download 2008 michigan tech undergraduate expo pdf

Undergraduate eXpo

2008Undergraduate eXpo

2008

Create the Future

Michigan Technological UniversityApril 17, 2008

InnovationResearchEntrepreneurshipLeadership

Sponsored by the College of Engineering and the Institute for Interdisciplinary StudiesHosted by Educational Opportunity

Undergraduate eXpo


2008

Undergraduate Expo 2008 • �

Welcome Bob Warrington, Director, Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Tim Schulz, Dean of Engineering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

University Participants and Awards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Special Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Expo Social Hour and Awards Ceremony CenTILE Elevator Pitch Competition Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour

Special Guests . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 High School Enterprise Students and Teachers from Copper Country Intermediate School District

Spotlight on 2007 First Place Winners . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Expo Hall of Fame . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Student Projects Senior Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Undergraduate Research and Independent Team Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Enterprise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 High School Enterprise . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Create the Future

2 • Undergraduate Expo 2008

Greetings all, and welcome to the Expo!

The Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies (IIS) is pleased to co-sponsor the 2008 Undergraduate Expo . It is our mission to create, grow, and nurture interdisciplinary programs, research, and scholarship that transcend school/college lines here at Michigan Tech .

You’ll find plenty of that among the team projects presented at this year’s Expo . What a landmark day for our undergraduate students, who, through all their hard work, have become innovative thinkers and effective leaders . They should take tremendous pride in their accomplishments .

At IIS, we are working to develop more student teams that are diverse in capabilities, as well as a greater number of challenging projects that span the time frame necessary to obtain sustainable solutions to problems . This approach promises to bear much fruit, as problem-solving efficiency is truly maximized by tapping into the knowledge and expertise of people from a variety of disciplines .

We are grateful to all of our corporate and community sponsors who have so generously supported our educational mission by providing invaluable, real-world project experiences, together with mentorship and guidance for our students . Together, we are truly able to prepare our students to create the future .

As you visit with our students today, be sure to challenge them with your questions and encourage them with your praise . Enjoy your Undergraduate Expo experience .

Sincerely,

Robert O . Warrington, DirectorInstitute for Interdisciplinary Studies

Welcome

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Dear Friends,

Michigan Tech’s 2008 Undergraduate Expo provides a showcase for the talent, creativity, and accomplishments of our outstanding students . As a proud co-sponsor of the Expo, I appreciate your participation and interest in this event .

The academic programs at Michigan Tech prepare our students to change the world through sound, innovative uses of science, engineering, and technology . Our students are actively involved in hands-on learning opportunities, leadership, and entrepreneurship—something you’ll see firsthand at the Expo .

But we don’t do it alone . Industry partners are a key to our success, and we appreciate the seventy sponsors who have so generously supported our student teams with their time, energy, and resources this year . We could not have done it without them .

Industry support of our Senior Design Capstone program, for instance, enables small teams of highly dedicated students to explore and solve real industry challenges throughout their senior year .

Michigan Tech’s fast-growing Enterprise program has twenty-eight different teams across campus with students from diverse disciplines working together to serve a wide range of industry clients . Enterprise has even recently sprouted three high school teams, with several more in the works .

And through undergraduate research programs, our students are working closely with faculty and PhD students to build a foundation that will contribute solutions to the world’s increasingly complex problems .

Here at the College of Engineering, we partner with industry on leading-edge research in a variety of different ways . Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you’d like to know more .

In the meantime, feel free to pick up on the positive energy, dedication, and excitement of our students at the Expo . There’s plenty to go around .

Very best regards,

Timothy J . SchulzDean of Engineering

Create the Future

� • Undergraduate Expo 2008

Create the Future

University Participants

College of Engineering

School of Technology

School of Business and Economics

College of Sciences and Arts

School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science

Educational Opportunity

Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies

Center for Technology, Innovation, Leadership, and Entrepreneurship

Create the Future

Student Awards

Undergraduate ResearchBased on abstract, poster, and presentation

First place—$100Second place—$75Third place—$50

Senior DesignBased on poster

First place—$150Second place—$100Third place—$75Honorable Mention—$50 (three to be awarded)

EnterpriseBased on poster and presentation

First place—$300Second place—$150Third place—$100

Create the Future

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


What do “Agua,” a sustainable water pump system for developing countries; “Winrobo,” the automated window-washing robot; and “The Oculus” nanosatellite—have in common?

They’re all student projects on display at Michigan Tech’s 2008 Undergraduate Expo!

The Expo provides an excellent opportunity for Michigan Tech students to showcase their premier research, design, and independent study projects . Competing for cash prizes are participants of the University’s Enterprise, Senior Design, and Undergraduate Research programs, as well as independent student research teams .

A panel of judges made up of University faculty members and corporate representatives critique the projects . This year more than fifty student presentations will be made and close to 100 student posters will be on display, encompassing a variety of disciplines . Participants represent numerous departments across campus .

Many of the projects are sponsored by industry . Through sponsorship, industry is able to link up with new talent while contributing significantly to student education and the mission of the University . As for students, they gain professional experience—and a chance to build their resumes through direct exposure to real industrial problems and through competition .

The Expo is a combined effort of the College of Engineering, the Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, and Educational Opportunity . If you are curious as to how you can participate in next year’s Expo or would simply like more information surrounding the event, please contact Rick Berkey, senior research engineer, Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies, at 906-487-4309; email rjberkey@mtu .edu .

Scope

Create the Future

� • Undergraduate Expo 2008

Time to Celebrate

Thursday, April 17—Post-Expo Social and Awards Please join us for refreshments, awards, and more in Fisher Hall 135 for the Undergraduate Expo Social Hour and Awards Ceremony, 4:00–6:00 pm .

While coordinators quickly tally judging forms in order to determine the winners in each Expo category, prepare to be entertained and amazed by fifteen Michigan Tech student teams competing for cash prizes totaling $1,750 in the first annual CenTILE Elevator Pitch competition . Attendees will help choose the best of these thirty-second masterpieces .

Extremely Invaluable

Friday, April 18—Extreme Entrepreneurship TourPresented by Michigan Tech; the Center for Technology, Innovation, Leadership and Entrepreneurship (CenTILE); and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation

The Extreme Entrepreneurship Tour (EET), a unique educational event for university students, brings the country’s top young entrepreneurs to college campuses around the country, including Michigan Tech .

EET will be on campus Friday, April 18, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm at the Wadsworth Annex . This event, free of charge, is open to all Michigan Tech students, faculty, and staff, as well as the general public .

According to EET, entrepreneurship is a mindset—a powerful force with impacts on job creation, innovation, philanthropy, and peace—that can be applied to starting a business and/or taking a job .

This unique entrepreneurship experience will inspire you to act on your dreams and empower you to begin your journey by asking yourself fundamental life questions . By the end of the event, you will have a specific action plan .

Activities include

• Inspirational Keynote Speakers ➤ Michael Simmons, cofounder,

Extreme Entrepreneurship ➤ F . Patrick Cuartero, founder, YoYoNation .com• Dream Action Workshop• Speed Networking Contest• Extreme Entrepreneurship Panel

For more information, contact Bob Mark, CenTILE, email remark@mtu .edu, 906-487-2710 .

Special Events

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Welcome to our three new High School Enterprise teams

“Copy and steal everything,” it is said of good ideas . Michigan Tech is doing just that as it expands its signature Enterprise Program to three Michigan high schools .

Envisioned in 2004, implemented in fall 2007, the project is “picking up steam,” according to Senior Lecturer Doug Oppliger, director of the program . Three schools are partnering with Tech on the initiative: Calumet High School, Utica High School, and Cass Tech . They are the start of what Oppliger hopes is a big thing . The hope is to attract ten high schools in 2008, and twenty-five in 2009

Michigan Tech’s Enterprise Program involves 650 students working on more than forty team design and externally sponsored projects .

The High School Enterprise Program involves twelve to fifteen students from each of the three schools . Calumet students are building a scaled-down yurt; Cass Tech students are creating a computer game based on ninth-grade math; and Utica students are building an underwater remotely operated vehicle .

Overall, Oppliger says, the program is an opportunity for students to “practice engineering and gain a spirit of entrepreneurship .” The key person in this endeavor, he says, is the high school teacher . “We want to latch on to the passion and inspiration of teachers who are out there meeting with the students . That’s where the rubber hits the road .”

The goals for the program number three: encourage high-school students to go to college; have them pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and help stimulate Michigan’s economy through an educated work force that will attract businesses to the state .

Oppliger hopes to make the program self-sustaining through financial support from corporations and foundations, such as the National Science Foundation, which helped jump-start the on-campus Enterprise Program .

Like Tech’s Enterprise Program, the high school students and their teacher-coaches develop their project, establish a timeline, work within a budget, and then “show and tell” their results at the Undergraduate Expo in the spring . “They need to present what they do to outside people,” Oppliger says . “That helps inspire them to do good work .”

All in all, Oppliger ultimately envisions a large collaboration of public schools, companies, and state universities—a network of support and funding . “It’s going to work,” he says .

Constance Montgomery of Cass Tech agrees . “All my teaching is not in vain,” she says, calling the program both “wild” and “wonderful .” Fifteen of her students are involved . “They learn difficult stuff that matters . They apply knowledge way outside the norm . They get to design and develop and run an enterprise in such a way that they’re in charge . It’s their project . They’re having a blast . I can’t get them to go home .”

Need more information? Contact Doug Oppliger at oppliger@mtu .edu, 906-487-4371 .

Upper Peninsula high school students

Michigan Tech is also honored to host more than 100 high school students and their teachers from Michigan’s western Upper Peninsula . High schools invited include Baraga, L’Anse, Jeffers, Calumet, Chassell, Dollar Bay, Hancock, Houghton, Lake Linden-Hubbell, Bessemer, Ewen-Trout Creek, Ironwood, Ontonagon, Wakefield-Marenisco, and Watersmeet .

The goal is to inspire both students and teachers, develop new working relationships, and brainstorm possibilities for the future .

A warm welcome to these very special guests . We hope to see you back here again soon . . .either as High School Enterprise team members, Michigan Tech students—or both!

Special Guests

Create the Future


Project Title Design and Development of a CPR Mattress Department Biomedical Engineering Senior Design Team Members Andrew Delvaux, Josh Dykla, Chris Rivet, and

Matt Trombley SmartTracSM Team Members Kristin Cauley, Tim Dewey, Phil Franzo, Richard

Goodell, and Kyle Marsh Sponsor Portage Health Advisor Dr . Ryan Gilbert, Biomedical Engineering

20 seconds—a lifesaving difference2007 First Place Award, Senior Design

Product Development Critically ill hospital patients sometimes go into cardiac arrest and require cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) . When the patient is in bed, the headboard is placed under the patient to concentrate the compressive force to the heart, a technique that is only partially effective . Additionally, it can take up to thirty seconds to get everything in place and initiate CPR—seconds that can literally save a patient’s life . Finally, the process can be staff-intensive; the headboard has to be removed from the bed, the patient must be rolled over, the board slid into position, and the patient rolled back . Three or four staff may be required . Therefore, the team’s goals were to improve the efficiency of the chest compressions, reduce the time to initiate CPR, and reduce the number of staff needed . The team had several design constraints . First, the hospital bed could not be modified, so that the bed warranty would not be compromised . This challenged the team to consider a design that could be used with different beds and manufacturers . Additionally, the design could not have any impact on bed functionality . Any potential solutions needed to maintain the safety of the patient . And the fourth and final constraint was controlling cost . With research and input from Portage Health, a target cost of $750 was defined . The team then identified and evaluated four design concepts, including a plastic board with spring insert, an air mattress, the use of electro-rheological materials, and an air bladder with foam insert . This last design was determined to offer the most promise and was reduced to practice . The final design incorporates a modified foam pad placed in a sealed bladder connected to a vacuum pump via a quick-disconnect coupling . The mattress deflates

underneath the chest cavity when the vacuum pump is activated, making the mattress rigid . It meets all key constraints, including the production cost, estimated at $500 . Using an automatic CPR device (Thumper, Michigan Instruments Inc .) that measures compression depth in conjunction with software (CPRView), the team demonstrated the following significant advantages of their new design over a conventional hospital mattress:

• A statistically significant increase in compression efficiency, from 53 to 81 percent

• A reduction in time to initiate compressions, from 30 seconds to 10 seconds

• A reduction in the required hospital staff, from three or four down to one or two

From Innovation to Commercialization The project did not stop when the Senior Design team members graduated in May 2007 . Through a selective, paid internship with the local business incubator, the MTEC SmartZone, an interdisciplinary SmartTrac(SM) team of five entrepreneurial students completed a thorough market assessment, competitive analysis, and cost/revenue models for the commercial CPR mattress product . The team filed for patent protection and made a formal presentation to Stryker, a market leader in hospital beds and mattresses . Commercial feasibility was confirmed, and the team took the official leap, creating a new business, CPRM, LLC . A $23,400 grant from the Michigan University Commercialization Initiative to Michigan Tech was used by CPRM, LLC, to develop and test additional prototypes, conduct more market research, and formalize a business plan . At present, CPRM, LLC, seeks additional working capital as they gear up to go to market .

Spotlight on 2007 First Place Teams

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Name Consumer Product Manufacturing Department Chemical Engineering Advisors Dr . Tony Rogers and Dr . Sean Clancey, Chemical

Engineering Sponsor Keweenaw Brewing Company Team Leader Laura Strohkirch

Consumer Product Manufacturing (CPM) has won the Enterprise competition at Undergraduate Expo no less than four times over the past six years . What is the secret to their success? Actually, there is no single secret, but a number of factors continue to make the CPM Enterprise attractive to students and sponsors .

The Secret to Their Success2007 First Place Award, Enterprise

Project Variety CPM’s purpose is to explore the steps required to design and manufacture products that are new to the consumer market . Typically, CPM students begin a new project by brainstorming product ideas . The ideas are reviewed and constrained to those that can be designed, prototyped, and tested at Michigan Tech . This review process further prioritizes the ideas by looking at the end business and consumer benefits . Manufacturing requirements, market and IP research, consumer use studies, and profitability analyses assist in selecting a class project . The result is a business plan or project proposal submitted to a potential sponsor . By following this process, CPM students learn to combine traditional engineering work with an awareness of business and economic motives . CPM students talk directly with sponsors to secure funding for proposed projects . Our current sponsoring partner is the local Keweenaw Brewing Company, with locations in Houghton and South Range .

Student Ownership CPM students pick their projects and define the path to success . Their ideas are valued and encouraged within the Enterprise . A lot of effort by the students goes into improving their CPM Enterprise and positioning it for future success .

Accountability CPM students are accountable to each other and to their team leaders and executive officers . An environment is created in which each person is expected to contribute so that the big goals are achieved . The students also learn the importance of keeping CPM management and their sponsor regularly informed about progress .

Mentoring The faculty co-advisors to CPM, Tony Rogers and Sean Clancey, mainly act to facilitate the students’ efforts .

The advisors are members of the Enterprise . They offer advice and suggestions, but it is the prerogative of the students to adopt their own path and goals . They are free to fail or succeed, in a low-stress environment, and their track record is overwhelmingly positive .

Inclusiveness CPM currently has approximately fifteen students from several majors, the majority of whom are chemical, mechanical, and biomedical engineers . Technology and business students also regularly join . About one-half of our students are women, and CPM continues to attract students from under-represented groups .

Flexibility Practical experience is obtained by students interested in the consumer products industry without requiring the commitment of a formal co-op . Smaller, in-depth senior design projects for up to three students allow CPM to pursue complementary areas of consumer product research in addition to the main class projects . These reinforce CPM’s vision of being a consumer product “idea incubator” .

Fun CPM students have discovered many ways to bond as a group . They participate in Winter Carnival with their popular cotton-candy giveaway, hold recruiting events that double as social gatherings, and generally have a good time . And, of course, winning the Enterprise competition at the Expo is rewarding and fun! Interested in knowing more about CPM? Visit their website, www .cpmenterprise .mtu .edu, or contact Tony Rogers, tnrogers@mtu .edu, 906-487-2210 .

Spotlight on 2007 First Place Teams

Create the Future

�0 • Undergraduate Expo 2008

2007Senior DesignAndrew Delvaux, Josh Dykla, Chris Rivet, and Matt Trombley,

Biomedical Engineering“Design and Development of a CPR Mattress”Dr . Ryan Gilbert, Biomedical Engineering, Advisor

Undergraduate ResearchJessica Kilpela, Sarah McDowell, Psychology“Effects of Scenery and Lighting on Mood”Dr . Rosalie Kern, Cognitive and Learning Sciences, Advisor

EnterpriseConsumer Product Manufacturing (CPM)Dr . Tony Rogers and Dr . Sean Clancey, Chemical Engineering,

Advisors

2006Senior DesignPeter Bryson, Matthew Kero, Christopher Lockwood, Stephen

Polzien, and Christopher Rokke, Mechanical Engineering“Noise Control”Dr . Jaime Camelio, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering

Mechanics, Advisor

Undergraduate ResearchDanielle Miller, Biomedical Engineering“The Effects of Annual Periods of Disuse on Porous Cavity

Densities in Black Bear Femurs”Dr . Seth Donahue, Biomedical Engineering, Advisor

EnterpriseConsumer Product ManufacturingDr . Tony Rogers and Dr . Sean Clancey, Chemical Engineering,

Advisors

2005Senior DesignAria Pezeshk, Kevin Evans, Adaobi Nnorukah, and John

Novack, Electrical and Computer Engineering“Wireless Clamping Pressure Sensor”Dr . Donald Secor, Electrical and Computer Engineering,

Advisor

Undergraduate ResearchMeghan McGee, Biomedical Engineering“The Effects of Annual Hibernation on the Structural

Properties of Black Bear Femurs”Dr . Seth Donahue, Biomedical Engineering, Advisor

EnterpriseAlternative Fuels GroupDr . Jason Keith, Chemical Engineering, Advisor

2004Senior DesignBen Almquist, Kaajal-Raj Juggernauth, and Dale Anderson,

Materials Science and Engineering “Ion Implantation Induced Layer Separation in Pb(Zn1/3Nb2/

3)O3-(4 .5%)PbTiO3 (PZN-PT)”Dr . Stephen Hackney, Materials Science and Engineering,

Advisor

Undergraduate ResearchMeghan McGee, Biomedical Engineering “The Effects of Annual Hibernation on the Mechanics and

Histology of Black Bear Bones”Dr . Seth Donahue, Biomedical Engineering, Advisor

EnterpriseIntegrated Microsystems EnterpriseDr . Paul Bergstrom, Electrical and Computer Engineering, and

Dr . Craig Friedrich, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics, Advisors

2003Senior DesignErin McCave, Brent Burns, Melissa Hasenbank, and Karen

Milborn, Biomedical Engineering“Design, Manufacturing, and Testing of a Mucoadhesive Drug

Delivery System Infused with Naproxen”Dr . Seth Donohue, Biomedical Engineering, Advisor

Abbigale Wilson, Biological Sciences“Effects of Valence and Theme Congruent Sound on Memory

for Pictorial Stimuli”Dr . Rosalie Kern, Cognitive and Learning Sciences, and Dr .

Ronald K . Gratz, Biological Sciencs, Advisors


Advisors

2002Senior DesignCurt Zackiewicz, Jake Fischer, Matthew Brief, Electrical and

Computer Engineering“Mitigating 42 Volt DC Arcs”Dr . David Stone, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Advisor

Undergraduate ResearchLaura Krueger and Erin Parker, Forest Resources and

Environmental Science“A Comparison of Bat Species Composition and Abundance in

an Area Copper Mine”Dr . David Flaspohler, Forest Resources and Environmental

Science, Advisor


Advisors

Expo Hall of Fame

Undergraduate eXpo


2008

Undergraduate Expo 2008 • ��

Senior Design

Development of a Creep Resistant Die Cast Zn-Al-Cu Alloy

Team Number 101 Department Materials Science and Engineering Advisors Dr . Calvin White and Dr . Mark Plichta, Materials

Science and Engineering Sponsor Eastern Alloys Team Members Karl Rinke, Joseph Kaufman, Andrew Hafeli,

Justinian Broughton, and Sean Loney, Materials Science and Engineering

Project Overview Zinc die cast parts offer many benefits, but low creep resistance has restricted their use to low-temperature applications . A zinc alloy optimized for creep resistance will allow for more applications with stress and elevated temperatures . A survey conducted by the International Lead Zinc Research Organization (ILZRO) showed that a significant number of engineers in the automotive industry (greater than 50 percent) would benefit from this alloy . The survey found that the alloy would require a stress capability of 31 MPa at a temperature of 140 °C for less than 1,000 hours without 1 creep strain . These properties are not yet attained by zinc alloys, but some improvement may be possible . Any increase in sales would directly benefit zinc die casters, zinc commodity sales, and customers of the zinc die casters, who would also see a decrease in the price of their parts .

Neutral Current Sensor for Fixed Capacitor Banks

Team Number 102 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisors Dr . Bruce Mork, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor Ray Hayes, P .E ., American Electric Power Team Members Will Brewer, Jason Christoff, Jon Geurink,

Dan Heidfeld, and Matt Madl, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Project Overview American Electric Power (AEP) is one of the nation’s largest generators of electricity . The company has asked the team to develop a self-contained, neutral current sensor to attach to power distribution poles throughout their network . The sensor needs to be robust enough to weather harsh outdoor conditions, harvest power from the neutral current flow being measured, and transmit the data through a wireless AMI network . Little research has been done in this area, and power harvesting has not yet been made marketable enough for widespread use .

Create the Future


Senior Design

Enhanced Transmission System Data Acquisition and Control

Team Number 103 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Dr . Bruce Mork, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor ITC Holdings Corp . Team Members Jon Shauger, Erik Winsand, Pierre Bekwone,

Chris Panici, and Wade Ausloos, Electrical Engineering

Project Overview ITC is looking for a way to upgrade its automated data acquisition system . The design will integrate substation control and annunciation into data collection . Team 6 investigated the capabilities of the SEL-3351, SEL-2032, and GE-D400 computing systems to implement its chosen design within the context of ITC’s system . The SEL-3351 was chosen . This project will implement one-line control, seven-day historical data charts, tracking of system access and software manipulations, time synchronization verification with downstream devices, and fault notification to engineers through email into ITC’s current data acquisition system . Deploying this device across the system is expected to significantly improve system operations and performance analysis .

Autonomous Vehicle Phase II

Team Number 104 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Dr . Donald Secor, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor BAE Systems—David Perry Team Members Christopher Mousseau and Robert Van Single,

Electrical Engineering; Christopher Billiu, and Nate Simula, Mechanical Engineering; and Mike Cavalli , Computer Engineering/Electrical Engineering

Project Overview The goal of this project is to take a prototype driving system, convert it to wireless controls, and make it more robust and fault tolerant . The system was designed for BAE Systems’ Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles (FMTV) . The system must control brakes, steering, parking brakes, and the transmission . The primary effort is to incorporate a wireless system that allows the vehicle to be driven from up to fifty feet away . The secondary goals are to add fail-safes, correct several weak spots, and to error-proof the control code . The primary design constraint is that the FMTV cannot be modified in any permanent way .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Remote Control of an Autonomous Vehicle

Team Number 105 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Dr . Jeff Burl, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor Oshkosh Corporation, John Beck Team Members Andrew Armstrong, Computer Engineering

and Discrete Mathematics; Austin Levendusky, Electrical Engineering and Business Administration; Jacob Love, Patrick Murray, and Lisa Woudenberg, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Project Overview The goal of this project was to develop and implement a design to remotely control TerraMax, an autonomous vehicle created by Oshkosh Corporation . The design needed to conform to the Joint Architecture for Unmanned Systems (JAUS) . The design included sending streaming video from the vehicle to the operator control unit . This project was intended to be a proof of concept and to use only commercial off-the-shelf components, including USB compatible devices and 802 .11g wireless technology . To validate our design, simulations were used . The simulations involved sending JAUS-formatted messages from one computer, the operator control unit, to a second computer representing the autonomous vehicle .

Team Number 106 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisors Dr . Michael Neuman and Dr . Keat G . Ong,

Biomedical Engineering Team Members Abigail Kneeland, Katherine Munchow, Brandon

Johnson, and Lindsey Hannula, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview The aim of the project is to develop an automatic fall detection device that can be used by the elderly or physically impaired . Our approach is to use a Sun Microsystems SunSPOT attached to the thoracic region of the body . This device contains a wireless sensor board including a three-axis accelerometer that is used to collect fall data . Several subjects perform activities of daily living, falls to the front, and falls to the side . The data is analyzed using algorithms that were previously developed based on research and experimentation . This enables the device to detect falls immediately and differentiate between normal activity and falls .

Evaluation of a Fall Detection Device

Create the Future

�� • Undergraduate Expo 2008

Senior Design

Adjustable Table Used for Measuring Upper Extremity Forces during Wheel Chair Transfers

Team Number 107 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisors Dr . Keat Ghee Ong and Dr . Martyn Smith,

Biomedical Engineering Sponsor Mayo Clinic Team Members Sara Gibbs, Megan Drelles, Sara Nomeland, and

Joe Uzarski, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview There is an increased occurrence of upper extremity joint pain in people who are confined to manual wheelchairs . Scientists have proposed that this pain is due to the increased physical demand emplaced on the upper body . Mayo Clinic would like to expand these research efforts to investigate other common activities that manual wheelchair users perform, specifically transfer maneuvers . There is a demand for a model capable of measuring forces and moments in the shoulder . With Motion Analysis software and inverse dynamics, it is possible to calculate shoulder forces using force and moment data at the hand . The system should include two height-adjustable tables, each equipped with force plates to measure the biomechanics of hand motion during transfers . The data will be analyzed using established computational and Motion Analysis software at the Mayo Clinic .

Weldment to Casting Conversion for a Semi-trailer Sand Shoe

Team Number 108 Department Materials Science and Engineering Advisor Dr . Mark Plichta, Materials Science and

Engineering Sponsor Brian Schulz, Quality and Metallurgy Manager at

ThyssenKrupp Team Members Leanne Sedar, Jarrod Cunnings, and Greg Ross,

Materials Science and Engineering; Josh Marion, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Project Overview The Innovative Castings Enterprise (ICE) is working with ThyssenKrupp Waupaca to investigate converting a welded semi-trailer sand shoe into a cast component . The current sand shoe design has at least two welds and at least three individual parts . The ICE team will determine if eliminating the welds and reducing the number of individual parts will yield a more cost-effective sand shoe . If a viable design is developed, this will create new business for ThyssenKrupp .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Briggs EFI Project

Team Number 109 Department School of Technology Advisor Dr . Samuel W . Coates, School of Technology Team Members Justin Nall and Eric Nohr, Mechanical

Engineering Technology

Project Overview We aim to convert a Briggs and Stratton Intek 190 5 .5 hp OHV engine from carburetion to electronic fuel injection . Our goal is to operate a small engine on electronic fuel injection efficiently while increasing the power output over the stock configuration . Some modifications are a custom intake and exhaust, an aftermarket cam shaft, a Walbro ECU, and engine stand .

Treadmill Overlay for Use by the Visually Impaired

Team Number 110 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisors Dr . Rupak Rajachar and Dr . Keat Ghee Ong,

Biomedical Engineering Sponsor Keweenaw Memorial Medical Center Fitness

Center Team Members Allyson Diola, Crystal Buchanan, Emily Mantila,

and David Defft, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview The NordicTrack 9600 Treadmill at Keweenaw Memorial Medical Center–Fitness Center is inaccessible to visually impaired individuals unless assistance is provided, and the clientele are interested in using the treadmill more independently . The goal of this project is to design a durable, lightweight overlay compatible with the NordicTrack 9600 Treadmill control components to allow visually impaired individuals independent treadmill access . This device would be used by clients with varying levels of visual impairment, ranging from slight visual degeneration to complete blindness . This device will allow these clients, ages 14 and up with varying fitness levels, to operate the treadmill’s basic speed, elevation, and start and stop functions .

Create the Future


Senior Design

Next-Generation Series Hybrid Electric Vehicle Power Management System

Team Number 111 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Dr . Don Secor, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor Jonathan Leinonen, MTEC SmartZone and Ken

Rieli, Phoenix Navigation Team Members Vanessa Ortis and Kevin Heglund, Mechanical

Engineering; Thomas Daunais, and Anthony Dyer, Electrical Engineering; Beth Poole, Electrical Engineering/Computer Engineering

Project Overview Series hybrid technology is an excellent concept for highly populated urban driving conditions . Global energy demands require new and feasible strategies for improving fuel efficiency . Hybrid vehicle drive-trains continue to prove themselves as a viable solution to the world’s energy crisis as the new technology is refined through designing a next-generation hybrid electric vehicle power management system . The hybrid electric power management systems most commonly used in the market today incorporate parallel hybrid architecture . Working with proprietary strategies developed by Phoenix Navigation and Guidance Inc ., Team 5 will explore and design a series hybrid electric vehicle by advancing the development of this power management system .

AMJOCH Observatory—Geosynchronous Satellite Tracking

Team Number 112 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Dr . Mike Roggemann, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Team Members Jim Dennison, Mechanical Engineering; Ben

Jacques, Scott Otterbacher, and Nick Riegel, Electrical Engineering

Project Overview The AMOCH Observatory is owned by Michigan Tech and located near Atlantic Mine . It houses a 16-inch Meade Schmidt-Cassegrain telescope which will soon be fixed to a Paramount ME equatorial mount . The primary goal of this project is to provide any necessary renovations and upgrades to the observatory which will allow it to be used to locate, track, and take spectrometer readings of geosynchronous satellites . In order to do this, optical, control, and tracking systems will be designed and implemented throughout the remainder of the semester . It will also be necessary to write all the necessary software to link each of the systems and provide one overall user interface .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

An Autonomous Mobile Robot for Excavation of Lunar Soil

Team Number 113 Department School of Technology Advisors Alaa Aly and Joel Kimball, School of Technology Team Members James Curson, Dennis Doherty, Matt Gonder,

Luke Gustafson, Joshua Johnson, Stuart Juip, Alex Kennedy, Nicholas Pinar, and Christian Westerhoff, Electrical Engineering Technology

Project Overview Our goal is to design and build a robot for the 2008 Regolith Excavation Centennial Challenge, hosted by the California Space Education and Workforce Institute (CSEWI) . This NASA competition is part of the Centennial Challenges program . From the CSWEI website: “The Regolith Excavation Challenge promotes the development of new technologies to excavate lunar regolith [surface “moon dirt”] . Excavation is a necessary first step towards lunar resource utilization, and the unique physical properties of lunar regolith make excavation a difficult technical challenge . Teams competing in the Regolith Excavation Challenge will build autonomously operating systems to excavate lunar regolith and deliver it to a collector . This challenge will be conducted in a head-to-head competition format . Teams will be challenged to excavate and deliver as much regolith as possible in thirty minutes .”

Precise Measurement of Roll-to-roll Gap

Team Number 114 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Dr . Dennis Wiitanen, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor Kimberly-Clark Team Members Tom King and Ryan Petras, Electrical

Engineering; Dan Morris, Mechanical Engineering; Matt Willmer and Mark Sandberg, Computer Engineering

Project Overview The project seeks to find a way to measure the roll-to-roll gap of the knife and anvil rolls on die cutters in use by Kimberly-Clark . This project utilizes different methods of measuring gaps to a high degree of resolution to find the method that would be most suitable for this application . The die cutters are used at various stages of production to cut out shapes in a moving web . The gap of one-quarter inch needs to be measured to a tolerance of +/- 0 .000050 inch to ensure the correct interference between the knife blades and the anvil roll . The sensor must be able to interface with common hardware and software for ease of system integration . Without a way to measure the gap, the interference can become too great, causing the knives to become dull, or the interference can become too little, preventing the knives from cutting the web .

Create the Future


Senior Design

Heat Treatment of Ferrous Components

Team Number 115 Department Materials Science and Engineering Advisor Dr . Jaroslaw Drelich, Materials Science and

Engineering Sponsor Caterpillar Team Members Eric Kubica, Ariell Andrzejewski, Bill DeWitt, Eric

Kubica, and Jacob Gorkowski, Materials Science and Engineering

Project Overview Caterpillar has software that models dimensional distortions of metal parts during the heat treatment process and wants to verify that the results of the simulation are experimentally accurate . To verify the software, experiments will be run to test how tempering temperature, quench medium, part geometry, and part composition affect the dimensional changes during heat treatment . The aim is to find what factors in heat treating affect dimensional distortion . The information collected will enable Caterpillar’s engineers to verify that the software is accurate as well as provide data on gray iron, for which Caterpillar is currently unable to make such dimensional predictions .

609 Front Axle

Team Number 116 Department School of Technology Advisor Dr . Mark Johnson, School of Technology Team Members John Caldwell, Orin Davis, and Andy Hayes,

Mechanical Engineering Technology

Project Overview The goal of the project is to design a solid front axle to replace the stock twin traction beam of a full-size Ford Bronco . The aim is to have the new axle be stronger and cheaper than what is currently available .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Nostalgic Steel Can

Team Number 117 Department Materials Science and Engineering Advisor Dr . Jiann-Yang (Jim) Hwang, Materials Science

and Engineering Sponsors Larry Pfister, United States Steel Corporation;

Dick Coyle, Silgan Container Corporation Team Members Brandon Richards and Ryan A . Belknap,

Materials Science and Engineering; Heather M . Riker and Anthony S . Bourassa, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview United States Steel has proposed the use of their polymer-coated steel in the design and production of a nostalgic beverage container . Silgan Container Corporation will provide manufacturing and modeling facilities . The nostalgic can is intended to invoke memoires of pioneer can designs and their manufacturers . The primary target market will be microbreweries . Unlike early can designs, this can will have a polymer interior coating to prevent the historical “iron pickup .” ICP analysis will be used to confirm that iron pickup was avoided . The can will also be re-sealable to help with content preservation . Our can designs are loosely based on the early cone top and Crowntainer cans . The design is significant; corrosion is most likely to occur at the seams, and these cans will be designed to have the fewest seams possible .

Spin Bike Modifications for Large-framed and Active Senior Riders

Team Number 119 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisor Dr . Ryan Gilbert, Biomedical Engineering Sponsor Terry Smythe, Keweenaw Memorial Fitness

Center Team Members Ashley Schultz, Zach Smith, Brent Van Rite, Anna

Lisius, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview The goal was to modify a spin bike to accommodate larger-framed and/or active senior riders . Current models are designed for active, young, conditioned adults to be in a forward-leaning position that is uncomfortable for the de-conditioned rider and unsafe for subjects lacking balance . The water-bottle holders and adjustment knobs are also difficult to reach . The first modification includes redesigning the handlebars to produce a more upright riding position while maintaining adjustability to standard positions to maximize versatility . Additional tasks include widening the bike pedals and strengthening them to avoid breakage by larger individuals and repositioning the water bottle holder and stress dial so that they are easier to reach . The project will result in expanded fitness opportunities to the demographic for which exercise bikes have not been adequately designed .

Steer-by-Wire Truck

Team Number 120 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor John Lukowski, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor General Motors Team Members Jacob Caverly and Katie Turmel, Mechanical

Engineering; Stacy Auger and Igor Trifonov, Electrical Engineering; Brandan Iwaszko, Electrical and Computer Engineering

Project Overview A steer-by-wire system replaces the steering shaft, gearbox, hydraulic system, and other associated mechanical equipment with electric motors, various position sensors, and a dedicated micro-controller . The steering wheel is attached to a rotational position sensor that relays input to the encoders, which turn servo motors to turn the wheels . Feedback is given to the steering wheel in the form of counter force delivered by a smaller motor mounted on the steering column to provide haptic feedback to the user . This gives the vehicle the feel of traditional mechanical resistance when steering through a turn . The challenge of this year’s team is to create a more compact steer-by-wire system with a variable steering ratio that communicates over a CAN bus .

Slope Stability Analysis of the CD-III Pit at Cleveland Cliffs Michigan Operations

Team Number 121 Department Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Advisor Wayne Pennington, Geological and Mining

Engineering and Sciences, and James Murray Gillis, Materials Science and Engineering

Sponsor Cleveland Cliffs Inc . Team Members Jason Kneibel, Ben Beard, Michaela Polster, and

Walter Rathbun, Geological Engineering; Cody Suits, Geology

Project Overview We were commissioned to perform a slope stability study on an open pit mine operated by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc . in Ishpeming, Michigan . The area of study, CD-III pit’s Hanging Wall slope of the Tilden Mine, is a 3,000-foot-long by 500-foot-tall wall composed of iron formation rock sloping approximately 37 degrees to the pit bottom . This project is significant because it allows students to work along side professionals at an actual work site while performing a task similar to that of a hired consultant . A GPS laser instrument was utilized by keying in on planar wall features to measure the structural geology of the wall . Field geology and geotechnical methods were used to determine the wall’s slope stability . A final report with data and recommendations was compiled .

20 • Undergraduate Expo 200820 • Undergraduate Expo 2008

Create the Future


Senior Design

Undergraduate eXpo


2008

Undergraduate Expo 2008 • 2�

Senior Design

Boston Whaler Aftermarket Rear Seat

Team Number 122 Department School of Technology Advisor Dr . John Irwin, School of Technology Team Members Kris Benz, Justin Feider, Craig Griffes, Josh

Neece, and Brian Pietila, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Project Overview The project involves designing a rear seat to accommodate an auxiliary main motor fuel tank, an auxiliary motor fuel tank, an oil injection reservoir, and storage . The seat must be lightweight and strong enough to support the weight of two adults . An ergonomic design approach must be followed to satisfy comfort and serviceability customer requirements . The seat must also be weather resistant, as it will be subjected to a marine-type environment . The seat must fit permanently to the hull of the boat and be removable for cleaning or repair . This is a custom-fit seat designed for manufacture and assembly within a strict budget .

Laurium Manor Turntable Restoration Project

Team Number 123 Department School of Technology Advisor Dr . Scott Wagner, School of Technology Sponsor Laurium Manor Inn Team Members Robin Sayler, Mechanical Engineering

Technology, Brandon Klimmek, Chris Moreno, and Bob Lohr, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Project Overview The goal of this project is to take a turn-of-the-nineteenth-century car turntable and return it to working order . This turntable is located in the stable house of the Laurium Manor, in Laurium, Michigan . It was usable until the 1970s but is now severely corroded . Our goal is to make it look and operate as it did when it was first installed . This means one must be able to drive one’s car onto the turntable and then turn it in a complete circle using no mechanical or electrical aid .


Create the Future


Senior Design

Sailplane Winch

Team Number 124 Department School of Technology Advisor Dr . Mark Johnson, School of Technology Team Members Joseph Rodgers, Industrial Engineering

Technology; Kyle Zatzke and Joshua McLean, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Project Overview The ultimate goal of this project is to design, build, and operate an easy-to-use, simple-to-transport, and inexpensive glider launch system . To do this, a winch launch system is being developed that will be mounted on a dual axle trailer that can be easily towed behind a light- to medium-size truck or van . The glider launch winch will allow glider enthusiasts to quickly and inexpensively launch their gliders without the use of an expensive, powered, tow aircraft or other complicated launch systems, which can cost over $1,000 .

Ladder Adapter Design

Team Number 125 Department School of Technology Advisor Sam Coates, School of Technology Team Members Carl Torstensson, Hanna Hillerstrom, Erik

Hornboger, Nick Pichowski, and Jeremy Spillane, Mechanical Engineering Technology

Project Overview Our design is a ladder that attaches to a normal extension ladder and lies on the roof . It allows one to safely walk up roofs to do general maintenance .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Respirator Manufacturing Process Automation

Team Number 126 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . John Gershenson, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor 3M Team Members Matthew Vitale, Heather Ackerman, Jack

Blundell, Curtis Ness, and Ryan O’Boyle, Mechanical Engineering; Wesley DallaValle and Kyle Patenaude, Electrical Engineering

Project Overview Our team is automating part of a process of assembling dust masks for 3M . Our goal is to build a functional prototype to prove its feasibility . We have broken the design up into stages . The sorting stage will be handled by a top-down feeder (which will not be included in our prototype) . From there, the preforms will be fed through a conveyor to a Pick-N-Place prototype that will be built with a series of slides, grippers, motors, and solenoids . There will also be a breaking station where the preforms will be fed through wheels set at different speeds to break the ultrasonic weld (to open the preform) . Immediately after the breaking station, the preforms will pass over a wedge to ensure the preform stays open as it is placed onto the pod, and the process will continue from there just as 3M currently operates .

Airflow Facility Fan Control


Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Caterpillar Team Members Ryan Schultz, Nathan Treague, William Beyer,

and Tara Gokey, Mechanical Engineering; Nathan Kotila, Electrical Engineering

Project Overview We are working toward automating an airflow facility fan control system at Caterpillar’s Machine Research Center in Mossville, Illinois . This includes procurement of hardware, mainly a photo eye sensor; choosing a data acquisition program to gather test data; and post-processing of data into useful fan information . This is then used to design fans and cooling systems for Caterpillar equipment . In discussions with our sponsor, LabView was selected as the data acquisition software, and our team was trained on campus in its use . The post-processing is done using Microsoft Excel because many people are familiar with this software .

Create the Future

2� • Undergraduate Expo 2008

Senior Design

Spare Tire Beaming Damper


Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Chrysler Team Members Brian Mleziva, Erik Lundberg, Chris Isaacson,

Stephen Riutta, and Keith White, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Certain models of the Dodge Ram truck line use tuned mass dampers to reduce vibration in the passenger compartment caused by the first bending mode of the frame . However, these mass dampers add thirty pounds to the total weight of the vehicle and increase the total overall cost . To reduce the total weight and cost of the vehicle, our engineering team is designing a spare tire mounting mechanism that will allow the spare tire to serve as the mass in the tuned mass damper . This configuration will allow the truck to ride smoothly by reducing the first bending mode of the frame, and will also reduce the cost and weight of the truck . Previous design efforts were unsuccessful in meeting Chrysler’s design constraints . If our device meets the requirements established by Chrysler, it will likely be incorporated into the 2010 Dodge Ram product line .

Golf-Enabling Device for Disabled People

Team Number 129 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Michele Miller, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District Team Members Bryan Sebeck, Christopher Miller, and Jason

Fuller, Mechanical Engineering; Phillip Gable, Biomedical Engineering; Kevin Moretti, Electrical Engineering

Project Overview The Dickinson-Iron Intermediate School District has requested the design of a golf enabling device for a disabled person . This person has a very limited range of movement, little control of his appendages, and is confined to a wheelchair . The device uses a combination pneumatic actuator and linear spring to provide the necessary force to propel a golf ball . As the user manipulates his controls, the actuator will become pressurized, and this will stretch out the spring . Upon command, the actuator will release and the spring will contract . This will turn a set of gears and ultimately cause the club to complete a rotational motion, ultimately striking the golf ball . All of the components will be designed to fit within a standard golf bag/pull cart combination .

Real-Time Java for Embedded Systems

Team Number 130 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Kit Cischke, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor Caterpillar Team Members Eric Domeier, Staci McNelis, and Sean Carlson,

Computer Engineering; Andrew Miller, Computer/Electrical Engineering

Project Overview Caterpillar’s earthmoving machines are increasingly relying on embedded electronics to provide value to their customers . The majority of their embedded software is currently written in the C programming language . As the complexity of this software increases, some limitations of the C language have become evident . Caterpillar is interested in using Real-Time Java to overcome these limitations, but it may not be ready for industry use . ECE Senior Design Team 2 has investigated the feasibility of Real-Time Java technology for embedded systems . The team chose the Scorpion™ Java Environment from DDC-I as a test bed for the study . To assess the feasibility of Real-Time Java, the team developed software to test its ability to meet hard, real-time constraints, determined requirements for interaction with existing C code, gathered performance metrics, and determined memory requirements . The team concluded the study with the development of a Real-Time Java application representative of engine control software .

Energy Dashboard Development Using Advanced Metering Capabilities

Team Number 131 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Dr . John Lukowski, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsor American Electric Power Team Members Tom Bartlett, Nathan Homer, Jonathon Pelon,

Adam Peterson, and Mike Stobl, Electrical Engineering

Project Overview The Energy Dashboard, by Team 3, attempts to make homeowners more aware of the energy they are consuming by placing a small computer in the home that monitors energy usage, calculates the amount of money spent on electricity, and displays this information to the homeowner . This is possible due to advancements in Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), in which the home’s energy meter is capable of communicating with both the energy company and the house itself . Team 3 will be simulating an AMI system, communicating energy usage data wirelessly to the Energy Dashboard, and displaying the information in a user-friendly fashion on the screen .


Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Create the Future

2� • Undergraduate Expo 2008

Senior Design

Innovative Hand-Charged LED Flashlight

Team Number 132 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisors Dr . John Gershenson and Dr . Ed Lumsdaine,

Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Team Members Sean Sullivan, Richard Bedore, Matthew

Kohlmann, Hans Korth, and Sean Sullivan, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview The current Hand-Charged LED Flashlight design project continues two years of work done by previous capstone teams . The goal for this year is to finalize a design that is easily manufactured and highly marketable . The design concept was conceived by Dr . Lumsdaine to find a niche in the novelty toy market . Previous designs were too cumbersome and too expensive for consumers, so the product needs to be manufactured at a much lower unit cost and made lighter and smaller . This year’s team decided to produce a trick-or-treating bucket that lights up and charges itself by simply spinning the pail . This design best meets the needs of both parents and children with regard to safety, functionality, and fun .

Two-axis Head Design

Team Number 133 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . William Endres, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor HGS Aerospace Team Members Brad Brambusch, Lucas Dehn, Brian Flynn,

Daegyun Lee, and Roy Loukus, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Our team is designing a two-axis head that will be adaptable for drilling, fastener installation, and waterjet cutting . HGS Aerospace intends to use the head for drilling and fastening the outer skin of an aircraft to the aircraft’s substructure . During the first semester, we explored eight different concepts to develop our current design . Our design has two rotary axes that position the tool normal to the surface and a third linear axis to feed the drill or fastener on vector . The range of motion allowed for a drilling vector goes from zero, straight down, to 100 degrees . The design target is for a fifteen-second hole-to-hole cycle time and a 200-pound weight . In addition, the design must be robust enough to withstand drilling and clamp up forces . Another senior design team is designing the tool mount and interchange .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Gas Generation and Storage Facility

Team Number 134 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisors Dr . Olanrewaju Aluko and Jeremy Worm,

Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Team Members Ravi Peketi, Ryan Bartholomew, Chanty Gober,

Ravi Peketi, Sungjung Kim, and Clayton Tacey, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview We are in the process of designing a gas generation and storage facility for Michigan Tech’s Alternative Energy Research Laboratory . The room must be properly ventilated using HVAC procedures, methods, and technologies . This entails designing the entire ventilation system within the gas room and also the air compressor room . The design is to be aligned with renovations occurring throughout the entire building . Also, the room layout and design must adhere strictly to the National Fire Protection Agency Codes and Standards . In addition to being properly and safely ventilated, the equipment within the room must transmit tolerable levels of noise to the above meeting room in order to create a comfortable work environment . This aspect of the project will require the aid of the acoustics and noise control course offered at Michigan Tech by Dr . Mohan Rao . The sponsor of the project is Mr . Jeremy Worm .

Portable Chassis Dynamometer

Team Number 135 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisors Dr . Olanrewaju Aluko and Jeremy Worm,

Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Team Members Kevin Berry, Ryan Danko, Paul Donlin, Keith

Kortenhoven, and Andrew Pantke, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview The purpose of this project is to design a portable chassis dynamometer for use by Michigan Tech competition and enterprise teams to calibrate, diagnose, and demonstrate vehicles at competitions and special events and to test enterprise vehicles . The design project is sponsored by the Department of Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics . Denso Corporation has provided funding to purchase the dynamometer . Major goals of the design include the capability to set up the dynamometer for testing by two people in less than thirty minutes . The design must allow for quick changeover times between dynamometer tests . The design must be capable of being towed by a pickup truck and must be able to be transported legally on public roadways . The dynamometer should be capable of steady state testing, emissions analyzing, and data acquisition .

Create the Future


Senior Design

Noise Isolation from Hydraulic Pump

Team Number 136 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisors Dr . Olanrewaju Aluko and Dr . Tammy Haut

Donahue, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics

Team Members Walter Johnson, Kichool Kwon, Andrew Ludy, William Sturtevant, and Frank Murtland, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview This project was proposed by sponsor Tammy H . Donahue to improve the work environment in her research lab . Experiments conducted in the lab utilize an Instron material testing machine, which uses a hydraulic pump . The pump negatively affects the work conditions due the excessive noise it produces . The purpose of this project is to design a noise isolation system for the pump that will benefit all persons working in the lab . Major goals of the design include reducing noise and vibration, improving pipe layout, maintaining serviceability, and preventing overheating of pump components .

Shear Test System for Biological Tissue

Team Number 137 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisors Dr . Dennis Meng and Dr . Tammy Haut Donahue,

Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Biotech Research Center Team Members Scott Garver, Kyle Larson, Christopher Moore,

Kyle Pullen, and Tara Swanson, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Our team is tasked to design a biological tissue shear test system by the sponsor, Dr . Tammy Haut Donahue . This test system will be used by the Skeletal Tissue Mechanics Lab to establish the shear properties of biological tissues, specifically meniscus tissue . The lab utilizes live tissue in the shape of cylindrical explants . These explants have a diameter of 6 millimeters and range in height from 2 to 5 millimeters . The biological tissue, meniscus in particular, is best compared to a fiber reinforced composite . The design concept that best meets these requirements is an inclined plane lap shear test fixture . The design allows the load to pass through the center of the sample while the hinged plates easily accommodate various sample thicknesses . The design requires one actuator allowing the team to adapt the Instron which is already part of the Skeletal Tissue Mechanics Lab .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Investigation of Flow Disturbances Caused by Stents Using Particle Imaging Velocimetry

Team Number 138 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisor Dr . Jeremy Goldman, Biomedical Engineering Sponsor Eric Henderson, Boston Scientific Team Members Liz Ankerson, Sherri Wiseman, Katie Snyder, and

Courtney Mohre, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview An in vitro model for investigating flow disturbances around stent struts and bifurcated vessel geometries within the coronary arteries was developed for Boston Scientific . This reproducible model closely simulates biological conditions with little complexity . Micro-particles were incorporated into a water/glycerin mixture that matched the viscosity of blood . The mixture was run through an acrylic shaft with a 3-millimeter inner bore and a 70-degree Y-shaped bifurcation . Particle velocity and fluid flow patterns were determined from a series of sequential images taken with particle imaging velocimetry . A detailed procedure for this process was presented to Boston Scientific for continued testing .

Stick-gun Snow Making Machine


Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Mont Ripley, Michigan Tech Team Members Michael Cunningham, Bryan Freed, Cailee

Pearson, Nick Raisanen, and Daniel Vanevenhoven, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Mont Ripley owns eight snow stick guns, which are mounted on posts set into the hill . The design is such that it takes two men almost three hours to move a gun from one location to the next, and the process also involves multiple tools . Much time was spent brainstorming possible improvements, and as a result, a design for the base of the snow gun to better fit the needs of Mont Ripley was created . The base is designed so that tools are not needed to move the snow gun . The base can be lifted and carried by the groomer; and the base, compressor, and mast can all be carried at once, a significant improvement over the current design . The new base can be made in-house at Mont Ripley and can be implemented on all the existing snow guns .

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Create the Future


Senior Design

Elevating Hands-free Supportive Walker

Team Number 140 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Dennis Meng, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Mulholland Inc . Team Members Tyler Kellenberger and Ben Bittner, Mechanical

Engineering; Kyle Grassmid and Nathan Steward, Electrical Engineering; Jeremiah Paul, Industrial Technology

Project Overview Our Senior Design team has designed a lifting mechanism to be used in a hands-free supportive walker produced by Mulholland Positioning Systems, Inc . As required, our design allows the walker to lift a user weighing up to 450 pounds a distance of up to 10 inches, to a standing position . Other constraints include designing the mechanism to have a competitive production cost, minimizing its size and weight, and assuring that the walker can operate for the duration of a day . The design strategy that best suits these requirements incorporates a power screw . Each side of the walker will contain a motor, gearbox, and power screw which will be powered by a central battery and switch .

Airflow Design and Efficiency Enhancement

Team Number 141 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Jeff Allen, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Rexair LLC, Cadillac, Michigan Team Members Alexandra Kush, Dustin Lowe, Chandler Reppert,

Evan Swartz, and Raymond White, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview The team aims to enhance the airflow and efficiency of the vacuum pump performance in Rexair LLC’s Rainbow e2 vacuum cleaner . This will be done by improving the performance while maintaining the current weight, inlet, exhaust, and boundary conditions of the outer skin . The most important constraint is the power output of 1 kW and motor’s rotational speed of 20,000 rpm .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Snowmobile Cover System

Team Number 142 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisors Dr . Dennis Meng, Steve Jones, and Dr . Ed

Lumsdaine, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics

Team Members Fred Golda, Derrick Gossen, Molly Rehwaldt, Christopher Wackerle, and David Wingard, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Our team’s project is to create a versatile snowmobile enclosure system, to be used on two- and four-place open trailers . The design will offer a balanced tradeoff between soft-fabric snowmobile covers and fully enclosed trailers . The major goals of the design are protecting the covered snowmobiles from road debris and corrosive salt spray, and being easy to use even in adverse conditions . Other constraints were limiting the manufacturing and retail costs, fitting most current popular snowmobiles, and limiting the weight of each piece . Measurements of current snowmobiles were taken to design the cover the right size . Research into different materials used in manufacturing the product was also conducted . By the end of the project, the team will have a manufacturing plan and working prototype to present to the project sponsors .

Automated Material Delivery System

Team Number 143 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Dennis Meng, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Terex Handlers Team Members Eric Black, Levi Halonen, Donald Jones, Stephen

Karner, and Matthew Karnes, Mechanical Engineering; Heng Guo, Electrical Engineering

Project Overview Our team’s project is an Automated Material Delivery System for Terex Handlers in Baraga, Michigan, where the Telehandler is built . The purpose was to design and build a cart that will automatically deliver the parts needed for production from the warehouse to the assembly line . A team member at Terex will load the cart and move it to a starting point on a prescribed path; the cart will follow the path to the correct location on the assembly line, where another team member will install the parts . The cart was designed be adaptable to changing production quantities and plant layout . The design utilized Terex parts as much as possible to reduce start-up and maintenance costs .

Create the Future


Senior Design

Diesel Exhaust System Design

Team Number 144 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Jeff Naber, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor John Deere Team Members Adam Emery, Michael Longhead, Kevin

McKenna, David Sutton, and Morgan Swanlund, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview As a manufacturer of diesel equipment, John Deere’s products are subject to the Environmental Protection Agency’s Tier 4 emission standards—The Clean Air Non-Road Diesel Policy . To reduce emissions and meet the set of rules under Tier 4, John Deere has been researching stoichiometric combustion ignition (SCI) diesel technology . SCI operation makes for perfect combustion and much higher exhaust temperatures (800–1,000°C) . A new exhaust manifold must be designed to handle these higher exhaust gas temperatures, while optimizing flow and supporting weight of a turbo without sag or exhaust leakage . John Deere has sought the help of students in Team 16 of the Michigan Tech Mechanical Engineering Capstone Senior Design Program . Team 16 is undertaking the task of delivering a fully operable prototype by April 2008, designed to survive SCI operation .

Simulation/Optimization of Outboard Motor Mounting System

Team Number 145 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . John Gershenson Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Mercury Marine Team Members Brent Evans, Christopher O’Sullivan, Michael

Plegue, Steven Silva, and Jonathon Zielinski, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview The purpose of this project is to develop an analytical method for optimizing outboard motor mounts using MSC .ADAMS/Engine modeling software for Mercury Marine . A working template of an inline two-cylinder, four-stroke engine has been created to simulate an outboard motor to expedite the design of the motor mounts . The focus of the model is to reduce vibration transmissibility between the motor and the boat for increased user comfort . The MSC .ADAMS model is being validated through prototype testing on a Mercury Marine 15/20 hp outboard motor . The simulation is run under the same conditions as the actual motor with respect to crank speed and provides a spectrum of information including force and displacements at the mounts in all directions . The engine model simulation is then compared to actual test results .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Hose Assembly Machine Design

Team Number 146 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . William Endres, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Anchor Coupling Team Members Kenneth Abbott, Joshua Ehlers, Michael Lennon,

Mitchell McDonald, Matthew Myers, and Charles Swan, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview We are designing, building, and testing an Automated Hose Marking Process for Anchor Coupling’s Dixon, Illinois, facility . This process will replace the current manual process of wrapping tape marks around the hose . Anchor Coupling wants the process automated to allow their orders to be completed faster and reduce the amount of labor involved in marking each hose . Anchor Coupling needs a machine that can handle most, if not all, of their hoses, which vary length, diameter, and coupling style . The color, position, and tape used must all be adjustable in order to be flexible in the face of changing customer specifications . The machine will be in a stand-alone station of the assembly line and will be manually loaded and unloaded . It will need to be safe, ergonomic, and fit within a limited floor space .

Winrobo—Automated Window Washing Robot I

Team Number 147 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisors Dr . William Endres and Dr . Ed Lumsdaine

Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Sponsor National Science Foundation Team Members Ryan Caldwell, Timothy Cercone, Carolyn Enck,

and Noah Schuster, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Our goal is to design, build, and demonstrate a robot that washes a residential double-hung sash window . The project stems from a competition held by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and therefore is subject to several constraints . The most notable is a 1-kilogram limit on mass, including 50 milliliters of water . Another important aspect of the competition is the ability of the robot to functions autonomously, that is with little or no human contact . This device would be beneficial to many householders, but particularly those with mobility problems that confine them to a wheelchair .

Create the Future


Senior Design

Winrobo—Automated Window Washing Robot II

Team Number 148 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisors Dr . William Endres and Dr . Ed Lumsdaine,

Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Sponsor National Science Foundation Team Members Mark Cihlar, Brad Howard, Nathan Kroodsma,

and Andrew Timmons, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Representing the Mechanical Engineering Capstone Design Program, team members were challenged to design, build, and demonstrate a fully autonomous window washing robot . The robot is intended for home use and offers an effortless and safer alternative to conventional window cleaning . The robot, named Winrobo, is especially beneficial to elderly and disabled homeowners . Winrobo functions by turning a small propeller located at its center . This, in effect, is what allows the robot to stay on the window while maneuvering in the vertical plane . To clean the window, two small paint rollers are attached on a spinning shaft designed so they can easily be replaced when necessary . As part of an American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) 2008 Student Design Competition, Winrobo competed against other universities in the Midwest at the ASME regional conference held in Columbia, Missouri .

Hybrid Vehicle Power Train Component NVH Optimization

Team Number 149 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Olanrewaju Aluko, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor GM Team Members James Breternitz, Joshua Hahn, Ryan Middleton,

Zachary Romme, and Jonathon Spek, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Our design team has created a methodology and apparatus that tests the dynamic stiffness of a hybrid vehicle power train cable bundle . The current cable bundle connects the drive motor to the energy source and is transmitting noise and vibration . The test will be used to determine and optimize the dynamic stiffness of the current cable bundle in the X, Y, and Z orientations . A finite element model has been created to aid in the theoretical design of the cable bundle . An actual test will be used to experimentally determine the stiffness response to different vibration frequencies . The best cable bundle orientation will be chosen based on least stiffness versus cost . Design Team 21 will recommend a future cable bundle orientation that minimizes the risk to the power train mounting strategy and will also minimize cost .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Senior Design

Enhanced Cooling System of Servomotor and Gearhead

Team Number 150 Department School of Technology Advisor Samuel Coates, School of Technology Team Members Antonia Fowler, Benjamin Raguse, and Bryan

Vilital, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Our goals are to improve heat dissipation without adding any wiring or additional motor and to increase the life of the gearhead during continuous operation . This type of application can be used in industries in food processing, packaging, textile operations, and any other high-speed, continuous-duty operations . The cost to manufacture the parts, maintenance cost, operating temperature, power required to run the system, and the overall size and weight of the system were considered .

A Microstructural Analysis of Ultrasonic Indications in an Aluminum Lithium Alloy

Team Number 151 Department Materials Science and Engineering Advisor Stephen Hackney, Materials Science and

Engineering Sponsor Alcoa Team Members Pei Jia Koh, Jessica Bomhof, Colleen Weller,

Carl Bednark, and Matthew Andriese, Materials Science and Engineering

Project Overview Using ultrasonic indications of defects in an aluminum lithium alloy, the microstructural characteristics of the material will be analyzed . Further, mechanical properties of these defects will be related to the defect size and type .

Create the Future


Senior Design

High Strength Metal Inserts for Gray Iron Castings

Team Number 152 Department Materials Science and Engineeringƒ Advisor Dr . Mark Plichta, Materials Science and

Engineering Sponsor Caterpillar Team Leaders Matthew Wirth and Matthew VanDyke, Materials

Science and Engineering

Project Overview Caterpillar currently uses gray cast iron for many critical power train and structural components . As customers demand higher performance, these materials are exposed to increasingly severe operating conditions . More and more frequently, engineers are considering hybrid approaches such as cast-in-place inserts to meet the requirements for new designs . Accordingly, it is important to know how such casting inserts can be used most effectively . The goal of this project is to make the strongest metallurgical bond between a cast-in-place ferrous insert and a gray iron casting .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Undergraduate Research

The Effects of PresentationStyle and Recall Instruction on Memory

Team Number 201 Department Cognitive and Learning Sciences Advisor Rosalie Kern, Cognitive and Learning Sciences Student Researchers Samuel Burgess, Psychology; Mark Cruth, Business

Administration/Psychology; and Shawyn’que Tabb Ganger, Psychology

Project Overview The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of presentation style and recall instruction on memory . Data was collected from 82 undergraduate college students: 47 males and 35 females . Participants were asked to watch a video or read a transcript on fuel economy and then recall the material in either “Any Order” or “In Order .” Results supported the hypothesis that material presented as video would outperform material presented as text, and material recalled in “Any Order” would outperform material recalled in “In Order .” An interaction effect was also found between presentation style and recall instruction . The findings support the theoretical implication that individuals retain different types of information when it is presented through different forms of media .

Anisotropic Micro-fibrous Scaffoldsfor Nerve Regeneration Applications

Team Number 202 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisor Dr . Ryan Gilbert, Biomedical Engineering Student Researchers Jared Cregg, Sarah McIntyre, and Matthew Trombley,

Biomedical Engineering; Han Bing Wang, Chemical Engineering

Project Overview Following spinal cord and peripheral nerve injury, regenerating axons encounter natural environments that are not suitable for growth . Systems that modify these environments to allow axonal regeneration are of interest for promoting functional recovery after injury . In this study, a novel material that incorporates physical and chemical guidance cues for directed axonal regeneration was developed by adsorbing a gradient of the neurostimulatory protein laminin-1 onto aligned micro-fiber scaffolds . Sensory neurons from chick embryos were isolated and cultured on scaffolds to evaluate material performance . We suggest that these scaffolds may act as a growth permissive substrate and provide axons with necessary guidance cues for regeneration following injury .

Create the Future



Megascale Agent-based Modeling on Graphics Processing Units

Team Number 203 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Roshan D’Souza, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering

Mechanics Student Researchers Mikola Lysenko, Nick Smolinske, Ryan Richards, John Earnest,

and Andrew Alm, Computer Science

Project Overview This research has led to ground-breaking techniques for simulating extremely large-scale, agent-based models on consumer graphics processing units . The results are being applied in diverse fields such as medicine, ecology, civil engineering, and social sciences . Preliminary results demonstrate that the new approach reaches over 10,000 times the performance of conventional agent-based modeling frameworks .

Development of Novel Sol-gel Glasses that Facilitate Neural Adhesion and Neurite Extension In Vitro

Team Number 204 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisor Dr . Ryan Gilbert, Biomedical Engineering Student Researcher Sherri Wiseman, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview Artificial devices, such as electrodes, implanted into the nervous system initiate cell death and trigger an inflammatory response which leads to fibrous encapsulation of the device . This scar inhibits the device both physically and electrically from interacting with the neurons . Hence, biomaterials are being developed that facilitate neuronal integration onto implanted devices . This study introduces a novel sol-gel glass material that incorporates agarose, chitosan, or agarose and chitosan into a silica network . Axons from E9 chick dorsal root ganglia were cultured on sol-gel glasses . Axons on agarose-chitosan sol-gel were two times longer than axons grown on other glass types, and three times longer than axons grown on a laminin control . These promising results warrant further investigation of this material and its potential uses as a coating within the central nervous system .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008



Improved Binary Space Partition Tree Merging for Boolean Operators

Team Number 205 Department Computer Science Advisor Dr . Roshan D’Souza, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering

Mechanics; and Dr . Ching-Kuang Shene, Computer Science Student Researcher Mikola Lysenko, Computer Science

Project Overview Computer aided design (CAD) packages (such as CATIA, SolidWorks, 3D Studios) rely on boolean set operations to construct complex objects . Unfortunately, current techniques for evaluating complex constructive solid geometry expressions are both slow and numerically unstable . Through this research, we present a substantially improved algorithm for evaluating boolean set operations between arbitrary objects . Outside of CAD, the results of this research are directly relevant to geographic information systems (GIS), computer graphics, medical imaging, and signal processing .

Controlled Release of Glucosamine Affects Chondrocyte Activity in Vitro

Team Number 206 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisor Dr . Ryan Gilbert, Biomedical Engineering Sponsor Michigan Space Grant Student Researcher Brandon Johnson, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview Osteoarthritis (OA) affects many millions of people in the US alone . OA is characterized by the degradation of articular cartilage in joints, leading to pain and, in extreme cases, physical impairment . A microgravity environment seen during forthcoming prolonged space travel missions can also create osteoarthritic conditions . Current treatments vary yet do not entirely eliminate the symptoms of this disease . Glucosamine is a commonly used treatment of OA; however, in its current form its effectiveness is limited . In this study a hydrogel, developed from a blend of agarose and methylcellulose, was loaded with glucosamine . We determined the effect of a controlled release of glucosamine on resident chondrocytes in vitro . Additionally, we categorized both the compressive modulus and release profile of the gel . The results of the study suggest that the investigated system may be an effective tissue engineering scaffold to house chondrocytes and release glucosamine to chondrocytes .

Create the Future



Characterization of UHPC Setting Time and the Effects of Early Stripping

Team Number 207 Department Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisor Dr . Tess Ahlborn, Civil and Environmental Engineering Sponsor Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Student Researcher Kari Klaboe, Civil Engineering

Project Overview Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) is an innovative new material with mechanical and durability properties that exceed those of normal and high-strength concrete . With the advent of such a material comes the responsibility of ensuring that current standards and test methods can be applied . If current practices are found to be inadequate, new methods of assessing the performance of this concrete will need to be researched, created, and tested for use in industry . Setting times of UHPC were analyzed, and the focus of this report is the application of ASTM C 191-04b in assessing the initial and final set times of UHPC . The suggested procedure for setting time analysis was then used to study the effects of early stripping on UHPC compressive strength .

Novel Silica Phosphate Sol-Gel Glasses as a Model System to Study Cellular Response to Dynamic Mineralization

Team Number 208 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisor Dr . Rupak M . Rajachar, Biomedical Engineering Student Researchers Samantha Jang-Stewart, Logan Janka, and Kyle Tourni,

Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview Vascular calcification is highly correlated with cardiovascular disease mortality, especially in cases of end-stage renal disease and diabetes . Extensive studies have determined that pathological calcification is a highly regulated process . Developing synthetic biomaterials as instructive models of the extra-cellular microenvironment can be a significant step toward developing more physiologically relevant in vitro model systems . Therefore, creating novel silica phosphate sol-gel glasses could help us to understand the processes regulating pathological mineralization and ultimately to tailor cell-instructive materials to control these processes .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008



Groundwater Investigations Using Resistivity Surveys on a Terminal Moraine, Bering Glacier, Alaska

Team Number 209 Department Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Advisors Dr . John Gierke and Dr . Wayne Pennington, Geological and

Mining Engineering and Sciences Sponsors United States Bureau of Land Management, Michigan Tech

Research Institute Student Researchers Kevin Endsley, Silvia Espino, and Joshua Richardson, Applied

Geophysics

Project Overview Freshwater generated by the annual melting of the Bering Glacier, the largest glacier in North America, flows into Vitus Lake and is discharged into the Gulf of Alaska via the Seal River . Water budget analyses show that the annual freshwater discharge exceeds the river’s capacity . Further, Vitus Lake is saline at depth, which may be caused by subterranean intrusion of saltwater . These observations have led to the hypothesis that significant amounts of freshwater is discharging to the gulf as subterranean groundwater flow, overriding tidally influenced saltwater intrusion . Our primary purpose was to map the interface between the freshwater aquifer and the inferred underlying saltwater wedge . This investigation employed the geophysical technique of electrical resistivity sounding, which allows contrasts in electrical resistivity/conductivity in the subsurface to be resolved .

Ecohydrological Conditions of a Coastal Wetland

Team Number 210 Department Forest Resources and Environmental Science Advisor Rod Chimner Forest Resources and Environmental Science Sponsor Ecosystem Science Center Student Researcher Elsa Jensen, Forestry/Applied Ecology

Project Overview Intact coastal wetlands along the Great Lakes are not only ecologically valuable, but also are getting increasingly rare, as most have been significantly altered or eliminated . Recently, after facing a threat to develop the property, the Keweenaw Land Trust (KLT) and The Nature Conservancy (TNC) have acquired one of the largest (~1,100 acres) and best remaining intact coastal dune and swale wetlands on the Great Lakes . Utilizing a 200-acre parcel on the preserve, this project has three main objectives:

1 . Map the different plant communities using field inventories and corrected digital orthophotos2 . Quantify the hydrologic regime associated with the different vegetation communities . We will

monitor 25 existing groundwater monitoring wells, 5 piezometer nests, and 3 staff gauges through out the summer .

3 . Measure the nutrient status associated with the different vegetation types

This project will help quantify the ecohydrologic conditions in the wetland preserve that will help the KLT/TNC manage their preserve for the long term .

Create the Future



Explanation of the Buried Forest of Little Traverse Bay, Houghton County, Michigan

Team Number 211 Department Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Advisor Alex Guth, Geological and Mining Engineering Sciences Student Researchers Katie Schon, Alex Michells, and Jeremy Loucks, Geology

Project Overview Along the shoreline of Little Traverse Bay lie the remains of some tree stumps that appear to be growing in place . The objectives for our research were to determine the age of the trees (using radiometric dating) and the type of tree . Based on the results of this study we hope to draw some conclusions about the paleo-environment for this area and what caused the burial of the trees .

Exploration of BNNT/CNT Heterojunction

Team Number 212 Department Physics Advisor Yoke Khin Yap, Physics Student Researcher Ben Coupland, Physics

Project Overview Boron nitride nanotube/carbon nanotube heterojunctions are predicted to have many interesting electronic, magnetic, photonic/optical, and spintronic properties . This project involves an exploration of the possibility of synthesis of a BNNT/CNT heterojunction by plasma-enhanced pulsed laser deposition .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008



Development of an Experimental Setup to Analyze the Behavior of Two-phase Flow in Parallel and Diverging Micro-channels

Team Number 213 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Abhijit Mukherjee, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering

Mechanics Sponsor Michigan Technological University Student Researcher Zachary Edel, Mechanical Engineering

Project Overview Flow through microchannels is a matter of extensive study due to wide ranging applications in engineering and biological sciences . Bubble formation inside microchannels can regulate the flow characteristics and wall heat transfer when the bubbles are of the same size as the microchannel hydraulic diameter . An experimental setup was developed to the study growth of vapor bubbles inside a microchannel . The system is capable of measuring coolant flow rate, heat flux, pressure drop, velocity distribution, and bubble formation characteristics such as vapor bubble contact angle . It is set up to systematically vary channel diameter, liquid flow rate, and wall heat flux . Images of bubble growth will be obtained using a high-speed camera, and the Micro PIV technique will be utilized to obtain the fluid’s velocity distribution inside the channels . The results will provide fundamental understanding of the bubble growth process and help better design micro-heat exchangers .

Acetylation-dependent Binding Analysis of Rsc 1, 2, and 4 Bromodomain Proteins

Team Number 214 Department Chemistry Advisor Dr . Martin Thompson, Chemistry Student Researcher Christopher Kupitz, Chemistry

Project Overview The RSC complex is large, multi-unit complex made up of multiple subdomains . Three of the subdomains in particular, Rsc1, 2, and 4, contain bromodomains that are very similar to human pB1 . These subunits were chosen for this reason . Bromodomains are modules that bind to acetyl-lysine and are generally found in histone acetyltransferaces and chromatin remodelers . Recent studies, both in vivo and in vitro, indicate that bromodomains can discriminate acetyl-lysine side chains in histone proteins . Described here is the cloning, expression and activity measurement of Rsc 1, 2, and 4 bromodomains . The bromodomains were cloned from yeast DNA into a pET30b vector with a hexahistidine tag to enable one-step nickel purification . This allowed for the preparation and purification of large quantities of active Rsc protein for in vitro studies . Fluorescence-based bioactivity measurements were performed to determine binding efficiency . It was determined that the bromodomains do bind to acetylated histones with micromolar efficiency .

Create the Future



Identification of Bacterial Species in Metalworking Fluid Biofilms from the Genera Pseudomonas Using Fluorescent

In Situ hybridization (FISH)

Team Number 215 Department Biological Sciences Advisor Susan Bagley, Biological Sciences Student Researcher Nicole Lepinski, Biological Sciences, pre-medicine

concentration

Project Overview Bacteria from the genus Pseudomonas can be found in metalworking fluids, causing biodeterioration, biofouling, and respiratory diseases to exposed individuals . To detect bacteria in environmental samples, fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) is frequently used . FISH is a technique involving oligonucleotide probes, anywhere from 15 to 26 nucleotides in length, that enter the cell, hybridize to the complimentary 16s rRNA, and cause the targeted bacterial sample to fluoresce . Probes are highly specific and designed to bind to only one particular segment of the RNA . Several unique oligonucleotide probes that bind to the targeted bacteria are created using different software . Once created, the techniques of FISH are employed, and the resulting fluorescent images convey the presence of Pseudomonas bacteria within the metalworking fluid samples . If detection and early identification of these bacteria in industrial samples was possible, preventative procedures for machinery and human exposure could be developed .

Acetyl-lysine Dependent Binding of Bromodomain Proteins

Team Number 216 Department Chemistry Advisor Dr . Martin Thompson, Chemistry Student Researcher Samantha Stam, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Project Overview Bromodomain proteins are subunits of many chromatin remodeling complexes . These complexes are important in regulating the activation of genes . The function of the complexes is dependent on the ability of bromodomains to bind to acetylated lysine residues of histones . Bromodomains have been shown to be very specific in binding at particular chromosomal sites . The purpose of this project is to analyze the structural features of a bromodomain that allow it to recognize a particular acetyl-lysine . The binding affinity of various mutated forms of a bromodomain protein for a histone peptide will be studied . This may reveal information regarding the amino-acid sequence dependence of acetyl-lysine binding . Such data may provide key insights into how particular genes are activated within a cell .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008



Release of Interleukin-10 from Agarose/Methylcellulose Blended Hydrogel for Spinal Cord Injury Applications

Team Number 217 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisor Dr . Ryan Gilbert, Biomedical Engineering Sponsor Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Student Researcher Rebecca Klank, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview After initial spinal cord injury (SCI), a secondary, inflammatory injury response leads to further neuronal death . Thus, therapies are being developed to attenuate inflammation following SCI to spare neurons and improve regenerative outcomes . Interleukin-10 (IL-10) is a cytokine that modulates the inflammatory response . In this study, IL-10 was incorporated into a hydrogel blend consisting of agarose and methylcellulose and the release into solution was characterized . Bioactivity and release rate of the IL-10 was confirmed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay . IL-10 was released from the hydrogel over several days . These data suggest that IL-10 can be loaded into a hydrogel and delivered locally over a sustained period of time without altering the activity of the cytokine . Therefore, this hydrogel loaded with IL-10 has potential to reduce inflammation over a sustained period of time and to reduce secondary injury effects in the damaged spinal cord .

Characterization of Chitosan-coated Magnetoelastic Materials for Use in Percutaneous Implants

Team Number 218 Department Biomedical Engineering Advisor Dr . Rupak Rajachar, Biomedical Engineering Student Researchers Logan Janka, Biomedical Engineering and Mechanical

Engineering; and Natalie Hartman, Biomedical Engineering

Project Overview In this work, we are developing bioactively coated vibrational magnetoelastic (ME) materials for use as a remotely activated tunable coating . These coatings promote the inhibition of bacterial adhesion at the tissue-implant interface . ME sensors are currently used as an in situ method of measuring biological processes . This study developed an ME antimicrobial coating and characterized the response towards modulated sensor frequency-amplitude vibrational profiles . A thin film of chitosan, a natural polymer with antimicrobial properties, was produced using spin coating and quantified . Custom-built activation coils were constructed measuring resonant frequencies and amplitudes of coated and uncoated ME material . Based upon collected data, a representative curve was created modeling the changes in resonant frequency and amplitude . A threefold decrease in bacterial adhesion was shown in remotely vibrated ME materials versus control samples . Currently we are testing the effectiveness of these coatings at inhibiting the adhesion of multiple strains of bacteria .

Consumer Products Manufacturing

Team Number 301 Department Chemical Engineering Advisors Dr . Tony Rogers and Dr . Sean Clancey, Chemical

Engineering Sponsor Keweenaw Brewing Company Team Leaders Jessica Ruth, Mechanical Engineering; Laura

Strohkirch, Chemical Engineering

Overview The Consumer Product Manufacturing Enterprise is currently sponsored by the Keweenaw Brewing Company (KBC) . Our project is a post-filling apparatus that the KBC will use to rinse and dry their cans after they are filled and sealed . The goal for the class this semester is to test and install the machinery in the KBC’s South Range facility . Our Enterprise Expo display will show our accomplishments and possible future plans .

Wireless Communication Enterprise

Team Number 302 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Christopher Cischke, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsors Boston Scientific, Roehl Transport, Patrick Eddy,

Chrysler Foundation, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

Team Leaders Dominic Winkelman, Computer Engineering; and Matt Opsteen, Electrical Engineering

Overview The Wireless Communication Enterprise creates wireless, optical, and biomedical solutions . The enterprise operates as a virtual company with students holding leadership positions at the project and executive level . The enterprise has as many as twelve different teams working a semester . Recently a team has worked with biomedical company Boston Scientific to analyze data from pacemakers and search for patterns . A project sponsored by Roehl Transport is developing a more truck-friendly GPS system . There has been a current and growing focus on renewable energy worldwide, and the WCE represents part of this trend . Two teams have been devoted to developing renewable energy applications for the University and individuals . The WCE also runs several internal projects, most of which start with ideas brainstormed among the members . These projects range from RFID inventory control to wireless weather sensors .

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Create the Future

Enterprise Teams

Create the Future


Enterprise Teams

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Enterprise Teams

Forest and Environmental Resource Management (FERM)

Team Number 303 Department School of Forest Resources and Environmental

Science Advisor Dr . James Rivard, School of Forest Resources and

Environmental Science Team Leaders Matt Payment and Lindsay Wyatt

Overview The Forest and Environmental Resource Management (FERM) team specializes in implementing forest management practices to enhance wildlife habitat, promote quality timber growth, restore ecological diversity, and provide recreational opportunities . Recent projects include the Nara Nature Park, the Swedetown Recreational Trails, a variety of Michigan Tech timber sales, and a Maple Syrup Workshop and Production Facility .

BoardSport Technologies

Team Number 304 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Ibrahim Miskioglu, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Team Leaders Josh Landwehr and Andrew Brinks, Mechanical

Engineering

Overview The BoardSport Technologies Enterprise is devoted to giving students real-world experience with industry and faculty in the design and construction of boards for various board sports . BST is split into the Wake, Snow, and Park teams . Each team operates as a separate entity and is responsible for its own management, operation, and productivity . The Wake Team primarily focuses on wake-related sports (wakeboarding, wakeskating, etc .), the Snow Team focuses on snow sports (snowboarding, skiing, etc .), and the Park Team creates terrain-park features (boxes, rails, etc .) for ski hills . All members of BST are trained or being trained in design and manufacturing of boards . In addition, BST makes it a priority to include original and pioneering features into every board that is manufactured .

Create the Future


Enterprise Teams

Aerospace Enterprise

Team Number 305 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . L . Brad King, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsors Raytheon Missile Systems, ABSL Power

Solutions, Wind River, Analytical Graphics, Inc . Team Leaders Jason Julien, Electrical Engineering; Peter

Radecki Mechanical Engineering

Overview The Aerospace Enterprise is a student-run organization that works with industry partners to create and develop space-related projects . Currently the Aerospace Enterprise is working on four projects: Oculus, a student-designed and -constructed satellite; Can-Sat, a rocket-launched, data-gathering device; Glider, an autonomous flight vehicle; and C-9, a team researching ion space propulsion .

ETEC—Efficiency Through Engineering and Construction

Team Number 306 Department School of Technology Advisor Dave Bach, School of Technology Team Leaders Justin Hicks, Civil Engineering; and Greg Wagner,

Construction Management

Overview ETEC strives to engage in engineering and construction through real-world projects . It is a multidisciplinary team of highly skilled engineering and construction professionals focused on developing, solving, and redefining today’s engineering problems . We are dedicated to the principles of efficient design, social impact, environmental stewardship, and value to our customers .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Enterprise Teams

Automotive Systems Enterprise: MTU Supermileage

Team Number 307 Department Engineering Fundamentals Advisor Jim Hertel, Engineering Fundamentals Sponsors Robert Bosch Corporation (primary), Agilent,

Square D, Garmin Team Leaders Matthew Silhavy, Mechanical Engineering; and

Paul Wright, Computer Engineering

Overview Michigan Tech Enterprise Automotive Systems Enterprise (ASE) focuses on automotive systems development and working as a design team . The ASE mission is to design and build a single-person, fuel-efficient vehicle around a small, 3 .5 hp, four-cycle engine that will be competitive at the 2008 SAE Supermileage competition . Past competitions have seen fuel efficiencies around 1,500 mpg . ASE consists of three engineering teams (Vehicle Design, Powertrain, and Electrical) that work toward a common goal while utilizing state of the art technologies . In the future ASE will push the boundaries of Supermileage development with their innovative designs .

Aqua Terra Tech

Team Number 308 Department Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Advisor Dr . John Gierke, Geological and Mining

Engineering and Sciences Sponsors National Science Foundation, Thrivent Financial

for Lutherans Foundation Team Leaders Katelyn FitzGerald, Geological Engineering; and

Briana Drake, Environmental Engineering

Overview Aqua Terra Tech is an interdisciplinary enterprise group comprised of Michigan Tech students in civil, geological, and environmental engineering providing planning, analysis, and design services for community water resources for community water resource needs . Students are dedicated to developing and promoting sustainable water solutions on a global scale . We are working on two main projects: Earth and Hydro Science Outreach (EH-SO) and Agua . The EH-SO project consists of setting up model geo-environmental enterprises at urban high schools in the Midwest using bioretention facilities, more commonly known as raingardens, and experiments with porous pavement as starter projects . Our second project, Agua, is an effort to create a model for a sustainable water pump and distribution system for small communities in developing countries .

Create the Future


Enterprise Teams

STC Arts Enterprise Team Number 309 Department Humanities Advisor Michael Moore, Humanities Sponsors Michigan Tech Affirmative Programs, Michigan

Tech Fund/Annual Giving, School of Business and Economics, Undergraduate Student Government

Team Leaders Rae Suter and Cameal Young, Scientific and Technical Communication

Overview The STC Arts Enterprise is a revenue-generating learning organization with team members from disciplines across campus . Affiliated with the Department of Humanities, we are a team of professional writers and designers who solve communication problems and develop technical and creative solutions for a wide range of on- and off-campus clients . Our members’ backgrounds range from civil engineering to psychology . Our team looks for students who are passionate, people-centric, motivated, and creative . STC Arts members demonstrate a strong desire to grow as professionals and to develop a supportive team dynamic . Our clients have provided a steady stream of projects, including a content management system for the Undergraduate Student Government, the University’s new sexual harassment training material, and a website to showcase the work of a professional photographer . For more information, go to our blog/informational site at www .starts .org .

Husky Game Development

Team Number 310 Department Computer Science Advisor Dr . Robert Pastel, Computer Science Sponsor T2 Communications Team Leaders Christopher Jackson, Electrical Engineering; and

Brandyn, Phelps, Computer Science

Overview Husky Game Development (HGD) Enterprise, a student-led virtual company, provides real professional experience developing video games . HGD researches and develops video game applications and uses the profits to fund internal game projects that are eventually licensed . Exceptional games are marketed and help to create a self-sustaining company . HGD provides rich educational experiences in design, team building, project management, leadership, professionalism, community involvement, and game development . HGD supports the University by returning the overhead from funded projects, providing students the opportunity to learn game development, and assisting in recruiting students . HGD is well known for providing students with the skills they’ll need for the fast-paced video game industry and the professionalism that corporations look for in today’s highly competitive job market . Students partaking in HGD build upon their social skills and establish a firm foundation for future contacts .

FIRST Robotics Enterprise

Team Number 311 Department Engineering Fundamentals Advisor Doug Oppliger, Engineering Fundamentals Sponsors Michigan Tech, Chrysler Foundation, General

Motors, Architectural Metals of SW Florida, Inc ., Houghton High School, ThermoAnalytics, UPPCO, Superior Graphics, Pasty .net

Team Leaders Lance Harvala and Aaron Vergin, Mechanical Engineering

Overview FIRST, a nonprofit organization founded in 1992 by inventor and entrepreneur Dean Kamen, is dedicated to inspiring an enthusiasm for science, engineering, and technology in high school students throughout the country . We, the FIRST Robotics Enterprise, carry out the FIRST mission by participating in the FIRST Robotics Competition . In this program, college students and professional engineers work hand in hand with high school students through the design and assembly of a fully functional robot . Each year, the robot must complete a different set of tasks by playing a game, released in early January . Teams have just six weeks to solidify their design and build their robot before shipping it to one of thirty-six regional competitions across the globe . Participation provides real-world experience in computer-aided design, manufacturing, electronics, programming, and team management, and requires a significant investment of time from every team member .

Challenge X

Team Number 312 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . John Beard, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor General Motors, Department of Energy Team Leader Todd Cimermancic, Mechanical Engineering

Technology

Overview The task set before our enterprise team was a four-year project sponsored by GM and DOE . The goal is to modify a 2005 Equinox to increase fuel economy and reduce emissions . In year one, the Michigan Tech team designed and modeled the vehicle . The team planned our modifications, made presentations, modeled components, and wrote reports highlighting the plan for the Michigan Tech vehicle . The team chose a 2 .0-liter Ford gas engine to power the front wheels and an electric motor to power the rear wheels . Year three’s focus is building the through-the-road parallel hybrid vehicle . Year four’s goal is to reach a 99 percent buy-off .

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Undergraduate eXpo


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Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Enterprise Teams

Create the Future


Enterprise Teams

Blue Marble Security

Team Number 313 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisor Glen Archer, Electrical and Computer

Engineering Sponsors General Dynamics Land Systems, Superior

Diesel, General Motors Foundation, Aaron Ellison Team Leaders Nils Stenvig, Electrical Engineering, Sean Butts,

Electrical/Computer Engineering

Overview Blue Marble is a group of undergraduate American and international students who have formed a virtual company focused on securing the future through thoughtful use of technology . Our student-led virtual company offers a rich educational experience in engineering design, team building, project management, and original product development . Blue Marble is developing a student-owned enterprise culture that fosters high professional standards, creativity, productivity, and a burning desire to learn . We intend for our graduates to be ready for the world’s most challenging careers as they complete the Enterprise Program . Our engineering and product development teams fall into two major business areas—industry-sponsored R&D and commercial product development . Within these two areas, we have eleven projects under way across a variety of areas, including security, the environment, and industrial process control .

Cin/Optic Media

Team Number 314 Department Visual and Performing Arts Advisor Dr . Erin Smith, Humanities Team Leaders Mark James Skwarski and Steve Parrish,

Electrical Engineering

Overview Cin/Optic Media is a new team in the Enterprise Program, focusing on the creation of videos and the engineering of new, innovative video technology . As a student-owned and operated business, Cin/Optic Media’s goal is to provide professional and valuable video production services, while also designing fresh and innovative implementations of professional video technologies at a consumer-grade price . By balancing both creative and technical aspects of video, the primary goal is to focus on clients’ needs and expectations while developing artistically engineered products . By capitalizing on creative and technical strengths and fortifying relationships with advertisers (local and global), video technology corporations, talent, and audiences, Cin/Optic Media stands to broaden students’ education in the media industry through real-world business experience .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Enterprise Teams

Innovative Castings Enterprise (ICE)


Engineering Sponsor ThyssenKrupp Waupaca Foundries, CAT, Ford,

Chrysler Team Leaders Jarrod Cunnings and Matt Vandyke, Materials

Science and Engineering

Overview ICE is a mixture of materials science and mechanical engineering students who are interested in furthering knowledge in the metal casting industry . We work with corporations on research and development of new casting technologies .

Noise, Vibration, and Harshness Enterprise

Team Number 316 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Dr . Mohan Rao, Mechanical Engineering–

Engineering Mechanics Sponsor Volvo Construction Equipment, Terex Handlers Team Leaders Andrew Willemsen and Joel Ford, Mechanical

Engineering

Overview The Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) Enterprise is directed toward education, training, and entrepreneurship in noise and vibration . The emphasis is on learning the concepts and experimental and numerical tools needed to solve practical NVH problems from industry . Initial funding for the program has been obtained from Volvo Construction Equipment Korea to address noise and vibration in their excavators . This year, the NVH Enterprise completed a project to reduce the interior noise level of the Volvo EC210C excavator cab by 3 decibels, first by identifying key airborne and structure-borne noise paths into the cab and then by designing appropriate acoustical treatments to eliminate these noise paths . Currently, the enterprise is continuing noise-reduction work for the EC210C excavator cab and completing several smaller noise-control projects for additional industry partners .

Create the Future


Enterprise Teams

Program in Integrated Sustainable Manufacturing Enterprise PrISM


Engineering Sponsor Chrysler Foundation Team Leaders Matt Alt and Dan Kempke, Mechanical

Engineering

Overview Our mission: To use integrated product/process realization methods to develop products that satisfy a demonstrated market need and can be sold at a price greater than their manufacturing cost . PrISM is focused on product design from a manufacturing standpoint . Team members gain hands-on machining experience and are exposed to engineering concepts such as design for manufacturing . Students also gain skills in teamwork, leadership, CAD and CAM software, and manufacturing/machining techniques . Looking toward the future, PrISM hopes to become the manufacturing authority on campus, with expertise ranging from machining and other metal-forming techniques to more advanced manufacturing operations . We will be looking to contract our services to a broad range of outlets, from campus-based organizations to outside corporations .

Nanotechnology Enterprise

Team Number 318 Department Physics Advisor Dr . John Jasczak, Physics Sponsor National Science Foundation Team Leaders Echoe Bouta and Jennifer Brinks, Biomedical

Engineering

Overview The Nanotechnology Enterprise is just getting started and is currently in its first semester . This enterprise will be working on many projects now in the planning stages . We hope to work very closely with the local community to educate middle and high school students through outreach programs . The largest project which is proposed is building a functional, affordable microscope .

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Enterprise Teams

Integrated Microsystems Enterprise

Team Number 319 Department Electrical and Computer Engineering Advisors Dr . Paul Bergstrom, Electrical and Computer

Engineering; and Dr . Craig Friedrich, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics

Sponsors NSF WIMS, Michigan Tech, V .I .O ., Inc ., and General Dynamics Land Systems

Team Leaders Lewis Sweet and Josh Lecker, Computer Engineering

Overview The Integrated Microsystems Enterprise (IME) is team of undergraduate students investigating and applying microsystem technologies to real-world engineered systems . The Engineering Enterprise Program provides students direct experience over the course of three years in a student-run enterprise to add real-world engineering challenges to the more traditional undergraduate engineering educational experience . Students operate a virtual company with measurable deliverables . To accomplish this, students take up to 16 credit hours composed of project credits; complete short-course modules that include communications, management, finance, and other key areas; and develop and market a product or service . Students are encouraged to begin in the sophomore year and continue until graduation .

Formula SAE

Team Number 320 Department Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics Advisor Ron Savela, nonfaculty advisor Sponsors General Motors Foundation, Chrysler, 3M,

American Axle and Manufacturing, Cummins, Inc ., Trijicon, Inc ., Alcoa, Inc .

Team Leaders Jon Borlee, Emrae Mooney, Mechanical Engineering

Overview Every year over 130 teams from universities around the world build formula-style racecars to compete in both static and dynamic events at the annual Formula SAE world competition, held in Michigan . The aim is to build an affordable car geared towards the weekend auto-crosser; static engineering innovations and dynamic racing capabilities are judged and ranked . Michigan Tech has a long history of top-performing cars and top-engineering innovations . The 2007 car was a testament to the team’s dedication, ranking over 30 places better than its 2006 finish . Further technical advances and refinements will make Michigan Tech’s car a top contender in 2008 .

Pavement Design, Construction, and Materials

Team Number 321 Department Civil and Environmental Engineering Advisors Dr . George Dewey and Dr . Bill Leder, Civil and

Environmental Engineering Sponsors Volcon Materials, Bob and Ellen Thompson,

University Transportation Center for Materials in Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (MiSTI)

Team Leaders Shandre Huff and Aaron Snyder, Civil Engineering

Overview The Pavement Design, Construction, and Materials (PDCM) Enterprise focuses on transportation infrastructure . Students gain hands-on expertise with real-world projects, meeting schedules, developing budgets, designing projects, experimenting with materials, and providing actual products and services . The PDCM Enterprise has thirty-four active student members majoring in civil engineering, environmental engineering, and construction management . Work ranges from helping communities develop ways to catalogue and manage their transportation infrastructure to designing prospective facilities . Other projects include laboratory research on new products and processes, as well as the environmental aspects of transportation materials and facilities . The Pavement Enterprise competes nationally in a construction bid competition and an asphalt mix design competition . Project work is presented each semester to an Advisory Board of Construction and Transportation business professionals .

International Business Ventures

Team Number 322 Department Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies,

School of Business and Economics Advisors Dr . Robert Warrington, Institute for

Interdisciplinary Studies; Anne Warrington, School of Business and Economics; Dr . Michael Neuman, Biomedical Engineering; and Edward Romero, Mechanical Engineering–Engineering Mechanics

Sponsor J . Edgar McAllister Foundation, Michigan Technological University

Team Leaders Laurilee Kroll, School of Business and Economics, Keith Magic, Biomedical Engineering

Overview The goal of the International Business Venture Enterprise is to integrate students of different disciplines to successfully develop and bring products to market . The enterprise strives to work with international companies and universities and the members learn many teaming and relational skills . Overall, the enterprise will help members gain an understanding of what is necessary to design, develop, and market a product in both the US and abroad .

Enterprise Teams


Enterprise Teams

Create the Future


Enterprise Teams

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Enterprise Teams

Alternative Fuels Group

Team Number 323 Department Chemical Engineering Advisor Dr . Jason Keith, Chemical Engineering Sponsors John Deere Corporation, Amerace–Microporous

Products, L .P . Team Leaders Andrew Bolthouse, Mechanical Engineering

Technology; and Kelsey Sprenger, Chemical Engineering

Overview In the spring of 2002, a group of students involved with AIChE’s Chem-E Car competition returned with a first-place victory from the AIChE regional conference . The team members had bigger visions for the Chem-E Car: to develop a more efficient power source, such as a hydrogen fuel cell, and to machine a better vehicle with improved vehicle dynamics . They molded their group into an enterprise that would provide opportunities for young professionals in multiple academic disciplines to research and develop alternative fuels . Projects, research, and development are done in conjunction with industry sponsors to give viable solutions to real-world energy problems . Current projects are with John Deere (e-Gator) and Microporous Products L .P . (battery separators) .

Create the Future


High School Enterprise

IDK Computer Gaming

Team Number 401 School Cass Technical High School, Detroit Advisor Constance Montgomery Team Members Ashley McBride, Lynette Webb, Zulhaj

Choudhury, Joshua Long, Everett Rasheed, William Hearn, Amber Scaffold, Kenneth Smith, Charles Goldman, and Jazzalyn Smith

Overview The team meets twice a week for two hours to design and build computer games . Students are grouped by their interest . Teams of three to five students work on programming, art work, writing, storyline, and music . Students use software programs (Paint, Photoshop, and PowerPoint) to help formulate their thoughts and keep track of the group’s progress . Torque X Builder and XNA Gaming Studio Express are used to develop game layouts and programming code . The first level of the game is in production .

Underwater Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV)

Team Number 402 School Utica High School, Utica Advisors Geoff Clark, Scott Spry, Warren Day Sponsors Michigan Technological University, Utica

Education Foundation Team Members Katie Thudium, Alex Baril, Danny Helou, Allen

Kirma, Kyle Holdwick, Kyle Gill, Peter Gjonaj, Kristen Florence, and Travis Koss

Overview Our aim is to build an underwater ROV that can successfully participate in the Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) underwater ROV regional competition held in Alpena, Michigan, on April 19, 2008 . We are creating a design, building prototypes, working in teams, and communicating with other students, teachers, and professionals . Team members must consider and analyze the financial aspects of the project and master technologies well beyond the scope of normal classroom activities .

Create the Future

Undergraduate eXpo


2008


Undergraduate eXpo


2008


High School Enterprise

Alternative Housing

Team Number 403 School Calumet High School, Calumet Advisors Eric Rundman, C . J . Belill Sponsors Michigan Technological University,

C . J . Upholstery Team Members Jordan Kronshage, Nick Harris, Tom Raasakka,

Wade Pietila, Danny Karrio, Chris Joosten, Brent Anderson, Tim Basto, Jenny Isaacson, Jared Hyrkas, Marc Madigan, Caneshia Harris, Hurricane Hamilton, and Ryan Johnson

Overview The team aims to produce working models and detailed project plans for affordable, functional, nontraditional housing incorporating renewable energy and high efficiency technology . Eventually, these plans and components could be sold to the public . In addition, completed prototypes and models could be rented or sold, providing revenue for the C-L-K School District . A website with links to vendors could also provide a source of commission revenue . The project for 2007–08 blends old technology with new . Students are researching, designing, and constructing a yurt using a variety of materials and processes . Methods of heating and cooling the yurt, insulation factors, and the use of solar power and battery banks to provide electricity will also be investigated .

3MABSL Power Solutions Agilent AlcoaAmerace—Microporous Products, L .P .American Axle and ManufacturingAmerican Electric PowerAnalytical Graphics Incorporated Anchor CouplingArchitectural MetalsBAE SystemsRobert Bosch LLCBoston Scientific CorporationCaterpillarChryslerChrysler Corporation FundCleveland Cliffs Inc .Cummins, Inc .DENSO North American FoundationDepartment of EnergyDickinson-Iron Intermediate School DistrictPatrick EddyEastern Alloys, Inc .Aaron K . EllisonFord Motor CompanyGarminGeneral Dynamics Land Systems General Motors CorporationGeneral Motors FoundationHGS AerospaceHoughton High SchoolITC Holdings, Corp .J . Edgar McAllister Foundation John DeereKeweenaw Brewing CompanyKimberly-ClarkLaurium Manor InnMercury MarineMichigan Tech Enterprise Corporation (MTEC)Microporous Products, L .P .Mont RipleyMSGCMulholland Inc .National Science FoundationNational Science Foundation—WIMS

Oshkosh CorporationRaytheon Missile SystemsRexair LLCRoehl TransportDr . Mike RoggemanPasty .net Square DSuperior DieselSuperior Graphics T2 Communications, LLCTerex HandlersThermoAnalyticsBob and Ellen ThompsonThrivent for Lutherans FoundationThyssenKrupp Waupaca FoundriesTrijicon Inc .United States SteelUPPCOV .I .O . IncVolcon Materials Volvo Construction EquipmentWind RiverUniversity Transportation Center for Materials in Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (MiSTI)

To find out how you can be on this list, contact Rick Berkey at �0�-�8�-��0�, [email protected].

Special thanks to our industry and community sponsors and partners

More Special Thanks To the many faculty advisors who support our Enterprise, Senior Design, Undergraduate Research, and Independent Research Teams; to the distinguished judges who gave of their time and talents to help make the Undergraduate Expo a success; to University Marketing and Communications, who created this beautiful new Expo Booklet; and to all of the support staff and the behind-the-scenes heroes; we are so grateful for your dedication to the Expo and to our students! Many, many, many thanks!

Acknowledgements

Create the Future


Michigan Technological University Career

CenterHelping you � nd the best-quali� ed candidates for internships, co-ops,and permanent employment

Our ServicesOn-campus recruiting

If you want to “size up” potential full-time employees, consider ourative education or summer internship programs.

Unable to come to campus? Consider posting your opportunities in our web-based job posting system.

Looking to increase your visibility on campus? Consider the Career Center Partners Program.

you need.

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Career Center • Harold Meese Center • 1400 Townsend Drive • Houghton, MI 49931Telephone: 906-487-2313 • Fax: 906-487-3317 • Email: [email protected] • www.career.mtu.edu

Contact us to get the talent

cooper

Corporations come to Michigan Tech when they want us to help solve problems.

Our students and our world-class faculty members—often with the financial support of our corporate partners—are tackling some of the world’s most vexing challenges:

• climate change• renewable energy• national security

As a corporate partner, you can join Tech in developing human capital: valued and talented people who will produce strategies to enhance your bottom line…and the world you live in.

Michigan Technological University • Office of Corporate Development1400 Townsend Drive • Houghton, MI 49931-1295

Phone: 906-487-3099 • Fax: 906-487-3488 • Email: [email protected]

Ford Field—Detroit • Thursday, November 6, 2008Admission is FREE for teachers and students.

www.yes.mtu.edu

Hosted by In partnership withInnovation Emporium, Inc.

Corporate sponsorship opportunities are available. Please contact: Pete Cattelino, Director, YES! ExpoPhone 906-487-3486 • Fax 906-487-3488 • [email protected]

The students of today

Your workforce of tomorrow

The for inspiration awaits

Create the Future

Michigan Technological University is an equal opportunity educational institution/equal opportunity employer.

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