Mechanical and Materials Engineering (MME) 

Undergraduate Research Projects Showcase (URPS)

Title: 3D Silicone Printer 
Students: Maxwell Onffroy (ME); Luke Regan (ME); Jacob Talbot (ME); Owen Weber (ME)
Advisor: Prof. Joe Stabile (MME)

Abstract:
The objective of the project was to develop a silicone 3D printer that addresses the scarcity of consumer level Liquid Silicone Rubber (LSR) 3D printers. The team achieved this through pumping two-part LSR into a water-cooled, active mixer that extrudes into a temperature-controlled chamber. The printer pioneers Liquid Additive Manufacturing (LAM) with Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) to create a multi- process Independent Dual Extruder (IDEX) system. Capabilities include printing 10A and above shore hardness silicone and various thermoplastics, either individually or in combination. To interface with the printer, a new slicing profile in Ultimaker Cura and custom macros within the Klipper firmware itselfwere developed. Applications range from fully customizable, rapid prototyping of flexible parts such as intricate gaskets and medical components, to multi- material assemblies such as speakers and soft robotics. This project has the ability to replace traditional silicone manufacturing techniques and revolutionize accessible LAM Silicone 3D Printing.

Title: Design and Evaluation of a Propulsion Aid Device for Folding Wheelchairs
Students: Amanda Borden (ME&ESS); Megan Jacene (ME); Stephanie Steriti (ME)
Advisors: Profs. Sarah Jane Wodin-Schwartz (MME); Elisabeth Stoddard (ESS)

Abstract:
Upper-body injuries caused by overuse from manual wheelchair propulsion is a common challenge that many wheelchair users face. While there are propulsion aid devices on the market, these devices are often expensive, increase the footprint of the wheelchair, or do not provide the necessary requirements for physical movement and accessibility. Our team sought to create a propulsion aid that would address these issues by improving ease of use, enhancing maneuverability, and engaging in sustainable prototyping processes. After conducting research and interviews with wheelchair users, our team engaged in a year-long process entailing several design iterations, finite element analysis of components, and the fabrication of the device through CNC milling and adapting recycled materials. The final result is a functioning prototype of a tiller-controlled device and attachment system for folding wheelchairs that not only fulfills these requirements, but meets all necessary ADA and engineering standards for this category of medical device.

Title:The Design and Prototyping of a Low-Cost & Efficient Ocean Cleanup Robot
Students: Gabriel Espinosa (ME); Danny Ngo (ME/RBE); Sebastian Valle (RBE); Alexander Wadsworth (ME)
Advisors: Profs. Selcuk Guceri (MME) & Vincent Aloi (Robotics)

Abstract:
Eleven million metric tons of trash enter Earth’s oceans each year, contributing to ecosystem loss, wildlife endangerment, and microplastic infiltration within the food supply. Over the past 2 decades, public awareness of the growing threat has increased, resulting in numerous organizations, like The Ocean Cleanup, seeking to curb the problem with their large- scale sweeping tugboats. However, all current efforts are costly, require large crews, and rely on diesel-powered vessels for collection and transport. Our team sought to decarbonize and automate cleanup by developing an efficient robotic platform for open ocean surface trawling. Prototypes of 2 seaworthy, inexpensive, and autonomous-capable robots were developed to tow nets for cleanup in the turbulent open ocean. The robots were designed to operate without human crews and use just 512 watts per kilogram of trash collected, 10 times less than existing systems. Future efforts may focus on commercializing the platform by selling oceanic data collected by onboard sensors.

Title: Optimizing Partial Emission Pump Performance
Students: Jacob Abrogar (ME); Patrick Daly (ME); Gabriela DiMauro (ME); Shivaani Gopal (ME); Keith Mesecher (ME)
Advisor: Prof. Ahmet Can Sabuncu (MME)

Abstract:
Partial Emission Pumps (PEMs), a specialized type of centrifugal pumps, are utilized for their versatility, cost- effectiveness, and ease of manufacturing. Since its creation in the mid-20th century, PEMs have applications in various industries, including aerospace and fire-protection, where they are utilized in high head and low flow conditions. This project, sponsored by Honeywell, developed a novel mathematical model that accurately captures the performance characteristics of these pumps under different operating conditions, encompassing geometries, flows, and other parameters to optimize practical pump performance. We manufactured several pump prototypes to experimentally test and verify the model. This tool will reduce the need for extensive prototyping and testing.