Tensegrity Research
What is an REU, why did you pursue it, what did it involve, key learning outcomes, etc. -- overview and summary
Basic Information Full Name: Nathan Bodenschatz UC Email: [email protected] College: College of Engineering and Applied Science Major: Aerospace Engineering Title of Project: TENDEK (TENsegrity DEployable Kite) Expected Project Start Date: 09/2010 Expected Project End Date: 06/2011 |
Me flying our tensegrity kite at Cincinnati Kite Festival
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Project Information
1. Provide a brief overview/abstract of your proposed honors experiential learning project.
The research conducted will be through the University Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Through the entirety of the school year, my partner and I will be research the concept of tensegrity structures and how they can be implemented to achieve shape changing products. We modeled the idea with a morphing kite. The kite concept was meant to represent the potential application to aerospace related products. The project will involve intense background research of tensegrity, kites, and flight dynamics and controls. From there we will work through the scientific process from preliminary design to prototyping to trial and error to final product. Day by day research logs will be kept in order to track progress. Ultimately, we will write up a report summarizing our experiences and findings through our research.
2. Clearly state how each of the following elements will be exhibited in your work (refer to the first two pages of this document with the full description of what is expected in each of these areas).
a. Substantial Content and Quality within Research Theme
Since the project was approved through the REU program and was designated a stipend, the research is important and valuable to moving forward. For our purposes, we researched tensegrity structures and their ability to change shape based on amount of tension and length of strings. From our research, we hope to gain insight into the plausibility of implementing a tensegrity system into current aviation systems, such as planes and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
b. Connection to Academic Goals and Theories
As previously mentioned, the project will look into Aerospace Engineering principles such as flight dynamics and controls research. Concepts of lift and drag will also be utilized to predict the flight capabilities of the kite designed. The relationship to aerospace technology is present throughout the entirety of the project and will help build my knowledge of my future career.
c. Initiative, Independence and Creativity
My unique initiative and creativity was included in all aspects of the project. Though I worked with a partner, we each did our own parts of the project in order to further our research quickly. I specifically took it upon myself to build our prototypes and models. My experiences with the tensegrity concept were frustrating but helpful. My mark on the project was evident and noticed by our advisor.
d. Reflection & Dissemination
Included as attachment: AYREU_TechPaper_Final.pdf
e. Advisor (list the person’s name, title, and contact information)
Dr. Kelly Cohen
Associate Professor
Office: 732 Rhodes Hall
Mailing address: P.O. Box 210070, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0070
Phone: (513) 556-3523
Fax: (513) 556-5038
Email: [email protected]
f. Budget (if applicable)
We had a budget, but it was applied to our stipend for the work.
1. Provide a brief overview/abstract of your proposed honors experiential learning project.
The research conducted will be through the University Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. Through the entirety of the school year, my partner and I will be research the concept of tensegrity structures and how they can be implemented to achieve shape changing products. We modeled the idea with a morphing kite. The kite concept was meant to represent the potential application to aerospace related products. The project will involve intense background research of tensegrity, kites, and flight dynamics and controls. From there we will work through the scientific process from preliminary design to prototyping to trial and error to final product. Day by day research logs will be kept in order to track progress. Ultimately, we will write up a report summarizing our experiences and findings through our research.
2. Clearly state how each of the following elements will be exhibited in your work (refer to the first two pages of this document with the full description of what is expected in each of these areas).
a. Substantial Content and Quality within Research Theme
Since the project was approved through the REU program and was designated a stipend, the research is important and valuable to moving forward. For our purposes, we researched tensegrity structures and their ability to change shape based on amount of tension and length of strings. From our research, we hope to gain insight into the plausibility of implementing a tensegrity system into current aviation systems, such as planes and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
b. Connection to Academic Goals and Theories
As previously mentioned, the project will look into Aerospace Engineering principles such as flight dynamics and controls research. Concepts of lift and drag will also be utilized to predict the flight capabilities of the kite designed. The relationship to aerospace technology is present throughout the entirety of the project and will help build my knowledge of my future career.
c. Initiative, Independence and Creativity
My unique initiative and creativity was included in all aspects of the project. Though I worked with a partner, we each did our own parts of the project in order to further our research quickly. I specifically took it upon myself to build our prototypes and models. My experiences with the tensegrity concept were frustrating but helpful. My mark on the project was evident and noticed by our advisor.
d. Reflection & Dissemination
Included as attachment: AYREU_TechPaper_Final.pdf
e. Advisor (list the person’s name, title, and contact information)
Dr. Kelly Cohen
Associate Professor
Office: 732 Rhodes Hall
Mailing address: P.O. Box 210070, Cincinnati, OH 45221-0070
Phone: (513) 556-3523
Fax: (513) 556-5038
Email: [email protected]
f. Budget (if applicable)
We had a budget, but it was applied to our stipend for the work.
Attachments:
Final Paper
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Final Presentation
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Poster
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