| A description of projects I've worked on |
| SAE Mini-Baja - This year we built a mini-baja vehicle from scratch. This includes the design and analysis of the frame, drive train, suspension, steering, and all sub-components. My primary contribution was the design of the drive train. I changed the type of transmission used and eliminated the gear box. This transmits the power directly from the transmission to the jackshaft. I also designed the brakes and was responsible for the ordering of parts and consulting with outside businesses. Some of the other things we learned were mig welding of ChromeMoly material and computer programs such as Autodesk Inventor and Microsoft Project. |
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| Binocular Loadcell - We designed a loadcell with a bone shape cut out of the middle. We then learned the proper technique of preparing the surface and applying strain gages for strength and stress analysis. Also learned the computer programs HP VEE and ANSYS.. |
| Miniature Dragster - This was our first major project. We designed and tested a mini dragster for class competition. Everyone in the class was given the same motor and alotted the same amount of batteries, the object was to design a frame and attach all components to optimize the weight and speed of the vehicle as well as optimizing the cost of materials, machining, and shop workers. One of the things we tried unique to the class was save money, machining, time, and weight by buying a plastic chassis. Doing this project we learned the different machining and drilling processes. Recieved hands on experience with CNC and CDC machines. We also learned computer programs such as Mechanical Desktop. |
| Gear Box - This was not really a major project. We used this project learn the machine shop. We did basically what the title suggests and that is put together a small gear box that shows how gears interact. During this project, we had hands on experience in creating a plastic gear and a metal gear. We were given experience in mig welding the steel housing together and drilling a hole into it. We also learned the basic principals behind hand drills and tapping. The entire class bought and learned how to use our own calipers as well. The primary computer program we learned for this project was Virtual Gibbs. |
| Generator Arm- This project could be decieving. It was our first project and designed to introduce us to the five major engineering departments (civil, electrical, chemical, A.B., and mechanical). We didn't actually design a real generator arm, it was a miniature model of one. The idea was to design a generator arm that would come down and be activated if the plane was going down. It was tested in a wind tunnel. We learned the aspects behind each department. Given the opportunity to solder on an electrical board and connect LED's. We also learned the process of coating and mechanical Design. We were given extensive training in AutoCAD as well. |
| The major difference between Lafayette Engineers and engineers from other schools is the fact that we get hands on experience in machining processes and computer programs. Most other students are not even introduced to these types of processes much less given hands on experience. Lafayette engineers have an in depth training and knowledge of the engineering field that you won't find from other engineering graduates. |