Digital Commons Network^™

Additive Manufactured Formula Sae Brake Caliper, Auston Obringer, Robert Kucera, Steven Massarelli, Jared John, Michael Finer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In a world where innovation has become the new norm, automobiles can often be found at the forefront of that movement. Each and every year there are new innovations and concepts that push modern day technology to the edge of what is physically possible. This can be seen from every aspect of these automobiles ranging from the conceptual stage all the way to production.

Most of these advancements have been made possible with the new technology that has become available on the manufacturing side of the designs. Instead of being constrained by what is possible on your average 3 to …

Judo Wearable, Alison Waugh, Natalie Masters

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Design a wearable sensor array to determine if a judo throw fulfills the requirements to win a match

Feasibility Of Additive Manufacturing For Vibration Isolation Systems, Matthew Youngblood, Christian Velo, Gary Facemyer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

During transport sensitive payloads can become subject to a multitude of vibration or shock environments that can lead to damage. Using only additive manufacturing we seek to design an isolation system that can provide enough vibration and shock damping to properly protect the payload. Using modern FEA software we were able to quickly analyze a variety of solutions and determine the best one. Based on the results we have achieved through analysis, as well as pushing the manufacturing capabilities of 3D printers, we believe it is plausible to use additive manufacturing to create a fully capable vibration isolation system.

Mini Baja Cvt Optimization, Emily Masa, Alec Bagley, Kyle Fertig, David Gao, Noah Cook

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project is to design and optimize an eCVT setup for The University of Akron’s Zips Baja SAE car. The current CVT is a centrifugal CVT which changes its gear ratio through a series of weights and springs, while an eCVT uses a motor to change the gear ratio.The advantage of an eCVT is that the motor can be programmed to adjust in real-time based on the engine rpm. A centrifugal CVT can only be tuned ahead of time. It is necessary to compare the new acceleration performance to a tuned centrifugal CVT to determine if it …

Design And Analysis Of One-Piece 10” Carbon Fiber Wheels For Zips Racing Zr20 Formula Sae Racecar, Patrick Kruse, Henry J. Wathen, Jordan J. Hyde, Nicholas D. Dobben, Jordan D. Blake

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Reducing the weight of a vehicle in racing can substantially improve the vehicle dynamics and general performance capabilities. More specifically, the reduction of the unsprung corner weight can provide noticeable performance gains in handling and responsiveness, leading to a quicker, more agile car due to a lower yawing moment of inertia. Unsprung weight reduction also improves the car’s ability to maintain contact between the tires and the road surface for a more consistent grip. In this project we identified the loads that act on the wheel rims according to the data collected from the sensors in the car’s suspension, and …

Road Racing Aerodynamic Simulation + Testing, Jack Sawyer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

There are multiple goals for this project. The first goal of this project is to design, assemble and simulate additional aerodynamic components. Another goal is to create a product that can analyze various angles of attack of Aerodynamic components. The product will be used on, or off the track to determine the lift coefficients of vehicles at varying speeds. I will be using my 1992 Honda Civic for testing and compare my physical results to my simulated tests.

The project did come with a list of design and manufacturing challenges along with additional finical cost which has resulted in some …

Implementation Of An Autonomous Guided Vehicle (Agv), Allen St. Myers, Alan Miller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report thoroughly represents a proposal to AAM Metal Forming Minerva for the implementation of an AGV (Autonomous Guided Vehicle) Unit. Our recommendations are made with consideration to existing manufacturing processes and demonstrate how using an AGV would be a net positive investment for the company. By first examining the current operating costs, a three-tiered proposal is tailored based on increasing investment cost. Each tier increase encompasses the previous tiers’ proposed improvements while also growing in complexity and investment cost. The results of our research indicate that our Tier 2 proposal will provide the most benefit to our facility now …

A Low-Cost Face Mask Detection System, Joshua Curtis, Logan Mospens, David Nelson, Sumner Wilson, Adam Kilo

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In this project we approached the problem of developing a computer-based system which can identify whether people in images are wearing masks or not. To do so, we divided the project into two primary research areas: hardware and software. The hardware team inspected camera solutions and data gathering efforts on campus to assist the software training of the machine learning model. The software team learned how to work with machine learning by using TensorFlow and Python to use transfer learning to develop a model that will quickly detect if someone was wearing a mask or not.

Rust Preventative Spray Varnish Verification And Nozzle Development, Dakota Snyder, Collin Whitely, Stephen Patrick, William Mccullough

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This document details the research and selection of five rust preventative spray varnishes that were to be tested. These varnishes are known as the five materials. The materials underwent rust testing and in-depth analysis to see which protects against rust the best. In addition, the document reports on the construction of a prototype self-contained, automated spray varnishing unit.

Zips Precious Plastics: Plastic Extruder, Patrick Cole

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project's goal was to design and build an affordable desktop filament extruder that can precisely and consistently extrude filament to a certain tolerance acceptable for 3D printers using wasted printing material. The group is partnering with an on campus organization focusing on engineering applications for sustainable futures. Zips Precious Plastics is a student run design group that intends to bring an innovation space on campus to help educate students about the importance of a closed looped system within plastic manufacturing.

Snug Fit Crescent Wrench, Jacob M. Miterko, Michael E. Buchbinder, Gavin J. Griffith, Andrew J. Jarrett

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The most commonly used brand of adjustable wrench, a Crescent Wrench, dates back to the early nineteen hundreds. The tolerances associated with the adjustable wheel used by the most common adjustable wrench designs allow the position of the lower jaw to vary while using the tool. These undesired fluctuations in the position of the lower jaw make it difficult to adjust the wrench to the desired position and keep it in position once the desired position is set.

The proposed adjustable wrench design addresses the tolerance issues by constraining the lower jaw with a new mechanism. The mechanism makes minor …

Human Powered Vehicle Internal Systems Design, Zachary Broadbent, Jordan Boos, Patrick Gaertner, Caleb Miner

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The objective of this design project is to redesign the seat and steering system for the Human Powered Vehicle Team. The goal of the seat design is too improve ergonomics by making it more comfortable and adjustable. In making the seat adjustable, it will be easier for drivers to achieve an optimal efficiency when pedaling. The aim for steering will be to improve the ergonomics as well as performance by analyzing steering systems in the past and evaluating how each design was successful and for what reason. Another main goal of the steering system will be improving the stability and …

Enhancement Of The Syncardia Total Artificial Heart For Pediatric Use, Margaret Clark, Madison Marks

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Pediatric patients with disorders and diseases of the heart have limited options with regards to implantable devices. Many of these implants are ventricular assist devices, which is not always suitable for a patient. Total artificial hearts (TAHs) have supported many adult patients until transplantation, and we believe that they could do the same for pediatric patients. SynCardia has the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved TAH devices. Since SynCardia is the only company with FDA approved TAHs, we decided to modify the design of the SynCardia TAH for use in pediatric patients without compromising the function of the current …

Quickcut Cnc Waterjet Cutter, Kelly V. Robbins

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This design project was dedicated to improving the existing design and making functional the QuickCut CNC Waterjet Cutter. The scope of work consisted of making the machine mobile and more structurally stable as well as programming the CNC controls. The project was started in the 2018/19 school year by a former mechanical engineering student. The subsystems consist of the frame, power, motor, water pump and associated plumbing, nozzle, abrasive feed system, x/y gantry, Arduino control system and the cutting bed. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the full scope was not able to be completed in its entirety.

Akron Honey- Honey Infuser, Niklas Hilmoe, Timothy Snider, Richard Bitzel, Preston Fillman

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The initiative for this project was created by the local business, Akron Honey, who has recently developed a new product line called ‘honeytune’. The basis of the product line is the addition of active ingredients to the natural honey. Currently, they are using a 20 gallon traditional honey extractor to mix the ingredients with the honey. This extractor uses a variable speed motor which causes a long mixing time. Also, the extractor is made of heavy stainless steel which lacks mobility of the machine. This process is tedious and inefficient and therefore, needs improvement. They would like a large scale …

Custom 3d Printed Orthotic, Dakota Kirtley, Andrew Wiles

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this senior design projet is to develop a cutsom 3D printed orthotic shoe insert. Pressure mapping, laser scanning, and 3D modeling will be used to create a truly custom orthotic for each foot. Pressure mapping will give the weight distribution on an individual's food and the laser scanner will give the x-y coordinates of the foot. these two together will be used to generate a a 3D model which will then be 3D printed to create a custom orthotic. Research and material testing will also be done to determine the best material type to be used in …

A Commercial Apartment Complex, Kathleen A. George

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Within this project the similarities and differences of new and used heating, cooling, and plumbing systems and equipment will be compared and contrasted in depth. Doing so would help further knowledge and understanding of the design field and help to foster quicker decision making in an educated way. The questions to be answered are: in which stage of this project did the client have the best equipment (the high-end outcome) and why, in which stage did they have the cheapest equipment (the low-end outcome) and why, in which stage did they have the best equipment while also being cost efficient …

Medical Device For Loading Of Knee At Differing Angles, Alex Dragota

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Abstract

This was a design report for a device that would be used in patellar instability research. The device would be used inside an MRI machine and allow the patient to adjust the angle of their knee to the desired position.

Methods: Solidworks was used in the design process to model and to simulate the strength of the components used. The Solidworks simulation software allowed for a better understanding of the strength of individual components and the strength of the full device. Complexity of operating the device while inside an MRI machine were taken into account by using animations of …

Integrated Dentistry Face Shield, Noah Glass

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Currently, the United States and the entire world is experiencing a global pandemic that has drastically changed the way we go about our everyday lives. Dr. Pavlik, a local dentist is one such person who has had to alter his normal dentistry routine to one of extreme caution while working on patients. His day to day job puts him at a high risk of being exposed to Covid-19 by actively working in patients’ mouths at proximity. Dr. Pavlik’s current dentistry equipment is lackluster in its compatibility with his safety equipment. To help minimize exposure to Covid-19 for Dr. Pavlik and …

Pediatric Blood Calculator, Richard Desatnik

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This paper outlines an expert system based solution for calculating the optimal amount of blood draw from infants to carry out critical tests requested by the attending clinicians. The solution is a hand-held device with a user-friendly interface that allows a meaningful two-way conversation between the clinician and the pathology office. Based on the tests being requested, the calculator determines the minimum amount of blood required in the different vials based on a smart expert system. This removes the uncertainty that is prevalent today in the amount of blood required to do all the tests, since in some cases there …

Table Top Dome Tester, Travis Bernard, Sarah Kassinger, Amanda O'Reilly, Scott Salerno

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Erichsen Cupping Test was used as a basis to design a dome tester. The intention of a dome tester is to test sheet metal material properties in all directions. This was done by clamping a piece of sheet metal and using a piston and hydraulic press to punch through the material. The force used to punch the material and the height of the deforming material can be gathered and the sheet metal properties can then be calculated. At the end of the project the team was able to successfully design and manufacture a hydraulic dome tester. However, due to …

Ideal Lacrosse Stick, Josh Beck, Tyler Skoloda, Noah Reed, Stanley Dembosky

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project is focused on the design of a new and innovative lacrosse stick. Our main points of focus will be the strength and durability of the head. As well as solving some of the problems that exist in existing equipment. These problems were identified by interviewing experienced players at the college level. Benefits would include a stronger head that is easier to use for a player on the field to do things like pass, catch, shoot, and field ground balls in an optimal manner. Normally players will have to purchase new heads every season as a result of warping …

Solar-Powered Exploration Of The Venus Atmosphere, Marc Migliozzi, Cory Everman, Rebecca Buerhle, Umar Muhammed, Steven Abbate, Chase Champagne

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The objective of this study was to design a solar powered, unmanned aircraft to orbit in the upper Venus atmosphere and search for signs of alien life. Topics of flight conditions, signs of life, basic mission plan, source of power, design process, instrumentation, and final designs are covered. Solar energy is ideal for this type of mission because it is the only reliable and abundant energy source accessible for long term space travel. The target altitude, being 60 to 70 km, has winds of up to 95 m/s. The aircraft will need to remain stable under such conditions. Due to …

Zips Electric Racing Suspension Design, Christopher Thompson, Madison Hughes, Erikah Jackson, Anna Signorino

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

As a member of the 2020 Zips Electric Racing Design Team, I will design the suspension subsystem with three other members. Specifically concentrating on the steering and suspension mounting points, we will optimize and improve some components from the previous year's design. Modeling of components will be done in Solidworks and suspension vehicle behavior will be modeled in MATLAB and Optimum Kinematics.

Tabletop Mechanical Tester, Jamie Dombroski, Brian English, Richard Leffler, Andrew Shirk

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The need for hands-on and face-to-face experiences in the engineering classroom is very great. The equations, principles, and concepts can all be learned, but without the visual and tactile application, these don’t always sink in or become concrete. A small-scale tensile test machine was designed, sourced, manufactured, and tested for the purpose of being applied in classroom settings to provide this experience to engineering students. Extensive research was performed concerning tensile machines on the market, the essential elements of which are the load cell, grips, crosshead, extensometer, motor, and frame. The raw materials for the frame were purchased and drawings …

Mini Baja Frame Analysis, Jacob Swanson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of our senior design project is to optimize the Baja frame to reduce its weight and material cost while keeping the required rigidity. Through force analysis we will be able to determine if any rigidity is lost by removing a set of tubes (figure 1), along with the other forces seen by the frame. If it is found that the frame rigidity is still within the determined factor of safety, 2, then we will be able to reduce the frame weight and the number of tubes that make up the frame. Along with force analysis, we will use …

Leveling-Position Platform Cart, Brice Hutchison

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

For this project, Schaeffler reached out to students at the University of Akron to design an ergonomic pushcart for their operators. Operators at the plant must bend down to pick up or place torque converter components on and off the current carts. To solve this design issue, compression springs and tension springs were researched. The research found that compression springs were the more feasible design. After the design approach was selected, calculations were made, so spring parameters could be selected. The calculations found the proper spring design to use, and they conveyed the possible buckling of the springs if they …

Autonomous Guided Vehicle Frame For Outdoor Use, Thomas Mcgrath

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The overall goal for my project is to design a durable Autonomous Guided Vehicle (AGV) frame intended for carrying a heavy load over outdoor terrain. I will not be designing a complete vehicle, only the basic structure that can be used to build a complete AGV on. There will be complete 3D models of the design and its individual parts. I also would like to provide limited Finite Element Analysis of the design using ANSYS software to determine weaknesses and methods for improvement. The design I create is meant to be used as a framework for complete outdoor AGV designs. …

Rinse Tank Salinity Automation, George Pahoundis

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Manufacturing processes are often consisted of many different processes and sub-processes. Each of these carries its own level of importance and impact to the overall picture. In this particular sub-process, salt is rinsed from a product via a rinse tank: a tank whose salinity may not exceed a certain level and whose temperature must not fall below a certain level. This setting is a prime opportunity to implement an automated control system to allow these parameters to be met with upmost efficiency. With potential savings in excess of $20,000 per year and an estimated payback period of 8 weeks, the …

Zips Electric - Cooling System, Guan-Bok Kwok

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

I am working with Zips Electric Racing to design a new cooling system for the ZER-20 car. The new cooling system will be more efficient and effective than the current design. We will investigate lighter materials with better thermal conductivity. Flow rate will also be optimized to meet the system’s needs. Also calculations and testing will be completed to determine if a fan is necessary. To adapt to the new proposed chassis, it is likely that the radiator must be mounted outside of the frame. If this is necessary, we will also design composite side pods to conceal and direct …