Engineering Senior Design...4 FAMU-FSU COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING ENGINEERING SENIOR DESIGN 2020 5 Chemical & Biomedical Engineering 102: Gut Check Research Device The microbiome is composed

EngineeringSenior Design 2020

Senior Design, Remote-StyleOUR GRADUATING SENIORS complete their one-year senior design projects typically in the Spring semester of their final year. This year’s class, getting ready to finish their prototypes and prepare their final presentations, was hit by the COVID-19 crisis that prevented them from returning to their physical classrooms and meetings after Spring Break. Our faculty scrambled to deliver online classes to finish the semester. This took a lot of reconsideration of project goals for each senior design team, because in some cases the teams were not able to access facilities they needed to complete their project. A lot of accommodations and flexibility were needed on the part of the students and the senior design instructors, as they zoomed into the night to make sure that projects were modified as needed. In the process, instructors made sure that the capstone learning outcomes were not compromised but that students would be able to complete their project assignments with the resources that were available to them remotely.

I want to thank our seniors for being very upbeat about this difficult situation. Not only were their senior design courses impacted, but also our graduating seniors will not be able to attend a physical graduation until after this summer. I am very proud of the outcomes of senior design this year, and congratulate our students for their great work. You will see the outcomes in this book—including many entrepreneurial projects, an increasing number of socially conscious projects from human trafficking prevention to a skate park and hurricane waste disposal, and lots of high tech challenges, from robotic linemen to superconducting electronics. We are grateful to the more than 37 organizations that sponsored our projects. It is invaluable for our students to be exposed to projects and mentoring from real-world organizations.

J. Murray Gibson, Ph.D.Engineering Dean

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering104: Design, Construction and Operation of a Chem-E-Car .........................................................................3

101: Insight Neural Monitoring ..............................................4

102: Gut Check Research Device .........................................5

103: Right-Step Orthotic Brace System ................................5

Civil & Environmental Engineering203: Hurricane Michael Infrastructure Recovery ...................7

201: Wakulla County Bus Facility ..........................................8

202: Railroad Square Skate Park ..........................................9

204: Pitt & Sylvan Springs Park Restoration & Rehabilitation .....................................................................9

205: Willow Landing Amenities ...........................................10

206: Endeavor Housing Development .................................10

207: Capitola Publix ...........................................................11

208: Blue Springs Park Restoration ....................................11

209: Bay County Resiliency Center .....................................12

210: Uniti Fiber Point of Patch Site .....................................13

211: Golden Eagle Homes Association Roadway Restoration Project .............................................13

212: Jefferson County Industrial Park Master Plan Update ............................................................14

213: Rish Park ADA Cottages .............................................14

214: City of Tallahassee Pump Station 12 ...........................15

215: Resurfacing of State Road 430 ..................................15

216: Greene Subdivision .....................................................16

217: COT Water Reclamation Effluent Force Main...............16

218: Cypress Springs Restoration ......................................17

219: Stanley Steemer Site Design .......................................18

Electrical & Computer Engineering306: Radio Home Monitoring System (RHMS) ....................21

301: SoutheastCon Hardware Competition 2020................22

302: Tool for Automated Discovery of Asynchronous Reversible Superconducting Circuits............22

303: Software-Defined Radio ..............................................23

304: JAMR—The Modular Music Workstation ....................23

305: ECE Interactive Media Center .....................................24

307: NASA Rover Head-Up Display ....................................25

308: Cassie Machine Vision ................................................26

309: Sprinter Data Collector ...............................................27

310: Tele-Robotic Line Worker ............................................28

311: Adaptive Suspension Controller ..................................29

Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering408: Composite Inspection Protocol ...................................31

402: Integrated Additive Manufacturing of Fiber Optics ......32

401: FlexSense Motion Sensing Glove ................................32

403: Dimensioning Process for 3D Printing ........................33

405: Sepsis Protocol Improvement .....................................34

404: Hurricane Debris Removal ..........................................34

406: Maritime Schedule Improvement.................................35

407: Tooling Kitting Process ...............................................35

409: Right-Of-Way Mowing Operations ..............................36

410: Pressure Data Mapping for Prosthetics .......................37

411: Robotics in Manufacturing ..........................................38

Mechanical Engineering512: Temperature-Sensitive Medication Storage During Natural Disasters .....................................................41

501: Powder Recovery for Metal Additive Manufacturing ....42

502: Retractable Storage Rack for Inert Atmosphere Glove Box ...........................................................................42

503: Psyche Mission - Cobalt Class Robotic Explorer for Hypothesized Surfaces ..................................................43

504: Dual-Shell Football Helmet ..........................................43

505: Pop-Up Classroom .....................................................44

507: Cummins Drone Delivery ............................................45

506: MeWee Table ..............................................................45

508: Structural and Thermal Management of an Automotive Battery .............................................................46

509: Environment-Controlled Test Stand Chamber .............46

510: Climatic Camera .........................................................47

511: FAMU-FSU Parade Float ............................................47

513: SAE Aero Design Competition ....................................48

514: Human Exploration Rover Challenge ...........................49

516: LSS Assembly Tool .....................................................50

515: Deployable Station Structure for Reconfigurable Trainer ........................................................50

517: Science Sample Retrieval ...........................................51

518: Lightweight UAV .........................................................52

519: Composite Air Frame Life Extension ...........................52

520: Assembly Line Trainer .................................................53

521: Demand Reduction for FSU Central Utility Plant ..........53

522: Tactile Virtual Camera Controller for Film Production ...54

523: Device to Help Stop Human Trafficking .......................55

524: A/C Preference Trouble Shooting Device ....................56

Table of Contents

E N G I N E E R I N G S E N I O R D E S I G N 2 0 2 0 32 F A M U - F S U C O L L E G E O F E N G I N E E R I N G

CHEMICAL ENGINEERING SENIORS test the functionality of their chemical car, which is entirely run (and governed) by chemical reactions. From “gas” to brake, they engineer the hardware and reactions that enable movement and control.

104: Design, Construction and Operation of a Chem-E-Car

Today, mankind faces one of its greatest challenges and threats to the environment: global warming. It is widely accepted that global warming is largely brought on by CO2 emissions stemming from the overreliance on combustion processes based on the use of fossil fuels for transportation and power generation.

To help address this issue, the American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) introduced in 1999 the annual Chem-E-Car Competition® among undergraduate chemical engineering students around the world with sustainability in mind. Students are to design and construct propulsion and stopping mechanisms that use chemical reactions other than combustion and which are integrated into a functional car able to travel a specified distance carrying a specified weight. Competitors only get to know the distance and weight on the day of the competition. This year the FAMU-FSU College of

Engineering team, after experimenting with an aluminum-air battery and a hydrogen fuel cell decided to propel the car using a hydrogen fuel cell, while the stop mechanism centered on the classic “Iodine/Vitamin C Clock” reaction.

Our goal was to produce enough power for a minimum duration of two minutes that would enable the car to reach 15-30 meters target distance carrying loads of up to 500 ml water. Aluminum air batteries differing in area, aluminum grade and carbon adhesive type were built and tested in hybrid configurations of series and parallel and yielded high voltages but low and unacceptable currents. The hydrogen for the fuel cell was produced by reacting a hydrochloric acid solution with solid zinc and passed through water to hydrate it and remove any HCL vapors before reaching the fuel cell. The fuel cell gave acceptable voltages and currents and was chosen as the start mechanism. The material

of construction of the units in the system considered durability and safety concerns relating to corrosive, exothermicity of the reaction, and potential pressure build up and leakage of hydrogen.

For the stopping mechanism, we implemented a vitamin C clock reaction. The chemicals used were vitamin C, water, hydrogen peroxide, potassium iodide and starch. The reaction initially results in the consumption of the vitamin C. After the vitamin C is consumed, the reaction starts to consume the starch and the solution turns from a clear color to a dark purple/black color. The color change was registered by a photoelectric sensor which stopped the supply of power to the motor. The start, stop and integration steps in our Chem-E Car design and construction yielded environmentally friendly disposable waste products and no carbon emission into the atmosphere.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Front row: Shayla RhodesMichael SpruiellAnnie ScutteBryana BeckfordSuraj Budhrani

Back row: Devin Bautista-LeafSean MamedovNanya Morris-ELJoshua NguyenKaylin WeilerEdward HughesShawn Butcher

ADVISORSYaw D. Yeboah, Sc.D.Egwu E. Kalu, Ph.D.

SPONSORFAMU-FSU Engineering

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering

Chemical &Biomedical Senior

Design



102: Gut Check Research Device

The microbiome is composed of bacterial populations developed within the first 2.5 years of life and has been shown to assist in metabolism and immune system health. When an imbalance called dysbiosis develops in the microbiome, symptoms such as inflammation, recurrent infections and increased susceptibility to enteric pathogens can occur.

Dysbiosis is linked to a large range of diseases from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), diabetes, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and cancer.

Despite the prevalence of various disease states, the understanding of the relationship between microbial health and dysbiosis still requires further research. This

project focuses on the development of a dynamic pH-responsive capsule that limits dissolution in the mouth and upper stomach and dissolves in the duodenum in order to support microbiome research.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Richard NavarroMaria TouzaJacob SpanaPatrick Goodmon

ADVISORSStephen Arce, Ph.D.Christina Holmes, Ph.D.


103: Right-Step Orthotic Brace System

Cleft foot is a rare congenital disorder in which the central rays of the foot are partially or completely missing, leaving a cleft in the center of the foot. This leads to difficulty when walking as patients’ feet fatigue. This typically causes pain at the first and fifth metatarsal heads.

We sought to create an insole design that incorporated the relief of an orthotic with an additional component to reduce the overall weight carried by the foot during gait.

The proposed design, named the Right-Step Orthotic Brace System, is an innovative combination of a patellar tendon-bearing orthosis attached to a molded plantar support insole. The primary function of the brace system is to relieve peak pressures in the midfoot and forefoot by transferring applied forces from the foot to the patellar tendon. Relieving the peak pressures in the foot will increase the overall functionality for activities of daily life.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Abigail DeNoyerJacob De ArmasJason Benn




101: Insight Neural Monitoring

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological disorder that affects one out of every 2,000 of the general population in Western Europe and North America.There are two types of narcolepsy: with and without cataplexy.

The National Sleep Foundation describes cataplexy as a sudden and uncontrollable muscle weakness or paralysis that comes on during the day and may be followed by a period of sleep.

There is currently no cure for narcolepsy, so treatment options are focused on managing symptoms. The most common treatment option is drug therapy. However, studies show that many patients with neurological disorders use adjunct treatments to help manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.

The Insight’s goal is to provide patients with an adjunct treatment to reduce the stresses of narcolepsy by improving their lifestyle. This will be accomplished with an EEG headpiece prescribed to patients to wear throughout the day. The neural-monitoring headpiece will record events of EDS and cataplexy throughout the patient’s day, which allows them to recognize triggers that may have influenced an event.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Kayla CusickTaylor ArikoJacqueline LopezMitchell Moody



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203: Hurricane Michael Infrastructure Recovery

Hurricane Michael ripped through Alligator Point, a barrier island off the coast of the Florida Panhandle, in the fall of 2018. Alligator Drive—the island’s main road—was demolished, its asphalt broken into pieces and the land flooded. The roadway couldn’t be used in its condition so it was merged with a nearby street. Unfortunately, this merge created a sharp turn that has caused multiple car crashes. A safer long-term solution is needed.

Any potential fix for Alligator Drive is complicated by the fact that the road is only 20 feet from the Gulf of Mexico. Rebuilding the road unprotected in its current position would put it at risk of being damaged by another natural disaster.

Our team designed an alternative path for the roadway that runs around a portion of land owned by FEMA. We added a steel retaining wall between the water and the road to protect against further disaster damage. We also included a retention pond and added a series of drainage ditches along the side of the road to mitigate flooding.

Our team’s redesign plan protects the road from future storms and provides a safe driving experience. In addition, we were able to minimize long-term project maintenance costs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), FC McColm Consulting (FCMC), and the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering were involved in this project. It connects the residents of Alligator Point to to the mainland of Florida via a reconstructed Alligator Drive.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Brandon GuzmanJoseph MeyerCrisol Ortiz-SocasTaylor ThompsonDriss Ziane

ADVISORSSean Martin, P.E.; SECB, Kamal Tawfiq, Ph.D.; Ren Moses, Ph.D.

SPONSORFC McColm Consulting

Civil & Environmental Engineering

Civil &Environmental Senior

Design



201: Wakulla County Bus Facility

The Wakulla County School District does not currently have a place to maintain and store its school buses. The buses are currently kept behind Wakulla High School. This parking area is for the buses and the high school’s employee parking. The area is almost completely unpaved, meaning that when it rains the heavy buses sink into the mud and become stuck.

DSP Engineering designed a new bus facility for the school district. The facility includes parking for all of the Wakulla County school buses and a parking lot for the employees. The design reduces the need for buses to back up, which allows for easier ingress and egress.

The facility design also includes a bus garage and fueling station, and a stormwater pond. A current water tower already on the adjacent Crawford Elementary School property supplies water service to the garage and fire hydrants in the lot. Added water lines will be connected to existing pipes. Wastewater is removed from the site with the help of a pump station designed for the garage. Wastewater pipes will be connected to a mainline already onsite.

The planned stormwater pond stores runoff from the new paved area. Retention ponds are placed in areas of low elevation, making use of natural slopes to drain stormwater. Swales are located on each side of the fuel tanks as inlets for the retention pond. The pavement grading is designed to allow runoff across the parking lot to the swales, directing the stormwater to the retention pond.

202: Railroad Square Skate Park

Frontside Consulting Firm (FCF) designed for the City of Tallahassee a new skate park located on the outskirts of the Railroad Square Arts District. This 40,000 square-foot recreational space includes concrete ramps, rails, bowls and skateable art features. The design includes a pavilion for shade and a variety of modern amenities throughout the park. The design’s artistic lighting and aesthetic landscaping complement the surrounding arts district.

Our team provided engineering design, site layout and construction management services for the Railroad Square Skate Park. The park is centrally located between Florida A&M and Florida State universities, so we integrated artistic elements that reflect both local communities. A skateable path is modeled after the FAMU Rattler mascot. The ‘tail-end’ of this path is covered in small tiles for an acoustic effect resembling a snake’s rattle when a skateboard rolls across the surface. Garnet and gold LED lighting throughout the park is a nod to FSU.

The facility design accounts for several factors, including existing underground drainage culverts, safety, aesthetic quality and optimum skateability for all skill levels.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Morgan DownieTyler PhillipsLuke Slaughter

ADVISORSean Martin, P.E., SECB

SPONSORSDHM Melvin EngineeringPaul Davidson, M.S., P.E., C.G.C


TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Nicole Arrigo Kevin Hernandez Nick Jefferies Nate Schaffer

ADVISORSSean Martin, P.E., SECB, R. Cain, P.E.

SPONSORCity of Tallahassee

204: Pitt & Sylvan Springs Park Restoration & Rehabilitation

Pitt & Sylvan Springs Park is part of the Econfina Creek in Jackson County, Florida. In Fall 2018, Hurricane Michael blasted through Northwest Florida, and Pitt Springs suffered tremendous damage. This project focuses on providing improved guest areas and restoring the park to its original beauty before the storm.

This plan includes new restroom facilities, parking areas and comfortable seating for visitors. Additionally, a new design around the spring ensures water moves properly from the spring to the river, while new steps lead guests into the spring head. We added a viewing dock that overlooks the spring head and a new floating canoe dock to the plan. Our design improves/repairs the current park and provides new amenities for park guests.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Danny DiazJosh EllzeyJamie GreenDennis MitchellZach Sespico


SPONSORGenesis Halff, Echo Gates, P.E., LEED AP


Civil & Environmental Engineering Civil & Environmental Engineering

205: Willow Landing Amenities

Willow Landing is a community in Naples, Florida. Our team designed an amenities campus for the neighborhood which includes 450 homes for residents over the age of 55. The project design includes a clubhouse, pool, pool deck, bathhouse, parking lot, tennis courts, garden, trash compactor and mail kiosk. We were responsible for the design of the site layout, structure, foundation, utility layout, grading, drainage and construction planning. The key aspects of our design were safety, sustainability and functionality.

The design creates an eco-friendly campus that incorporates green components throughout the site. We made a space for solar panels that could be used to power the lights in the clubhouse and on the pool deck. A rain garden at the site entrance collects stormwater to prevent erosion and remove toxins from the runoff. We specified a variety of plants for the garden, including willow trees. Willows, in particular, absorb large amounts of metals and other toxins.

The undeveloped site is mostly flat, cleared and grubbed marshland. The drainage and grading designs are critical to mitigate flooding. The clubhouse is constructed from timber and is designed as two buildings connected by a breezeway, providing direct access to the pool deck. Site utilities include stormwater, drinking water and sanitary sewer. Planned pipes for each utility connect to existing pipes just outside the site.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Tyler FrenchKevin KubelkaGabrial MarquezSofia MayorgaKaylee Murtagh

ADVISORSSean Martin, P.E., SECBKamal Tawfiq, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE

SPONSORSWaldrop EngineeringN. Kasten, E.I.J. Larocque, P.E.

207: Capitola Publix

Capitola is located about 30 miles east of Tallahassee, Florida. In this rural town, the lack of a conveniently located food source is apparent. To accommodate this need we have proposed a set of designs for a Publix supermarket shopping center.

The shopping center design includes a site plan and layout, structural designs of a 50,000 square foot building, a drainage system and a redesign of Capitola Road. The site includes a parking lot, loading dock and landscaping. The building is one story with a flat metal framed roof. The redesign of Capitola Road turns the existing two-lane roadway into a four-lane roadway with a median, bike lanes, curb and gutter, and sidewalks.

Neighboring the site is the L. Kirk Edwards Wildlife and Environmental Area which is known for its productive wildlife and natural features. The site’s location, just a short distance away from this protected area, presented multiple problems include the needed to avoid environmentally-sensitive areas and relocating protected species. These and other challenges were the ruling factors in choosing where to place the proposed building and other features. Design challenges for the project included spanning of the roof members, the width of road and tree removal.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Colleen BrennanTravis JacklinWilliam SmithKhamari Spraggins

ADVISORSSean Martin, P.E., SECBDoug Barkley, M.S., P.E.

SPONSORBarkley Engineering

206: Endeavor HousingDevelopment

The Dozier School for Boys in Marianna, Florida closed in 2006. With no plans to reopen, over fifteen hundred acres of the property became unused. Now, Jackson County wants to use the site to open a school for adults with autism spectrum disorder. Our team is responsible for developing fourteen acres of this site into a tiny home community for students, teachers and other residents.

Grading, drainage and stormwater, roadway, utility, and structural plans are included in our design. Our design includes over 140 homes and space for a basketball court, picnic area, community garden and a multipurpose trail. Each home is 280 square feet with a loft.

The site will be sloped so that rainwater will flow as naturally as possible across it with the help of drains and concrete pipes. Roads are set so that water will move towards the middle of the road and utilities are planned for the road rights-of-way.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Kelly AdamsAaron DePuryGreg FreelGarrett MitchellErnest Zorn


SPONSORDHM Melvin Engineering

208: Blue Springs ParkRestoration

The goal of this project was to help Blue Springs Park recover from Hurricane Michael. For this project, we decided to add a rental facility to the park. The park had an old shed that was used for storage, but we thought adding a nice facility would help. The new building will be placed on a stronger foundation than the previous building. The facility was designed to store kayaks and paddle boards, as well as scuba gear for the divers. The new facility will allow visitors to the park to rent kayaks and paddle boards for the day, and then take them straight to the water from the docks. Since we decided to add the new building so close to the spring, we also chose to build a retaining wall. The rental building will be handicap accessible so people of all abilities will be able to use it.

We also decided to add a new pond to the site. The pond that was already there was small and did not serve its purpose. The new pond will collect water from the park and act as a natural filter. The water will be cleaned before being drained away from the spring. This will help keep pollution out of the spring itself. The pond will also serve as a visual upgrade for the park. It will have native species of plants and fish that visitors can enjoy. The pond will be fenced in for safety.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Andrea CarranzaScott HarrisPeyton Piotrowski





209: Bay County Resiliency Center

This project is a joint senior design collaboration with Drexel University sponsored by EPA, FEMA, and Bay County Tourism and Development.

Hurricane Michael made landfall at Panama City, Florida in October 2018. The widespread devastation highlighted the need for what Bay County is calling “Resiliency Centers.” This project is one of four potential projects that are designed to help the area recover from a natural disaster. During normal operation, these facilities will serve various community uses.

This project is designed to be a recreational facility during normal operation, but a special needs shelter during times of disaster. Drexel University designed the building and our team designed the site layout. This site plan includes a stormwater pond, parking lot, driveway and utility connections.

Because this facility will be used as a shelter, accessibility was at the forefront of our design. The parking lot was designed to meet all Americans with Disabilities Act standards. The stormwater pond design includes the maximum storage for a 25-year critical storm, discharging at the same runoff rate as before construction. The entire site drainage is designed to work with the natural slope of the land while mitigating building flooding.

Recreational shade, splash pad, jungle gym and picnic areas are incorporated into the site design. This project is designed to provide Bay County with an entertainment area, but also to provide a much-needed long term shelter during natural disasters.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Richard ChadwickDillan ClarkGeorge CarterJackson LedfordMichael Kullmann (Drexel University)Tyler Madden (Drexel University)Alyenne Jeanty (Drexel University)Peter Travers (Drexel University)Sean Reifer (Drexel University)

ADVISORSSean Martin, P.E., SECBClayton Clark II, Ph.D., P.E.Yick Hsuan, Ph.D. (Drexel University)Abieyuwa Aghayere, Ph.D. (Drexel University)

SPONSORSBay County Tourism and DevelopmentDan Rowe, J. Michael BrownEPA Region 4 and FEMA / DHSMichael Burns, CUPP Program ManagerOlivia Scriven, Ph.D., FEMA RCG / Academia Advisor

210: Uniti Fiber Point of Patch Site

Uniti Fiber is a leading provider of communication infrastructure. As their network grows and the demand for better connectivity increases, constructing a new fiber-optic maintenance site near their Tallahassee offices becomes increasingly necessary to the client.

A point of patch site is a building-connection that allows the fiber-optic cables to be pulled from the ground for maintenance purposes and then reinstalled. Currently, Uniti Fiber has three of these stations throughout the city, but due to the distance between those and their offices, they required an additional one nearby. The site will be located on the northeast intersection of Orange Avenue West and Saturday Road. It will serve as a place where engineers can have direct access to the fiber optic for maintenance purposes.

Uniti Fiber’s needs for the site include the point of patch building, space for a generator, a stormwater pond and a parking lot. The scope for this project involves the site design for the undeveloped parcel, the structural design for the building and the design of the stormwater pond.

The property itself has various limitations. First, 93 percent of the property is covered by a 100-year floodplain. Additionally, the site is part of a multi-modal transportation district. This required very specific and in-depth research on the Tallahassee Land Development Code. We considered multiple designs allowing for the most efficient use of land while still following the code’s demanding standards and our client’s needs.

The final design includes a retention pond with a recovery system, two parking spaces, a generator slab and a one story building.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Taren FlemingAna Daniela PintoPriscilla Young



211: Golden Eagle Homes Association Roadway Restoration Project

Golden Eagle Homes Association was constructed in 1972 and has since transitioned into one of Tallahassee’s premiere country club communities. However, lack of maintenance coupled with inclement weather has caused the roadway infrastructure to deteriorate over time.

Our team analyzed the existing roadway damage and pinpointed the underlying causes of the cracks, potholes and sinking asphalt. The homeowners association has budgeted $5 million over 12 years for

this restoration project. We will provide a construction schedule and cost estimation plan, including setting project milestones.

We propose milling down the roads to the base layer. Then, we will cut out and patch the damaged asphalt sections. Following this the roads will be resurfaced using a more economical and sustainable pavement mixture.

The community is also dealing with the overgrowth of golf course vegetation on the edges of the roadways. Bermudagrass is clogging the existing curbing and stormwater systems. The residual standing water is seeping into the roadway and causing more cracks to surface. We will compose a maintenance plan that Golden Eagle Homes Association can follow to increase the durability of the new infrastructure.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Rebeca RodriguezAlexi SantiagoNicolina SarnelliJoseph Townsend


SPONSORVinayak Hegde, Golden Eagle Homes Association



212: Jefferson County Industrial Park Master Plan Update

The Jefferson County, Florida, Board of County Commissioners is looking to expand their industrial park by updating their master plan to add future business real estate and ease of access to their industrial park.

This expansion encompasses multiple aspects of civil engineering, with the largest portion of the project being site design. The county requested to include four new parcels within the industrial park. These new parcels required stormwater management facilities (SWMF) and utility designs for water and sewer systems. Our SWMF designs will work with the site layout and utility designs to ensure efficiency. One of the parcels has an existing building footprint laid out, but needs required parking designed. Our transportation design includes a roadway system throughout the new parcels. Traffic data and turn lane analysis were used to determine requirements for the new roadway.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Peter BaileyLogan HewettChristian HumesBurton Lane


SPONSORDewberry Engineers Inc.

213: Rish Park ADA Cottages

Founded in 1978, the William J. Rish Park is an outdoor, recreational park located on the Gulf Coast of Florida. The park is maintained by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities and is designed exclusively to serve the needs of individuals with disabilities. The amenities currently included in the park consist of a pool, cottages for overnight stays and beach access for those who have limited mobility.

When Hurricane Michael hit Florida’s Gulf Coast in 2018, Rish Park sustained severe damage. The hurricane damage combined with the age of the structures has caused the park to temporarily shut down for repairs. The repairs needed include fixing damaged piles, replacing the flooring of the cottages and repairing the cottages’ framing. Bringing the cottages up to current standards is crucial to ensure the safety of the groups of people who wish to stay in them while they enjoy the various additions to the park.

In addition to repairing the existing structures, our plan includes brand new amenities for a more convenient and enjoyable park experience. These new amenities include a changing station, a picnic area and a 9-hole miniature golf course. All new designs will be built to ADA standards and designed with accessibility for all as the biggest consideration.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Chase LasleyKyle LongDominic MartelliJustin Walker

ADVISORSSean Martin, P.E., SECBJamie Graham, P.E.

SPONSORDHM Melvin EngineeringJamie Graham, P.E.David Crow

214: City of Tallahassee Pump Station 12

The City of Tallahassee planned to renovate Pump Station 12 to improve its wastewater infrastructure and to accommodate the population growth of Tallahassee. The pump station currently in service is located in central Tallahassee at 1901 West Orange Avenue. Aside from limited capacity, the current station also has issues with a strong odor and poor aesthetic.

The new pump station was designed to be constructed adjacent to the existing station with submersible pumps to limit the odor.

The project scope covers several disciplines. Permitting for the new pump station was done in compliance with Leon County and the City of Tallahassee. Hydraulic calculations were completed to select pumps and size a wet well that would efficiently pump the incoming wastewater. A site plan was drawn to lay out the location of the underground pumps and wet well. An above-ground generator, motor control building, electric transformer and concrete access drives were also placed on site. Above-ground features were designed above the 100-year flood plain. Stormwater calculations were completed to design and place a stormwater management facility. Finally, a plan to tie the new station into the existing underground utilities was proposed along with construction mitigation considerations, a cost estimate, and schedule.

Upon demolition of the old pump station, the site will have an improved aesthetic. Pump Station 12 will be easily accessible to maintenance vehicles from Orange Avenue.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Caleb Holaday Rebekah Kohon Jacob McDormanJohn OwenbyJacob Wilkins


SPONSORCity of Tallahassee UU&PIEric Etters, P.E.

215: Resurfacing of State Road 430

State Road 430 is a one-way, three lane road that begins after Halifax River Bridge on Oakridge Blvd. in Daytona Beach, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations. This project involves the restoration of State Road 430, a major route for Daytona’s beach access. It intersects with State Road A1A, which is the limit of our project.

After 22 years of use, this road is damaged and is considered a safety hazard for drivers. This roadway is also considered as a high crash zone by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), involving mostly bicyclists. Therefore, the purpose of the project is to restore the asphalt pavement to extend the lifespan of the roadway and to address all safety concerns.

The redesign of SR 430 involves a lane elimination and the addition of a 7-foot bicycle lane. This reduces the speed limit from 40 to 35 mph. We also added landscaping, stripes and parallel parking in the outer left lane. The new design does not interfere with the drainage system since it is determined to work effectively according to FDOT standards.

To address additional safety concerns, we considered restriping all pedestrian crosswalks and placing traffic signals and signage where necessary. We modified all curbs to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. For this project we are creating typical cross-sections and a plan view of the 0.5-mile stretch highlighting the new features of the project.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Alix KabreAndrea ZuluagaFabrice TaondeyandeDeandrea Rolle

ADVISORSean Martin, P.E., SECB Ren Moses, Ph.D. Stephen Buck, P.E.

SPONSORFlorida Department of Transportation (FDOT)Stephen Buck, P.E.



216: Greene Subdivision

The Greene Subdivision project will alter an existing plot of land located in Leon County, Florida. It is owned by Mrs. Greene, owner of Magnolia Engineering. Mrs. Greene wants to divide the 5-acre plot of land into two parcels. The main purpose of this project is to design a house on the new, empty parcel for Mrs. Greene and her husband.

The current parcel is cleared but contains an existing retention pond. The project will include a stormwater drainage report, creating a new well and the design of the house itself. The main goal is to build a safe and long-lasting house that will satisfy the client and meet all building code requirements.

The design process for building a home includes several steps that greatly vary in their respective solutions. This project will require reflection of the native wildlife present on the property. The flow of water through the property during storms will also be analyzed. To ensure the stability and consistency of the ground beneath and around the house, the soil will have to be investigated; this is necessary to ensure that the house is structurally sound.

Once each part of the project is completely designed the client will be able to begin construction of their brand-new home.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Jesse DavisAlannah HarringtonKirsten MazzotaJulia Vitale


SPONSORMagnolia EngineeringCarmen Greene, P.E.

217: City of Tallahassee WaterReclamation Effluent Force Main

As the population increases, the capacity of older municipal wastewater pipeline can’t meet the demand. Force mains are used to transport sewage from low to high elevations where the elevation of the source causes a lack of gravity flow. The City of Tallahassee plans to rebuild its force main that carries wastewater under pressure from the discharge side of a pump.

For this project, the effluent arrives at the discharge point of the city’s 2,500 acre South East Farm (SE Farm) sprayfield. We chose to use the previous route because it costs the least and requires the least permission.

The quality and quantity of wastewater determine the diameter and material of pipes. In this project, the new force main will carry 44 million gallons per day (MGD) of sewage. This is determined by the maximum daily flow in the year 2030. Ductile iron and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) are common materials for sewage mains. Ductile cast iron pipes have advantages of high strength and high flow rates. We chose 48 inches (1.22 m) as the diameter based on reports from the effluent pump station. We chose ductile iron as the material because it is durable and cheap and its maintenance frequency is low. The length of the force main is 8 miles (ca. 13 km). We plan to split the force main into 30 segments (estimated) with pumps located in a lift station. The pumps provide the energy for wastewater conveyance in the pipe.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Jieya YangYukai YangChong ZhangYu Zhang


SPONSORCity of Tallahassee UU&PI Donna S. Nichols, PE, CPM

218: Cypress Springs Restoration

Cypress Springs is located in Vernon, Florida and visitors can only access it by water off of Holmes Creek. The Northwest Florida Water Management District and Nestlé Waters of North America both manage this spring through a conservation easement. Hundreds of residents and tourists visit Cypress Spring in the warm summer months.

The infrastructure surrounding the spring is currently run-down and many needed facilities do not exist to serve visitors and residents. Existing structures are damaged and are a hazard to visitors. The boardwalks also do not follow accessibility regulations and present obstacles to people in need of extra assistance. Additionally, a large metal culvert currently

runs beneath the beach and empties dark creek water into the clear spring. The District and Nestlé want to make a comfortable place for visitors to relax and

play, while keeping the spring safe. The proposed infrastructure will be durable and minimally invasive.

To begin, the current structures around the spring will be removed and replaced with updated designs. New structures and facilities including boardwalks, restroom facilities and covered picnic areas will be added around the spring to improve recreation.

Near the water, native ferns and grasses will be planted along the banks to help restore the shoreline that has eroded from decades of use. The roots of these plants will stabilize the earth while also discouraging people from walking along the spring’s edge. Because visitors can only get to the spring by water, kayak docking, launches and storage are needed. These structures will help people to move in and out of the spring and enjoy the surrounding area.

The metal culvert will be removed, and a new reinforced concrete culvert will be constructed and buried further back from the beach. The material of the culvert will be updated to concrete that is more resistant to corrosion and will last much longer. The new culvert will also empty the dark water farther away from the top of the spring, leaving more clear water for visitors to enjoy. When the old culvert is removed, the beach area will be renovated and ex-tended along the shoreline.

These improvements made to Cypress Springs will allow more visitors to experience the beauty of the spring while protecting this natural resource for future generations.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Abigail BurnsLindsey FurrowMaria Leal-BruceCaroline WellsJennifer Magi (not pictured)


SPONSORNorthwest Florida Water Management District, Brett Cyphers


PHOT

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lorid

aDEP

.gov



219: Stanley Steemer Site Design

The essence of this project was to produce a competent site design for the development of a new Stanley Steemer commercial building located at 2421 Barcelona Lane in Tallahassee, Florida. Stanley Steemer is a nationally-renowned upholstery cleaning provider, and with an additional location they will be able to service more of the Tallahassee community.

The location of our project is a 1.32 acre lot, where we designed a 6,500 square foot building and a surrounding parking lot and site roadway.

Many different engineering aspects needed to be considered during the design process for this project. These were considered in order to make sure an acceptable product for the client was created while making sure it is compatible with the existing sites in the surrounding areas. These aspects also included creating the site layout in a way that resulted in proper stormwater runoff drainage from the site and produced a building design that would meet the needs of the client. Certain constraints needed to be followed, set by both the client and Tallahassee/Florida land development codes. Cost constraints were also placed on the project.

The site was first graded to direct runoff and create a suitable drainage design. Then the site was laid out so that the various parts follow certain permitting requirements such as slope and distance from the edge of the site. As for developing the building, a report done by an outside company was used to figure out information regarding the soil on the site and was used to help design the building on the site.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Hussein AssafCounte CoversonRasahn MartinAlex Wright


SPONSORDHM Melvin Engineering Paul Davidson, M.S., P.E., C.G.C


306: Radio Home Monitoring System (RHMS)

When evacuated during a natural disaster, people are concerned about the condition of their homes. We designed a home monitoring device that collects and transmits information about the potential damages to your home before, during and after a natural disaster. Our Radio Home Monitoring System (RHMS) can provide instant peace of mind knowing condition of your home, no matter where you are.

With the information collected from the device accessible via mobile or desktop application, evacuees can have real-time knowledge of a home’s condition.

This system detects four different things: power, wind, temperature and water level. RHMS uses radio signals to transmit this data in case Wi-Fi or cell service are unavailable. The device consists of two parts: sensors that collect the information and a receiver that transmits the data over long distances.

Users create an account in the app on their phone or computer, which allows access to the information about the home. All information is securely stored and transmitted.

When the power is out, similar devices are unable to meet these needs. RHMS works for about two weeks after losing power. The device is waterproof and resistant to certain damages like impact and heat. RHMS allows you to feel secure and informed from a safe distance—and get a head start on fixing your home if anything goes wrong.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Jason Fiegle, CpEJayson Francois, CpEWargsen Joseph, CpEEric Sharkey, CpENathan Walser, EE

ADVISORSOmar Faruque, Ph.D. Jinyeong Moon, Ph.D.

SPONSORDean’s Office - Engineering Serves

Electrical & Computer Engineering

Electrical &Computer Senior

Design


Electrical & Computer EngineeringElectrical & Computer Engineering

301: SoutheastConHardware Competition 2020

The IEEE SoutheastCon Student Hardware Competition is an annual robotic design contest. This year’s game is to design an autonomous robot to do at least one of two tasks, within three minutes. We chose the game of stacking Lego® Duplo® blocks of different colors in order within the scoring area. There are 10 different block colors distributed around the field and each color represents a different digit (0-9). The goal is to stack blocks to spell out as many of the decimal places of pi.

Our goal is to stack as many blocks as we can. Our robot follows a painted, lined route using infrared sensors and line-following software to reach the Duplo® blocks. It then gathers and stacks them as it goes around the field using sonar and infrared sensors. The robot carries the Duplo® blocks by having two claws, one on the bottom and one on the top. The claw at the bottom lines up the blocks so the top claw can pick it up with no problems. Then the top claw moves up and holds the block in place so it can stack with the new incoming Duplo® block. Toward the end of the three-minute time limit, the robot moves over to the goal to place the stack of Duplo® blocks.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)David Bowen, MEAbiel Souverain, MEIsabel Barnola, CpEAlex Ndekeng, EEDiego Campos, EE

ADVISORBruce Harvey, Ph.D.


303: Software-Defined Radio

Today most cars use traditional radios to tune into FM/AM stations. But did you know there is a future innovation on the horizon? Software defined radios (SDRs) allow changes to be made to a radio’s functionality without having to touch the actual hardware. SDRs are used in all types of applications from private and commercial to military. The team’s goal is to design and fabricate a high-performance programmable radio from components regularly available to the public.

The design aims to maintain operation across a higher range of frequencies. Essentially, the SDR (and the teamwork) are divided up into two parts:

interpreting the data coming in and boosting the data going out on what’s called a carrier wave.

Instead of a regular computer, our design is equipped with a special type of hardware that can process multiple commands at the same time via software. This allows the SDR to complete many types of tasks, unlike traditional (and completely hardware-dependent) radios. When the data is sent, its signal is modified by the second part of the design so it can reach many other devices. Our software-defined radio competes in the market and in the lab.

These features are found in network and sensor devices used by companies such as NASA, while keeping the cost at a minimum. A proposal based on this work was accepted to the IEEE MTT SAT competition. This annual competition aims to further the interest in radio technology among students. The competition requires making a space-hardened design with even more hi-tech features. Hopefully one day the design will be picked from a lucky few to be placed in a real satellite and launched into space.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Najee Boyer, CpEDavid Lynom, CpECharles Kennedy, EE/CpEBrandon Matulonis, CpE

ADVISORSJerris Hooker, Ph.D.Peter Stenger

SPONSORNorthrop Grumman Corporation

302: Tool for Automated Discovery of Asynchronous ReversibleSuperconducting Circuits

Modern computers are still limited for more complex scientific problems. The main disadvantage of these computers is they are unable to use all the energy provided to them, which also makes them run hotter and slower. This disadvantage is referred to as low-power efficiency and it also limits computer speed. Our project uses a new method to solve the low-power efficiency problem.

The technology we use is asynchronous ballistic reversible superconducting computing (ABRS). It works by replacing some of the current computer components with much faster components. However, there are problems with using the ABRS technology and we are focusing on one: finding a way to create components that can work with ABRS.

We created a tool that finds components based on a specified task. The combinations of these components are what makes hard problems possible to solve. First, the tool requires the user to tell it what the component does. Next, it looks at all the possible way to create the component and finds ones that match what the user specified. Then, the tool gives the user visual results of the component.

This project offers a possibility to build computers with this new technology. It also helps advance ABRS technology research and industry by allowing scientists and companies to create more complex computers. If society is able to utilize the full potential of the ABRS technology, computers could operate at 500 times faster than currently possible.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Frank Allen, EEJames Hardy, EE/CpE (dual degree)Oscar Lopez Corces, EEFadi Matloob, CpE

ADVISORSJerris Hooker, Ph.D.Michael Frank, Ph.D.

SPONSORSandia National Labs

304: JAMR—The Modular Music Workstation

Musicians and producers have more devices to add to their studios than ever before and new additions can get expensive. Overlaps in features can create redundancies and take up space. Our goal was to tackle this problem while adding customizability and convenience.

We created a music production workstation that splits up into pieces. Each piece is a different function like piano keys, buttons or dials, a display or some other function. We designed housing for each piece.

The housings are square and rectangular pieces that align and stick together using magnets and can be attached, detached and rearranged in any orientation depending on the user’s preference.

We surveyed artists and producers to find out what features we would implement in our product. We developed software to record and edit the music created on the device. We wired and assembled all our pieces to function as one system. In one unit, our music production workstation provides the user with all of the tools they may want to create music. It allows them to arrange different functions in ways that streamline their music making process or challenge them to create in new ways.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Russell Cooks, CpEJoshua Guerrero, CpEAnthony Seamster, EEMichael Ward, EE

ADVISORJerris Hooker, Ph.D.

SPONSORDean’s Office Entrepreneurial

Senior Design

ESD



305: ECE InteractiveMedia Center

Our system solves the problem of, “How do you find info which you don’t know you need?” Engineering stduents need to know who their advisors are, how to get a hold of teachers and advisors, and set appointments. Our interactive information kiosk increases productivity and engagement throughout the department. The kiosk is designed for the electrical and computer engineering department, with future expansion to other engineering departments.

Our overall system is made up of a projector, a computer and a collection of sensors. The main part of the group of sensors is called the integrated arm. This arm is the primary source of hand tracking when someone wants to click a feature by touching the kiosk wall. The other part of the system includes a projector and computer, which gives the ability to turn a wall into a touch-screen kiosk. The kiosk uses the wall within the department hallway and can be used by multiple people at once using touch.

Using the interactive information kiosk, users can look up advisor hours, reserve advising appointments and lookup class information by specific time and instructor.

TEAM MEMBERS(L to R)Daniel Belc, EEChristopher Mesidor, CpEVincent Mulvaney, CpEMonea’ Shepherd, CpENoah Wolff, CpE

ADVISORShonda Bernadin, Ph.D.


307: NASA Rover Head-Up Display

The project is to design a working head-up display (HUD) system that can be seen on the windshield of a NASA moon rover. The goal is to give astronauts a screen that acts as an easy reference during vehicle operation, cutting down on distractions and making missions safer.

To complete this task, the system collects information from rover sensors. These include the remaining battery power, current time, verbal instructions from the driver, and determination whether the astronauts can contact mission control.

Information is organized by a small computer into an image projected onto the screen. This screen can be read from the windshield because it is placed so that the image is reflected on to the windshield.

The unit also needs to be managed by the drivers, so it has a controller wired directly to it. The controller has big buttons because the astronauts could be wearing large gloves and they need to press the correct button. If the drivers cannot use the controller, there are a few voice commands programmed into the system to help with simple tasks. The computer is programmed to collect data from a set of similar sensors where if one begins to malfunction. When faulty data is read from the sensor the system notifies the driver that it needs replacing.

The design of the HUD system needed to consume as little power as it can allowing the rover to extend to longer missions. Other important factors of the design included reducing the direct sunlight hitting the astronauts and total system weight because it is very expensive to get objects into space.

This system will make exploration missions easier for astronauts while on the moon and other planets that will be explored in the future.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Conrad Horn, CpECory Talmon, CpEBryce Ponti, CpEJiaqi Chu, CpEDanica Forestal, EE/Applied Math (Dual Degree)

ADVISORSBruce Harvey, Ph.D.Tanya AndrewsJustin Rowe

SPONSORNASA Marshall Space Flight Center

PHOT

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ASA


308: Cassie Machine Vision

Cassie is a robot with two legs that is able to walk upright like a human. Its main purpose is to help researchers understand robot movement. One weakness of Cassie is the tendency to lose track of the distance traveled, which is estimated from its acceleration sensors. Cassie’s position estimates gain error over time, so the farther it travels, the less accurate it becomes. This error can build up due to a variety of issues, including vibration and flaws in the sensor.

In order to improve the situation, we added a camera that senses depth. We are combining this new information with the existing sensors

to determine Cassie’s location within any area. We recorded test cases of Cassie to understand this error by recording Cassie’s true movement and comparing it to what the existing sensors recorded. We reduce the error by combining the position gathered from Cassie’s existing sensors with those from the added camera. Even though each method produces some error, their combination creates less error over time than one method on its own. Essentially, we make a position estimate using Cassie’s existing sensors and a position estimate using the added camera; then we use an algorithm to combine the two position estimates into one, effectively reducing error. These are important steps which will allow Cassie to see and move through unfamiliar spaces.

The addition of a camera can also allow Cassie to move without user input. This was not possible before. In the future, Cassie can be further upgraded to identify and avoid obstacles. Removing user input allows for a new range of uses for Cassie and robots like it. Robots like Cassie may be used for things like transportation and surveying on rough grounds in the future.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Sean Collard, CpEJoshua Cortman, EEBarrett McKinney, CpEElie Musingo, CpEJeffrey Welling, EE

ADVISORChristian Hubicki, Ph.D.



309: Sprinter Data Collector

We designed a product to collect information for runners, sprinters and coaches to improve sprinting performance. Currently, there are many devices that help with collecting data during runs, but they either cost too much or provide only a few factors. In order to meet this need, we designed our product to provide reliable data on multiple factors, and be affordable. The factors that are considered important for the performance of sprinters are: speed, acceleration, timing, distance, and stride (the distance covered when you take two steps, one with each foot). Therefore, we have made these data points our focus.

Our program uses processed data from a camera and an accelerometer using the C++ programming language. The camera processing is done through a library extension in C++ known as OpenCV. Data acquired from these two devices provide accurate values of speed, acceleration, timing, distance and stride. The camera captures the footage necessary to calculate distance, time, speed and stride length. The accelerometer, attached to the chest of the runner, gathers acceleration, speed, time and stride frequency. Speed, time and components of stride are measured on both devices. This data is then synchronized to gain more precise data points. The program takes the that data from the camera and the accelerometer as inputs and calculates data points and delivers them to the user as outputs.

Our program allows the user to upload videos taken on an iPhone camera to ensure its ease of use. This makes our design affordable, while still giving the customer info at the same accuracy as other data tracking devices. The Sprinter Data Collector gives the user full awareness of a sprinter’s performance when running.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Stephanie Damas, EEChristian Gazmuri, EE/CpEBeauponte Mezonlin, EEAdam Breindel, EELucero Cruz-Barcenas, EE (not pictured)

ADVISOROscar Chuy, Ph.D.

SPONSORDean’s Office

EntrepreneurialSenior Design

ESD


310: Tele-Robotic Line Worker

Access to electricity directly affects our quality of life on a daily basis. The impact of power loss can vary from minor to life-threatening risk in the fields of industry and healthcare. Over five million customers in Florida depend on Florida Power & Light (FPL) to maintain a reliable supply of power. Utility companies such as FPL have line workers perform routine maintenance and repairs on active power lines. Extreme height and proximity to high voltages make power line work one of the most dangerous jobs in the world.

Our team developed a robotic arm that assists power line workers. The arm is made up of three rigid links controlled by air pressure and electrical circuits which mimic human arm motion. The end of the arm can switch between multiple tools to accomplish different tasks. These tasks include removing preformed wire ties and lifting heavy power lines. Electrical parts and control systems are housed in the base of the arm to be insulated from the power lines. The arm is remote-control operated by trained line workers up to a certain distance. The design incorporates a mounted camera at the end of the arm so that the operator can see the effective workspace.

The robotic arm holds several advantages over traditional line work methods. This design will allow FPL to improve the safety, efficiency and reliability of workers performing their job. Our modular arm serves as a base model that could be built upon for other applications by FPL.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Hunter Kramer, MEDoran McFalls, MEDenis Dineen, MENicolas Palmeiro, EEJacob Hutto, EE

ADVISORSRodney Roberts, Ph.D.Genese Augustin

SPONSORFlorida Power and Light

Electrical & Computer Engineering Electrical & Computer Engineering

311: Adaptive SuspensionController

Air suspensions are a growing trend in the automotive world. They work in a similar way to normally sprung suspensions. Conventional systems work by absorbing impacts with a spring and managing the rebound pressure with a shock absorber. In air suspensions, the metal spring is replaced with an air bladder that gives adjustable stiffness and ride height. The air ride systems that are currently on the market are often times inaccurate and simply a black box with “Up/Down” buttons on them. Our aim was to improve the accuracy and provide users the first suspension controlling interactive touchscreen.

A small computer asks the user for the height they want the suspension to reach. It reads air pressure and height sensors, and then adjusts the suspension to reach the desired height. If the user sets the suspension at a certain height, the controller reads the current position of the suspension and then adjusts the air valves to either raise or lower the suspension. To raise, the valves open to allow pulses of air in for different amounts of time, depending on the height adjustment needed. Through system monitoring and prediction techniques, the pulses of air are shortened as the suspension reaches the target height. If the measured height of the suspension changes without user input, the system adjusts back to the last valid position.

This system allows several saved heights and access through a phone-like touchscreen. It’s accurate, through the use of precise sensors to send data and advanced techniques for monitoring and control.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Zachary Berryhill, CpEScott Forn, EE/CpEMatthew Van Overloop, EEEric Amaral, EE

ADVISORMoses Anubi, Ph.D.

SPONSORDean’s Office Entrepreneurial

Senior Design

ESD


408: Composite Inspection Protocol

In the mid-20th century, aircraft manufacturing companies such as Pratt & Whitney began implementing composite materials into their designs. Since that time composite pieces have become an integral part of airplanes because of their superior mechanical properties and relatively light weights.

A composite is a material that consists of two or more materials with different physical properties. When combined together, the joint piece has better physical characteristics than the individual parts. In fact, there are multiple aircraft today which consist of over 50% composite material—which has dramatically increased plane fuel efficiency.

One issue with composite pieces though, is their ability to lose structural integrity while keeping the same appearance on the surface. Currently there is no process used to detect defects that is defined and accepted across the industry, which is the motivation behind this project.

We designed a validation protocol to inspect composite pieces and improve customer safety and business efficiency. In order to validate that a given composite piece does not contain defects, we use Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE). NDE is the process of inspecting, testing or evaluating materials, components or assemblies for discontinuities in characteristics without destroying the serviceability of the part.

For this project, our team is using an ultrasonic C-Scan machine. This machine emits ultrasonic waves throughout a material and gathers feedback which allows for detection of defects beneath the surface of the piece. The benefits of the C-Scan are dimensional accuracy, detailed resulting images, and its accessibility at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. At the conclusion of this project, our team provides a case study on the characteristics and process steps involved with testing composite materials for defects using a C-Scan machine.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Jazmine Houston, IME Kevin Stevens, IME Cole Mitchem, IME Benjamin Farber, IME

ADVISORSZhiyong Liang, Ph.D.Dele Awofala, Ph.D.Kalia Kothandapany

SPONSORPratt & Whitney-UTC

Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering

Industrial &Manufacturing Senior

Design


Industrial & Manufacturing EngineeringIndustrial & Manufacturing Engineering

401: FlexSense MotionSensing Glove

Every year in the United States, surgeons complete more than 700,000 robotic surgeries and earn more than $3 billion. According to surgeons, the robotic device used to perform these surgeries is large and causes back, arm and hand pain after a long surgery. Also, some doctors struggle to use robot controllers. To avoid these problems, our team provides a smart glove to improve the ease of use of these controllers. The FlexSense Motion Sensing Glove is capable of tracking hand and finger movements in real time.

The glove uses sensors made of Buckypaper, a thin sheet of paper that contains very small carbon tubes. This material is very sensitive, ideal for tracking hand and finger movements. Our project’s main goal is to showcase the potential of Buckypaper.

We study the motions of the hand to create the best sensor layouts and follow a step-by-step procedure to assemble the glove in the fastest way possible. We test our sensors using techniques and machines often used in engineering, like tensile testing.

To create the best glove design, our team is running a market study with surgeons about the use of the controllers. Surgeons’ opinions help us select the best base material and design a glove that is easy and intuitive to use. Our goal is to demonstrate that FlexSense improves the comfort and health of surgeons. We combine our different engineering backgrounds to make this glove possible. Ultimately, we want to demonstrate that this new technology is possible and useful for other motion sensing tools beyond the FlexSense glove.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Robert Hays, ME Shams Dhanani, MERuben Cortes, CpE Peter Andrew Cancio, ECE Gabriela Gomez Pieraldi, IMEAna De Leon, IME

ADVISORSJoshua DeGraff, Ph.D.Zhiyong Liang, Ph.D.

SPONSORHigh-PerformanceMaterials Institute

402: Integrated AdditiveManufacturing of Fiber Optics

Telecommunication technologies are always changing in terms of data rates and delivery methods. One of these technologies is fiber optics. These cables offer faster delivery rates, better performance over long distances and reduced weight. NASA adopted this technology and seeks to improve the way that it is made.

The common fiber optic goes through a long and expensive production process, involving chemicals and automation. The answer to replacing this method is 3D printing. 3D printing allows fibers to be printed anywhere in the world (or space) and reduces the overall production cost. Current fiber optics use delicate, pure glass strands wrapped in different coatings, where light travels between the two ends of the fiber to deliver information. Clear 3D printed plastics are an inexpensive substitute for these delicate glass strands.

This project uses different types of plastics to try to reproduce the same results with a 3D printed cable, when compared to an industry standard cable. Once completed, NASA can cut down on production and delivery cost while advancing current technologies.

Our goal is to create a 3D printed optical fiber that can deliver data over a short distance without major data loss when compared to current cables.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Royce Pokela, ME Renato Tradardi, ME Noah Steighner, ECE Carlos Cuevas, ECE Maria Camila Arias, IME

ADVISORSTarik Dickens, Ph.D.Ian K. Small


403: Dimensioning Process for 3D Printing

In the manufacturing industry there is a trend towards new and alternative methods to create parts. This trend focuses on the need for companies to increase production while lowering cost. 3D printers allow for creating of parts which would normally have needed expensive manufacturing methods. Our team seeks to develop the process for which 3D printers can be used on a manufacturing line.

This project consists of three major milestones: Collect and analyze data on the dimensions of 3D printed parts; develop a system for which 3D printed parts can be created and then measure to verify their dimensions; and implement the developed system in a laboratory environment.

The main objective of the project is to reduce variability of 3D prints by using robotics and geometric dimensioning and tolerancing techniques. This can be done with a probe which checks the part for dimensions and then compares it to desired dimensions to see the difference. We designed a process which involves the use of several robots. A few of these robots are 3D printers, while the other is a pick and place robot. This pick and place robot holds the probe which checks for part dimensions and variance once the part has been 3D printed.

To date, we have designed an enclosure and required components to house the mentioned robots and parts. The process development meets the main objective or purpose of the project by utilizing the robots and probe. Future work includes refining this process and incorporating it into a manufacturing environment.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Matthew Emerick, ME Dillon Mathena, ME Samantha Bell, IME Leonardo Tellez, IME Carlie Cunningham, IME Kelan Green, IME

ADVISORSTarik Dickens, Ph.D.Stan ZoubekJennifer Tecson



404: Hurricane Debris Removal

The tree canopy of Tallahassee is a treasure to the community. There is about a 55 percent tree coverage in the city, one of the highest percentages in the nation. When tropical storms and hurricanes hit, they cause large amount of debris. A majority of this debris is vegetative because of the immense tree canopy.

After these storms, the City of Tallahassee Waste Management and Community Beautification departments are in charge of removing the debris from the community. There are two phases to this process. First is the response phase, when the Community Beautification Department clears the roads of debris and cuts large objects into pieces to ease the disposal process. Second is the recovery phase,

when the Waste Management Department removes the debris from the community and transports it to a disposal site. Our team is working with the Waste Management Department to reduce the time of their debris removal process.

We are reducing the time through multiple tactics. These include removing unnecessary breaks, assigning vehicle storage locations, and improving the transportation of the debris between the neighborhoods and disposal sites. A fueling plan eliminates unnecessary breaks for the vehicles and suggests having a gas truck fuel the vehicles during the workers’ lunch break. Increasing the number of vehicle storage locations, or depots, reduces unnecessary travel. This makes it faster for the employees to begin their work at the start of the day.

The transportation plan creates standards for the waste management employees and shows which disposal sites are fastest to reach from each city zone. Together, these tactics create a process improvement implementation plan.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Kayla Oden IME Carmen Araujo IME Ryan Patrick IMEGeorge Perez IME

ADVISORSBeth Gray, M.S., P.E. Reginald C. OfuaniRoderic Hightower


405: Sepsis Protocol Improvement

Sepsis is a fast-acting and extremely dangerous illness with the highest mortality rate of any condition at Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare (TMH). The current mortality rate for sepsis patients at TMH is about 16 percent. The national benchmark for sepsis patient mortality is only 12.3 percent. Led by the TMH Lean Services department, our team is working to improve the detection rate of sepsis.

Our project focuses on sepsis patients who enter the hospital through the Bixler Emergency Department (ED). Every hour that a patient with sepsis is not treated, their mortality rate increases by 8 percent. This increase proves that the early detection of sepsis is necessary to treat sepsis patients.

Using nationally accepted sepsis criteria measurements, there are three ways that a patient can be flagged as septic. There are two flagging systems through the hospital’s computer system that respond to patient vitals and blood work results. The third flag goes off when the registered nurse (RN) flags a patient as septic during initial observations.

Nurses flag a patient with abnormal vitals, physical appearance, and/or mental status. Although the RN flag is not the most reliable, it does demonstrate the best average detection time of 16 minutes. This is 2.5 hours quicker than the computer programmed alerts.

Our team is using hospital-supplied data and observing the RNs at the TMH ED while they evaluate patients. We recommend taking all the needed patient vitals for sepsis and improving the computer system. We are also working to show the lead physicians at the hospital that these changes to the current process are needed. This project is the first part of TMH’s overall goal to lower the sepsis mortality rate.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Makaela Tippins, IME Steven Foster, IME Corey Krueger, IME Vania Lee, IME

ADVISORSBeth Gray, M.S., P.E.Lynn BricklerLogan Van Wagenen

SPONSORTallahassee Memorial HealthCare


406: Maritime Schedule Improvement

Dedicated Crowley employees work hard to create the schedules for ships that make deliveries all around the world. Whether it is making a delivery to Alaska or Puerto Rico, the schedule has to be efficient. But, not all of the ships can follow the schedule exactly. The goal of this project is to improve the scheduling integrity for Crowley’s maritime ships; specifically, in the southeastern and Caribbean region of the Atlantic.

The scope of this project is to analyze data from Crowley and to identify root causes of late arriving ships. Our team observed the times recorded on all the ships at each stage in their voyage and compared those to the scheduled times. The data is a collection of the trips’ records in the first nine months of 2019.

Looking for patterns allow us to observe trends on the late trips and make hypotheses for process improvement. After that, we simulate the improvements with math models to confirm that they are reasonable. Based on the analysis we develop improvement solutions that ultimately increase efficiency in Crowley’s scheduling process. The results are less late voyages and a more accurate schedule. With the added efficiency, this helps Crowley save money and time. All of these factors lead to more production for Crowley Maritime as a company.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Jose Villasmil, IME Edward Durling, IME Laura Gonzales, IME Kaia Little, IME

ADVISORSBeth Gray, M.S., P.E. Ernesto GarciaBridget BuchananCiara Orsi

SPONSORCrowley Maritime Corporation

407: Tooling Kitting Process

Manufacturing efficiency is crucial to meet demand and eliminate waste. Our project reduces the waste of time that occurs from not having the right machining tools at the right time. We are developing and implementing a tooling kitting process that ensures that the TECT Power facility has the correct number of tools to machine jet engine blades. This kitting process is applied to the company’s Rolls-Royce assembly line. There are five machines in this line, and we are making one tool kit for each machine. We are also designing a cart prototype to transport each kit throughout the day.

By evaluating TECT Power’s data regarding tool life, we are creating a tool calculator in Excel. The calculator shows the number of tools the company needs to order each week. This number will change when manipulating the product demand cell in the Excel file. Based on the average demand of 100 engine blades per week, kit 1 holds a total of 62 tools, kit 2 holds 30 tools, kit 3 holds 109 tools, kit 4 holds 72 tools, and kit 5 holds just 10 tools. Each tool kit can be checked out and returned by employees at each shift from the tool storage. The benefits of this project include reduced worker and machine downtime, as well as increased efficiency on the factory floor. The kitting process also applies to TECT Power’s other assembly lines.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Maryna Sherstobitova, IME Joshua Birdsall, IME Roberto Barrera, IMEKevin Martinez, IME

ADVISORSBeth Gray, M.S., P.E.Heather Broadway

SPONSORTect Power


409: Right-Of-Way MowingOperations

Tallahassee is known for its greenery. It is a city where green areas run along most roads. The City of Tallahassee Community Beautification and Waste Management Department maintains the public landscape.

The strip of land along the road is called the right-of-way (ROW). This area is considered city property even in neighborhoods or business areas. This is because cities use it as an important part of infrastructure. The grass in the ROW is mowed regularly in case of emergencies where vehicles need to pull over safely. Right now, the city is responsible for the mowing of all ROW, including in private areas like neighborhoods.

For this project, our team is studying how a city rule making mowing the ROW in private areas the responsibility of

the home or business owners would impact the department. Most people mow this area with their regular lawn mowing. If the department does not have to mow these areas, it can provide better services for Tallahassee residents. Some possible benefits are more landscape projects, better public road maintenance and reduced operating cost.

Right now, Tallahassee is the only city without these rules. Our team is comparing the city ordinances of 11 Florida cities with the City of Tallahassee to find how other cities use the rules Tallahassee is considering. We also researched the potential cost decrease from the changes, as well as potential operating improvements. This project may lead to more work on the landscaping side of the department in the future.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Adriana Serrano, IME Bryan Anderson, IME Samuel Hernandez, IME

ADVISORSBeth Gray, M.S., P.E.Reginald C. OfuaniCris Revell



TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Angelo Marrone, IME Alexis Riley, IME Avery McCulloh, IME Eduardo Oliveira, IME

ADVISORHui Wang, Ph.D.

SPONSORHigh-Performance Materials Institute

410: Pressure Data Mapping for Prosthetics

The current process for fitting amputees with a prosthetic is lengthy and standard. The entire process can take up to one year and starts with getting fitted for a test socket after recovery from surgery. While using this test socket for a few months, the patient gives continuous feedback to the doctor for adjustments to be made. Throughout this process an amputee endures tremendous amounts of pain and skin irritation. Currently, adjustments are made based on the feedback received from the patient. For example, where they are feeling pain or where the socket is uncomfortable.

Our project places sensors within a prosthetic socket to collect pressure data at different locations for varying angles of the prosthetic. Following data collection, we place foam in areas within the socket where the sensors detect high pressure.

Our design uses a special type of foam called auxetic foam. One of the key features of auxetic foam is its ability to laterally expand when under tension. This unique trait allows the auxetic foam to have excellent energy absorption ability. This assists in reducing the amount of pressure we are seeing in areas around the prosthetic.

The main focus of our project is to help provide a data-driven recommendation system for doctors to predict where high-pressure point areas will be in a socket. Following that analysis, doctors can use the auxetic foam to help ease the pressure. Physicians can use this data along with additional resources to adjust the prosthetic and provide their patients with more efficient care.

Relative Prosthetic Pressure at Five Sensor Locations (High Voltage Indicates Low Pressure)


411: Robotics in Manufacturing

Robots are changing the world of manufacturing on a global scale with increased speed, output and efficiency. With help from the High-Performance Materials Institute and our sponsors, Dr. Wang and Dr. Liang, our team is working with a FANUC m-1iA Delta Series Robot. The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering had this robot, but it was not set up. The goal is to show how this robot improves production in manufacturing. We achieve this through setting up the robot and assembling a protective case.

We are creating a range of production setups and programming the robot to perform these scenarios. These include programming the robot arm to pick up and place objects through both linear and circular motions. For example, the robot picks up a phone and flips it over to a different nearby location. Why is it important to have a robot like this for students to use?

Our project provides a vital tool that shows how the industry is evolving. It serves as a model for students to gain knowledge of manufacturing processes and automation concepts. Students can learn more about all of the various obstacles facing robotics in production. Some of the long-term issues with our project are error fixing and proper training to increase the robot’s functions. After completing this project, it is key to have a trained person operate, maintain, and teach students how to safely handle the robot. Proper training and maintenance ensures successful use of the FANUC m-1iA Delta Series robot for years to come.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Mario Aquino, IME Samuel Silvera, IME Jorge Lopez, IME Marcela Dominguez, IME

ADVISORHui Wang, Ph.D.

SPONSORHigh-Performance Materials Institute

Industrial & Manufacturing Engineering


512: Temperature-Sensitive Medication Storage During Natural Disasters

The damage from natural disasters, such as hurricanes, can impact lives long after the storm has passed. Families rebuilding after a storm should not need to worry about having their lifesaving medication. Medical organizations have found the lack of refrigeration to keep insulin, and other medicine, cool as a leading cause of death following hurricanes. Therefore, we developed a cooling system for these medications without grid power.

To keep these medications usable, they need to be between 2°C - 8°C according to their storage instructions. An everyday cooler can meet this range, but only for a few hours without an added cooling source. A generator or extremely large battery could power a refrigerator but would not be practical for the public. Thus, because of the lack of a grid power, using the least power is just as crucial as cooling. With this in mind, we found that a thermoelectric unit (TEC) is the best way to keep the internal temperature of the cooler in the goal range. A mix of batteries and solar energy powers our TEC. This will keep the medicine in range until power returns.

After trying many ideas, our final design uses a simple cooler body with an attached TEC unit, added insulation, and three airtight locking drawers. These drawers both protect and contain each vial separately within the cooler. Our design gives the user peace of mind in times of a natural disaster. It not only spares users the cost of replacing medicine, but also prevents medical emergencies, and save lives.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Timothy Willms, MEMatthew Israel, MEJesse Arrington, METyler White, MEChristian Torpey, ME

ADVISORAli Yousuf, Ph.D.


Mechanical Engineering

Mechanical SeniorDesign

Senior Design Team 512 meets with Tom Derzypolski, the father and local businessman who pitched the need for safe medication storage after Hurricane Michael in 2018.


Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering

501: Powder Recovery for Metal Additive Manufacturing

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) at Eglin Air Force Base uses a metal 3D printer to make parts. This printer uses a laser to fuse metal powder together to form desired shapes. This leaves some unfused metal powder trapped inside cavities in the part. Any remaining powder is waste because of contamination after the part is taken out of the printer. The lab is tasking us with creating a device to help remove the unfused powder from the part. This recovered powder should be captured and stored for reuse.

Knowing how to best handle metal powder is key to this project’s success. The metal powder at AFRL has individual pieces that are about 10 times smaller than the thickness of a standard piece of paper. The powder particles easily catch on the surface and corners of the printed part. The powder must always be isolated because of safety concerns. Airborne powder can catch on fire and is dangerous to inhale.

Our system vibrates the part upside-down to remove powder. This powder falls and is funneled into a storage container. To account for the dangers of small metal powder, our vibrating system is placed inside a sand blasting cabinet. These cabinets already meet AFRL’s safety standards. The designed system proves to be effective in recovering additional powder.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Arlan Ohrt, MENoah Tipton, MEVincent Giannetti, MEJoshua Dorfman, MEKevin Richter, ME

ADVISORSimone Hruda, Ph.D.

SPONSORAir Force Research Laboratory

502: Retractable Storage Rack for Inert Atmosphere Glove Box

An inert atmosphere glove box is a box filled with argon gas that has a very low oxygen and water content. This specialized atmosphere is needed to work with materials that react with oxygen and water vapor. The person using the glove box puts their hands and arms in the glove that are attached to the glove box. Everything the person needs to do experiments in the glove box has to be stored in the glove box, so storage space is at a premium. The equipment that is commonly present in a glove box includes balances, hand tools, jars of chemical, mortars and pestles, and even welding units.

In current glove boxes, the only storage racks are stationary shelves on the back of the unit. Storage space is an issue for users because the gloves have a short reach, and cannot reach everywhere in the glove box. Even portions of the existing shelves

are out of reach. The space in the back corners of the glove box are currently unusable for storage. Our team’s project was to create as much usable storage space inside a glove box as possible without interfering with the space needed for the experiments.

Talks with experienced users guided our design. We came up with a sliding rack that attaches to the top of the glove box and has multiple levels of rotatable shelves hung underneath it. It is best described as an inverted lazy Susan on a track. Its rest position is in a back corner of the glove box out of the way of the experiments. If the person needs to get something off or put something on the lazy Susan, they slide it forward from the corner to the front of the glove box where it is in easy reach. They can rotate the lazy susan 360˚ to access the shelf space they need. After use, the person slides it to the back corner until it is needed again. This extra storage creates a cleaner more organized glove box that may even increase the valuable space for experiments in the glove box.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Evan Ryan, MEJacqueline Matthews, MEMichael Rodino, ME

ADVISOREric Hellstrom, Ph.D.

SPONSORApplied Superconductivity Center

503: Psyche Mission - Cobalt Class Robotic Explorer for Hypothesized Surfaces

The NASA Psyche mission is a journey to study a metal asteroid named 16 Psyche. This asteroid is found in the asteroid belt and is believed to be the exposed core of a planet. Scientists are studying 16 Psyche to learn more about Earth’s core because Earth’s core is too hot to reach. A robotic explorer that can examine the surface of 16 Psyche is important for collecting data and making new discoveries. The goal of this project is to design and build a robot capable of traveling across the hypothesized metal terrain of the asteroid.

The robot has four legs with wheels at the end of each leg. Legs allow the robot to jump long distances in the low gravity of the asteroid. Wheels provide a precise way of maneuvering short distances. Each of the four legs and wheels operate independently for adaptable movement across the surface of the asteroid. An internal gear train is found in each leg and moves the foot along a linear path. The motion of this mechanism allows for strong jumping and spring-like stabilization. This linear leg motion also allows the robot to recover if it is tipped over. Overall, the design of this robot introduces a unique concept for space exploration.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Devon Foster, MEJustin Larson, MESadzid Pajevic, MEAlexander J.Legere, ME Chris Lopes, ME

ADVISORJonathan Clark, Ph.D.

SPONSORArizona State University

504: Dual-Shell Football Helmet

In recent years, there have been many studies published on the brain effects of playing football. A 2019 study by the Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) Center at Boston University found that 223 of 266 brains, or 84%, it looked at had some form of CTE. This is a disease of the brain that can affect a person’s ability to think clearly. CTE can also cause depression and has even led some former players to take their own lives.

In response to these studies, the National Football League has put an emphasis on player safety. Introducing new rules and investing money into developing equipment that will better protect the players. In 2014 our sponsor, Bret Berry, set out to create a dual-shell helmet that would lessen the angular acceleration from a blow to the side of the head. These types of hits are the primary cause of CTE. Starting off with determining

the dampening material to be used in between the two shells, the team will aim to test the design to prove its effectiveness.

Testing procedures for helmets all go through an organization known as the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE). NOCSAE grades a helmet’s effectiveness against other helmets already in market. With no access to the high-level equipment that NOCSAE uses to test their helmets, the challenge for our team will come in the form of creating a testing mechanism that will mimic the pneumatic ram used in official testing. Testing our helmet against others in the market will give us a true measure of how successful our design is in increasing player safety.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Benjamin Meiselman, ME Bryce Starr, ME

ADVISORWilliam Oates, Ph.D., P.E.

SPONSORBret Berry


505: Pop-Up Classroom

Every year a new undergraduate class arrives at college campuses filled with enthusiasm to collaborate and learn with fellow faculty, professors and other students. Technology has defined the way people interact with the world. Different technologies are used to communicate, facilitate learning, and display ideas to any given audience on a daily basis. Campus Reimagined wants to create a new college experience that meets these new technological expectations. The Pop-Up Classroom will be able to combine the typical benefits of a normal classroom with a nomadic, collaborative environment.

The project’s goal is to create an educational experience that is adaptable and easily transportable. The Pop-Up classroom’s primary features were determined by a diverse

consumer population survey. The final product has the ability to replace the current classroom experience for an engaging outdoor classroom experience. Specifically, the design’s goals are to inspire collaboration and offer classroom mobility. Additionally, the design considers the device’s outdoor use so it is weather resistant. Also, for the sake of classroom teaching materials, the design includes storage for these. The product can be used at any time and at any place to work with others and learn as a group.

The overall product includes an online platform to fit the on-the-go nature of modern schedules. Here, users are prompted to select a time and location to book the Pop-Up Classroom. Then, users can send meeting invitations via email

to fellow students and faculty from the website. Upon arrival, the user can wirelessly connect their devices to the Pop-Up Classroom for

audiovisual displays. The design process led us to multiple opportunities to reach the

project’s goal. The tires and suspension used in the design give an all-around smooth ride. Users will not be at a disadvantage being

outdoors because the device provides shade and rain protection. The Bluetooth® connectivity offered provides connection advantages for the user. In brief, this project is the solution to offering a comfortable, collaborative, and nomadic space for any type of group work.


TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Daziyah Sullivan, MEMichael Johnson, MEYadid James, MEKyle Jackey, ECEJean P Roquebert, ECEValeria Bernal, ECE

ADVISORShayne McConomy, Ph.D.

SPONSORCampus Reimagined

506: MeWee Table

Picture yourself arriving at the school library to do work only to find there seems to be no open seats at most tables. In reality, these tables still have available seats. To solve this problem, Campus Reimagined is sponsoring the MeWee Table which will enable use of all available spaces. To implement our design, we are prototyping our computer model by 3D printing the parts for a rough assembly. We are also buying parts, building and testing our table so our final model is ready for its showcase.

The MeWee table has four independent whiteboard dividers, four power sources, and group or individual workspace. The tabletop shape provides plenty of working area and places individuals a reasonable distance from each other.

The table’s whiteboard dividers and power sources were added to improve quality of the work environment. The dividers keep an individual isolated and are a solution to visual and sound disturbances in libraries. This was proven important by a Gensler research study about libraries. The table’s ability to collapse makes it easier to relocate. Each leg of the table locks 90 degrees apart for ease of setup and equal space. It is important that students or library workers can set up the table in an easy and effective manner. Use of the table’s dividers creates four individual spaces and provides extra writing or drawing space. The dividers will separate each section when people approach the table for work. When students want to work in a group, the dividers can push down into the legs. With the dividers down, the table provides a large area for seamless collaboration. These tables create a more user-friendly experience for all students.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Alec Ellis, MEKyle Innis, MELauren Smith, MEAnthony Muniz, MERieley O’Brien, ME

ADVISORPatrick Hollis, Ph.D.

SPONSORCampus Reimagined


507: Cummins Drone Delivery

Flying drones is a relatively new method for transporting packages. Companies have created successful drone delivery systems with strict limits on the shape and size of packages they can deliver. This project will focus on further automating drone delivery for packages of various shapes and sizes.

Cummins asked for a drone delivery system that completes the delivery of a 15-lb package without a human. Because self-flying drones exist, the team narrowed the project’s focus to automatic loading and unloading. The goal is to build an attachable mechanism on a bought drone that identifies, measures, and weighs a package. If the correct package is confirmed and deemed safe for flight, the delivery continues. If marked as unsafe, it recognizes the problem and sends a notification to the user. The drone’s objective is to complete two deliveries within one battery lifetime.

We produced two final models, a small-scale mechanism which attaches to a drone that can fly with a 5-lb package, and a model scaled up to carry a 15-lb package, but not mounted to a drone. The design features a flat plate and picker upper with different sensors that execute the project goals. For loading, the picker upper clamps and lifts the front edge of the package, allowing for the flat plate to slide underneath it. Both features support the package during flight and work in reverse for unloading. Finally, the mechanism is collapsed when not being used.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Jonathan Colvin, MEStephan Garcia, MENick Fair, MEEvan Vancanage, ECEHamza Alawi, ECEKory Talley, ECE

ADVISORCamilo Ordonez, Ph.D.

SPONSORCummins, Inc.



508: Structural and Thermal Management of an Automotive Battery

Battery powered cars are growing in demand, in both racing technology and commercial use, increasing the utilization and safety concern of high-powered lithium ion batteries. Hybrid vehicles are powered through both traditional combustion engines and battery packs, reducing the total amount of fuel needed by the car. However, with the battery providing enough power to compensate for the reduction in engine use, there is in turn a large generation of power within the battery. The power created by the battery is naturally converted into heat, causing concerns for the high temperatures that can generate within the system. Without proper cooling, the batteries risk

thermal runaway, in which the temperature increase causes a reaction in the batteries leading to destructive results, such as fires or explosions. With this in mind, safety is the main motive for the project.

The goal of this project is to improve the structural and thermal management of a hybrid car battery. In doing so, the improved battery will increase the safety for the user. The structural side of the project focuses on protecting the battery from crashes. The thermal side of the project focuses on cooling the battery using extended fins as heat sinks. Other design considerations, such as component placement and material selection, are used as well. The battery is tested and validated to ensure the effectiveness of the design and safety of the user. Ultimately, this project acts to advance the safety and use of hybrid vehicle batteries.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Mark Hibyan, MESkyler Heft, METaylor Bethmann, MEKaleb Sands, MEAustin Robertson, ME

ADVISORAli Yousuf, Ph.D.

SPONSORCummins, Inc.


509: Environment-Controlled Test Stand Chamber

An important part of the industry is product testing, not only to ensure safety but also to improve reliability. Danfoss-Turbocor is a worldwide maker of industrial compressors. To ensure the quality of their compressors, Danfoss tests each product under different environmental conditions in a chamber to ensure that the product meets standards.

Creating a testing chamber for Danfoss-Turbocor’s research and development lab helps

them check whether their products are working correctly. The temperature can be changed from 16° to 55° Celsius, and relative humidity range can also be changed in the chamber. These values are reached within thirty minutes and the tests of the compressor can range from a few hours to several days. The design of the chamber is made of clear walls with a direct view of the compressor. A new lid design also allows for easier placing of the compressor in the chamber.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Dai (Bill) Truong, MEMeghan Fonda, MEMichael Stoddard, MEDonald Laughlin, ME

ADVISORDorr Campbell, Ph.D.

SPONSORDanfoss Turbocorp

510: Climatic Camera

Danfoss Turbocor specializes in making HVAC compressors. The electronic parts of the compressors are tested in an environmental test chamber, with extreme temperatures that range from -40°C to 160°C. The design of the chamber makes it difficult to see the parts inside during testing. In order to achieve better failure detection, our team designed an enclosure for a camera that is placed inside the chamber.

Tests inside the chamber can last up to 80 days, so basic insulation alone is not enough. Typical cameras work between 0°C to 45°C. To meet desired temperatures, we are using basic insulation and constant air exchange to help regulate the temperature inside the camera enclosure. Constant airflow through the enclosure removes and adds heat as needed, keeping the camera operational.

The camera records videos of the parts and stores them for later use. Camera view angles are adjustable for specific tests. With our design, Danfoss employees can determine when and how the parts failed.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Diego Gonzalez, MENash Bonaventura, MEBryce Shumaker, ME

ADVISORKourosh Shoele, Ph.D.

SPONSORDanfoss Turbocorp

511: FAMU-FSU Parade Float

Parades are often a highlight of homecoming and other celebratory events. These events highlight the FAMU and FSU school spirit and inspired our sponsors, Murray and Faye Gibson, to involve the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering and increase the college’s presence in the community.

Our project goal is to design a parade float that displays the engineering school, promotes the profession and captures the attention of the parade goers. Presenting engineering in a

complex yet whimsical way accomplishes this. The float focuses on a triple pendulum controlled by electrical and mechanical systems. Objects in motion are gear-shaped displays that give the illusion of a working gearbox. This system moves even when the parade traffic is at a stop. Other objects showing each type of engineering are placed in the remaining space on the float. Our float aims to engage audiences of all ages to show the fun of engineering. It will promote our college spirit and accomplishments. The parade float is intended for use in the 2020 homecoming parades of both universities and for future community parades.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Brianna Gann, MEChristian Kinlaw, MEDanielle Carr, METarick Walcott, ME

ADVISORKeith Larson

SPONSORDean’s Office


513: SAE Aero Design Competition

Each year the Society of Automotive Engineers hosts the Aero Design contest to challenge college students with building a radio controlled airplane. In 2020, teams must build an airplane that can carry large heavy cargo and takeoff within 100 feet. Most radio controlled airplanes in this competition use balsa wood, foam, and glue as the main construction materials. Our airplane is made using 3D printed plastic. Hobbyists consider 3D plastic to be a heavy construction material. We use an alternative plastic that decreases the overall weight by nearly half versus traditional plastics. For competition, our airplane carries a size five soccer ball of nine inch diameter and one pound of cargo. A custom swinging hatch on the nose of the airplane allows for front-loading of the cargo. The design features a 6-foot wing with a 3D printed internal support and external skin. With a total weight of 15 pounds our airplane will take off in roughly 60 feet.

Using 3D printing as the main construction tool challenged us to create a radio controlled airplane that is competitive against conventional ones. An innovative feature of our airplane are the modular pieces that do not require glue for assembly. While assembly is quicker with modular pieces, the design and production process is longer and more challenging. The designer must think nontraditionally to create 3D printed pieces by considering the size and orientation of the part. Printing a modular piece can take several days depending on the size of the part. Despite the added challenge, our team successfully created a unique airplane with a method normally used for prototyping. We expect our airplane will highlight the techniques and benefits of 3D printing and inspire others to take on the challenge.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Zachary Silver, MEDavid Litter, MELeah Evans, MENestor Aguirre, MEMartina Kvitkovicova, ECEHebert Lopez, ECE

ADVISORChiang Shih, Ph.D.

SPONSORFlorida Space Grant Consortium


514: Human Exploration Rover Challenge

Our team developed a human powered rover that can compete in the 2020 NASA Human Exploration Rover Challenge course. The rover can maneuver around obstacles while the drivers complete tasks needed for the challenge course mission. The rover can travel on various ground types that are similar to the Martian surface.

The human powered rover eliminates the need for engines or battery packs and instead converts pedaling power into energy for propulsion. By eliminating the need to send fuel or more hardware except for what is needed for the mission, the overall weight of a rocket at launch is less. Our

team is also developing unique wheels to improve on the traditional design giving the rover better stability in foreign environments.

The mission also requires carrying related tools to perform experiments and data collection. These tools will carry out an assortment of mission critical tasks such as several sample collections and general use of the tools. Our team is producing a capable and reliable rover that provides a solution to short-range ground travel on distant planets. This solution provides a rover that safely transports both people and the needed equipment to various locations on these planets. From the design of the wheels to the chassis layout the entire rover is being built and designed to ensure its successful completion int the 2020 challenge course.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Lazaro Rodriguez, METavares Butler, MEPhillip Dimacali, MEJessica Meeker, MEJerald Yee, ME

ADVISORKeith Larson

SPONSORFlorida Space Grant Consortium




515: Deployable Station Structure for Reconfigurable Trainer

Our project is to improve Lockheed Martin’s Advanced Gunnery Training System tabletop module, which is a table-mounted base for the simulator. Their current design does not have a reliable place to be set up without having the user supply their own materials. While it works well with some tables and chairs, flimsy tables cause it to rock back and forth a lot during use. Our design provides a rigid, adjustable table and chair that allows convenient, consistent use of the tabletop module. It also folds up into two portable carrying cases for transport and storage. Our aim during the design process was to create a stable and easy to use product. To make sure our design did what we set out to do, it was tested using computer software and a final model was built.TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)

Jarrod Darrow, MEChristian Gonzalez, MEKemuel Nelson, MERyan Irwin, ME

ADVISORPatrick Hollis, Ph.D.

SPONSORLockheed Martin

517: Science SampleRetrieval

With the discovery of flowing water on the Martian surface, the existence of past or present life on Mars appears more likely than previously thought. However, bringing rocks from Mars to Earth in order to study them is expensive. NASA wants to effectively use resources, such as fuel and storage, by only transporting promising rock samples back to Earth. To help with this problem, we designed a robotic arm for a future Mars Rover as a way to perform an initial study of Martian rocks while they are still on the planet.

The primary focus of our project is the end-effector (the hand of the arm). This part

of the arm picks up rocks to expose them to sensors on the rover. The fingers of the end-effector are versatile and provide gripping and rotation of samples. The end-effector will expose the entire surface of the rocks to the sensors by rotating it about two pairs of perpendicular fingers. This allows the scientists to examine any point on the sample with the sensors. The sensors collect data to determine whether the rocks are likely to contain evidence of life. The robotic arm discards unfavorable samples back to the Martian surface before moving on to other rocks. Rock samples deemed acceptable by the sensors are moved into storage to be returned to Earth in future missions.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Victor Prado, MERyan Dingman, MEJoshua Jones, MEMatthew Schrold, MEKalin Burnside, ECEJustin Bomwell, ECE

ADVISORCamilio Ordonez, Ph.D.


516: LSS Assembly Tool

NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center sponsored our team to construct a mobility tool that transports technology from the Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) landers to a desired location on the lunar surface. Lunar bases will be a necessary requirement for long-term missions on the moon. Equipment will need to be transported from landing sites that are far away from the central lunar base. Distance between landing sites and the base are necessary because projectiles are created from unsettled lunar rocks and dust as landers descend to the surface. Due to the difficulties associated with landing on the moon, equipment must be useable throughout

multiple missions and withstand the moon’s extreme temperature differences, surface dust, and lack of atmosphere.

The final design of the mobility tool uses a titanium body, double A-arm suspension system, aluminum mesh wheels, and a 6 degree of freedom robotic arm. The robotic arm, which is mounted to the mobility tool’s base, locates and securely grabs a payload from the various mounting points on a lander. The maximum mass of an individual payload is 300 kilograms. The mobility tool can cross 1.5 kilometers on the lunar surface to a specific place of interest, such as a NASA base, to unload the payload. This includes travelling up a 15-degree incline over approximately 31 meters. The design is shown to work through a computer simulated model, which will require the mobility tool to travel over a set distance to secure the payload and then unload it after returning to the base. The simulation results give the critical dimensions needed to fabricate a small-scale prototype, which acts as physical proof of the mobility tool’s rover component and arm design. The final products are the full-scale assembled simulation and a scaled prototype.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Hannah Rodgers, MEJacob Hackett, MENoah Lang, MECaleb Jansen, ECEKyle A Nulty, ECE

ADVISORChristian Hubicki, Ph.D.




518: Lightweight UAV

As drones become popular in government and civilian use, users want better abilities out of an equal scale aircraft. Government uses include surveillance, aerial defense and moving goods. Civilian uses include surveying livestock, preserving crops and hobbyist enjoyment. Decreasing the weight of a drone while keeping the same performance allows companies to increase performance without scaling the size of the aircraft.

In the future, these airplanes can have increased flight time and payload. A lighter plane lessens the demands of individual parts and a lower weight demands a smaller lift force to achieve flight and lower thrust to stay in flight. A decrease of lift and thrust allows businesses room to later increase performance or payload.

For our project, we decreased the weight of the Believer 1960mm, a fixed-wing drone that represents a scaled-down modern plane, such as the Cirrus Vision Jet G2. We used explorative design instead of a lighter-weight material to decrease the weight of our model. First, we used Fusion 360 CAD software to model the Believer and its parts. Then, we used explorative design to remove material from the body without changing strength. We chose electric parts to match the new body of the aircraft. This entails choosing a lighter battery and motors with suitable performance needs. Body and electric items go through these steps again to further reduce weight through for the best result. Ultimately, we were able to decrease the weight of a commercially-available drone.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Brenden Richman, MEClayton Cooley, METaylor Jacobs, MEBrian Thervil, ECEZachary V. Noay, ECE

ADVISORRajan Kumar, Ph.D.


519: Composite Air Frame Life Extension

The goal of this project is to introduce a composite material that can replace aluminum airframe beams in military aircraft. The project sponsor, Northrop Grumman, is exploring ways to reduce the cost of incorporating composites. Carbon fiber reinforced polymer is extremely strong and lightweight, but it is currently very expensive. The team used recycled material to mitigate the high cost of carbon fiber.

The team designed three carbon fiber beams with the same strength as a currently used aluminum beam. The first beam uses T300 plain weave carbon fiber; it is the lightest and most expensive. The second beam uses recycled carbon fiber; it is the

heaviest and cheapest. The third beam is a mixture of T300 and recycled; the optimal proportions were found by comparing the cost and weight of the T300 and recycled beams. Each beam uses epoxy resin because it is the cheapest material that meets the strength requirements.

The beams must provide strength in all operational conditions, such as high temperature, low temperature, vibration, thermal shock, humidity, and salt atmosphere. The team designed and performed a series of tests to validate that the beams are suitable for use in these conditions. The outcome of this project is a method to select, test, and validate composites for use as an airframe component.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Stefan Spiric, MEChristopher Ryan, MECecil Evers, MEGabrielle Mohrfeld, ME

ADVISORLance Cooley, Ph.D.


520: Assembly Line Trainer

Tallahassee Community College (TCC) Advanced Manufacturing Training Center students attend courses to learn to solve manufacturing plant issues. A common unit in these plants is an assembly line. Students in the advanced manufacturing courses benefit from hands on exposure to prepare them for future jobs. Our team must deliver a small-scale conveyor-based assembly line that sorts objects and provide 10 unique lab projects for TCC students to work on. The course teacher guides the students in the right path based on the lesson plans.

The assembly line consists of two conveyor belts. Sensors, sorting arms, and a programmable logic controller are the

other parts. Objects the assembly line sorts are plastic or aluminum cubes. The cubes are different sizes. Cube size and material decide how the unit sorts the objects. The brain of the unit is a programmable logic controller. The controller reads in the sensor data and decides how to sort the cubes. The sensors control when the guide arm moves. A course book that lists lesson plans for the five hardware and five software errors goes along with the assembly line unit. This includes real world assembly line problems such as blown fuses or bad sensors. The issues could ruin the productivity of a plant if no one addresses the issue quickly.

Students become more comfortable with the problems they face in class as they progress through the course. The idea is that troubleshooting skills help students get jobs which is the goal of the training program. If students see the errors firsthand instead of just reading about them it is more memorable. Overall, the assembly line trainer serves to provide a learning aid to teach students to troubleshoot common programmable logic controller issues.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Justin Law, MEDamira Solms, MENicholas Salerno, MERobert D. Smith, ECERyan Dodson, ECE

ADVISORCarl Moore, Ph.D

SPONSORTallahassee Community College

521: Demand Reduction forFSU Central Utility Plant

Our team’s assignment is to lower the cost of using energy at Florida State University (FSU). Heating, ventilation, and cooling systems account for more than 60% of the total energy use.

Our objective is to decrease the energy cost of the FSU Central Utility Plant by at least 15% and provide solutions that will benefit the campus. We compared a variety of ideas such as large battery packs, replacing lightbulbs and incentive programs.

The ideas were judged based on the initial investment and savings for FSU. Other factors such as a good looking design and disturbing regular activities on campus were considered.

The team found that the solution that would save the most money is the chilled water tank. Adding the tank would decrease the peak demand by allowing some of the chillers to be run at night when it is cheaper to use energy. The cost to build this tank is around $6.5 million. The estimated savings are at least $400,000 a year. This gives a return on investment between 10-20 years. The tanks have a lifetime of over 50 years. Also, they maintain their efficiency unlike other energy storage methods. Since the life of the tank is longer than the return on investment, this solution is viable.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Alec Schoengrund, MEEdgardo Cordero, MEKeaton Zargham, ECEJuan Villalobos Flores, ECESteven Decker, IMEMira Meyers, IME

ADVISORJuan Ordonez, Ph.D

SPONSORTrane



522: Tactile Virtual Camera Controller for Film Production

As films use more virtual space within their movies, filmmakers asked for an advanced controller to help them with production. Virtual production has become a prominent process for many films as technology progresses. This encourages filmmakers to adapt to the new digital age.

Our project is creating a tactile camera controller for film production. The project includes both software and hardware component goals. The software goal is to design a user interface that helps filmmakers

navigate the virtual world they are working in. For hardware, the goal is to create a physical controller that allows the user to control the virtual space and gives a familiar feel of a regular camera.

On the software side, Unreal Engine 4 (UE4) is used. UE4 is a software used to create video games. Film-makers can use UE4 to create virtual spaces in which actors play out a scene. The physical controller uses virtual production plug-ins, in connection with an iPad Pro, to allow the user to move through the virtual space. The iPad Pro is used to send data to a computer running UE4, allowing film-makers to interact while filming a scene using improved camera function in UE4’s virtual production plug-in.

The physical controller consists of different switches and buttons that will be used to move around in the virtual space. Our final design was a result of rapid prototyping side panels with different layouts. These panels were made using 3D printed models. Both sides are integrated using a microcontroller. This microcontroller is connected to each individual feature on the physical controller and then connected to UE4 through the iPad Pro.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Weston Dudley, MEKayla Miller, MEDaniella Turbessi, ECEKyle A. Suarez, ECEKeishon Smith, ECE


SPONSORFSU Film School

523: Device to Help Stop Human Trafficking

The objective of this project is to help stop human trafficking with technology and the use of our engineering knowledge. Human trafficking is forcing a person to perform an act of labor against their will—also known as modern slavery. This industry is worth $150 billion and devastates victims across the world. For the purpose of our project, we are focusing on helping victims in Florida. Traffickers often move and sell their victims

in major Florida cities such as Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, Miami and Jacksonville. The aggressors violate, abuse and may kill their victims. Something must change to rescue these victims from a lifetime of slavery.

Our design allows for young adults being trafficked or abused to alert the police and get help. Apart from rescuing lives, this project intends to spread awareness about human trafficking in Florida’s panhandle to inform the public of the severity of this issue.

This design has two distinct units that work to identify and rescue victims. A hidden vending machine allows victims to alert the police discreetly when in danger. The vending machine takes the consent of the victim by having them use a fingerprint scanner to start the machine. Once the device has been activated, a disguised GPS tracker will be dispensed, and the police will be alerted.

The second part of our project is a digital poster with a camera to aid in identifying the user. This camera uses artificial intelligence to recognize the face of the user. Fingerprinting and facial recognition work together to build the profile of the user. This profile includes information about the date, time, and name of the user. This project aims to rescue trafficking and abuse victims from a lifetime of human trafficking.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Alina Montoto, MEMelanie Munroe, MEAbraham Barron, MEOswaldo Machado, ECEMafuor Tanji, ECED’Angelo Senat, IME




ESD


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524: A/C Preference Trouble Shooting Device

In buildings where air-conditioning is located in a shared space, it can prove difficult to please everyone with one temperature. Currently, there is no solution to this problem with modern-day air-conditioning systems. The goal of our project is an improvement to the current centralized air-conditioning plans.

No massive changes to the present system are being made. Modifications to individual rooms will be made by installing the device on the air vent. This custom-made solution provides maximal comfort with minimal input. The simple machine allows people to control the airflow entering their room by using an air blocker to vary the amount of cold or hot air entering the given space. By providing the customer with their own control on the temperature of the room, there is no longer a need for a group thermostat.

The current module is sized for a standard 2-foot by 2-foot air blocker that a normal space already receives air from. Fitting in this space allows for easy installations to happen without changing the entire building layout. The device also has the capacity to store user-data over a timespan. The data is used to predict what temperature would be best at any specific time.

As the temperature outside changes, personal preference of the temperature inside will also change. The device tracks these variables and correctly comes up with the preferred temperature in the room. The temperature is set as the user walks through the door. The machine uses a hot and cold button for input. Temperature is not displayed to the customer. The system connects to the user automatically as they enter and leave the space.

While solving the many different problems facing current air-conditioning plans today, this solution provides a simple answer that many have been waiting for.

TEAM MEMBERS (L to R)Woodley Fevrius, MEJohn Bradshaw, MEEdine Landoure, MECurtis Rahman, ECEManuel Urbina, ECE Darryl D. Brooks, ECE (not pictured)

ADVISORNeda Yaghoobian, Ph.D.



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Senior Design students scramble to adapt to COVID-19 challengesFAMU-FSU Engineering student Melanie Munroe and her senior design team SWAY Aid were working hard to meet the demands of creating a prototype when the news of COVID-19 hit the nation. The physical doors to the college closed soon after to help control the spread of the virus and Munroe and her team suddenly had to adapt to a new way of working together, alone.

“I knew the school was going to close down before it did,” Munroe said.” As a senior, I’ve seen FSU’s response to hurricanes before so I knew they would close down indefinitely due to the virus. So, I made sure our team members took their technology with them before leaving for spring break.”

SWAY Aid team members Abraham Barron, D’Angelo Senat, Mafuor Tanji, Oswaldo Machado, Melanie Munroe and Alina Montoto are working on a device that fights human trafficking (see page 55 for their abstract). The device name is an acronym for (Searching Wisely for Adolescents and Youth) and gives human trafficking victims a way to alert authorities of their situation and whereabouts. When the team got the news of the actual shut down, Munroe said she was afraid they would never be able to remotely deliver what they had promised for senior design.

“I panicked when I heard the school would be shut down,” Munroe

said. “I knew there was a lot expected from our team. One of our members even got detained in Colombia, under quarantine. Our advisor, Dr. McConomy helped us see how to change our goals from building a prototype to focusing on the technology behind it.”

The prototype the team was building is a vending machine that dispenses a disguised GPS tracking device for the victims of human trafficking. Shayne McConomy teaches Mechanical Engineering at the college and advised the team that supplier relationships are often used by top engineering and manufacturing companies.

“When I met with SWAY to discuss the final expectations of their prototype, they were a little defeated about not completing the vending system. I told them to focus on the merits of their work which is the technology,” McConomy said. “The vending machine is something that we could buy and implement, but the unique application and integrations of GPS, fingerprint scanner and facial recognition is their merit.”

By focusing on the technology, the team hopes to be able to showcase how the system works. The technology behind the system involves fingerprint scanning, GPS tracking and facial recognition software. Munroe is the

only team member left in Tallahassee and is resolved in seeing this though. She explained that everyone has a part to play in making the project work.

“We are all working on testing and validating the software from home,” Munroe said. “One of our team members has a strong electrical engineering background and he is working specifically with the GPS and fingerprint scanning subsystem.”

Although Team SWAY Aid had to scale down their original goal, they hope that they can keep working on the project after graduation and would like to go forward to seek out a patent for the system they have designed. D’Angelo Senat from the project got enrolled in a Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer course so that the team can apply to receive a federal grant. If they can receive funding from this, the team will strive to sponsor their project for the following school year and submit an application for a patent.

“Sway, amongst other teams, have struggled with having to work with each other remotely, however, I find this an excellent learning experience,” McConomy said. “Many corporations are spread throughout the United States and even globally and working with team members in different locations is a challenge but a necessity.”

SD Team 523 members worked separately during social distancing measures to finish their project. Melanie Munroe 3D printed materials from her home and Abraham Barron applied for patent funding while practicing remote learning.

58 F A M U - F S U C O L L E G E O F E N G I N E E R I N G

A big round of applause and thanks to our generous sponsors, who not only provide valuable monetary resources for these projects, but who also mentor and serve as important stakeholders for each of these projects. Our students learn many valuable skills from this process and these mentors, including teamwork, professional engineering principles, client and project management.

Air Force Research Laboratory

Applied Superconductivity Center

Arizona State University

Barkley Engineering – Doug Barkley, M.S., P.E.

Bay County Tourism and Development – Dan Rowe; J. Michael Brown

Bret Berry

Campus Reimagined

City of Tallahassee

City of Tallahassee CBWM – Reginald C. Ofuani

City of Tallahassee UU&PI – Eric Etters, P.E.; Donna S. Nichols, PE, CPM

Crowley Maritime Corporation – Ernesto Garcia

Cummins, Inc.

Danfoss Turbocorp

Dewberry Engineers Inc.

DHM Melvin Engineering – Paul Davidson, M.S., P.E., C.G.C; Jamie Graham, P.E.; David Crow

EPA Region 4 and FEMA / DHS – Michael Burns, CUPP Program Manager; Olivia Scriven, Ph.D., FEMA RCG / Academia Advisor

FC McColm Consulting

Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) – Stephen Buck, P.E.

Florida Power and Light – Genese Augustin

Florida Space Grant Consortium

FSU Film School

Genesis Halff – Echo Gates, P.E., LEED AP

Golden Eagle Homes Association – Vinayak Hegde

High-Performance Materials Institute – Hui Wang, Ph.D.; Zhiyong Liang, Ph.D.

Lockheed Martin

Magnolia Engineering – Carmen Greene, P.E.

Murray and Faye Gibson

NASA Marshall Space Flight Center – Ian K. Small

Northrop Grumman Corporation – Tameika Hollis, Peter Stenger, Stan Zoubek, Jennifer Tecson

Northwest Florida Water Management District – Brett Cyphers

Pratt & Whitney-UTC – Dele Awofala

Sandia National Labs – Michael Frank, Ph.D.

Tallahassee Community College

Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare – Logan Van Wagenen

Tect Power – Heather Broadway

Texas Instruments – Hubie Payne

Trane

Waldrop Engineering – N. Kasten, E.I.; J. Larocque, P.E.

Senior Design Teaching Faculty & Professors

BETH GRAY, M.S., P.E. JERRIS HOOKER, PH.D.

SEAN MARTIN, P.E. SHAYNE MCCONOMY, PH.D.

YAW YEBOAH, PH.D.

STEPHEN ARCE, PH.D.

Senior Design Sponsors Diversity is in our DNAWE ARE THE ONLY TOP RANKED ENGINEERING SCHOOL IN THE NATION whose undergraduate population reflects the ethnic and racial diversity of the U.S., offering our students valuable experiences working in cross-cultural teams. We are also proud that our female student population of 27 percent exceeds the national average.

2525 Pottsdamer StreetTallahassee FL 32310www.eng.famu.fsu.edu

One college,two universities, unlimited opportunity.

The FAMU-FSU College of Engineering is the joint engineering institution for Florida A&M and Florida State universities, the only such shared college in the nation. We are located less than three miles from each campus. After satisfying prerequisites at their home university, students learn together at the central engineering campus with its eight adjacent, associated research centers and a national laboratory.

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