http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1150 http://idea.library.drexel.edu/retrieve/5746 http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1150 Search the Channel search http://idea.library.drexel.edu/simple-search http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1349 Title: Rectifying unsafe conditions at the intersection of Bells Mill Road and Forbidden Drive: final report <br/> <br/>Authors: Vica, Nicholas Antana; Guertler, David; Thompson, Christopher; Villanueva, Micheal http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1348 Title: Our proposed plan for the development of a cost effective, accurate, digital flow meter using piezoresistive technology <br/> <br/>Authors: Nannen, David; Belch, David; Grech, Peter; Fallis, Jeremy <br/> <br/>Abstract: Flow meters are a tool used to measure the volume of fluid that passes through a pipe in a given amount of time. Industry uses these tools in a variety of applications to keep track of their systems and to measure the volume of material that they are using. Presently, digital flow meters on the market command high prices, sometimes reaching several thousand dollars. Inexpensive alternatives to these flow meters do not provide a high level of accuracy. Our objective is to design a cost effective digital flow meter capable of taking readings over a wide range of flows. This meter will use piezoresistive technology with a microprocessor and electronic filtration to convert pressure input into a digitally displayed electronic readout. This flow meter will also have an analog output to interface with a computer for data logging. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1347 Title: Motor vessel Mississippi raw water cooling systems redesign <br/> <br/>Authors: Asbury, James H. IV; Ciliberti, Julia; Kelley, Michael <br/> <br/>Abstract: The following proposal deals with a re-work of the raw water cooling system onboard a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers vessel and the subsequent proposal to redesign, build and install an improved cooling system. The current cooling system onboard the M/V MISSISSIPPI receives raw river water from inland waterways and is circulated through the main engines, reduction gears, air conditioning system, the ballast, and fire main systems. Since the ship was built in 1992, the cooling system has experienced frequent clogging by debris and silt from operations on the inland waterways. These cloggings cause system flow degradation, subsequent failure of air conditioning condenser heat exchanger tubes and loss of propulsion. Our design project team proposes to design a replacement of the current system with a closed loop system cooled by clean treated water. After implementing a cost benefit analysis, we will provide documentation of all engineering analysis related to the successful integration of the new system with the existing affected systems focusing on mechanical, electrical and structural analysis. During the second term of this project we plan to complete the detailed drawings and analysis of the closed loop systems and test requirements. We will submit the drawings to the United States Coast Guard (USCG) for approval and release to the shipyard for installation. During that time, we also plan to take baseline measurements of all affected systems and compare them with measurements after the installation to ensure successful integration of our design. Upon completion of testing and evaluation of the device, we will generate a final report that will document our methods of analysis, results obtained and lessons learned. We will then make recommendations for future design improvements, if needed. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1346 Title: Compressor crankshaft dynamic optimization and vibration analysis: PDC Machines, Inc. <br/> <br/>Authors: Lomazoff, Adam; Poulimenos, Dimitri; Carroll, James; Bernard, Trevor; Yadush, Matthew <br/> <br/>Abstract: PDC Machines Inc, a manufacturer of industrial equipment for various different chemical industries desires to reengineer two facets of their existing diaphragm compressor line. In order to produce more efficient compressors that better fulfill their customer’s needs, the motorflywheel pairing which supplies power to compressors must be optimized, so as to require less energy and hence lower cost to the customer. In addition, the vibration, which occurs in finished compressors, must be reduced so as to allow smoother, quieter, and safer operation. The Senior Design team from Drexel University will complete this task through research and analysis. The optimization aspect of the project will consist of a specialized computer simulation that is refined through several iterations, to accurately model the behavior of various different compressors under various circumstances, and will allow for the determination of the optimum flywheel-motor pairing. The vibration-reduction aspect of the project will be achieved by using computer-aided data acquisition to analyze the vibration and determine its source. The group will then determine, through examination of the current balancing process, the cause of the vibration at this source. A comparison of the current process versus other processes currently used in the field of crankshaft balancing will allow the group to make recommendations as to the method that should be used by Pdc to correct the problem, which is causing the vibration. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1345 Title: “Let’s Walk” Ankle Foot Orthotic Development <br/> <br/>Authors: LaMontagne, Elizabeth; Meles, Josh; Hraban, Bret <br/> <br/>Abstract: The loss of full functional ability in the lower leg and the loss of peroneal nerve control have caused many sufferers to desire a better brace. The condition, known as “drop foot”, has been successfully treated with molded plastic orthotics for some time. However, the orthotics used for this has not undergone major revision in decades. The only notable change in orthotics has come in the areas of materials and assembly. These small changes did little to reduce the bulk and weight of the brace. One can develop drop foot in a number of ways, including stroke, injury to the peroneal nerve group, and birth defects. The loss of control leads to devastating results in the walking gait. Just after heel strike, the toes move towards the ground in an uncontrolled motion causing the toes to “slap“ the ground. An additional symptom is observable between toe off and the swing phase. Since the muscles are unable to lift the toe upwards to clear the ground, the toes drag. Current solutions involve locking the ankle at a rigid ninety-degree angle; however, this allows little to no movement in the joint and can lead to atrophy of the lower leg muscles. Our proposed idea consists of using Functional Electrical Stimulation to stimulate the lower leg muscles to contract and lift the foot in a manner similar to the wearer’s natural foot motion. Currently, many universities, societies and biomedical organizations are steering in this direction as the next step in prosthetic and orthotic development. This support is a strong indication to the feasibility associated with the project design. One alternative method consists of using a combination that would incorporate functional electrical stimulation and actuators to assist with gait control. An engineering analysis was completed to ascertain that the materials selected were functional, cost effective, and meet the design parameters. The design process has taken into consideration functionality assessment, cost, reliability, comfort, and overall performance. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1344 Title: Monitoring and control of a flying projectile and ducted fan <br/> <br/>Authors: Lessig, Richard; Malikov, Maxim; Shah, Murtaza; Turilin, Andrey <br/> <br/>Abstract: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a vital resource for military and civilian purposes that can be used for scouting and surveying of remote and inaccessible terrain, spying on enemy position, and security surveillance. The objective of this senior design project is to construct a small autonomous flying vehicle capable of real time position measurement with self-control. The UAV is composed of a ducted fan design powered by a lithium ion polymer battery and utilizes accelerometers, magnetometers, and various sensors for vehicle attitude measurement, position detection and obstacle avoidance. At the center of the vehicle, an Atmel AVR ATMega16 microcontroller will gather and process all the information from the sensors to maintain a constant stability of the system. Utilizing Mathematica version 4 and the dynamics package associated with ProPac version 3, the system dynamics will be modeled and verified. Based on this outcome, a controller will be written in an embedded C program that will be converted into an assembly language with Atmel AVR Studio. Finally, a prototype will be constructed and evaluated in real flight tests, with revisions made accordingly. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1343 Title: A new multi-screen cinema in the borough of Wyomissing: final report <br/> <br/>Authors: Cronin, Patrick; Gusic, Donald; Miller, Bradley; Orsini, Mark; Pyne, John <br/> <br/>Abstract: This is the final submission being made by CES detailing the design of the New Multi- Screen Cinema in Wyomissing Borough, Pennsylvania. The building design includes 20 theaters, seats 3924 people, has a footprint of 84,385 sf, and a gross building area of 99,635 sf. This is an increase in 4 seats, 9295 sf of gross building area, and 4345 sf of building footprint from what was proposed in December. The project is on budget as per the progress report submitted by CES on March 9, 2001 at SI0.1 million, which is an increase of about $1.1 million from what was proposed in December. All designs have been completed without significant change from the progress report. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1342 Title: Retrofit methods for exposed sidewalls adjacent to a collapsed row home: final report <br/> <br/>Authors: Ojany, Hazel; Kroskey, Melissa <br/> <br/>Abstract: This Civil and Architectural Engineering Senior Design Project Report analyzes retrofit techniques proposed to brace recently exposed sidewalls adjacent to collapsed row homes in North Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The project also includes details for retrofitting the foundation wall. Steel was considered for the sidewall, but timber was chosen for ease of installation and low material cost. The analysis of the bracing design followed the un-reinforced masonry section of the ACI 530 code (ACI 530 limits outward deflection of masonry walls to 0.7% of the wall height). The report recommends grout injection for the foundation wall retrofit and incorporates a drainage system into the final below grade retrofit of the party wall. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1341 Title: Forced induction rotary valve system <br/> <br/>Authors: Brigidi, Michael; Garza, Arsenio; Kratounov, Stefan <br/> <br/>Abstract: The current valve design found in modern four-stroke internal combustion engines employs poppet style valves for fresh air/fuel mixture admission to the combustion chamber, as well as the relief of burnt gases away from the cylinder. These valves are relatively simple in design and their lifetime is approximately equal to the life span of the entire engine. Current valves, however, cause intake and exhaust obstruction, thus reducing the overall efficiency. In addition, the excessive number of parts involved in a typical valve-train cause friction, which lead to reduction in net power output. Our objective is to redesign the engine intake/exhaust system in a way that we can eliminate most of the auxiliary parts of the valve-train. In doing so, we plan to replace the poppet style valves with a screw form that will rotate. This rotation will create forced flow to and from the combustion chamber, thus increasing efficiency. For the purposes of this design, we intend to modify the valve seats of an existing engine head to a design of a rotary type valve. Through our design project, we will model a new design and create a prototype. We will also compare our theoretical efficiencies to those of the existing poppet valve design. http://idea.library.drexel.edu/handle/1860/1340 Title: Manufacturing process improvement via metal chip removal from standoffs <br/> <br/>Authors: Dooley, James; Kim, Youngmin; Oh, Hyung; Savadel, Nick <br/> <br/>Abstract: Southco, Inc. is a manufacturer of access hardware of many types. One line of hardware is completely dedicated to captive fasteners. These captive fasteners utilize a standard screw with a spring and round standoff over the shaft to create a sprung fastener which can be fastened onto panels. When these standoffs are milled from raw bar stock on either Davenport or Wickman machines, there are occurrences of small chips of aluminum or steel that become lodged in the inner and outer diameter. During assembly, these chips can cause frequent jamming. The jamming of the assembly machines causes significant down time and the standoffs removed become waste because they can not be recycled. The removal of these chips from the process has been discussed at Southco, but no real solution has come about. It is our objective to find a method to remove the chips before they enter the assembly process. There are several alternatives being considered. These alternatives range from machines that utilize air for either suction or push, oil, and other alternatives that would utilize a small pin to push out the chips. Out of these alternatives the design team will choose the most reliable and cost efficient method. The final product will be a machine that separates and possibly sorts these standoffs and chips, or a component add-on to the existing assembly machine.