Engineering Commons^™

Neural Network Fusion Of Multi-Modal Sensor Data For Autonomous Surface Vessels, David J. Thompson

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Autonomous surface vessels (ASV) can potentially improve the safety of vessels traditionally operated by humans. Despite advancements in autonomous on-road vehicles, many of these advancements have yet to be realized for ASVs. This is primarily due to lacking ASV sensing platforms and public datasets for ASV-based perception research. To that end, this dissertation demonstrates the design of a synchronized multi-modal sensing platform for ASVs utilizing GPS/INS, LiDAR, LWIR cameras, HDR camera, and high-resolution cameras. The sensing platform is designed to maximize the overlap of sensors for multi-modal research and provides accurate intrinsic and extrinsic calibration between each sensor. Furthermore, the …

Multi-Platform Suppressor Design Project, Wyatt A. Openshaw, Alex B. Chiples

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Multi-Platform suppressor is a design that is meant to bridge the gap in the suppressor market by being compatible and configurable with both rifle and pistol platform firearms. In the specific design and prototype referenced in this report, the Multi-Platform suppressor was designed to be used with 9mm pistol and 5.56x45mm rifle calibers with safety, effectiveness, and practicality in mind. To achieve this, the suppressor is configurable, utilizing a Nielsen device in the pistol configuration and a solid mount adapter that replaces the Nielson device piston and spring while in the rifle configuration. This allows the suppressor to retain …

Application Of Project Management Strategies And Tools For An Efficient And Successful Competition-Based Engineering Senior Capstone Design Project, Benton Duane Morris

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The industry-level engineering workforce for a project in modern times requires a clear plan and management process to execute the goals of the consumer and the producer. The engineers of tomorrow need the ability to be competitive and successful upon entry into the industry, where there have already been established management tactics for the execution of the company's goals. The mentality within the industry is adaptable to senior collegiate-level competition-based capstone projects. Therefore the West Virginia University EcoCAR Mobility Challenge team has adapted, altered, or adjusted industry-level practices in order to have an overall functioning and effective team that follows …

Rebar Impalement Safety, Spencer C. Nefores, Steven M. Hoover

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This project is sponsored by Webcor with the purpose of finding a better solution to rebar impalement safety. The current rebar impalement safety caps being used by Webcor were found to frequently fall off after being installed. This results in workers being exposed to the hazard for longer than desired. The research that has been done by the team showed that rebar impalement is a serious hazard and results in injury or death every year. Site visits and interviews were performed to aid in understanding the problem and designing solutions. The customer needs, current state of the problem, existing solutions, …

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 …

Autojack - Hydraulic Powertrain System, Tyce Vu

All Undergraduate Projects

A primary problem for mechanics and automotive enthusiasts is the risk associated with lifting and securing a vehicle with conventional jack stands. Often times, improper jack-stand installation results in the vehicle collapsing unexpectedly, causing injury and/or death. This problem can be minimized through the application of a newly re-designed vehicle lifting system. The conventional method for lifting cars is time consuming and can be unsafe in many circumstances. A better, safer, and more efficient lift design was needed; the AutoJack. The approach of the AutoJack design was entirely focused on the safety of lifting a vehicle. Safety was improved by …

3d Printed Soft Robotic Hand, Zack Kisner, Chris Szigeti, David Leonardo

Mechanical Engineering Senior Theses

Soft robotics is an emerging industry, largely dominated by companies which hand mold their actuators. Our team set out to design an entirely 3D printed soft robotic hand, powered by a pneumatic control system which will prove both the capabilities of soft robots and those of 3D printing. Through research, computer aided design, finite element analysis, and experimental testing, a functioning actuator was created capable of a deflection of 2.17” at a maximum pressure input of 15 psi. The single actuator was expanded into a 4 finger gripper and the design was printed and assembled. The created prototype was ultimately …

Slab Tipper, Thomas C. Durand

All Undergraduate Projects

Stone countertops are very heavy and fragile. When installing a finished countertop, up to six workers are required to lift the stone onto the countertop, risking their safety and possibly breaking the stone. The safety of both the workers and the stone are very important, so there needs to be a better way. NSI Solutions came up with an idea for a mechanism to aid in the insulation process while limiting the number of workers required, and keeping the workers safer while adequately supporting the stone to prevent it from breaking. Designing methods and calculations were done to ensure the …

Building Entry Flood Barrier, Richard Esker, Shannon Mccall, Andrew Udovich, Brian Foust

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this project is to develop a flood barrier that would resist flood water from entering through the doorways of a building. The goal is to mitigate extensive flooding within a structure. After the disastrous weather events that impacted American citizens late in the year of 2017, the team was inspired to develop a project to help disaster victims. Through extensive preliminary and market research, it was discovered that flooding is a serious issue that affects people all over the world. A product to stop flooding could benefit people in developed countries, but it could also help citizens …

Design For Safety: Characterization Of Structural Impact On Lithium-Ion Batteries, Mehdi Gilaki

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research is to develop a framework for design for safety of battery modules used in EV/HEV applications. Such a framework can enhance the crash safety of lithium-ion batteries by investigating prevailing failure mechanisms such as thermal runaway. The problem involves different scales from module level to laminate level. The multi-scale nature of the problem makes the analysis computationally complex and expensive. Furthermore, because of the risk of explosion, a battery testing apparatus needs special safety provisions making it difficult to test charged and ready-to-use battery cells. In this study, we have numerically investigated feasibility of using …

Initiating Event Analysis Of A Lithium Fluoride Thorium Reactor, Nicholas Charles Geraci

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study is to perform an Initiating Event Analysis for a Lithium Fluoride Thorium Reactor (LFTR) as the first step of a Probabilistic Safety Assessment (PSA). The major objective of the research is to compile a list of key initiating events capable of resulting in failure of safety systems and release of radioactive material from the LFTR.

Due to the complex interactions between engineering design, component reliability and human reliability, probabilistic safety assessments are most useful when the scope is limited to a single reactor plant. Thus, this thesis will study the LFTR design proposed by …

Wheelieking Trainer Project Report, Harold Hall Iii, Nathaniel Fox, Thomas Niemisto

Biomedical Engineering

In this report we will detail the design and implementation process of the WheelieKing Trainer project, a device that helps people learn how to do wheelies on a bicycle by preventing backward falls. Formal project requirements are specified, followed by the ideation and iteration process to meet those requirements. The components and methods used to create the device are described in detail. The results of the development process and usage test results of the device are included. Appendices at the end of this report include references, supporting analyses, and project management and timeline details.

Design Baseline Document: Mini Baja Frame, Michael Luke Scoggins

Undergraduate Honors Capstone Projects

Our objective as the Mini Baja Frame team is to design and implement a prototype vehicle frame that is both cost-effective and competitive in an all-terrain racing environment. This vehicle must be able to endure the trials of the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) Mini Baja competition. An effective frame will contribute to the complete Utah State University Mini Baja Team objectives by efficiently integrating the components produced by the drivetrain and the suspension engineers. In addition, this competition is a means for us as students to gain valuable, tangible experience in the engineering design process.

Electromagnetic Signal Feedback Control For Proximity Detection Systems, Adam K. Smith

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Coal is the most abundant fossil fuel in the United States and remains an essential source of energy. While more than half of coal production comes from surface mining, nearly twice as many workers are employed by underground operations.

One of the key pieces of equipment used in underground coal mining is the continuous mining machine. These large and powerful machines are operated in confined spaces by remote control. Since 1984, 40 mine workers in the U. S. have been killed when struck or pinned by a continuous mining machine. It is estimated that a majority of these accidents could …

Restraint System Design And Evaluation For Military Specific Applications, Sebastian Karwaczynski

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This research focuses on designing an optimal restraint system for usage in a military vehicle applications. The designed restraint system must accommodate a wide range of DHM’s and ATD’s with and without PPE such as: helmet, boots, and body armor. The evaluation of the restraint systems were conducted in a simulated vehicle environment, which was utilized to downselect the ideal restraint system for this program.

In December of 2011 the OCP TECD program was formulated to increase occupant protection. To do this, 3D computer models were created to accommodate the entire Soldier population in the Army. These models included the …

Communication Protocol Design Considerations For Highway Vehicle Platoons And Enhanced Networked Robustness By Stochastic Dithers, Lijian Xu

Wayne State University Dissertations

Highway platooning of vehicles has been identified as a promising framework in

developing intelligent transportation systems. By autonomous or semi-autonomous

vehicle control and inter-vehicle coordination, an appropriately managed platoon can

potentially offer enhanced safety, improved highway utility, increased fuel economy,

and reduced emission. This thesis is focused on quantitative characterization of impact

of communication information structures and contents on platoon safety. By

comparing different information structures which combine front sensors, rear sensors,

and wireless communication channels, and different information contents such

as distances, speeds, and drivers' actions, we reveal a number of intrinsic relationships

between vehicle coordination and communications in …

An Evaluation Of Attributes And Competencies For Manufacturing Engineering Technology Graduates, Loni S. Williamson

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study is to determine the required attributes and competencies required for a graduate from a manufacturing engineering technology baccalaureate program. A document called “Competencies of Manufacturing Engineering Technology Graduates” was compiled in October 2004. This document lists twelve attributes thought to be important for MET graduates: Leadership, Professionalism, Creativity and Problem Solving, Management, Materials, Processes, Quality, Systems, Design, Communication, Safety and Environmental Issues, and Global Awareness. Under each attribute is a list of five to seven competencies creating a total of seventy-three competencies for graduates of an MET baccalaureate program. This list of attributes and competencies …