Mechanical Engineering
2006 Senior Projects

2006 Formula SAE
Blue Devil Flying Aces
Linear Motor Assembly Press
Ford F-150 Suspension Modification
2006 High Powered ORV
2006 Mini Baja
Off Road Bumpers

Lawrence Technological University has incorporated Formula SAE® into its engineering curriculum as a year-long senior project, providing students with a unique opportunity to combine theory and practice in a real-world situation. Students spend two semesters designing, fabricating, assembling, and tuning a car prior to the international competition. In recent years, Lawrence Tech has usually finished in the upper quartile of challengers. To help spark interest in engineering education, Lawrence Tech’s car also is regularly showcased at local area high schools and community events.

Team photo (from left to right): Kelly Dornoff, Lowell Kubik, Craig LaMontagne, Matthew Kirby (Industrial Advisor), and Matthew Kelly.  Working photo (from left to right): Lowell Kubik, Kelly Dornoff and Matthew Kelly

2006 SAE Aero Design Team
Blue Devil Flying Aces

The purpose of this project is to design, build and test a radio controlled heavy lift cargo plane that is able to compete in the SAE Aero Design East Competition.  Given the constraints, the goal is to lift the most weight possible.  Some of the constraints this year include a wing span of 94.488 inches (+/- 0.5 inches), an unmodified OS 0.61 FX engine, to take off within 200 feet, to land within 400 feet and cargo bay area of at least 3 inches by 5 inches by 16 inches.

Group Members
Kelly Dornoff (Team Leader), Matt Kelly, Lowell Kubik, Craig LaMontagne

Sponsors/Contributors
Industrial sponsor - Bill Brown, Jim Cross, and Matthew Kirby

Advisor
Dr. Andrew Gerhart

Linear Motor Assembly Press

We are designing a prototype assembly press for manufacturing applications.  The Linear Motor Assembly Press is used for low force, high-speed, high precision, pressing.  There are many uses for this press in the automotive, aviation, and medical industries, among others. 

Group Members
Dan Leeman, Jesse Paldan

Sponsors/Contributors
Promess Incorporated
http://www.promessinc.com/

Advisor
Dr. Chris H. Riedel

Ford F-150 Suspension Modification

This project consists of engineering a rear suspension system that will increase the performance handling characteristics of the second-generation Ford F-150 Lightning pickup trucks, while still maintaining its original function as a pickup truck.  The suspension will be a rear four link system with a fifth link pan hard bar for greater rear tracking stability.  It will also incorporate adjustable coil over shocks and spherical bushings for precise adjustments to the suspension characteristics.  All these engineering requirements will be incorporated into a suspension system that will bolt on to the stock chassis with minimal alterations.  With the re-configured rear suspension system, the truck will perform excellent at the drag strip while still handling precisely on the street.

Group Members
Michael Barnhard, Jeff Spitery

Sponsor
Detroit Diameters Inc.

Advisor
Dr. Steve Bhonsle

Group Photo: (from left to right) Jared Pence, Joe Lapinski, Kathryn Sielski

2006 High Powered ORV

The 2006 High Powered ORV is a high powered, capable and durable dune buggy style Off Road Vehicle.  The ORV consists of a bent, notched and welded steel tube chassis, double A-arm front and rear suspension, motorcycle engine and transmission, and live axle driveline.  This vehicle is engineered with the purpose of being an economical alternative for entry-level ORV enthusiasts.

Team Members
Jared Pence (Team Leader), Joe Lapinski, Kathryn Sielski

Advisor
Dr. Vladimir V. Vantsevich

2006 Mini Baja

To design, fabricate, test and race an off-road vehicle in the Society of Automotive Engineer's (SAE) Mini Baja competition.  (See also attached flyer)

Team Members
Matthew Wilhoit, Justin Hurlbert, Kristen Chiodini, Brian Fowler, Jessica Young, Karim Gewarges, Jason Zech, David Werthman, Matt Morad, Marc Sawicki

Contributors/sponsors
Denso, Metaldyne, Dadco, DaimlerChrysler, Alumni Association

Faculty Advisor
Dr. Chris Riedel

Off Road Bumpers

The main purpose of our project is to design a front off-road bumper for the use of a Warn Industries 16.5 ti recovery winch on a 94 Ford F350. This winch is rated at 16,500 Lbs of pulling force. Not only must the bumper handle the winch, it must also; provide off-road lighting, provide vehicle protection, be as light as possible, maintain ground and tire clearance, have a protective finish, be easy to assemble and replace components if damaged.

The secondary purpose of this project is to design a rear off-road bumper to contain auxiliary batteries on a 94 Ford F350. The design will allow for two of the largest batteries to be mounted safely out of sight. The main purpose of these batteries will be to power the winch on the front and to also run other power loads such as the off-road lights. The assembly is also to contain a class 5 towing hitch. Besides the batteries, the rear must also; provide off-road lighting, provide vehicle protection, have a protective finish, be easy to assemble and replace components if damaged.

Team Members
Randy Burda (Leader), Jason Altenburg, Selena Mastin

Advisor
Dr. Kingman Yee

Contributors
Atlas Tube
Plymouth, MI
www.atlastube.com

Sylvan Tool Inc.
5955 Sterling Drive
Howell, MI 48843