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- Creators: Barrett, The Honors College
- Creators: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program
Working with chocolate is a difficult endeavor. However, through the use of additive manufacturing technologies, the labor involved can be reduced. One difficulty is the pumping of the melted chocolate through the system onto the print bed of the printer. In this paper, three systems of transferring chocolate are investigated: A syringe system, a gear pump system, and an auger system. Each system is explained with a model of the proposed system and the pros and cons are discussed. Lastly, a system composed of parts of the syringe and auger system is proposed. The positive and negative aspects of this design are discussed, and a 3D model of the system is given as well. This system is suggested as a better option, and future research can be done to investigate and rate these systems in greater detail. In commercial food applications, these technologies can change the way chocolate is manipulated, and difficult practices can be simplified for home chefs.
This study experimentally investigated a selected methodology of mechanical torque testing of 3D printed gears. The motivation for pursuing this topic of research stemmed from a previous experience of one of the team members that propelled inspiration to quantify how different variables associated with 3D printing affect the structural integrity of the resulting piece. With this goal in mind, the team set forward with creating an experimental set-up and the construction of a test rig. However, due to restrictions in time and other unforeseen circumstances, this thesis underwent a change in scope. The new scope focused solely on determining if the selected methodology of mechanical torque testing was valid. Following the securement of parts and construction of a test rig, the team was able to conduct mechanical testing. This testing was done multiple times on an identically printed gear. The data collected showed results similar to a stress-strain curve when the torque was plotted against the angle of twist. In the resulting graph, the point of plastic deformation is clearly visible and the maximum torque the gear could withstand is clearly identifiable. Additionally, across the tests conducted, the results show high similarity in results. From this, it is possible to conclude that if the tests were repeated multiple times the maximum possible torque could be found. From that maximum possible torque, the mechanical strength of the tested gear could be identified.
This study experimentally investigated a selected methodology of mechanical torque testing of 3D printed gears. The motivation for pursuing this topic of research stemmed from a previous experience of one of the team members that propelled inspiration to quantify how different variables associated with 3D printing affect the structural integrity of the resulting piece. With this goal in mind, the team set forward with creating an experimental set-up and the construction of a test rig. However, due to restrictions in time and other unforeseen circumstances, this thesis underwent a change in scope. The new scope focused solely on determining if the selected methodology of mechanical torque testing was valid. Following the securement of parts and construction of a test rig, the team was able to conduct mechanical testing. This testing was done multiple times on an identically printed gear. The data collected showed results similar to a stress-strain curve when the torque was plotted against the angle of twist. In the resulting graph, the point of plastic deformation is clearly visible and the maximum torque the gear could withstand is clearly identifiable. Additionally, across the tests conducted, the results show high similarity in results. From this, it is possible to conclude that if the tests were repeated multiple times the maximum possible torque could be found. From that maximum possible torque, the mechanical strength of the tested gear could be identified.
This thesis presents a comprehensive investigation into the design of roller coasters. The study includes an overview of various roller coaster types, cart design, brake design, lift hill and launch design, support design, and roller coaster safety. Utilizing No Limits 2 to design the layout and CAD software for component design, a scale model roller coaster was designed. The physics of the roller coaster and its structures were analyzed and a scale model was produced. Afterward, an accelerometer was used to collect G force data as the cart moved along the track. However, the collected data differed from the expected results, as the launch speed was higher than predicted due to more friction than anticipated. As a result, further optimization of the design and models used to design the scale model roller coasters is necessary.
0° spoilers reduced the wake area behind the car, decreasing pressure drag but also decreasing underbody flow, causing a reduction in drag and downforce. Angled spoilers increased the wake area behind the car, increasing pressure drag but also increasing underbody flow, causing an increase in drag and downforce. Longer spoilers increased these effects compared to shorter spoilers, and short spoilers at different angles did not create significantly different effects. 0° spoilers would be best suited for cases that prioritize fuel economy or straight-line acceleration and speed due to the drag reduction, while angled spoilers would be best suited for cars requiring downforce. The angle and length of spoiler would depend on the downforce needed, which is dependent on the track.