Undergraduate Research Assistant
Research for Academic Credit, Flow Imaging Lab at Mudd
The Flow Imaging Lab at Mudd works to mechanically recreate fish swimming behaviours and investigate their effects on fluid flow to optimize underwater vehicle systems. I worked on the “Fish-Inspired Propulsion through a Water-Air Interface” project.
Key experiences and outcomes include:
- Designed & manufactured a mechanical 3-axis calibrator for a live class-4 laser for Particle Image Velocimetry
- Our setup works by shooting a laser to light up microscopic particles in our tank, and this helps us capture the fluid velocity as the fin flaps
- Because our team was transitioning to image velocity from a different direction, the laser and camera both had to be moved
- The calibrator I designed would help align this laser with the fin neutral position
- Processed 6-axis load cell data using MATLAB to quantify thrust generated by a biomimetic fish fin
- Programmed a PI-controlled rotational degree of freedom for the fin
- Designed custom scaling op-amp circuits to provide feedback control with a potentiometer
- Programmed and tuned a PI control feedback loop in C++
- Troubleshot load cell/motor interference
- Managed waterjet safety & maintenance; advised team of 5 on machining processes to eliminate fin defects