3rd Place Award Senior Design Projects

Project summary   
The General Motors Lansing Delta Plant currently assembles a V6 AWD engine for their production vehicles. In the spring of 2007 a new AWD powertrain option will be available. This project addresses the fact that the current V6 and upcoming engines cannot be assembled using the same process on the current assembly line. The goal of this project is to incorporate a design into the assembly line to allow for either engine to be assembled as production warrants.

Honorable Mention Award Senior Design Projects

  
Project summary
The purpose of this project was to design and build a prototype of an improved wastewater aeration system, utilizing a pump and a multi-stage venturi. In addition, the generation of Computational Fluid Dynamic models provides a means for correlating testing data to that of a simulated model. This new design provides a self-stirring process allowing for start/stop operation as well as decreased manufacturing and assembly costs. The project goal is to develop a “formula” for the optimal design, maximizing the air intake into the venturi.

Project summary Power system estimation depends on accurate models of the transmission lines. In most cases the calculated line impedance may be accurate enough, but at times the surface topography complicates the calculations. Using a Phasor Measuring Unit (PMU), it is possible to capture actual line current and voltage measurements which are synchronized in time from both ends of the line. A PMU uses GPS timestamps to synchronize the measured variables, which makes it a powerful tool in observing the conditions of the electric power system. Using these tools, the team is charged to create a better impedance model using these measurements

Abstract               
The researchers investigated factors that may influence mood in the workplace or in the classroom to see if an ideal work environment could be created for inducing a positive mood. The researchers investigated if scenery and lighting would have an effect on mood. Using a classroom with fluorescent and incandescent light options, participants viewed a slide show of either nature or industrial photos. After viewing the slideshow, the participants completed a mood scale. The first hypothesis was that fluorescent lighting would induce a more positive mood than incandescent lighting. The second hypothesis was that nature scenery would induce a more positive mood than industrial scenery. The third hypothesis was that the type of lighting would influence the effect of type of scenery on mood. The hypotheses were based on prior research which showed that cool light hues induced a more positive mood in young adults than warm light hues. Prior research has also shown that nature scenery has restorative effects and the ability to induce positive moods. Based on these findings, the researchers combined the two factors to see if an interaction could be found. The participants completed an informed consent form. Participants then viewed a slideshow in a room illuminated by either fluorescent or incandescent lighting. The slide show, of nature or
industrial photos, lasted approximately seven minutes. Immediately after viewing the slide show, the participants completed a mood scale. At the end of the session, the participants were debriefed and thanked. The first hypothesis that lighting would affect mood was not supported. However, the second hypothesis that nature scenery would induce a more positive mood than industrial scenery was supported. A significant difference in group means was found for type of scenery. The third hypothesis that the type of lighting would influence the effect of type of scenery on mood was not supported. It is possible that the manipulation of lighting was not strong enough, as the light from the projector may have interfered with the lighting. Congruent with previous literature, this study demonstrated that nature scenery induces a more positive mood than industrial scenery. Future research could refine this study by collecting data across more settings to be applicable to more work environments. Future research could also address the effects of the environment on other scales such as productivity.

    
Abstract               
Trauma sustained to the central nervous system is a debilitating problem for thousands of people worldwide. Neuronal regeneration within central nervous system is hindered by several factors. Injury stimulates astrocytes to produce inhibitory extracellular matrix molecules which impede regeneration. Inhibitors within myelin, an irregular geometry, and the lack of scaffolding are other factors that constrain neuronal regeneration. Biocompatible hydrogels, injectable at room temperature, that rapidly gel at physiological temperatures (37˚C) are beneficial materials that could hold potential scaffolding materials within the injury site and slowly release beneficial therapeutics to improve regeneration outcomes. Our studies have shown that thermoreversible methylcellulose hydrogels can be combined with nerve growth supportive agarose to create hydrogel blends that accommodate these properties. Three separate novel hydrogel blends were created each using one of three different commercially available agaroses mixed with methylcellulose. Gelation time tests show that the blends gel at a faster rate than base methylcellulose at 37˚C, and culturing experiments show biocompatibility with dissociated dorsal root ganglia neurons. The different blends were further assessed using degradation tests, evaluating pore size characteristics using scanning electron microscopy, and injectability tests. This research demonstrates that blends of agarose and methylcellulose solidify much more quickly than plain methylcellulose, while solidifying at physiological temperatures that agarose cannot solidify at. Thus, these hydrogel blends merit further consideration as a component of a multi-faceted approach to promote nerve regeneration within the damaged spinal cord.

  
Abstract               

1st Place Award Enterprise Poster Presentation

Project Summary   
CPM is working with a local client to develop supporting equipment for a small-scale beverage canning process. Specifically, a can-handling device was created to efficiently deliver empty cans to the filling machine. After filling, a second device was created to rinse and dry the cans and send them to a holding area. Creating these devices was a collaborative effort with the client to identify the needs, conduct testing, optimize the designs, and fabricate the equipment.

          
Project Summary   
International Business Ventures (IBV) develops Worldwide Intellectual Property. Our current projects Include biomedical instruments, research, and new campus recruiting techniques.

           
Project Summary
Seventeen teams have been challenged to re-engineer a GM Equinox, a crossover sport utility vehicle to minimize energy consumption, emissions, and greenhouse gases while maintaining or exceeding the vehicle’s utility and performance. The competition focuses on modeling, simulation, and testing of the vehicle powertrain and vehicle subsystems selected by each school. Teams receive scores at competition for written reports, a Pre-Competition Hardware Evaluation, an Oral Presentations, a Live Simulation Events, and K-12 Education Outreach Program.

Paige Hackney, Elizabeth Van Dam of College of Engineering which administered the event

Student team giving presentation

Prizes:

Undergraduate Research
Sponsored by the Department of Educational Opportunity
Based on Abstract, Poster and Presentation

• 1st $100.00
• 2nd $75.00
• 3rd $50.00

Senior Design Project
Sponsored by the College of Engineering
Based on Poster

• 1st $150.00
• 2nd $100.00
• 3rd $75.00
• Honorable Mention $50.00
• Honorable Mention $50.00
• Honorable Mention $50.00

Enterprise
Sponsored by the College of Engineering
Based on Poster and Presentation

• 1st $300.00
• 2nd $150.00
• 3rd $100.00

Keat Ghee Ong

Assistant Professor, Bio-Medical Engineering, MTU

Ryan Gilbert

Assistant Professor, Bio-Medical Engineering, MTU

Mike Neuman

Dept Chair Bio-Medical Engineering, MTU

Rick Berkey

Senior Research Engineer II, College of Engineering, MTU

Kim Geiger

Outreach Coordinator, College of Engineering, MTU

Jim Baker

Director, Technology Partnerships

Gretchen Hein

Lecturer, Engineering Fundamentals, MTU

Joanne Scillatoe

Assistant Prof. School of Business and Economics, MTU

Thomas Van Dam

Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering, MTU

Beth Hoy

Coordinator, University Transportation Center, CEE,MTU

Rupak Rajachar

Assistant Professor, Bio-Medical Engineering, MTU

Ron Pratt

President, Pine Knoll IP Technologies, LLC,

Brett Hamlin

Assistant Department Chair, Engineering Fundamentals, MTU

John Gierke

Associate Professor, Geological Mining Engineering Science, MTU

Farrah Harris

B.H. Barkalow, Inc,

Will Poirier

General Motors/MTU Recruiting Team Manager

Hal Seppala

Retired Senior Research Specialist 3M

Julie  Hart

Boston Scientific

Jon Leinonen

Program Manager,  Michigan Tech Enterprise Corporation

Ray Hayes

Staff Engineer, Dolan Technology Center, American Electric Power (AEP)

Carl   Blair

Coordinator of Study Abroad, MTU

Joe Defilippi

Director of Product Development ,US Steel Corp.

Ibrahim Miskioglu

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics. MTU

David Perry

Director, Engineering & Business Dev., Armor Holdings Aerospace and Defense Group

Patty Lins

Director Educational Technology Services and Online Learning, MTU

Ann Brady

Assistant Professor , Humanities, MTU

Dana Johnson

Associate Professor School of Business, MTU

Charles Wallace

Associate Professor Computer Science, MTU

Adam Johnson

Assistant Director Corporate Development, MTU

Sean Clancey

Lecturer, Chemical Engineering, MTU

Michele Miller

Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, MTU

Kris Mattila

Associate Dean, College of Engineering, MTU

Mike Morley

Manager, Technical Communications and Economic Development, MTU

John Diebel

Technology Licensing Associate, MTU

MirSadri-Sabet

Lecturer, Engineering Fundamentals, MTU

Mary    Raber

Director Enterprise Program, MTU

Jim Frendewey

Associate Dean School Business and Economics, MTU