Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Elevate Hardcase, Caleb J. Bailey, Colby M. Cordoba, Marissa Mccleod, Shaan Sandhu

Mechanical Engineering

The Elevate Hardcase project developed a portable mechanical elevation system that allows users to access rugged hard cases at a comfortable working height without needing a separate table or placing the case on uneven ground. The design focuses on improving ergonomics, portability, stability, and quick setup for users in field environments such as photography, hunting, and maintenance. Through customer research, concept development, prototyping, analysis, and testing, the final system was designed to support a loaded hard case, provide height adjustability, remain stable on uneven terrain, and be deployed by a single user in under five minutes. The final prototype demonstrates …

Power At Sea Develop Phase, Jake Lauer, Isabella Heinemann, Bailey Gargasz, Zachery Boyer

Mechanical Engineering

This project develops a renewable, wave-powered charging system designed to extend the mission duration of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles by eliminating the need for frequent manual battery replacement. Building upon a prior oscillating water column prototype from the CONCEPT phase, the team redesigned and tested an improved system capable of converting wave-induced air motion into electrical power using a Wells turbine. Key enhancements include doubling the column diameter to increase displaced air volume, integrating a flared inlet and bi-directional nozzle to improve airflow, and selecting corrosion-resistant materials suitable for long-term deployment in marine environments. Multiple prototypes were constructed and evaluated through …

Multi-Dimensional Framework For Industry 5.0: Integrating Human-Centric, Sustainability, And Operational Resilience, Tamer Adel Mohamed, Mohamed Boumalkha, Ahmed S.I. Amar

Mechanical Engineering

Industry 5.0 reframes digital transformation as a socio-technical endeavor in which automation serves human capabilities, environmental limits, and operational continuity. Yet, much of the current discourse remains either conceptual—lacking implementable metrics—or technologycentric— treating humans and sustainability as constraints instead of design objectives. This paper develops a multi-dimensional implementation framework that operationalizes the three pillars of Industry 5.0: human-centricity, sustainability, and operational resilience. We synthesize recent advances in collaborative robotics and safety-aware human–robot collaboration, digital twins (including human and supply-chain twins), and AI-driven decision support—augmented by emerging 6G ultra-reliable low-latency networking capabilities such as reconfigurable intelligent surfaces, terahertz communications, multi-access edge …

Production Of Seismic-Resistant Steel From Scrap With Up To 0.6% Copper, Iman El-Mahallawi, Ahmed Ramadan Seada Dr.

Mechanical Engineering

Earthquake-resistant steel grades of characteristic value defined by the ratio (UTS/YS) greater than 1.25 are verified through controlling the proportion of alloying elements in steel. This work illustrates a novel idea to produce earthquake-resistant steel grade utilizing steel scrap. Different heats were produced containing varying levels of copper, manganese, and silicon, along with deep desulfurization. The heats were hot rolled to diameters of 10, and 16 mm, followed by Tempcore process. JMatPro software was used to predict the formed phases. The chemical composition was determined by optical emission spectrometry. The tensile properties were determined by tensile testing, and bend testing …

Harnessing Tio2-Based Nanofilaments: A Pathway To Enhanced Optoelectronic Performance In Dye-Sensitized And Perovskite Light Harvesters, Zahraa Ismail, Tarek A. Elmelegy, Hassan Nageh, Sameh Abdellatif

Mechanical Engineering

This study explores the integration of TiO2-based nanofilaments into dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) and perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to enhance their optoelectronic performance. Despite the advancements in one-dimensional lepidocrocite TiO2 nanofilaments, there remains a significant gap in understanding their optical scattering mechanisms and dual applicability in both types of solar cells. We synthesized TiO2 nanofilaments and compared their performance to conventional P25 TiO2 in terms of morphology, electrical, and optical properties. The results indicate that the DSSC utilizing nanofilaments achieved a short-circuit current density of 8.2 mA/cm² and a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.9%, compared to 7.1 mA/cm² and …

Mars Rover Wheels And Drive, Presley S. Sacavitch, Ryan W. Trevena, Dylan A. Mack, Daniel Hudak

Mechanical Engineering

Cal Poly’s Poly1Rover team, advised by Professor Rich Murray, aims to deploy four student-designed mini-Mars rovers, each equipped with a sample-tube retrieval claw, before 2030. However, the wheels of Poly1Rover’s current 6th generation rover are not ready for deployment to Mars, as they do not utilize space-grade materials, are not optimized for manufacturability, and lack sufficient spoke compliance to absorb landing and high-impact loads. This project will be developed by a team of Mechanical Engineering students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly): Daniel Hudak, Dylan Mack, Presley Sacavitch, and Ryan Trevena. Next Intent is providing funding …

Formula Sae Planetary Gearbox Characterization Dynamometer, Trevor Marco Toma, Thomas Welden Pierce, Ethan Liu

Mechanical Engineering

This report outlines a custom hub motor dynamometer requested by the Cal Poly Racing FSAE team. The need for this testing platform is to characterize an existing Formula SAE planetary gearbox for a proposed 4WD powertrain. Hub motors, compact electric machines integrated directly into each outboard wheel, offer significant advantages in efficiency, traction, and chassis packaging compared to conventional RWD drivetrains. By mapping torque capacity, efficiency, lubrication method effectiveness, and fatigue life, the team can validate gearbox design and performance.

This senior project group designed and built a dynamometer according to these specifications which will allow for successful testing to …

Bowl-O-Matic, Nathan Lin, Luis Torres, Jill Worthington, Aiden Foote

Mechanical Engineering

Adaptive physical education presents the unique challenge of accommodating individuals with diverse physical and cognitive abilities. Instructors and program designers must often integrate specialized equipment, fixtures, or features to ensure activities remain safe, inclusive, and user-friendly. Beyond accessibility, adaptive physical education highlights the importance of empowerment— enabling every participant to experience personal growth, confidence, and connection through movement. Friday Club, a local San Luis Obispo program supported by Cal Poly’s Kinesiology Department, embodies these values by providing adaptive physical activities that promote health and well-being for individuals with varying abilities. One of the most popular and regularly held activities is …

Cosmetic Clamper, Daniel Peter Gates, Bruno Roberto Martinez, Samantha Remy, Zachary Joseph Roeber

Mechanical Engineering

Cosmetic Clamper Mechanical Engineering Senior Project was a senior project at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo in the College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department. The project ran from September 2025 to June 2026. The project developed the Cosmetic Clamper device, an accessibility product designed to help individuals with unilateral upper extremity motor deficits open, use, and close cosmetic containers independently.

Me3329 Modular Phonograph Gearbox, Garrett Andrik Leighton, Preston Robert Hupe, Gavin Carter Ebner, Andrew Renato Reyes

Mechanical Engineering

The Mechanical Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), seeks to develop a laboratory tool allowing students to reinforce concepts of gears for Mechanical Systems Design (ME329). Some current laboratories do not provide students with hands-on interaction, and the department lacks equipment and documentation to support a standardized lab. With ME329 expanding from ten to fifteen weeks, there is an opportunity to create a physical gearbox design lab allowing students to reinforce lecture material in engaging ways, while standardizing student learning. This senior project is presented and sponsored by Professor Alan Zhang. It will be …

Mars Mini Rover Sample Retrieval Robotic Claw, Cami Chambers, Ani Lachikian, Alexa Ramirez, Alex Power

Mechanical Engineering

This project involves several key stakeholders, including the Poly1 Rover Club, Professor Rich Murray, and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). The primary objective is to develop an improved robotic claw capable of retrieving sample tubes left by the Perseverance Rover on the Martian surface. In tackling this challenge, the design must account for the harsh Mars climate while integrating cameras and electrical components, durable structure, and a rotational component to the Mini-Rover claw without incorporating an additional motor, sample storage unit, structural aspects or unnecessary weight. The current Mini-Rover consists of a four-degree-of-freedom robotic arm with joints often referred to …

Sensory, Light, And Sound Box, Galilea Andrea Portillo, Hannah Elizabeth Henderson, Marcus Kiyoshi Kanenaga

Mechanical Engineering

The Sensory, Light, and Sound Box senior project outlined an adaptable, mobile sensory environment designed to improve cognitive and visual processing skills for students with Cerebral Visual Impairment (CVI) at the Oceano Education Center. Currently, the market lacks accessible solutions tailored to these non-verbal, low-mobility students, making traditional classrooms overwhelming. This project outlines the modification of an existing static layout into a functional, three-sided wooden over-bed frame that accommodates a standard hospital bed. Our team manufactured a structurally stable verification prototype under a $500 budget, integrating slow-closing outward-hinged walls for safety, dual Bluetooth speakers, and a synchronized LED projector that …

Cathy’S Catcher, Marlee Scott, Regen Worsley, Alessandra Valenzano, Aviv Ben Zeev

Mechanical Engineering

Deep-sea fishing presents significant challenges for individuals with upper-limb differences, particularly when using prosthetic devices that are not designed for recreational fishing activities. This project developed a custom prosthetic fishing rod attachment for a user who had lost her forearm and desired a safe, comfortable, and independent method of fishing. Through interviews with the sponsor and an iterative design process, a lightweight aluminum attachment was created to interface directly with the user's existing prosthetic quick-connect system.

The design process included concept generation, CAD modeling, rapid prototyping with 3D-printed models, manufacturing, and user-centered refinement. The final design consists of a welded …

Elevate Grill, Tanner Bachmann, Lance Anderson, Caden Huang, Jonathan Li, Brady Alexander

Mechanical Engineering

Santa Maria-style grills are a defining cooking tool of California’s Central Coast and are valued for their open fire cooking method and adjustable grate height. While this design provides direct control over cooking conditions, maintaining a consistent cooking temperature requires frequent manual adjustment of the grate position. This process relies heavily on operator experience and continuous attention, making temperature consistency difficult to maintain in a commercial kitchen environment. The Elevate Grill project was developed for Mike Ahrens and Wren Provisions to address this challenge while preserving the traditional Santa Maria grilling experience. The system uses temperature feedback from multiple thermocouples …

Stakblocks, Micah Satoshi Inoshita, Ava Rose Doerschlag, Cody J. Ellis, Zach M. Lawton, Fernando M. Nalin, Nicholas Humphrey, Aiden Reed Anderson, Sara Maya Suratkal

Mechanical Engineering

Researchers developing sustainable building materials from agricultural waste need a faster way to prototype and evaluate small-scale samples under controlled temperature and pressure before scaling to production. Sponsored by Professor Pete Schwartz of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, whose work focuses on sustainable technology for developing communities, this project aims to create a prototype testing device for researchers studying agricultural-waste bricks, with the University of Malawi as a potential future testing partner. The final product is intended to inform improved future designs rather than serve as a production-ready device, ultimately supporting the development of affordable, sustainable building materials for communities …

Toro Cover For Bob Packer, Bailey Smolinski, Brandon Petty, Arturo Ramirez, Kathryn Proctor

Mechanical Engineering

Small pools, spas, and hot tubs are common in residential homes, yet small pool owners face persistent tradeoffs between critical features such as weight, ease of use, and appearance in pool covers currently available on the market. Most products optimize a single attribute at the expense of others. For example, solar covers are energy efficient but structurally weak, safety meshes are cost-saving but intensive to install, and retractable covers are automated but expensive. Beyond these tradeoffs, existing solutions often demand multiple people to install, take time and effort, occupy valuable deck space, and sacrifice the surrounding aesthetic. Therefore, small pool …

Foldable Transfer Platform, Toby Sagi, Ashton Heiati, Triton Johnson, Zachary Denis

Mechanical Engineering

The report details the design and results of a Hoyer lift to transfer patients between wheelchairs and our sponsor's, Beacon VTC Santa Maria, vans. The lift disassembles into 3 main pieces, allowing the lift to be stored in the back of the van. The lift uses a hydraulic actuator to rotate the boom. We handed over our project to Beacon VTC Santa Maria for use in their facility!

Package Access Platform, Tyler Connor Moyers, Austin Sien, Brooke Almaraz, Aiden Montano

Mechanical Engineering

This Final Design Review (FDR) presents the completed package access platform project following fabrication, assembly, and verification testing of the final prototype. The project focused on the development of an adjustable and modular access platform capable of adapting to varying workspace requirements while maintaining operator safety and structural stability. The finalized design incorporates adjustable platform dimensions, modular frame expansion, integrated OSHA-compliant handrailing, and adjustable support legs to accommodate uneven surfaces and changing operational needs.

Water Turbine Dynamometer For Low-Power Turbomachinery Testing, Carmen Alaichamy, Yosef Huynh Torres, Michael Duperly, Michael Thomas Duff

Mechanical Engineering

Students in ME 443: Introduction to Turbomachinery compete to design and build efficient small impulse turbines. The course lacks a standardized method to experimentally calculate turbine power output and mechanical efficiency from accurate measurements of torque and speed, for example. To support the learning goals of ME 443, a dedicated water-turbine dynamometer is needed to provide controlled hydraulic power, accurate mechanical and electrical measurements, and clear data for performance evaluation.

Our proposed system delivers a safe, repeatable, and educational testing environment that can be integrated into the Fluids Lab or used as a standalone instructional tool. Key stakeholders include Professor …

Me443 Turbine Timing System, Jacky Liang, Michael Ayman Habib, Julio Cesar Gutierrez Jr., Eric Tran

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Composite Carrier, Thomas W. Clarke, Kaden T. Guevarra, D'Anna M. Jennings, John F. Tomas

Mechanical Engineering

The Composite Carrier project developed and tested a proof-of-concept system to improve safety and accessibility in the Cal Poly Composites Lab. The system enables users to retrieve composite material rolls from elevated storage racks without using ladders, reducing fall hazards and improving material handling. The final design integrates rack-mounted rotary latches, a ground-level pulley release mechanism, and a custom Genie dolly attachment with a foldable cradle. Verification testing demonstrated that the prototype could securely retain representative roll loads, support repeated retrieval and placement, and improve operator safety, while also identifying future refinements such as reducing attachment width for improved rack …

Hpv Speed Bike Landing Gear, Nathan Walker, Dylan Hyde, Mark Spohn, Trey Barber

Mechanical Engineering

This report presents the development of a retractable landing gear system for Cal Poly’s human-powered speed bike. The system is designed to support the bike during low-speed operation, especially during launch, when the vehicle is unstable and typically requires assistance from a support crew. The landing gear uses spring-driven extensions controlled by handlebar-mounted Bowden cables, allowing the rider to retract the system while maintaining control of the bike. By fitting within the fairing and retracting after launch, the design aims to improve takeoff stability and rider safety while preserving the aerodynamic performance required for high-speed competition.

Golf Ball Marking Machine, Isabella Brinkman, Erin Maxwell, Benjamin Nash, Matthew Nicacio

Mechanical Engineering

The Golf Ball Marking Machine was designed, manufactured, and tested to provide a compact and cost-effective solution for applying durable identification markings to golf balls. The system integrates a gravity-fed hopper, singulation mechanism, motorized marking chamber, and automated discharge system to process golf balls with minimal operator intervention. A computer control system coordinates the marking cycle, enabling consistent application of a circumferential stripe. Verification testing demonstrated compliance with requirements for size, weight, power consumption, safety, and marking durability while maintaining a tabletop size footprint. The prototype achieved an average throughput of 5.43 balls per minute and successfully validated the feasibility …

Project Strata, Hobbs Hegedus, Antony Chen, Adrian Scancich, Peter Constantine Psefteas, Ryan Kreis Roth, Jack Douglas Mitchell

Mechanical Engineering

Project STRATA is a lunar sample acquisition and storage system developed in support of NASA’s Artemis mission objectives and the 2026 NASA RASC-AL competition. The overall mission concept utilizes a dual-rover architecture consisting of HARVEST, a sample collection rover, and SILO, a storage rover designed to preserve and organize lunar ice-regolith core samples collected from permanently shadowed regions (PSRs) near the lunar south pole. These regions contain scientifically valuable volatile-rich materials but present significant challenges due to extreme cryogenic temperatures, abrasive lunar regolith, and the absence of solar energy.

This report is a collection of all major work from the …

Custom Animatronic Puppet, Jake Schuman, Fredy Herrarte, Madison Reedy, Jackson Reynolds

Mechanical Engineering

This project involved the design, fabrication, and implementation of a custom audio-animatronic puppet modeled after Dr. Brian Davis for the California Polytechnic State University Mechanical Engineering Department. The objective was to create an expressive, lifelike character capable of synchronized speech, head movement, arm gestures, and seated-to-standing motion while demonstrating the integration of mechanical design, controls, manufacturing, and artistic fabrication.

The final system consists of an 18-degree-of-freedom animatronic platform utilizing servo-driven facial and upper-body actuation combined with a pneumatic standing mechanism. A modular aluminum and 3D-printed structural framework was developed using SolidWorks and validated through engineering analysis. Character shells were digitally …

Compressor Rotor Joints And Interference Fit Study, Isabela Jimenez, Aubrey Perez, Isaiah Guerrero, Jireh Velasquez

Mechanical Engineering

Solar Turbines need a comprehensive study on the effects axial and radial inference fits have on turbine compressor rotor stiffness. The aft weldment of the compressor has press-fit dowel pins and pilot joints to connect one weldment section to another. These fits need to be assessed through a finite element modal analysis, as well as practically tested through modal impacts to investigate how the fits affect the stiffness of the turbine’s connected weldments. The experimental data will be used to validate the finite element analysis (FEA) model.

Raytheon Rtx Autonomous Vehicle Competition (Avc) - Unmanned Ground Vehicle (Ugv), Bryant Jonathan Martinez-Bautista, Geovanni Lara, Jared Herrera, Jose Barrera

Mechanical Engineering

Raytheon RTX has four universities participating in a competition to successfully complete various challenges with a UAV and UGV including navigation and landing. The students must work collaboratively to integrate and manufacture a working UGV that is compatible with the UAV.

Our sponsor is Raytheon, more specifically Mr. Luis Esparza. Important stakeholders also include Cal Poly and the entire team of ME & CPE working on the project. Raytheon and Luis are looking for innovative solutions that can be applied for real world scenarios where UAV’s and UGV’s are applied. Cal Poly is gaining recognition, and the team is gaining …

Peltier-Based Hydration Accumulation Terminal (P.H.A.T.), Jenner Mucher, Ethan Pace, Renee Robolledo, Sabrina Luo, Taehoon Lee, Tarsem Pal

Mechanical Engineering

The objective of this project is to design an innovative potable water dispenser capable of safely delivering hot, ambient, and chilled water on demand for human lander missions. The system will support astronauts’ hydration and food rehydration needs while minimizing mass, power, maintenance, and contamination risks in microgravity and partial-gravity environments. Current spacecraft dispensers, such as the International Space Station (ISS) system, provide only heated water and have limited temperature control, cleaning accessibility, and microbial resilience. Building on NASA heritage designs and lessons learned from the ISS Potable Water Dispenser, this project advances a lighter, simpler, and more energy-efficient concept …

Mass - Modular Acoustic Suppression System, Julia Megargle, Michael A. Milner, Lucas Kaemmererer, Jonathan Corvera, Gabriel Choi, Emmi Cayer

Mechanical Engineering

The Modular Acoustic Suppression System (MASS) is a mass tuned damper that reverberates a membrane atop a cavity to absorb select acoustic frequencies produced by the Environmental Control and Life Support Systems (ECLSS) within NASA's Artemis Human Lander. The height of the reverberation chamber is adjusted to mitigate a range of varying tonal frequencies within the human lander.

Electronic Bike Chopper, Caleb S. Bermack, Joey Lederer, Ethan Dea, Evan Herrera, Fred Agregado

Mechanical Engineering

Our sponsor, David Royce, built an initial e-bike chopper prototype and desired an improved, next generation version. Our team designed and manufactured an electric bicycle to achieve the rugged visual style of a classic chopper motorcycle while improving stability and usability. The team built a functional E-Chopper prototype using a 4130 steel frame, custom dropouts, a long front fork, wide rear tire, ape-hanger handlebars, and prebuilt electric components such as the battery, hub motor, controller, throttle, and display. The design focused on reducing excess weight, improving frame rigidity, and meeting California e-bike regulations.