Mechanical Engineering Technology
Mechanical Engineering Technology seniors are the skilled fixers, solvers and tacticians that can apply the knowledge from the classrooms and labs to industry, stopping a million-dollar problem from being a billion dollar one. Mechanical engineering technologists are multifaceted, engaging in product development, equipment troubleshooting and repair, and process enhancement within the industry. They are also involved in research and development, quality control and testing, among other career driven activities.
Projects start in fall and spring and last 2 semesters (excluding summer). Project proposals are due mid-March (fall project start) and/or mid-October (spring project start). Submit your proposal here:
Fall Project Start Intake Form
Spring Project Start Intake Form
Student Skills:
- Problem Solving: The thorough education provided by MET courses creates a versatile student that can proactively identify issues and develop solutions for them.
- Critical Thinking: Applying rigorous reasoning to established standards and future developments.
- Equipment Expertise: State-of-the-art labs and facilities mean that students integrate seamlessly into a variety of environments.
- Manufacturing Planning, Management and Automation: Comfort with all the steps and overseeing of a product launch, from development to production.
- Design and Drafting: Using the muscle of their minds and their computers, students learn applied mechanical design.
- Energy Extraction and Storage: Providing efficient power solutions to allow successful and sustainable projects.
- Additional Skills:
- Applying simulation and modeling to evaluate alternative designs and operational strategies.
- Performing cost-benefit and trade-off analyses to balance performance, risk, and resource constraints.
Previous Projects:
Pipe Inner Diameter Measurement System
This project involved developing a non-contact method to measure the inner diameter (ID) of research and development pipes under varying external conditions. Sponsored by TechnipFMC, the team’s goal was to create a portable system capable of accurately capturing ID changes after the pipe has undergone high-pressure and high-temperature testing. The system aims to operate safely, minimizing human risk and ensuring precision using a LiDAR sensor and Raspberry Pi-based control.
Team members: Toni Abidoye, Mathew Gonzales, Richard Herrera, Rodrigo Marroquin and Eddie Ramos
Mobile Process Training Unit
This project aimed to create a mobile process training unit as a demonstration tool for high school students, to expose them to engineering applications that would be useful in university or trade school. The instrument will be used in showcases to teach monitoring fluid flow, fluidlevel, fluid pressure and other processes that are measured through Endress + Hauserproducts. The system will consist of measuring devices using a PLC to control the system flow, and the objects controlling the flow will be a series of valves. The flow will be produced by a small pump connected to the main reservoir tank. A standard power supply will power all Endress+Hauser instruments, PLC system, and the pump.
Team members: Karson Bradley, Joshlyn Mendez, Evan Orlandi and Chris Porter
Drone for Oil Tank Inspections - Intertek
Oil tank inspections are needed to ensure proper functioning, structural integrity, and adequate compliance with industry standards for the oil storage vessels. Our Senior Design team is partnering with Intertek to design, manufacture and test a drone for oil tank inspections. The drone will perform video footage to detect any corrosion or structural defects in the oil storage tanks. The drone will have a camera with a gimbal system for quality footage. To protect our payload, the drone will have a 15-inch geodesic cage with an integrated shock absorption system, and optical flow sensors to minimize collisions. The main purpose is to have a drone for Intertek that can perform the remote video inspections for a lower price that it is at the market. Other drone brands have unnecessary features Intertek does not need and take a long time to repair. Our team is helping Intertek by creating a drone system that can be repaired with easily accessible parts reducing downtime.
Team members: Alondra Coronado and Cristhian Ramirez
Samson Controls Flow Process Skid
Samson Controls Inc. has developed an automated control valve, known as the FOCUS-ON, that the team implemented into a demonstration skid to showcase the valve’s capabilities. The skid's construction process can be divided into two stages: material selection and procurement, followed by fabrication and assembly. During the summer, our team initiated the project by developing a P&ID and 3D CAD model. The construction stage involved the assembly and fabrication of various components, including the layout of pipes and the creation of mounting brackets. This phase brought the skid to life and allowed it to demonstrate the capabilities of the FOCUS-ON valve effectively.
Team members: Julio Lopez, Brian Houlberg, Titus Manovich and Vincente Zierk
BL Furnace Redesign
This team investigated a BL furnace roller assembly that is subjected to premature failure of critical weld application. Using simulations, the team gained understanding about the stresses that occur due to boundary conditions. The project focused on component redesign for enhancing the life and reliability of the assembly.
Team members: Fernando Alcala, Eric Sims, Immanuel Shorungbe and Alex Cantu