Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Understanding Shell Adhesion Mechanics For Soft Gripper Design, Chenxu Zhao

Dissertations - ALL

This dissertation investigates the adhesion mechanics of hyperelastic hemispherical shells with finite thicknesses undergoing large deformation against rigid planar substrates. By integrating theoretical modeling, numerical simulations, and experimental validation, a comprehensive understanding of the adherence-detachment behavior of soft elastomeric shell structures is established. The study also applies these insights to the design of soft robotic grippers based on tunable adhesion. To understand the dry adhesion of a free soft shell against a rigid substrate, first, a graphical-numerical modeling framework based on the energy approach is developed and used to predict shell adhesion with a wide range of surface energy, thickness, …

A Product Development Process From Concept To Production: Smartphone Projector, Ross G. Cohen, Piper G. Thomas

Honors Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to demonstrate the production and documentation of the SmartPhone Projector Capstone for the Center of Manufacturing Excellence (CME). This document follows the production development from the beginning Spring 2024 problem definition all the way to the Fall of 2024 final product. This project was completed by a team of five undergraduate students, including an accounting major, finance major, biomedical engineering major, and two mechanical engineering majors. The goal of this project was to design and build a SmartPhone projector, then carry out a full production run located on the CME shop floor. To begin …

From Concept To Light: Manufacturing A Dual-Purpose Bedside Lamp And Book Organizer, Nicole Goulet

Honors Theses

This report features the design, development, engineering changes, and manufacturing of the Bedside Lamp, a hand-made multi-purpose lamp, book holder, and charging hub. The investigation began with research and a market analysis on current lamp designs and a discussion about what features would set the lamp apart. This led to the design of the lamp and construction of multiple prototypes for proof of concept.

A manufacturing process was then designed to demonstrate the steps to start up an efficient and cost-effective production line. This process included obtaining raw materials, cutting them into the necessary parts, and assembling everything to create …

Mechatronic System Mobility Enhancement Device For Patient With Cerebral Palsy, Tori N. Saenz

Honors Theses

The primary objective of this project was to design and fabricate the electronic, power, and control systems for a mobility device oriented around the needs of a young man with cerebral palsy, named Lane Bryant. This project was completed during the Mechanical Engineering Capstone Senior Design Experience. A separate group completed the design and fabrication of the wheelchair’s ergonomic and structural elements. Research on the typical operation of existing electric wheelchairs was completed to form a baseline of operating parameters. Observations from a previous wheelchair for Lane, called the Wild Thing, guided many design choices. The power supply was designed …

Exploring Manufacturing Techniques For Small-Scale Metal Fabrication And How They Can Be Optimized For Efficiency, Precision, And Scalability To Produce A Fire Pit, Henry W. Potter

Honors Theses

This thesis explores manufacturing techniques for small-scale metal fabrication, using a fire pit production as a case study to optimize efficiency, precision, and scalability. The study examines the challenges of small-scale manufacturing and analyzes alternative manufacturing techniques for cutting, joining, and surface finishing. Data was gathered through a case study involving the design and production of a fire pit. The manufacturing process included cutting, rolling, joining, and surface finishing. Alternative techniques, such as laser cutting and a paint sprayer, were compared to the methods used in the project. It was concluded that alternate methods offered improvements in efficiency, precision, and …

Production Of Sustainable Liquid Fuel From Waste Polymeric Materials Via Thermal Pyrolysis, Md. Sabbir Ahmed, Selim Reja, Sk Md Ali Zaker Shawon, Farhana Nazmin, Abdullah Mohammad Sarjish, Yousuf Ali, M. Azizur R. Khan, M. Jasim Uddin, Md. Wasikur Rahman

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The widespread use of polymeric materials has become an environmental threat as they are durable and nonbiodegradable in nature, which is directly responsible for severe ecological consequences. Thermal pyrolysis offers a sustainable and efficient approach to converting these polymeric waste materials into liquid fuel, which is also referred to as pyrolysis oil (PO). In this study, a novel method was developed for producing oil from a composite of waste polymers that include vehicle tires, tubes, and medical waste. A fixed-bed stainless steel reactor is used to thermally breakdown the waste polymeric feedstock (300–750°C) in an inert environment. The PO was …

Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Capstone Modine Engineering: Collapsible Hvac Coil Expansion Table, Austin M. Hipskind

Honors Theses

For the Mechanical Engineering Senior Design class, teams of seniors were asked to find a sponsor company willing to provide a problem they were experiencing at a local plant. Using the skills gained throughout college, they were asked to go through a standardized problem-solving method to develop a solution for the sponsor company. I was teamed with Fernando Arellano and Henry Lindsey to work with Modine Engineering on creating a modular and collapsible table for use with large, custom-designed coils. This table would have to hold large, heavy coils during the expansion process. Modine requested a 3D design, the cost …

Untethered Isoperimetric Robotic Truss For Lunar Applications, Mihai Stanciu, Spencer Stowell, Isaac Weaver, Adam Rose, Chris Paul, James Wade, Ashleigh Cerven, Annie O'Bryan, Brian Bodily, Logan Yang, Nathan Usevitch

Faculty Publications

We introduce a robotic system designed to function as a lightweight, modular, and reconfigurable structure on the Moon. This robust system consists of truss-like robotic triangles, each formed by a continuous inflated fabric tube routed through two robotic roller units and a connecting unit. When deflated, these triangles can be compacted to roughly the volume of the roller units, offering an advantageous stowed-to-deployed volume ratio of 1 to 6.24. Upon inflation, the roller units pinch the tubes, creating corners by reducing the bending stiffness of the tube. Once fully deployed, electric motors move the robotic roller units along the tube, …

Nasa Design And Analysis Of Pegda Hydrogels For Microgreen Cultivation In Space, Fabiha Samiha, Luis E. Luna, Kelly Wu, Gabriel Antigua, Artur Abramyan

Publications and Research

Through multiple experiments, Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate (PEGDA), a biocompatible polymer, has shown potential as a soilless growing medium for microgreens like arugula. However, a challenge arises when the roots run out of space within the hydrogel capsule, pushing the plant out of position and preventing it from absorbing nutrients from the PEGDA.

This study aims to address this challenge by analyzing different 3D-printed mold designs for the creation of the hydrogel capsules. The most promising designs include coil and tree-branch models, which encourage roots to grow in a way that relieves pressure on the leaf side of the plant, helping …

Development Of Predictive Maintenance For Centrifugal Pumps, Elliot B. Lange

Honors Capstones

Over prolonged periods of time, mechanical machinery requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Conventionally this maintenance is done on a regular schedule with predefined procedures to repair all aspects of the machine. As machine learning models become more applicable in everyday life, these algorithms can be leveraged to predict failures in mechanical devices. This project worked toward creating a predictive maintenance machine learning model for centrifugal pumps that can identify and predict discrete failure modes. As a result of the project, a pump loop setup was constructed. The purpose of this report is to provide a guide for how …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis Of A Turbine Blade, Luis Luna, Fabiha Samiha

Publications and Research

In Aerospace engineering, the use of computer-aided design (CAD) software, such as SolidWorks, is crucial when designing and validating high-performance parts. SolidWorks provides a valuable tool for simulating computational fluid dynamics (CFD), allowing engineers to analyze and visualize how parts behave under real-world aerodynamic conditions.

One such part is a turbine blade, an airfoil-shaped component inside a jet engine that compresses and redirects airflow to generate thrust. This study aims to perform aerodynamic testing of a single turbine blade design while evaluating SolidWorks' ability to simulate external flow conditions. By visualizing velocity profiles, pressure distribution, and vortex formation, the simulation …

Review Of Tethered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles: Building Versatile And Robust Tethered Multirotor Uav System, Dario Handrick, Mattie Eckenrode, Junsoo Lee

Faculty Publications

This paper presents a comprehensive review of tethered unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), focusing on their challenges and potential applications across various domains. We analyze the dynamic characteristics of tethered UAV systems and address the unique challenges they present, including complex tether dynamics, impulsive forces, and entanglement risks. Additionally, we explore application-specific challenges in areas such as payload transportation and ground-connected systems. The review also examines existing tethered UAV testbed designs, highlighting their strengths and limitations in both simulation and experimental settings. We discuss advancements in multi-UAV cooperation, ground–air collaboration through tethers, and the integration of retractable tether systems. Moreover, we …

Preliminary Study: Minimizing The Gap Between Pre-And Post-Spaceflight, Caleb E. Scheideger, Louis A. Diberardino

Aurora

Long-duration space missions pose significant challenges to astronaut health, primarily due to the detrimental effects of microgravity on musculoskeletal and cardiovascular systems. This research proposal aims to address the critical gap between pre- and post-spaceflight physiological conditions, focusing on the marked decline in muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular function. Existing countermeasures, such as resistive exercise, are insufficient to prevent muscle atrophy and bone demineralization, highlighting the need for novel solutions. Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) emerges as a promising intervention, capable of eliciting muscle contractions to maintain function and mitigate atrophy. By integrating NMES into existing exercise regimens, we hypothesize …

Dynamic Analysis And Control Of A Quadruped Robotic System Based On Newton-Euler Formulation, Vyshak Sureshkumar

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Despite advancements in legged robotics, comprehensive dynamic analyses remain limited in the literature. This research presents kinematic and dynamic modeling of a quadruped robot using the Newton-Euler approach to improve computational efficiency in high degree of freedom systems. The formulation leverages system over-constraints with assumed ground reaction forces and focuses on simulating two primary gait patterns: static walking and dynamic trotting. The research explores reaction wheel-based roll stabilization for a quadruped with 8 actuators, omitting the conventional Hip Abduction/Adduction (HAA) joints. This approach addresses roll control limitations by compensating for the reduced actuation. This research presents a brief overview of …

Unraveling The Impact Of Vessel Geometry In Resonant Acoustic Mixing, Jefferson Guthrie

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

This study aimed to advance the understanding of ResonantAcoustic® Mixing (RAM) and its application in industrial powder processing. RAM, which consists of vertically oscillating boundaries operating at nominally 60 Hz with accelerations up to 100 g’s, is particularly effective for mixing fine powders and materials. RAM is able to complete mixing processes 10 to 100 times faster than traditional methods without the risk of cross contamination. Despite RAM’s growing potential, the underlying mechanisms of RAM are not fully understood, limiting its optimization and broader adoption. Research in this study sought to bridge existing gaps in understanding by investigating the influence …

Gradient Fibro-Porous Materials For Tailored Sound Absorption, William Johnston, Janith Godakawela, Bhisham Sharma

Michigan Tech Publications

Reducing the pore size of bulk sound absorbers often increases weight and introduces manufacturing challenges, limiting their practical use. To address these issues, a class of materials is introduced that uses 3D printing to seamlessly integrate fibers within porous scaffolds, allowing improved sound absorption performance without a significant weight addition. The reliance on 3D printing enables the creation of gradient fibro-porous structures with customizable acoustic properties. This study explores the effect of through-thickness gradients in the scaffold’s relative density, fiber thickness, and fiber density on the acoustical performance with the goal of identifying the optimal strategy to obtain broader and …

Estimating Pedestrian Crossing Times At Scramble Crossings Via Machine Learning And Agent-Based Modeling, Sho Takami

Honors Capstones

Scramble crosswalks differ from conventional crosswalks in their ability for pedestrians to cross diagonally. This research compares the average crossing times and investigates the walking behaviors that pedestrians adopt to produce the speediest times in the two crosswalk configurations. Identification of the most efficient set of walking behaviors is done through an agent-based model, whereas producing polynomials relating crossing times to the most prominent walking behaviors is done through regression algorithms in machine learning. With the combination of these two approaches, it is revealed that pedestrians must adopt a relaxed walking style to make each crosswalk configuration efficient. Additionally, between …

Design Of Real-Flight-Path Tracking Control Of Quadrotor, Moataz Aly Sabry

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis presents the design and development of an advanced real-time flight path tracking control system for a quadrotor, specifically aimed at accurately following a moving ground object such as a rover. The primary focus is on addressing challenges associated with precise tracking in dynamic and unpredictable environments, including real-time communication between the drone and the rover, rapid response to environmental changes, and maintaining control of the quadrotor’s altitude, yaw, pitch, and roll.
To achieve these objectives, the study explores the application of mathematical models based on ordinary differential equations, incorporating delay elements to simulate the real-time behaviour of the …

Pressure Switch Tester, Michael Starasinich, Andrew Dobson, Jordan Huschen, Mitchell Smith, Melvin Brown Iii

Honors Capstones

Abstract—- The Pressure Switch Test Stand is a comprehensive and automated testing solution designed to streamline the actuation and validation of simultaneously. At the core of the system is a PLC-controlled architecture that enables precise control and simulation of pressure conditions, replicating real-world scenarios to ensure accurate and reliable switch performance.

This test stand integrates robust mechanical fixtures, a reliable pneumatic control system, custom-designed electrical circuits, and a modular software interface, working in unison to deliver consistent and high-fidelity testing outcomes. Each pressure switch undergoes a sequence of pressure ramps and holds, with the system continuously monitoring switch states, activation …

The Effect Of Boom Leveling On Spray Dispersion, Miguel Bustamante, Juan F. Vivanco, Travis A. Burgers

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Automatic boom height systems reduce the variability of agricultural sprayer boom height. When a boom is not at its target height, this can lead to uneven spray dispersion from the nozzles. Boom heights and sprayer position were previously measured in time for three commercially-available boom leveling systems for three test runs for at least three speeds over each of a mild, medium and rough terrain course. A computational model was created to use measured spray dispersion from a nozzle, measured boom heights in time, and measured sprayer position in time to calculate a spray coverage map. The model was used …

Autonomous Agricultural Equipment Evaluation For Broad-Acre Crop Production, Sofia Bahmutsky, Ashutosh Singh, Travis A. Burgers, Roy Maki

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Review Of Disassembly Systems For Circular Product Design, Giovanni Formentini, Joao Pj. Prioli, Junwon Ko, Buddhika M. Hapuwatte, Vincenzo Ferrero, Fazleena Badurdeen, Jeremy L. Rickli, Devarajan Ramanujan

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Circular Economy (CE) is described as a means for maintaining products and materials in circulation while regenerating nature. This shift requires considering aspects at the product design phase that were not previously prioritized. One such aspect, disassembly, is a key enabler for CE. Design for Disassembly methodologies have been deployed for several years to enhance disassembly performance. However, when CE is of interest, it is essential to consider how disassembly affects the entire product life cycle system. In this regard, this paper proposes a literature review of relevant DfD methods from a system engineering perspective to evaluate their effects on …

Collecting Human Subject Data For Modeling Maximum Potential Power At Specific Cadence And Fatigue Levels, Alexander John Minnich

Honors College Theses

The overarching goal of this research project was to investigate the relationship between a participant's maximum power (Watts) at a given cadence (RPM) on a specific fatigue level. Before conducting any experiments, we hypothesized that maximum power and cadence would decay linearly with fatigue. To do this, six days of testing for each of 4 human subjects were split across two phases. The first 4 days were devoted to Phase one, which focuses on determining the physical abilities of each unique participant and finding metabolic constants such as Critical Power and Anaerobic Work Capacity. Phase two then tests maximal power …

Novel Atomic Layer Deposition Processes Of Silver For Battery Applications, Darlington Ehijie Imhanzuaria

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a novel approach to enhance the performance and stability of anode-free lithium-ion batteries (AFLBs) by employing atomic layer deposition (ALD) to coat copper (Cu) current collectors with a silver-aluminum oxide (AgAlO_x) layer. Leveraging the unique capabilities of ALD for precise and conformal deposition, the AgAlO_x coating was achieved using triethyl phosphine-(6,6,7,7,8,8,8-heptafluoro-2,2-dimethyl-3,5-octanedionato)-silver(I) (Ag(fod)(PEt₃)), trimethylaluminum (TMA), and de-ionized water (H₂O) as precursors. This innovative coating method significantly enhanced the cycling stability and Coulombic efficiency (CE) of both Li||Cu and Cu||NMC811 cells, as evidenced by improved electrochemical performance metrics. The AgAlO_x layer …

Sample Archival System For Quantum Device Manufacturing: Design, Construction, And Integration, Corbin Russ

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

In the manufacturing of quantum devices using 2-dimentional (2D) materials, current processes rely on manual operations of production. MonArk Quantum Foundry is developing a facility to semi-automatically, and ultimately automatically, produce 2D materials. One crucial step in the experimentation process is archiving these materials and completed chips for future access. The sample archival system robot was produced to fulfill this need. The system is a 4 Degree-of-freedom (DOF) cartesian storage system that stores custom aluminum chip trays of sixty samples, having a total storage capacity of 14,400 samples. The sample archive system meets key goals from: it integrates with the …

Using Scaffolding, Gamification, And Self Awareness To Create Responsive Ux/Ui In Cad Software To Nurture Metacognition In Novice Users, Obed Ibrahim Gonzalez

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Computer-aided Design (CAD) software represents a significant shift from manual and analog design processes to digital workflows, offering substantial utility, accuracy, and productivity benefits. However, CAD software often presents a steep learning curve, particularly for novice users who are new to the software or possess only basic knowledge. Traditional CAD curricula have predominantly focused on technical problem-solving—teaching tools and systems—while often neglecting strategic knowledge that encompasses reflection, planning, and refining, which are essential components of metacognition. Metacognition is crucial for transforming novices into experts who use fewer and more complex commands, employ sophisticated planning, and achieve their goals more efficiently. …

Development And Investigation Of A Novel Near-Wall Methodology For Large-Eddy Simulation Based On Dynamic Hybrid Rans-Les, Michael Tullis

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The use of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to test engineering designs with reduced cost and time compared to physical testing has become increasingly common in a range of industries and research fields. While numerical methods exist that can accurately solve the equations that govern the flow of fluids, these methods are computationally expensive for practical engineering problems due to the large amount of computational power needed to resolve the fluid flow over the entire range of length and time scales. Several different approaches have been introduced to address this computational cost issue, namely Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) modeling and scale resolving …

Development Of A Cost-Effective Daq For Measuring Brake Performance In Race Cars, Adrin Alias

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This project explores the feasibility of creating a cost-effective data acquisition (DAQ) system for high-speed, real-time brake performance testing of Formula SAE racecars. The research addresses the limitations of the current MoTeC DAQ system currently employed by the team, which is costly and time-consuming to set up for on-car testing. The team will use a brake dynamometer for steady-state comparisons of different brake pad compounds (senior design project), but evaluating real-world performance requires on-car testing. By systematically comparing various hardware platforms, sensors, communication protocols, and storage solutions, this project aims to balance cost-efficiency with reliability and performance. The research evaluates …

Computational Modeling Of Torque Arm And Load Cell Interactions In Uta Racing Brake Dynamometer, Anthony A. Aiyedun

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

The UTA Racing Team is developing a brake dynamometer to measure the coefficients of friction of various brake pads and calipers under controlled conditions. The dynamometer simulates on-track braking scenarios, testing brake pads at temperatures up to 1300ºF and pressures similar to racing environments. Its primary goal is to generate accurate friction vs. temperature graphs for various brake pad and rotor combinations, addressing the need for dedicated testing equipment. This project creates an ANSYS simulation of the torque arm and load cell interaction. The computational model accurately represents the relationship between applied torque and measured load cell force, incorporating precise …

Design Of A Helical-Type Rotor For Enhanced Energy Harvesting In Smallscale Vertical Axis Wind Turbines, Aadee M. Mitee

2025 Spring Honors Capstone Projects - Archive

This research investigates the design optimization of a small-scale Vertical Axis Wind Turbine (VAWT) utilizing helical rotor blades fabricated from graphene-reinforced polyethylene terephthalate. While previous studies have largely concentrated on largescale turbines for rural environments or on high-performance composite materials that often compromise recyclability, this research addresses the specific challenges associated with small-scale VAWTs intended for urban and populated areas. The study identified tip speed ratio, helical angle, and blade length as critical design parameters. Optimization of these parameters was achieved through systematic evaluation of their impact on the turbine’s aerodynamic performance, quantified by the coefficient of performance. Structural and …