Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Tested dB levels of fans and PSU at different distances from the front panel
Learning software for flow and thermal analysis
Modified old chassis to accommodate the new front panel as well as back panel ideas
Freed the constrained fan enclosure to test for various angles
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Explored the viability of designs 1 & 2: overall they are not viable, and currently testing which components we are going to have in the final chassis, while designs are on hold
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Modify front and back panels testing with dB levels and also with the slightly larger fans
Testing to be done in an area with <35dB (suggested)
Making a housing for a 92mm chassis
More dB testing from further distance (2ft distance, more reasonable)
Obtain spec sheet for fans to finish compiling the rest of the dB level spreadsheet
Thermal analysis
hand calculations to find CFM
Find hot areas using solidworks/COMSOL/CF Design
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Discussion included talk of a larger frontal fans. Larger fans, if shown through some data and further calculations, would definitely be considered in the final design given that they are more quieter and generally have higher CFM.
Sponsor, after having explored padding, for the most part is negligible and not worth the effort of the overall design of the chassis->padding is no longer a consideration
For the fan sizes given, rubber grommets (as opposed to metal screws) have no noticeable effect on the overall dB levels
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Need to have working model with powered PCI cards for testing: designing simple models to easily calculate things; cooling as well as heating assumptions taken to the most extreme cases to see where we need help
Needs a lot more airflow for high power (~850W): overall design of chassis needs to be tested at their facilities
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Look into different types of fans (mag-lev): ultimately looking into hydro fans, similar to oil bearing but uses hydro technology, generally more efficient
Risks and Areas of Concern
EMF and MTBF issues
Resources or Information Required but not Available
N/A
Schedule
Week 5: Run tests on modified panels
Week 5-6: Run thermal analysis software to find problem areas, run test on physical component with temperature sensors
Week 7: Make adjustments to design and proceed with finalized 3d model
Week 8: Further tests and optimization of design
Week 9: Finalize report and site