Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Mechanical Engineering News, Georgia Southern University

Mechanical Engineering: News & Publications (2013-2023)

• Dr. Mujibur Khan, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering, Awarded $153,000 NSF Grant

Design Of Compliant Bicycle Brake, Todd R. Coon, Dr. Larry Howell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Shimano corporation, the market leader in bicycle components, sells a class of brakes titled “Vbraketm” that has a strong braking force and travels in a horizontal motion. The V-brake (Fig. 1) uses a four-bar mechanism to direct its motion. The goal of this design project was to use new technology to achieve the same performance as the V-brake while significantly decreasing the part count and the complexity of the design.

Friction Stir Welding Of Hsla Steel, Sterling Anderson, Dr. Tracy Nelson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In response to industrial need for a high-strength, weldable, malleable, and corrosion resistant steel the United States Navy developed a high-strength, low-alloy steel known as HSLA 65. Because of its superior mechanical properties and low cost, HSLA 65 is being increasingly used in pipeline, naval, and automotive industries. The important structural role it plays in these industries requires not only that it be weldable, but that, once welded, it maintain specified strength, ductility, and chemical composition values to avoid failure during extreme loading conditions. To achieve these properties, HSLA requires an efficient welding method that will not degrade its strength. …

Improving Micro Air Vehicles, Andrew Hosford, Dr. Deryl Synder

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Recently, there has been increased interest in the development of micro air vehicles (MAVs) (Figure 1) to perform reconnaissance, surveillance, and other small operations best suited for air vehicles with maximum dimensions of six inches. In order to develop successful air vehicles, it is imperative to have correct fluid flow modeling. As of late, current modeling tools used to design and analyze full-scale aircraft do not work well for MAVs[1]. This lack of appropriate tools has lead current research to take a trial and error approach to design of MAVs—a very expensive and inefficient technique.

Evaluation Of A Compliant Out-Of-Plane Micro-Mechanical Mechanism, Jeff Young, Dr. Larry Howell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Much research is being done around the world in the field of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). MEMS are devices such as linkages, actuators, gears and motors built on a scale of microns. MEMS have many potential applications in medical science, electronics and other areas where smaller, more intricate, and more innovative solutions are continually required. Essential to the practicality of MEMS is the ability to design for predictable and reliable behavior. The extremely small size of these devices presents difficulty in realizing a design. Joining separate elements into operative assemblies is very difficult at the micro scale. A sound solution to …

Stress-Induced Development Of Human Vocal Fold Morphology, Kendall Teichert, Dr. Scott Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Ramig and Verdolini state: “it has been estimated that 3% to 9% of the total population in the United States has a voice disorder.” One way to better understand voice disorders is to learn about the development of the structures and properties, or morphology, they affect. Much study has been done on the morphology of the human vocal folds. As explained by Hirano et al the vocal fold is made up of two parts: a cover (mucosa) and body (muscle). Hirano further explains that the mucosa is composed of various layers which include the mucosa epithelium and the lamina propria. …

Charpy Impact Study Of Friction Stir Welded X-65 Steel, David Segrera, Dr. Tracy Nelson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Industrial need for a high-strength, ferritic steel exhibiting desirable weldability, malleability, and corrosion resistance properties has led to the development of high strength, low alloy (HSLA) X-65 Steel. This class of steel uses small amounts of alloying material and very little carbon to make it more corrosion resistant than normal carbon-containing steels. As HSLA has gained popularity in automotive, naval, and other industries, the inherent need for better welding processes has arisen.

A Self-Powered Wireless Microphone, Joel Neff, Dr. Brian D. Jensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The idea for our project was to use vibrations from the human vocal folds to harvest energy during speech. This energy would then be used to power a wireless throat microphone, which would acquire a speech signal and then transmit it to a fixed receiver for communications systems. The measurements we took estimated that human vocal folds could produce vibrations with amplitudes on the order of 1-5 m/s2 at the skin surface on the throat. One research study done by Shad Roundy at UC-Berkeley demonstrated that a device capable of producing 300 µW of power could be driven off of …

Scar Effects On Vocal Fold Vibration, Todd Groesbeck, Dr. Scott Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The influence of scarring on the vocal folds is of great interest to the speech community. Surgeons, educators, and vocalists all have interest in understanding what causes vocal fold damage, and how such damage may be repaired. Frequently, repair requires surgery, and the surgery may result in scarring. Scarring results in impaired vibration, thus altering the quality of the individual’s voice.

Visual Based Reverse Engineering, C. Porter Bassett, Dr. C. Greg Jensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Reverse engineering, or the process of taking an implemented idea and taking it back to the design stage, has many applications in many different types of engineering. One common application of reverse engineering is to take a manufactured part, measure its dimensions and shape, and then make new drawings or Computer-Aided Design (CAD) models of the part. When done manually, this is a very tedious process that includes measuring dimensions and manually inputting them into the CAD program. This also leaves a lot of room for human error either on measuring the part or inputting the dimensions. The reverse engineering …

Computational Analysis Of Prosthetic Voice-Producing Elements, Britton Olson, Dr. Scott L. Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Many voice disorders impede normal speech production. In severe cases such as laryngeal carcinoma, the total laryngectomy procedure is required, resulting in the loss of the natural ability to produce sound for speech. In this case synthetic forms of speech are employed. One method of synthetic speech that has demonstrated potential is a “voice-producing element” (VPE) . Recent VPE designs consist of two latex membranes within a cylindrical housing that is placed in the tracheoesophageal wall in a “double-reed” configuration. Air flowing from the lungs between the membranes results in regular, large-amplitude, self-sustained vibrations. The membranes are loaded on the …

Ultra-Small Scale Hydroelectric As A Supplemental Energy Source, Andrew Thompson, Dr. Daniel Maynes

Journal of Undergraduate Research

For centuries water has been used as a source of power; from the middle ages where waterwheels were used for simple mechanical tasks to the 21st century where large hydroelectric power plants supply megawatts of electricity to the power grid. In recent decades developing and remote regions in Tibet, Laos, Uganda and parts of Latin America, have begun using small scale hydroelectric generators to provide electricity to their areas. With the rising concerns of greenhouse gas emissions, developed nations have also begun to look into ‘small scale hydro.’1

Development Of Models Of Laryngeal Cartilage Using Mri Images, Brianne Hamilton, Dr. Scott L. Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The study of vocal fold vibration allows for greater understanding of how speech production occurs and of the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of associated physiological disorders. Until now an environment to test vocal fold models which are anatomically similar in both form and function has not been available. It was necessary to have a larynx model in which artificial vocal folds can be placed and subjected to conditions found in the human body in order to attain a more comprehensive understanding of vocal folds and their function. This project was part of a team working with Dr. Scott L. Thomson …

Polyurethane (Pu) Foam Synthesis And Lean Manufacturing An Effective Business Suitable In Developing Countries, Sebastian Acosta, Danny Parades, Dr. Robert Todd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Our ORCA project was motivated by the realization that many South American countries have not taken full advantage of the polyurethane industry. The manufacturing of PU and its applications may contribute to the economic and social growth in less-developed nations. This may be accomplished if this potential industry is appropriate for development by small/medium enterprises and other business partnerships. The main goal of our ORCA research project was to learn by study and personal experience if the synthesis of PU foam truly is a suitable business in developing nations.

Development Of Synthetic Composite Materials To Simulate Vocal Fold Tissue, Allyson Pulsipher, Dr. Scott Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Over the past 25 years, research has been done to analyze the response of vocal fold tissue to tensile loading. Although the research provided better understanding of vocal fold behavior, there has been significant variability in the results of each research endeavor. Many factors may have contributed to the differences, such as dissimilar experimental set-ups, difficulty of obtaining and analyzing vocal fold samples, etc. However, the most significant factor of variance is most likely related to the structure of the tissue itself.

Palatometer, Art Krahenbuhl, Dr. Brian Jensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The palatometer is a device previously designed by Dr. Sam Fletcher to aid in his work of speech therapy. The device consists of a series of sensors laid out on a grid that is attached to a mold of the user’s palate. As the user talks, the sensors react to the places where the tongue touches and sends a signal through wires to a processing chip, housed in a little black box. This black box is suspended around the user’s neck, and relays the data from the mouth to a computer that creates a digital representation of the sensor’s information …

A Race Vehicle Data Acquisition System, B. Taylor Newill, Dr. Mark Colton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Society of Automotive Engineers hosts the annual Formula SAE student design competition. This year 70 teams will design, build, and race a one man, open-wheeled road racer. Formula SAE is considered by many to be the most prestigious university engineering design competition in the world. For the first time, a team of undergraduate BYU students will participate in the Formula SAE competition.

Merging Creative Design And Cad Learning Activities In A Product Design Programme, Pearl O'Rourke, Colm O'Kane, Leslie Smith, Michael Ring

Conference Papers

Traditional learning and teaching methods for creativity differ from those used in a scientific context. Although the creative process can benefit from a certain level of prescription and structural constraint - with time allocated to research, problem definition, conceptualisation and idea development - flexibility and fluidity are necessary for creative innovation. In contrast, the more linear and rigid pedagogies associated with science and engineering education facilitate efficient learning of subjects such as those based on software packages, manufacturing and materials theory or mechanics. This paper describes the development of a project which aims to establish constructive links between the learning …

Current Best Practices For High Performance, Deep Energy Retrofits In Florida Affordable Housing, Florida Solar Energy Center, Janet Mcilvaine

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In the fall of 2009, researchers at the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) began working with affordable housing entities that were conducting major renovation projects in unoccupied, foreclosed homes. The study was funded by the Florida Energy Systems Consortium and the U.S. Department of Energy's Building America program. When components and equipment were being replaced because they were worn out, researchers provided savings projections for higher-efficiency choices. Savings were also projected for improvements that were strictly for energy efficiency, such as adding ceiling insulation. The best practices summarized in this document are a mixture of assessment, design, specification, quality assurance, …

Progressing Bicycle Design For People With Hip Disarticulation, Luke Rasmussen, Dr. Mark Colton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

People with hip disarticulation are those who have had a leg surgically removed above the hip, taking away every muscle and movement in one of their limbs. A surgery of this type makes it extremely difficult for its recipients to lead an active lifestyle. This project aimed to design a bicycle for use by people with hip disarticulation, thus enabling them to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle despite their obstacles.

Vapor Deposition Methods For Synthetic Vocal Fold Modeling, Mitchell Hortin, Dr. Scott Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to develop a reliable method to create the epithelial layer of silicone rubber vocal fold models. The method needed be able to repeatedly create a uniform layer of silicone rubber that is 70-80 microns in thickness. The type of silicone rubber used was to have similar or identical properties to the type currently in use. In an attempt to accomplish this purpose, three types of nozzles, an ultrasonic mist maker and an airbrush were tested to see if they could efficiently atomize the silicone mixture. This testing showed that the airbrush setup has the …

Design, Modeling And Development Of A Serial Hybrid Motorcycle With Hcci Engine, Yuh-Yih Wu, Chen Duan, Kai-Xian Hong, Hsien-Chi Tsai, Craig Hoff

Mechanical Engineering Publications

This paper discusses the design, modeling, and development of small motorcycle equipped with a HCCI engine in an series hybrid configuration. A mathematical model was developed using MATLAB/Simulink and used to size the powertrain components and to predict fuel economy. A conventional 125 cc spark ignition engine was modified to run in HCCI combustion mode and integrated into a prototype vehicle. Dual-fuel and external EGR strategies were used to upgrade the engine speed and torque capabilities of the engine to meet the requirements of the powertrain. An electrical generator, hub-motor, battery pack and other power electronics devices were used to …

A Characterization Of Force Patterns And Power Flow In The Golf Swing Using A Three Dimensional Model, Shad Roundy, Dr. Craig Smith

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Of the many specific studies published on the golf swing, few if any give a holistic mechanical understanding of the swing. The purpose of this study was to develop a holistic three dimensional model and characterize the force and power patterns in an elite golfer. Because of the emphasis in golf instruction on lower body motion, particularly the hip turn, particular attention was given to the relationship between the force generated in the lower body, and the resulting hip, trunk, and arm motion. This same model could be used in the future to more widely characterize force patterns of golfers …

The Radial Turbine: A Simple Encapsulation Of Its Design, Matthew B. Parkinson, Dr. Jordan J. Cox

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The design, manufacture, and testing of turbines involves many aspects of engineering: fluid mechanics, computer-aided design, computer-aided manufacturing, instrumentation, heat transfer, and optimitization. This project encapsulates these and provides for rapid design, manufacture, and testing of a prototype turbine wheel (figure 1). Although the models are simplified and do not address countless design considerations, they do provide a feel for the many issues encountered.

Characterization Of Wrist Kinetics During Activities Of Daily Living, Autumn Pando, Dr. Steven Charles

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Out of the 75,000 people afflicted with repetitive strain injuries annually in the U.S., 68% impair the wrist1. A major factor in these injuries is abnormal and excessive force. However, forces applied normally by the wrist in everyday environments are unknown. The purpose of this study is to quantify a detailed baseline of healthy, normal wrist forces used in activities of daily living (ADL). Once normal ranges are quantified, abnormal forces can be better identified, leading to more informed preventative designs and more personalized treatment options.

Hers Index Scores As An Alternative Compliance Path For The 2015 Iecc, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The analysis presented here is an extension of a previous study on HERS Index Scores as they relate to various version of the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC) by the same author. This extension of the previous study is designed to examine the impact of advanced, ultra-high efficiency appliances and high efficiency HVAC systems on HERS Index Scores as they relate to reductions in the HERS Index Scores that may be used as 'tradeoffs' against best practice envelope efficiencies.

Water Removal From Gas Flow Channels Of Fuel Cells, Jeffrey S. Allen

Michigan Tech Patents

An apparatus for water management in a fuel cell. The apparatus includes a fuel cell having a first porous electrode layer, a second porous electrode layer, a proton-conducting membrane positioned between the first electrode and second electrode layers, and a first and second bi-polar distribution plate, wherein the first bi-polar distribution plate is positioned on a top of the first electrode layer and defining a first gas flow channel, and wherein the second bi-polar distribution plate is positioned on a bottom of the second electrode layer and defining a second gas flow channel. The apparatus further includes a mechanism for …

Origami-Based Design For Engineering Applications, Kevin Campbell Francis

Theses and Dissertations

Origami can be a powerful source of design inspiration in the creation of reconfigurable systems with unparalleled performance. This thesis provides fundamental tools for designers to employ as origami-based designs are pursued in their respective fields of expertise. The first chapter introduces origami and makes connections between origami and engineering design through a survey of engineered applications and characterizing the relationship between origami and compliant mechanisms. The second chapter evaluates the creasing of non-paper sheet materials, such as plastics and metals, to facilitate origami-based compliant mechanism design. Although it is anticipated that most origami-based design will result from surrogate folds …

Small-Scale Wind Turbines: An Appraisal, Tony Kealy

Conference Papers

This research seeks to evaluate the economic benefits to be gained by installing a small-scale wind turbine for a customer with a three-phase electrical supply requirement. The evidence for the claims made in this paper is obtained by using actual data obtained from the installed equipment over a three year period. The objective is to accurately appraise the financial investment using real data. There appears to be limited studies conducted into this type of research, possibly because the renewable energy sector is in the infancy stage in the host country, Ireland. There are some wind energy installations with financial appraisal …

Do Middle Managers Contribute To Their Organisation's Strategy?, Tony Kealy

Conference Papers

This paper presents an empirical study on the contribution made by middle managers to the development of strategy in an organisation. The data was collected using semi-structured interviews with four managers in randomly-chosen companies. Two of the participant managers held senior management positions while the other two held middle manager positions. The data was analysed using a qualitative approach. Previous studies in this field were found to be wide and varied. An early study by Mintzberg (1978) found that strategy mainly forms from emergent influences at middle and lower levels of the organisation, as well as from deliberate influences emanating …