Summary: The project’s intent is to design an inexpensive, manufacturable sensor that allows a small Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) to measure the relative wind, in both magnitude, pitch offset, and yaw offset. Commonly, a “5-hole probe” is used for this measurement. Commercially available probes can cost over $8k each and may require labor-intensive calibration of individual units. One ultimate user of this sensor will be NOAA, who intends to utilize Dragoon’s small, long-endurance UAS to investigate Hurricanes and other tropical weather phenomenon.

o Testing: it is expected that the sensor will need to be tested using the U of A wind tunnel.
o Data communications protocol: Serial
o Cost to manufacture: $100 or less, per unit
o Data output: pressure readings from each dynamic pressure port, total and dynamic pressures, angle of probe with respect to relative wind
o Size: size and length appropriate for mounting to a wing with chord length between 8 and 12 inches
o The probe, pressure sensors and electronics should be a self-contained unit. Only power and data should be connected back to the host aircraft.
o Form drag and weight should be minimized.
o Wing internal volume is available for mounting sensors and electronics.
o The design should be repeatable enough to avoid individual calibration of each unit. This may be demonstrated by testing multiple units in the wind tunnel.

Design a mechanical energy storage system utilizing the unique characteristics of the Resolution Copper Mining property. The Resolution Copper project is a proposed underground mine 60 miles east of Phoenix, Arizona, near the town of Superior. The mine was in operation under Magma Copper Company from 1911-1996. Due to the long historical operation of the mine, there are unique characteristics on the property including old mine shafts (potentially ~4,000 feet deep), water systems and terrain which present an opportunity to utilize for a mechanical energy storage system. This project is an opportunity to be creative, make an impression, and transform an industry.

Autofocus System shall interface to a minimum of two distinctly different Securaplane camera imager assemblies.
Autofocus System shall automatically set the focus with minimal technician interaction.
Autofocus System shall focus camera to a set distance specified for each camera.
Autofocus System shall fixture the camera imager throughout the focusing process.
Autofocus System shall have a user interface that contains image view, focus value and a user-friendly graphical interface.
Autofocus System shall be fully contained in a robust and compact enclosure.

Expand on the last year's senior capstone project concerning a device that measures distortion in spherical radius mirrors.​
The device must be able to operate in a production environment.
The measurement should take less than 5 seconds per mirror as demonstrated by current measurement device.
The measurement device must be adjustable to account for varying sizes of mirrors.
The device must automatically recognize the part number associated with the mirror.
Build prototype to present at Design Day and to the Caterpillar Engineering Team.

Fuel scarcity creates additional hardships for those affected by a disaster. Additionally, plastic pollution, which causes great damage to the environment and human health – especially in underdeveloped areas – can be exacerbated during disasters. Chemical pyrolysis is a solution to both problems. Through pyrolysis, plastic waste can be used as fuel generation feedstock.

The project is a small-scale pyrolysis plant that safely converts common plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and polystyrene into a diesel-like liquid that can be used in place of conventional fuel. The high-temperature, oxygen-free reactor thermally decomposes shredded plastic waste into solid carbon char and heavy hydrocarbon vapor, which is fed into a heat exchanger and cooled until the heaviest hydrocarbons precipitate as a liquid. The plant then collects this liquid and flares the remaining gas to stabilize hazardous byproducts. Thermocouples monitor system temperature and pressure, which are displayed on a control panel to ensure safety and monitor reaction progress.

This prototype serves as a compelling proof of concept, showcasing the transformative potential of pyrolysis in mitigating plastic waste in the environment while simultaneously yielding a valuable end product. The plant’s portability and simplicity also enhance its ability to be deployed for humanitarian efforts that produce extensive plastic waste.

A grab bar is a surface-mounted bar that provides assistance for people with limited mobility, such as seniors and those with disabilities. However, people are hesitant to install traditional grab bars in their homes or businesses, viewing them as unsightly. The team developed an integrated grab bar (IGB) with lighting that can be hidden in a chair rail. This innovative IGB is the product of the team’s expertise in multiple disciplines. The team put their energies toward drafting, creating schematics, building and conducting various analyses and tests to make the IGB a reality.

The result of these endeavors is a mechanical structure that can be mounted onto an existing wall. While deployed, the system can support the weight of a falling human and can be used as a guide support for traversing through a building. While not in use, the IGB can be folded up against the wall so it resembles an aesthetic chair rail until needed.

The IGB also features an electronic subsystem to control lighting elements. Material selection for this project was heavily driven by the goal of developing an eco-friendly product through the use of recyclable 3D-printed materials.

Agriculture is resource intensive; monitoring can make it more efficient. However, traditional monitoring techniques are either disruptive or very inefficient. This project seeks to address these challenges by using an autonomous spider robot to use RGB-IR (RGB and infrared) camera and GPS data with existing plant health proxies to determine the health of a field.

Polyethylene terephthalate glycol 3D-printed plastic pieces and servo drivers allow the eight-legged robot to use a custom spider-inspired locomotion to walk 0.15 km per hour and rotate 360 degrees as needed. The robot is controlled by a microcomputer that uses a machine learning camera, GPS, and a nine degrees of freedom sensor to follow waypoints the use inputs through Google My Maps. The microcomputer instructs the robot to walk along the path set by the waypoints, avoiding obstacles the camera detects. The robot can operate in extreme heat conditions and in light rain for about one hour. As it walks, the robot passively collects RGB-IR data that it sends to a repository where it is processed. The user can then use the data to best manage the field.

Current mining processes produce millions of tons of mine tailings each year. Mine tailings are byproducts that can cause several environmental issues and community hazards. The team designed a 3D printer that can print concrete structures using mine tailings. The 3D printer operates by taking commands in the G-code programming language based on the design of the model being printed. The printer is equipped with ethernet connectivity, augmenting its functionality and accessibility.

Duet Web Control is an online user interface that provides operators with an intuitive and user-friendly way to control the 3D printer. Duet3D, an advanced high-power controller, is used to synchronize and configure the movements of the 3D printer’s five stepper motors. The 3D printer features three axes (X, Y, and Z), with a single motor to control the Y axis, two motors for the X axis, and two motors for the Z axis. The Y and Z axes use ball screws for linear motion, whereas the X axis uses racks and pinions. Each axis is capable of 4 feet of travel, which can yield a printed structure of 4 feet by 4 feet by 4 feet.

Past researchers have encountered challenges in measuring animals’ gait kinematics and energy expenditure under different gravitation conditions. Previous methods used large amounts of material and did not incorporate controls for gait speed.

The team developed a means to study how ambulating on different surfaces (synthetic regolith to mimic space travel) and weights (the gravitational pulls of Mars, Earth, and the moon) affects a rodent's gait. Understanding these conditions will allow for innovations in space exploration.

The system is made up of five subsystems: rodent treadmill, sand redistribution treadmill (SRT), harness, filter, and user interface. During operation, the SRT will deposit a fresh layer of synthetic regolith and evenly distribute it on the rodent treadmill. The rodent, secured using the harness, will ambulate on the rodent treadmill, and regolith will be filtered and recycled continuously. This system makes it possible to test the effect of rodent ambulation while simulating different gravitational pulls through a harness assembly.

Jessica Cox, the world’s first armless pilot, is building a foot-controlled airplane to overcome the accessibility limitations she faces with her current Ercoupe aircraft. She is modifying a Van’s RV-10, a larger and faster airplane that can accommodate her as she flies. Among these modifications is a safer and more convenient method for entering and exiting plane’s fuselage. Team 24006 redesigned the door latching and operating mechanism to enable foot-controlled operation for opening, closing, and locking the door, ensuring its secure closure during flight, and provide a manual opening option in case of power failure.

The door opens and closes via a controlled winch-guided strut system in response to electronic commands from a key fob. To secure the door when closed, a lock system activates two electrically driven linear actuators linked to a rack and pinion assembly, extending them into the plane wall. This design provides an emergency opening option, with the winch featuring a readily accessible release mechanism that retracts the actuators to allow the door to open. Safety features include Arduino-controlled sensors that detect complete door closure, locking status, and any obstructions in the door’s path.

By combining innovative engineering solutions with a commitment to safety and accessibility, this project sets a new standard in inclusive aviation, empowering individuals like Jessica Cox to pursue their passion for flight without limitations.