MAE
| Index | Team Members | MAE 472 (Spring 2026): Senior Design Project Title and Short Synopsis (<100 words) |
|---|---|---|
| Group 1: | Burnie S.P.A.A.R.C. | |
| Rafael Sanchez | This study presents the design and in-house manufacturing of a hybrid gas and metallic particle burner developed to investigate the combustion behavior of oxidized metal particles within a gas flame. The system allows precise control over particle concentration during experimentation. The primary objective is to advance scientific understanding of metal particle combustion using metal oxides as the oxidizer in place of air, effectively eliminating nitrogen from the reaction. This approach simplifies CO₂ capture from the exhaust stream, with potential future applications in cleaner, carbon-manageable power generation. | |
| Jordan Manson-Servin | ||
| Melissa Flores | ||
| Imanol Guerrero | ||
| Richard Cao | ||
| Group 2: | Miurasol | |
| Brian Vu | This project investigates the design of an origami-inspired deployable solar structure based on the Miura fold geometry, integrated into an umbrella-based shading system. The design aims to provide outdoor shade while generating solar energy for power output. Iterative prototyping, CAD modeling, and mechanical analysis were used to study folding kinematics, hinge behavior, and deployment reliability. The system uses rigid frames with compliant hinges to enable compact stowage and controlled deployment. The proposed design demonstrates a modular approach for integrating deployable structures and solar energy harvesting. This design allows for the scalability for portable or space-constrained applications. | |
| Thy Le | ||
| Daniel Freire Rosales | ||
| Jason Holzgang | ||
| Aymard Padua | ||
| Group 3: | Passive Dual-Phase Battery Cooling: PCM-Thermosyphon Integration for Stable Thermal Management | |
| Tyler Doan | A dual-phase change, fully passive battery cooling system was developed using PCM and a refrigerant thermosyphon loop. Heat is absorbed by the phase change material (PCM) from the aluminum battery through a combination of sensible heat and phase change, which is then transferred to the aluminum pipes and evacuated to the condensers. The system relies on buoyancy driven circulation enabled by a copper heat pipe network and condensers. Key design considerations included thermal conductivity enhancement, phase change temperature configuration, and flow stability. The prototype demonstrates stable operation within the 30-40*C. | |
| Sydney Nash | ||
| Amanda Liggett | ||
| Johanna Waldie | ||
| Cole White | ||
| Group 4: | Knee Torque–Assisted Gait Rehabilitation Exoskeleton | |
| Kristianna Marie Posadas | This project's aim is to integrate a passive spring-and-pulley mechanism into an adjustable exoskeleton design, allowing for easier knee flexion throughout the gait cycle without the use of motors or electronics. The design is to be worn around the user’s home for rehabilitation purposes. It incorporates telescoping aluminum leg supports for height adjustability, ball-and-socket hip joints to allow natural pelvic motion, and knuckle joints at the knee to facilitate biomechanical flexion and extension. Our primary design goals were to maximize adjustability of the system and aid individuals recovering from neurological or musculoskeletal impairments through an innovative and affordable gait-training device. | |
| Keaton Safu | ||
| Khalil Berry-Spencer | ||
| Edward Solideo | ||
| Olympia Dorantes | ||
| Group 5: | High-Frequency Vibration Mixer | |
| Jesse Sanchez | This system is designed to generate high-frequency vibrations to enhance mixing within an open-container environment. Various motors were evaluated based on speed, force, and feasibility, leading to the selection of a high-speed brushless motor driving a crank-slider mechanism. Internal baffle plates are incorporated to amplify the intensity of vibrations acting on the materials. The overall design enables efficient mixing of fluids and powders by combining controlled vibration with internal flow disruption to improve mixing performance. | |
| Tony Herrera | ||
| Allison Encarnacion | ||
| Janie Espino | ||
| Eduardo Cruz | ||
| Group 6: | CubeSat Test Fixture | |
| Jordan Anderson | This project presents the design, fabrication, and validation of a 1U CubeSat prototype with a custom air bearing test fixture. The CubeSat will demonstrate 3-axis attitude control via reaction wheels. To accurately test within a frictionless environment, an air bearing test stand was created to verify that the CubeSat can satisfy the conditions of operating in three rotational degrees of freedom. | |
| Cristopher Munoz | ||
| Madeline Ramos | ||
| Connor Marson | ||
| Massimo Crow | ||
| Max Samel Flores Ramirez | ||
| Group 7: | sEMG enabled Prosthetic Hand | |
| Axel Lopez | This project presents a low-cost, lightweight prosthetic hand controlled using surface electromyography (sEMG) signals. The design integrates a tendon-driven mechanism with rolling contact joints to improve flexibility and reduce friction while maintaining durability. Muscle signals from the user’s forearm are captured through dry electrodes and processed using a microcontroller to control a linear actuator, enabling opening and closing motions. The team focused on affordability while ensuring sufficient grip strength for daily tasks. Initial prototyping and testing demonstrated that filtered sEMG signals can reliably control the hand, validating the feasibility of the proposed system. | |
| Dylan Valley | ||
| Khoi Ha | ||
| Cameron Sims | ||
| Jetrho Sapino | ||
| Group 8: | Passive Capture Tool Dock | |
| Lucas Fite | The Passive Capture Tool Dock project aims to improve the efficiency and reliability of extravehicular activity(EVA) tool stowage in constrained environments. The system uses magnetic self alignment combined with mechanical locking features to enable secure, one-handed tool docking and retention. CAD modeling, tolerance stack-up analysis, and design for manufacturing principles were used to develop the mechanism. Iterative prototyping and testing were conducted to evaluate alignment, load capacity, and tolerance performance. The proposed design demonstrates improved docking efficiency and secure tool engagement for EVA applications. | |
| Kevin Obi | ||
| Jose Urzua | ||
| Danny Sarmiento | ||
| Alondra Ochoa | ||
| Group 9: | Automatic & Manual Inflation System | |
| Adrian Perez | This project focuses on the design and development of an improved inflator subsystem for aviation life preserver vests. The proposed system integrates a spring-loaded striker mechanism with solenoid-based actuation and conductivity-based water sensing to enable both manual and automatic inflation. The design aims to reduce required pull force, eliminate reliance on cartridge-actuated devices, and improve reliability under emergency condtions. A proof-of-concept prototype will be developed to validate puncture force, actuation performance, and system integration within existing life vest constraints. The final design emphasizes safety, simplicity, and compatibility with current aviation equipment while enhancing overall survivability. | |
| Anthony Rodriguez | ||
| Ariana Hernandez | ||
| Brayden Offord | ||
| Isis Solis | ||
| Group 10: | All-Terrain Tracked Wheelchair | |
| Johnny Santamaria | This project focuses on the design and prototyping of a primarily 3D-printed all-terrain tracked wheelchair capable of traversing stairs while maintaining occupant stability. The system uses a four-track drivetrain and an actuator-assisted mechanism to keep the payload level during operation. Initially, the project goal was to transport a payload, with the understanding that achieving this would demonstrate feasibility for human use. 6061 aluminum is used selectively for the base plate and critical mounting brackets, while the remaining structure is additively manufactured. CAD modeling, force analysis, manufacturing processes, and motion studies were applied to develop a functional proof-of-concept prototype. | |
| Tomas Sephen | ||
| Michael Albanil | ||
| Kevin Osorio | ||
| Ayan Mesihovich | ||
| Group 11: | Automatic Aiming Pyrometer | |
| Cole Sawyer | The objective of this project is to automate tracking temperatures during the Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) process. Temperatures within the SPS process can get extremely hot which makes reading/ tracking them very difficult and often inaccurate. Since SPS parts must reach certain temperatures in order to be deemed safe for use, this tracking discrepancy can't exist. The goal of this project will be to track the hottest point of the die using a camera, and then align the pyrometer to that point so that no discrepancy in tracking will exist. | |
| Kenneth Nguyen | ||
| Eduardo Aguilar Montes | ||
| Tauhid Khondker | ||
| Brendan Lewis | ||
| Group 12: | Shoe-tying Robotic Arms | |
| Minh Dao | The need for this design and the motivation behind it was to assist those who are unable to tie their shoes or struggle with doing so. For example, many elderly people or amputees would benefit from this mechanism assisting with a task that is performed everyday. The ideal goal for this design is to have a product which can be used in public areas to assist those who need the assistance. Through the help of CAD modeling and Arduino coding, robotic arms are made with pideometers to grab and tie the shoe laces into a bow. | |
| Jason Alfaro | ||
| Gilbert Esparza | ||
| Lauryn Santiago | ||
| Daniel Tong | ||
| Group 13: | Pressure Pad with Force Sensors For Posture Correction | |
| Jordan Strand | The pressure pad with force sensors for posture correction addresses the growing problem of poor seated posture resulting from prolonged screen time and sedentary work habits. Our team designed a lightweight posture correction attachment that detects and corrects slouching in real time without requiring the user to purchase a specialized chair. The device integrates Force Sensitive Resistors (FSRs) distributed across three anatomical zones, which are the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar locations to continuously monitor pressure distribution along the user's back. When slouching is detected, the system activates independently controlled inflatable air shims in the affected region to provide gentle corrective feedback. Three dedicated DC 12V micro air pumps manage inflation and deflation, while a Raspberry Pi serves as the central microcontroller, managing sensor input and actuator response. The device runs on a 12V lithium ion battery pack that provides over 14 hours of continuous runtime, exceeding the 8 hour design requirement. | |
| Keanu Wagner | ||
| Charley Borongan | ||
| Alejandro Cosío Arellano | ||
| Phillip Awad | ||
| Group 14: | Shock Absorber Dynamometer | |
| Jesus Bervera | The redesign of a shock dynamometer aims to provide deeper insight into improving machinery performance within the manufacturing process. This project focuses on addressing key limitations in the current design, including inaccurate output data, the lack of duty cycle integration, and insufficient mounting clamps. The redesign of a shock dynamometer aims to provide deeper insight into improving machinery performance within the manufacturing process. This project focuses on addressing key limitations in the current design, including inaccurate output data, the lack of duty cycle integration, and insufficient mounting clamp systems. By strengthening these ares, the redesigned system will better simulate real-world diagnostic conditions and generate more reliable efficiency parameters. Additionally, the project serves as a practical application of core engineering design principles developed throughout academic training. The improved shock dynamometer will aslo support Baja SAE teams in optimizing vehicle performance by enabling precise tuning of suspension systems through controlled frequency (Hertz) testing systems. By strengthening these ares, the redesigned system will better simulate real-world diagnostic conditions and generate more reliable efficiency parameters. Additionally, the project serves as a practical application of core engineering design principles developed throughout academic training. The improved shock dynamometer will aslo support Baja SAE teams in optimizing vehicle performance by enabling precise tuning of suspension systems through controlled frequency (Hertz) testing. | |
| Daisy Salmeron | ||
| Pacifico Ypil | ||
| Lucas Varela | ||
| Adam Posti | ||
| Group 15: | Oven-Heated Thermographic 3D Analysis | |
| Martin Perez | This project uses thermographic imaging and MATLAB analysis to identify defects in samples that are heated separately in an oven and then tested. After heating under controlled conditions, each sample is examined with an infrared camera to capture its surface temperature distribution. The thermal images are processed in MATLAB to detect irregular heat patterns that may indicate defects such as cracks, voids, or material inconsistencies. By analyzing these anomalies, the method provides a precise, non-destructive approach for evaluating material integrity after thermal exposure. | |
| Manuel castelan | ||
| Hayden Palma | ||
| Farrah Lester | ||
| Alexis montalvo | ||
| Matthew Lee | ||
