Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Understanding The Role Of A Bio-Inspired Surface Modification For Delayed Icing, Clayton Schenk

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Atmospheric icing event is problematic for outdoor structures because it can damage, slow, impede, and danger general routine. For a wind turbine blade, it can damage, disrupt movement, and cause potentially dangerous ice throw. Anti-icing based on a surface texture is advantageous due to the low cost of maintenance and there is no additional requirement of energy output for preventing the icing problem. This work is based on the biomimicry of the superhydrophobic nature of the lotus leaf, whereas the limited wettability supports the water to flow freely from the surface structure. The phenomenon is based on a morphology and …

A Solid State Nitrogen Gas Generating Chip And Applications For Picosatellites, Kyle Godin

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A microscale gas generating chip has many applications; in this study, applications relating to picosatellites have been considered. Cube satellites, a type of picosatellite, are of mass around one kilogram and side length 10cm x 10cm x 10cm. Their launches are becoming more numerous since their debut ten years ago. Their low cost and deployment system makes space accessible to agencies hitherto barred from it, such as universities and small governments. However, their power, mass, and volume budget is extremely tight. A microscale gas chip could compete with other designs for attitude control devices, most not flown yet as cube …

Automating The Fret Slotting Process Using A Plc Controlled 1.5 Axis Mill, James Stratton

Purdue Polytechnic Masters Theses

Stratton, James A. M.S., Purdue University, August 2011. Automating the Fret Slotting Process Using a PLC Controlled 1.5 Axis CNC Mill. Major Professor: Richard Mark French.

Can automation assist small job shops and hobbyists in the production of stringed instruments? This research set out to answer the question using a quantitative approach to determine if an economical CNC machine could be produced in such a fashion as to seamlessly join the workshop as an affordable, yet precise instrument to aid in the production of stringed instruments. The key was to incorporate common industrial automation equipment into the operation of the …

A Digital Hydraulic Valve, Actuated Using A Piezoelectric Linear Motor, Brian C. Bevill

Purdue Polytechnic Directed Projects

Proportional control in hydraulics is widely utilized. The most widely used current types of proportional valves utilize solenoid technology. While this technology has been around for decades and has been proven an effective means of control, there is always a demand for improved performance of advancing technologies. Integrating piezoelectric devices as a means to control hydraulic systems helps advance control for hydraulic systems.

Piezoelectric stack devices have been used to control hydraulic systems with success. Advantages of these stacks include being relatively small with a high power to weight ratio, using less energy than solenoid operations, and being fast acting. …

Reconfigurable Sampling For Enhanced Energy Efficiency In Power-Constrained Wireless Systems, Timothy Kurp

Master's Theses

Advancement in microelectronics and wireless communications has nurtured the development of low power and low cost wireless systems such as sensor networks. Each node is typically driven by a battery, which has a limited energy capacity that directly constrains node, and network lifetime. This presents a bottleneck for the widespread exploitation of wireless sensing technology. Therefore, improving the energy efficiency of wireless sensing devices is of critical importance and has attracted the attention of the research community.

In this work, a data-driven method has been proposed and systematically investigated. Specifically, this technique reconfigures, in real time, the rate of data …

Thrust-Vector Control, Dane Larkin, Harsimran Singh

Mechanical Engineering

Mission Statement

The purpose of this project is to design, build, and test a thrust-vectoring rocket nozzle which will aid in controlling the trajectory of a solid-booster rocket. The system prototype must meet the requirements set forth by the sponsoring enterprise.

The Enterprise

Stellar Exploration is a small space systems technology company located in San Luis Obispo, CA. Stellar Exploration is currently seeking a thrust-vectoring system for its Silver Sword rocket.

Project Scope

The design and analysis portion of this project accounted for a system that would be mounted on to a rocket for operational flight. Therefore, this team has …

Structure Climbing Monkey Robot, Paul Bessent

Master's Theses

This report describes the design, building, and testing of the Structure Climbing Monkey Robot (SCMR). It is composed of seven successive joints and linkages with two grippers at the two ends. Each gripper can act as the base or the end of the robot. The SCMR has the ability to climb any structure. The gripper plates can be changed to grab different kinds of structures, but this one is made to grab 2x4‘s. A program was written to assist the user to grab four non-coplanar, non-orthogonal points.

The SCMR is actuated by a total of nine motors: two to open …

Rapid Animatronic Target System, Brandon Keith Bray, Matt Gerhardt Guise, Martin Thomas Quinn

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Power Steering Concept, Anthony N. Escobedo, William Ryan Flores, Russell Haverstock

Mechanical Engineering

This senior project was created in conjunction with Edwards Lifesciences. This project was created under an non-disclosure agreement and will not be submitted to any outside sources. The submitted title page will act as proof of completion.

Development Of A Cubesat Instrument For Microgravity Particle Damper Performance Analysis, John Trevor Abel

Master's Theses

Spacecraft pointing accuracy and structural longevity requirements often necessitate auxiliary vibration dissipation mechanisms.  However, temperature sensitivity and material degradation limit the effectiveness of traditional damping techniques in space.  Robust particle damping technology offers a potential solution, driving the need for microgravity characterization.   A 1U cubesat satellite presents a low cost, low risk platform for the acquisition of data needed for this evaluation, but severely restricts available mass, volume, power and bandwidth resources.  This paper details the development of an instrument subject to these constraints that is capable of capturing high resolution frequency response measurements of highly nonlinear particle damper dynamics.

Effects Of Inlet Conditions On Diffuser Outlet Performance, Zaccary A. Poots

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Building air distribution terminal system designers and system installers require accurate quantitative information on the performance of the installed system to achieve optimum efficiency and levels of human comfort. This requires field installation adjustment values from published ideal pressure loss, air distribution and sound generation installation performance. This study documents the air output performance of different installation configurations of six types of ceiling diffusers and compares the results to performance when installed according to ANSI/ASHRAE Standard 70-2006. A diffuser inlet supply plenum was designed for optimum flow and used to acquire a baseline set of data covering the six types …

Geomagnetic Compensation For Low-Cost Crash Avoidance Project, John C. Torres

Master's Theses

The goal of this work was to compensate for the effects of the Earth’s magnetic field in a vector field magnetic sensor.  The magnetic sensor is a part of a low-cost crash avoidance system by Stephane Roussel where the magnetic sensor was used to detect cars passing when it was mounted to a test vehicle.  However, the magnetic sensor’s output voltage varied when it changed orientation with respect to the Earth’s magnetic field.  This limited the previous work to only analyze detection rates when the test vehicle travelled a single heading.  Since one of the goals of this system is …

Shaped Mems Contact, Ronald A. Coutu Jr., Paul E. Kladitis, Robert L. Crane

AFIT Patents

A MEMS switch fabrication process and apparatus inclusive of a bulbous rounded surface movable contact assembly that is integral with the switch movable element and achieving of long contact wear life with low contact electrical resistance. The disclosed process is compatible with semiconductor integrated circuit fabrication materials and procedures and includes an unusual photoresist reflow step in which the bulbous contact shape is quickly defined in three dimensions from more easily achieved integrated circuit mask and etching-defined precursor shapes. A plurality of differing photoresist materials are used in the process. A large part of the contact and contact spring formation …

Electromagnetic Modeling And Measurement Of Adaptive Metamaterial Structural Elements, Matthew E. Jussaume

Theses and Dissertations

This document addresses two major obstacles facing metamaterial development: uncertainty in the characterization of electromagnetic field behavior in metamaterial structures and the relatively small operational bandwidth of metamaterial structures. To address the first obstacle, a method of prediction aided measurement is developed and exploited to examine the field interactions within metamaterial devices. The fusion of simulation and measurement techniques enhances the understanding of the physical interactions of fields in the presence of metamaterials. To address the second obstacle, this document characterizes the effectiveness of an adaptive metamaterial design that incorporates a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) variable capacitor. Applying voltages to the …

High-Resolution, Non-Contact Angular Measurement System For Psa/Rsa, Ronald D. Sloat

Master's Theses

A non-contact angular measurement system for Pitch Static Attitude (PSA) and Roll Static Attitude (RSA) of hard disk drive sliders is designed and built. Real-time sampling at over 15 KHz is achieved with accuracy of +/- 0.05 degrees over a range of approximately 2-3 degrees. Measuring the PSA and RSA is critical for hard drive manufacturers to control and improve the quality and reliability of hard drives. Although the hard drive industry is able to measure the PSA and RSA at the subassembly level at this time, there is no system available that is able to measure PSA/RSA at the …

High Conductivity Solid Oxide Electrolyte Composite-Laminates Utilizing Scandia/Ceria Co-Doped Zirconia Core With Yttria Stabilized Zirconia Outer Skins, Jay Neutzler, Xinyu Huang, Joshua Sightler, Yan Chen, Nina Orlovskaya

Faculty Publications

Increasing the conductivity of electrolytes in lower temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFC) is of great importance. However, there are several challenges that are to be addressed, which include phase stability of electrolyte’s crystal structure, chemical stability in both oxidizing and reducing environments, and maintaining mechanical integrity and high ionic conductivity over time.

Optimization Design Of Electrodes For Anode-Supported Solid Oxide Fuel Cells Via Genetic Algorithm, Junxiang Shi, Xingjian Xue

Faculty Publications

Porous electrode is the critical component of solid-oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) and provides a functional material backbone for multi-physicochemical processes. Model based electrode designs could significantly improve SOFC performance. This task is usually performed via parameter studies for simple case and assumed property distributions for graded electrodes. When nonlinearly coupled multiparameters of electrodes are considered, it could be very difficult for the model based parameter study method to effectively and systematically search the design space. In this research, the optimization approach with a genetic algorithm is demonstrated for this purpose. An anode-supported proton conducting SOFC integrated with a fuel supply …

Cal Poly Rose Float Electric Vehicle, Jennifer Slone, Jason Sherrett, Dionysios Pettas, Timothy Baldwin

Mechanical Engineering

(1) Background:

The Cal Poly Rose Float is currently powered by a pair of V-8 internal combustion engines. This is the second project in a three phase effort to replace the existing drive engine with an electric motor powered by a DC bus. The main goal of this phase of the project is to get the motor selected in phase one spinning.

(2) Results:

Originally, the project involved programming a microcontroller to achieve motor control. The decision was made, early on, to approach this task in a different manner due to the team’s minimal background in programming and mechatronics. The …

Artificial Skin Tactile Sensor For Prosthetic And Robotic Applications, Ross James Miller

Master's Theses

To solve the problem of limited tactile sensing in humanoid robotics as well as provide for future planned mechanical prostheses, an innovative tactile sensor system was created and embedded into two realistic-looking artificial skin gloves. These artificial skin tactile sensors used small piezoelectric ceramic disks to measure applied force at multiple points on each glove. The gloves were created using silicone rubber to simulate both the texture and look of human skin, while maintaining both flexibility and durability. The sensor outputs were buffered by high-impedance voltage-following operational amplifiers, and then read sequentially using a multiplexing scheme by a microcontroller. Sensor …

Mobility Aid: A Dual Purpose Walker And Scooter, Zack Blois, Robia Choi, Kristin Dills

Mechanical Engineering

The Mobility Aid project was proposed by Theresa Mortilla and Idee Shapiro. The goal of the project was to design and build a device that can quickly and easily transform between a mobility walker and an electric scooter to allow for more freedom of mobility. The inspiration for this project arose from the fact that Theresa suffers from multiple sclerosis in her legs and can only walk for about thirty minutes at a time until she gets too fatigued and must sit down and rest. This device would provide her with the ability to continue moving while giving her legs …

Mems-Based Pufs For Cryptographic Applications, Nicholas Shane Patrick

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Motorcycle Data Acquisition System, Jonathan Luke Harmse

Biomedical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Implementation Of A Conrad Probe On A Boundary Layer Measurement System, Charles Rocky Ulk

Master's Theses

This thesis presents the design, calibration, and performance evaluation of a type of two-hole pressure probe anemometer known as a Conrad probe, as well as its subsequent implementation on an autonomous, compact boundary layer measurement device and its first application for subsonic in-flight measurements of a swept wing boundary layer. Calibration of the Conrad probe was accomplished using two calibration functions and a non-nulling method for resolving in-plane flow velocity direction and magnitude over a range of ±30 degrees. This approach to calibration and application offered the advantages of rapid data acquisition with lower energy consumption than alternative methods for …

Medtronic Universal Crimping Machine, Justin Ginochio, Andrew Hanson, Zachary (Zach) Dieterle

Mechanical Engineering

This project is geared towards the redesign and implementation of a crimping tool for use in the manufacturing of catheters produced by Medtronic Inc. Catheters require two steering cables to maneuver the end of the catheter through the body. The steering cables have a sleeve that is crimped onto their end in order to hold the cable in place inside the catheter steering handle. The current crimping tool, designed by Astro Tool Corp, has a few problems associated with its design. Additionally we are trying to get rid of a step in the manufacturing process that involves the adhesive, cyanoacrylate, …

Guidable Motorcycle Headlight, Billie B. Fritz, Toby J. Lloyd

Mechanical Engineering

Motorcycling at night is an inherently dangerous situation and is compounded by poor illumination of the roadway when cornering through a turn. Due to stationary headlamps geometry being designed for upright riding position, cornering a motorcycle causes the illumination of the forward path to be decreased significantly. The goal of this project is to develop a lighting system that will improve road illumination for riders at night using guidable lights that deflect prior to and during a turn. In addition to developing a working prototype, this project’s intent is to work in conjunction with a partner from the school of …

Evaluation Of Quasi-Static Indentation Damage In Aluminum Honeycomb Core - Graphite/Epoxy Sandwich Structures, David Eisenberg

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

Sandwich composites utilize a low density core and relatively stiff face sheets. These structures are ideal for applications that require high compressive strength, high bending stiffness, and very low weight such as aerospace vehicles. However, one problem with sandwich composites is their susceptibility to low velocity impact damage. Low velocity impacts result in both external damage, in the form of dents, and internal damage, in the form of core crushing, face sheet delaminations (two adjacent plies separating from one another), fiber fractures and matrix cracks. In general, it is assumed that visibly evident damage will be repaired. Barely visible impact …

Online Real-Time Water Quality Monitoring And Control System, Paul Duffy, Gerard Woods, James Walsh, Michael Kane

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Marine Current Energy Devices: Current Status And Possible Future Applications In Ireland, Fergal O'Rourke, Fergal Boyle, Anthony Reynolds

Articles

There is a growing demand for the use of renewable energy technologies to generate electricity due to concerns over climate change. The oceans provide a huge potential resource of energy. Energy extraction using marine current energy devices (MCEDs) offers a sustainable alternative to conventional sources and a predictable alternative to other renewable energy technologies. A MCED utilises the kinetic energy of the tides as opposed to the potential energy which is utilised by a tidal barrage. Over the past decade MCEDs have become an increasingly popular method of energy extraction. However, marine current energy technology is still not economically viable …

Increasing The Sensitivity Of Surface Acoustic Wave (Saw) Chemical Sensors And Other Chemical Sensing Investigations, Nina R. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

The work involves the fabrication and testing of three different surface acoustic wave (SAW) device designs, an investigation of nanowires sensitive to chemicals and preconcentrator prototypes to include with chemical sensors. The SAW chemical sensor designs include modifications to a basic SAW device to see if the sensitivity of the SAW device is increased. The modifications consist of etched trenches along the propagation field, coating the device with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) under the chemically sensitive layer and coating CNTs on top of the chemically sensitive layer. SAW devices are coated with Nafion®, a polymer sensitive to ethanol. The tests indicate …

Investigation Of Thermal Management And Metamaterials, Calvin T. Roman

Theses and Dissertations

Thermal metamaterials are materials composed of engineered, microscopic structures that exhibit unique thermal performance characteristics based primarily on their physical structures and patterning, rather than just their chemical composition or bulk material properties. The heat transfer performance attributes of a thermal metamaterial are such that similar performance cannot be obtained using conventional materials or compounds. Thermal metamaterials are an emerging technology, and are just now beginning to be acknowledged and developed by the microelectronics and material sciences community. This thesis effort analyzed the current state of thermal metamaterial research, examined the physics and theory of heat transfer and electrical conductivity …