Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Trajectory Control Of A Wheeled Robot Using Interaction Forces For Intuitive Overground Human-Robot Interaction, George Leno Holmes Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations

"Effective and intuitive physical human robot interaction (pHRI) requires an understanding of how humans communicate movement intentions with one another. It has been suggested that humans can guide another human by hand through complex tasks using force information only. However, no clear and applicable paradigm has been set forth to understand these relationships. While the human partner can readily understand and adhere to this expectation, it would be difficult for anyone to explain their intuitive motions with strict rules, algorithms, or steps. Uncovering such a procedural framework for the control of robotic systems to execute expected performance simply from force …

Dynamic Loading Experimentation And Surface Imaging Of Pressure Vessel Loadcell Fractures, Austin T. Sumner

Honors College Theses

Pressure vessels are very common pieces of equipment in industry and they are used for a variety of applications. It is standard in industry to rest pressure vessels on load cells. For some special cases, the pressure vessels are rested on load cells instead of solid foundation. Pressure vessels and their loadcells are generally designed for static environmental conditions and loading and tend to experience adverse effects when exposed to dynamic environments, such as hurricanes and earthquakes. These adverse-loading conditions cause vibrations and asymmetrical loading on the load cells, which can concurrently cause unexpected failure. This research investigates the effects …

Data-Driven Modeling Of The Wake Behind A Wind Turbine Array, Naseem Ali, Raul Bayoan Cal

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The wake flow in a wind turbine array boundary layer is described using the Koopman operator. Dynamics of the flow are decomposed into the linear and forcing terms, and the low-energy delay coordinates are revealed. The rare events show the non-Gaussian long tails that capture the switching and bursting phenomena. The near-wake region shows the incoherent phase space region, where the dynamics are strongly nonlinear. The far-wake region is marked with the small non-Gaussian forcing term, and the dynamics are largely governed by linear dynamics. The data-driven predictive model is built based on the Hankel-based dynamic mode decomposition and treats …

Utility-Scale Solar Pv Performance Enhancements Through System Level Modifications, Andrew D. S. Glick, Naseem Ali, Juliaan Bossuyt, Marc Calaf, Raúl Bayoán Cal

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Performance of solar PV diminishes with the increase in temperature of the solar modules. Therefore, to further facilitate the reduction in cost of photovoltaic energy, new approaches to limit module temperature increase in natural ambient conditions should be explored. Thus far only approaches based at the individual panel level have been investigated, while the more complex, systems approach remains unexplored. Here, we perform the first wind tunnel scaled solar farm experiments to investigate the potential for temperature reduction through system-level flow enhancement. The percentage of solar irradiance converted into electric power depends upon module efficiency, typically less than 20%. The …

Openfoam Simulations Of Late Stage Container Draining In Microgravity, Joshua Thomas Mccraney, Mark M. Weislogel, Paul Steen

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In the reduced acceleration environment aboard orbiting spacecraft, capillary forces are often exploited to access and control the location and stability of fuels, propellants, coolants, and biological liquids in containers (tanks) for life support. To access the ‘far reaches’ of such tanks, the passive capillary pumping mechanism of interior corner networks can be employed to achieve high levels of draining. With knowledge of maximal corner drain rates, gas ingestion can be avoided and accurate drain transients predicted. In this paper, we benchmark a numerical method for the symmetric draining of capillary liquids in simple interior corners. The free surface is …

A Dynamic Neural Network Designed Using Analytical Methods Produces Dynamic Control Properties Similar To An Analogous Classical Controller, Wade William Hilts, Nicholas Szczecinski, Roger Quinn, Alexander Hunt

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Human balance is achieved using many concurrent control loops that combine to react to changes in environment, posture, center of mass and other factors affecting stability. Though numerous engineering models of human balance control have been tested, no methods for porting these models to a neural architecture have been established. It is our hypothesis that the analytical methods we have developed, combined with classical control techniques will provide a reasonable starting point for developing dynamic neural controllers that can reproduce classical control capabilities. In previous work, we tested this hypothesis and demonstrated that a biologically-constrained neural controller that replicates human …

Modelling Lagrangian Velocity And Acceleration In Turbulent Flows As Infinitely Differentiable Stochastic Process, Bianca Fontanin Viggiano, Jan Friedrich, Romain Volk, Mickael Bourgoin, Raúl Bayoán Cal, Laurent Chevillard

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

We develop a stochastic model for Lagrangian velocity as it is observed in experimental and numerical fully developed turbulent flows. We define it as the unique statistically stationary solution of a causal dynamics, given by a stochastic differential equation. In comparison to previously proposed stochastic models, the obtained process is infinitely differentiable at a given finite Reynolds number, and its second-order statistical properties converge to those of an Ornstein-Uhlenbeck process in the infinite Reynolds number limit. In this limit, it exhibits furthermore intermittent scaling properties, as they can be quantified using higher-order statistics. To achieve this, we begin with generalizing …

Cognitive Performance In Midlife Type 2 Diabetes: Results Form The Enbind Study, A. H. Dyer, L. Mckenna, G. Gamage, N. M. Bourke, Isabelle Killane, M. Widdowson, C. P. Woods, J. Gibney, R. Reilly, D. O'Neill, S. P. Kennelly

Articles

Aims: To establish the impact of uncomplicated type 2 diabetes on cognitive and neuropsychological performance in midlife. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of middle-aged adults with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes and a cohort of healthy control participants. General cognition was assessed using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and neuropsychological assessment was undertaken using a detailed neuropsychological assessment battery. Results: A total of 152 participants (102 with type 2 diabetes and 50 controls) were recruited (mean age 52 ± 8 years, 51% women). Participants with midlife type 2 diabetes were more than twice as likely to make an error on …

Wind Release Mechanical Sun Tracker, Tyler Andrus, Brady Fisher, Jt Gibson, Cynthia Rigby, Derek Smith

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Solar panel sun tracking system that releases solar panels to orient to wind flow in high wind conditions

• Operates on a single rotational motor

• Designed to be lightweight and portable

Afrl Downed Airman Recovery System, Daniel Cornia, James Bennett, Matthew Halton, Matthew Bennett, Brandon Haws, Tyson Compton, Jacob Needham, Daniel Spreier, Thory Van Dyke

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

For the 2020 Air Force Research Laboratory design competition, teams were challenged to develop a system to assist Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR) in recovering a downed pilot in contested waters.

In the event of a pilot ejecting from their aircraft, a GPS beacon notifies CSAR of the pilot’s approximate location. During the rescue operation, a swimmer from a CSAR crew enters the water and assists the isolated person (IP) to use rescue equipment.

The current procedure exposes an additional person to hazards and increases IP extraction time. The additional required personnel and setup time increases mission risk.

USU’s student …

Design, Build, Fly 2019-2020 Banner Towing Bush Plane, Brayden Barton, Carlton Collet, Talon Gamble, Daniel Gardner, Hayden Harmon, Daniel Scribner, Ryley Shingleton, Trevor Smith, Sabrina Snow

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Design: A bush plane capable of deploying and towing a banner in flight, carrying passengers, and taking off within 20 ft. Create simple systems capable of restraining the passengers and stowing, deploying, and releasing the banner.

• Build: The plane, passenger subsystem, and banner subsystem using durable and lightweight materials. Select a propulsion system with the necessary power and endurance to complete the missions.

• Fly: Three missions with the fastest lap times to achieve the highest score.

• Mission 1: Fly 3 laps within 5 minutes; take off in less than 20 ft.

• Mission …

Automated Cushion Ring Insertion System (Cris), Nathan Andersen, James Parberry, Chris Reid, Jeron Robbins, Kayden Atkin, Kody King, Mckay Mckinnon

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Project Description

This purpose of this project is to prototype a proof of concept machine capable of installing a retaining ring into an airbag cushion.

Project Benefits

• Decreased installation time

• Better consistency and quality control

• Helps create a fully automated production line

Usu Baja Sae 2020, Adam Black, Trevor Nuamann, Cliff Rossberg, Ian Jeppsen, Tad Behunin, Josh Olsen, Kaulin Curtis

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The 2020 USU Baja team addressed the following issues in the 2020 buggy design:

• Utilizing LotusSHARK software for suspension design: Completing a digital design of the buggy's suspension system in LotusSHARK allowed for optimization of suspension design.

• Redesign of brake system: Reducing the size of the brake pedal footprint was needed for increase space in the buggy for 4WD components.

• Implementation of 4WD: Significant bonus points could be earned in the SAE competition if the buggy has 4WD capabilities. The ability to switch between 2WD and 4WD was also desired to easily engage the best configuration for …

Biological Agent Dispersal And Containment, Austin Williams, Ryker Hacking, Weston Craig

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Purpose

• Model the flow of airborne anthrax surrogate particles through a training facility

• Design a training facility that will safely contain all the released particles

• Determine final location of the particles within the testing facility

• Determine most influential factors for particle containment

Importance

• Training for a bio-terrorist threat

• Researching airborne flow of particles is necessary to prepare for a potential threat

• Response plans depend on timely determination of the containment zone

Diffraction Efficiency Measurement Instrument: Demi, Usu Department Of Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• We designed an automated system to do help QC technicians who currently check the efficiency of VPHGs by hand.

• Why should your reader be interested?

VPHGs are used in lab equipment and medical instruments and more. The largest VPHGs (like the ones the DEMI tests) are used in giant telescopes and other astronomical applications.

Autonomous Fixed Wing Drone, Glen Wright, Case Haws, Duke Madson, Chandler Oaks, Cory Christensen, Ryan Mears, Mike Wells

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Design an autonomous system for a fixed wing drone in order to fly a repeatable pattern for testing of RF communication equipment.

• Requirements:

– Fly a repeatable pattern

– 2 km range

– Transmit Telemetry points

– Switch between manual and autonomous

• Goals:

– Create a platform compatible with the second phase of the project

– Allow for autonomous takeoff and landing procedures

– Create a platform compatible with a host of airframes

Heated Chamber Capable Of Purging/Scrubbing Twelve Or More Gas Analyzers Of Co2 And H20 For Calibration, Cole Watson, Oliver Hulme, Trevan Cottle

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Build ergonomically friendly chamber capable of purging 12 or more Gas Analyzers to keep up with current demand.

• Designed shelfing to fit all three Campbell Scientific, Inc. (CSI) gas analyzers: EC150, EC155, and Irgason.

• Chamber has uniform air temperature that will be regulated to not go above 50 ℃.

• CSI Datalogger is used to collect analyzer data and control electronics from outside the chamber.

• Chamber is durable and easily moved.

Autoliv Flexible Windshield Reaction Surface, Perry Simpson, Jacob Bowman, Joshua Christensen, Ethan Moore

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Summary: Currently Autoliv is testing airbags against a flat steel plate. Testing against a steel plate doesn’t provide accurate airbag rebound data. Autoliv also does most of the development in series with automotive companies. They do initial designs but cannot get accurate tests until test vehicles are built.

Problem: Create a fixture that will bend a surface to replicate the curvature of any windshield desired resulting in more accurate airbag rebound data.

Why: Solving this problem will result in higher accuracy and precision in airbag performance systems. The new test fixture will provide a better representation of how the airbag …

Ganging Multiple Mechanical Sun Trackers, Katie Clark, Ben Hansen, Ben Hill, Cody Kelley, Chris Twede

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The scope of this project was to design a mechanical solar tracker that implemented the algorithm/patent developed by Dr. Nicholas Flann. The solar tracker needed to be able to gang with other units using a single motor. The designed tracking unit is intended to:

• Rotate 350 degrees

• Use 3 seasonal tracks to follow the sun

• Be adjustable for wind and snow loads

• Be constructed from readily available materials

Mini Rad-Dx Product Update, Tyler Child, Bradly Payne, Colton Smart, Morgan Ward

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Improve Current model by:

• Redesigning case to accommodate 3 – AA batteries

• Improve ingress protection to IP67

• Make device look more Rugged

• Eliminate one of the two LCD screens

• Design for injection molding production

• Develop a mobile app

Direct Pedal Actuation, Tyler Fallentine, Mitch Peterson, Bryce Fisher, Sam Hartvigsen, Alexander Bird

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Problem Description:

• The Team shall deliver a working prototype for direct pedal actuation of the brake and throttle for use in remote control of a vehicle.

• The delivered design shall:

• Measure 15 in. by 9 in. by 13 in.

• Fit in 90% of tested vehicles.

• Meet force, speed, back drive force, etc.

• Install in under 10 minutes.

Small Satellite Reaction Wheel, Corey Creager, Kalan Juhasz, Jeremy Wiser, Jake Laub, Christopher Wartena

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• A reaction wheel uses torque to control the attitude of a satellite.

• The requirements specify a torque, a momentum, and a confined volume.

Solar Array Deployment Test Gravity Offloader System, Braden Call, Matthew Calvin, Chris Debenham, Christian Marriot, Mason Onkes

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• Space Dynamics Lab (SDL) has started to develop larger satellites and larger solar arrays are required to power the spacecrafts. These larger arrays are harder to test

• Larger solar panels need their weight from gravity offloaded to prevent damage to their joints. The joints are not designed to hold their own weight

• Space Dynamics Lab requested our design be able to function in a vacuum to simulate the microgravity environment as closely as possible.

• While gravity offloading systems have been designed in the past, a vacuum-compatible and passive design brings a new and unique challenge

Usu Mars Rover Team, Usu Department Of Mechanical And Aerospace Engineering

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The University Rover Challenge capstone project presents university students the opportunity to design, fabricate and test a rover to compete in the annual international Mars Society URC Competition held in Hanksville, Utah. The URC Competition consists of four separate missions including Extreme Retrieval & Delivery, Equipment Servicing, Science, and Autonomous Traversal. Each mission requires advanced subsystems onboard the rover to accomplish mission tasks in a timely manner.

The 2020 USU URC team is divided up into four subteams to accomplish each mission including Power/Drive, Navigation/Communications/Autonomy, Operations, and Science. Admission to the URC Competition is highly competitive since the competition is …

Westech Process Control, William Clarke, Ammon Mccarthy

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The WesTech Engineering company is looking into utilizing MatLab Simulink to increase productivity.

Zagg Innovation Program: Led Focusing Case, Kyle Douglas, Travis Halverson, Derek Wilkins, Jessica Williams

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Background: The ZAGG Innovation Program has the goal of creating innovative concepts and products for the telecommunication and consumer electronic retail channels.

Chosen Product: After deliberating over 30 generated product ideas with ZAGG representatives, the team chose to develop a phone case that would focus a cellphone camera flash into a practical flashlight beam.

Product Goals:

• Decrease beam angle and light increase projection distance

• Durability to withstand regular use and drops

• Keep the product as simple as possible, with minimal added bulk and parts

• Case will not obstruct the field of view of …

Experimental Evaluation Of Strength Degradation Temperature For Carbon Epoxy Filament Wound Composite, Jai Krishna Mishra, Surya Prakash Rao Ch Dr, Subhash Chandra Bose P Dr, Kishore Nath N Dr, Rama Rao Golla Mr

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

Polymeric composites have been widely used in various structural and thermal aerospace applications. Polymeric composites having high strength and high modulus reinforcement are ideally suited for lot of critical aerospace applications as structure is designed with high specific strength and high specific modulus. In case of launch vehicles/ missile one such application is design and manufacturing of solid rocket motor casing with polymeric composites as it give high performance and reduces inert weight of propulsion system. The high specific strength and high specific modulus of composite materials makes it ideal choice for designing the composite rocket motor case (CRMC). These …

Portable Leak Test System, Tyler Pulli, Joseph Arnell, Luke Osterhout, Dustyn Roberts

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Idaho National Laboratories requires an airtight seal on transportation casks to ship radioactive material. To ensure that the cask is air-tight, a system needs to be designed to measure whether air is leaking out of the seal and determines if the cask passes or fails.

Test Dummy Positioning For Autoliv Ogden, Ut, Dianne Althouse, John Garrett, Ty Johnston, Ridge Jones

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

• The Team shall deliver a proof of concept prototype to Autoliv for its use in positioning test dummies for Out-of-Position (OOP) airbag testing

• This is to improve set-up timing and accuracy without operator to operator variation.

• The device should work for the placing of three-year-old, six- year-old, and 5th percentile female test dummies.

• There are two OOP: head on IP (instrumentation panel) and chest on IP.

Development Of An Integrated Microfluidic System For Cell Sorting And Trapping—Considering Sorting Efficacy And Cell Viability, Thammawit Suwannaphan

Chulalongkorn University Theses and Dissertations (Chula ETD)

This study is divided into two phases. The first phase is about the investigation of cell viability and damage of white blood cells after sorting in both a spiral microchannel and contraction and expansion array (CEA) at appropriate flow rates for cell separation. Three techniques such as Trypan Blue staining, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Wright-Giemsa staining are employed in the experiments. After flowing the sample through a whole setup of spiral microchannel at 2 ml/min, 85% of cells are viable while 30% of cells are significantly deformed and 2% of cells are seriously damaged in their intracellular structures. In …