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Mechanical Engineering Commons

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Western Michigan University

2015

Honors Theses

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Design Of A Tandem Rotor Hovering Vehicle, Brent Kostich Dec 2015

Design Of A Tandem Rotor Hovering Vehicle, Brent Kostich

Honors Theses

An investigation of thrust vectoring and an examination of existing tandem rotor dynamics were used to develop a structural body for a tandem rotor vehicle, derive the equations of motion of the system, and simulate a dynamic model of the vehicle. A vehicle prototype was constructed while further application of remote control capabilities, flight testing, and control development were researched. The dynamic simulation was based on a linear model of the system so as to open the possibility of implementing a control system. The simulation results show that thrust synchronization yields a predictable motion response. The prototype constructed did not …


Design And Fabrication Of An Instrumented Cane For The Blind, Aaron Dean Dec 2015

Design And Fabrication Of An Instrumented Cane For The Blind, Aaron Dean

Honors Theses

The most commonly used tool for navigation by the blind is the white cane. A greater understanding is essential in improving the design and performance of these canes. An existing cane was modified with integrated force and acceleration sensors, in order to study the relation between cane vibration characteristics and obstacle or drop-off detection. Data was gathered by these sensors, and then transmitted wirelessly to a computer workstation, where it was recorded and analyzed. Exertion of the forearm muscles was also measured. Care was taken to insure that the cane sensors and transmitter are ergonomically unobtrusive for the user. The …