Project Portfolio

These are a handful of creative engineering projects that I have been a part of. Please e-mail me for more details of anything, at jamie@feinsteins.net

Mechanical Vibrations Lab Projects

Double Pendulum Lab

Isolating multi-degree-of-freedom systems into single degree-of-freedom systems

Tuned Mass Damper

Recreated a model of the Taipei 101 pendulum damper

Cantilever Lab

Learned about mode shapes and their effect on structural response

Boeing 747 Lab

Observed mode shapes occurring in different regions of a rigid body

Saturn V Rocket Modal Hammer Lab

Studied vibration propagation from different impact locations

B2 Spirit Moment of Inertia Lab

Determined second area moment of inertia using a pendulum system

Heat Transfer Labs (Lab Reports Available Upon Request)

• Polytropic Expansion with Sonic Flow
• Modeled Vapor-Compression Refrigeration Cycle
• PC (Personal Computer) Heat Sink
• Liquid-to-Air Heat Exchanger
• Air-to-Air Heat Exchanger

OpenFOAM CFD Research and Fluids Lab Redesign

Goal:

Model turbulence in the existing fluids “Airflow Around a Cylinder” lab and produce a paper defending the impact of CFD on engineering education for the ASEE (American Society for Engineering Education) conference.

My impact:

• Completed an OpenFOAM warm-up using the SST turbulence model for an NLF(1)-0416 airfoil and plotted lift, drag, pressure, and skin-friction coefficients. Conducted a grid convergence study using residual data.
• Learned how the Finite Volume Method and RANS models apply to turbulence modeling.
• Created reusable CFD code to serve as a learning tool for students new to CFD.
• Designing a flow visualization test apparatus using lighting techniques, tufts, and custom 3D-printed components.
• Editing a paper discussing the strengths and pitfalls of computational tools and comparisons to experimental and analytical methods.
• Rewriting lab procedures to support a “choose your own adventure” learning style.

A Better Knee Scooter Design Project

Goal: Design a knee scooter that accommodates a wide range of users and constraints using only hardware-store materials.

My impact:

• Created a design matrix to select a commuter-oriented scooter concept.
• Performed mechanics-of-materials hand calculations for three load cases.
• Developed a triangular frame enabling coasting and onboard storage.
• Designed and printed 15 custom PLA components with transition-fit analysis.
• Designed a differential steering system to reduce turn radius.
• Created SolidWorks models and drawings and validated them with FEA.
• Helped organize and present a finished prototype under a conservative budget.

Project Outcomes:

The structure supported ~170 lb under dynamic loading. While axle deflection was higher than desired due to material tradeoffs, the prototype achieved high maneuverability and became the first PLA-heavy scooter in the class not to fail.

Project/Product Design: Taco Shell Strength (Spring 2024)

Overview:

In the Philosophy of Design course, teams developed solutions to open-ended engineering problems. Our simulated company, TACOCAT, redesigned the hard-shell taco using a 3D-printed subtractive mold with engineered ribbing to improve strength and fracture control.

Key Takeaways:

Learned the importance of human-centered design through stakeholder research, interdisciplinary consultation, and iterative prototyping. The project combined structural engineering with food science and hands-on fabrication.

Cal Poly SAE Formula Chassis: Perimeter Shear Test (Fall 2023)

Overview:

Performed a composite perimeter shear simulation on a Formula SAE monocoque structure using Siemens Femap/NASTRAN, informed by experimental material data.

Key Takeaways:

Gained experience with meshing composite structures, simulation-driven design, and hands-on composite manufacturing including vacuum bagging and autoclave curing.

Capstone Project: Speed of Sound Through a Guitar String (Spring 2023)

Overview:

As a capstone project for the Bellevue College engineering physics series, our team measured the speed of sound in a guitar string and defended the work before a panel of tenured physics faculty.

Key Takeaways:

Measured wave speed of 96 ± 5 m/s at 68.64 N tension. Developed skills in experimental design, uncertainty analysis, technical writing, and oral defense of scientific work.