Chukwurah C's Senior Project Blog
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Project Title: Folding Under Pressure: Can Hoberman Spheres Reduce the Impact of Collisions? BASIS Advisor: Mr. Patrick Kilmer-Webb Internship Location: ASU Oasis Lab Onsite Mentor: Dr. Leixin Ma |
Project Abstract
The main goal of this research is to determine the feasibility of using Hoberman spheres to reduce the impact of high-speed collisions. Through this research, we will demonstrate how the Hoberman sphere dissipates forces across its surface and reacts to forces of different magnitudes and directions. By suggesting the possibility of using foldable structures to construct car bumpers capable of withstanding collisions, we will explore the properties of foldable structures. To achieve this, I will review research papers on the formulas that govern foldable structures and collaborate with a team of researchers to code a working simulation of the Hoberman sphere. Additionally, I will work on a machine-learning model that will receive data on collisions allowing me to build a simulation to test the bumper containing the Hoberman spheres. An internship with the ASU Oasis Lab, led by ASU professor Dr. Leixin Ma, is integral to achieving such a task.
The End of the Road
I can't believe it is already the 10th and final week of this blog. Time really seems to fly(or in this case drive) quickly. Since this is the final week of the project, expectations must be met. In this case, these expectations involved testing the bumper model and performing a final evaluation of the machine... Read More
Time is of the Essence
Going into this week, I knew that things were going to get hectic. With only two weeks left of this project and a presentation, machine learning model, and bumper prototype to finish, time was(and still is) not on my side. All I can do is work as efficiently as possible and hope for the best.... Read More
(AI)nception
Have you ever spent countless hours trying to figure something out, only to discover that there's a much easier way and that you can solve it in a fraction of the time? This universal experience defined my week. If you recall, last week's post, I mentioned running into errors while trying to properly load the... Read More
Errors: A Coder’s WORST Nightmare
While I consider myself somewhat competent at coding, I am by no means an expert. This week made that very clear as I encountered errors left and right. Each one led me down a different rabbit hole, but there are still advantages to this. As I continue to dive further into each of these errors,... Read More
M&Ms: Modeling and Modeling(Again)
Once again, I am back to coding machine-learning models. More specifically, this week, my work was focused on coding a machine-learning model for determining the drag on different shaped objects. While I continue to follow some of the base mechanics of building machine learning models, I've found working on this to be a lot more... Read More
Spring Brake but Work Continues…
Going into spring break meant things would slow down significantly. Still, I remained busy. This week I continued working on machine-learning algorithms in PyTorch expanding further into data classification instead of linear regression. My work was mostly limited to binary classification instead of the multi-label and multi-class classification mentioned in previous blog posts. To do... Read More
Bumping Into New Information
Going into this week, I decided to look further into the materials that go into your typical car bumper consisting primarily of metals(usually steel or aluminum) and a shock absorbant foam. Since I have a plan for the design of the bumper(detailed in previous posts), this is the most logical next step for my project.... Read More
The Longest YouTube Video I’ve EVER Seen…
There are 24 hours in a day. 23 hours, 56 minutes, and 4 seconds, to be specific. I spent the past week watching 25 hours of YouTube. Why? One of my main tasks this week while working with the Oasis Lab was to learn machine learning through PyTorch. While it wasn't easy, having an understanding... Read More
Bumpers that keep getting better and better…
The first draft is never "perfect." Coming into this week, I kept this mentality as I continued developing the design for the car bumpers. After further research into the inner workings of car bumpers, I realized that my initial plan for the bumpers wouldn't be feasible. Why? My initial plan hinged on a row of... Read More
Scissors That Don’t Cut
Every investigation starts with a bit of background information. As simple or complicated as this knowledge may be, it is important to set the stage for the rest of your investigation. In my case, I started my investigation into this research project with a review of a couple of related research papers and code before... Read More