EGR 202 Project Proposals

Project Title	Project Description	Suggested Majors	Faculty Sponsor	Date Submitted
Needs Analysis for Adaptive Seating for the Blind	This project involves meeting with people at the GA School for the Blind in Macon to establish the needs and scope of a future project to develop adaptive seating for disabled children. This organization seeks to design what is called ‘assistive products and devices' that would enable people with diverse needs to function better.	ISE, BME	Dr. Wade Shaw Dean of MUSE EGC 205 478-301-2459 shaw_wh@mercer.edu	Oct. 2010
Affect of organic and inorganic compounds on KLa	The oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa) is a critical parameter used in the design of aeration systems for water and wastewater treatment. The goal of this project is to determine if and how the magnitude of KLa is impacted by bactopeptone, ammonia, nitrite, and a combination of the three compounds. The study will involve determining the value of KLa for a diffused aeration system; modeled by a fish aquarium pump and diffuser stone. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration will be measured as a function of time for approximately 10 to 15 minutes after the sample has been deoxygenated with sodium sulfide and cobalt chloride. KLa will be determined for tap water, bactopeptone, ammonia, nitrite, and a combination of bactopeptone, ammonia, and nitrite.	EVE	Dr. Richard Mines EGC 107B Mines_ro@mercer.edu 478-301-2347	Oct. 2010
Anti-microbial affect of copper	Copper is used as a component in many water treatment systems for underprivileged communities. This goal of this project is to determine the amount of copper and contact time required to disinfect a water with microbial content. Coliform will be used as the indicator organism in this study. The study will consist of seeding water with coliform bacteria and then adding a known amount of copper. Samples will then be taken over time to determine the reduction in indicator organisms. The residual concentration of copper in the water may also be studied.	EVE	Dr. Laura Lackey EGC 116E 478-301-4106 lackey_l@mercer.edu Dr.Philip McCreanor EGC 116F 478-301-2044 mccreanor_pt@merecer.edu	Oct. 2010
Calibration of Rebreakable Boards	Drs. Vo and McCreanor are interested in studying the reaction forces in the body associated with punches and kicks from the martial arts. To accomplish this study, the participant must be able to punch or kick against an object with a consistent amount of resisting force. Rebreakable boards are ideal for this purpose however, the exact force required to break these boards is not well documented. The goal of this project will be to determine the breaking force associated with several different rebreakable boards. The experiment will consist of letting a sledge hammer or maul act as a pendulum to swing through the board. The starting height and ending height of the sledge or maul will be recorded and used to determine the energy associated with breaking of the board. Breaking force will be calculated based on this energy. Wooden boards will also be broken for comparison purposes.	BME, MAE	Dr.Philip McCreanor EGC 116F 478-301-2044 mccreanor_pt@merecer.edu Dr. Ha Van Vo EGC 116B 478-301-2454 vo _hv@merecer.edu,	Oct. 2010
Shape Memory Polymers	Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are polymeric smart materials that have the ability to return from a deformed state (temporary shape) to their original (permanent) shape induced by an external stimulus (trigger), such as temperature change. SMPs are known to be able to store up to three different shapes in memory. SMPs have seen widespread usage in e.g. the building industry (foam which expands with warmth to seal window frames), sports wear (helmets, judo and karate suits) and in some cases with thermochromic additives for ease of thermal profile observation. Polyurethane SMPs are also applied as an autochoke element for engines. Recently, this technology has expanded to applications in orthopedic surgery, such as the Morphix suture anchor and ExoShape graft fixation device, by MedShape Solutions. The project will include learning how to create SMPs, how to make them remember the shape, and research on how volume and shape influences the shape memory and shape recovery.	MAE, BME	Dr. Monika Bubacz EGC 105G 478-301-2565 bubacz_m@mercer.edu Dr. Richard Kunz EGC 105F 478-301-4061 kunz_rk@mercer.edu	Jan. 2011
Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites	Epoxy or polyepoxide is a thermosetting polymer formed from reaction of an epoxide "resin" with polyamine "hardener". Epoxy has a wide range of applications, including fiber-reinforced composite materials and general purpose adhesives. Composite materials, often shortened to composites, are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent. There are two categories of constituent materials: matrix and reinforcement. The matrix material surrounds and supports the reinforcement materials by maintaining their relative positions. The reinforcements impart their special mechanical and physical properties to enhance the matrix properties. The project will include learning how to mix and cure epoxy and create fiber-reinforced composites, and research on how different reinforcements influence mechanical properties of the composites.	MAE, BME	Dr. Monika Bubacz EGC 105G 478-301-2565 bubacz_m@mercer.edu Dr. Richard Kunz EGC 105F 478-301-4061 kunz_rk@mercer.edu	Jan. 2011
Shape Memory Polymer Composites	Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are polymeric smart materials that have the ability to return from a deformed state (temporary shape) to their original (permanent) shape induced by an external stimulus (trigger), such as temperature change. Composite materials , often shortened to composites , are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent. There are two categories of constituent materials: matrix and reinforcement. The matrix material surrounds and supports the reinforcement materials by maintaining their relative positions. The reinforcements impart their special mechanical and physical properties to enhance the matrix properties. The advantage of shape memory polymer resins is that they can be shaped and reshaped repeatedly without losing their material properties. The project will include learning how to create SMP composites, how to make them remember the shape, and research on how different reinforcements alter the shape memory and shape recovery.	MAE, BME	Dr. Monika Bubacz EGC 105G 478-301-2565 bubacz_m@mercer.edu Dr. Richard Kunz EGC 105F 478-301-4061 kunz_rk@mercer.edu	Jan. 2011
Affect of Water Temperature and Depth on KLa	The oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa) is a critical parameter used in the design of aeration systems for water and wastewater treatment. The goal of this project is to determine if and how the magnitude of KLa is impacted by the temperature of water and depth of water. The study will involve determining the value of KLa for a diffused aeration system; modeled by a fish aquarium pump and diffuser stone. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration will be measured as a function of time for approximately 10 to 15 minutes after the sample has been deoxygenated with sodium sulfide and cobalt chloride. KLa will be determined for tap water using water at a temperature of 10, 20 and 30° C in a container containing 10 liters of tap water. The experiment will be repeated to determine the affect of water depth on the magnitude of KLa. KLa will be determined at a temperature of 20° C using the same apparatus; however, the volume of water used will vary, so that the depth of water will vary. Volumes of 4, 8, and 12 liters of tap water will be used.	EVE	Dr. Richard Mines EGC 107B Mines_ro@mercer.edu 478-301-2347	Aug. 2011
Correlation between Zone Settling Velocity and Capillary Suction Time	Capillary suction time is an important parameter used for determining the dewaterability of sludge. If a relationship between this and zone settling velocity can be developed; the design and operation of secondary clarifiers can be improved through the use of CST. The study will involve determining the zone settling velocity (ZSV) in 1-L glass cylinders along with the capillary suction time (CST) at various solids concentrations. Mixed liquor from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant will be used at concentrations of approximately 1000, 3000, 5000, 8000, and 10,000 mg/L. Both ZSV and CST will be determined at each of the five solids concentrations listed above. A plot of ZSV versus CST will be made to determine the correlation coefficient and the implication to the design and operation of secondary clarifiers will be discussed in the final report.	EVE	Dr. Richard Mines EGC 1## Mines_ro@mercer.edu 478-301-2347	Aug. 2011
Digital Story	Create a digital story, similar to What is Tech Comm? ( http://faculty.mercer.edu/codone_s/tech-com-video/ ) for MUSE, an engineering specialization, TCO as a minor for engineers, or another tech comm related subject. Project requires students to interview faculty and/or other students, write storyboards, create screen shots, and use Captivate to produce final product.	TCO	Dr. Helen Grady SEB 239 grady_hm @mercer.edu 478-301-2211	Sept. 2011
Website and Podcasting for the Mercer University Chapel	Carry out a feasibility study on what is needed to set up web/podcasting facilities to allow sermons to be broadcast, as well as archived and downloaded online.	TCO	Dr. Donald Ekong. EGC 223D Ekong_D@mercer.edu 478-301-2271	Sept. 2011
Process Improvement at Piedmont Healthcare	Piedmont Healthcare is implementing a program of process improvement in the emergency departments of its hospitals. Students will serve on a team led by Piedmont personnel to analyze current processes, recommend changes, and implement and evaluate those changes. Industrial engineering faculty will teach the participating students how to use lean and human factors principles to evaluate the current process and recommend improvements.	ISE	Dr. Laura Moody EGC 201G moody_le@mercer.edu 478-301-2349	Nov. 2011
Capabilities and Limitations of the 3D Scanning and Printing Process	A 3D scanner will be used to capture geometric information about a 3D object. A 3D printer will then be used to generate a replica of the original object from the 3D scan data. The replica will then be compared to the original to determine how accurately a 3D scanner and printer generate replicas. The overall goals are to identify and demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of 3D scan to 3D replica process. In addition, students.will work on specifications for a portable 3D scanner.	BME, ISE, or MAE	Dr. Sinjae Hyun EGC 116G hyun_s@mercer.edu 478-301-2214	Sept. 2013
Develop and Implement a Testing Protocol for the Leap Motion® Controller	'The LEAP motion controller is a computer input device that senses how you move your hands the way you naturally move them. So you can point, wave, reach, and grab. Even pick something up and put it down. Just like in real life.' (source: http://www.leapmotion.com/) The goal of this project is to develop and conduct a test plan to evaluate response time, error rates, and learning curves of novice users using the Leap Motion® controller and one of the free game apps available from the Airspace app store.	BME, ECE, ISE	Dr. Laura Moody EGC 201G moody_le@mercer.edu 478-301-2349	Oct. 2013
Develop a User Training and Evaluation Application for the Leap Motion® Controller	'The LEAP motion controller is a computer input device that senses how you move your hands the way you naturally move them. So you can point, wave, reach, and grab. Even pick something up and put it down. Just like in real life.' (source: http://www.leapmotion.com/) The goal of this project is to develop and test an app for the Leap Motion Controller that will record users’ response times and error rates as they perform tasks with the controller. These data will be recorded and reported via a comma delimeted (*.csv) file.	BME, ECE, ISE	Dr. Laura Moody EGC 201G moody_le@mercer.edu 478-301-2349	Oct. 2013
Leap Motion® Control of a Real or Virtual Robot	'The LEAP motion controller is a computer input device that senses how you move your hands the way you naturally move them. So you can point, wave, reach, and grab. Even pick something up and put it down. Just like in real life.' (source: http://www.leapmotion.com/) The goal of this project is to develop an app that will allow a human to monitor and control a semi-autonomous robot (real or virtual) moving through space. This would involve creating a real or virtual robot and using the device to control its motion in virtual space. The robot should be able to follow a path and “retrieve” an object under the direction of the human.	BME, ECE, ISE	Dr. Laura Moody EGC 201G moody_le@mercer.edu 478-301-2349	Oct. 2013
Water Level Detection with Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)	Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) is a measurement technique used to determine the characteristics of electrical lines by observing reflected waveforms. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-domain_reflectometry). Initial studies indicate that this technology has the potential to identify the location of the air-water interface. The goals of this project will be to 1) continue investigation of the use of TDR to identify the air-water interface and 2) develop a computerized method to process the generated waveform into the location of the air-water interface.	ECE	Dr.Philip McCreanor EGC 116F 478-301-2044 mccreanor_pt@merecer.edu	Nov. 2013

Project Title

Project Description

Suggested Majors

Faculty Sponsor

Date Submitted

Needs Analysis for Adaptive Seating for the Blind

This project involves meeting with people at the GA School for the Blind in Macon to establish the needs and scope of a future project to develop adaptive seating for disabled children. This organization seeks to design what is called ‘assistive products and devices' that would enable people with diverse needs to function better.

ISE, BME

Dr. Wade Shaw

Dean of MUSE

EGC 205

478-301-2459 shaw_wh@mercer.edu

Oct. 2010

Affect of organic and inorganic compounds on KLa

The oxygen transfer coefficient (KLa) is a critical parameter used in the design of aeration systems for water and wastewater treatment. The goal of this project is to determine if and how the magnitude of KLa is impacted by bactopeptone, ammonia, nitrite, and a combination of the three compounds.

EVE

Dr. Richard Mines

EGC 107B
Mines_ro@mercer.edu 478-301-2347

Oct. 2010

Anti-microbial affect of copper

Copper is used as a component in many water treatment systems for underprivileged communities. This goal of this project is to determine the amount of copper and contact time required to disinfect a water with microbial content. Coliform will be used as the indicator organism in this study.

The study will consist of seeding water with coliform bacteria and then adding a known amount of copper. Samples will then be taken over time to determine the reduction in indicator organisms. The residual concentration of copper in the water may also be studied.

EVE

Dr. Laura Lackey

EGC 116E

478-301-4106

lackey_l@mercer.edu

Dr.Philip McCreanor
EGC 116F

478-301-2044
mccreanor_pt@merecer.edu

Oct. 2010

Calibration of Rebreakable Boards

Drs. Vo and McCreanor are interested in studying the reaction forces in the body associated with punches and kicks from the martial arts. To accomplish this study, the participant must be able to punch or kick against an object with a consistent amount of resisting force. Rebreakable boards are ideal for this purpose however, the exact force required to break these boards is not well documented.

The goal of this project will be to determine the breaking force associated with several different rebreakable boards. The experiment will consist of letting a sledge hammer or maul act as a pendulum to swing through the board. The starting height and ending height of the sledge or maul will be recorded and used to determine the energy associated with breaking of the board. Breaking force will be calculated based on this energy. Wooden boards will also be broken for comparison purposes.

BME, MAE

Dr.Philip McCreanor
EGC 116F

478-301-2044
mccreanor_pt@merecer.edu

Dr. Ha Van Vo
EGC 116B

478-301-2454
vo _hv@merecer.edu,

Oct. 2010

Shape Memory Polymers

Shape Memory Polymers (SMPs) are polymeric smart materials that have the ability to return from a deformed state (temporary shape) to their original (permanent) shape induced by an external stimulus (trigger), such as temperature change. SMPs are known to be able to store up to three different shapes in memory.

SMPs have seen widespread usage in e.g. the building industry (foam which expands with warmth to seal window frames), sports wear (helmets, judo and karate suits) and in some cases with thermochromic additives for ease of thermal profile observation. Polyurethane SMPs are also applied as an autochoke element for engines. Recently, this technology has expanded to applications in orthopedic surgery, such as the Morphix suture anchor and ExoShape graft fixation device, by MedShape Solutions.

The project will include learning how to create SMPs, how to make them remember the shape, and research on how volume and shape influences the shape memory and shape recovery.

MAE, BME

Dr. Monika Bubacz

EGC 105G

478-301-2565

bubacz_m@mercer.edu

Dr. Richard Kunz

EGC 105F

478-301-4061

kunz_rk@mercer.edu

Jan. 2011

Mechanical Properties of Epoxy Composites

Epoxy or polyepoxide is a thermosetting polymer formed from reaction of an epoxide "resin" with polyamine "hardener". Epoxy has a wide range of applications, including fiber-reinforced composite materials and general purpose adhesives.

Composite materials, often shortened to composites, are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent. There are two categories of constituent materials: matrix and reinforcement. The matrix material surrounds and supports the reinforcement materials by maintaining their relative positions. The reinforcements impart their special mechanical and physical properties to enhance the matrix properties.

The project will include learning how to mix and cure epoxy and create fiber-reinforced composites, and research on how different reinforcements influence mechanical properties of the composites.

MAE, BME

Dr. Monika Bubacz

EGC 105G

478-301-2565

bubacz_m@mercer.edu

Dr. Richard Kunz

EGC 105F

478-301-4061

kunz_rk@mercer.edu

Jan. 2011

Shape Memory Polymer Composites

Composite materials , often shortened to composites , are engineered or naturally occurring materials made from two or more constituent. There are two categories of constituent materials: matrix and reinforcement. The matrix material surrounds and supports the reinforcement materials by maintaining their relative positions. The reinforcements impart their special mechanical and physical properties to enhance the matrix properties. The advantage of shape memory polymer resins is that they can be shaped and reshaped repeatedly without losing their material properties.

The project will include learning how to create SMP composites, how to make them remember the shape, and research on how different reinforcements alter the shape memory and shape recovery.

MAE, BME

Dr. Monika Bubacz

EGC 105G

478-301-2565

bubacz_m@mercer.edu

Dr. Richard Kunz

EGC 105F

478-301-4061

kunz_rk@mercer.edu

Jan. 2011

Affect of Water Temperature and Depth on KLa

The study will involve determining the value of KLa for a diffused aeration system; modeled by a fish aquarium pump and diffuser stone. Dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration will be measured as a function of time for approximately 10 to 15 minutes after the sample has been deoxygenated with sodium sulfide and cobalt chloride. KLa will be determined for tap water using water at a temperature of 10, 20 and 30° C in a container containing 10 liters of tap water. The experiment will be repeated to determine the affect of water depth on the magnitude of KLa. KLa will be determined at a temperature of 20° C using the same apparatus; however, the volume of water used will vary, so that the depth of water will vary. Volumes of 4, 8, and 12 liters of tap water will be used.

EVE

Dr. Richard Mines

EGC 107B
Mines_ro@mercer.edu 478-301-2347

Aug. 2011

Correlation between Zone Settling Velocity and Capillary Suction Time

Capillary suction time is an important parameter used for determining the dewaterability of sludge. If a relationship between this and zone settling velocity can be developed; the design and operation of secondary clarifiers can be improved through the use of CST.

The study will involve determining the zone settling velocity (ZSV) in 1-L glass cylinders along with the capillary suction time (CST) at various solids concentrations. Mixed liquor from an activated sludge wastewater treatment plant will be used at concentrations of approximately 1000, 3000, 5000, 8000, and 10,000 mg/L. Both ZSV and CST will be determined at each of the five solids concentrations listed above. A plot of ZSV versus CST will be made to determine the correlation coefficient and the implication to the design and operation of secondary clarifiers will be discussed in the final report.

EVE

Dr. Richard Mines

EGC 1##
Mines_ro@mercer.edu 478-301-2347

Aug. 2011

Digital Story

Create a digital story, similar to What is Tech Comm? ( http://faculty.mercer.edu/codone_s/tech-com-video/ ) for MUSE, an engineering specialization, TCO as a minor for engineers, or another tech comm related subject. Project requires students to interview faculty and/or other students, write storyboards, create screen shots, and use Captivate to produce final product.

TCO

Dr. Helen Grady
SEB 239

grady_hm @mercer.edu

478-301-2211

Sept. 2011

Website and Podcasting for the Mercer University Chapel

Carry out a feasibility study on what is needed to set up web/podcasting facilities to allow sermons to be broadcast, as well as archived and downloaded online.

TCO

Dr. Donald Ekong.
EGC 223D Ekong_D@mercer.edu
478-301-2271

Sept. 2011

Process Improvement at Piedmont Healthcare

Piedmont Healthcare is implementing a program of process improvement in the emergency departments of its hospitals. Students will serve on a team led by Piedmont personnel to analyze current processes, recommend changes, and implement and evaluate those changes. Industrial engineering faculty will teach the participating students how to use lean and human factors principles to evaluate the current process and recommend improvements.

ISE

Dr. Laura Moody
EGC 201G

moody_le@mercer.edu

478-301-2349

Nov. 2011

Capabilities and Limitations of the 3D Scanning and Printing Process

A 3D scanner will be used to capture geometric information about a 3D object. A 3D printer will then be used to generate a replica of the original object from the 3D scan data. The replica will then be compared to the original to determine how accurately a 3D scanner and printer generate replicas. The overall goals are to identify and demonstrate the capabilities and limitations of 3D scan to 3D replica process. In addition, students.will work on specifications for a portable 3D scanner.

BME, ISE, or MAE

Dr. Sinjae Hyun

EGC 116G

hyun_s@mercer.edu

478-301-2214

Sept. 2013

Develop and Implement a Testing Protocol for the Leap Motion® Controller

'The LEAP motion controller is a computer input device that senses how you move your hands the way you naturally move them. So you can point, wave, reach, and grab. Even pick something up and put it down. Just like in real life.' (source: http://www.leapmotion.com/) The goal of this project is to develop and conduct a test plan to evaluate response time, error rates, and learning curves of novice users using the Leap Motion® controller and one of the free game apps available from the Airspace app store.

BME, ECE, ISE

Dr. Laura Moody

EGC 201G

moody_le@mercer.edu

478-301-2349

Oct. 2013

Develop a User Training and Evaluation Application for the Leap Motion® Controller

'The LEAP motion controller is a computer input device that senses how you move your hands the way you naturally move them. So you can point, wave, reach, and grab. Even pick something up and put it down. Just like in real life.' (source: http://www.leapmotion.com/) The goal of this project is to develop and test an app for the Leap Motion Controller that will record users’ response times and error rates as they perform tasks with the controller. These data will be recorded and reported via a comma delimeted (*.csv) file.

BME, ECE, ISE

Dr. Laura Moody

EGC 201G

moody_le@mercer.edu

478-301-2349

Oct. 2013

Leap Motion® Control of a Real or Virtual Robot

'The LEAP motion controller is a computer input device that senses how you move your hands the way you naturally move them. So you can point, wave, reach, and grab. Even pick something up and put it down. Just like in real life.' (source: http://www.leapmotion.com/) The goal of this project is to develop an app that will allow a human to monitor and control a semi-autonomous robot (real or virtual) moving through space. This would involve creating a real or virtual robot and using the device to control its motion in virtual space. The robot should be able to follow a path and “retrieve” an object under the direction of the human.

BME, ECE, ISE

Dr. Laura Moody

EGC 201G

moody_le@mercer.edu

478-301-2349

Oct. 2013

Water Level Detection with Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR)

Time-domain reflectometry (TDR) is a measurement technique used to determine the characteristics of electrical lines by observing reflected waveforms. (source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Time-domain_reflectometry). Initial studies indicate that this technology has the potential to identify the location of the air-water interface. The goals of this project will be to 1) continue investigation of the use of TDR to identify the air-water interface and 2) develop a computerized method to process the generated waveform into the location of the air-water interface.

ECE

Dr.Philip McCreanor
EGC 116F

478-301-2044
mccreanor_pt@merecer.edu

Nov. 2013