Engineering Commons^™

Creating A Power System For A Robot, Nolan Hays

Scholars Week

I will be describing the process of creating the power system for the robot that will be competing in the 2023 IEEE Hardware Competition.

Autonomous Control And Signal Acquisition System, Rion Krampe

Scholars Week

Dr. Bunget has an autonomous control and signal acquisition system that he wants to be repaired and improved upon. This requires that we identify the current issues with the system and repair them as well as make innovations to the system to meet customer needs. The position control needs to be autonomous, and the acquisition of the oscilloscope signal and the transducer position needs to be synchronous. The user should be able to control the position, speed, and how often the signals are captured. The waveform of the scan should be appended into a spreadsheet. The system code also needs …

An Ergonomic Analysis Of Ingredient Batching In A Dairy Bottling Facility, Hayden Johnson, Laila Elhidmi

Scholars Week

Dairy production facilities rely on batching operators to unload palletized ingredients and mix them to meet ingredient specifications. Batching operators in the dairy industry are frequently required to work for prolonged periods of time in awkward postures while performing repetitive and forceful exertions. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) typically impact workers’ performance and increase job discomfort. Such incidents are generally costly to employers as they often result in workers compensation claims and increased insurance premiums. The purpose of this study was to characterize the ergonomic risk factors associated with commonly performed batching processes and evaluate possible solutions to reduce exposure to …

Signal Processing Demo: A Web Based Interactive Simulation Tool For Continuous-Time Signals And Systems, Michael Mcfadden

Scholars Week

Continuous Signals and System classes are often taught through a very theoretical approach. This approach entails large mathematical derivations of complex concepts, without applying practical hands on application of how the underlying math affects real world situations. To assist in the theoretical content, showcasing the application of the classroom theory, a web-based simulation tool was developed using MATLAB’s App Designer Toolbox. This simulation tool covers some of the foundational fundamentals in continuous-time signals and systems classes, such as frequency spectrum analysis, amplitude modulation/demodulation and the impacts of filtering.

Standing Up For Ergonomics, Erica Eggeman, Joeli Funderburke

Scholars Week

After long hours in the computer lab, students from the manufacturing engineering program began studying the ergonomic conditions of the high traffic computer labs. Existing literature was reviewed to examine similar studies in offices and universities. Research involving health risks related to prolonged periods of sitting was surveyed to determine if WWU engineering students were at risk. The research conducted included RULA (rapid upper limb assessment) and ROSA (rapid office strain assessment) analyses of current desk design compared to analyses of proposed designs. Students who regularly use the workstations were surveyed to gather information about the student's major, their year …

Reducing Flagging And Fraying In Composite Sandwich Panel Machining, Stefan Kutz, Georgia Donaldson

Scholars Week

This is a collaboration of Western faculty, students, and Zodiac Aerospace Cabin Interiors in the investigation of refining one of the company's key manufacturing processes. This problem was analyzed with the use of high speed videography to view the cutting mechanics from a new perspective. The team discovered a variety of machining strategies for the company to implement and improve the efficiency of their production in the work towards eliminating secondary processes.

Fishing With Geographic Information Systems, James L. Freeman

Scholars Week

Title: Fishing With Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

Author: Lance Freeman

Mentor: Dr. Haluk Cetin

This study was conducted to utilize multiple geographic information systems (GIS) applications for specific parts of Kentucky Lake and Lake Barkley. Using Lowrance Insight Genesis, along with topographical maps to help utilize time on the water keeping fisherman in the areas they want to target for specific types of cover and structure to help catch what they are after. Most of this information had to come from typical seasonal patterns and research into a lakes history as to how it was made, along with what is …

The Development Of A Spin Coater For Under $100, Andrew Lore

Scholars Week

This project was created to address the need of an inexpensive spin coater for students and researchers. The chosen solution includes, the use of an Arduino UNO to control a computer cooling fan motor, the creation of a solvent resistant housing to contain excess solvent during a spin coating cycle, a suitable housing for the electronics, build instructions to create additional units and operation instructions.