[Phys-L] old thread on SciAm goof

[Brian Whatcott <betwys1@sbcglobal.net>]

BC mentioned:
> I also had the students make samples for testing.  One student brought in ice in the correct > shape and ice made from jello  Results:  the ice similar to the cold steel, and, surprise, the>  jello had considerable strength. 

Geoffrey Pyke invented/discovered a useful composite named eponymously as Pykrete consisting of 14% sawdust by weight in an ice matrix proposed as an aircraft carrier of heroic proportions in WW2 (1942). It was extraordinarily improved in mechanical properties, being as strong or stronger than concrete in compression (which is  much better than the tension properties of either of course).  
 I suppose that Pyke's proposal was not aided by his background as a teacher & journalist. At any rate, his life ended in suicide.