IREC Rocket Payload: Vibration Isolation and Damping System Armando Nungaray, Jace Leensvaart, Jairus Phillips Project Mentor(s): Jeunghwan “John” Choi, PhD; Charles Pringle, PE
The integrity of sensitive instrumentation remains a primary concern during the high-velocity ascent of competition-scale rockets. Structural failures and electrical disruptions often stem from intense mechanical shocks and high-frequency harmonic oscillations experienced during motor burn. This project focuses on the development of a high-performance vibration isolation system specifically engineered for the Intercollegiate Rocket Engineering Competition (IREC). The primary goal involves creating a vibration damping assembly that fits within a five-inch diameter airframe while isolating a 5kg payload from external stresses. The design methodology centered on the analysis of vibration and damping forces, specifically Sorbothane Rubber, for its unique properties. Manufacturing was executed through a hybrid process, where custom-cast Sorbothane mounts were paired with 6061-T6 aluminum plates to achieve a balance between rigidity and damping. Performance validation utilized an Instron machine for static compression analysis and a shaker table to simulate the actual frequency spectrum of a launch. These methods ensured that the physical prototype aligned with the predictive mathematical models for shock absorption and material fatigue. Quantitative results confirm the system’s effectiveness in mitigating a peak acceleration of 117 m/s², demonstrating a 40% reduction in transmitted load. Testing verified that the assembly maintains a stable damping coefficient under these dynamic loads, ensuring the 5kg mass remains structurally secure. Furthermore, frequency analysis showed that the system’s natural frequency was successfully avoided by the resonance of the rocket’s motor. These findings confirm that the assembly is flight-ready and capable of protecting delicate research sensors in supersonic environments.
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Vibration Damping, Sorbothane, IREC, Mechanical Isolation SOURCE Form ID: 26
PLC Water Temp Regulator Nathaniel Pena Project Mentor(s): Lad Holden, Jeff Wilcox
In wastewater treatment plants there are times where water must be boiled so that harmful microorganisms are disposed of. It’s crucial that during this process the water is boiled at a certain temperature for a pre-determined period to ensure that the microorganisms have indeed been killed off and that too much water hasn’t been lost. My project aims to simulate this system by using a programmable logic controller (PLC) to control a hotplate alongside a weight sensor and temperature sensor to track when the water is at a desired level and to indicate whether the temperature has risen too high and/or if the water level is too low. Additionally, a passive infra-red (PIR) sensor will be used to shut off the system and sound an alarm should human personnel come too close to the system while it’s in the process of heating up/cooling down. The system would entirely run off the PLC and its 24-volt power supply as to avoid having to account for multiple different programming devices and languages. I have found water treatment systems interesting ever since working with them during my internship with Connetix engineering over the summer and I wanted to get more hands-on experience with the issues and complications of getting electronics, heat, and water to mix in an environment where mistakes could cost people their water. By taking on this project, I am immersing myself in the importance of precise engineering and how electrical engineering helps to keep our cities running.
Presentation Type: Oral Presentation (May 20, 9:30am–5:00pm) Keywords: Electrical Engineering, Wastewater Treatment, PLC SOURCE Form ID: 86
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