Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Preliminary designs and CAD drawing have been drawn up. Currently choosing a source for metal and stepper motor. Preliminary experments involving adding iron filings into "slurry" solution have proven that particles with high aspect ration are capable of aligning as aresult of being exposed to a magnetic field.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Preliminary experiments dealing with exposing freeze-casting samples containing iron powder/filings
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Have parts and part numbers located (James)
Order parts that the team has agreed on (Phillip)
Determine method of generating the magnetic field. ( Michael's individual analysis but team decision for final design)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
"It is necessary to find a material that has a higher chance of yielding aligned dielectric particles after being exposed to a magnetic field". Michael Porter and Professor McKittrick are looking more in the materials that they believe we would have a larger chance of success with obtaining a successful amount.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
"Could you put a horseshoe magnet connecting the North and South Pole to close the flux path?" The orientation of the magnets and how to create the desired flux path is being researched as an individual component analysis. The method of orienting the magnets is one of the better options being considered.
"Find a design guide for generating a magnetic field/solenoid design guide". A textbook has been found that discusses the generation of magnetic fields from permanent magnets (pg 36), electro magnets (pg 33), and solenoids (pg 24).
Risks and Areas of Concern
Finding a method of generating a magnetic field such that the flux path penetrates through the sample evenly. ( Have Solution, needs tweaking)
Mounting the hall effect sensor to the magnet field generating device such that it can detect the strength of the magnetic field without inhibiting the functionality of the device.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
None, we found a book on magnetic fields and know sources for stepper motor controllers and microprocessors.
Schedule
Upcoming milesstone is to collect part numbers for necessary components and order lower risk parts ( ie. stepper motors the team has agreed on using)
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Total Budget is $3000
Progress on Report and Webpage
Each Member has already begun writing their individual component analysis and will be done as psted on the website by Friday.
The team had already created a team website on 'Google Sites' before holiday break and it would only be a matter of copying and pasting what has already been implemented on the site into a new team website.