Delft University of Technology

Sep - Oct 2024

Purpose: To find the optimal number of elements to model Ingenuity helicopter blades. To optimize the rover beam for weight and strength under worst loading conditions. 

Please feel free to check out the Python code on Github: https://github.com/NilgunAbali/IngenuityFEM  

• Derived analytical and FEM equations for Ingenuity rover helicopter blades under linearly-varying centrifugal force, modeling them as quadratic bar elements

• Developed custom Python code to solve derived FEM equations for Ingenuity blades, with varying element number

• Performed convergence study to identify optimal number of elements, and conducted a normalized RMSE comparison between analytical and FEM solutions, visualizing results on Python

• Modeled structural response of Ingenuity helicopter’s supporting beam under worst-case loading conditions in Abaqus, optimizing for lightest structure by selecting appropriate materials and cross-sectional geometries

Fig. Ingenuity Rover

Fig.  Stress Convergence Study using Python

Fig. Weight Optimization using Abaqus

University of British Columbia,

Mar - Apr 2024

Purpose: Program the DE0-CV board to display an alarm clock and activate an LED when the alarm time is reached. Program the DE0-CV to accept BCD inputs for performing addition, subtraction, multiplication, division, and BCD addition.

See what projects I have done on DE0-CV:  https://github.com/NilgunAbali/DE0-CV 

•Coded in Assembly language to accept binary inputs from switches, interpret them as BCD, store the data in registers, and use latches for calculations and final display of the calculation

•Described the alarm clock circuit using VHDL in Quartus Prime and coded in Assembly to operate on a 12-hour system, accepting binary inputs for hours, minutes, and seconds.

Fig. De0-CV programmed as alarm clock taking inputs

Purpose: Collaborate with a student team to utilize a machine design process to develop a treadmill with adjustable incline features.

•Established the treadmills's lifting mechanism parameters by determining incline, safety factor, and working pressure based on stakeholder research and trigonometric calculations

•Performed detailed calculations, determining rod and bore dimensions, lifespan, and hydraulic force using Shigley's machine design process

•Selected an optimal motor, choosing a 7HP, 3-phase motor capable of delivering 1200lbf lifting force at a 10% incline, with lifting speed of 2in/sec and a projected lifespan of 10 years

Fig. Various inclines' contact angle diagram

Fig. Final Treadmill Design

Fig. The CAD model for the final lifting mechanism

Fig. Freebody Diagram of the Lifting Mechanism

Titan Endurance Project

University of British Columbia

Jan - May 2023

Purpose: The Titan Endurance Project tasks teams with re-creating a simplified versionof the launching, orbiting, and landing of a probe on Titan's surface.

Applied a comprehensive mechanical engineering design process, encompassing concept generation, evaluation, selection, prototyping, and selection

Refined skills in machining, hand tools, power tools, and DFM principles by constructing the orbiter's chassis, axles, and launching mechanism hands-on 

Troubleshot design challenges, including adding a rubber layer to the wheels of the orbiter, which reduced slippage by 90%

Fig. Final Orbiter Design

Fig. The Competition Gravity Well

Fig. All Mechanical Lander Launching Mechanism