Mini Projects
Some projects don't have to be complicated to be rewarding.
3D Printed QR Codes
MatLab
Whip
3D Printed QR Coasters
Designed on SolidWorks
Through the internet and then SolidWorks, I converted paulbabilya.com into a 3D printable design.
Printed Through Penn State
I was able to tweak different design details to fit my needs and purpose.
Results
After design modifications and trial and error I achieved I achieved a product satisfactory product.
URL Engraved on Back
Various Sizes
All Scan Successfully
MatLab Experience
In depth, technical assignments require more firepower than pen and paper. MatLab is a common tool in solving problems. In my senior year I would like to build on my knowledge of MatLab.
Vibration of Mechanical Systems
In my vibrations class we had situations that required MatLab's expertise. For these problems, it required intuition to set up the problem and also technical skills to carry out the solution in MatLab.
Displaying Results
After the calculations, we were taught to display results. Engineers can commonly do the work but to convey that message in a simple way to your boss or professor is often overlooked.
Electrical Measurement
My PSU ME 345 class involved data collection and analysis. Shown above is a frequency spectrum of recorded audio data during the creation of a filter. This class expanded my hands on knowledge with electrical equipment.
Motion Measurement
Again, in my Instrumentation and Measurement class we also used accelerometers and strain gauges to graph and analyze data. Shown above is an accelerometer.
Learned
MatLab Programming
Data Integration with Excel to MatLab
Solving Differential Equations with MatLab
Practical Applications of MatLab
Voltage and Motion Measurement
Frequency Filters
Hardwaring Data Collection
The Whip
Supplies
After watching a Youtube video, I decided to make a whip. This experience should be rather easy and also kind of cool. Learning from previous projects, I bought everything upfront even if I had some supplies at home.
Getting Started
With the help from a friend, i started following the video. We tied, taped, and tethered our rope together. This work was simpler than other projects, mostly measuring and cutting.
Almost There
The construction of the whip was not super complex and we were wrapping it up within a few hours. In the picture above, we are covering the rope and ball chain with athletic tape. This step combined all of the materials except one.
Failure Identification
We made the cracker with a series of knots and since this picture is about failure and not completion, you know something went wrong. We both tested the finished whip, but we could not get it to crack. Therefore, we examined our handiwork.
Failure Analysis
The biggest issue had to be our technique. It was a rather simple build. I felt the handle was not as tight as possible and it's losing some energy there. I examined the cracker just in case it was messed up as well.
Modifications
I retaped the handle just in case. I was not fully comfortable with the cracker so we quickly made a new one too. With these adjustments, the whip felt tighter and I was more confident than ever in its construction. Later, I watched some videos on technique.
Learned
Can't Prepare for Every Problem
Failure Analysis
How to Crack a Whip
How to Bother Neighbors
Trial and Error
Coming Soon
3D printing