Development Of An Interactive Wave Drag Capability For The Openvsp Parametric Geometry Tool, Michael Jon Waddington

Master's Theses

Minimizing wave drag is critical to successful and efficient transonic and supersonic flight. Area-ruling is the process of managing the cross-sectional area of an aircraft to lessen the wave drag experienced in flight. Effectively calculating the necessary areas for a given aircraft can be difficult, and existing tools for conducting a wave drag analysis often carry limitations in both functionality and availability.

In this work, the author utilized an existing parametric geometry tool named OpenVSP to create an interactive design tool for approximating zero-lift wave drag. Here, the wave drag calculation methodology used in industry for decades is combined with …

Using Opensim To Predict Knee Joint Moments During Cycling, Karim C. Dudum, Jake E. Deschamps, Juan D. Gutierrez-Franco, Luke I. Kraemer, Alejandro M. Gonzalez-Smith, Eshan M. Dandekar, S. J. Hazelwood, Stephen M. Klisch

Biomedical Engineering

Cycling is a relatively low impact activity conventionally recommended as a rehabilitative or fitness sustaining exercise for patients at a high risk for knee osteoarthritis (OA) [1,2]. Expanding our understanding of knee joint loads is necessary to develop and improve evidence-based prescriptions for cycling as a rehabilitative and fitness therapy that limits the risk for knee OA.

OpenSim (www.simtk.org) is an open source biomechanical analysis software that can partition predictions of external joint loads (or net muscle moments) into muscle and joint contact loads [3]. Joint contact loads more accurately represent cartilage tissue loading and hence risk for cartilage damage …

Human Knee Joint Finite Element Model Using A Two Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Validation And Gait Analysis, Nicholas A. Czapla, Meghan K. Sylvia, Zachary F. Lerner, David J. Tuttle, Otto J. Schueckler, S. J. Hazelwood, Stephen M. Klisch

Biomedical Engineering

Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) deficient individuals are at a much higher risk of developing osteoarthritis (OA) compared to those with intact ACLs, likely due to altered biomechanical loading [1]. Research indicates the ACL is comprised of two “bundles”, the anteromedial (AM) and posterolateral (PL) bundles [2]. Although the function of both bundles is to restrain anterior tibial translation (ATT), each bundle has their own distinct range of knee flexion where they are most effective [3].

Articular cartilage contact stress measurements are difficult to measure in vivo. An alternative approach is to use knee joint finite element models (FEMs) to predict …

Development Of A Human Knee Joint Finite Element Model To Investigate Cartilage Stress During Walking In Obese And Normal Weight Adults, Meghan K. Sylvia, Nicholas A. Czapla, Zachary F. Lerner, David J. Tuttle, Otto J. Schueckler, Scott Hazelwood, Stephen M. Klisch

Biomedical Engineering

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative condition characterized by the breakdown and loss of joint articular cartilage. While the cause of OA is not precisely known, obesity is a known risk factor [1]. Particular effort has gone towards understanding the relationship between obesity and knee OA because obesity is more strongly linked to OA at the knee than at any other lower extremity joint [2]. Although the relationship between obesity and knee OA is well established, the mechanism of pathogenesis is less understood. Excess body weight generates greater joint contact forces at the knee. However, obese individuals alter their gait, resulting …

Design And Implementation Of An Instrumented Pedal For Cycling Biomechanics Research, Luke I. Kraemer, Juan D. Gutierrez-Franco, Jake E. Deschamps, Karim C. Dudum, Eshan M. Dandekar, Scott Hazelwood, Hemanth Porumamilla, Stephen M. Klisch

Biomedical Engineering

Cycling is a common, low-impact activity used for recreation, exercise, and rehabilitation. Knee joint loading can be predicted using inverse dynamic analyses of pedal load cell and kinematic data measured during cycling biomechanics experiments. Several studies have successfully measured foot loading at the pedals, e.g. by using custom instrumented pedal spindles outfitted with strain gauges and a potentiometer to measure crank angle [1-3]. Such designs are relatively complex, requiring difficult machining and component fabrication, and require post-processing of strain gauge data.

The long-term goal of this study is to calculate knee joint loading and, ultimately, cartilage tissue stress to provide …

Human Knee Joint Finite Element Model Using A Two Bundle Anterior Cruciate Ligament: Validation And Gait Analysis, Nicholas A. Czapla, Meghan K. Sylvia, Zachary F. Lerner, David J. Tuttle, Otto J. Schueckler, Scott J. Hazelwood, Stephen M. Klisch

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Pseudo-Rigid Body Method For Reducing Soft Tissue Artifact: Validation And Application To Gait, Jake E. Deschamps, Karim C. Dudum, Eshan M. Dandekar, Scott Hazelwood, Stephen M. Klisch

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Design And Implementation Of An Instrumented Pedal For Cycling Biomechanics Research, Luke I. Kraemer, Juan D. Gutierrez-Franco, Jake E. Deschamps, Karim C. Dudum, Eshan M. Dandekar, Scott Hazelwood, Hemanth V. Porumamilla, Stephen M. Klisch

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Human Knee Joint Finite Element Model To Investigate Cartilage Stress During Walking In Obese And Normal Weight Adults, Meghan K. Slyvia, Nicholas A. Czapla, Zachary F. Lerner, David J. Tuttle, Otto J. Schueckler, Scott Hazelwood, Stephen M. Klisch

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Using Opensim To Predict Knee Joint Moments During Cycling, Karim C. Dudem, Jake E. Deschamps, Juan D. Gutierrez-Franco, Luke I. Kraemer, Alejandro M. Gonzalez-Smith, Eshan M. Dandekar, Scott Hazelwood, Stephen M. Klisch

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

A Paramedic Method Drill Master To Improve Student Writing, David Braun

Electrical Engineering

Engineering instructors have students write reports in order to help learn difficult concepts, data analysis, challenging problem solving, communication skills, and critical thinking. Sadly, many students seem to prefer obfuscating the subject matter and key ideas by using painfully unclear writing. An instructor dismayed by poor prose in submitted assignments has numerous familiar options available. Consider just a few:

1. Ignore the poor writing

2. Mark every error directly

3. Mark every error with a marginal comment

4. Give general feedback about the poor writing over the entire assignment

5. Expect students to rewrite and resubmit work

6. Change careers …

Development And Implementation Of A Long-Term Freshmen Service Project: The Design And Deployment Of An Engineering Outreach Experience For Underserved Populations, James M. Widdmann, Brian P. Self, Peter Schuster

Mechanical Engineering

Freshmen year programs in engineering have received recent and growing attention as a method to engage first year students in their profession and start them on a path to success. Service learning is a well-known pedagogical method that has been shown to improve retention, especially of underrepresented groups in engineering, and to promote deeper learning through reflection. This paper describes the implementation of a new long-term (full year) service learning project where 240 freshmen mechanical engineering students worked together in small teams to design and deploy an engineering outreach experience for a designated age-group of 4th-11th grade students. This educational …

Roborodentia Robot, Jordan Dykstra, Anibal Hernandez, Robert Prosser

Computer Engineering

This report provides details on the design and implementation of a robot for the Spring 2015 Roborodentia competition. The system is described from a software perspective, a hardware perspective, and a mechanical design perspective.

Madmath: Word Problem Generator, Mitchell Reed Vierhus

Computer Engineering

No abstract provided.

Increasing The Independence Of Children With Spina Bifida Through The Designing And Building Of A Mechanical Aide, Andrew Duffek, Robert Brent, Michael Hamada, Melissa Rodriguez

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

In order to assist Silas Hopper, a child with spina bifida, with getting into his wheelchair independently when being on the ground, the senior project team set out to construct a device that would fulfill that purpose. They did this through coming up with a strict definition of the problem to be solved, designing a number of potential solutions for the problem, prototyping to determine the feasibility of the solutions, making design modifications after testing the prototype, and building the final device.

The end product was a device that was able to operate mechanically, with a design that considered safety …

Understanding The Relationships Of User-Selected Music In Video Games, Memphis Wong

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

Music has been an integral part of video games in its contribution to users' gameplay experiences. Varying from simple sound effects to elaborate scores, music helps shape the reactive environment of each video game. In particular, video games that generate unique levels and scenarios based on music has become more popular as its own genre. Games such as Audiosurf take this further, with having the game revolve entirely around levels generated to custom tracks. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of such games, when it allows a user to select his or her own music.

Characterization Of Pressure-Driven And Electro-Kinetically Driven Flow In A Micro-Fluidic Chip Using Particle Imaging Velocimetry, Alexis Weckel

Master's Theses

The flow profiles of pressure-driven and electro-kinetic driven flows were compared for a microfluidic chip. It was found that the pressure-driven flow had a parabolic profile while the electro-kinetic flow had a plug shaped flow profile. The measured velocities were similar to those determined by the Poiseuille flow model and the Helmholtz-Smoltchowski equation. Flow uniformity is very important for control in microfluidic mixers. Parabolic flow profiles lead to inconsistent reactions while the more uniform plug shape flow allow for a more steady reaction across the channel. Previous work had been performed to measure the flow of a solution of fluorescent …

Small Scale Erp Engine Design, Colyn Muir Dickson, Matthew Wade Haymond

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This project set out to create a 1) low-cost, 2) dynamic, and 3) user-friendly small scale ERP software tool. These three key attributes position this product against complex and expensive systems such as SAP or Oracle. While the product still retains the dynamic and financial capabilities any good ERP system should have, the biggest value proposition is its simple and user-friendly interface. The software has a dual product-market fit: for small businesses as a low-cost planning tool, and for universities as a teaching tool. In the design phase, the team kept a primary focus on ergonomic software development while maintaining …

Tesla Motors Quality Engineering Application And Implementation, Nick Kwan

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Tesla Motors, in Winter 2013 during the author’s coop,had a variety of potential improvement areas regarding their quality engineering team. There were too many overall defects on the vehicles. Those defects were recognized as the cars were passing through inspection, coming off the line, as well as brought by customers to after-purchase service. One of the defects was the Charge-port Door Malfunction, in which the door of the Model S would not open on command. An additional defect was the Windshield Wiper Malfunction, in which the fluid was not hitting the car at the desired angle. Both of these defects …

Database Design For The Collection And Visualization Of Sustainabilty Data, Henry A. Kozlowski, Nikhila Perugupalli

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The goal of the project was to create a database that would be a repository for the high volume of sustainability data Illumina would like to collect. To couple with the database the project team’s goal was to design a system for visualizing the data graphically. Illumina required a database system that would be user-friendly, easy to add, delete, and edit data inputs, as well as a program that would allow the user to easily sort and graph data. The intent of the graphical representation of the data is to publish the graphs in a monthly report that would be …

Industrial Engineering Consulting, Blake J. Ahrold, Torrey M. Plana

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This paper documents the senior project of Blake Ahrold and Torrey Plana. This project was created to provide a solution to the problem of small to medium Sized enterprises (SMEs) being under represented by lean consulting companies. The project was at first intended to be a lean consulting startup and then pivoted to The Systems Optimization Club. A project charter, Gantt chart, and business model canvas were created for the startup and used as guidelines in the creation of the Systems Optimization club. The club is to be run like a lean consulting company. The club will provide teams of …

Strasbaugh Nonconforming Report Optimization, Eden Andersen, Angela Asgekar, Rebecca Gregg

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This paper strives to convey the problems and proposed solutions for Strasbaugh’s Nonconforming Report (NCR) Optimization. Strasbaugh is a world leader in silicon wafer polisher and grinder technologies. After a significant down size to the company parts they used to manufacture now have to be purchased, and many of these incoming parts do not conform to Strasbaugh’s high standards. This has led to an increase in NCRs that need to be processed, which takes up time, resources and money.

The objective therefore became to update the multi-sheet carbon copy paper system to better optimize the use of these reports and …

Designing A Supply Chain For Wine Imports, Italy To California, Neil Magnuson, Sam Bucher

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Executive Summary

In this report a framework for a hypothetical business will be covered. Bucher & Magnuson Wine Import Inc. has provided a business plan as well as a detailed supply chain design for operations. In addition, a model for scaling and a redesign of a possible storage facility will be found. This comprehensive document outlines end to end the supply chain model of the hypothetical business and moreover a framework for starting a wine import business in San Luis Obispo.

The conclusions of the results from this model are the following:

• Unconcerned with time, the cheapest route for 1 …

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An Investigation Of Incipient Melting During Solution Heat Treatment Of 7050 Aluminum Forgings And Its Effect On Corrosion Properties, Thomas Kilkenny

Materials Engineering

7050 alloy (6.2Zn-2.3Mg-2.3Cu-0.12Zr) is a structural aluminum alloy commonly used in the aerospace industry. Its rich chemistry makes it susceptible to incipient melting. Incipient melting is a phenomenon where areas with high local alloy content melt before the rest of the material. This can cause a degradation of mechanical and corrosion properties. A six by four factor solution heat treatment trial was conducted. Six solution heat treatment temperatures, 890- 940°F in 10°F increments, and four times, 1, 2, 4, and 6 hours, were used. Incipient melting was observed in the 910°F, 6 hour solution heat treatment and all 920-940°F solution …

An Automated Solution For Analyzing Supply Chain Performance, Paul Ringelstein

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The world is becoming increasingly connected as technology progresses and globalization reaches more countries. This interconnection creates new challenges and new relationships for both people and businesses. Now, more than ever, businesses have to work together to satisfy the high demands of customers.In a world full of complex organizations that do business together, the supply chain has become the heartbeat of corporations. The interconnectedness of the organizations in the supply chain is critical to the success of all components of the supply chain. In order to gain an advantage in markets today, data needs to be used to determine where …

Proposal For Extracting A Drip Irrigation System And Implementing A Micro-Sprinkler Irrigation System On A 30-Acre Almond Orchard, Nicolette Schiber

Agricultural Education and Communication

The purpose of this project was to develop a plan to remove a drip-irrigation system and implement a micro-sprinkler irrigation system into a 30-acre almond orchard located in Livingston, California. The reason for removing the drip-irrigation system and inserting a micro-irrigation system was due to the farm wanting to perform less labor when it comes to harvesting time but still conserve water. Through careful research certain choices were made in order to choose what equipment would be used in the new irrigation system. The data and research provided is based on the specific type of orchard and scale of the …

Analysis Of 3d Printer Schedule, Colin B. Mclane

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

With recent innovations in technology, 3D printing has become a rapidly expanding manufacturing method that is being used for a wide range of applications. Their ability to build parts layer by layer instead of cutting away initial material allows this method to have almost no wasted material, creating the potential for a much more efficient, cost effective process. In order to continue the growth of this manufacturing strategy, the performance of 3D printers need to be enhanced to ensure equal or higher quality of produced parts in comparison to other manufacturing methods that are more commonly used. One important part …

Cost Effective Analysis Of Big Data, Steven J. Litzsinger, Nehad Dababo

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Executive Summary

Big data is everywhere and businesses that can access and analyze it have a huge advantage over those who can’t. One option for leveraging big data to make more informed decisions is to hire a big data consulting company to take over the entire project. This method requires the least effort, but is also the least cost effective. The problem is that the know-how for starting a big data project is not commonly known and the consulting alternative is not very cost effective. This creates the need for a cost effective approach that businesses can use to start …

Design Of An Automated Vehicle Detection System For Bicycles: Fireworks Cycling Sensor, Jason Cheng, Peter Kim, Tory Morgan, Clayton Young

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Abstract

This report explores the necessity for increased cyclist safety in urban settings, leading to the birth of a product which aims to drastically reduce the risk of accidents while heightening the sense of safety overall. The project outlines and details the product development process of a consumer-friendly vehicle detection system, with a holistic scope which includes technical rapid prototyping and coding, team dynamics, decision making process, and change management. Two formal prototypes were developed before a functional final product was identified and constructed, each iteration drastically improving practicality and efficiency of detection. The final product underwent extensive testing in …

Economic Analysis And Justification For Automated Welding Systems, Roxanne Raye

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This report looks at designing a new welding process for a company in the Oil & Gas industry, ensuring method consistency and performance quality of their steel drill bit while increasing overall production. The current product is welded manually with a flux core wire, resulting in high cycle times and numerous cases of required rework.

The use of automation systems will be analyzed for their increased consistency, quality, safety, and production estimates. Specifically robotic cell design will be considered, since it can work on more parts with fewer operators, adding efficiency and flexibility to the production floor. Other areas of …