Hi I’m Nathan

I am currently a senior Mechanical Engineering student at Cal Poly Pomona, a former Technician at Tesla, and a friend of Physics & Engineering.

ANSYS Analysis on Rocket Engine CD Nozzle

ANSYS Mesh and Data Residuals

Meshed a two-dimensional view of an engine nozzle, and set boundary conditions for inlet, outlet, and symmetric axis to model fluid flow. Included scaled results for different properties of the fluid.

Fluid Temperature, Speed, Pressure

Performed a comprehensive analysis of the steady-state fluid dynamics within a rocket combustion chamber and nozzle using ANSYS Fluent. The analysis included the evaluation of key system properties; pressure, velocity, and temperature: presented in a combined contour plot, followed by individual contours depicting velocity, pressure, and temperature from left to right. This data facilitated the selection of optimal materials for the combustion chamber and nozzle, and enabled predictions regarding the exit flow characteristics.

Transient Heat Transfer Analysis

Transient heat transfer analysis on a model rocket nozzle using 3 different materials (Structural Steel, Copper, Inconel 718) to analyze heat transfer from the combustion chamber to the end of the nozzle.

Modal Analysis

Modal Analysis on two different materials to analyze the frequencies in which the greatest deflection occurs to predict its failure mode.

Transient - Mach Number

Rocket Struture - Nose cone : Recovery System

Proof of Concept - Prototype

Designed a recovery system for a model rocket that utilizes a servo motor, ultrasonic sensor, LCD, and springs to deploy a parachute at the rocket's peak altitude. The nose cone was engineered to split in half, incorporating hinges and locking pins that are released via the servo motor upon receiving a signal from the ultrasonic sensor. The sensor detects when there is an object placed within 10 cm, triggering a countdown displayed on the LCD. Two springs integrated into the structure ensure the cone halves open smoothly, allowing for reliable parachute deployment and safe recovery. The following structural parts were 3D printed; nose cone, structure, hinges, hinge connector, and locking pins.

Centrifugal Pump

Centrifugal Pump Model and Manufacturing

Developed a centrifugal pump and its encasing, carefully engineered for fluid movement. The pump will be powered by a 1000 RPM DC motor. In the upcoming phases, there are plans to conduct tests to assess the pump's performance.

Electromechanical Door

Design Objective

The goal for this proposal was to meet requirements for a space door that would be thermally resistant and soundproof. My main role was to select materials and the thickness for door design to withstand temperature and noise. Trade studies were done based off of density, thermal resistivity, and their sound dampening capabilities before selection of specific materials. The team decided to utilize Polyurethane spacers and Aerogel for our design.

Thermal Insulation

Hand calculated sound transmission loss and heat transfer through the door via conduction, radiation, and convection. Used ANSYS workbench computational fluid dynamics to analyze heat transfer on both sides of the door.

Prototype Mechanical Stairclimbing Assembly for Wheelchair

Model Stair Climber Assembly

Designed a conceptual stair-climbing attachment for wheelchairs using SolidWorks. The design incorporates linear actuators to pivot the mechanism into optimal positions for stair navigation. This concept will be further refined into a prototype for testing and proof-of-concept validation.

Design & Manufacturing

This is a prototype of an electromechanical stair climber assembly that will be able to attack to the bottom of a wheelchair and actuate the assembly for easy access. I modeled the prototype in Solidworks then printed the model using PLA for integration and testing.

Prototype

The prototype was assembled using standard fasteners, following its 3D printing process. The motors are controlled by Arduino microcontrollers interfaced with an L298 motor driver, allowing for direction reversal via programmed control. Communication between two separate Arduino boards is facilitated through Bluetooth transceivers, enabling the transmission of signals to alternate motor rotation directions.

Through four iterations of the design, minor adjustments were made to optimize the assembly's functionality. Each iteration focused on specific refinements, such as changing approach angle, improving alignment, adjusting weight balance, as well as redesigning the battery to output sufficient voltage for all motors.

Final Prototype and Proof of Concept

This is the final design for the prototype which included a less steep approach angle, weight balance adjustments by adjusting motor placement and driving wheels and finally adjusting output voltage and current to provide sufficient power to the motors.

Instrumentation and Control for Liquid Rocket Engine

Actuators/Pressure Transducers/Thermocouples

Researched and down selected actuators based on torque requirements of the manual ball valves, which were hand tested in lab using a torque wrench. Tested pressure transducers/thermocouples for functionality to read atmospheric temperatures and pressures. These would eventually be integrated into the engine to analyze pressure and temperature readings in the propellent lines and main engine systems, ie. gas generator.

Fume Extractor

Designed and fabricated a fume extractor system utilizing a 3D-printed enclosure and a 12V DC motor to effectively remove fumes, preventing obstruction of view and minimizing inhalation risks.