Senior
Design Projects
Students enrolled in School of Technology BSET programs are required to complete a senior project. Showcased here are the most recently completed projects. At the bottom of this page is a link to archived project descriptions. For more information on any particular project, please contact the project advisor.
2004 Projects
100-Ton Hydraulic Press
Sponsored by: Johnson General Contracting
Team Members: Samuel J. Riley, Todd J. Davis, Michelle O. Hylton
Advisor: Mark Johnson
BSET Option: Mechanical Engineering Technology
The objective of this project was to design a 100-ton hydraulic press with a frame capable of supporting a 100-ton force. The hydraulic cylinder was designed by a previous senior project team in the spring semester of 2003. Using this cylinder, the current team designed a frame to not only support the large applied load, but also included capability for moving the hydraulic cylinder horizontally along the press to facilitate ease of use. Incorporated into the design was an adjustable bed and flexible hydraulic circuit to accommodate parts of varying sizes.
Woods Backhoe Attachment Adapted to Fit a Case 350D Bulldozer
Sponsored by: Johnson General Contracting
Team Members: Gabriel M. Borreson, Howard P. Parish
Advisor: Mark Johnson
BSET Option: Mechanical Engineering Technology
In order to maximize equipment available on site as well as minimize transportation cost, an adaptor was needed to couple a backhoe attachment to a bulldozer. The conversion was a three-point system on the backhoe attachment coupled to a customized four-point system on the bulldozer. SAE guidelines regarding three-point safety and stability were implemented in the design.
Wind Tunnel
Sponsored by: MTU
Team Members: Jason J. Benford, Chad M. Caudill, Nick V. Hendrickson
Advisor: MaryFran Desrochers
BSET Option: Mechanical Engineering Technology
The objective of this project was the design and construction of a small scale wind tunnel.
Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition Conversion of an Outboard Marine Engine
Sponsored by: MTU
Team Members: Jeffrey W. Jost, Justin H. Osvoll, Marc R. Spetoskey
Advisor: Sam Coates
BSET Option: Mechanical Engineering Technology
The purpose of this project was to explore Homogeneous Charge Compression Ignition (HCCI) and integrate the technology into a small two-stroke Mercury Marine outboard engine. The engine was chosen due to its simple design, ease of modification, and low cost. The project required increasing the cylinder head compression, addition of an electric starter, and fuel system modifications. HCCI technology has applications in the military and in the automotive industry. Benefits of HCCI compared to Spark Ignition (SI) are lower emissions, lower maintenance, and the ability to operate with fuels other than gasoline.
Diesel Engine Dynamometer Test Cell
Sponsored by: MTU
Team Members: Peter M. Paraventi, Henry J. Fedewa, Glen W. Erickson
Advisor: Sam Coates
BSET Option: Mechanical Engineering Technology
The diesel engine dynamometer test cell project is a continuation of a project started during the 2002/2003 academic year. The original project entailed refurbishing a 400 hp eddy current dynamometer that was donated to the School of Technology. In the fall of 2003, the project was resumed by a new group of seniors with the intentions of completing the test cell layout. This included research into what is required for a proper test cell, as well as designing and fabricating, or purchasing the required components to complete the test cell.
Hydraulic Auger Conversion
Sponsored by: Johnson Services Group LLC
Team Members: Michael D. Gettel, Andrew S. Hills
Advisor: Mark Johnson
BSET Option: Mechanical Engineering Technology
The purpose of this project was to convert a Woods Model 1160 rear-mounted, power take-off (PTO) driven, three-point posthole auger into a hydraulic driven, front bucket-mounted auger. The team addressed several criteria in their design including cost, life cycle, and customer requirements of reduced bulk and ease of use. New brackets were designed to mount the auger to the front bucket of the tractor. In addition, components were designed to couple the gearbox and the hydraulic motor. These components were analyzed for strength and durability.
100 Hp Dynamometer Cooler
Sponsored by: MTU
Team Members: Erik W. Fox, Matthew A. Tybinka
Advisor: Sam Coates
BSET Option: Mechanical Engineering Technology
Dynamometers are widely used for testing engine and motor performances in this new age of high performance and efficiency. The transfer of energy to the dynamometer through induced resistance causes large amounts of heat to be generated. Because of this, the dynamometer must be cooled to dissipate the absorbed heat energy. Normally the dynamometer manufacturer will specify cooling water flow and pressure requirements. The goal of this project was to design and fabricate a compact and mobile water cooling system which would allow small dynamometers, up to 100 hp capacity, to be operated in remote test locations.
Senior Project Archives - Click Here To Read About Projects From Past Years