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Articles 1 - 28 of 28
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Development Of A System To Quantify Perpendicular Forces Between The Foot And A Shoe, Samuel W. Barstow
Development Of A System To Quantify Perpendicular Forces Between The Foot And A Shoe, Samuel W. Barstow
Honors Theses
There are a variety of fit systems available in the outdoor footwear industry. Each of these fit systems tightens the shoe around the wearer’s foot in a different way. In this project an apparatus was developed to quantify perpendicular forces between the foot and a shoe. This apparatus utilized piezoresistive sensors that, when combined with an excitation voltage and an inverting operational amplifier, pass a voltage that is proportional to the force applied to the sensing area. A significant section of this project was dedicated to troubleshoot this apparatus in order to produce nearly linear calibration curves. The apparatus was …
Scalable Co-Evolution Of Soft Robot Properties And Gaits, Davis K. Knox
Scalable Co-Evolution Of Soft Robot Properties And Gaits, Davis K. Knox
Honors Theses
The field of soft robotics is very promising; applications in-clude urban search and rescue and covert surveillance, but these projects are not yet realized, partly because of the difficulties in soft robot shape and locomotion design. Be-cause of this, traditional design methods do not prove to be effective. This project attempts to come up with solu-tions to this soft robot design problem; utilizing a genetic algorithm, a computer simulation of Darwin’s “Survival of the Fittest,” this project attempts to make soft bodies move. This genetic algorithm evaluates each solution in simulation, and assigns each one a fitness based on distance …
Manual Rubber Sandal Press For Loisaba Kenya, Bridget N. Little
Manual Rubber Sandal Press For Loisaba Kenya, Bridget N. Little
Honors Theses
The goal of this project was to develop an inexpensive manual cutting machine to cut sandals out of recycled tires and industrial belt allowing poor Kenya villages to produce their own sandals that are durable enough to survive the rough terrain. In Kenya 56 percent of the population live in poverty, surviving on less than a dollar a day. Walking is the main mode of transportation and the majority of Kenyans can only afford second hand shoes that wear out easily on the unpaved roads. In developing this machine the goal was to make the machine affordable for a company …
Investigating Crack Propagation Of Pedot:Pss In An Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Solar Device, Kyle C. Abrahamson
Investigating Crack Propagation Of Pedot:Pss In An Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Solar Device, Kyle C. Abrahamson
Honors Theses
The Department of Mechanical Engineering at Union College in conjunction with the Department of Chemistry and Biological Sciences are presently involved in the research and development of thin film solar nanocomposites. The thin film solar nanocomposite solar devices offer a cheaper alternative to solar technology, however the efficiencies of these thin film solar devices are very low compared to their silicon-based counterparts. The group’s ultimate goal is to produce a flexible solar cell with efficiencies that are comparable to traditional silicon-based solar cells. The collaboration of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Union College has provided new insights that could …
Effects Of Superhydrophobic Aerogel Surface Coatings On Drag Reduction, Robin A. Barabasz
Effects Of Superhydrophobic Aerogel Surface Coatings On Drag Reduction, Robin A. Barabasz
Honors Theses
The objective of this project was to determine if superhydrophobic aerogel-based surface coatings have an effect on hydrodynamic drag. Superhydrophobic aerogels were fabricated using Union College’s patented rapid supercritical extraction technique. These aerogels were crushed and combined with a perfluorinated ion-exchange membrane to create a superhydrophobic coating that can be painted on to surfaces. These coatings are 250% aerogel by weight to Nafion in solution, and exhibit an average contact angle with water of 160°. An investigation of the aerogel powders and films using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) revealed that the most successful films had an average aerogel material …
Building An Electric Motorcycle: Design And Construction Of A Zero Roadside Emissions Vehicle, Maxwell K. Becton
Building An Electric Motorcycle: Design And Construction Of A Zero Roadside Emissions Vehicle, Maxwell K. Becton
Honors Theses
This report details the process of building an electric drive system for a motorcycle, and covers some of the background information necessary for a full understanding of the components involved and their functionality. Topics discussed in this paper are: power estimates, compressed air power, battery chemistries, battery management systems, battery chargers, electric motors, motor controllers, direct sprocket drive, frame modifications, part mounting, and wiring. These topics are discussed in the context in which they apply to the project build, which is a conversion of a street motorcycle to fully electric drive. The complete electric drive system which resulted from this …
Comparison Of Horizontal Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump Layouts For Optimal Performance And Thermal Efficiency, Elizabeth M. Bocchino
Comparison Of Horizontal Ground Source (Geothermal) Heat Pump Layouts For Optimal Performance And Thermal Efficiency, Elizabeth M. Bocchino
Honors Theses
This study investigates the difference in thermal efficiencies of horizontal ground source heat pump layouts through computer simulation and experimental modeling. The main objective of this project was to determine if the shape of the layout affects the total heat exchange in a horizontal geothermal system. Geothermal energy is power extracted from the Earth and studies have been focused on increasing the efficiency of the heat transfer from the Earth to the system. Steady state and transient thermal analyses were conducted on two horizontal layout shapes, a U-loop and a coil, in ANSYS Fluent. This system was not full size, …
Testing The Photocatalytic Oxidation Abilities Of Titania-Silica Aerogels Fabricated Using The Rapid Supercritical Extraction Method, Lauren B. Brown
Testing The Photocatalytic Oxidation Abilities Of Titania-Silica Aerogels Fabricated Using The Rapid Supercritical Extraction Method, Lauren B. Brown
Honors Theses
Indoor air has been shown to be four to five times more polluted than outdoor air. Titania-silica aerogels can photocatalytically oxidize volatile organic compounds found in indoor air. Aerogels are the lightest known solid with 90-99% air by volume. Titania-silica aerogels were fabricated in seven to nine hours using the Rapid Supercritical Extraction method and properties compared well to those published in the literature. Bulk density ranges between 0.025 and 0.04 g/cm3. Skeletal density ranges between 1.75 and 2.75g/cm3. BET surface area ranges between 200 and 700 m2/g. BJH pore distribution showed distinct differences between silica and titania aerogels. FTIR …
A Biometric Fingerprint Scanner With A Locking Mechanism, Nathaniel Clark
A Biometric Fingerprint Scanner With A Locking Mechanism, Nathaniel Clark
Honors Theses
The purpose of this capstone project was to design, construct, and test a biometric fingerprint locking system to control access to a set of lockers. This system offers a convenient alternative to traditional locks and makes lockers easier to use. Traditional locks require some type of prior knowledge, like remembering the numbers and how to enter them for a combination lock. This can make it difficult and annoying to try and use a simple locker. Three main considerations were kept in mind during the design process to make this system more convenient than traditional locks: user friendliness, accuracy of identification, …
Design And Testing Of An Automated Semiâ]Trailer Control System, Conor H. Dodd
Design And Testing Of An Automated Semiâ]Trailer Control System, Conor H. Dodd
Honors Theses
Growing up in Maine, the trucking industry is an ever-present part of life. With a very sparse, lightly used rail system, almost all of the raw materials and goods that enter and leave the state do so by truck. Truckers in Maine are constantly challenged by Maine’s roads, which can often be difficult or even treacherous to navigate. The rough logging roads near Jackman or Millinocket, or the sharp ninety degree turns near the Portland oil docks, can ruin a trucker’s day, or even worse, cause an accident. For example, there is a tiny four-way intersection on Broadway in South …
A Gps Enabled Ipod Touch For Skiers, Camila Dorin
A Gps Enabled Ipod Touch For Skiers, Camila Dorin
Honors Theses
The purpose of my senior project was to design and build a system that provides GPS capabilities to the iPod touch. The system is used in conjunction with an iPod application, giving skiers the possibility to have access to the following outputs: graph of speed during run, distance skied, calories burned, and map of the slopes followed. The system consists of a GPS receiver, an Arduino microcontroller, a Wifi Shield, and iPod touch, and an iPod application. A central point during the development of the system was the transmission of data from one piece of hardware to the other and …
Design And Fabrication Of An Autonomous Solar Powered Airship, Mitchell Van Lee
Design And Fabrication Of An Autonomous Solar Powered Airship, Mitchell Van Lee
Honors Theses
The purpose of the project was to design and build a prototype small scale photovoltaic (PV) powered autonomous airship. The principle reason for the construction of the unmanned airship was to investigate the possibility of using self-guided, lighter-than-air aircraft as an alternative to earth observational satellites for the purposes of terrain mapping and imaging. The necessary electrical energy was produced by single crystal photovoltaic solar cells. The airship was designed to carry an onboard battery in order to provide power generation in the case of intermittent cloud coverage. It was also designed to interface with an Arduino prototyping board which …
Redesigning The Keyfinder, Alexander Liu
Redesigning The Keyfinder, Alexander Liu
Honors Theses
This project takes a look at redesigning a helpful device called the Keyfinder. The device is used to locate small objects that are typically lost. Items such as keys, remotes, and wallets are some example items that tend to get lost frequently. However the current models of the Keyfinder generally receive poor reviews for subpar performance and lack of usability. In an effort to remedy the situation, I looked to redesign and improve the system so the device would be useful in households. The initial design of the system consisted of a base that could communicate with 5 different receiving …
An Environmental Economic Analysis Of Green Building And The Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design Rating System, John A. Manna
An Environmental Economic Analysis Of Green Building And The Leadership In Energy And Environmental Design Rating System, John A. Manna
Honors Theses
Buildings account for over 70% of U.S. energy consumption and produce 30% of the nation’s greenhouse gas emissions. With growing concerns over future energy prices, the green building industry and the LEED rating system have made it their goal to produce better performing, more efficient buildings. LEED projects have been implemented in all 50 states, with 46 implementing LEED into public policy. In this study we evaluate the environmental and economic benefits of the LEED certification process. A cost-benefit analysis provides a framework for assessing the life cycle of a LEED building, incorporating both energy and cost savings, as well …
Traumatic Vs. Pathological Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Look Into The Importance Of The Collagen Matrix And The Preferred Method Of Repair, Kathleen M. Mclean
Traumatic Vs. Pathological Achilles Tendon Ruptures: A Look Into The Importance Of The Collagen Matrix And The Preferred Method Of Repair, Kathleen M. Mclean
Honors Theses
The Achilles tendon is the largest, strongest, and thickest tendon in the human body. While it may be the strongest, the Achilles tendon is also among one of the most frequently ruptured. These lower limb injuries arise as a result of athletically induced trauma or pathologically and steroidal induced trauma. While the manner in which athletic ruptures occurs can be determined on a case to case basis through the use of clinical examination, ultrasonography, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the method in which the injury should be treated remains controversial. The two main methods of repair include a conservative approach …
Sae Aero Design Project, Angela N. Mclelland
Sae Aero Design Project, Angela N. Mclelland
Honors Theses
The Union College Flying Dutchmen Team aims to compete in the spring 2011, SAE Aero Design® East Competition. This regional event, hosted by the Society of Automotive Engineers International, is a threefold opportunity for teams from around the globe to showcase their understanding of engineering fundamentals. Competing in the SAE Aero Design® competition creates an arena for students to participate in hands-on design, to emphasize technological innovations in a competition setting, and to cooperate in a unique atmosphere where intellectual advancement and teamwork are championed above success. The underlying goal of the SAE Aero Design® competition is to design and …
Design And Validation Of An External Fixator For Use In In Vivo Fracture Studies, Marc S. Nash
Design And Validation Of An External Fixator For Use In In Vivo Fracture Studies, Marc S. Nash
Honors Theses
This thesis explores how a new external fixator effects the healing process in the fracture site of a mouse tibia. Studies have shown that the amount of time it takes a fracture to heal can vary based on the type of fixator used. An external fixator was designed using SolidWorks and fabricated by Medical Micro Machining (Colfax, Washington). Rubber disks where created from a mold and inserted in the bottom piece of each fixator. Using a dental drill and a variety of clamps, the fixator was attached to an already removed tibia. A Dremel saw was used to create a …
Design And Fabrication Of Rear Suspension And Drivetrain For Union College's Sae Baja Car, Nicholas W. Oren
Design And Fabrication Of Rear Suspension And Drivetrain For Union College's Sae Baja Car, Nicholas W. Oren
Honors Theses
My senior project is to design and fabricate the rear suspension and drivetrain for Union College’s SAE Baja car. This project started with the determination of the optimum style of suspension and drivetrain for use on the vehicle. I worked with a company to obtain a custom-built transmission, and I successfully designed the drivetrain to use this transmission. I also designed the frame of the Baja car required to mount these elements. Finally, I designed the rear suspension of the car. The drivetrain design incorporates a 5-speed sequential transmission with a reverse. This transmission is driven by a centrifugal clutch …
Micro-Piv Of Self-Propelling Bi-Slugs In A Micro Channel, Lilla M. Safford Smith
Micro-Piv Of Self-Propelling Bi-Slugs In A Micro Channel, Lilla M. Safford Smith
Honors Theses
Bi-slugs are fluid entities involving two dissimilar fluids that move “on their own” due to differences in surface tension. At the micro-fluidic scale this sort of motion may be useful to efficiently transport small quantities of fluid from place to place. This study uses Micro-Particle Image Velocimetry (µ-PIV) techniques to investigate self propelling bi-slug flows. The bi-slugs examined are made of ethylene glycol and Xiameter PMX-200 Silicone Fluid (5cst and 10cst) and placed in a glass micro-channel of approximately 1mm diameter. The Reynolds number (Re) range considered (based on ethylene glycol in the slug) is 2.54 - 1.07 and the …
Design And Implementation Of An Rf Data Communication System, Aung K. Soe
Design And Implementation Of An Rf Data Communication System, Aung K. Soe
Honors Theses
Located just 8 miles northeast of Union College is Ballston Lake, a unique lake, which offers excellent research opportunities for faculty and students. The south basin of the lake is permanently stratified, and there has been no intermixing between water layers for thousands of years. The lower water layers contain no oxygen (anoxic). The Union College Geology Department is interested in a ten year study of Ballston Lake. Currently, there is no commercially available automatic system for collecting and transmitting data from a sensor package at the bottom of the lake to the lake shore and finally to Union College …
Improving The Energy Efficiency Of Fero House Home Of Alpha Delta Phi, Matt S. Stankiewicz
Improving The Energy Efficiency Of Fero House Home Of Alpha Delta Phi, Matt S. Stankiewicz
Honors Theses
As our country continues to grow and prosper we are faced with a growing number of environmental issues. While many of these issues were ignored in the pursuit of economic growth, we are now facing the harsh realities of our unmitigated expansion. The continual mining and use of fossil fuels has scarred our landscapes, polluted our air, and contaminated our waterways. Our nation’s greenhouse gas emissions are higher than ever and contributing heavily to global warming. With the United States’ population constantly on the rise and projected to hit 350 million in little over a decade1, it appears that our …
Characterization Of Green Roofs And Their Potential Effects On The Union College Campus, Cybil Tribie
Characterization Of Green Roofs And Their Potential Effects On The Union College Campus, Cybil Tribie
Honors Theses
A green roof is the construction of protective layers and vegetation on the roof of a building. Green roofs are capable of providing ecological benefits to the environment as well as economic advantages for the client. Therefore, my thesis will explore the characterization features of green roofs by focusing on the layers they are made up of, the different types of green roofs, and the benefits they can provide. Although this technology is relatively new to the United States in comparison to places such as Germany, where green roofs have been extensively used for over 40 years, there is a …
The Worst Case Discharge Scenario, Noah Mcgill
New Catalysts For The Photocatalytic Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide To C1 Organic Compounds, Anna Hailey
New Catalysts For The Photocatalytic Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide To C1 Organic Compounds, Anna Hailey
Honors Theses
Photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide (CO2) has recently been identified as one of the five notable research areas in catalysis because it simultaneously reduces carbon emissions while storing clean, green solar energy in organic compounds. The development of efficient photocatalysts that take advantage of solar radiation is therefore an important area of research. Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a commonly-used photocatalyst for this reaction, but it requires ultraviolet (UV) radiation to excite its electrons. Carbon-doping (C-doping) has been shown to reduce the intensity of energy required, thus allowing the photocatalyst to take advantage of the visible light spectrum. Copper (Cu), added …
Development Of Measurement Methods For Testing Of Hydrokinetic Devices To Evaluate The Environmental Effect On Local Substrate, Michael Volpe
Development Of Measurement Methods For Testing Of Hydrokinetic Devices To Evaluate The Environmental Effect On Local Substrate, Michael Volpe
Honors Theses
Modifications and upgrades to the hydraulic flume facility in the Environmental Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics Laboratory (EFM&H) at Bucknell University are described. These changes enable small-scale testing of model marine hydrokinetic(MHK) devices. The design of the experimental platform provides a controlled environment for testing of model MHK devices to determine their effect on localsubstrate. Specifically, the effects being studied are scour and erosion around a cylindrical support structure and deposition of sediment downstream from the device.
Design Of A Liquid Fuel Injector For Alternative Fuel Studies In An Atmospheric Model Gas Turbine Combustor, John Stevenson
Design Of A Liquid Fuel Injector For Alternative Fuel Studies In An Atmospheric Model Gas Turbine Combustor, John Stevenson
Honors Theses
A new liquid-fuel injector was designed for use in the atmospheric-pressure, model gas turbine combustor in Bucknell University’s Combustion Research Laboratory during alternative fuel testing. The current liquid-fuel injector requires a higher-than-desired pressure drop and volumetric flow rate to provide proper atomization of liquid fuels. An air-blast atomizer type of fuel injector was chosen and an experiment utilizing water as the working fluid was performed on a variable-geometry prototype. Visualization of the spray pattern was achieved through photography and the pressure drop was measured as a function of the required operating parameters. Experimental correlations were used to estimate droplet sizes …
Performance Characteristics Of Airlift Pumps With Vortex Induced By Tangential Fluid Injection, Jacob Riglin
Performance Characteristics Of Airlift Pumps With Vortex Induced By Tangential Fluid Injection, Jacob Riglin
Honors Theses
The effect of the swirl component of air injection on the performance of an airlift pump was examined experimentally. An airlift pump is a device that pumps a liquid or slurry using only gas injection. In this study, the liquid used was water and the injected gas was air. The effect of the air swirl was determined by measuring the water discharge from an airlift pump with an air injection nozzle in which the air flow had both axial and tangential components and then repeating the tests with a nozzle with only axial injection. The induced water flow was measured …
Investigation Of Solid-State Shear Pulverization Processing Parameters For Polyethylene-Clay Nanocomposites , Ben Aldrich
Investigation Of Solid-State Shear Pulverization Processing Parameters For Polyethylene-Clay Nanocomposites , Ben Aldrich
Honors Theses
Investigates multiple processing parameters, includingpolymer type, filler type, processing technique, severity of SSSP (Solid-state shear pulverization)processing, and postprocessing, of SSSP. HDPE and LLDPE polymers with pristine clay and organo-clay samples are explored. Effects on crystallization, high-temperature behavior, mechanicalproperties, and gas barrier properties are examined. Thermal, mechanical, and morphological characterization is conducted to determine polymer/filler compatibility and superior processing methods for the polymer-clay nanocomposites.