MET Senior Design Projects

Heat Transfer Analysis of a Rubber Pallet

Student: Edward Saenz
Advisor: Orlando Ayala

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to determine the amount of time and energy necessary to bring a rubber pallet to 80°F. The nature in which the rubber pallets arrive at a storage facility is based on variety of factors, in this case the pallets are arriving at near freezing conditions the objective is to reach the 80°F in a period of 5 days. Various topics including Fluid Mechanics and Heat transfer will be used in the process of the solution as well as the simulation tool COMSOL 4.3b. The combination of these tools will allow for a realistic approximation of the end solution. Moreover, the data acquired from the fluid mechanics modules and heat transfer modules from COMSOL will be used in the determination of total heat energy. To this end, a transient one-term approximation will conclude in the final calculations. Various methodologies will be presented including several case studies of fluid mechanics simulations and temperature gradient profiles.

Static Hybrid Rocket Engine

Student: Jeff Watson

Abstract: Hybrid rocket engines utilize a solid fuel with a liquid or gaseous oxidizer, resulting in a rocket engine with unique, distinguishing advantages over traditional solid rocket and liquid rocket engines. When compared to solid and liquid rockets engines, hybrid rockets engines are more chemically and mechanically simpler, safer, cheaper and have throttling and restart capabilities. The purpose of this project is to demonstrate the unique features associated with hybrid rocket engines, as well as conduct an experimental investigation into the components of a hybrid rocket engine configuration, with the intent to gain a greater understanding in maximizing rocket propulsion efficiency. A static, lab-scale, hybrid rocket engine, utilizing PMMA (Polymethyl-methacrylate) as the solid fuel grain and gaseous oxygen (GOX), as the oxidizer, will be fabricated and fitted to a test stand for data collection and analysis. The individual components such as the nozzle, injector and orifice plate will be designed following prerequisite research and engineering calculations. Multiple hybrid rocket configurations will under go static test firing. The resulting thrust production data from each configuration will be comparatively analyzed and a conclusion will provide an efficient hybrid rocket engine, as well as demonstrate the unique characteristics of the hybrid rocket engine.

Lawn Mower Lift

Student: Drew Frink
Advisor: Moustafa R. Moustafa

Abstract: Performing annual maintenance on a push lawn mower can be a tedious and time consuming process if you do not have the right equipment, such as a mower lift. However, commercially available mower lifts come at a steep price tag. So this report will walk you through the design of a push lawn mower lift based on parts that were chosen due to the wide spread availability and relatively low cost. A design sketch was created loosely based on the lifts that are currently on the market. An engineering analysis is performed to determine if the design is functional. Testing is performed and problems are corrected. Aside from the welding most of the work can be done with common power tools. This lift will support a push mower that weighs 50 pounds. The reason for building this lift is to allow general maintenance to be done in a more comfortable position with less difficulty.

Formula SAE Upright Design

Student: Ethan Bollhorst
Advisor: Nathan Luetke, Colin Britcher, Victor Seabor

Abstract: The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) competition that takes place each year tests student's ability to design and create a highly capable racecar. In this report, the design of the upright, arguably the most important piece of the suspension system, will be discussed. The design, testing, and production process will be included.

Test Stand Design for Naval Marine Applications

Student: Duane Tompkins
Advisor: Orlando Ayala

Abstract: Naval Intermediate Maintenance Facility (IMF) Everett and other similar commands have no means of conducting operational tests on overhauled pumps. Within the next couple of years, three more Arleigh Burke class destroyers will be home ported there and the facility's capabilities will need to expand in order to service them. I have designed a fresh water test stand in order to cut the transportation costs associated with shipping an overhauled pump to another facility for testing in order to remove this specific "non-value-added step" as it is described in LEAN six sigma.

Ultrasonic Sink

Student: Matthew Keiper
Advisor: Vukica Jovanovic

Abstract: The purpose of this project is to design and build an ultrasonic sink. The current process of cleaning dishes or produce in a sink is labor intensive, time consuming, and inefficient. Fruit and vegetables have cavities unreachable by scrubbing while pots and pans have residues seared to the surface. A more efficient way to clean these items is with an ultrasonic sink. The main objective is to prove that an ultrasonic sink is more dynamic and cleans items more completely than a standard sink while using construction methods that are simple, affordable, and with easily accessible materials. The secondary objective is to construct the ultrasonic sink in a manner that maintains the appearance of a standard kitchen sink while remaining unimposing on the normal operations of a kitchen sink