Researchers studying what goes on in automobile engines are looking for a better way to see inside. Two
WMU students have come up with what they hope will help those in automotive design and research gather information from the combustion chamber of a running engine.
Patrick Kreun and Trevor Lambert devised a system to insert a micro-camera into the engine to obtain high-quality pictures. They were able to drill a small hole through the center of an intake valve, 1.2mm in diameter, through which to place the camera. A light source can be provided through a neighboring piston. Their system allows 100 degree field of view, the engineering students said in a recent presentation on their design.
They further developed a strategy for cooling the camera that shows promising results.
Kreun and Lambert say their work would be of benefit to a very small niche, but for those working on high efficiency engines that produce lower amounts of pollutants the kind of observations their system can provide is important.
Their project was one of 44 recently presented at Western Michigan University's 49th Conference on Senior Engineering and Design. Students spend about a year working on the project that they must demonstrate can be implemented.
Students of civil and construction engineering, computer science, electrical and computer engineering, industrial and manufacturing engineering, mechanical and aeronautical engineering, and paper and chemical engineering all participated in the event.
Other projects demonstrated throughout the day included a hybrid airship design, built to produce lift from a buoyant lifting body and a conventional aircraft wing. The engineering students used mathematical calculations, computer-aided design and analysis software to create what looks like a mini-dirigible.
Many of the projects are sponsored by Southwest Michigan companies, including American Axle, Earth Sciences Remote Sensing Lab, Fantom Racing, Parker Hannifin Corp., and Stryker Instruments. The Michigan Department of Transportation and WMU organizations including the Department of Blindness and Low Vision Studies, Dining Services, and Engineering and Maintenance Services also sponsored work.
Writer: Kathy Jennings, Second Wave
Source: Patrick Kreun and Trevor Lambert, WMU School of Engineering
Photos Courtesy of the WMU School of Engineering and Applied Sciences
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