Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Secondary Atomization During Droplet Impingement Of Water-Glycerol Admixtures On Heated Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Alexander White, Dr. Julie Crockett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of the given document is to remind the reader of goals initially set in conjunction with the ORCA Grant project proposal in October 2016, to present experimental findings obtained during the grant period, and to discuss the results of the work and their implications for future investigations. As stated in the proposal, the main purpose of this ORCA project was to compare the droplet atomization (expulsion of a fine spray) of various water-glycerol mixtures upon impact on superheated, superhydrophobic surfaces. The major goal to that end was to use a certain unique experimental procedure in quantifying the data …

Functional Optimization Of Carbon Nanotubes, Taylor Davis, Sr. Brian Iverson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The objective of this project was to create, characterize, and optimize carbon nanotube (CNT) films as a surface functionalization strategy through modifying the growth, infiltration, and patterning during fabrication.

Carbon nanotubes have drawn attention in various disciplines in the scientific community because of their incredible strength, hardness, wettability (hydrophobicity), as well as their kinetic and electrical properties. At BYU specifically, they are being used in diverse applications including fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces and interdigitated electrode biosensors.

Carbon nanotubes can be delicate with a diameter of only a few nanometers when grown. However, the process of carbon infiltration can be used …

Static And Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance For Small Uav, Michael Farrell, Dr. Tim Mclain

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are becoming increasingly prevalent in society today. One of the most important problems for such vehicles is obstacle avoidance. Common applications for small UAV require them to navigate through an environment containing many obstacles, both static and dynamic. As part of the 2017 SUAS-AUVSI undergraduate competition, this common problem was simulated with several virtual stationary and moving objects that were to be avoided during flight. The purpose of this research project was to develop a robust obstacle avoidance algorithm to be demonstrated during the mission demonstration of the 2017 SUAS-AUVSI competition.

Sunflowers, Solar Panels, And Beeswax: Improving Solar Power For The Developing World, Ivyann Oveson Running, Dr. John Salmon

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Inspired by the mechanics of how sunflowers follow the sun, we designed a system to increase output from solar panels by only using simple mechanics and beeswax. Solar power is becoming increasingly popular even in developing countries. We wanted to create a way to increase the power output of solar panels in such areas that lack technical support for current panel rotating mechanisms. When temperatures increase, beeswax expands, and we harness the motion by filling a piston with the beeswax. We use this motion to cause solar panels to turn, following the sun throughout the day and increasing electrical output.

Estimating Joint Configuration For Soft Robots, Jacob Olson, Dr. Marc Killpack

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Soft robotics are still a relatively new technology. As seen in Figure 1, they are made entirely from compliant materials that use pressurized fluid for both structure and actuation. These robots have great potential in the world of robotics. Soft robots can excel in many areas where rigid robots fall short due to their incredible compliance and low inertia. As soft robotic technologies develop, robots will be much less limited in the scope of what they can do without risk of human injury. They will be able to do tasks working more closely with humans in current industries, and be …

Refining Statistical Magnesium Models Via Machine Learning, Andrew Orme, Dr. David Fullwood

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Magnesium is a potential replacement for steels and aluminum in strength applications. Despite desirable strength and weight properties, magnesium is costly to manufacture. To reduce manufacturing costs, extensive research has been done on is a phenomenon called twinning, where a large group of magnesium atoms collectively reorient from a base orientation to a new orientation. This reorientation caused by twinning has the potential to enable easier material deformation, allowing for less costly manufacturing. Our research group pursued a novel approach to twinning research by using data mining and machine learning algorithms. Data collected from samples of magnesium using a scanning …

Rigidly Foldable Origami Flashers Based On Curved-Fold Model, Jacob Badger, Dr. Larry Howell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my research was to explore the application of curved folding in designing rigid-foldable deployable mechanisms. In recent years, origami fold patterns known as “flashers” have been investigated for their ability to efficiently pack deployable surfaces. While many patterns have been investigated, none are capable of folding surfaces composed of rigid panels that bend only along crease lines. We hoped to identify one such rigid-foldable flasher by basing it on a curved-fold pattern known as a logarithmic spiral flasher.

Above Knee Prosthetic Socket For Developing Countries, Colton Graham, Dr. Mark Colton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Due to a civil war in Sierra Leone many have been left with amputated limbs. In order to provide the required prosthetic limbs for victims who have above the knee amputations they need a quality custom fit socket. Custom fit sockets are very expensive so we created a universal socket meant to comfortably fit everyone. This socket is also designed to be affordable and able to be manufactured in Sierra Leone. For a functional socket, it is to be custom fitted, durable, affordable, adjustable and comfortable for the amputee. Due to varying changes to the volume of the residual limb, …

Carbon Nanotube Filtration Device: Separating Oil From Fracking Waste, Phillip Ng, Dr. Anton Bowden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Pyrolytic Carbon Infiltration Carbon Nanotubes (CI-CNTs) can isolate water and oil molecules due to its superhydrophobic and oleophilic properties, unique cylindrical nanostructure, and functional groups¹. Because the waste produced from fracking is nonreusable due to the molecular oil droplets contained in it, the waste is typically injected back underground, which pollutes safe drinking water². This can be avoided with an inexpensive and efficient oil and water filter. The mentored research project revolved around a CI-CNT filter used to salvage waste created from fracking.

The design of a CI-CNT device was approached by three main considerations: a …

Gas Detection System For Biomass Cookstove Emissions, Cyra Bishop, Jeffery Smith, Dr. Matthew Jones

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this research project is to explore Peruvian social and cultural behaviors that typically prevent successful improved cookstove adoption in resource-limited settings as well as suggest ways to educate locals about the benefits of improved cookstoves. This will be done by constructing a cost-effective, easy-to-use gas-detection sensor system capable of measuring concentrations of harmful gases released from biomass cookstoves typically found in Peruvian communities.