Project Description
The Center for Infrastructure, Energy and Space Testing (CIEST) houses 3 centrifuges, the largest of which, a 400 g-ton centrifuge, is the 2nd largest in the US. An automatic robotic sand pourer is currently used to prepare geotechnical laboratory and centrifuge models for teaching and research purposes. However, there is scope for modern technology and instrumentation, for example depth sensing cameras and tactile pressure sensors, to improve the consistency and repeatability of models made with the sand pourer. This project involves upgrading and testing the robotic sand pourers capabilities using novel instrumentation techniques and will have many opportunities for hands-on experience and exploration of applying technology in a geotechnical and a broader engineering context. The quality of the models prepared with the upgraded sand pourer will be investigated with centrifuge experiments. There is scope for unique testing and research to be conducted and directed by the undergraduate researcher and it is anticipated the results will ultimately be appropriate for peer reviewed publications.
Special Requirement
Basic structural and mechanical analysis and an interest in laboratory testing or civil/geotechnical engineering. Experience or interest in programming (e.g. MatLab or Python) is preferred.
Contact
- Srikanth S. C. Madabhushi (faculty)
- Brad Wham (faculty)
- Joelle Westcott (graduate student)