlooked when they challenge the established interests."
Michael paused, gauging the reaction of the crowd. "I cannot help but question the criteria and transparency of the judging process, especially when influential figures in the industry, who may have vested interests, are part of the decision-making panel."
Murmurs of agreement and nods from some in the audience indicated that Michael's words resonated with them. "Competitions like these should champion true innovation and provide a level playing field for all participants. It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible and driving progress for the betterment of society, not maintaining the status quo."
Michael looked directly at Francis Peralta who was visibly infuriated at him. "And to those who might feel threatened by new ideas and technologies, I say this: innovation cannot be suppressed. The future belongs to those who dare to dream and work tirelessly to turn those dreams into reality. And yeah…I shall name that person, Francis Peralta! The CEO of the Solar Dynamics Corporation, who deemed my solar panel fake? It turns out that Francis Peralta is the CEO of the largest solar panel company in the Philippines. Coincidence? I think not."
Francis Peralta stood up abruptly. "This is outrageous!" he exclaimed, his voice echoing through the suddenly quiet room. "You're accusing me of bias without a shred of evidence. This is slander, and I won't stand for it. I'll sue you for defamation!"
Michael, undeterred by Peralta's threat, responded with calm determination. "Sue me if you must, Mr. Peralta. But I stand by my words. My offer is this: let's have my solar panel independently tested. If it's found to be fake, as you claim, I will accept the legal consequences. However, if it performs as I've stated, then I expect a public apology and a reevaluation of the competition results."