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All Projects
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Scotty Sand Casting
I participated in a rudimentary sand casting lab to create aluminum scotty dog keepsakes. The process involved packing sand around 3D-printed molds, creating flow paths and riser holes, and pouring molten aluminum into our newly formed casting apparatus.
Throughout the lab, we learned the importance of draft angles by testing shapes that weren't designed with casting in mind, which notably failed to cast. It was a great hands-on lesson about a common manufacturing method.
Throughout the lab, we learned the importance of draft angles by testing shapes that weren't designed with casting in mind, which notably failed to cast. It was a great hands-on lesson about a common manufacturing method.
Fusion CAD Modeling
In addition to SolidWorks and Onshape, I'm currently in the process of learning Fusion.
Throughout the semester, I am partaking in several mini-projects, learning the in's and out's of Fusion's specialized design features. I will also be exploring its advanced 3D-printing simulations and FEA analysis. The parts that I've created and manipulated are shown below, ranging from basic crank parts and plastic enclosures to orignal product designs. Each week, I will be creating a new specific CAD model or undergoing a study.
Throughout the semester, I am partaking in several mini-projects, learning the in's and out's of Fusion's specialized design features. I will also be exploring its advanced 3D-printing simulations and FEA analysis. The parts that I've created and manipulated are shown below, ranging from basic crank parts and plastic enclosures to orignal product designs. Each week, I will be creating a new specific CAD model or undergoing a study.
Conceptual Design Sketching Practice
To become familiarized with the more design-related aspects of product development, I was prompted to learn Autodesk Sketchbook. My task was to trace/draw a carseat and shade accordingly, paying attention to lights and shadows.
Doing this exercise was valuable because it encouraged me as an engineer to undergo the job of a cross-functional department. This knowledge will streamline future interactions between myself and the industrial designers that I will ultimately work alongside.
Doing this exercise was valuable because it encouraged me as an engineer to undergo the job of a cross-functional department. This knowledge will streamline future interactions between myself and the industrial designers that I will ultimately work alongside.
Fast Fufu
For my senior capstone, my team created an automated fufu maker, a product that, despite its high market potential, does not currently exist. Fufu, a notoriously intensive West African dish made of yam and plantain, requires two strong, able-bodied, skilled people to make it. See here for a Fufu-making demonstration:
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wTD5y-QPDw8
Millions of people consume fufu on a weekly basis; thus, we created FastFufu to make the recipe accessible to a variety of consumers (namely, people with physical limitations, people who live alone, people who lack the space and experience to make traditional fufu, and those who simply want to speed up a usually onerous process).
Concept ideation and selection were long and intensive processes. Ultimately, we decided on 5 subsystems, each of which utilized a distinct mechanism highlighted below. The entire machine was controlled by a state machine program that allowed all parts to work in tandem. Our biggest challenge was when our printed pounder parts failed under load . We tried to remake them using aluminum and projections; however, then the waterjet broke, forcing us to manually machine our pounder essentially from scratch. This limited our spring's compression and ultimately our desired force output. Our team's final report with extensive information about the product is linked here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1exee_42lVKrh_J0JxfAT2j0WyTas3sTp/view?usp=drive_link
Fast Fufu was my favorite project by far! It was an incredibly user-centered yet mechanically complex series of design challenges. I learned about gear and linkage design, power transmission for pounding, and designing for manufacturability.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/wTD5y-QPDw8
Millions of people consume fufu on a weekly basis; thus, we created FastFufu to make the recipe accessible to a variety of consumers (namely, people with physical limitations, people who live alone, people who lack the space and experience to make traditional fufu, and those who simply want to speed up a usually onerous process).
Concept ideation and selection were long and intensive processes. Ultimately, we decided on 5 subsystems, each of which utilized a distinct mechanism highlighted below. The entire machine was controlled by a state machine program that allowed all parts to work in tandem. Our biggest challenge was when our printed pounder parts failed under load . We tried to remake them using aluminum and projections; however, then the waterjet broke, forcing us to manually machine our pounder essentially from scratch. This limited our spring's compression and ultimately our desired force output. Our team's final report with extensive information about the product is linked here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1exee_42lVKrh_J0JxfAT2j0WyTas3sTp/view?usp=drive_link
Fast Fufu was my favorite project by far! It was an incredibly user-centered yet mechanically complex series of design challenges. I learned about gear and linkage design, power transmission for pounding, and designing for manufacturability.
Coot
For a product design capstone, my teammates and I spent weeks brainstorming possible student needs. We eventually settled on what I consider to be a delightfully whimsical idea: a nightstand that, when automatically raised and manually unfolded, could serve as an overbed table, allowing for eating, reading, working, and whatever else the user desires from the comfort of their own bed.
Designing a piece of furniture that did not yet exist presented unique challenges. The scale at which we were working at was large, and the unfolding mechanism was challenging to design while prioritizing convenience and safety. Additionally, the big question was: where could we store the legs that we wanted to pop out on the other side of the bed? There seemed to be no perfect answer.
For the first half of the project, we planned on using a scissor-lift mechanism to raise the table due to their compressibility (we hoped to store an extra pair of legs within the unfolding segments, providing maximum stability.) However, safety and timeliness concerns forced us to change courses at the last minute, and we abandoned major planning points. Instead, we opted to use sliding rail legs powered by linear actuators. The final product was highly functional (although not what we originally pictured), and was well-received by all audiences.
As for the name, Coot, we had originally planned on painting it white with orange legs after noticing that the overall shape resembled that of a duck; however, the white paint that we ordered incorrectly arrived in black. So, what is the name of black duck-like bird? You guessed it: a coot.
Our detailed final report is linked here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYynDgV4OW4xodAjDVmMOX6oiPzNWjqM/view?usp=sharing
Designing a piece of furniture that did not yet exist presented unique challenges. The scale at which we were working at was large, and the unfolding mechanism was challenging to design while prioritizing convenience and safety. Additionally, the big question was: where could we store the legs that we wanted to pop out on the other side of the bed? There seemed to be no perfect answer.
For the first half of the project, we planned on using a scissor-lift mechanism to raise the table due to their compressibility (we hoped to store an extra pair of legs within the unfolding segments, providing maximum stability.) However, safety and timeliness concerns forced us to change courses at the last minute, and we abandoned major planning points. Instead, we opted to use sliding rail legs powered by linear actuators. The final product was highly functional (although not what we originally pictured), and was well-received by all audiences.
As for the name, Coot, we had originally planned on painting it white with orange legs after noticing that the overall shape resembled that of a duck; however, the white paint that we ordered incorrectly arrived in black. So, what is the name of black duck-like bird? You guessed it: a coot.
Our detailed final report is linked here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cYynDgV4OW4xodAjDVmMOX6oiPzNWjqM/view?usp=sharing
Airplane Baby Carrier
For my design class, I was tasked with designing a customized airplane chair for a target audience. My group opted to choose babies due to their highly specific needs. Following several rounds of ideation and user surveying, we opted decided to create a hammock design to ensure a comforting environment for any child. The hammock not only provided sensory deprivation and a soft coziness, but it also allowed the parent to rock the child gently back and forth for comfort. It was also positioned at an adjustable height ideal for a sitting adult to reach; plus, the hammock could be folded into a compact cylinder and carried underarm, even if the handler was juggling other items simultaneously (i.e. a suitcase, stroller, etc.).
The final product was crafted from wooden dowels, 3D printed custom parts, recycled cloth, rope, water jetted pieces, and hooks. Our report detailing our design process can be accessed here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZeuQo2yOfo4mTwoly6_-xZ5RceEXGZjl/view?usp=sharing
The final product was crafted from wooden dowels, 3D printed custom parts, recycled cloth, rope, water jetted pieces, and hooks. Our report detailing our design process can be accessed here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ZeuQo2yOfo4mTwoly6_-xZ5RceEXGZjl/view?usp=sharing
PCBuddy
PCBuddy, an original automated soldering device, is one of my all-time favorite projects that I've worked on. Given the incredibly dexterous nature of soldering (particularly onto a PCB), my team and I hoped to create an assistive machine that could provide more accessibility to people with tendonitis or motor control/posture issues. Although automated solders did exist in the market, we aimed to build a much more cost-effective one by repurposing a 3D-printer gantry.
To control the device, we powered the gantry using three stepper motors to achieve precision. We also installed a camera onto a fixed point of the frame, such that when the user clicked on where he/she wanted solder to be dispensed on the UI/UX side, the program could move the extruder head accordingly. Unexpected challenges arose when trying to install a motor to automatically dispense solder, as well as when trying to facilitate efficient communication between the Arduino and the camera; however the final prototype could dispense solder with some degree of accuracy.
Unfortunately, many of the documentation photos of the finished prototype have been lost to time... the snippets of the CAD model that remain are shown below, and here is our team's final report:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10KujOHoy7Luxpg9KBIG_wZOaO3RcPFt0/view?usp=sharing
To control the device, we powered the gantry using three stepper motors to achieve precision. We also installed a camera onto a fixed point of the frame, such that when the user clicked on where he/she wanted solder to be dispensed on the UI/UX side, the program could move the extruder head accordingly. Unexpected challenges arose when trying to install a motor to automatically dispense solder, as well as when trying to facilitate efficient communication between the Arduino and the camera; however the final prototype could dispense solder with some degree of accuracy.
Unfortunately, many of the documentation photos of the finished prototype have been lost to time... the snippets of the CAD model that remain are shown below, and here is our team's final report:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/10KujOHoy7Luxpg9KBIG_wZOaO3RcPFt0/view?usp=sharing
Gratitude Device
For the final project in my Physical Computing class, I worked in a team to serve a disabled clientele group. Our unique challenge, however, was to create an assistive device for the caretaker within the group home. Our client did not have any disabilities herself; however, we talked extensively with her to design a device that would improve her life.
We noticed immediately that our client was incredibly selfless, always thinking of others and never asking for anything for herself. We also noticed that those under her care loved to provide her with drawings; however, most of them struggled to write words or form sentences. This led us to our idea of creating a device to facilitate expressions of gratitude towards our client, allowing those within the house to write her custom notes of appreciation.
We debated over the user interface for many weeks, as creating an intuitive device for a range of mental and physical abilities proved a challenge. We eventually decided that less is more, and tried to include as few buttons as possible. Our final device displays a series of pre-formed messages and images on a screen. The user can toggle between message options using a knob, and can then select and append them to a running note shown on the right half of the screen. When the user is satisfied with his/her composition, he/she can press the ‘print’ button, which releases a sheet of paper containing their personalized note. The user can then hand out or leave their gratitude note to whomever they wish, spreading some positivity within the home.
Detailed project documentation can be found here:
https://sites.google.com/andrew.cmu.edu/60-223-s25/gratitude-device-by-the-lotuses?authuser=0
We noticed immediately that our client was incredibly selfless, always thinking of others and never asking for anything for herself. We also noticed that those under her care loved to provide her with drawings; however, most of them struggled to write words or form sentences. This led us to our idea of creating a device to facilitate expressions of gratitude towards our client, allowing those within the house to write her custom notes of appreciation.
We debated over the user interface for many weeks, as creating an intuitive device for a range of mental and physical abilities proved a challenge. We eventually decided that less is more, and tried to include as few buttons as possible. Our final device displays a series of pre-formed messages and images on a screen. The user can toggle between message options using a knob, and can then select and append them to a running note shown on the right half of the screen. When the user is satisfied with his/her composition, he/she can press the ‘print’ button, which releases a sheet of paper containing their personalized note. The user can then hand out or leave their gratitude note to whomever they wish, spreading some positivity within the home.
Detailed project documentation can be found here:
https://sites.google.com/andrew.cmu.edu/60-223-s25/gratitude-device-by-the-lotuses?authuser=0
Push-up Pal
The Push-up Pal is a device that I made largely for fun. It was intended to motivate me to "do my push-ups." It accomplishes this by gamifying the process through lights, sounds, and motivational messages, as well as by holding me accountable throughout each individual rep by detecting my weight. The device is made mostly of wood, foam board, wires, LEDs, buttons, an LCD, and an Arduino.
Overall, this project was a bit simpler on the computational side, with each button/light aspect being relatively straightforward; however, it was a demanding process in terms of fabrication. When I began to lay out my game plan, I realized that creating a clean finish that could support my weight on top of a network of electronics would involve some creativity (embedding my wires within a layer of foam). Overall, the push-up machine took many hours of fabrication, and much of the work is hidden underneath the top layer; nonetheless, I'm happy with how closely the final device fit my initial vision.
Detailed documentation of my fabrication journey can be found here:
https://sites.google.com/andrew.cmu.edu/60-223-s25/project-2-documentation/rongrong-wang-push-up-machine?authuser=0
Overall, this project was a bit simpler on the computational side, with each button/light aspect being relatively straightforward; however, it was a demanding process in terms of fabrication. When I began to lay out my game plan, I realized that creating a clean finish that could support my weight on top of a network of electronics would involve some creativity (embedding my wires within a layer of foam). Overall, the push-up machine took many hours of fabrication, and much of the work is hidden underneath the top layer; nonetheless, I'm happy with how closely the final device fit my initial vision.
Detailed documentation of my fabrication journey can be found here:
https://sites.google.com/andrew.cmu.edu/60-223-s25/project-2-documentation/rongrong-wang-push-up-machine?authuser=0
Aladdin Booth
CMU has wacky tradition called Booth: a yearly competition wherein student organizations race to create the best Booth: a 10-foot tall wooden walkable structure for the public's enjoyment.
Booths are entirely designed, built, decorated, and managed by students, and the final results are honestly quite inspiring. Booths are fully operational by show day, with electricity, music, 3D special effects, and much more! For the spring of 2025, I served as the booth head for a cultural organization, overseeing design, construction, and electrical wiring. Our Booth, which was Aladdin themed, received second place in the "Blitz" category, a historic first for the organization.
Our special effects included strobe lighting, music in each room that would play upon button presses, a plinko board, and an AI-powered genie chatbot that would grant wishes to visitors.
Booths are entirely designed, built, decorated, and managed by students, and the final results are honestly quite inspiring. Booths are fully operational by show day, with electricity, music, 3D special effects, and much more! For the spring of 2025, I served as the booth head for a cultural organization, overseeing design, construction, and electrical wiring. Our Booth, which was Aladdin themed, received second place in the "Blitz" category, a historic first for the organization.
Our special effects included strobe lighting, music in each room that would play upon button presses, a plinko board, and an AI-powered genie chatbot that would grant wishes to visitors.
Manual Machining
CMU's manual machining course gave me firsthand experience working with a variety of machines, including the mill, lathe, drill press, band saw, sand blaster, and water jet. Throughout the course, I learned about machine maintenance, care, and safety, while crafting a phone stand out of an aluminum block.
Takeout Transformer
This project was an exercise in creativity! I was tasked with creating a paper takeout box that could undergo two distinct use cases after undergoing a manual transformation. My final product was called the "Bouquet Box," and it changed from a small, portable gift box into a paper flower keepsake.
My prototyping process involved several rounds of sketching ideation, initial paper prototyping, and iterative rounds of laser cutting. The box template was designed in SolidWorks and cut using the perforation feature available within CorelDRAW. This project forced me to think outside the box (despite it being literally about creating a box), and it taught me to think of 3D-objects in terms of their 2D projections.
My prototyping process involved several rounds of sketching ideation, initial paper prototyping, and iterative rounds of laser cutting. The box template was designed in SolidWorks and cut using the perforation feature available within CorelDRAW. This project forced me to think outside the box (despite it being literally about creating a box), and it taught me to think of 3D-objects in terms of their 2D projections.
Double Transducer
For a fun exercise in circuitry, I created a double transducer, which changed two inputs into two successive altered outputs. My first input was color, which was read by a color sensor. The color would then drive a buzzer to beep at varying rates based on the RGB value, creating my first output: sound.
The rate of the beeps was then determined by a sound sensor that oriented a servo motor accordingly. Ideally, the arm of the motor would move to the position on the physical rainbow box matching the color inputted by the LED; however, the servo motor experienced a lot of electrical noise leading to inconsistencies from time to time.
The rate of the beeps was then determined by a sound sensor that oriented a servo motor accordingly. Ideally, the arm of the motor would move to the position on the physical rainbow box matching the color inputted by the LED; however, the servo motor experienced a lot of electrical noise leading to inconsistencies from time to time.
Moody Judy Cupholder
For my design class, I was tasked with designing a cupholder for "Moody Judy," an alternative company aimed at edgy teenagers. To achieve this, I was given a single square of acrylic and a paper coffee cup off of which to model my product.
I decided to opt for a snake design (so cool and edgy), so I started with paper and cardboard prototypes. I then created my desired vectors in SolidWorks before laser cutting the final design. The 2-D shape was then heat bent using a heat gun to model the appropriate curvature.
Features of the cupholder include its sleek, thin shape, its lack of a need for assembly, and its built-in teabag holder (the serpent's tongue).
I decided to opt for a snake design (so cool and edgy), so I started with paper and cardboard prototypes. I then created my desired vectors in SolidWorks before laser cutting the final design. The 2-D shape was then heat bent using a heat gun to model the appropriate curvature.
Features of the cupholder include its sleek, thin shape, its lack of a need for assembly, and its built-in teabag holder (the serpent's tongue).
Graduation Keychains
For the final project in one of my design classes, I was asked to create something that "makes [you] or someone else happy." Since I was nearing the end of my undergraduate career and many of my friends were graduating, I decided to make keepsakes for people who were moving away from Pittsburgh. (I was also quite broke, so I opted to use as much scrap material as possible, leading me to the pieces of acrylic I found laying around.)
I intended for people to hang these keychains on their bags/keys, looking at them from time to time, thus thinking of our friendship every so often. Each design is a customized pattern based off an inside joke shared with a specific person. Each design was created in CAD using lines and splines to create the vector files. Then, I laser cut each piece out of various colored acrylics before glued everything together using acrylic glue. Short but sweet!
I intended for people to hang these keychains on their bags/keys, looking at them from time to time, thus thinking of our friendship every so often. Each design is a customized pattern based off an inside joke shared with a specific person. Each design was created in CAD using lines and splines to create the vector files. Then, I laser cut each piece out of various colored acrylics before glued everything together using acrylic glue. Short but sweet!
Desk Phone Holder
I decided to make a phone holder for my desk due to my recently broken pop socket, and I wanted it to have multiple degrees of freedom for ease of use, so I took advantage of a free piece of acrylic and some nuts and bolts.
The completed phone holder was able rotate 360 degrees providing a customizable viewing angle due to a slight looseness in the bolt; additionally, it was able to undergo a range of vertical angle adjustments by shifting the rear stand leg. The entire piece was designed in SolidWorks, cut from acrylic, and heat bent.
The completed phone holder was able rotate 360 degrees providing a customizable viewing angle due to a slight looseness in the bolt; additionally, it was able to undergo a range of vertical angle adjustments by shifting the rear stand leg. The entire piece was designed in SolidWorks, cut from acrylic, and heat bent.
Clay Modeling Exercise
During this project, I simulated the use of clay modeling in industry, creating a bottle shape (somewhat arbitrarily, but also because bottles are fun). I created a CAD model of the bottle in SolidWorks before exporting the file to Pepakura, a software that creates a foldable vector from any 3D design. This vector was then exported, laser cut and etched, and cut and glued by hand.
Once the paper shell was folded into the proper shape, I poured expanding foam into the hollow paper bottle and waited for it to set. I then carved away the extra foam and heated up the industrial clay in the oven. Once the clay was moldable, I covered half of the bottle in a quarter inch later to replicate the process often done on model cars and other industrial products. It was a very exciting introduction to the (very tedious) process used in advanced product design.
Once the paper shell was folded into the proper shape, I poured expanding foam into the hollow paper bottle and waited for it to set. I then carved away the extra foam and heated up the industrial clay in the oven. Once the clay was moldable, I covered half of the bottle in a quarter inch later to replicate the process often done on model cars and other industrial products. It was a very exciting introduction to the (very tedious) process used in advanced product design.
Mechanical Systems Experimentation Labs
During my senior year, I underwent a series of 5 experimental labs that studied advanced dynamic systems, controls, and general physics principles. The labs generally centered around mass spring damper systems in both rectilinear and torsional setups. This course was very useful for applying some of the formulas studied in earlier courses such as Dynamic Systems and Contols. All completed labs and their conclusions can be found below:
(1) Identification of Dynamic Parameters:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MjY-3ud2jgdO_2tQFzRxb0Ec05YS7NA-/view?usp=sharing
(2) Forced Responses for First and Second Order Rectilinear and Torsional Systems:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cMzcFvMkEVUzhme9oQuh5YjKlnn7-A5q/view?usp=sharing
(3) Harmonic Responses of Second-Order Rectilinear Dynamic Systems:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_wrytLHfUYUGSyzciVR3fZ4QnWh44UgZ/view?usp=sharing
(4) Multiple DOF Torsional Dynamic System Responses:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15hqnaTlgbG6qMqhjR9mgDhSIAbxRUW4h/view?usp=sharing
(5) Open and Closed Loop Control Systems:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iT0cickGSTvwDveohTc1Wnl8IJX6ef-v/view?usp=sharing
(1) Identification of Dynamic Parameters:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1MjY-3ud2jgdO_2tQFzRxb0Ec05YS7NA-/view?usp=sharing
(2) Forced Responses for First and Second Order Rectilinear and Torsional Systems:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1cMzcFvMkEVUzhme9oQuh5YjKlnn7-A5q/view?usp=sharing
(3) Harmonic Responses of Second-Order Rectilinear Dynamic Systems:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_wrytLHfUYUGSyzciVR3fZ4QnWh44UgZ/view?usp=sharing
(4) Multiple DOF Torsional Dynamic System Responses:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/15hqnaTlgbG6qMqhjR9mgDhSIAbxRUW4h/view?usp=sharing
(5) Open and Closed Loop Control Systems:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1iT0cickGSTvwDveohTc1Wnl8IJX6ef-v/view?usp=sharing
Thermal Fluid Labs
During my junior year, I performed a series of labs covering various topics in heat transfer, fluid mechanics, and thermodynamics. There were eight labs in total covering various experimental methods and conclusions, and the course was overall very helpful in seeing how principles apply in the practical world. The coauthored reports in their entirety can be found below:
(1) Fluid Friction Apparatus:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cn0cPnPc0lpUFdtHjDMPj6wqFzH6Lhya/view?usp=sharing
(2) Wind Tunnels:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tVFjum2BOjb1rfhQ7KKvrhxkaOMGeN_y/view?usp=sharing
(3) Lumped Capacitance:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r3WeAhiQcgDIR1-xfjvieVy6pRuVy5MZ/view?usp=sharing
(4) Linear Heat Conduction:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rvT4u43Od27Xmr-TfLSYd6f6h1L5e8rX/view?usp=drive_link
(5) Combined Convection and Radiation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_CqC-81wfZJjR3LkSx0rqcDjV6oh1L3z/view?usp=sharing
(6) Double-pipe Heat Exchanger:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yc3oU4sLYstz-hXEpV3Yz0HmS6C_vqIt/view?usp=sharing
(7) Fins:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14vzMoBSz9Lhwtji6gmbuDOrGg2t2X9JC/view?usp=sharing
(8) Refrigeration:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ds8vUY3euwBpqUGJb24Q8QU4e7g55E1O/view?usp=sharing
(1) Fluid Friction Apparatus:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Cn0cPnPc0lpUFdtHjDMPj6wqFzH6Lhya/view?usp=sharing
(2) Wind Tunnels:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1tVFjum2BOjb1rfhQ7KKvrhxkaOMGeN_y/view?usp=sharing
(3) Lumped Capacitance:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1r3WeAhiQcgDIR1-xfjvieVy6pRuVy5MZ/view?usp=sharing
(4) Linear Heat Conduction:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1rvT4u43Od27Xmr-TfLSYd6f6h1L5e8rX/view?usp=drive_link
(5) Combined Convection and Radiation:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_CqC-81wfZJjR3LkSx0rqcDjV6oh1L3z/view?usp=sharing
(6) Double-pipe Heat Exchanger:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Yc3oU4sLYstz-hXEpV3Yz0HmS6C_vqIt/view?usp=sharing
(7) Fins:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/14vzMoBSz9Lhwtji6gmbuDOrGg2t2X9JC/view?usp=sharing
(8) Refrigeration:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Ds8vUY3euwBpqUGJb24Q8QU4e7g55E1O/view?usp=sharing
FEA Study
At the end of my Numerical Methods class, I was tasked with creating an experiment using an existing numerical algorithm or formula. My team opted to do a study of FEA.
We tested how two aluminum beams bent when weights were added to them, choosing two beams with different sizes to see how length and thickness would affect bending. Then we compared these real measurements to what we expected using a computer model.
We also wrote a MATLAB program using the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory to predict how much each beam would bend. We found that the program matched the experiment well for the long beam but wasn’t as accurate for the short beam because it didn’t include shear effects. In the future, we would improve the model to handle this. Overall, we learned how to combine experiments and computer simulations to understand how beams bend under load. Our final report can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SDmiJ-TyFI3EIVSUGo6V17ns4ywbSgvo/view?usp=sharing
We tested how two aluminum beams bent when weights were added to them, choosing two beams with different sizes to see how length and thickness would affect bending. Then we compared these real measurements to what we expected using a computer model.
We also wrote a MATLAB program using the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory to predict how much each beam would bend. We found that the program matched the experiment well for the long beam but wasn’t as accurate for the short beam because it didn’t include shear effects. In the future, we would improve the model to handle this. Overall, we learned how to combine experiments and computer simulations to understand how beams bend under load. Our final report can be found here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1SDmiJ-TyFI3EIVSUGo6V17ns4ywbSgvo/view?usp=sharing
Improved Bike Crank
For this project, my team set out to design a child’s bicycle crank that would intentionally break at a specific deceleration force (12 N) to help prevent leg injuries. We explored three initial design concepts: carving out material from a slab, connecting blocks with diagonal supports, and using a lofted shape inspired by mountain bike cranks. After evaluating each concept’s feasibility with acrylic and PLA manufacturing constraints, we chose a design that carved out material from the center to reduce weight and control the break point under torsional loading conditions.
Through multiple rounds of hand calculations, FEA simulations, and physical prototyping, we developed a layered “acrylic sandwich” crank with inner cutouts meant to ensure failure occurred away from the mounting points. Unfortunately, due to differences between the real loading conditions and the FEA setup, failure still occurred at the mount on testing day. We would have appreciated a bit more time for testing, but it was still a valuable experience in designing for manufacturing and mass minimization.
Our report is linked here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z_YiAGMRvzfOiApskyTRoZo2qLcUaOYg/view?usp=sharing
Through multiple rounds of hand calculations, FEA simulations, and physical prototyping, we developed a layered “acrylic sandwich” crank with inner cutouts meant to ensure failure occurred away from the mounting points. Unfortunately, due to differences between the real loading conditions and the FEA setup, failure still occurred at the mount on testing day. We would have appreciated a bit more time for testing, but it was still a valuable experience in designing for manufacturing and mass minimization.
Our report is linked here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Z_YiAGMRvzfOiApskyTRoZo2qLcUaOYg/view?usp=sharing
Quality Water
For my final project at the end of 15-112, CMU's introduction to programming class, I created my first original program, Quality Water. Quality Water was a simulation game that allowed the user to maintain and experiment within an aquatic ecosystem by adding various pollutive factors. It utilized ecological formulas to track organism populations over time, could allow for toggling between screens and various menu options, and utilized hand-drawn icons that were designed in Procreate. It was a great introduction to computer science and allowed me to implement two things that I am passionate about: ecology and digital art.
The entire 3000 line program was made entirely in Python without the help of AI, and had a focus on user-friendliness and algorithmic complexity.
Here is a (quite laggy) demonstration of the finished product:
https://youtu.be/rgovH133uLM?si=iiCAkDrg43J0iCCI
The entire 3000 line program was made entirely in Python without the help of AI, and had a focus on user-friendliness and algorithmic complexity.
Here is a (quite laggy) demonstration of the finished product:
https://youtu.be/rgovH133uLM?si=iiCAkDrg43J0iCCI
Truss Challenge
As an introduction to truss structures, MATLAB, and basic FEA simulations, I was tasked with building a truss to break at an assigned weight of 35 pounds. The design process involved ideation, simulation, fabrication using laser-cut acrylic, and testing with practice loading rounds. It was overall a nice easing into the iterative prototyping mentality, and it introduced the notion of working in a technical team.
The final product held 40 pounds on testing day. Our report with more statics and math detailing is linked here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Tc1diBvG36ZGuT_9angebsipSVo9CWk/view?usp=sharing
The final product held 40 pounds on testing day. Our report with more statics and math detailing is linked here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/13Tc1diBvG36ZGuT_9angebsipSVo9CWk/view?usp=sharing
Mobile Robot
For a basic introduction to programming in C, I was tasked with assembling a mini-robot and programming it to follow an obstacle course, stopping at some objects, turning at others, etc.. Though straightforward, it served as a good segue into coding and electronics.
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