College

College of Engineering and Polymer Science

Date of Last Revision

2025-05-06 06:38:06

Major

Mechanical Engineering

Honors Course

MECE 497: Honors Research Project in Mechanical Engineering

Number of Credits

2

Degree Name

Bachelor of Science

Date of Expected Graduation

Spring 2025

Abstract

The objective of this project is to develop and evaluate a smart material actuated aerodynamic control surface to determine the viability of these new systems as alternatives to conventional electromechanical and hydraulic systems. The research will begin with the selection of a control surface and actuator design. The concept will then be tailored to create an experimental model for the purposes of this project. Smart materials that suit the model requirements will be selected and procured. Next, the actuators will be shape trained and characterized to meet the model requirements. Then, a benchtop model will be produced for design verification, and iterated until it functions desirably. Finally, a wind tunnel model will be manufactured and experimentally tested to indicate the potential utility of smart materials in aerospace control actuation applications.

Research Sponsor

Dr. Nicholas Garafolo

First Reader

Gustavo Hrcyna

Second Reader

Dr. Jennifer Lillard

Honors Faculty Advisor

Dr. Scott Sawyer

Proprietary and/or Confidential Information

No

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