FenStar wrote:I have a special research topics class, and we have to decide on what to do. I was hoping to have some background info done the next time we meat.
Ah, so this is how much meat a structure can hold. That's different.
To create a formula, select a structure that has an easily measurable volume, such as a phone booth or a small automobile, like a Volkswagen.
Next, see how much meat will fit in this structure. Buying actual food-grade meat in quantities sufficient to fill either of these structures would be cost-prohibitive, not to speak of the logistics of how best to dispose of it when complete.
Instead, recruit members of your class, various collegiate sporting teams, cheerleaders, etc. These folks are all made of meat, so to speak, and will be a suitable replacement. Each package is also already generally well aware of its own weight, saving the effort of individual weighing and tabulation.
You may have to employ the use of a solvent, such as alcohol, to achieve the optimum packing density. Chemistry is not an obvious complement to structural engineering, but trust us, it works.
Once you establish the amount of meat that will fit into your subject structure, you may develop a simple formula based on a multiplier/divisor that may be used on a structure of any other known volume.
Good luck, and keep engineering!