Engineering Commons^™

Kinetic Modeling Of Ammonium Removal In Heterotrophic Nitrifying Bacteria, Alcaligenes Faecalis, Tyler Ayers, Cassie Bahe, Derek Tuttle, Kirsten Sims, Bryce Myers, Mark Biesinger

Biological Engineering

Excess nitrogen in wastewater effluent leads to harmful environmental effects, including eutrophication of reservoirs which causes harmful algal blooms. In traditional wastewater treatment, autotrophic nitrifiers are used in biological nutrient removal processes to convert nitrogen-containing ammonium to nitrate. In a second step, denitrifying bacteria convert nitrate to nitrogen gas, which exits the waste stream and enters the atmosphere. Heterotrophic nitrifiers are of interest due to their resilience, ability to outperform autotrophic nitrifiers, and function in low temperatures. While this is a promising new area of study, little is known about the kinetics of heterotrophic nitrification.

Membrane Bioreactor For Urea Removal, Jake Accordino, Morgan Bishop, Mitchel Heap, Banner Wald

Biological Engineering

Background

• Dialysis is a system designed to remove impurities from blood through filtration

• Peritoneal dialysis pumps dialysate into the peritoneal cavity and utilizes the peritoneal membrane as a natural membrane to achieve this filtration

• Patients who receive peritoneal dialysis are prone to infection and discomfort as the dialysate must be replaced 3-5 times a day to ensure continuous removal of waste

Objectives

• This research will develop a secondary membrane designed to remove 20 grams of urea from the dialysate per day

• The secondary filtration will decrease the need to change the dialysate more than once …

Microcarrier Separation For Continuous In-Line Bioprocessing, Tessa Burrows, Ryan Cowley, Nathan Crook, Kyle Jackson, Joshua Jenkins

Biological Engineering

Bioreactors are an efficient way to generate cell-related product and viral particles; and with the use of microcarriers, adherent cells can be grown in bulk without taking up lab space.

Currently, media changes in bioreactors require microcarriers to settle for 30-45 minutes, resulting in:

• Lack of supplemental oxygen and nutrients

• Product loss

• A daily, time-intensive process

Bioreactors in the range of 50-2000 L could have major product loss and inefficiency with current media exchange methods.

N.A.S.A Life Detection S.C.O.P.E (Sonicator Cell For Organics Prospecting And Evaluation), Bailey Mcfarland, Lindsey Bach, Michael Einreinhof

Biological Engineering

Although life on Mars has yet to be proven, the concept of extraterrestrial life detection is an extremely prominent question within the astrobiology and aerospace industry. In support of this search, this project utilizes a multi-step system prototype that sonicates regolith samples which is then filtered and fed in a downstream process for further analysis. This senior design project is focused on the development of a proof of concept prototype of the sonication cell, with the attention centered on sample extraction, drillbit interface, and its ability to seal.

Novel Bio-Adhesives From Recombinant Hagfish Proteins 𝛂 & 𝛄, Thomas Burton, Siarra Freuler, Eryn Hanson, Caleb Thomson

Biological Engineering

The aim of this project is to create a biologically-based adhesive that is “green”, cost effective, and mechanically viable. Outcomes, in line with the aims, will be to produce hydrogel adhesives that are environmentally friendly, less expensive than current available bio-adhesives, and at equal or better strength than currently available bio-/traditional adhesives in industrial applications. This project will be significant in that it is an entirely novel concept involving recombinant hagfish proteins and a novel application of them that can address current issues in industrial waste and cost of bio-adhesives. The result of this product will be environmentally clean, economically …

Actively Balanced Battery Pack, Dan Bosco, Jordan Johnston, John Mermigas, Quincy Williams

Electrical and Computer Engineering

We report on the modification of a combustion engine F-150 to a hybrid-electric F-150. This project represents the first stage in an experiment to actively balance a battery pack to provide faster charging rates and longer driving ranges. This project also represents the first stage in an experiment to replace the alternator with a 10-kilowatt motor for additional horsepower and emission free driving mode

Wind Release Mechanical Sun Tracker, Tyler Andrus, Brady Fisher, Jt Gibson, Cynthia Rigby, Derek Smith

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Solar panel sun tracking system that releases solar panels to orient to wind flow in high wind conditions

• Operates on a single rotational motor

• Designed to be lightweight and portable

Afrl Downed Airman Recovery System, Daniel Cornia, James Bennett, Matthew Halton, Matthew Bennett, Brandon Haws, Tyson Compton, Jacob Needham, Daniel Spreier, Thory Van Dyke

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

For the 2020 Air Force Research Laboratory design competition, teams were challenged to develop a system to assist Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) in recovering a downed pilot in contested waters.

In the event of a pilot ejecting from their aircraft, a GPS beacon notifies CSAR of the pilot’s approximate location. During the rescue operation, a swimmer from a CSAR crew enters the water and assists the isolated person (IP) to use rescue equipment.

The current procedure exposes an additional person to hazards and increases IP extraction time. The additional required personnel and setup time increases mission risk.

USU’s student …

Design, Build, Fly 2019-2020 Banner Towing Bush Plane, Brayden Barton, Carlton Collet, Talon Gamble, Daniel Gardner, Hayden Harmon, Daniel Scribner, Ryley Shingleton, Trevor Smith, Sabrina Snow

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Design: A bush plane capable of deploying and towing a banner in flight, carrying passengers, and taking off within 20 ft. Create simple systems capable of restraining the passengers and stowing, deploying, and releasing the banner.

• Build: The plane, passenger subsystem, and banner subsystem using durable and lightweight materials. Select a propulsion system with the necessary power and endurance to complete the missions.

• Fly: Three missions with the fastest lap times to achieve the highest score.

• Mission 1: Fly 3 laps within 5 minutes; take off in less than 20 ft.

• Mission …

Automated Cushion Ring Insertion System (Cris), Nathan Andersen, James Parberry, Chris Reid, Jeron Robbins, Kayden Atkin, Kody King, Mckay Mckinnon

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Project Description

This purpose of this project is to prototype a proof of concept machine capable of installing a retaining ring into an airbag cushion.

Project Benefits

• Decreased installation time

• Better consistency and quality control

• Helps create a fully automated production line

Usu Baja Sae 2020, Adam Black, Trevor Nuamann, Cliff Rossberg, Ian Jeppsen, Tad Behunin, Josh Olsen, Kaulin Curtis

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The 2020 USU Baja team addressed the following issues in the 2020 buggy design:

• Utilizing LotusSHARK software for suspension design: Completing a digital design of the buggy's suspension system in LotusSHARK allowed for optimization of suspension design.

• Redesign of brake system: Reducing the size of the brake pedal footprint was needed for increase space in the buggy for 4WD components.

• Implementation of 4WD: Significant bonus points could be earned in the SAE competition if the buggy has 4WD capabilities. The ability to switch between 2WD and 4WD was also desired to easily engage the best configuration for …

Biological Agent Dispersal And Containment, Austin Williams, Ryker Hacking, Weston Craig

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Purpose

• Model the flow of airborne anthrax surrogate particles through a training facility

• Design a training facility that will safely contain all the released particles

• Determine final location of the particles within the testing facility

• Determine most influential factors for particle containment

Importance

• Training for a bio-terrorist threat

• Researching airborne flow of particles is necessary to prepare for a potential threat

• Response plans depend on timely determination of the containment zone

Diffraction Efficiency Measurement Instrument: Demi, Usu Department Of Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• We designed an automated system to do help QC technicians who currently check the efficiency of VPHGs by hand.

• Why should your reader be interested?

VPHGs are used in lab equipment and medical instruments and more. The largest VPHGs (like the ones the DEMI tests) are used in giant telescopes and other astronomical applications.

Autonomous Fixed Wing Drone, Glen Wright, Case Haws, Duke Madson, Chandler Oaks, Cory Christensen, Ryan Mears, Mike Wells

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Design an autonomous system for a fixed wing drone in order to fly a repeatable pattern for testing of RF communication equipment.

• Requirements:

– Fly a repeatable pattern

– 2 km range

– Transmit Telemetry points

– Switch between manual and autonomous

• Goals:

– Create a platform compatible with the second phase of the project

– Allow for autonomous takeoff and landing procedures

– Create a platform compatible with a host of airframes

Heated Chamber Capable Of Purging/Scrubbing Twelve Or More Gas Analyzers Of Co2 And H20 For Calibration, Cole Watson, Oliver Hulme, Trevan Cottle

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Build ergonomically friendly chamber capable of purging 12 or more Gas Analyzers to keep up with current demand.

• Designed shelfing to fit all three Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI) gas analyzers: EC150, EC155, and Irgason.

• Chamber has uniform air temperature that will be regulated to not go above 50 ℃.

• CSI Datalogger is used to collect analyzer data and control electronics from outside the chamber.

• Chamber is durable and easily moved.

Autoliv Flexible Windshield Reaction Surface, Perry Simpson, Jacob Bowman, Joshua Christensen, Ethan Moore

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Summary: Currently Autoliv is testing airbags against a flat steel plate. Testing against a steel plate doesn’t provide accurate airbag rebound data. Autoliv also does most of the development in series with automotive companies. They do initial designs but cannot get accurate tests until test vehicles are built.

Problem: Create a fixture that will bend a surface to replicate the curvature of any windshield desired resulting in more accurate airbag rebound data.

Why: Solving this problem will result in higher accuracy and precision in airbag performance systems. The new test fixture will provide a better representation of how the airbag …

Ganging Multiple Mechanical Sun Trackers, Katie Clark, Ben Hansen, Ben Hill, Cody Kelley, Chris Twede

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The scope of this project was to design a mechanical solar tracker that implemented the algorithm/patent developed by Dr. Nicholas Flann. The solar tracker needed to be able to gang with other units using a single motor. The designed tracking unit is intended to:

• Rotate 350 degrees

• Use 3 seasonal tracks to follow the sun

• Be adjustable for wind and snow loads

• Be constructed from readily available materials

Mini Rad-Dx Product Update, Tyler Child, Bradly Payne, Colton Smart, Morgan Ward

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Improve Current model by:

• Redesigning case to accommodate 3 – AA batteries

• Improve ingress protection to IP67

• Make device look more Rugged

• Eliminate one of the two LCD screens

• Design for injection molding production

• Develop a mobile app

Direct Pedal Actuation, Tyler Fallentine, Mitch Peterson, Bryce Fisher, Sam Hartvigsen, Alexander Bird

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Problem Description:

• The Team shall deliver a working prototype for direct pedal actuation of the brake and throttle for use in remote control of a vehicle.

• The delivered design shall:

• Measure 15 in. by 9 in. by 13 in.

• Fit in 90% of tested vehicles.

• Meet force, speed, back drive force, etc.

• Install in under 10 minutes.

Small Satellite Reaction Wheel, Corey Creager, Kalan Juhasz, Jeremy Wiser, Jake Laub, Christopher Wartena

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• A reaction wheel uses torque to control the attitude of a satellite.

• The requirements specify a torque, a momentum, and a confined volume.

Solar Array Deployment Test Gravity Offloader System, Braden Call, Matthew Calvin, Chris Debenham, Christian Marriot, Mason Onkes

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Space Dynamics Lab (SDL) has started to develop larger satellites and larger solar arrays are required to power the spacecrafts. These larger arrays are harder to test

• Larger solar panels need their weight from gravity offloaded to prevent damage to their joints. The joints are not designed to hold their own weight

• Space Dynamics Lab requested our design be able to function in a vacuum to simulate the microgravity environment as closely as possible.

• While gravity offloading systems have been designed in the past, a vacuum-compatible and passive design brings a new and unique challenge

Usu Mars Rover Team, Usu Department Of Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The University Rover Challenge capstone project presents university students the opportunity to design, fabricate and test a rover to compete in the annual international Mars Society URC Competition held in Hanksville, Utah. The URC Competition consists of four separate missions including Extreme Retrieval & Delivery, Equipment Servicing, Science, and Autonomous Traversal. Each mission requires advanced subsystems onboard the rover to accomplish mission tasks in a timely manner.

The 2020 USU URC team is divided up into four subteams to accomplish each mission including Power/Drive, Navigation/Communications/Autonomy, Operations, and Science. Admission to the URC Competition is highly competitive since the competition is …

Westech Process Control, William Clarke, Ammon Mccarthy

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The WesTech Engineering company is looking into utilizing MatLab Simulink to increase productivity.

Zagg Innovation Program: Led Focusing Case, Kyle Douglas, Travis Halverson, Derek Wilkins, Jessica Williams

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Background: The ZAGG Innovation Program has the goal of creating innovative concepts and products for the telecommunication and consumer electronic retail channels.

Chosen Product: After deliberating over 30 generated product ideas with ZAGG representatives, the team chose to develop a phone case that would focus a cellphone camera flash into a practical flashlight beam.

Product Goals:

• Decrease beam angle and light increase projection distance

• Durability to withstand regular use and drops

• Keep the product as simple as possible, with minimal added bulk and parts

• Case will not obstruct the field of view of …

Portable Leak Test System, Tyler Pulli, Joseph Arnell, Luke Osterhout, Dustyn Roberts

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Idaho National Laboratories requires an airtight seal on transportation casks to ship radioactive material. To ensure that the cask is air-tight, a system needs to be designed to measure whether air is leaking out of the seal and determines if the cask passes or fails.

Hobbit Caves Access Bridge: Logan, Ut, Bailey Mabey, Katrina Mccoll, Hayley Sharkey, Spencer Tanner, Allison Valencia

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The National Forest Service proposed the reconstruction of a pedestrian bridge leading to the Logan Canyon Hobbit Caves. At the proposed location the previous bridge foundation failed leading to unsafe conditions.

Currently visitors must cross the creek on foot to access the Hobbit Caves. This disrupts the local habitat. This also creates a hazard for the public due to high variance in flow rate and water level of the creek. A new location was selected and the design criteria was created based upon this new location.

Test Dummy Positioning For Autoliv Ogden, Ut, Dianne Althouse, John Garrett, Ty Johnston, Ridge Jones

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• The Team shall deliver a proof of concept prototype to Autoliv for its use in positioning test dummies for Out-of-Position (OOP) airbag testing

• This is to improve set-up timing and accuracy without operator to operator variation.

• The device should work for the placing of three-year-old, six- year-old, and 5th percentile female test dummies.

• There are two OOP: head on IP (instrumentation panel) and chest on IP.

Recycling Warehouse, Hunter Carter, John Jacobsen, Brady Layton, Ariel Silva, Wyatt Wray

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Valley Recycling is a recycling company located in Cache Valley. One of the main things they recycle is scrap metal that is sorted out into ferrous and nonferrous metals. The current focus is on the building that the nonferrous metals are sorted, cleaned, and processed in. The current building where this work is done does not meet the needs for the required work.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Battery, Brandon Reed, Ammon Black

Electrical and Computer Engineering

The most pressing issue preventing modern power infrastructure from embracing renewable energy sources is the ability to store power on a large scale.

Many renewable energy sources generate more power during peak generation hours that the power grid can handle. This excess power currently goes to waste.

The purpose of this project is to build an apparatus that stores more energy in a smaller space than conventional chemical batteries. Using electricity to create comprisable hydrogen allows this apparatus to be a clean, reliable and large scale energy storage device.

Robotic Exoskeleton Arm, Anthony Devore, Benji Smith, Rosalyn Wright, William Clarke

Electrical and Computer Engineering

• Current options for prosthetics are limited either with cumbersome braces that don't allow for full range of motion and require external controls or expensive and invasive prosthetics that require nerve splices
• Using prosthetics for physical therapy requires extensive equipment training in order to operate the technology
• Controlling prosthetics using your own muscles without invasive surgery is not currently deployed for medical and therapy uses