Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Commons^™

An In-Situ Method For Quantifying Entropy Generation In Fatigue Via A Novel Thermographic Approach, Peyton J. Wilson

LSU Master's Theses

This work features a new approach that is used to measure the rate of plastic work during a cyclic fatigue test, based on the first and second laws of thermodynamics. Using the one-dimensional Fourier heat equation coupled with the concept of fracture fatigue entropy, the rate of plastic work during fatigue can be measured without the need to interrupt a fatigue test, and the accumulated entropy to failure can be quantified. Experimental fatigue tests are conducted on Aluminum 6061-T6 specimens under cyclic axial loading and Carbon Steel 1018 specimens under fully reversed cyclic bending loading. The obtained results in addition …

Linear And Nonlinear Topology Optimization With Morphing Beam Networks, Andrew S. Montalbano

All Dissertations

Topology optimization (TO) is an engineering design discipline dedicated to optimizing material distribution within a given domain. In traditional gradient-based topology optimization, the solid domain is discretized into small volumetric elements. Using finite element analysis (FEA) of the structure, the gradient of the objective function with respect to the design variables (the pseudo densities) is computed, and these design variables are updated iteratively until convergence is achieved. Although gradient-based TO methods are well-established, sensitivity analyses of objective functions and constraints can be both mathematically complex and computationally intensive. The nonconvex nature of most TO problems often complicates efficient convergence. Furthermore, …

Design And Fabrication Of A Carbon Fiber Wheel For The Husker Motorsports Club, Benjamin Bashtovoi, Jordan Chapin, Michael Pineda, Caden Lind, Thomas Crum

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

Every year, the Husker Motorsports team participates in a Formula SAE competition that challenges students to design and manufacture a Formula-style vehicle to compete against colleges from around the world. The Husker Motorsports club has sponsored this senior capstone project to improve the vehicle’s performance by reducing unsprung mass. Unsprung mass reduction has numerous benefits on vehicle dynamics, including improved acceleration, handling, and braking. To achieve these performance improvements, the team developed carbon-fiber composite wheels that weigh less than the current wheel solution and provide better rigidity. The team designed and modeled the wheel according to the 2023-2024 competition car …

A Manufacturing-To-Response Pathway For Manufacturing Optimization Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Structures, Madhura Limaye

All Dissertations

Over the past decade, there has been an increased adoption of thermoplastic and thermoset based continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites for structural applications in several industries. Among the different manufacturing methods, thermoforming process for thermoplastic based continuous CFRP’s offer a major advantage in reducing cycle times for large scale productions. Similarly, out-of-autoclave curing process for thermoset based continuous CFRP’s using heated tooling enables production of large composite structures. However, these manufacturing processes can have a significant impact on the structural performance of parts by inducing undesirable effects. These effects include inhomogeneous fiber orientations, thickness variations, and residual stresses …

Multiscale Fiber Remodeling In The Heart Using A Finite Element Framework, Mohammad Mehri

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

The organization of myofibers and extra cellular matrix within the myocardium plays a significant role in defining cardiac function. When pathological events occur, such as myocardial infarction (MI) or hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM), this organization can become disrupted, leading to alteration in pumping performance. The current study proposes a multiscale finite element (FE) framework to determine realistic fiber distributions in the left ventricle (LV). This is achieved by implementing a stress-based fiber reorientation law, which seeks to align the fibers with local traction vectors, such that contractile force and load bearing capabilities are maximized. By utilizing the total stress (passive and …

Development Of A Solidworks Api, Andrew Magyar

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

With the current advancements in CAD software, and precision of modern motors, we believe that a new way to communicate from hardware to software is possible. This report details the steps we have taken to attempt just that. The essential idea behind this is that modern controls for robotics are not as user friendly as they can be. The general action taken is to create an API for SolidWorks that connects it to the other necessary controller software and makes it so that a robot, and its exact current position, can be changed simply and intuitively from SolidWorks. Furthermore, the …

Battery Dunnage, Paul Hirsch, Alex Cox, Ben Strubbe

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Schaeffler is launching a new assembly line for a battery in 2025. As part of the project, it is necessary to design and fabricate a reusable dunnage (packaging) specialized for the battery, meant for safe domestic transportation in the United States. Through an iterative process, the team developed a final dunnage design out of steel components that had a maximum footprint of 62 in X 43.5 in X 29.25 in and a weight of 821.682 lbs. The dunnage is stackable on itself up to two high, weighing a total of 4,918.724 lbs. when loaded with four batteries. The design was …

Zips Racing Electric Brakes Design, Zachary Koneval, Andrew Thompson, Cory Baczkowski

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Zips electric racing team is a collegiate team full of engineering students to make a formula electric car that competes against other universities and their cars. But before the cars make it to competition they go through a series of tests to make sure the car is able to perform in all of the actual competition stages. One of the tests for the cars is the brakes test. Where the car has to lock up all four wheels at once and stop in a square that is on the ground. So in this report we have detailed out our …

Machine Learning-Assisted Multiscale Simulation And Design Optimization Of Composite Jackets Under Low-Velocity Impacts, Masoud Mohammadi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This research presents the development of a data-driven machine learning-assisted approach to simulate and optimize the design of composite materials subjected to low-velocity impacts. It focuses on a specific type of hybrid composite comprised of fiberglass and Kevlar fabrics stitched with Kevlar threads. The study begins by creating a multiscale finite element simulation for the composite under a low-velocity impact, which operates across three scales: microscale, mesoscale, and macroscale. This simulation accepts various inputs, such as different layer configurations and orientations, and provides impact outputs including maximum load and energy absorption capacity and displacement at failure.

Python and MATLAB scripts …

Mechanical Characterization Of Functionally Graded M300 Maraging Steel Cellular Structures, Bradley Jay Sampson

Theses and Dissertations

Traditional methods for increasing the energy absorption of a structure involve using a stronger material or increasing the volume of the structure, resulting in a higher cost or additional weight. Additive manufacturing (AM) can be used to maximize the energy absorption of materials with the ability to create complex geometries such as cellular structures. Previous work has shown that the energy absorption of additively manufactured parts can be improved through functionally graded cellular structures; however, this strategy has not been applied to ultra-high strength steel materials. This work characterizes the effect of multiple functional-grading strategies (e.g. uniform, rod-graded, size-graded) on …

Deep Ocean Vehicle Applications And Modifications, Nichole "Nikki" T. Arm

Master's Theses

This project had two primary goals: (1) to explore opportunities to further a deep-ocean vehicle’s reach using alternative pressure spheres, and (2) to implement an existing deep-ocean vehicle (lander) in active scientific research.

I gained a greater understanding of the limitations and design choices made for existing pressure spheres using Finite Element Analysis (FEA). My simplified FEA model predicted sphere failure for the existing 30% Fiber Glass 70% Nylon injection molded spheres at an external pressure of 3,954psi or 2,690m ocean-depth (only a 7.38% error compared to the tested minimum failure depth), so I determined it a valid model. I …

Kwad - Ksu All Weather Autonomous Drone, Nick Farinacci, Sebastian Gomez, Stewart Baker, Ed Sheridan

Symposium of Student Scholars

"KWAD" or "KSU all-Weather Autonomous Drone" project was sponsored by Ultool, LLC to the KSU Research and Service Foundation to create a lightweight drone capable of capturing HD video during all-weather operations. The conditions of all-weather operation include rainfall of one inch per hour and wind speeds of up to twenty miles per hour. In addition, a global minimum structural safety factor of two is required to ensure the system's integrity in extreme weather conditions. Potential mission profiles include autonomous aerial delivery, topological mapping in high moisture areas, security surveillance, search and rescue operations, emergency transportation of medical supplies, and …

Additive Manufacturing And Characterization Of Auxetic Structures, Jayesh P. Moore, Stephanie R. Ruzicka

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

An auxetic structure is an arrangement of unit cells that under a uniaxial load experiences expansion in both the longitudinal and transverse directions, resulting in a negative Poisson’s ratio (NPR). Research in auxetics has led to new insights into how non-linear mechanical reactions can be applied to various engineering fields. This project utilized stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing to manufacture auxetic test specimens to analyze of geometry-driven NPRs. With the distinctive mechanical properties of auxetic structures and vast applications, the future of product development of these geometries seems promising.

Robotic Origami Worm, Carter Josef, Michael Freeman, Mohammad Hasan

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

Soft robotics can solve many unique engineering problems. The ancient art of origami has inspired design for a new breed of robots. In this research, a novel fold design was created which has high linear stiffness, high bending stiffness, and the ability to deform omnidirectionally in order to turn. The robot is operated using a DC motor to expand and contract and electromagnets to control friction. The robot moves very quickly compared with many other origami robots in the literature. Other interesting ways to control friction were explored including expansion mechanisms. An origami design was created and tested that expands …

Headlamp/Bike Light Damping System, Ethan Reece Clark, Alec Stonehouse, Omeed Ostry, Mitchel Anderson

Mechanical Engineering

The task for this project is to design a headlamp and/or bike light that absorbs the impact shocks from the user’s actions. The user that the system is being designed for may be riding a bike or running on a trail in the evening or early in the morning where the light needs to be stabilized and their path must be illuminated. This report presents the final design chosen after months of prototyping and design iteration. It encompasses the system design, design verification through testing, implementation, future recommendations, and lessons learned throughout the process. The chosen design utilizes a fully …

Programmable Vibration Table Retrofit With Eagle Medical, Jonathan Ilagan, Madhav Asok, Max Lewter

Biomedical Engineering

This project aimed to repair and upgrade a vibration table used for package testing for the sponsor, Eagle Medical - a medical packaging and sterilization company based in Paso Robles, California. The current vibration table is not programmable and lacks circuit diagrams, making it difficult to repair. In addition, it is not functional due to internal circuitry issues and power requirements. To address these issues, the team will implement several upgrades to improve the product and allow for better random cyclic vibration testing. A full assessment of the existing vibration table will be conducted to ensure the viability of these …

Engineering 3d Architected Metamaterials For Enhanced Mechanical Properties And Functionalities., Huan Jiang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Compared with conventional materials, architected metamaterials have shown unprecedented mechanical properties and functionalities applications. Featured with controlled introduction of porosity and different composition, architected metamaterials have demonstrated unprecedent properties not found in natural materials. Such design strategies enable researchers to tailor materials and structures with multifunctionalies and satisfy conflicting design requirements, such as high stiffness and toughness; high strength with vibration mitigation properties, etc. Furthermore, with the booming advancement of 3D printing technologies, architected materials with precisely defined complex topologies can be fabricated effortlessly, which in turn promotes the research significantly. The research objectives of this dissertation are to achieve …

Implementation Of Static Rfid Landmarks In Slam For Planogram Compliance, Brennan L. Drake

Honors College Theses

Autonomous robotic systems are becoming increasingly prevalent in everyday life and exhibit robust solutions in a wide range of applications. They face many obstacles with the foremost of which being SLAM, or Simultaneous Localization and Mapping, that encompasses both creation of the map of an unknown environment and localization of the robot in said environment. In this experiment, researchers propose the use of RFID tags in a semi-dynamic commercial environment to provide concrete landmarks for localization and mapping in pursuit of increased locational certainty. With this obtained, the ultimate goal of the research is to construct a robotics platform for …

Rc Baja Project: Suspension And Steering, Chance Hills

All Undergraduate Projects

Students designed and manufactured an RC Baja car to compete in the ASME RC Baja competition. The goal of this section of the project was to create a steering system and suspension system that work together properly with a partner’s chassis/drive train systems during tests and competitions. The car needed to be able to complete in the three events, which are a drag race, a solemn course, and the Baja event. The RC will also be evaluated on the ability to climb inclines, top speed, and withstand the drop test. This proposal will explain all the details and effort that …

Anisotropic Material Behavior Of 3d Printed Fiber Composites, Jordan Garcia

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Literature has shown that 3D printed composites may have highly anisotropic mechanical properties due to variation in microstructure as a result of filament deposition process. Laminate composite theory, which is already used for composite products, has been proposed as an effective method for quantifying these mechanical characteristics. Starting with the analysis of comparing the printing orientation of premanufactured carbon fiber reinforced filament, the mechanical properties of 3D printed objects were examined. The mechanical properties changed not only as a result of machine choice, but how the sample is oriented along the printing bed. The analysis continued with looking at the …

4wd Baja Upright And Wheel Hub, Nathan Thompson, Jonathan P. Larson, Spencer D. Compan

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The University of Akron Zips Baja Team has switched to a 4-wheel-drive (4WD) vehicle as per the 2023 Baja Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) rules. The 2022 Baja Vehicle was 2WD, thus the upright and wheel hub were designed exclusively for a 2-wheel-drive (2WD) Baja vehicle. This report entails the design process and methods of verification for the design of the 4WD upright and wheel hub.

In-Situ Tribology Of Engineered Surfaces With 3d-Printed Micro/Nano-Textures, Mahyar Afshar Mohajer

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Surface texturing is an effective way to reduce the adhesion and friction between two contacting surfaces by reducing the real area of contact between them, providing a potential solution for adhesion and friction-induced failures, for example, failures in micro-/nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS). Surface texturing is also essential to the realization of functional surfaces such as superhydrophobic/philic and icephobic surfaces. However, textures are prone to deformation due to being subjected to higher contact pressures. The advancement of 3D nanoprinting by two-photon lithography (TPL), combined with the ability to make an in-situ observation of the interplay between the forces and the sliding surfaces …

Multiscale Topology Optimization With A Strong Dependence On Complementary Energy, Dustin Dean Bielecki

All Dissertations

A discrete approach introduces a novel deep learning approach for generating fine resolution structures that preserve all the information from the topology optimization (TO). The proposed approach utilizes neural networks (NNs) that map the desired engineering properties to seed for determining optimized structure. This framework relies on utilizing parameters such as density and nodal deflections to predict optimized topologies. A three-stage NN framework is employed for the discrete approach to reduce computational runtime while maintaining physics constraints.

A continuous representation that uses complementary energy (CE) methods to solve a representative element's homogenized properties consists of an embedded structure that is …

Novelty Ice Cream Assembly Prototype, Mason Sylvester, Logan Williamson, Alvaro Martinez, Adin Gilman-Cohen

Mechanical Engineering

Cool Beans USA is a novelty ice cream startup company founded by Keith Zachow. In the winter of 2022, our team began working with Mr. Zachow to develop a machine to automate parts of the production process for his product. This product consists of two hemispherical ice-cream cone shell halves filled with soft serve ice cream and pressed together. The assembled pods are around the size and shape of a small walnut and are intended to be sold in stores as a frozen finger food. At the time of project inception, this product was in its early stages and was …

Foundations For Finite-State Modelling Of A Two-Dimensional Airfoil That Reverses Direction, Jake Michael Oscar Welsh

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Current 3-D finite-state wake models are incapable of simulating a maneuver in which the sign of the free-stream velocity changes direction and the rotor enters its own wake -- as might occur in the case of a helicopter which ascends and then descends. It is the purpose of this work to create a 2-D finite-state wake model which is capable of handling changes in free-stream direction as a precursor to development of a 3-D model that can do the same.

The 2-D finite-state model used for reentry modifications is an existing model created by Peters, Johnson, and Karunamoorthy. By the …

Tunable Passive Shock And Vibration Isolators For Rotational Isolation, Chase B. Lemaire

LSU Master's Theses

Shock and vibration isolation are a critical need in helmets, which are widely used to protect athletes, workers, soldiers, and astronauts. Passive vibration isolation systems are a good option when mass and volume should be minimized and when the experienced loadings can be predicted. However, it is frequently challenging to find materials and structures which exhibit the optimal vibration and impact isolation properties for an application. As a case study illustrating a novel design paradigm for rotational shock absorption, a family of optimal solutions for the physical properties of American football helmets is presented. Lumped parameter Simulink models simulate a …

Real-Time Data Analytics For Monitoring Electricity Consumption Using Iot Technology, Waheed Muhammad Sanya, Gaurav Bajpai, Omar Haji Kombo, Evariste Twahirwa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Rising electricity bills as a result of climate variability and new home electrical and electronic appliances are becoming a major source of concern for most end users. Consumers are typically unaware of their household electricity consumption patterns and the costs associated with them, making proper planning and budgeting difficult. Monitoring and controlling energy consumption on appliances can reduce energy costs for end-users. The Internet of Things (IoT) has the potential to provide remote monitoring and control of devices via automated monitoring and control. In this study, we propose an IoT-enabled system for monitoring and controlling energy consumption in homes to …

Interactive Lego Girl Scout Arm, Christopher Suzuki, Emi Okuyama, Bryson Shores, Karina Sandoval

Mechanical Engineering

This Senior Project Report document outlines the senior design project for Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC) led by a team of four Mechanical Engineering students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The project encompasses the researching, designing, prototyping, and testing of a LEGO robotic arm for the Girl Scouts to learn more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and provide support to each Girl Scouts cookie sales in their stores. Their goal was to build a LEGO robotic arm that will interact with customers at the Girl Scout stores and promote the girl scouts' interest …

Interactive Lego Girl Scout Arm, Chris Suzuki, Emi Okuyama, Bryson Shores, Karina Sandoval

Mechanical Engineering

This Senior Project Report document outlines the senior design project for Girl Scouts of California’s Central Coast (GSCCC) led by a team of four Mechanical Engineering students at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. The project encompasses the researching, designing, prototyping, and testing of a LEGO robotic arm for the Girl Scouts to learn more about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) and provide support to each Girl Scouts cookie sales in their stores. Their goal was to build a LEGO robotic arm that will interact with customers at the Girl Scout stores and promote the girl scouts' interest …

Barker Bird Animatronic Senior Project Report, Marcus Monroe, Nolan Clapp, Ishan Jandaur, Jonathan Ogden

Mechanical Engineering

This document describes how our F71 Senior Design Project team developed a 3D printed, electronic bird that mimics Disneyland’s first animatronic, the Barker Bird. An animatronic is a mechanical puppet that replicates real life movement with robotic parts. Disney’s Barker Bird is a well-known animatronic that replicates a talking macaw with multiple moving systems. The final prototype completed by our team serves as a teaching tool for CAPED (Cal Poly Amusement Park Engineers and Designers) club members that are interested in the field of animated robots.