GA-Foam Shell Flow Culling Station
GA-Foam Shell Flow Culling Station
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University of California, San Diego
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
MAE 156B: Senior Design Project
Project Background
Project Background
Our project focuses on advancing the development of inertial fusion energy (IFE) technologies. Specifically, we are tasked with creating a cutting-edge system to sort and inspect delicate foam shells used as targets in fusion reactions. These shells are critical for achieving the precise conditions needed for ignition.
Our goal is to design, build, and test a fluid-mechanical system that ensures seamless flow and sorting of shells, enhancing efficiency and quality control for future IFE power plants. This innovation aims to support the growing need for sustainable and clean energy solutions.
A micrograph of a shell.
Project Objectives
Project Objectives
Develop a mechanism for Quality Control (QC) of shells through an automated Pass/Fail sorting system, fully submerged in liquid.
Ensure smooth transport of shells from the input reservoir to the inspection area in a single-file sequence.
Implement a sensor-based detection system that automates shell recognition and classification (LED flash used as a placeholder for the camera, which is beyond the project scope).
Design an automated sorting process to separate shells into designated reservoirs based on their assigned label.
Prioritize easy loading and extraction while maintaining operator safety and system efficiency.
Final Design of System
Final Design of System
Final combined CAD drawing of all components of the project, created in Fusion 360, integrating over 20 individual CAD models into a complete system design.
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