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Investigating Potential Improvements To Enhance The Performance Of A Solar Thermal Collection System: Design Of The Dual Axis Tracking System, Eric Landry Jun 2012

Investigating Potential Improvements To Enhance The Performance Of A Solar Thermal Collection System: Design Of The Dual Axis Tracking System, Eric Landry

Honors Theses

Due to the current energy crisis, there are a large number of opportunities in the applications of renewable energy technologies. Specifically, my partner and I have explored those associated with a solar thermal collection dish. The sun, being a virtually limitless supply of energy, ought to be used to its fullest potential. This technology is designed to do just that. Using a concave reflective surface, the sun’s thermal energy is concentrated to a central location where it is then collected by a working fluid. This type of approach achieves very high temperatures and maximizes the effectiveness of the thermal energy …


Union Advanced Educational Robot, Erik Skorina Jun 2012

Union Advanced Educational Robot, Erik Skorina

Honors Theses

Our project was the design and construction of a medium sized (approximately 40 kg when fully loaded) mobile robot for educational and research use. This robot was designed to provide a strong baseline chassis with sensors, actuators and necessary software to allow for easy integration with existing robotic equipment, software and curricula. In particular, it was designed for use in intermediate and advanced undergraduate robotics courses and undergraduate research projects in robotics.


Design Construction And Testing Of A Flying Prey Simulator, Max L. Balter Jun 2012

Design Construction And Testing Of A Flying Prey Simulator, Max L. Balter

Honors Theses

The goal of this research project is to investigate the neuronal control of flying prey interception in dragonflies by designing, constructing, and programming an apparatus to simulate the complex motions of a flying insect. Our three-dimensional motion device is capable of mimicking a flying insect by moving a small bead accurately up to speeds of 1 m/s in any direction. Dragonflies are efficient aerial predators that can intercept and capture small insects in flight. Our stimulus device will be used to determine the way in which dragonfly neurons encode information about object movement in three dimensions. Sinusoidal position tracking experiments …


In Vivo Characterization Of Deformation Fields In Hypertense Amphibian Hearts Using The Speckle Image Photogrammetry Technique, Mcolisi Dlamini Jun 2012

In Vivo Characterization Of Deformation Fields In Hypertense Amphibian Hearts Using The Speckle Image Photogrammetry Technique, Mcolisi Dlamini

Honors Theses

Hypertension, a major cardiovascular disease, is one of the most prevalent and death causing disease worldwide. In the US, over 70 million adults have high blood pressure, that is, 1 in 3. A prolonged state of hypertension cause damages to the brain cells, the kidneys and can lead to a stroke. This research studies the biomechanical response of amphibian hearts in vivo when in hypertensive. A normotensive state is used as the control. Hypertension is induced by injecting a saline fluid directly into the heart ventricle using a syringe. The response of the heart is characterized by monitoring surface deformation …


Secondary Droplet Breakup In Periodic Aerodynamic Flows Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Krystle Gallo Jun 2012

Secondary Droplet Breakup In Periodic Aerodynamic Flows Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Krystle Gallo

Honors Theses

Combustion instability is characterized by periodic fluctuations during the combustion process. Such instabilities can cause a reduction in engine performance and damage to engine components. In liquid fueled combustion, some types of combustion instability may be driven by changes in fuel droplet size distribution. The fuel droplet size distribution can be changed if the original or “primary” fuel droplets are broken apart by the flow. This is called secondary droplet breakup. The smaller drops that are created during breakup are consumed more rapidly and increase the energy release rate, which may act as a sustaining force of the instability. Currently, …


Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Hvac Optimization, Jessica Hartl Apr 2012

Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle Hvac Optimization, Jessica Hartl

Honors Theses

The objective of the proposed project is to convert the current heating ventilating and air conditioning system, or HVAC system, on the plug in hybrid Toyota Prius into a completely electric system. As the vehicle is now, the gas engine is required to provide heat loss for the forced air heating system on extremely cold days. The data, which has been gathered over several years, shows a drop in MPG equivalence from approximately 100-120 MPG on ideal days (70° F) to about 50 MPG equivalence on cooler days. This problem can be solved by increasing the effectiveness of the HVAC …


Hydraulic Test Cell Power Recovery System, Peter M. Kanda Apr 2012

Hydraulic Test Cell Power Recovery System, Peter M. Kanda

Honors Theses

Wasted power during testing and development of fluid power components is a major concern due to the negative environmental impact and overall associated energy costs. This report describes a developmental hydraulic test stand and several configurations that could result in recovering wasted power. In this test stand, a hydraulic pump capable of 300 horsepower and above is in the design stages within the testing facilities at FEMA Corporation. The pump contained on this test stand will be designed to create a flow that would simulate what a customer directional control valve would see in a real-world application. The standard hydraulic …


Optimization Of An Airboat Design, Adam P. Leppek Apr 2012

Optimization Of An Airboat Design, Adam P. Leppek

Honors Theses

Airboats are a common recreational vehicle in southern regions of the United States. A functional prototype of an airboat design was constructed utilizing the manufacturing processes and components available to gain knowledge and experience with the design process. The hull, rudder framework, seating structure, propeller shroud, drive train, and drive unit framework were fabricated at a machine shop. Remaining components were purchased, such as the engine, rudders, and propeller. Welders, mills, lathes, band saws, grinders, hydraulic presses, and power tools were employed in the construction. Drive train and drive unit framework was designed and analyzed using RomaxDesigner, a simulation software …