Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Northrop Grumman Collaboration Project, Nikkia Rae Psomas-Sheridan, Santiago Robles, Ben Elkayam, Benjamin Ulfhake

Mechanical Engineering

The Northrop Grumman Collaboration Project (NGCP) is a collaborative club project sponsored by Northrop Grumman for the students of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo (CPSLO) and Cal Poly Pomona (CPP) to create a fleet of vehicles to aid in the simulated rescue of stranded hiker. The CPSLO club is responsible for delivering an autonomous flight vehicle that can suppress a fire and retrieve a payload. Mechanical Design Team of the CPSLO team was responsible for the design of the frame, electronics housing, and payload and fire suppression systems.

Experimental Uncertainty In Measurements Of Violin Impulse Response, Andrew Piacsek, Seth Lowery

All Faculty Scholarship for the College of the Sciences

Experiments that investigate how an individual musical instrument changes in response to subtle alterations must contend with measurement uncertainty, which typically arises from inconsistencies in the measurement setup. We quantify uncertainty in violin response measurements by measuring bridge admittance and radiatively of a single instrument that is repeatedly removed and reinstalled in our measurement apparatus. From this set of baseline measurements, we calculate the average and standard deviation of admittance and radiativity. The amount of variation observed in the baseline data is compared to the change in bridge admittance that occurred over several days due to a large and abrupt …

Experimental Study For Improving The Productivity Of Laser Foil Printing, Tunay Turk, Ming-Chuan Leu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Study Aims to Improve the Productivity of Laser Foil Printing (LFP), Which is a Foil-Based Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) Process. LFP Uses a Dual-Laser System to Fabricate a 3-Dimensional Part in a Layered Fashion by Performing Four Steps in Each Layer: Spot Welding, Pattern Welding, Contour Cutting, and Edge Polishing, All of Which Performed by Use of Lasers. We Experimentally Examined the Welding and Polishing Steps in This Study to Enhance LFP Productivity. the Jump Speed, Dwelling Duration, and Weld Path of Spot Welding and the Line Welding Speed and Wait Time between Weld Lines of Pattern Welding Are …

Harnessing The Potential Of Fibrous Polyester Composites Meant For Bioactive Medical Devices, Graciela Morales, Heriberto Rodríguez-Tobías, Victoria Padilla-Gainza, Karen Lozano, Daniel Grande

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Fibrous-based composite polyester mats have gained importance in the biomedical area due to their morphological characteristics and mechanical performance. These materials can be modified by incorporating different inorganic micro- or nano-particles, thus leading to promising potential applications as medical devices with antimicrobial and/or bioactive properties. In this regard, this chapter reports a compilation of different studies related to the development of sub-micron fibers based on two important polyesters for biomedical use, namely poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) and poly(lactic acid). Studies focus on fibers developed through hydrodynamic techniques, namely electrospinning, electrospraying, and centrifugal spinning. The incorporation of zinc oxide or hydroxyapatite on the polyester-based …

Quantitative Response Of Metals Post Heat Treatment, Andrew Elloso

Open Access Master's Theses

This studies the ability to continue using metal assemblies after they have been exposed to significant heat. This is 4130 steel and 17-4 PH stainless steel specifically for industry application.

The metals are being examined in multiple functions. They will be compared in two manners. The first is through dimension and strength pre and post heat exposure on sheet specimen. The second is dynamic response through the Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar (SHPB). The bar samples will be examined at room temperature, post heat treatment, and with induction coil heat exposure.

Genetic Algorithm For Solving A Just-In-Time Inventory Model With Imperfect Rework Implemented In A Serial Multi-Echelon System, Hsien-Chung Tsao, Cheng-Chi Chung, Hsuan-Shih Lee, Chih-Ping Lin, Yan-Yun Tu, Ssu-Chi Lin

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

As global industrial competition intensifies, enterprises can achieve substantial competitive advantages in the supply chain management environment by promptly meeting customer demands and efficiently reducing both supply and demand costs. This paper proposes an inventory model for supply chain optimization that considers uncertain delivery lead times and defective products. Solving the model requires solving a nonlinear mixed-integer problem, which traditionally requires considerable time. Solutions to nondeterministic polynomial-time hard problems with high complexity and difficulty are often obtained using heuristic algorithms. Among these algorithms, genetic algorithms have high efficiency and quality. Therefore, we employed a genetic algorithm to solve the proposed …

An Mrf Model-Based Study On The Effect Of Fishes Upon The Characteristics Of Flow Field Of An Aquaculture Tank, Xian-Ying Shi, Zheng-Zheng Huang, Meng Li, Yinxin Zhou, Xiao-Zhong Ren, Hang-Fei Liu, Shu-Peng Du

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The study aims to investigate the effect of fish movement on the flow field in the aquaculture tank of a recirculating water aquaculture system. Herein, based on the Navier-Stokes equations and the RNG k-ε turbulence model, the flow field in the aquaculture tank with fish movement was numerically simulated using the multiple reference frame (MRF) model and compared with the numerical simulation results of the fishless aquaculture tank. The results revealed that the overall mean flow velocity in the tank decreased significantly when the fish swam counter-currently with a fixed trajectory, and the overall mean flow velocity increased slightly when …

Occurrence Of Predation Of Juvenile Chum Salmon (Oncorhynchus Keta) By Chub Mackerel (Scomber Japonicus) And Spotted Mackerel (Scomber Australasicus) In Miyako Bay, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, Kei Sasaki, Miwa Yatsuya, Daisuke Shimizu, Daisuke Ojima, Shinji Komatsu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In recent years, chub mackerel (Scomber japonicus) and spotted mackerel (Scomber australasicus) have started migrating to the coastal areas off Iwate Prefecture earlier than they did previously, resulting in a geographic overlap between hatchery-bred juvenile chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) released at sea and the occurrence of predatory mackerel. To clarify whether the mackerels prey on the juvenile chum salmon, we captured adult mackerels by angling during the period when these species overlap in Miyako Bay, Iwate Prefecture. After capture, the stomach contents of the mackerel were examined using a combination of visual examinations and DNA metabarcoding analysis. As a result, …

Numerical Analysis Of Impact Vibration Based On A Bifurcation Diagram With Two Varying Control Parameters, June-Yule Lee

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This study investigates impact vibration by using a bifurcation diagram with one or two varying control parameters. Sticking, periodic, and chaotic motions are explored using the Poincaré mapping and impact mapping techniques. A full range of bifurcation diagrams with varying driving frequencies is obtained, and the statistical index of the standard deviation (Std) is used to calculate the impact series in the bifurcation diagrams. The results indicate strong agreement between impact conditions and their corresponding statistical index values for the Std. Subsequently, the Std values for two control parameters of (w, m), (w, c), (w, k), (w, f), and (w, …

A Techno-Economic Analysis To Determine The Levelized Cost Of Hydrogen Generation Through Electrolysis For Humboldt Transit Authority, Humboldt County, California, Deepak Tripathi

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

Abstract

This thesis aims to investigate the techno-economic feasibility of on-site electrolysis-based hydrogen generation for the Humboldt Transit Authority (HTA), focusing on determining the levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) for various system configurations and utility rate schedules. The study recommends using a 2.5 MW electrolyzer with the B-20 (T) utility rate schedule along with an E-GT rate supplement provided by PG&E as the most cost-effective solution to meet HTA's projected hydrogen demand. This demand is currently based on the utilization of 11 H₂ fuel cell buses, which is further expected to grow to 21 buses, and estimated public use …

Strategies Automotive Manufacturing Managers Use To Deliver Work In Alignment With Project Milestones, Sashidhar Mr. Sankaranarayanan

Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies

Project managers working in manufacturing firms in the automotive industry frequently face challenges such as cost overruns, schedule delays, and scope changes. Project managers often lack effective strategies to ensure that different departments deliver their work in alignment with project milestones, which can negatively affect project success rates. Grounded in the balanced scorecard framework, the purpose of this qualitative single case study was to explore strategies managers in the automotive manufacturing industry used in their different departments to deliver their work in alignment with project milestones. The participants were three project managers who had successfully implemented strategies that reduced the …

Capturing Microstructural Heterogeneity And Predicting Local Transport Phenomena In Pemfc Catalyst Layers: A Comprehensive Network Modeling Approach, Shahriar Alam

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A unique network architecture that captures the microstructural heterogeneity and predicts the local transport properties of PEMFC catalyst layers is proposed. Separate networks containing numerous cylindrical elements and nodes are generated that represent the solid and pore phase of the catalyst layer. Transport resistances are assigned to the elements while the nodes are volumeless. The networks are interlinked through nodes where local properties are stored. The generated computational grid's macroscopic behaviors (percolation behavior, gas diffusivity, and ion conductivity) will be matched against the experimental data for validation. Diffusion-like transport equations are applied to the networks that provide local water balance, …

An Active Voice Coil Negative Stiffness Vibration Isolator With Application To Mobile 3d Printing, Lucas M. Schloemp

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Equipment whose performance degrades when exposed to base vibration is often deployed in vibration-rich environments. Using 3D printers in mobile applications, such as vehicles and ships, are typical examples where the extruder and bedplate are easily excited by base vibration. A versatile active vibration isolator is considered in this thesis constructed using a voice coil actuator and a laser displacement feedback sensor to achieve a wide range of dynamic response characteristics, including negative stiffness. This approach permits transmissibility shaping to meet band-limited base isolation requirements without active damping vibration control. A combination of simulation and hardware validation is used to …

Programming The Bistable Dynamic Vibration Absorbers Of A 1d-Metastructure For Adaptive Broadband Vibration Absorption, Shantanu H. Chavan

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

This research addresses a critical challenge in structural engineering—achieving comprehensive vibration control and energy dissipation in meta-structures. Departing from the limitations of passive structures with fixed bandgaps, we propose an innovative approach utilizing active meta-structures capable of dynamically tuning their bandgaps. The primary goal is to introduce an efficient method for programming meta-structures with multiple variable bandgaps, thereby enabling effective vibration attenuation across a broad frequency spectrum.

The methodology involves transforming passive resonators into bistable adaptable Dynamic Vibration Regulators (DVRs) through a sophisticated switching mechanism. This adaptation sets the stage for numerous unique combinations by independently switching each resonator. A …

Study Of Eco-Driving And Charging Planning In Connected And Automated Vehicles Environment, Pradeep Bhat

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

In this dissertation, the development of eco-driving and charging planning algorithms in the connected and automated vehicle environment (CAV) are presented. CAV technologies provide opportunities for potential energy savings and efficiency improvement of transportation networks, which are explored through multiple research tasks in this study.

The objective of the first study presented in Chapter 2 is to reduce vehicle dynamic losses and required tractive force while completing trip distance within a given travel time. Sequential Quadratic Programming method is employed for this nonlinearly constrained optimization problem. The validation result illustrates the benefits of optimal velocity trajectories. The objective of the …

Correlation Of And Development Of Procedure To Use A Resonant Plate With Mechanical Excitation For Shock Testing Small-To-Medium Size Spacecraft And Provide Aerospace Shock Analysis And Testing Guidelines, Monty Kennedy

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

In the aerospace industry it is known that performing shock analysis and testing on spacecraft is difficult to do mostly because shock loads create a very short duration shock wave transient that can have high acceleration peak levels (1,000-5,000 g) and wide frequency content (100-10,000 Hz). FE (finite-element) shock analysis is difficult because implicit linear FE software commonly used for most vibration analysis in aerospace does not account for shock wave propagation, reflection, and attenuation that occurs based upon the distance from the shock source at the base of the spacecraft and the attenuations that occurs through mechanical joints. Spacecraft …

Multi-Chamber Silencer Composed Of Screw-Perforated Tubes And Straight-Perforated Tubes, Tian-Syung Lan, Min-Chie Chiu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The use of silencers to reduce noise is mandatory due to severe hearing damage caused by high venting noise in the engine room of ocean-going vessels. While straight and perforated tubes have been used as acoustical elements in traditional silencer design, studies have shown that the acoustical design still requires improvement. To enhance acoustical efficiency, the use of multi-chamber mufflers is proposed composed of screw and perforated tubes. Additionally, a mathematical finite element model built for acoustical simulation using the COMSOL program expedites the analysis of silencers with complicated acoustical elements. A sensitivity analysis of transmission loss concerning the geometric …

Rapid Species Identification Of Meretrix Lusoria And Three Other Meretrix Clams Using Pcr And Rflp Analysis Of The Mitochondrial Coii Gene., Chia-Hsuan Sung, Liang-Jong Wang, Chang-Wen Huang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Meretrix clams are among the most economically important species of bivalves in Eastern Asia and Taiwan. In the past, the identification of these hard clams depended on the shell morphology; however, species identification based on shell markings and shapes confuses the taxonomy of the Meretrix genus. The DNA molecular information is useful and can easily identify them accurately and quickly, especially the sequence of mitochondrial DNA. In this study, a PCR method to analyze the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase II (COII) gene was developed to rapidly identify of M. lusoria, M. lamarckii, M. lyrata and M. petechialis. Four different species …

Bearing Capacity Factor Characteristics Of Footings On Double-Layered Cohesive Soils, Chao-Ming Chi, Zheng-Shan Lin, Yu-Shu Kuo

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In this study, the bearing capacity of a surface foundation resting on a double-layered cohesive soil profile was investigated by applying a rotational mechanism and finite-difference numerical simulations. The bearing capacity factor behaviors of a surface footing on double-layered cohesive soils can be classified and illustrated using a characteristic chart. Depending on the soil strata strength ratio and normalized layer thickness, the soil-foundation system can be in the squeezing, factor-increasing, factor-decreasing, or constant factor zones. The results indicated that the trend of the curves in the characteristic chart computed from the asymmetric failure mechanism was in accordance with that of …

Research On Ice Resistance Of Ships Sailing In Floating Ice Floe, Zhixin Xiong, Xinyuan Wu, Yang Li

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

To study the ice resistance of ships in areas with floating ice, the Xuelong 2 icebreaker was simulated. A floating-ice model was established using the discrete-element method, and an ice particle array was generated using MATLAB. The effects of ice coverage and speed on ice drag were studied From the numerical simulation results, it can be seen that there is a certain trend in ice resistance under different ice coverage ranges, which changes with the change of speed.By comparing with the empirical formula and the numerical value of the ship model test, this numerical simulation results are relatively accurate.It also …

The Pre-Processing Of Wt Blade Images By Ss And Bilateral Filter With Machine Learning Frameworks, Joy Iong-Zong Chen, Chien-Yeh Lee, Wien-Chieh Lo

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

This paper discusses the motivation behind turbine migration and addresses the challenges of using NN (neural network) computing systems. Moreover, it focuses on high-dimensional data from WT (wind turbine) blades. The three key aspects addressed in this study are turbine migration, overfitting, and strict feature selection. To evaluate the performance of the machine learning system, the study considers the characteristics of WT blades, specifically the similarity in blade color and the differences in shape. The authors apply pre-processing techniques, in particular a bilateral filter, in conjunction with the SS (selective synthesizer) of blade fouling patterns. The SS method adopts the …

การพัฒนาชุดทดสอบความล้าดัดสำหรับตะไบทางทันตกรรม, ธีรเมธ เกศโร

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

วิทยานิพนธ์นี้มุ่งเน้นไปที่การออกแบบและสร้างชุดทดสอบความล้าดัดสำหรับตะไบทางทันตกรรม ที่สามารถวัดจำนวนรอบที่ทำให้เสียหายของตะไบได้โดยตรงผ่านการวิเคราะห์สัญญาณในระบบควบคุมวงปิดของมอเตอร์ โดยที่ไม่จำเป็นต้องใช้วิธีดั้งเดิม ซึ่งเป็นการคำนวณหาจำนวนรอบที่ทำให้เสียหาย ภายใต้สมมติฐานที่ว่าอัตราเร็วในการหมุนของตะไบคงที่ ทั้งที่ในทางปฏิบัติ ตะไบอาจจะไม่ได้หมุนด้วยอัตราเร็วคงที่เสมอไป นอกจากนี้ ในวิทยานิพนธ์ ก็ได้มีการตรวจสอบความน่าเชื่อถือหรือการใช้งานได้ของชุดทดสอบที่ถูกพัฒนาขึ้นมาในแง่มุมต่าง ๆ ผ่านการนำไปทดสอบกับชิ้นงานจริง โดยตะไบรุ่น Zenflex จำนวน 100 ชิ้น ได้ถูกนำไปทดสอบในคลองรากฟันเทียมทั้งหมด 5 รูปร่างที่มีรัศมีความโค้งและมุมโค้งแตกต่างกัน ณ อุณหภูมิห้องและอุณหภูมิร่างกาย ผลการทดสอบแสดงให้เห็นว่า ชุดทดสอบสามารถทำให้ตะไบเสียหายจากความล้าดัดได้ เนื่องจากบนพื้นผิวแตกหักและด้านข้างจุดแตกหักพบลักษณะที่เป็นเอกลักษณ์ของกลไกการเสียหายล้า แต่ไม่พบร่องรอยจากการเสียหายบิด และชุดทดสอบก็สามารถควบคุมให้ตะไบแตกหักที่ตำแหน่งใกล้เคียงกันได้ ไม่ว่าตะไบเหล่านั้นจะถูกทดสอบภายใต้เงื่อนไขใด เนื่องจากตะไบส่วนที่หักมีความยาวใกล้เคียงกันทั้งหมดและใกล้เคียงกับค่าที่ออกแบบไว้ ส่วนแนวโน้มของจำนวนรอบที่ทำให้เสียหายเมื่อแปรค่าตัวแปรต่าง ๆ ในการทดสอบไป ก็มีความสอดคล้องกับแนวโน้มเดียวกันจากงานวิจัยที่ผ่านมา จึงอาจกล่าวได้ว่า ชุดทดสอบมีความน่าเชื่อถือเพียงพอ ในฐานะชุดทดสอบความล้าดัดสำหรับตะไบ นอกจากนี้ จำนวนรอบที่ทำให้เสียหายจากชุดทดสอบหลัก ก็ได้ถูกนำมาเปรียบเทียบกับจำนวนรอบที่ทำให้เสียหายที่คำนวณได้จากวิธีดั้งเดิม โดยข้อมูลที่นำมาคำนวณจะถูกเก็บควบคู่ไปกับการทดสอบหลัก ซึ่งผลปรากฏว่า จำนวนรอบที่ทำให้เสียหายจากวิธีดั้งเดิมมีค่าสูงกว่าจำนวนรอบที่ทำให้เสียหายจากชุดทดสอบหลักที่วัดรอบที่ตะไบหมุนได้โดยตรง

Development Of Corn Kernel-Based Biocomposite Films For Food Packaging Applications, Swastika Bera

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Most of the current and active food packaging resources and methods are nonbiodegradable and nonrenewable therefore harmful to the environment. Due to this, alternate sources of food packaging materials are in high demand. In this study, a bio-composite film has been developed, with Corn kernel powder as fiber reinforcement which is mixed with gelatin, and lignin two biopolymers as the matrix. The effect of Corn Kernel (CK) reinforcement on the Gelatin/Lignin (G/L) matrix on mechanical and barrier properties has been studied. CK has shown great potential as reinforcement to natural polymer, gelatin, and lignin (G/L) for food packaging applications as …

Perceptual Anthropomorphic Walking Robot Platform For Navigation In Unstructured And Undifferentiated Environments, Luige Vladareanu, Mihai Rădulescu, Marius Pandelea, Hongbo Wang, Florentin Smarandache, Yongfei Feng, Ionel-Alexandru Gal, Alexandra C. Ciocîrlan

Branch Mathematics and Statistics Faculty and Staff Publications

This scientific presentation studies the VIPRO Platform for control of Anthropomorphic Walking Robots (AWR), the architecture control system of the SiMeLA MP robot motion, and shows several experimental results.

Nebraska Summary: S1256 Fendt 722 Vario Gen7, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

Investigation Of Oxidation And Corrosion Resistance Of Ni-Based Alloys And Stainless Steels Under Co2 Environments At Elevated Temperatures, Spencer Roy Fultineer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

High mechanical strength integrity, high robustness towards oxidation, and high resistance to carburization under CO2 environments at elevated temperatures are usually required for metallic systems that are employed for power generation. INCONEL 625 is a nickel-based superalloy that started development in the 1950s. This material was designed with the distinct purpose of use in high-temperature and high-pressure systems. While various materials possess the physical properties to handle these conditions, the creation of IN625 addresses the need for a material to withstand the highly corrosive properties of these kinds of environments. In order to evaluate the oxidation and corrosion resistance of …

Development Of Inconel 718f And Inconel 718e Powders For Parts Manufacturing Utilizing Binder Jet Three-Dimensional Printing And Compressed Pellet Methods, Duncan Eric Manor Ii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Alloy Inconel 718 is a Ni based superalloy used for high temperature applications including turbine blades, turbocharger rotors and nuclear reactors. Inconel 718 is a popular commercial atomized powder that has limitations in performance for use in additive manufacturing applications due to poor part quality and efficiency of current fabrication methods. Developing new compositions and additive manufacturing (AM) methodologies of IN718 is critical to improve the quality and the efficiency of IN718 parts manufacturing. Developing new additive manufacturing methodology that produces higher quality parts made of IN718 as compared to current methods has the potential to greatly impact industry, academia, …

A Comparative Analysis Of Coastdown Testing Methods From An Electric Drive Unit Engagement Perspective Using A Student-Designed Parallel Hybrid Electric Vehicle, Dawson Everett Dunnuck

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Coastdown testing and road load determination are pivotal parts of the automotive design process. Vehicle manufacturers and independent companies perform and analyze road loads determined through a coastdown or similar method to determine a vehicle’s road load for modeling and EPA certification. For a traditional coastdown, the vehicle’s drivetrain must be disconnected through a clutch between the engine and the transmission while traveling at a high rate of speed to place the vehicle in neutral. This changes for hybrid and electric vehicles. Some hybrid, and most electric, vehicles delivered to customers do not have this clutch action to grant the …

Design And Manufacture Of An Aerodynamic Body That Meets Scaling Law Requirements And Survives Severe G-Load Environment For Free-Flight Testing, Anthony R. Gonzalez

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Design and Manufacture of an Aerodynamic Body that Meets Scaling Law Requirements and Survives Severe G-load Environment for Free-Flight Testing

Anthony Gonzalez

Developing scale models to test functionality and ascertain aerodynamic properties is critical before manufacturing full-size products. Through dimensional analysis and similitude, engineers create scale models to test any parameter of interest. This research aims to design a scale model of an aerodynamic body for repeated free-flight testing. The Froude number is the dominant scale model law used to determine the geometric, mass, and inertia scaling laws. A critical requirement for this research is that the model should be …

Material Characterization Of Thermoplastic Polyurethane (Tpu) And Thermoplastic Elastomers (Tpe) For Development Of 3d-Printed Surrogate Organs For Medical Training, Anastasia Elizabeth Lucci

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Cadaveric specimens are a necessary, albeit limited, resource for training medical students on basic surgical skills. The availability of surrogate 3D-printed organs would readily allow access to resources that could reduce or potentially eliminate the need for cadaveric specimens or, at a minimum, provide students the opportunity to practice with 3D-printed surrogates before transitioning to those specimens. This research focuses on determining which thermoplastic material most closely mimics mechanical properties such as hardness and stiffness of human organs and allows 3D printing surrogate organs to be used as safe, educational tools. Relatively “soft” materials such as thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) and …