1st Place Award Senior Design Projects

Project summary

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 30 lbs to the total weight of the vehicle and increase the total overall cost. In an effort 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.

2nd Place Award Senior Design Projects

Project summary   

Our team 10 is tasked to design a biological tissue shear test system at the request of 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. The lab utilizes live tissue in the shape of cylindrical explants. These explants have a diameter of 6mm and range in height from 2mm to 5mm. 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.

3rd Place Award Senior Design Projects

Project summary   

The Innovative Castings Enterprise (ICE) is working with ThyssenKrupp Waupaca to investigate taking a welded semi-trailer sand shoe and converting it into a cast component. The current sand shoe design is comprised of a welded assembly with 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.

Honorable Mention Award Senior Design Projects

Project summary   

Senior design team 7 is currently in the process of designing a gas generation and storage facility for Michigan Technological University’s Alternative Energy Research Laboratory. The room must be properly ventilated using HVAC procedures, methods and technologies. This would entail the designing of the entire ventilation system within the gas room and also the air compressor room. The design is to be aligned with the current 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 MTU by Dr. Mohan Rao. The sponsor to the project is Mr. Jeremy Worm.

Honorable Mention Award Senior Design Projects

  
Project summary

Our Senior Design team, an interdisciplinary team made up of six Michigan Technological University students, will be 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

Honorable Mention Award Senior Design Projects

Project summary

The Geological and Mining Engineering and Sciences Department 2007-2008 Senior Design Team was commissioned to perform a slope stability study on an open pit mine operated by Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. located 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 both work along side professionals in 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 slope stability of the wall. Using this information, a final report with data and recommendations was compiled.

Abstract   

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 be 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 reduce secondary injury effects in the damaged spinal cord.

2nd Place Award Undergraduate Research Presentation

Abstract   

The Bering Glacier is the largest glacier on the North American continent. Freshwater generated by the annual melting of this glacier flows directly into Vitus Lake, which borders the glacier terminus, and is discharged into the Gulf of Alaska via the Seal River. Water budget analyses in this area indicate that the annual discharge of freshwater from glacial melting exceeds the capacity of the Seal River. Furthermore, Vitus Lake is saline at depth, which may be caused by subterranean intrusion of saltwater. These observations have led to the hypothesis of significant amounts of freshwater discharging to the Gulf as subterranean groundwater flow, overriding tidally influenced saltwater intrusion. The primary purpose of this investigation 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.

  
Abstract   

1st Place Award Enterprise Poster Presentation

Project Summary   

The Integrated Microsystems Enterprise (IME) is a team of
undergraduate students investigating and app;ying microsystem
technologies to real-world engineered systems. The 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 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 their sophomore year and continue until graduation.

2nd Place Award Enterprise Poster Presentation

  
Project Summary  

Blue Marble is a group of undergraduate students who have
formed a virtual company of American and international students focused on securing the future through thoughtful use of technology. Our student-led virtual company combines 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 11 projects underway across a variety of technology areas

3rd Place Award Enterprise Poster Presentation

  
Project Summary   

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.

Awards for High School Enterprise Teams

"Best Business Oriented Project" - Calumet HS

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 ncorporating 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.

"Best Use of Advanced Technology" - Utica HS

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.

"Best Interdisciplinary Teamwork" - Cass Tech HS

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.

Industry Judges

Hal Seppala, retired 3M Corp.
Mike Esch, Integra Life Sciences
Will Poirier, GM
Jeff Larson, Greatbatch
Tim Zdrazil, Kimberly Clark
Ray Hayes, American Electric Power
Dave Perry, BAE Systems
John Beck, Oshkosh Corp
Brian Wendt, Superior Diesel
Tim Shuman, Superior Diesel
Jennifer Becker, University of Maryland
Barbara Bennett, NewPage Corp
Faith Binns, Retired Dow Chemical
Michele Blau, IBM
Marie Cleveland, FedEx Corp.
Janet Delecke, Chrysler Corp.
Peg Gale, School of Forest & Environmental Resources
Sally Heidtke, UP Special Delivery
Patricia Henderson, Cygamy, Inc.
Sabina Houle, Intel Corp.
Mary Korpi, Newmont Mining Corp.
Cynthia Manninen Kring, Kalkaska Family Physicians
Jill Meister, UOP LLC
Caren Meyers, Johns Hopkins Univ. School of Medicine
Susan Michaelson, Marquette University
Laura Nagel, Ford Motor Company
Kimberly Nowack, Mackinac Bridge Authority
Kerry Maloney Sutton, MI Concrete Paving Assoc
Judy Hartman Swann, US Patent & Trademark Office
Susan Trahan, formerly with Boston Scientific
Karin Van Dyke, Portage Health System
Barbara Wade, Weyerhaeuser
Nancy Wizner, Redwood National & State Parks
Joe Defilippi, US Steel Corp.

Michigan Tech

Leonard Bohmann, Associate Dean, College of Engineering
Gretchen Hein, Engineering Fundamentals
Jim Frendewey, School of Business & Economics
Bill Kennedy, Ctr. for Teaching, Learning & Faculty Dev.
Donna Michalek, Mechanical Eng.–Eng. Mechanics
Lynn Artman, Research & Sponsored Programs
Yu Cai, School of Technology
Kris Matilla, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Jim Baker, Technology & Economic Development
Craig Waddell, Humanities
Abdul Alaraje Nasser, School of Technology
Norma Veurink, Engineering Fundamentals
Gloria Melton, Dean of Student Affairs
Mike Morley, Technology & Economic Development
Rick Berkey, Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies
Valorie Troesch, Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies
Mary Raber, Institute for Interdisciplinary Studies
Tess Ahlborn, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Chris Anderson, Office for Institutional Diversity
Ruth Archer, Retired, Aerospace Studies
Linda Phillips, Civil & Environmental Engineering
Sean Clancey, Chemical Engineering
Dana Johnson, School of Business & Economics
Ellen Horsch, VP for Administration

National Science Foundation

National Science Foundation—WIMS

Oshkosh Corporation

Raytheon Missile Systems

Rexair LLC

Roehl Transport

Dr. Mike Roggeman

Pasty.net

Square D

Superior Diesel

Superior Graphics

T2 Communications, LLC

Terex Handlers

ThermoAnalytics

Bob and Ellen Thompson

Thrivent Lutheran's Foundation

ThyssenKrupp Waupaca Foundries

Trijicon Inc.

United States Steel

UPPCO

V.I.O. Inc

Volcon Materials

Volvo Construction Equipment

Wind River

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

FedEx Corporate Account Executive Marie Cleveland, Michigan Tech Class of ’82, Business Administration, delivered the keynote address at the Expo Awards Ceremony in Fisher Hall

Dr. Robert Mark of School of Business announces Expo Awards

First Place: Kyle Marsh and Lauralee Kroll - "CPR Mattress" pitch; Left to right, Dr. David Orozco and Dr. Paul Nelson of the School of Business presenting the award.

The CenTILE elevator pitch is a very important aspect of the Business Plan. The original idea behind an "elevator pitch" was that you must be able to succinctly and with enthusiasm tell your business idea to someone in the time it would take to ride up in an elevator with them. At the end of this "elevator ride" if you were successful they would want to learn more about your business plan idea.

CenTILE sponsored the first Annual MTU Elevator Pitch Competition in April 2008. Students had the opportunity to put a team together and pitch their business idea. Every student at MTU is eligible to enter the Elevator Pitch Competition. Students can enter as an individual or as a team. First place award was $1,000, second place was $500 and third place was $250.

2nd Place, Left to right, Duane Stephenson - "online market research company;" Dr. David Orozco and Dr. Paul Nelson of the School of Business presenting the award

CenTILE Elevator Speech Judges

3rd Place, Left to right, Anthony Mauric and Kyle Gibson - "digital cookbook" Dr. Paul Nelson and Dr. David Orozco of the School of Business presenting the award.