Engineering Commons^™

Final Project Report: Motorized "Hover Board", Gabriele Pregadio

Biomedical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Portable Sensory Room For The West Orange County Consortium For Special Education, Lindsey Chase, Emma Eskildsen, Alex Fox, Claire Francis, Nate Hoffman, Kaylee Keck, Sarah Sullivan

Biomedical Engineering

This report discusses the development of a Portable Sensory Room to be used at Newland Elementary School in Huntington Beach. Newland Elementary has an exceptional Special Needs program that teaches the children with the most severe cases of autism in its school district. People with autism typically also have sensory processing disorders, which can be extremely disruptive for a child’s development and can make it difficult for a child to be able to concentrate long enough to gain necessary life skills. The idea behind a Sensory Rooms is to create a place to calm the students and to expose them …

Fiber Length Attrition In Additive Manufacturing, Michael Chapiro

Materials Engineering

Chopped carbon fibers are used as reinforcements in thermoplastics, but the viscous shear forces that arise in melt-processing reduces the fiber length well below its critical length resulting in only moderate strength and stiffness gains compared to the neat resin. This research project aimed to experimentally determine the effect of the melt–flow portion of a single-screw- extrusion process on carbon fiber length attrition in isolation from the immediately preceding screw–plastication step that is responsible for most of the heat needed for melting. Carbon fibers with an initial length of 2 mm were stirred into 5,000 centipoise and 10,000 centipoise silicone …

Roborodentia Xxi Robot, Jose A. Villa

Computer Engineering

This report covers the design and implementation of a robot built to compete in Roborodentia 2016.

Music Reactive Led Lights, Peter P. Chu

Computer Engineering

This project enhances the user’s music listening experience by not only adding but also synchronizing visuals to the music. The project digitally analyzes music being played back and controls LEDs to give an audio-visual experience. This report describes the materials and knowledge used to create a proof of concept for a wireless and portable music reactive LED lighting system.

Stand, Lisa Yip

Computer Engineering

With busy lives, people sometimes forget to take breaks for multiple hours at a time. The purpose of this project is to remind the user to move around every hour if they have not already. To do so, stand will be a light weight fitness tracker that will detect the number of steps made within an hour. If the step count, dependent on goals, is not met then a vibration motor will gently remind them to take a break and walk. The data throughout the day will be shown on an iOS application where the user will be able to …

Cashtag Ios Application, Kevin J. Tsui

Computer Science and Software Engineering

An iOS Application meant to help manage cash purchases/transactions.

Legends App, Varsha Roopreddy, Anusha Praturu

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The purpose of this project is to create a location-based story archiving mobile application for the iOS platform. The application is aimed to be a social network with an emphasis on storytelling and location. It will have functionality similar to most popular social networks, such as following, liking, and commenting capabilities, among others. Stories themselves can be accompanied by photos, and can be discovered by users in a number of different ways. The application has a huge range for potential audiences, as it has no geographical or age-based bound for interest.

Crop Selection, Cost Analysis, And Irrigation System Design For The Replanting Of A Nut Orchard, Maximilian Bricker

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This report was made to help the landowner of Bricker Farms make decisions regarding the replanting of his orchard. The decisions that need to be made in this process include: which crop to plant, how to plant it, and how to improve the distribution uniformity of irrigation water on the orchard. The report does not give definitive final decisions, but presents viable options that the landowner can utilize when deciding. In addition to the options that are presented, the report offers suggestions to the landowner so that the replanting process is done properly in a timely and economically-friendly manner.

Design, Construction, And Evaluation Of An Almond End-Row Nut Sweeper, Andrew J. Mancini

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This senior project discusses the design, construction, and evaluation of an almond end-row nut sweeper. The sweeper attached to the three-point hitch of a John Deere orchard tractor using a Category 2 hitch and was used to sweep nuts back into the orchard after they had been swept into windrows. This system worked by utilizing the tractor hydraulics to power an 18 inch diameter cylinder brush.

Proper field testing of the implement could not be done during the academic year in which this project was constructed since this implement was designed to be used as part of the California almond …

Evaluating The Cost Efficiency Of Modular Construction, Deborah R. Rampoldi

Construction Management

The use of modular construction techniques, also referred to as prefabricated or off-site construction, has been suggested as a practical method for reducing construction costs. However, quantifying these potential cost reductions and identifying the cost items most affected by modular delivery remain significant challenges. This study evaluates the financial effectiveness of 3D volumetric modular construction in which fully fitted modules are manufactured in a factory and assembled onsite. The study aims to identify the primary cost savings and cost increases associated with off-site construction and to support more informed contractor decision-making during project planning and preconstruction. Data was collected through …

Comparison Of Energy Analysis Platforms For Title 24compliance, Holli L. Tripp

Construction Management

The 2013 Building Energy Efficiency Standards for Low-Rise Residential Buildings allow users to demonstrate compliance via two methods: performance or prescriptive. Prescriptive documentation requires analysis to be conducted by-hand while performance compliance utilizes computer modeling software to analyze trade-offs, and demonstrate compliance through alternative building design parameters. Typically computer demonstrated compliance via the performance method is the most popular choice because it allows for complex buildings to be analyzed using their actual metrics which results in a more accurate report of proposed energy consumption (Ross, 2016). This method however requires additional software outside of the tools that architects and designers …

Integrating Bim To The Construction Industry: The Hardships, Benefits, And An Unyielding Educational Gap Between Technology And Field Application, Torrie Peth

Construction Management

In recent years, Building Information Modeling has taken the construction industry by storm and revolutionized the construction process entirely. It allows for trades to coordinate more efficiently and effectively, while providing a hands-on, 3D overview of a structure being built. Certain characteristics are more easily adoptable by existing companies than others, but there are vast "fallacies of hype" in the concept. This study will examine the effects as BIM, positive and negative, and its current usage in industry. In addition it will identify the gap developing between students exiting the university setting that has a strong emphasis on technological integration, …

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Roofing At Ac2 Auditorium: A Case Study, Jacob R. Hague

Construction Management

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) has been used in several capacities in the manufacturing of products such as high performance cars and airplanes, as well as many other smaller products. In construction, it has primarily been used as a way to strengthen or repair existing structures, and in some more recent applications, in tension cables. This paper will examine a new way to use CFRP- as a roofing material, and will specifically focus on the design and installation of a CFRP roof installed at Apple’s new AC2 Auditorium, forming the roof for the main entrance lobby. Installed in February of …

Pervious Pavement Systems For High Traffic Roadways, Kevin M. Smith

Construction Management

This report highlights the benefits and detriments of pervious pavement systems through research of existing knowledge and multifaceted experiments to determine the feasibility of implementing a pervious pavement system on high traffic roadways. With over 40,000 miles of highway in the United States alone and severe water crises in states like California and growing environmental and safety concerns, the need for pervious pavements is abundantly clear. The research conducted utilizes existing knowledge on pervious pavements and applies it to the application of high traffic roadways. The experiment tests four different pervious concrete mix designs to determine compressive strength and water …

Energy Harvesting From Exercise Machines Buck-Boost Dc Dc Converter With The Lt8705 Controller, Ryan Matteo

Electrical Engineering

In order to increase sustainability and save money, the Energy Harvesting from Exercise Machines (EHFEM) system uses human supplied energy to self-power exercise equipment such as spin bikes, elliptical trainers, ergometers, etc. This document covers the design and implementation of a Buck-Boost DC-DC converter using the LT8705 controller into the EHFEM system. This project improves upon the overall efficiency of the Buck-Boost Converter designed by past groups working on the EHFEM system.

Transformer And Motor Protection Scheme, Bijan Vakilifathi

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Underwater Optical Wireless Audio Transceiver, Angel Ayala

Electrical Engineering

Scuba diving carries risks that can endanger lives. Many of these risks are preventable. However, an underwater communication system can increase a diver’s safety. Along with providing safety, an underwater communication device can enhance the scuba diver’s enjoyment.

A low cost underwater optical wireless audio transceiver is designed. The project consists of the off-the-shelf parts that uses a microphone and speaker to transmit and receive sound. The project uses the concepts of visible light communications and pulse width modulation to transmit and receive sound. Although sound is commonly transmitted through ultrasound methods, visible light communications has several advantages. Visible light …

Adaptive Stand Up Paddleboard, Stephen Eldridge, Claire Francis, Curtis Hodgson, Haley Rentfro, Spencer Shotts

Mechanical Engineering

The task of this project was to create an adaptive paddleboard capable of being ridden by someone who does not have full mobility in one or more of their lower extremities. This project was worked on by a team of five students - three mechanical engineers and two kinesiology students - to create an effective and robust design for the client. To do this, the team regularly met with the client and used individual and group expertise in various fields to bring the best product to the end user.

The client, Damien, was a firefighter who was injured in July …

Ultra-Light Bear Canister, Naveen Beasley, Eli Rogers, Cory Wilson, Donald Wood

Mechanical Engineering

A bear canister is the primary tool used by outdoor enthusiasts to protect their food from bears while camping or backpacking. There are many effective products currently on the market, however many are not designed with reduced weight in mind. Hardcore backpackers want to have the lightest gear possible to ease the strain of carrying a large pack for sometimes weeks at a time.

Current bear canisters exist that utilize carbon fiber for weight reduction, however they rely on stock carbon tubes and lack engineering analysis, and no competitor has a fully composite bear canister available. Our sponsor, Nick Hellewell, …

Electric Vehicle Torque Vectoring And Rear Steering Control System, Garrett Heinen, Vincent Lee, Michael Parker, Michael Saggese

Mechanical Engineering

NDA

Improvement Of Mounting Techniques For Accelerated Wear Testing Of Artificial Heart Valves, Kyle Koon, Clay Bougher, Lawrence Yang

Mechanical Engineering

Confidential

High­Impact Textile Joining For Uav Landing Application: Tensile Testing Of Textiles, Patrick Michniuk, Matthew Ferretti, Jennifer Ford

Mechanical Engineering

The main objective of this project is to improve upon the current stitching pattern used in UAV catch net applications with the intention of lengthening their useable life cycle. To achieve this, a testing setup and procedure has been developed to produce material strength and stiffness data for nylon­ webbing strap, and for sewn intersections of the same strap material. The current stitching pattern was tested, and quantitatively characterized based on strength and stiffness. New stitching designs were generated and tested using the same procedure, and the results compared. This allowed for the selection of the most optimized stitching pattern …

Flow Meter Test Rig, Cory Davis, Emily Guss, Michael Swartz

Mechanical Engineering

As part of a fluid mechanics laboratory, there should be an experiment that demonstrates the proper use of flow meters, devices that are necessary and relevant in many fluids-related industries. In order to provide students with exposure to these types of devices and how they work, a test rig was developed with the ability to interchange a variety of flow meters in order to broaden the students’ knowledge of the different types of measuring devices. This report was also written to outline the steps taken to ensure the test rig would match a laboratory and industry setting. Additionally, it was …

Metals Am Design For Manufacturing, Maren Cosens, Ben Wong, Kevin Hale

Mechanical Engineering

We are looking to improve upon the current post processing techniques for metal additive manufacturing (AM). This project, sponsored by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), will investigate ways to improve the design of stainless steel 316 parts made by AM, and how these designs will help with post processing techniques. We hope that the findings regarding stainless steel will apply to to improve the AM and post processing handshake in general. In particular, the project will focus on including different features in different basic part design shapes to aid in fixturing and post-processing of the part made by AM. This …

Efficiency Testing Of An Electronic Speed Controller, Grace Cowell, Matthew Hudson, Marcus Pereira

Mechanical Engineering

This project required the development of a rig that could experimentally determine the efficiency of an Electronic Speed Controller (ESC). The selected design focuses on measuring the losses due to heat from the device and comparing this to its input power. The selected design is a flow rig that utilizes the heat equation q=ṁcpΔT. The rig provides a steady state measurement of the ESC heat output by passing a known mass flow rate of air across the ESC and measuring the temperature difference. It uses a flowmeter to determine ṁ, thermocouples to determine ΔT, and a table lookup to determine …

Grain Orientation Effects On The Rotating-Bending Fatigue Properties Of Forged 7050-T7452 Aluminum Alloy, Matt Cristler, Jonas Zhang

Materials Engineering

In order to investigate the effects of grain orientation on the high cycle fatigue properties of 7050-T7452 aerospace grade aluminum, rotating-bending fatigue tests were performed on longitudinal (LG) and short transverse (ST) specimens taken from two sample sets (Method A and Method B) of open die forged 7050 aluminum. The fatigue specimens were machined to a 0.2" gage diameter and 4" length and subsequently hand polished to a mirror finish to minimize potential crack initiation sites. The tests were conducted on a Fatigue Dynamics RBF-300 HT tester in the fully reversed loading condition, with stress levels varying from 20 ksi …

Life Cycle Assessment Of Paper Versus Electronic Assignment Submission In Cal Poly's Materials Engineering, Patrick Mcdonnal

Materials Engineering

Both hard and soft copy submission of assignments make an impact on the environment to produce the final product in terms of energy consumption and carbon emissions; an investigation was conducted as to which method is less environmentally impactful. Student disposition towards each assignment submission method was also investigated because it is associated with learning efficacy. A survey was conducted in Cal Poly’s Materials Engineering Department to determine the contributing components to the environmental impact of paper and electronic assignments, as well as the students’ disposition towards each of them. Contributing components are man-made products used by a student to …

Life Cycle Assessment And Comparison Of Magnesium Oxide Nanoparticles Prepared By Aqueous And Microwave Synthesis Methods, Jesse Cartland

Materials Engineering

Abstract: Magnesium oxide nanoparticles are being used increasingly as catalysts for organic synthesis, fuel oil additives, and CO₂ adsorbents. There are many ways to produce magnesium oxide nanoparticles, but there is little information available regarding the environmental costs of production. As demand for environmentally friendly materials increases, it is important to understand environmental impact differences between various production methods. This study will compare the differences in embodied energy and global warming potential (GWP) between two synthesis methods: microwave combustion synthesis (microwave synthesis) and oxidation of magnesium hydroxide (aqueous synthesis). The resulting nanoparticles were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), …

Manufacturing And Characterization Of Poly (Lactic Acid)/Carbon Black Conductive Composites For Fdm Feedstock: An Exploratory Study, Dylan Fitz-Gerald, Justin Boothe

Materials Engineering

This exploratory study developed methods of manufacturing and characterizing the electrical properties of small batches of conductive composite feedstock for the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) manufacturing process, commonly known as 3D printing. We utilized a solution casting process of Poly(lactic acid) (PLA) (Grade 4043D, NatureWorks, LLC.) and Carbon Black (CB) (Vulcan® XC72, Cabot Corp.) in chloroform. The resulting composite precursor was cryogenically treated with liquid nitrogen and milled in a coffee grinder in order to achieve particles that could be fed into the extruder. Composite precursors were dried in a vacuum oven at an elevated temperature of 38°C. Filaments were …