Portfolio
Caltech
Undergrad Research Assistant
The descent stage of all rotor vehicles---from helicopters to drones---results in a significant loss of thrust and increased fluctuations with respect to the system in hover condition. An approach of utilizing additional geometries within the proximity of the rotor plane was investigated by using enclosed shrouds and various props (with enhanced blade tip designs), in order to improve the stability and performance of rotorcraft in descent. Results from single rotor thrust tests indicate that it is possible to reduce the thrust losses within the VRS by adding geometries in distinct locations relative to the rotor disk, while additional PIV analysis potentially outlines the underlying flow mechanism that causes these performance improvements.
Avoiding Obstacles on a Clockwork Rover
Project Manager
JPL hosted a competition to develop a fully mechanical sensor for an upcoming Venus rover campaign. A list of constraints such as the mass, the dimensions, and the material were all taken into account due to the conditions in Venus and the specs of the rover body.
I managed and grouped the subsystems in order to complete the project in an efficient and timely manner. In addition, I worked with the Chief Engineer to validate the design, was in charge of the CAD subassembly, and presentation. It was rewarding to work in such a talented group of students, and it was an unforgettable experience.
Medium Format Rangefinder Film Camera
Student Intern
Manufactured my own film camera body using PLA printing, integrated with an existing lens, using proof of concept and rapid prototyping techniques. The goal was to create a reliable, fully mechanical camera using medium-format film over 35mm - enhancing the quality of photos substantially. Medium-format brings about new challenges: specifically the focusing distance - making size and portability an issue. This compact camera features a custom retracting lens feature - hiding the lens within the body.
It was able to function and take pictures!
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A new model (Mark III) of the camera was created recently, however, due to COVID-19, facilities for creating the camera are currently closed. The camera is ready to be created pending the reopening of makerspace facilities!
R2-Q5 Droid
Student Project
Lead this project that sought to reverse engineer a droid from exact specifications. The group was split into subassemblies with their own respective tasks. The project was made to be manufactured, and this assembly has space and mounts for motors and other necessary materials. This was a pure Solidworks project, and my first real experience with the software.
Fin Iteration Optimization
Multiple Roles
Currently, I am working on a joint project with the Madadi Research Group (MRG) and the Beach Launch Team (BLT) to find an efficient optimization process for rocket fins and nose cones. I created a Matlab script that can easily iterate a given set of parameters for a set range which iterates one dimension and keeps the rest constant. It was exported as an Excel sheet and accepted in the Solidworks design table. The next process is to find the best corresponding geometry with the use of CFD and OpenFOAM to simulate different regimes that the rocket will encounter. We hope to find an efficient process to optimize these geometries for potential applications even outside rocketry.
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This is an exciting project that will contribute to a BLT rocket in 2021!
