IREC Rocket Mechanical Brake System Matthew Thien Project Mentor(s): Charles Pringle, PE
Mechanical brake systems are used in the aerospace industry worldwide with the purpose of increasing drag due to atmospheric pressure and skin friction of the surrounding air. This project showcases the process of designing and manufacturing an articulating mechanical brake system intended to increase the drag of a model rocket, limiting its apogee to 10,000 feet. The design methodology focused on a motor screwed to the bottom of a shaft coupler which articulates a hinge and shaft system manufactured out of a combination of ASA-CF and PLA with brake plating itself being manufactured out of aluminum 6061. Manufacturing methods used consisted of 3D printing and drill pressing; each part fits together and screws together, creating one base assembly. The device was activated using electronics which consist of an IMU, an altimeter, its battery and a raspberry pi. Electronics were the driving factor in deployment for the brake system. The device demonstrated a 10% increase in vehicle drag. Additionally, ground-based actuation tests revealed servo reliability and durability during flight. Most importantly, the altimeter demonstrated timely deployment of the brakes during flight. Testing considered the efficiency of the brake systems, and the reliability of the electronics during brake deployment. The testing resulted in a deployment time of 0.3 seconds, with the brake system’s vehicle drag reducing the velocity to be 40%. Overall, the system reduced the apogee of the rocket by over 100 feet, and its reliable deployment and performance allowed this project to be successful. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: mechanical brake system, drag, 3D printing, electronics, deployment SOURCE Form ID: 27 Occupational Safety and Health Management Speaking Up for Safety: Gender and Experience Differences in Hazardous Condition Reporting Victoria Connelly, Brenda Madrigal Project Mentor(s): Julia Sager Workplace safety programs rely heavily on employees to identify and communicate risks, yet the simple act of reporting a hazard is shaped by more than just policy. Hazardous conditions reporting, the process of informing management about issues such as frayed electrical cords or spills in high-traffic areas, serves as a critical line of defense against workplace injuries. While these systems are designed to capture risks that routine inspections may overlook, their effectiveness ultimately depends on whether workers feel willing and able to speak up. In practice, reporting behaviors are inconsistent, raising questions about what factors influence an individual’s decision to report a hazard. This study examines how maintenance, custodial, and facilities staff in K-12 school districts across Eastern and Central Washington perceive hazardous conditions reporting. Using a comparative approach, it analyzes how gender and years of professional experience shape a worker’s likelihood to report safety concerns. Although hazard reporting is widely recognized as a key component of workplace safety, there is limited research focused specifically on custodial and maintenance staff in school settings. By addressing this gap, the study aims to better understand how reporting behaviors may differ within this workforce and what barriers may exist. Presentation Type: Pre-Recorded Presentation (https://www.youtube.com/@cwusource5518) Keywords: Workplace Safety, Hazard Reporting, Gender, Risk Perception SOURCE Form ID: 116
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