Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Friction Test Machine, Kyle Raymon Schless, Lynda Beatriz Tesillo, Mustapha Nadri

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Final Design Report Bull Outdoor Products Tailgating/Backyard Barbecue, Kyle Van Allen, David Mei, Nicholas James Marquez

Mechanical Engineering

Bull Outdoor Products, Inc. is a specialty company whose main products are high end barbecues for use in outdoor kitchens. They desire a more portable barbecue stand(s) that can be used for tailgating. This is to be achieved by creating a dual-purpose stand/frame that allows for the barbecue head to be used on a trailer hitch or as rolling stand that can be used without a trailer hitch.

Understanding The Benefits And Limitations Of Increasing Maximum Rotor Tip Speed For Utility-Scale Wind Turbines, Andrew Ning

Faculty Publications

For utility-scale wind turbines, the maximum rotor rotation speed is generally constrained by noise considerations. Innovations in acoustics and/or siting in remote locations may enable future wind turbine designs to operate with higher tip speeds. Wind turbines designed to take advantage of higher tip speeds are expected to be able to capture more energy and utilize lighter drivetrains because of their decreased maximum torque loads. However, the magnitude of the potential cost savings is unclear, and the potential trade-offs with rotor and tower sizing are not well understood. A multidisciplinary, system-level framework was developed to facilitate wind turbine and wind …

Quaternion Based Attitude Error For A Tailsitter In Hover Flight, Timothy Mclain, Matthew E. Argyle, Jason M. Beach, Randall W. Beard, Stephen Morris

Faculty Publications

The tailsitter is a promising airframe that can take off and land on its tail and transition to level flight. While this ability provides vertical takeoff and landing capabilities with no additional moving parts, it introduces interesting control challenges. In this paper, we look at the attitude control system of a tailsitter in hover flight and show that the behaviour of the aircraft relies on the method used to compute the attitude error. We investigate three different methods of computing the attitude error, quaternion feedback, resolved tilt twist, and the resolved Euler angles, and compare them through simulated hover flight.

Relationship Between Jump Landing Kinematics And Peak Acl Force During A Jump In Downhill Skiing: A Simulation Study, D. Heinrich, Antonie J. Van Den Bogert, W. Nachbauer

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Recent data highlight that competitive skiers face a high risk of injuries especially during off-balance jump landing maneuvers in downhill skiing. The purpose of the present study was to develop a musculo-skeletal modeling and simulation approach to investigate the cause-and-effect relationship between a perturbed landing position, i.e., joint angles and trunk orientation, and the peak force in the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) during jump landing. A two-dimensional musculo-skeletal model was developed and a baseline simulation was obtained reproducing measurement data of a reference landing movement. Based on the baseline simulation, a series of perturbed landing simulations (n=1000) was generated. Multiple …

Formula Sae Cooling System Design, Lisa Van Den Berg, Brandon Lofaro

Mechanical Engineering

The overall objective of this senior project is to develop, via testing and analysis, a guided process that will aid the Cal Poly Formula SAE team in designing their cooling system. More specifically, a set of designed tests will yield the results necessary in determining a combination of fan and radiator that will achieve appropriate cooling.

A test section that has the capability of interfacing with both the wind tunnel in the Thermal Science Lab and a radiator will be used to facilitate the necessary experiments. The wind tunnel is powered by fan controlled by a variable frequency drive that …

Formula Sae Hybrid Carbon Fiber Monocoque / Steel Tube Frame Chassis, Matthew Hagan, John Rappolt, John Waldrop

Mechanical Engineering

The Cal Poly Formula SAE Team created this project in order to design and fabricate a high-performance chassis which would be competitive at 2013 FSAE Lincoln, and to document the process so that future teams could more easily create a chassis. One of the main goals was to reduce weight from the 143- lb 2012 chassis subsystem. A weight of 95 lb was achieved, with 82 lb in the chassis structure itself and a predicted torsional stiffness of 1700 lb*ft/deg. Composite materials design and manufacturing techniques were developed during the project. Design, testing, and manufacturing processes are detailed, and results …

Low-Cost Strider For Guatemala, Nicole Catherine Cooper, Gonzalo Hernandez, Jared W. Tower

Mechanical Engineering

The purpose of this project was to create a strider, a type of standing rehabilitation device, for children in developing countries who have trouble walking and supporting their full body weight. The project was initially brought to us by Cal Poly professor Brian Self, who had visited a clinic in San Marcos and determined that there were children there who had difficulties with walking and were a need for a rehabilitation device. The team discussed the problem with Dr. Self, Matt Robinson (a local San Luis Obispo prosthetist), and Cal Poly physics professor Pete Schwartz, all of whom had visited …

Energy Generator Exploration Station Senior Project Report, Evan Carr, Christopher Scharff, Andrea Govea

Mechanical Engineering

The mission of Team EnGen is to create a safe and reliable, human powered energy generation system for the Exploration Station. This project was proposed by the Exploration Station in response to a grant received by Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) that allocated funds for an energy conservation exhibit. This system will take the form of a model energy truck and a darkened neighborhood display that the user powers through peddling, turning the generator to create the electricity that will light up the display. The Exploration Station and Team EnGen agree that this style of design is accessible to all …

2d Wireform Process Improvement, Katy Conlin, Carlo Ebora, Jordan Gamble

Mechanical Engineering

The body of this work has been created for Edwards Lifesciences in conjunction with senior project requirements. As such, the information produced and contained within is under a non‐disclosure agreement. As per request by sponsor, the body of the work will not be submitted to any outside parties, and the title page will serve as proof of completion.

Automated Foosball Table, Jim R. Stefani, Alex J. Herpy, Brett Gordon Jaeger, Kevin S. Haydon, Derek Alan Hamel

Mechanical Engineering

This project is the second iteration of an automated foosball table for Yaskawa America as a trade show display. The table is meant to provide an interactive experience which highlights the speed and precision of the Yaskawa hardware. The first iteration of the project was mainly focused on creating the physical hardware for the system and to begin the basic programming for the system. This phase of the project was focused on finalizing the physical hardware of the system, implementing the vision system and to continue the basic programing of the system AI. A third team will be assigned to …

Adaptive Beach Walker, Jonathan Larsen, Christian Nuñez, Nicholas Simon, Jessica Smith

Mechanical Engineering

The RAPD program is a federal organization funded by the National Science Foundation that supports the development of technologies for new and improved devices or software for persons with disabilities; in the case of our project and our fellow classmates, the program provided grants to student projects that are designed to help persons with disabilities in participating and enjoying physical activity. Our project is directed with the help of Dr. Widmann and Dr. Taylor of the Mechanical Engineering and Kinesiology Departments respectively, at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Three students from the Mechanical Department and one student from …

Mobile Solar Pv Trainer, Matthew Myers, Matthew Clause, Lawrence Smith

Mechanical Engineering

The aim of the Mobile Solar PV Trainer Project was to design, construct and test a versatile and robust laboratory training rig for the Cal Poly Electrical Engineering department. This project was inspired by the desire of one or more California Polytechnic State University electrical engineering professors to add laboratory components to two established upper division electrical engineering courses in photovoltaic panels and solar power. This report contains a detailed description of the trainer’s desired specifications, our ideation process, a thorough description of the selected trainer design including part drawings, assembly documentation and a bill of materials as well as …

Adaptive Adjustable Tricycle, Jasper E. Bolton, Kemely A. Chow, Ryan D. Hirahara, Heather K. Instasi

Mechanical Engineering

As a part of the Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering curriculum, all students must take part in a three quarter long senior design project. Students are presented with existing problems, select a project, and then apply the knowledge they have gained throughout their academic career to design and build a solution. The intent behind this project is to create an experience that is similar to an engineering project in industry, by applying engineering and teamwork skills to solve a problem.

Team Trikeceratops’ mission was to develop an adaptive adjustable tricycle to be used in the Special Education Department of the Buena …

Mini-High Temperature Hepa Filter Test Unit, Mario Trinchero, Juan Miguel Nagengast, Andrew Wood

Mechanical Engineering

There is a need for better HEPA filter materials, especially those able to withstand higher temperatures as experienced in fire conditions. In order to test these materials our team built a Mini High Temperature Testing Unit (MHTTU) that can rapidly, efficiently, and inexpensively test a large number of new and innovative materials for HEPA filter components. MHTTU test results will be used to down select the most promising materials for HEPA filter components (e.g., media, sealants, gaskets) for full scale testing in the HTTU. There are already some pieces of equipment that exist in other parts of the country that …

Modification Of A Draw Bar Type Arena Harrow To Three Point Mounted Type Harrow, Clayton Alan Brown

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

This senior project will be the design, and construction of a three point hitch to be attached to a draw bar type spike tooth harrow. Currently used by the Cal Poly Rodeo Team to cultivate their arena before performances, and practices.

The attachment will allow the harrow to be pulled in both directions to create different types of soil affects.

Also the fabrications has a minimal budget so the majority of the materials will be scrap material already in position of the rodeo team or donated to the project.

Cnc Torch, Steven Chiu

Computer Engineering

This CNC Torch cuts steel plate. It can cut up to a maximum area of 3x3 feet. The user builds a cut list on the touchscreen from a selection of predefined shapes and enters the parameters need for each shape. When the user is ready, the cut list is sent to an Arduino that will move each motors accordingly to the shapes desired.

Creating A Seamless Pipeline Into Undergraduate Programs In Stem Fields Through Region-Wide Articulation Agreements, Immanuel Edinbarough, Mikhail M. Bouniaev, Bill W. Elliott

Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications

Underrepresented minority students pursue science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) related degrees at much lower rates compared to other segments of the population. To attract minority students, schools with STEM programs have resorted to myriad strategies such as cohorts, scholarships, mentoring, summer bridges, etc. Some schools have also sought innovative ways to develop a pipeline for graduates of two-year technical degree programs to matriculate into their four-year STEM programs and complete the remaining coursework leading to a BAT or BS degree. The University of Texas at Brownsville (UTB) has adopted this latter innovative approach to increasing student enrollment in STEM …

Me-Em Enewsbrief, June 2014, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Semi-Automated Method Of Assembly For Physio Ii Ring, Cameron Anderson Deines, Kelsey Jean Engel, Christopher Kiuyen Wong

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

High Fidelity Time Accurate Cfd Analysis Of A Multi-Stage Turbofan At Various Operating Points In Distorted Inflow, David Bruce Weston

Theses and Dissertations

Inlet distortion is an important consideration in fan performance. Distortion can be caused through flight conditions and airframe-engine interfaces. The focus of this paper is a series of high-fidelity time accurate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of a multistage fan. These investigate distortion transfer and generation as well as the underlying flow physics of these phenomena under different operating conditions. The simulations are performed on the full annulus of a 3 stage fan. The code used to carry out these simulations is a modified version of OVERFLOW 2.2 developed as part of the Computational Research and Engineering Acquisition Tools and …

Addition Of A Stanton Gauge To The Boundary Layer Data System, Brittany Reanne Kinkade

Master's Theses

The Stanton gauge technique provides an indirect method for measurement of skin friction on a smooth aerodynamic surface in which a pressure tap is available. This thesis presents the design and evaluation of a new type of skin friction measurement gauge based on the Stanton gauge concept but not requiring a surface pressure tap. This new skin friction measurement gauge, called a "Flow Tab", can therefore be used on an aerodynamic model or aircraft surface without alteration of the surface. The Flow Tab is thus particularly well-suited to use with Cal Poly's Boundary Layer Data System (BLDS), a small, self-contained …

A Study On The Factors Influencing The Usage Of Environmentally Friendly Products, Nicole Esposito, Vimal Viswanathan, Julie Linsey

Faculty Publications, Mechanical Engineering

Benchmarking in Design Projects: Lessons Learned from a Sophomore Design Course This paper presents some of the lessons learned from a sophomore design course offered at one of the major universities in the United States. This course is developed to provide realistic design, machining and mechatronics experiences to mechanical engineering sophomores. As apart of this course, the students are required to generate ideas for solving a real-life design problem. The objective of this study is to identify the influences of benchmarking products on the final concepts generated by student designers. Literature shows that designers, while solving open-ended design problems, tend …

Validation Of A Modified Version Of Overflow 2.2 For Use With Turbomachinery Under Clean And Total Pressure Distorted Conditions And A Study Of Blade Loading In Distortion, Matthew L. Marshall

Theses and Dissertations

Inlet distortion is an important consideration in fan performance. Distortion can be generated through flight conditions and airframe-engine interfaces. The focus of this paper is a series of high-fidelity, time-accurate Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations of a multistage fan, investigating distortion transfer, distortion generation, and the underlying flow physics under different operating conditions. The simulations are full annulus and include 3 stages and the inlet guide vane (IGV). The code used to carry out these simulations is a modified version of Overflow2.2 that was developed as part of the Computational Research and Engineering Acquisition Tools and Environment (CREATE) program. The …

Tailsitter Heading Estimation Using A Magnetometer, Timothy Mclain, Jason M. Beach, Matthew E. Argyle, Randall W. Beard, Stephen Morris

Faculty Publications

The tailsitter aircraft merges the endurance and speed of fixed-wing aircraft with the flexibility and VTOL abilities of rotorcraft. Typical control and estimation schemes make assumptions about the maximum attitude an aircraft will experience that are not valid for tailsitters. This paper discusses the limitations of a typical EKF magnetometer measurement update that uses Euler angles. It is shown how to use a second set of Euler angles to avoid gimbal lock. A method is given that bypasses the use of Euler angles altogether and directly uses the quaternion to determine heading error and update the attitude estimate. This method …

St. Jude Medical - R&D Robot For Sensor Testing, Andrew Chanul Kim, Stanley Logan Laszczyk, Edgar Nava, Nathan Gall

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Adaptive Basketball Shooter - Final Project Report, Jenna N. Becker, Richard A. Galanti, Justin D. Haley, Brett Y. Nayudu

Mechanical Engineering

The Friday Club is a joint venture between the Cal Poly Kinesiology Department and the San Luis Obispo Special Olympics that offers people with varying degrees of disability the opportunity to meet weekly and learn various sports and games. At Friday Club, athletes in wheelchairs with limited arm strength use devices built by Cal Poly mechanical engineering students in order to participate in various sports. Many devices are designed to attach to the Universal Play Frame (UPF), a wheel-chair attachment. The purpose of this project was to design and build a UPF device that will launch a basketball, so that …

Adapted Pool Cue, Cole Clark, Daniel Patterson, Michelle Cheung, Dylan Sauer

Mechanical Engineering

Our primary goal was to develop an adaptive device to allow a user with limited upper body mobility to more effectively play a game of pool. Within this goal it was important to design around the concept of a least restrictive environment, in order to provide the user with as close to a standard pool playing experience as possible. The device was designed to specifically meet the needs of John Lee, an Assistive Technology Specialist at Cal Poly's Disability Resource Center. Mr. Lee has muscular dystrophy, which limits his upper and lower body mobility and currently requires his use of …

Blds Articulated Mounting Feet, Mitchell D. Conn, Chris Mazzucco

Mechanical Engineering

This final report summarizes all of the efforts of the Senior Project aimed at creating Articulating Mounting Feet for the BLDS. The project focuses on improving the design of the mounting feet for the current Boundary Layer Data System at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Dr. Russ Westphal, the project’s sponsor, wishes that our team focus primarily on a reliable and lightweight mount design for a curved wing, with only transverse curvature. Dr. Westphal is currently researching the boundary layer effects on airplane wings at Cal Poly, and the ability to mount to a multitude of surface contours would increase …

Lightweight Uav Launcher, Ben Miller, Christian Valoria, Corinne Warnock, Jake Coutlee

Mechanical Engineering

This report discusses the design, construction, and testing of a lightweight, portable UAV launcher. There is a current need for a small team of soldiers to launch a US Marine Tier II UAV in a remote location without transport. Research was conducted into existing UAV launcher designs and the pros and cons of each were recorded. This research served as a basis for concept generation during the initial design development stage. It was required that the design weigh less than 110 lbs, occupy a smaller volume than 48" x 24" 18" in its collapsed state, be portable by a single …