As a method of air-breathing propulsion, turbojet engines have the advantage of being highly efficient, but this comes at the cost of mechanical complexity and consequently high manufacturing price. With this in mind, the primary goal of this project was to explore the ways in which turbojet complexity could be reduced while still maintaining high levels of efficiency. This was done by researching the principles on which turbojets operated, identifying the causes of fuel efficiency as well as the conditions necessary for combustion. A design was hypothesized that utilized solid fuel with a weak chemical oxidizer, in theory allowing for compressor efficiency to be low while still achieving combustion. Because it was unknown whether a partial chemically-oxidized fuel could still be further oxidized by compressed air, several preliminary tests were conducted. The results showed that this was possible, supporting the feasibility of this engine and allowing the experiment to continue. The next step was to test whether a partially-oxidized fuel could solely sustain compressor start-up, as this would precede atmospheric oxidation and the combustion would be inherently weak. A solid-fuel turbine was designed and built, being designated as Prototype 1. In addition to testing deoxygenated compressor startup, Prototype 1 demonstrated whether the simple materials used in construction could withstand the extreme conditions of a turbojet engine. The results of the test revealed that the turbine accelerated to 6,300 RPM in 2.33 seconds, proving the feasibility of deoxygenated startup.

Accessibility in the Shop

Bibliography

For my capstone project, I created resources to help new engineers in SLA get their footing. I started by labeling each machine with easy to read, laminated cards. Then, I focused on the laser cutter, which was about to endure the Rube Goldberg project, which uses it heavily. The guide that already existed was bare-bones, so I added a lot more detail. After the laser cutter guide was finished, I was unsure of what to do next. That’s when mr. Kamal introduced me to the wonderful world of 3D printing. Over a few months, I wrote tutorials for all four printer models in the shop. Each tutorial is connected to a 3D printing master document. It has a set of stats comparing each printer alongside recommended uses. For example, the Form 2 is arduous to use and clean, but the result is beautifully smooth. Alongside the master document, I printed the same model on each printer. I chose 3DBenchy as the example model, which is a small cartoon boat commonly used to calibrate printers. I then mounted them side by side. Using the mount, a beginner can scan the QR code and reference the example prints to decide which printer to use. Overall, this project was engaging the whole way through. I never thought I’d be interested in 3D printing; it always seemed too limited to be useful. I’m more excited than ever to learn more, and maybe even get a printer of my own in the future.

Above are the example prints and the 3D printing master document.

For my capstone, I decided to explore Fusion 360, which is a 3D modeling software. Over the course of the year, I made fifteen projects in Fusion 360, exploring the different tools and workspaces available in the software. I used a variation between tutorials I found online and designs of my own creation. On the website linked below, I go through the different tools and workspaces I used in Fusion and each individual project I made. I also included multiple screenshots of my website and work in Fusion 360. The main obstacle I faced was really my own time management skills and procrastination, like many seniors. If I had to do this project again I would start making and exploring in Fusion earlier. I started in the spring and because of that I did not get to explore all I wanted to, for example, I would have loved to try to use the manufacturing workspace or do more types of animations. Overall, I really enjoyed working on my capstone. I learned many new things about Fusion 360 and I can take these skills to college where I will be majoring in engineering.

Link To The Website I Made: https://sites.google.com/scienceleadership.org/amelia-shamble-capstone/home?authuser=0

Link To Annotated Bibliography: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1blZxydsE70CfNqbANRSn7ZvK-nPz_kB5RbCAjCigKOY/edit?usp=sharing