Digital Commons Network^™

Autonomous Butter Robot, David Chau, Michael Hegglin

Computer Engineering

Don’t you wish your butter would come to you? Well now it can with the patented Michael and David butter robot! Based on an idea from a TV show, our team set out to see if a similar robot was possible to make in real life. The objective was simple. Can we make a small table sized robot that can bring a person butter using image detection software? With that question in mind we set out buying our components. We wanted to keep it small, so we looked up devices that could do simple image processing and from there we …

Otter Debugger, Keefe Johnson

Computer Engineering

This project is a debugger and programmer for the OTTER CPU, the implementation of the RISC-V ISA used by Cal Poly to teach computer architecture and assembly language in CPE 233/333 and usually implemented on the Basys3 FPGA development board. With this tool, students can quickly program their OTTER with a new/revised RISC-V program binary without resynthesizing the entire FPGA design. They can then use the debugger from a PC to pause/continue/single-step execution and set breakpoints, while inspecting and modifying register and memory contents. This enables real-time debugging of OTTER projects involving custom hardware such as a keyboard and VGA …

Free Space Detection And Trajectory Planning For Autonomous Robot, Zachary Ross Winger

Computer Science and Software Engineering

Autonomous robots need to know what is around them and where it is safe for them to move to. Because having this ability is so important, Dr. Seng and myself have created a model to predict the free space in front of his autonomous robot, Herbie. We then use this prediction to enforce a driving policy to ensure Herbie drives around safely.

Spatial And Temporal Ph Variability In A California Estuary During The Winter Wet Season, Garrett S. Schmid

Biological Sciences

Anthropogenic stressors such as increased atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) are impacting carbonate chemistry in the global ocean by decreasing the pH, a process known as ocean acidification. (Doney et al., 2009; Feely et al., 2009; Orr et al., 2005). The direct impact of anthropogenic CO2 emissions on the nearshore coastal ocean and estuarine environments is largely uncertain (Duarte et al., 2013). In particular, estuaries are highly dynamic and productive biogeochemical systems (Bauer et al. 2013; Wang et al. 2016); however, information regarding the spatial and temporal variations of carbonate chemistry within these environments is limited (Cai et al. 2011; Hofmann …

The Effect Of An Educational Workshop On High School Future Farmers Of America Parliamentary Procedure Leadership Development Teams, Brooke Gilstrap, Alyssa Snow

Agricultural Education and Communication

Within the California Future Farmers of America Association (FFA), there are a variety of Leadership Development Events (LDE’s) including the Parliamentary Procedure contest. Within this contest students sharpen their knowledge through reviewing Robert's Rules of Order and applying this knowledge to an exam as well as a live demonstration. Through this contest, students also improve upon their public speaking skills and research agricultural education and industry issues. Students compete in several invitational contests before entering the sectional, regional, and state levels of competition where their advanced knowledge comes into play with a wider audience. Over the span of California, there …

Cal Poly Rodeo Breakaway Jackpot Fundraiser, Molly Sparrowk, Laci Lowry

Agricultural Education and Communication

Every team member of the Cal Poly Rodeo team is required to bring in a certain amount of sponsorship money to help put on the annual Poly Royal Rodeo each April. While this money helps a lot, more money is still needed to cover the cost of production for Cal Poly Rodeo. This is where a breakaway roping jackpot will come in to play and help cover some additional production costs.

For this senior project, the authors plan on hosting a breakaway jackpot fundraiser for Cal Poly Rodeo. A breakaway jackpot consists of girl contestants roping three calves as fast …

Non-Toxic Soil Thickeners For Reducing Mudslide Intensity, Mitchell William Jensen

Materials Engineering

This project was intended to be a continuation of senior project work done last year by a group consisting of two Materials Engineering students and a Soil Science student. Their report was crucial in identifying a range of food thickeners that could be capable of performing in the mud thickening application. All thickeners that were chosen both this year and last year are biocompatible, to alleviate some toxicity concerns. The food thickeners all belong to a class of compounds known as colloids. Since water is the fluid being thickened, these compounds are more accurately referred to as hydrocolloids. Hydrocolloids are …

Pitting Corrosion Of Oerlikon’S Abrasion Resistant Ferritic Stainless Steels, Matthew P. Nalty, Emma Wagstaff

Materials Engineering

Existing hardfacing coatings for hydraulic cylinders and brake disc applications crack during use leaving the components susceptible to corrosion. To address this problem, Oerlikon has designed three new alloys to be abrasion and corrosion resistant. This paper reviews the literature necessary to understand and quantify pitting resistance of stainless-steel alloys. It documents one round of testing ASTM G48 method A: Ferric Chloride Pitting Test of Stainless Steels on the new alloys P72-X9, P72-X13, P129-X9, as well as samples of 431, 316, and 2205 stainless steels. This paper also discusses improvements to the G48 testing method and industry use of the …

Investigation Of Ceramic Firing Processes For Investment Casting Shell Molds, Leonardo Ken Hoaakua Nakamura, Rileigh Anne Cotter

Materials Engineering

PCC Structurals aims to improve the quality and consistency of their ceramic mold production for their investment casting processes to decrease product loss figures. Although their current production processes result in acceptable quantities of high-quality molds, a significant percentage of defective molds are produced. These defective molds cause appreciable product loss due to casting defects and mold failure. Available literature dictates that high-quality investment casting molds must exhibit fracture strengths within a desired range in order to perform adequately. However, information regarding specific firing procedures which consistently result in ceramic mold strengths within this range is not readily available. To …

Alternative To Custom 450© Stainless Steel For Use In Investment Cast Golf Club Heads, William Henry Armstrong Iv, Davis Martin Loen

Materials Engineering

This investigation seeks to improve on the mechanical property of yield strength, while maintaining 10% elongation prior to fracture observed with of Custom 450 stainless steel in an air-melted investment casting operation. Improving this performance includes an additional heat treatment step of homogenization, as well as replacing the alloy. After identifying and downselecting available high strength stainless steels, a trial of Custom 455 stainless steel is recommended due to its high strength compared to the other alternative alloys. A trial has been developed to analyze the effect air melting has on the chemical composition and mechanical properties of Custom 455 …

Failure Analysis Of Investment Cast Near-Alpha Titanium Alloys, Garrett Ryan Bader, Jonathan Anton Linquist

Materials Engineering

In this project, fracture surfaces of three titanium investment castings were studied as part of a failure analysis on a TaylorMade metalwood. The crack formation occurred between investment cast Ti 9-1-1 and rolled Ti 6-4 joined by laser beam welding. The microstructure of the Ti 9-1-1 contained alpha colonies in large prior beta grains, while the Ti 6-4 was primarily Widmanstätten in basket weave morphology, refined with subsequent rolling. Over a period of cyclic loading, cracking occurred at the face-sole transition in the metalwoods that had been cast from a certain supplier B, while metalwoods that had undergone similar treatment …

Phil The Phytoplankton, Kylie Kihm, Lexi Frankiewich

World Languages and Cultures

This project, a bilingual children's book, “Phil the Phytoplankton” and “Felipe el fitoplancton” educates young readers on the importance of phytoplankton in our world. The book emphasizes the fact that such small organisms, invisible to the naked eye unless gathered in immense quantities, are responsible for providing the earth with approximately 50% of the oxygen essential for human life. As defined by Cal Poly, sustainability is “the ability of the natural and social systems to survive and thrive together to meet current and future needs.” This book encourages a symbiotic relationship as a young girl, initially afraid of the unknown, …

Explorando Lo No-Binario: Un Proyecto Sobre El Lenguaje Inlcusivo, Los Pronombres De Género, Y El Género No-Binario En Español, Elijah Michael Sobrien

World Languages and Cultures

En este proyecto, he traducido un sitio web de Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, sobre el uso de los pronombres de género. Además de la traducción, he explicado la razón por la cual es importante traducir este documento y proporcionar acceso a la información a diversas comunidades. La meta de este proyecto es promover el uso del lenguaje inclusivo entre todas personas. La traducción es importante porque para usar lenguaje inclusivo, una persona tiene que educarse sobre los pronombres de género y esforzarse por cambiar su modo de hablar. Este documento puede servir como recurso para personas que quieren aprender …

Insulated Solar Electric Cooker, Paige Camacho, Ahmed Gouda, Caroline Hodes, Wyatt Johnson

General Engineering

The purpose of this Final Project Report is to highlight the work completed by the interdisciplinary engineering capstone project for the Insulated Solar Electric Cooker (ISEC) at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo under the supervision of Professor Jim Widmann (Mechanical Engineering) and Dr. Peter Schwartz (Physics). Dr. Schwartz, better known as Pete, has been working on the project with a team of students for the past five years and is working to integrate the ISEC in Ghanaian communities. This project focuses on making the ISEC mass-manufacturable and making the transition from biomass cooking to solar cooking as familiar …

Effects Of Surface Finish On High Cycle Fatigue Of Inconel 718, Jessica A. Mcroskey, Matthew Busse

Materials Engineering

Inconel 718 is a nickel-based superalloy and commonly used rocket engine material due to its excellent properties at elevated temperatures. Its fatigue life relies heavily on the surface roughness, as fatigue introduces and propagates cracks at the surface. Part standards set by Aerojet Rocketdyne typically necessitate surface roughness values from 64 to 125 Ra. However, surface topography and residual stresses incurred from the finishing process also affect the fatigue performance. The specific goal of the project is to perform a literature review and write experimental methods to determine how the surface roughness, topography, and residual stresses from turning, grit blasting, …

Creating A Livestock Show From The Beginning For The Benefit Of Youth In The Agriculture Industry And Continuing The Tradition Of Showing, Chloé Fowler, Matthew Durian

Agricultural Education and Communication

Youth throughout the country have been shown to benefit through organizations focused on leadership and real-world tangible skills. Organizations such as the National FFA Organization and 4-H Youth Development are key organizations for this growth. Livestock shows are another layer to these organizations and youth development. “Livestock shows provide interactions through different environments that expose participants to different cultures,” (Davis, 1998).

For these reasons it is important to provide more opportunities to the next generation of agriculture. There are currently 28 different livestock jackpots within the state of California throughout one year, (CJLA, 2020). Due to the large geographic landscape …

Secret Ingredients: A Comparative Analysis Of Fine-Dining Experience Design For Selected Michelin Star Restaurants, Spencer Green

Experience Industry Management

The elevated nature and intentional design of fine dining set it apart from the normalcy of eating food and create an environment where guests are valued. The purpose of this study was to compare the fine-dining experience design practices of selected Michelin star restaurants. Restaurants Azurmendi and Per Se were selected for examination in this study. Both restaurants’ Yelp and Tripadvisor reviews were analyzed using an instrument developed by the researcher. Conclusions were drawn from the findings, indicating that Azurmendi and Per Se have well-executed experience design practices with few areas for improvement in customer service, atmosphere, and food and …

The Influence Of Time And Temperature On 7781 Prepreg Outside Storage, Matthew L. Fuentez, Edwin Stuart Ross Viii

Materials Engineering

Investigation into the issue of out of specification flow data revealed that unregulated transportation conditions exposed 7781 prepreg with phenolic resin to temperature fluctuations up to 125°F. The temperature fluctuations have the potential to advance unwanted curing in the prepreg, making it unsuitable for manufacturing. However, this explanation does not account for the prepreg exceeding specifications above the upper limit. Another explanation was investigated that involved exposure to moisture. Moisture could be preventing curing from taking place and thus resulting in higher flow values. Data collection was unable to proceed past the preliminary stages due to the COVID-19 pandemic and …

Study Of Permeability Testing Methods For Composite Laminates, Thomas S. Busse, Giannina Marie M. Yu

Materials Engineering

Permeability measurements are strong indicators of the effectiveness of evacuation channels within a composite prepreg. The effectiveness of these evacuation channels directly relates to the void content within a processed composite laminate. The goal of Toray Advanced Composites was to compare two permeability tests and determine which one was more reliable, accurate, and economical. The first permeability test method was the Cirrus method, designed by Cirrus Aircraft, a customer of Toray Advanced Composites. The second test was ASTM D8132, the standard method for permeability testing. Additionally, Toray sought to investigate the effect out-time had on the permeability of three different …

Adapted Tricycle, Eldar Rastoder, Michael S. Petralia, Foster D. Sutton, Jeffrey T. Neumann

Mechanical Engineering

This Final Design Review document describes the senior design project carried out by a team of four mechanical engineering students from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in conjunction with California Children’s Services for Savannah, a student at San Luis Obispo High School. The purpose of the project is to design an adaptive vehicle for Savannah that serves as a form of exercise and can be easily operated by her with little to no outside assistance. Background into Savannah’s condition is provided as well as previous designs of similar adaptive tricycles, document standards and specifications which constrain design solutions, …

Mechani-Kits Senior Design Project, Jake Utley, Sophie Carson, Vincent Seguin

Mechanical Engineering

Studies suggest that when designed and executed well, hands-on activities can enhance student understanding of key mechanics concepts. Current products are expensive and typically not designed to meet a variety of learning objectives. Through the Mechanics of Inclusion and Inclusivity in Mechanics grant, the Cal Poly Physics and Engineering Departments are seeking to incorporate new hands-on activities into their courses. Our team has designed three inexpensive ”MechaniKits” to be used in physics, statics and dynamics courses [1]. This Final Design Review outlines our findings, objectives, and final designs for this project. It also explains our manufacturing and design verification plans. …

A Case Study On How Insulated Concrete Forms Can Prevent Structure Loss During Wildfires, Charles Myron Ackley

Construction Management

ICFs are a building material with unique thermal insulating and non-combustible properties that have shown great potential at protecting a structure during a wildfire. To prove the hypothesis that ICFs can effectively prevent structure damage or loss during a wildfire, an analytical case study on an ICF home that survived the Camp Fire was conducted. The goal was to understand how ICFs unique thermal insulating and non-combustible properties protect structures from wildfires and how this assembly system can be a lot more effective than a traditional frame structure. Additional objectives for the project included highlighting the growing threat of wildfires …

Contrasting Lifestyles In Commercial And Heavy Civil Construction, Michael Rios

Construction Management

The construction industry has different sectors that students can apply for when it comes to acquiring the chance for an internship or a full-time job. The two main sectors many students from the construction management department apply for are commercial construction and heavy civil construction. Information about each sector is provided in each lab, such as what type of projects each sector builds, the type of environment the project can be in and the magnitude in scale of each project. One thing that seems to be a high influence on which industry the students decide to work for is the …

Apple Homekit Application And Cost Breakdown, Nicholas E. Fifield

Construction Management

A principle part of the American dream is to own a home. The definition of an American home is constantly changing, and smart home technology gives more functionality and control over a person’s space. With devices updating constantly and with newer devices coming out every day, having an organized, well-connected smart home can define a person’s home. Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem gives users a single application interface to operate smart home technology for an entire, organized home opposed to other similar ecosystems without necessary functions run by other companies like Google or Amazon. Starting or remodeling a smart home can be …

Supply Chain Management: Fragmented Adoption In Practice, Tayler J. Yoshimura

Construction Management

Every day the construction industry develops new ideas and theories toward innovation in increased efficiency and quality for its projects. One method is supply chain management, which focuses on the relationships between partnerships along the supply chain. The theory was first developed in the manufacturing industry and this paper will highlight the reasons behind its fragmented adoption in the construction industry. The overall supply chain typically contains short supply chains that are dismissed upon project completion. Some companies have partially adopted the theory into their work practices but has been unable to fully adopt the theory as a whole. There …

The Effects Of Covid-19 On The Commercial Construction Industry In California: A Case Study, Emily G. Bohannon

Construction Management

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, construction companies across California have been forced to quickly adapt to new protocols and regulations. Since certain areas of California have been more impacted by the pandemic, construction companies in those counties have been forced to comply with stricter coronavirus guidelines. Between the regions researched in this case study, the Bay Area has been affected the most by COVID-19 shutdowns and regulations. Then, Los Angeles County and San Diego County, which faced similar restrictions. The least restrictive area to build during the pandemic is the Central Valley, where there were less reported cases. …

Wooden Bridge Demolition And Reconstruction, Josh Simon Rogers

Construction Management

The Conejo Recreation and Park District (CRPD) is a nonprofit city government organization that maintains the parks and hiking trails in Thousand Oaks, California. They were informed that one of the bridges at the Stagecoach Inn, a landmark park located in Thousand Oaks California, was old and sagging in a way that made interfered with the flow of the creek it spanned over. A plan to demolish the current bridge was created. Utilizing ArchiCAD and Microsoft Excel a design and an estimate were developed for a new bridge that would be built in its place. This bridge would be tall …

The Emma Family Backyard Deck – Thousand Oaks, Ca, Christopher Walter Farkas

Construction Management

This paper outlines the planning, design, and construction of an 80 square foot deck/outdoor patio. The main purpose of this project was to assist an elder couple fund and construct a new deck in their backyard. Due to the current world pandemic, COVID-19 the Emma Family was practicing social distancing and adhering to the State and County wide stay at home order. The project plan was to design a deck for Emma family in the design, construction it and receive funding. The deck was a rectangular 8’ x 10’ and raised 6” off the ground. In addition to the deck …

Construction Of Sustainable High-Tech Greenhouse, Ethan J. Emery

Construction Management

This project aims to create a business model and construction estimate in order to assess the viability of upgrading from conventional farming to a high-tech sustainable greenhouse. For the intended purposes this paper will make the assumption that a farmer that already owns their own land could use this as a guideline for what they could expect from a high-tech greenhouse in terms of both profits and expenses. Between my business plan, and my partners BIM model, we aim to make visualizing what a high –tech sustainable greenhouse could look like for a prospective farmer. The papers results are based …

Construction Of A Sustainable High-Tech Greenhouse, Miguel A. Sadler

Construction Management

The purpose of this project is to assess the feasibility for farmers to upgrade from conventional farming methods to using sustainable, high-tech greenhouses. For all intensive purposes, the values presented in this paper are based off the assumption that a farmer already owns their land and can use this paper as a reference to see what it would look like if they wanted to make the upgrade to high-tech greenhouses. To assess the viability of this project my partner and I set out to complete all the preconstruction activities that a project team would need to complete for a potential …