Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Senior Design Competition

Friday, June 1, 2018

CEAT students showcased their capabilities at the first MAE Mechanical Engineering Senior Design Exposition. They worked in teams to design, built, test, and present a specific system. Unique aspects of the event included interdisciplinary projects with both electrical and mechanical engineering students, as well as industry and research aligned projects.

A wide range of projects were presented and demonstrated, from coupler coil winders and cricket lifts to hydraulic electric generators and blowhole simulators that support non-invasive health studies on dolphins. Modelled after MAE BETSRG’s inaugural Thermal Systems Senior Design Competition from last fall, a mix of internal and external judges volunteered to evaluate each team’s results.

Team P.O.K.E.S was awarded first place for a differential mass measurement scale for ASHRAE research project 1785. The scale not only can measure minute changes in mass but also includes an electromagnetic overload protection mechanism to maintain accuracy.

A Ditchin’ Time was awarded second place for developing a hydraulic-electric generator for a Ditch Witch SK600 skid steer. This interdisciplinary MAE/ECEN project was co-sponsored by Ditch Witch, with several of their engineers providing support and feedback.

Third place was shared between another Ditch Witch generator team as well as team Halvaktiv. The team developed a semi-active suspension for their formula style vehicle. Aspect of their work included computer simulations in Matlab, and modifications of the vehicle to mount Magnetorheological dampers, several sensors, low and high level controllers, as well as data acquisition.

The interdisciplinary event received very positive feedback from the MAE Industrial Advisory Board and from the students. MAE's and CEAT's strategic plan is to increase the count of interdisciplinary projects as well as the number of involved disciplines. Aside from allowing a wider range of projects, this will also prepare students for typical requirements in today’s fast paced industry.

Aside from allowing a wider range of projects, this will also prepare students for typical requirements in today’s fast paced industry.