My Projects...
Hydro Inc.
Mechanical Engineering Intern
May 2022 - December 2022
As an intern in the Nuclear Division at Hydro, I was a key contributor to the reengineering and design changes of cooling pumps essential for nuclear plant operations. My role involved reverse engineering replacement parts, implementing design improvements to enhance performance, and managing procurement processes to ensure timely delivery. I collaborated closely with the in-house manufacturing team to facilitate seamless production and integration of components.
Responsibilities:
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Authored detailed design reports, technical equivalency evaluations, and manufacturing plans to ensure stakeholder alignment.
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Redesigned critical pump components to enhance reliability and performance, adhering to strict project specifications and ASME Code requirements.
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Developed technical, project management, and cross-functional collaboration skills through hands-on engineering projects.
Mechanical System Design
Approach
Design Concept
Electronic Control
An automated cricket ball launcher, was designed to provide a consistent and controlled delivery of balls using electro-mechanical systems. Cricket being a world-wide sport, utilizes the bowlers to deliver the balls across a 20m pitch. The launcher allows these bowlers to be able to practice consistently without having to collect balls across the pitch, after each delivery. To help sustain these requirements, the following functionalities were realized:
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1. Required launch distance = 22.5m
2. The overall mechanism should be portable
3. Must be cost-effective (Budget: $500)
4. The mechanism should allow users to operate remotely
The project was conceptualized to fulfill two primary functions: ball propulsion and subsequent recapture and reloading. The device made use of DC motors attached with wheels, which when rotated in the opposite directions, allowed the ball to launch. The experimental trials proved to be a working solution, and was further developed to the alpha prototype.
Mechanical Design Constructed primarily from 1/4” thick, medium-density fibreboard (MDF) cut via laser technology, the apparatus comprises two interconnected boxes. The first compartment houses the core launching mechanism, while the second compartment is designed with a hollow interior featuring a hinged door to utilize the space for storage purposes and to support the net structure made from PVC pipes. This net is critical as it captures the balls post-launch and directs them back into the storage box, where they can be rerouted into the launching mechanism.
The Arduino UNO serves as the central control unit, programmed to coordinate the servo and motor operations efficiently. Timing and sequencing of the ball release and propulsion are critical for consistent performance and are achieved through precise control logic embedded in the Arduino software. The entire system is powered by a 24V power bank, selected to match the operational voltage range of the DC motors and to ensure sufficient power delivery. From this power source, a voltage dropper (24V 5V) is used to also provide power to the arduino. A L298N motor driver interfaces between the arduino and the motors, facilitating the management of motor speeds and directions. A ESP8266 WifiMOD, connected with the arduino provides the remote interface between the user and the launcher mechanism.
CAD/CAM Mechanical Design
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Generated 3D parametric design for 10 components (e.g., bracket, hex wrench, fidget spinner) using Solid Curve and Surface Geometry, ensuring accuracy and functionality for production.
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Developed detailed 2D drawings with GD&T to ensure precision alignment with 3D models and manufacturing standards.
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Executed FEA on mechanical assemblies to validate structural performance and optimize design for robust, reliable production.
Design Optimization
I led a project aimed at designing an optimized plastic bracket to meet stringent design specifications while minimizing material costs, utilizing advanced modeling and finite element analysis techniques in ANSYS Workbench. The bracket was engineered with a focus on geometry to avoid stress singularities and ensure symmetry for efficient finite element analysis. A detailed FEA was conducted to ensure the design met the three main requirements: maximum y-direction deflection, von Mises stress, and safety factor.
