Engineering Commons^™

Architectural Paint Tank Cleaning, Callie Ruppen

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Architectural paint is highly susceptible to bacterial contamination, so material preservative ingredients are added during production to prevent bacterial contamination which can lead to wet-state spoilage of paint. In recent years however, paint formulations have reduced or eliminated volatile organic compounds (VOC) and regulations on the use of material preservative ingredients have been increased, reducing the use of traditional material preservatives. As a result, the coating industry must focus on improving microbial control through manufacturing hygiene programs including process tank cleaning and sanitization. While requirements for tank cleaning are clearly outlined in standard operating procedures (SOPs) and internal standards, there …

Running Shoe Pedometer, Benjamin Kasper

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Running shoe pedometer aims to solve the issue of worn out running shoes. It can be difficult to know just how many miles you have run in your shoes and when a new pair is needed. Running in old shoes and worn out shoes is heavily linked to injury. My proposed project is a device that is powered by the compressive forces on the shoes soles that counts the number of steps the wearer takes using a microcontroller. Then, when the shoe reaches milestone that indicate it has been used 75% 90% and 100% of its expected life, it will …

Defining The Proper Operating Time For The Septa Extractor, Abigail Jones

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Anionic polymerizations are a common type of reaction used to produce synthetic rubber. During these reactions, it is necessary to charge initiators, modifiers, and other substances, through pressurized containers that are sealed with rubber septa. These septa prevent oxygen and moisture from entering the pressurized container, and the reactor, though they need to be cleaned before use to remove other impurities. Currently a glass Soxhlet Extractor is used to remove such impurities, and though effective, it has a limited capacity, so it has to run frequently. This limitation led to the commissioning of the Septa Extractor, which is an automated …

Design Of Force Indicator For Ballistic Armor Trauma Pad, William Keenan, Anthony Cinalli, Patrick Kennedy

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of the Force Indicator for Ballistic Armor Vests is to obtain an approximate value for the impact a bullet delivers through a trauma pad after the Kevlar layer stops the initial bullet. This approximation will be applied in the field to assist in medical treatment of gunshot wounds. The indicator is made from a pressure-sensitive film located behind the Kevlar layer and trauma pad, and it can be easily removed in the field for examination. The impact vest and force indicator are self-contained for ease of implementation. The device will be tested with 9mm, .22 Long Rifle, and …

A Study On Crash Reduction Of A Signalized Intersection Converted To A Multi-Lane Roundabout, Ian Fuller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

An analysis of traffic patterns and design issues with East Main Street in Kent, Ohio. Including potential improvements.

Neonatal Intraocular Injection And Delivery System, Nina Treacher, Cory Ramsey, Marie Kosco, Jackson Carrell

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The proposed project is a way to deliver liquid medicine into the neonatal eye to prevent retinal detachment with lower risk for bacterial infection and drug misplacement. Currently, ophthalmologists use diabetic needles to introduce medication to the neonate eye. They estimate the injection location with hand-held calipers. This may allow the medicine to be misplaced from poor needle placement and introduce preventable error. The goal is to improve the delivery system ophthalmologists currently use by investigating ways to alter or enhance commonly used injection systems to make the procedure safer and more effective.

Analysis Of Plastic Pyrolysis Oil Separation Using Chemcad, Brian Berish, Juliana Mcgaffic

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Excessive plastic waste is a massive global issue. Plastic pyrolysis is a process of melting plastic in the absence of oxygen to create an wax-oil type substance called pyrolysis oil. This project will use a ChemCAD simulation to perform a distillation of a predetermined plastic pyrolysis oil into usable products. Heat integration will be used to construct a heat exchanger network and estimate utility usage. Sizing and costing of all equipment will be calculated and an overall cost analysis of the completed simulation will be performed to determine the economic viability of plant construction. Market research for potential products will …

Side Cutting Biopsy Needle For Endoscopes, Cade Smarr, Ella B. Brinkman, Christine Skakun, Vincent Grosso

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Develop a side cutting biopsy needle that fits through the working channel of the endoscope similar to stereotactic needle with syringe suction to overcome the small biopsy samples due to instrument size limitations. The problem users are facing is that the biopsy samples through the endoscope are small secondary to instrument size limitations. The idea for this problem is to develop a side cutting biopsy needle that fits through the working channel of the endoscope similar to stereotactic needle, syringe suction.

Coolant Capability Study, Christina Grassi

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The scope of my project is a capability study on different coolants used in manufacturing plants. From this study, the coolant qualities and impact on the manufacturing process will be evaluated in that process and will be documented as a changed standard at the Timken company. Since coolants are sometimes the only fluid on the surface of the parts being manufactured, the rust preventative capabilities will also be studied and evaluated through humidity cabinet testing with and without spiking the coolant with chlorides and sulfates. This project will be carried out on my co-op rotation with the Timken company so …

Furniture Mover, Zachariah Burkhardt, Gary Mucciarone, Gino Mucciarone, Juan Soto, David Kotyk

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The movement of furniture is an often overlooked pain point for physically-challenged individuals, especially when rearranging furniture in a room. These individuals may try to minimize the risk of tip-over or strain-related injuries by seeking assistance from others. Still, some individuals are limited in finding volunteers forthcoming and capable of helping. This can lead to a dilemma of either being able to find individuals willing to assist in the process or risking one’s own personal safety when moving furniture. The proposed design project implements the use of multiple, independent platforms with mecanum wheels placed underneath each corner of a piece …

Safe Kids Car, Nathan Keenan, Jackson Piper, Kyle Law, Anthony Meniru

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The main goal of this project is to retrofit toy vehicles, such as Powerwheels cars, with safety systems that can protect the driver and those around the driver. Such systems will include lights, including headlights and taillights, and an automatic braking system, which will activate in the face of an inevitable collision. The system will also work with the driver to prevent collisions, providing warnings of impending danger.

Keywords: toy vehicles, collision detection, collision avoidance, automatic braking system, DC motors, automatic headlights.

Comparing Weathering Effects Of Ultraviolet And Xenon Arc Accelerated Aging On Polyvinyl Chloride, Collin Mcinnes

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

As the ubiquitousness of polymers increases and begins seeing use in outdoor settings, the need to fully understand how these materials degrade is also necessary. This study aims to compare two known accelerated aging methods, namely an ultraviolet light chamber and a xenon arc light chamber, to understand what differences, if any, manifest in the mechanical, chemical, and cosmetic deterioration of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) after long-term exposure. The study utilizes Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, thermogravimetric analysis, and colorimetry analysis to determine the extent of degradation and potential discrepancies between the aging methods.

Enhancing Dental Aligners With Direct 3d Printing Manufacturing, Erin Clark, Lauren Ickes, Tyler Madison

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Replacement of thermoforming with direct 3d printed aligners, molding appliances for dental and alveolar movement. Currently the process involved requires 3d printing models and plastic thermoforming, trimming and polishing to fabricate the end product. If possible a product that could be 3d printed that had stress retention, crack resistance, and stain resistance properties delivered in thickness between .030 and .040 inches.

Dupont Seal Mold Assembly Machine, Brett Biederman, Craig Hanchett, Matthew Chilton

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Seal Assembly Machine is a custom-built device that is designed to seat a thin polymer part between two mating pieces of metal tooling. To meet the specifications of the sponsor, the Seal Assembly machine must perform its function more quickly and accurately than manual labor at the same task. At the time of compiling this report, the machine is not yet functional due to time constraints.

Human Powered Vehicle Team Challenge, Sydney Nedlik, Spencer Brodie, Maria Griffin, William Schell, Ryan Serraglio

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Design and build a Human Powered Vehicle in a team of five. Compete at the ASME HPVC competition in March of 2022. Re-establish the Human Powered Vehicle Team at the University of Akron.

Comparing Galvanic Corrosion Rates Predicted From Polarization Curves With Empirical Data From A Carbon Steel And Monel Couple For A Various Geometries, Michael Hinnebusch

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The objective of this investigation was to compare the galvanic corrosion rate of carbon steel C1018 and Monel K-500 alloy in a bolt and plate geometry to that derived using Tafel plots. This was achieved using carbon steels sheets of steel with a pair of with varying the number of Monel bolts and varying spacing. It was found that the carbon steel plates do not corrode uniformly. This can create issues when using Polarization curves to assume galvanic corrosion rate of a carbon steel and Monel system. The geometry of the bolts can further affect this corrosion rate and make …

Co2 Based Parachute Deployment, Anthony M. S. Settlemier, Nicholas Motter

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This paper describes the design process of a CO2 based parachute deployment system for the Akronauts Rocket Design team, with particular emphasis on the selection of methodologies of deployment as well as design iteration. The objective was to create a fully mechanical system in order to replace the black powder based systems that were used previously by the team.

Emphasis was put in creating a system that would function well at higher altitudes while also preventing damage to the parachute during deployment. This system emphasizes robustness under launch conditions.

Matlab Model To Predict Liquid Hydrogen Spill Characteristics And Safety, Amy Gravenstein

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The potential of using liquid hydrogen for propulsion is often undermined due to its perilous nature. Hydrogen has a wide flammability range when mixed with air (4.0 - 75.0% hydrogen) and a low ignition energy (0.019 mJ). Liquid hydrogen adds to this high risk as a cryogenic fluid that is to be maintained below -22 K. A liquid hydrogen model has been created in MATLAB that can model various spill scenarios from cryogenic liquid hydrogen vessels. This model takes into consideration the spill rate, spill temperature, air temperature, duration of spill, and air flow conditions to calculate the mass accumulation, …

Amino-Polymer For Co2 Capture By Vacuum Swing Adsorption, Sean Billy

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The applications of sorbent compounds in conjunction with amines and other additives is an innovative method at combating CO2 pollution. An ideal solution would use an amine sorbent to trap the high levels of absorbed CO2 with a low binding energy (less than 45 kJ/mol) and subsequently release them into a stored vessel at ambient temperature with a vacuum swing adsorption system. Attempts at finding a best mixture will be conducted through the usage of a vacuum swing system, utilizing a bed syringe containing the sorbent mix and a vacuum syringe to pull on and subsequently release the CO2 into …

Electrochemical Chloride Removal, Marcus Yudt

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Electrochemical chloride removal (ECR) was tested to see its effectiveness in preventing corrosion on rebar samples within 3.5 wt% sodium chloride concrete. In order to do this, three scenarios were evaluated using electrochemical techniques such as cyclic potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectrsoscopy as well as visual inspections. The three scenarios that were evaluated were one with no chlorides present within the concrete, one that was a worst-case scenario where extreme pitting and corrosion were initiated, and one that had chlorides present and received the ECR treatment. Cyclic polarization curves showed that the ECR and reference without chlorides had similar …

Fuel System To Envelope Interface, James Campbell

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

*NOTE THIS PROJECT IS CONFIDENTIAL*

In this project, I will investigate solutions to interfacing a fuel system with a fabric skin section

Innovated Manual Wheelchair Propulsion, Jacob Eveleth, Abigail Steineman, James Murray, Garrett Best

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project is to provide a manual wheelchair propulsion system that provides an easier way of moving the chair for the user. Our already-defined set of constraints and goals provides a clear end-goal for our group in accomplishing this task. We plan to have a 3D CAD model of the design by the end of the Spring 2022 semester. The first half of the Fall 2022 semester will be dedicated to developing a plan for prototyping, and the second half of the semester we plan to have the prototype created for use. So far, we have utilized …

Induction Brazing, Austin Squire, Scott Compton, Logan Hathaway, Michael Fleming

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Our team would like to research and explore ways of designing a portable device that uses induction heating/brazing to connect two exhaust pipes together.

Analysis Of Road Use Maintenance Agreements (Rumas), Anna Cermak

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A Road Use Maintenance Agreement, also known as a RUMA, is an agreement made between a government entity and a business to put in place the set of rules that will guide the responsibilities of the business regarding the use of the entity's roads (Road use maintenance agreements RUMA, 2020). This specific type of road maintenance agreement is popularly used in the state of Ohio a the time. Most other states still operate on older ways of thinking, not capitalizing on the industry that in their area, therefore causing their road infrastructure and economies to suffer. A template agreement was …

Cathodic Protection, Michaela Schaber

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This Honors Research Project explores cathodic protection of reinforcing steel in concrete. It uses NACE SP0408-201 Cathodic Protection of Reinforcing Steel in Buried or Submerged Concrete Structures as the guidelines for experiments and supporting literature. An economic analysis will be included to fulfill Design requirements. Different voltage and other applications will be explored to determine the lowest obtainable cost-efficient corrosion rate. The method of cathodic protection focused on for this project is impressed current cathodic protection.

Penetration Testing In A Small Business Network, Lee Kandle

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Penetration testing on a business network consisting of three routers, one switch, and one computer. Access Control Lists (ACLs) on the routers act as the firewall(s) for the network. 10 of the twelve ACLs do not deny any form of traffic to reflect the lax security standards common in small networks. Router 1 acts as the primary router of the Attacker/Pen Tester. Router 2 represents the edge router for the business and Router 3 is the inner router closest to end-user devices. Switch 1 is connected to Router 3 with one computer connected to the switch acting as an end-user. …

Photogrammetry Booth, Chidubem Igweagu

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This is a research type project that involves design, build and simulation sponsored by a faculty member in the Mechanical Engineering department. The title of the proposed project is Photogrammetry_Booth. A photo booth to have pets immobilized by taking an attention needs to be designed and manufactured. 4-6 cameras need to be installed to take photos simultaneously to represent the front, sides, back and arbitrary sides of a pet. An Arduino board and tablet will be installed to control cameras and user interface. The booth is mainly built by T-slotted frames and many functional and decorative parts will be precisely …

Schaeffler F-250 Bev Conversion: Power Electronics, Leslie Sawyer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report shows the work that was done on the power electronics system in the industry sponsored Schaeffler demonstration truck project. The goal of the project was to convert a combustion Ford F250 into a battery electric vehicle, while using as much Schaeffler technology as possible. After the vehicle is converted it will be used as a demonstration vehicle to show potential investors. While this project is still in progress, the work that was done during this time was substantial to the development of this project. Progress that has been made on the power electronics system includes developments in selecting …

Development Of Co2 Capture Method Via Polyurethane-Amine Sorbent In Vsa, Samantha Starkey, David S. Rinehart

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

With increases in extreme weather and global temperatures, research is delving into CO₂ capture to help reverse climate change. This project explored utilizing vacuum swing adsorption (VSA) for CO₂ capture and release. VSA uses a sorbent, in this case amine sorbents, to capture CO­­₂ from air and subsequently removes it via vacuum. Polyurethane (PU) foam was investigated as a potential matrix for amine sorbents to increase exposure of CO₂ capturing amines to air by utilizing its porous structure. PU mixing studies were conducted to determine the feasibility of mixing PU foam with amines and coating foams …

Dirigible Anemometer Mount, Matthew Stanko

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Airships, like any other aircraft, require sensor inputs in order to fly. One type of sensor is the anemometer. This project outlines the development of a mounting system which would attach 2 ultrasonic anemometers to the bottom of an aircraft. The study follows the entire engineering process from requirement derivation through conceptual designs, testing, analysis, and verification. The details of this report are confidential and therefore cannot be disclosed.