Vehicle Projets Inc.
Mechanical Engineer
- Design, fabrication, and testing of turn-key Hydrogen Fuel Cell Prototypes in rail and mining applications
- Extensive solid modeling and BOM organization experience with Solid Works, organized and produced 2D manufacturing drawings, pump and compressor sizing and sourcing, thermodynamic analysis for heat exchanger and intercooler selections
- Site visits and technical communication with clients/machine shops
- TIG Welding, System Assembly, P&ID drawing using Visio,
Undergraduate Research Assistant
The General Motors Company issued a grant in order to test high strength steels under draw bead simulation conditions; sheet metal forming. Dr. Sanchez, my research professor, fabricated a machine that could adequately test samples of varying thicknesses in both fixed and roller draw bead testing. On each of the hydraulic clamps load sensors record the clamping force and the pulling force through a CRIO data acquisition system with LabView. Approximately nine hundred samples were tested, equating to ten fixed bead experiments and two roller bead experiments for each metal and lubrication combination. My responsibilities as his research assistance included but were not limited to:
The experimentation and data acquired has made it possible to select the metal production company, grade, and lubrication that coincides with the lowest coefficient of friction. This process may have assisted the General Motors Company in not only material selection, but now the calculations may be ran more accurately to determine the life expectancy of machines associated with sheet metal forming and therefore the overall costs on a yearly basis.
- Creating hundreds of 20 in. by 2 in. samples of varying metal production companies, grades, and lubricants
- Staying organized
- Weighing each sample (Dry Weight)
- Correctly mixing each lubricant and applying 31 grams per cubit foot of material
- Weighing each lubricated sample (Wet Weight)
- Running the experiments and data collection
- Data manipulation using numerous equations and Microsoft excel to determine the coefficient of friction for each sample
- Averaging the data acquired and determining the conclusions of the experimentation process
The experimentation and data acquired has made it possible to select the metal production company, grade, and lubrication that coincides with the lowest coefficient of friction. This process may have assisted the General Motors Company in not only material selection, but now the calculations may be ran more accurately to determine the life expectancy of machines associated with sheet metal forming and therefore the overall costs on a yearly basis.
Mechanical Engineering Teaching Assistant
The most valued experience gained from being a teaching assistant must be the opportunity to lead an exercise for the undergraduate introduction to prototyping class. I have become vastly familiar with the Next Engine 3 dimensional scanner and associated software. This includes extensive knowledge of Scan Studio, Rapid Works, and Solid Works. As I had been working with the Next Engine 3 dimensional scanner for months I was asked to lead a discussion and mentor groups of students as to the applications, procedures, and manipulation of this caliber solid modeling. I was required to set up a lesson plan and run each group through the process of scanning and creating a model to usable form within Solid Works. This experience helped me establish a role of leadership and recognize the necessity of teamwork towards achieve a common goal.
As a teaching assistant to the Mechanical Engineering Department I served as a grader to the design of mechanical elements class. This included the grading and feedback of weekly assignments as well as the occasional project. This experience reinforced knowledge from my previous coursework and solidified major concepts in component design. This opportunity assisted me in creating strong relationships with the faculty professors and led to enhancement of my networking skills.
As a teaching assistant to the Mechanical Engineering Department I served as a grader to the design of mechanical elements class. This included the grading and feedback of weekly assignments as well as the occasional project. This experience reinforced knowledge from my previous coursework and solidified major concepts in component design. This opportunity assisted me in creating strong relationships with the faculty professors and led to enhancement of my networking skills.