Nuclear Engineering Commons^™

Automated Din Rail Cut And Punch Machine, Youssif Alkheder, Gaston Charreun, Derrian Flemings, Jonathan Liss

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Our project’s main goal is to optimize the process of punching and cutting DIN rail in a manufacturing setting. The current method for cutting and punching DIN rails is tedious and simply too time consuming. An operator is needed to manually load the DIN rail into the cutter, measure the required length and activate the cutter. While this simple process may not take too long at first glance, companies, like Weidmuller, must be able to produce large-quantity orders to successfully meet the demands of their customers. By turning to automation, we are effectively reducing the amount of time it takes …

Mars Atmospheric And Climatic Survey System, Mounika Kari, Vu Nguyen, Surjan S. Singh, Sneha J. Vakani

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Before Mars can be explored by humans, its extreme climate and environment must be investigated. This can be achieved through the deployment of weather station probes capable of measuring Martian air temperature, atmospheric pressure, relative humidity, and wind speed. The Mars Atmospheric and Climatic Survey System (MACSS) aims to collect this data, allowing predictive models of global climate patterns on Mars to be developed. These models will aid NASA in providing the needed knowledge to prepare for long-term exposure to the conditions on Mars.

The probes are compact and lightweight; they have been designed to withstand Mars’ harsh environment: extreme …

Nasa Mars Weather Station, M. Cole Hendricks, J. E. West Redington, S. Sahir Shehzad, Byron M. Watts

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The purpose of this project is to design an economical ground based weather station, with the overall goal of using these stations to gather meteorological data on the planet Mars. This data will then be used to create a working meteorological model for the planet, which in turn will be used to better coordinate the necessary resources to plan and carry out a manned mission to Mars. These weather stations will function by taking various meteorological measurements, such as air and ground temperature, wind speed, relative humidity, UV radiation levels, and air pressure, and then transmit this data to one …

Transformer Support-Base:Design & Analysis, Tamrat Abebe, Hiba Aldar, Charles Wold

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Engineering design is vitally important and is the backbone of any industrial organization. The innovative approach to engineering design requires extensive calculations, estimations, workability and economic considerations to achieve a high level of customer satisfaction. Our project, for the ABB Group, was to design a structural frame-base for their transformers, and develop a set of design-standards to accommodate a range of transformer sizes. A transformer is used to step-up or step-down the voltage as needed to satisfy the electrical power needs of a facility. Industrial size transformers are an extremely heavy, sensitive and precise electrical devices that require a reliable …

Thermal Insulation Coating For Pipe Applications, Ismail Alaithan, Alhawraa Husain, Wejdan Reda, Katiana Slaton

Capstone Design Expo Posters

NNSB tasked the Capstone team with testing the anti-condensation abilities of the Thermal Insulation Coating (TIC) Aerolon®, an aerogel-based insulation manufactured by Tnemec, using Federal test specifications for Coating Compound, Paint Antisweat. The main goal was to observe the anti-condensation abilities of the insulation and to initiate an analysis and comparison of the spray-applied aerogel insulation versus the hand-applied thick foam insulation that is currently used on ship pipes and ventilation. The plan includes creating a computer simulation of the thermal properties of the insulated cylinders as well as a physical experimental setup.

The Capstone team built an acrylic test …

Measurement Of Impact Forces On Teeth And Jaw When Wearing Sports Mouth Guards, Alghamdi Abdullah, Alnaser Mobarak, Quiroz Ingrid, Serrate Ciro Alcoba, Veizaga Rodrigo

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The objective of this project is to accurately measure the forces the teeth and jaw experience when subjected to impact. For this purpose piezoelectric technology (PVDF), which converts voltage to force and vice versa can be used to measure forces applied to teeth. A PVDF cable is calibrated and used for measuring force along with a control measuring device (PCB Piezotronics). The method involves wrapping the PVDF cable around a 3D home-printed, customized denture. The cable was chosen due to the fact that it allows for adequate fit between mouth guard and denture. Two masses, a baseball and 2 lbs …

Automated Source-Detector Positioner For Radiation Detection, Andre Patterson, Morgan Davis, Joel Person, Allan Roberts

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The Nuclear Engineering Department at Virginia Commonwealth University has an unmet need for an automated source detector positioner for radiation detection experiments that are carried out in lab work. During radiation data collection in radiation detection systems it is of the utmost importance that radioactive samples are positioned and moved with the highest degree of precision possible. This high degree of precision allows for more meaningful data to be collected. The current methods employed by the Nuclear Engineering Department are not as accurate as they can be due to the fact the the current detection systems are manual. Furthermore they …

In Defense Of Science—What Would John Do?, Mohamed Gad-El-Hak

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Publications

Recent onslaughts on the importance of pure research to our collective well-being are trending. In this essay, I discuss the issues involved and offer a rebuttal. The thoughts are inspired by my mentor, academic sibling, and idol John Leask Lumley.

Venus Lander Design, Garon Morgan, Brian Rodrigues, Dhruv Sachani, Jason Scott

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The students designed an Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) system for a lander to reach the surface of Venus. The students used a combination of 3D modelling and programming to design the EDL within given constraints under specific tolerances. An EDL takes into consideration entry flight dynamics, aeroheating, and landing systems. The EDL was divided into three stages (see below). The separation of stages was designed to address unique challenges found at different points throughout the EDL. The primary objective of the first stage was to minimize the heat associated with the entry velocity to the payload. The second stage …

Ergonomic Immobilization Frame For Radiotherapy, Raheel Ahmed, Travis Alford, Talal Almutairi, Kaleem Farooq

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The primary purpose of this project is to demonstrate that patients can be safely immobilized using air in the general torso area so that radiation can be administered to that region. The primary target will be to treat tumors in the lungs and liver. By immobilizing patients during treatment it allows for the radiation to be consistent in targeting the desired region of the body, which would not be the case if the patient was moving. Air was chosen as the desired medium to immobilize the patient because of comfort and it provides an easy medium for radiation to travel …

Effects Of Roughness On Droplet Apparent Contact Angles On A Fiber, M. M. Amrei, M. Davoudi, G. G. Chase, H. Vahedi Tafreshi

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Publications

This paper reports on our investigation of the effects of surface roughness on the equilibrium shape and apparent contact angles of a droplet deposited on a fiber. In particular, the shape of a droplet on a roughened fiber is studied via the energy minimization method implemented in the surface evolver finite element code. Sinusoidal roughness varying in both the longitudinal and radial directions is considered in the simulations to study the effects of surface roughness on the most stable shape of a droplet on a fiber (corresponding a global minimum energy state). It is found that surface roughness delays droplet …

Rolatube Deployment System, Zachary Allin, Zachary Ratliff, Nathaniel Trepatschko, Jeffrey Wilson

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The team has been tasked with designing a compact mechanism capable of deploying and retracting the Rolatube horizontally and vertically at a controlled rate in confined spaces (i.e. tank housing structures). Because workers are confined to tight quarters, a mechanism to aid in common activities is at times required. The mechanism will allow for tool deployment with attachments for easily sending tools and utilizing cameras. It will also be used to assist workers in stringing lights, keeping wires organized, and delivering hoses and tubes. This design will allow workers at Newport News Shipbuilding (NNS) to save time and energy while …

A Study Of High Temperature Heat Pipes And The Impact Of Magnetic Field On The Flow Of Liquid Metal, Udit Sharma

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

A study of high temperature heat pipe was conducted to understand its characteristics. A review of working fluid, temperature, wick structure, problems, operational limit and applications was done. Alkali metal were concluded as the most viable candidate for the working fluid.

The impact of three parameters namely magnetic field, heat flux and temperature was analyzed on the performance of HTHP (High Temperature Heat Pipe). The presence of magnetic field had the most considerable impact on reducing the pumping limit of the heat pipe while the temperature had almost negligible effect. Magnetic field results in the pressure drop and adversely affect …

Design And Analysis Of A Passive Heat Removal System For A Small Modular Reactor Using Star Ccm+, Raymond Michael Fanning

Masters Theses

"Next generation nuclear power plants, specifically small modular reactor designs, are the best alternative to fossil fuels for power generation due to their power density and low carbon emissions and constant awareness of safety concerns. A promising safety feature of new designs is the removal of heat by passive systems in accident scenarios. The passive systems require no moving parts and no intervention by personnel. These systems must be accurately simulated for better understanding of the heat transport phenomena: natural convection cooling. Due to the fact that most work developing these passive heat removal systems are proprietary information, a passive …

Neutron-Gamma Discrimination In Elpasolite Scintillator Detector, Brittany Morgan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Existing nuclear stockpiles and weapons-making capabilities imperil the global community. Current nonproliferation efforts involve the research and development of newer, more efficient detection systems that can be deployed for the interdiction and monitoring of special nuclear materials (SNM). Spontaneous and induced fission events in SNM produce neutrons and gamma rays, which can be detected and analyzed, in particular, using scintillator detectors. Various electronic data acquisition systems and data analysis methods have been employed to record and characterize neutron and photon signatures. The goal of this thesis is to develop a new method of discrimination between neutrons and photons in the …

A Simulation Study Of A Radiofrequency Localization System For Tracking Patient Motion In Radiotherapy, Mark Ostyn, Siyong Kim, Woon-Hong Yeo

Mechanical and Nuclear Engineering Publications

One of the most widely used tools in cancer treatment is external beam radiotherapy. However, the major risk involved in radiotherapy is excess radiation dose to healthy tissue, exacerbated by patient motion. Here, we present a simulation study of a potential radiofrequency (RF) localization system designed to track intrafraction motion (target motion during the radiation treatment). This system includes skin-wearable RF beacons and an external tracking system. We develop an analytical model for direction of arrival measurement with radio frequencies (GHz range) for use in a localization estimate. We use a Monte Carlo simulation to investigate the relationship between a …

Alternative Materials For Dental Restorations, Tyler Poole, Pierce Dunwoody, Adarsha Sapkota, Mario Rodriguez

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The senior design project ‘Alternative Materials and Methods for Dental Restoration’ has a purpose of addressing the unmet need or engineering problem related to dental restoration by determining the available manufacturing methods and materials as an alternative to ‘Intra-oral digital scanners’. The project deliverables for this project were the tooth crown prototypes with the tolerance within 50 microns. The CAD model for this tooth was tested for its strength, physical properties, and suitability. The prototypes were developed through an additive method, i.e., 3D printing. The constraints for this project were related to budget and printer. Buying a highly qualitative 3D …

Vcu Neuroguard: Multi-Person Radiation Shielding Device, David Bauserman, Abigail Haines, Laynold Pilson, Madelaine Simmons

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The objective of the VCU Neuroguard project was to design and build a device to shield all medical personnel in Operating Room-33, at MCV Hospital, from radiation during neurological procedures that utilize a Siemens Artis Zee biplane X-ray machine. The initial goal was to develop a fully working prototype but due to monetary reasons this goal was adjusted to a working prototype minus the radiation shielding materials.

There were many requirements for the VCU Neuroguard set forth by the customer and by the team, including the ability to shield all the medical staff in the room, the ability for them …

Improved Way To Affix Iv Components To Gurneys From Operating Tables, Corey Gilbert, Braulio Rosales, Jason Warren

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The current issue in the process of transporting a patient from the operating room (OR) to the intensive care unit (ICU) is the risks involved with the IV stand being top-heavy due to two or three IV pumps weighing approximately 15 pounds each. This can lead to injury to the patient, or other personnel, if an instance occurred where the IV stand were to tip over. Having a single person to manage both the IV stand and gurney during transport can increase this risk.

To remedy these problems, the project team established the goals of developing a working prototype, testing …

Design And Optimization Of A Molten Metal Loop Driven By An Electromagnetic Pump, Eric Mallon, Miguel Bustamante Perez, Joseph Keegan

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Liquid Metal Fast Reactor (LMFR) utilizing liquid metal as a coolant is still being considered for future nuclear energy. In this concept, transporting liquid metal still poses many challenges in engineering design and material detection and accountability. In this senior design project, the team has been exploring a design and optimization of a molten metal loop driven by an electromagnetic pump. Here, a manometer type solution was deemed the best method to achieve meaningful results. Transparent Pyrex tubing was selected for the manometers, as the visual column difference would indicate pressure differences. Tin was selected for the working fluid, and …

Emergency Glucagon Injection Device, John Corbett, Zachary Cullingsworth, Christopher Ducic, Ryan Meekins

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Glucagon is a drug administered to people with diabetes that are experiencing a seizure due to low blood glucose levels. The current method of injecting glucagon during a hypoglycemic seizure is lengthy and complicated when time equates to minimizing the effects of an emergency situation. This project is student created and the result of the design team recognizing a serious problem and deciding to find a better solution. The goal of this project was to streamline this process. Several working prototypes were developed and evaluated before a final design was chosen. Safety, durability and usability were all considerable factors. The …

Thermo-Regulated Device For Extremities Affected By Raynaud’S Disease, Jessica L. Bishop, Nathaniel P. Kirby, T. Ryan Beaver, Alisa B. Sverdlov

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Raynaud’s condition is a disease in which blood vessels in the extremities constrict in response to emotional stimuli and cold environments. This results in extreme discoloration and pain in the regions affected (Figure 1), and can cause permanent tissue damage. Although there is no current cure for this disease, there are several methods of pain mitigation including the use of drugs, gloves, avoiding exposure to cold weather, and using heating devices. However, these solutions are only temporary. Most gloves do not provide adequate insulation or have a short battery life.

This project is aimed at mediating the negative physiological effects …

Non-Destructive Testing Of Hardface Cladding, Hunter Andrews, Karson Clark, Jared O’Hara

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Valves, such as the ones shown in Figure 1 and Figure 2, are very common throughout Navy vessels in systems which transport various materials such as water, steam, and oil. Over their lifetime the valve Stellite seatings are rehabilitated by being ground down to create a smooth surface. If the seating surface is ground to a thickness lower than 3/32 in, the valve will be considered inoperable. It was necessary to design a portable device that can be used by Newport News Shipbuilding to measure the thickness of Stellite coatings on valve seating surfaces. A device that could be used …

Tapered Roller Bearing Accelerated Life Test Rig Design And Fabrication, Laith Naeem, Andrew Nguyen, Bryson Sin, Ramon Vargas

Capstone Design Expo Posters

L₁₀ bearing fatigue life testing is a costly and prolonged process, as the bearing is characteristically designed for durability and reliability. Within the current testing methods, faulty materials still have the potential of passing the test. However, with this life test rig, the bearing will be tested to failure, thus providing an indicator for its predicted life span.

The purpose of this project is to optimize and construct a L₁₀ life test rig for accelerated fatigue testing of the Association of American Railroad Class K, 6 ½ x 9-inch double-row tapered roller bearing to their maximum fatigue life …

Underhull Material Transport Rig: Aircraft Carrier Maintenance Processes, Hunter Alford, Christopher Brady, Michelle Runion, Spencer Trevisan

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The clearance under a ship in the Newport News Shipbuilding dry dock is approximately 62 inches. As a result, workers are either crouched or hunched over as they carry materials and equipment underneath the ship to their work zone. This can cause physical strain on workers’ bodies, leading to safety and health problems. This design project solves the problem by creating a transport system that uses a cart suspended from two trolleys that ride on a track attached to the bottom of the hull.

A working prototype was built, demonstrated, and tested. This prototype cart maneuvered through a straight and …

Robotic Inspection Of Geometrically Complex Tank Systems, Andrew Casalenuovo, Andrew Rubio, Charles Hockett, Peter Donaldson

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The goal of this project was to continue the development of a temporary rail system for a robotic tank inspection device. The tanks to be inspected are in a hazardous environment that is dangerous to work in and navigate. A remotely controlled robot could reduce the need for manual labor in the tanks to initial setup, final removal, and touch ups. Similar setups have been created for inspecting tanks, but they are permanent installations and are meant only for inspections.

The goal of the current phase of the project was to employ a new concept for supporting the rail system, …

Highway 66 Structural Foundation Redesign, Devyn Borum, Joshua Clarke, Lorenzo Dingcong, Korey Smith

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The primary project goal was to reduce the cost per unit of the structural foundation (sublane) of the Route 66 miniature bowling lane by 10%. Additional project goals were: 1) reducing the cubic volume for shipping, (2) reducing the lane assembly time, and 3) maintaining current 10 to 15-year product life. Ten sublane sections are used to assemble two lanes of a Route 66 unit. The project constraints included: 1) maintaining outside height, width and length of the sublanes, 2) load bearing strength greater than or close to the current design and 3) no significant change in manufacturing processes. After …

Friction And Wear Measurements In Automatic Transmission Clutch, Steffen Harm, Dabin Kim, Jean Paulo Mulles, Eric Stavitzski, Hoang Tran

Capstone Design Expo Posters

In order to create alternate pathways to increase fuel efficiency, flexible ways to alter and test fluid properties are needed when transmission manufacturers change the operating conditions or components used in automatic transmissions. A prototype was fabricated to satisfy this need by reducing the cost, time of conducting tests while producing accurate results, and also increasing the amount of trials that can be conducted in a laboratory setting. The limitations of developing a new prototype are: safety, weight, ease of use, laboratory size, and establishing accurate results within the amount of time given. This project was approached using the Engineering …

3d Heart Model For Mapping Rf Ablation Sites, Danielle Corsino, Ashleigh Mims, Andrew Potter, Alejandro Rivera

Capstone Design Expo Posters

Electro-Cardiologists routinely insert radiofrequency probes into the heart and conduct targeted ablation procedures to correct irregular heartbeats. Current techniques are very experience and “touch” based, and require the novice cardiologist about 50 procedures to become proficient. There is a need for a functional heart model device that can be used to reduce the amount of procedures on human patients before cardiologist become proficient. Project constraints included limited software availability for segmenting accuracy, available 3D printing technology and materials, and cost to 3D print heart models due to the complex geometry. The team began with a CT scan, ITK SNAP and …

3d Printed Teeth: Anatomically Correct Primary Replicas, Anh Nguyen, Stefan Harris

Capstone Design Expo Posters

The current method of molding teeth, especially primary teeth, cannot accurately reproduce internal tooth structures. Therefore, there is a need for primary teeth to be made anatomically accurate on-demand with the ability to customize a model for specific patients. This project aims that any tooth extracted digitally from a Dental Cone Beam computed tomography (CBCT) scan of a child's mouth can be 3D printed into an accurate replicate with which dental students can practice. Constraints include viable materials that can be printed by a 3D printer, represent tooth anatomy and provide desirable mechanical properties compatible with the dental drilling operation. …