Week 5 Progress Report
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Waistband seal prototype tests completed.
Decided on fabrication method for reinforcement hoops.
Preliminary CAD model for reinforcement hoop connections made.
Prototype sections of carbon fiber rod fabricated.
Carbon Fiber sheets and epoxy obtained for testing and prototyping.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Created single layer and multilayer carbon fiber tube segments to assess strength
Decided on fabrication method for reinforcement hoops (carbon fiber sleeves over insulation foam)
Found that insulation foam can be removed from carbon fiber tubes after curing
Obtained closed cell foam from McMaster - however, it was too stiff to effectively mold to the lower back shape
Researched different material options for waistband seal - found that the resulting gel made from mixing PVA glue with sodium borate has the soft consistency and moldability we want
Prototyped a small gel pack and tested pressure leak with it - resulted in significant improvements
Found and contacted a carbon fiber sleeve vendor ($107 for 50 feet of ½ inch ID sleeves)
Sourced a small number of teflon pegs to make curing frame for carbon fiber hoops
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Order carbon fiber sleeves, epoxy and cleaning supplies (Brian, Jackie, Jen, Geoffrey)
Design better gel pack shape (Jen)
Determine how to secure gel pack around the waist (belt loops?) (Jen)
3D print hoop segment connection mechanism (Brian)
Create frame to shape carbon fiber tubes during curing process (Jen, Jackie, Brian, Geoffrey)
Test run fabrication of two full length carbon fiber hoops segments and test connection mechanism (Jackie)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
No sponsor meeting last week. Dr. Hargens and his lab were attending a conference in Houston.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Look into heat curing carbon fiber to speed up fabrication (in person) - oven found and critical temperature of insulation foam found
Use pegs for frame instead of a solid piece of material - sourced a small number of teflon pegs
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A
Risks and Areas of Concern
Durability of gel pack solution
Delivery of carbon composites and epoxy.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
N/A
Schedule
Describe upcoming milestone
Test run fabrication of carbon fiber hoop segment
Order carbon fiber sleeves
Get waistband prototype material and test
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
$30.23 spent this week. $59.00 spent in total.
$2441 remaining.
Progress on Report and Webpage
Background sections of report mostly completed (still gathering additional citations and ironing out formatting)
Impact on society and professional responsibility sections written