Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Analysis underway in order to determine suitable motor
Design and fabrication of attenuating screen case underway
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Ordered and took possession of the Lifting Mechanism
Built and tested second iteration of 2D Phantom
Completed meetings with instructor and sponsor
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Resolve lingering questions about XY Plotter software
Complete construction of Attenuating Screen case
Purchase stepper motor and motor driver per Steve Robert's recommendations
Initiate efforts to attach XY Plotter to Lifting Mechanism
Complete construction of third and final iteration of 2D Phantom
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
25APR2017 (Google Hangouts Meeting):
Inquired about amount of time the point source could be kept at each location; indicated that time at location would/should depend on the amount of radiation on point source. Team informed the Sponsor that a few ideas were being considered on how to make it linger longer at a given location.
Shared that he'd be meeting with the physicist performing the Monte Carlo modeling on Thursday, April 27 and extended invitation to interested Team members.
Expressed that he's considering the possibility of inviting Biomedical Engineering students to the project; asked and was provided the names of software Team is using or considering to implement 3D motion.
Discussed logistics for next week's meeting: the Team is considering inviting the sponsor to its workspace so as to provide him firsthand look at progress being made.
Graciously offered to provide desiring Team members with Letters of Recommendation.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
25APR2017 (In-person Meeting):
Team presented instructor with its ongoing efforts; following this, the instructor opined that the study of hysteresis might not be necessary for Team's project as had previously been discussed.
Further descriptions of Team progress indicated the struggles with the XY Plotter software and steps taken to curb these. The software remains a continuing endeavor.
When the Team's idea for the attenuating screen was brought up, Instructor appeared to like the idea and agreed to maintaining its depth at no more than 0.5 inch. This would allow for a smaller volume and the ability to randomize the materials in the screen: sand and something else.
Recommended that the Team consider contacting a company named Clear Ballistics for ballistic gels that could be melted down and used in conjunction with ball bearings
Advised that Team consider driving the Lift from the same CPU that would control XY motion: while both could not be simultaneously controlled, it'd be possible to actuate one and then the other.
Provided insight into elements to look for when analyzing standards applicable to this project. Suggested that Team look at ASME, OSHA, and ANSI Standards for starters. Also recommended certain actions to account for the safety risks: Signs, Flexible curtains/Wall for the Lift
Provided evaluative recap of Team's performance thus far.
Comments from Other Faculty (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
27APR2017 (In-person Interaction): Team members approached Steve Roberts with questions regarding Stepper Motors
Advised that Team identify voltage it deems necessary and make use of this during research for a decent motor. Suggesting the following, unofficial rule: "Run motor at 4 times name plate voltage."
Suggested that Team identify current associated the desired torque (~10 in-lb).
Stated that such an undertaking would required a stepper motor driver.
Finally, offered up certain websites and manufacturers to consider.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Implementing Lift motion with motor to be purchased
Actual construction of the Attenuating Screen
Schedule
Describe upcoming milestone
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
MakeBlock XY Plotter Robot Kit - $279.88 (Amount remaining: $3720.12)
MakeBlock Mw Orion - $29.99 (Amount remaining: $3690.13)
Southworth Lift Tool + Expedited Shipping - $869.44 (Amount remaining: $2820.69)
Progress on Report and Webpage
Constant updates being made to Webpages (weekly progress reports and week 2/3/4 write-ups)
Divided up parts for upcoming proof-of-concept presentation and currently working on it