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A Monte-Carlo Simulation of Gamma Rays in a Sodium Iodide Detector
Get PDFGamma rays principally interact with matter through Compton scattering, photoelectric effect, pair production, and triplet production. The focus of this simulation is to study the theoretical energy spectrum created by gamma rays from a Cesium-137 source, which produces gamma photons with an energy of 0.662 MeV. At this energy level, most interactions are results of Compton scatters and the photoelectric effect. Therefore, this simulation only models those two effects on gamma rays. Using Monte Carlo methods and the Metropolis algorithm to sample the probability distributions of the two effects allowed for the simulation of gamma rays in a Sodium Iodide detector. Using these methods produced a theoretical spectrum for Cesium-137 that closely matches those from other simulations, as well as an actual spectrum. The spectrum lacks certain features, such as a backscatter peak and the energy smearing that is seen in an actual spectrum, but it does model the Compton shelf and the principal photopeak. This allows for accurate modeling of different size detectors and gamma rays under one MeV
Flexible Water Cooling
Get PDFThe goal of this project is to develop and deploy a water-cooling system to reduce the danger of heat exhaustion among communities of farmworkers. Currently, it is difficult to keep chilled water available throughout the workday when using portable water coolers. The idea uses a refrigeration system to chill the water supply by using the power take-off (PTO) on farm equipment and a corresponding generator to get around this restriction.
The project places a strong premium on keeping the chilled water supply at a maximum temperature of 59°F to ensure compliance with the California Department of Industrial Relations\u27 requirements. Each employee needs one liter of water each hour, hence the system is made to accommodate a team of up to 20 people.
From this project, we were able to successfully build a large water cooler meeting all the engineering specifications with easy use for farmworkers. The findings of the project revealed that the water-cooling system successfully maintained the chilled water supply at a maximum temperature of 59°F as per regulatory guidelines. The system was able to meet the water requirements of a crew of up to 20 workers, with each worker consuming one liter of water per hour. The use of standard, pre-filtered five-gallon water jugs allowed for quick and convenient refilling.
The significance of these findings lies in the potential to mitigate the risks of heat stress faced by farmworkers. By providing continuous access to chilled water during work hours, the water-cooling system can help prevent heat-related illnesses and improve the well-being and safety of farmworkers
Industrial Automation and Controls Lab: Smart LED Dimmer Control
Get PDFProgrammable Logic Controllers (PLCs) are rugged industrial computers used extensively in many industries for automation and control. EE 435 is a course being developed to introduce students to PLCs. This project will focus on one section of the course, with the primary objective being to control the brightness of an LED based on input received from an ambient light sensor. The control logic will use a PLC with analog input and output modules to interface with the sensor and actuator hardware. The light sensor will output 4-20mA proportional to the intensity of visible light, measured in lumens. The analog input module will serve as an ADC for the controller. Based on the difference in the ambient light and a setpoint stored in the control logic, a 0-10V analog output will be produced from the analog output module, proportional to the number of lumens needed from the LED to reach the setpoint. The 0-10V signal will be converted to a PWM duty cycle to drive the LED. This objective will introduce students to the capabilities for automation offered by PLCs. Upon completion of the primary project objective, the specific components required and the level of detail in the procedure will be specified so that the experiment can be completed in less than 3 hours
The Leaf for Leaning Pine Arboretum
Get PDFThe goal of this ARCE 415 senior project course was to create a shade structure that could be incorporated into The Leaning Pine Arboretum, located on campus at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. From start to finish, these three ARCE students took on the role of form-finders to form-testers to form-makers. We are putting the architectural back in architectural engineering as we reclaim the historical tradition of the engineer as the form finder. In many of our design labs we focused primarily on sizing members and analysis, just using a structure that the architect already had established. In this one-of-a-kind studio, we started with nothing and ended with a fully realized concept
Robot Path Planning using Artificial Potential Field Algorithm with the Virtual Obstacle Method
No full textAs the world and industry look to automate and optimize processes, solutions such as robotics, artificial intelligence, and algorithms emerge to fulfill these needs. Our project builds on a previous senior project, “Robot Path Planning System – Berry et al. (2021)”, which implements an Artificial Potential Field (APF) path-finding algorithm with higher order Euclidean functions and attempts to successfully utilize a neural network-based reinforcement-learning algorithm.
The A* algorithm is a flagship path finding algorithm to determine the shortest distance from a start and end point in a two-dimensional environment. The main issue presented with this path finding algorithm is the time-consuming computational cost of determining and executing the shortest path. The APF algorithm uses a potential field map to determine the path of from the start to end point. Although the APF algorithm is more susceptible to incomplete path determinations from using local determinations rather than global determinations in A* path finding, the computational cost is significantly less. This poses an immense potential for APF utilization in an optimized state.
One improvement posed to the APF algorithm is the virtual obstacle method. This allows the robot to overcome certain obstacles where the algorithm would stall in a fixed position. With the virtual obstacle method, the robot can regain movement when in a fixed position from the local environment. The team implements, optimizes, and tests the basic APF algorithm and improved APF algorithm with the virtual obstacles’ method for path planning. Evaluation is conducted on the APF algorithm including performance testing under unique static environments. Each of these environment simulation applications pushes the APF to function beyond the initial limitations with the virtual obstacle’s method, passing new cases and old limitations.
Our deliverables make expansions and improvements to the capabilities of the APF algorithm, as well as compare our results for a thorough environmental analysis with the A* path finding algorithm. Our results, (with runtime, computational iterations, and test success) display that the APF and A* algorithms to have situational advantages and disadvantages for the needs of the user and demands and scale of the environment
Multi-Process Print Artwork with Integrated Electronics
Get PDFMulti-Process Print Artwork with Integrated Electronics explores the production of screen, block, and digital printing, and incorporates capacitive sensing to generate interactivity. The primary function of the art is to serve as promotional material for the student media group .wavzine. Moreover, the multi-print production is intended to demonstrate the inherent, tangible benefits of various printing methods. This is important to consider as the print industry continues to move towards digital homogeneity
Fourth Wave Feminist Magazine
Get PDFThe idea of feminism is often negatively misconstrued, and much of the controversy surrounding feminism stems from perpetuated stereotypes and misconceptions. Although feminism may mean something different to everyone, the advocacy of women’s rights and equality of the sexes should not be overlooked. This magazine will be a collection of articles which clarify misconceptions, define feminism, and highlight women and other supporters. This magazine is an opportunity to educate and inspire future feminists
Reaction Wheel Based Rocket Active Spin Stabilization
Get PDFCal Poly Space Systems is the high-powered and experimental rocketry club at Cal Poly SLO. They aim to design, test, and launch fully integrated launch vehicles. In order to create efficient and reliable vehicles, stabilization systems must be implemented. One parameter that can be actively stabilized is the vehicle’s roll. The roll of the vehicle can have noticeably effects on vehicle performance, as uncontrolled roll leads to decreased system stability in flight. Un-controlled roll can also have negative impacts on the quality of onboard video, which is used for post-flight analysis and marketing.
Reaction wheels are a popular method for active control systems in the aerospace industry. Through the use of an actively controlled reaction wheel, roll stabilization can be achieved. The system is completely contained within the body of the vehicle and can be placed anywhere along the rocket’s cylindrical axis. With this stabilizer, the club can achieve more reliable flight performance, and improved video capture by keeping the cameras pointed in a consistent direction during flight. The aim of this design is to develop a low complexity and cheap method to maintain roll stability.
Through a combination of simulation and physical testing, a reaction wheel stabilizer was designed for Cal Poly Space System’s internal research vehicle. This vehicle had a diameter of 5 inches and a wet mass of 10kg. The system is centered on the STM32F411 and MPU-6050, the micro-controller and IMU selected for this project. Through the control of a brushed DC motor with attached aluminum wheel, the system was designed to stabilize roll on the cylindrical axis of the vehicle. Although simulations showed mitigation of roll, hardware testing highlighted possible issues with motor saturation
The Design and Construction of a Radio Telescope
Get PDFTwo architectural engineering students and an electrical engineering student worked together to design and build a radio telescope that is capable of using hydrogen line astronomy to map the galaxy. The telescope is made entirely out of aluminum, which, combined with small deflection limits, made for an iterative design process that focused primarily on constructability and supporting the desired outcomes of the electrical side
Fire Protection and Life Safety Analysis of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) District Six Headquarters Building
Get PDFEnclosed in this report is a comprehensive analysis of the fire protection and life safety components of the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) District Six Headquarters building. The original building was constructed in 1972 and renovation operations were recently completed in 2022. The building is four stories in height with an aggregate floor area of approximately 69,300 square feet. The building functions as an office space for IDOT staff, therefore the majority of floor space is used as open office and private office space. The business spaces are supported by assembly spaces such as conference and break rooms on each floor of the building. In addition to the spaces required by IDOT, the building is supported by utility rooms that include storage, mechanical, electrical, telecommunication, and elevator machine rooms. The building was evaluated to determine compliance with the applicable prescriptive code criteria. Furthermore, a performance based analysis was conducted to determine the feasibility of the fire protection features to adequately meet the fire safety strategy of the building based on the fuel loads and hazards found within the building.
First, the life safety and means of egress components within the building were examined. Means of egress components include travel paths, exit signage, doors/stairs, and the arrangement of exits. Each floor contains an adequate number of exits for the calculated occupant load, which are adequately marked by illuminated exit signage. When not readily visible, the path of egress travel is also marked by illuminated exit signage. The exit signage and additional components of the means of egress must comply with both the International Building Code (IBC) and NFPA 101, with the more stringent code criteria being utilized whenever the codes conflict. It was determined that the life safety features of the building comply with the code criteria, however caution must be taken to ensure that the use of each space on the fourth floor of the building is maintained as classified as the occupant load is only 7 people less than the exit capacity.
The building is also required to be provided with a fire alarm and detection system in accordance with the IBC and NFPA 72. All public spaces are provided with occupant notification through combination horn/strobe appliances. The horn/strobe appliances are ceiling mounted and spaced such that the visual requirements of NFPA 72 are met. Additionally, the horn/strobe devices are placed such that the sound level produced from a fire alarm condition will exceed 15 dB greater than the expected ambient sound level of an office occupancy. Initiating devices present in the building include manual pull stations, smoke detectors, waterflow switches, tamper switches, duct smoke detectors, and heat detectors. The fire alarm and detection meets prescriptive code requirements and is discussed further in the “Fire Alarm and Detection” section of this report.
As mentioned above, the fire alarm and detection monitors the building’s automatic suppression system. The building is provided with a wet pipe sprinkler system in accordance with NFPA 13. The sprinklers are quick response throughout and are recessed pendent type in the areas with ceilings and upright type in areas without ceilings.
There is no dedicated smoke control system required or provided for the building. Passive smoke management is provided through fire barriers and smoke resistant partitions. This is discussed in more detail in the “Smoke Control” section of this report.
On the performance-based side of the results, each of the design fires were used to determine the effectiveness of the buildings fire safety strategy. The analysis can be used further to develop a performance-based design solution for the entire building. Overall, the initial two design fires suggest the building’s fire safety strategy is adequate for the fuel loads and hazards present if proper precautions are taken. Design fire one was a fire within the open office space of the fourth floor of the building. This was selected due to the large amount of this space in the building and it having the potential to affect the largest number of occupants. In design fire one, the RSET was calculated to be 357 seconds using all applicable pre-movement, delay, and travel times. The ASET was determined to be 450 seconds and was determined through analysis of applicable test data that was adapted to the District 6 Headquarters building. The result is 26 percent safety factor for a worst-case design fire on the fourth floor of the building. A 26 percent safety factor on the ASET vs. RSET calculation is plenty adequate to account for occupants who may not be intimate with the building as well as those familiar with the space. A second design fire was analyzed within the record storage room on the second floor of the building. This design fire was selected because it represents the greatest hazard present in the building. In design fire 2, the sprinkler system was proven to be adequate with an activation time approximately 40 seconds before ignition of adjacent shelving units. Furthermore, the addition of a smoke detector to the space was modeled in FDS and was found to give responding personnel an additional 75 seconds of response time to a fire in the record storage room. Based on these results, smoke detection should be added to the storage rooms.
The analysis showed several areas of concern to maintain the buildings fire safety strategy. First, the owner should be aware of the occupant load on the fourth floor that is close to exceeding the exit capacity for the floor. If an assembly space is added, the occupant load is likely to exceed exit capacity. I would recommend the owner keeps a close eye on the occupancies present on the fourth floor. Additionally, Design Fire #2 showed a heavy reliance on the building sprinkler system to maintain the fire safety strategy. Due to this, I recommend that the building owner be made aware of the Inspection, Testing, and Maintenance standards for fire alarm and fire suppression systems. Also, the building owner should keep organized records onsite and review them to ensure compliance