Internship at Los Alamos National Laboratory

Los Alamos, New Mexico

In the DoE's SULI program, I worked on the Fieldable Atomic Beam Isotopic Analyser (FABIA) under Dr. Alonso Castro in the Actinide Analytical Chemistry (C-AAC) group. I implemented some mechanical re-designs to the main heating components. I also integrated and tested an alternative current controller to drive the onboard laser diode used to perform laser absorption spectroscopy on actinide monatomic beams.  

Abstract  
I n the wake of increasing tension and risk of nuclear conflict, technologies supporting nuclear nonproliferation are becoming increasingly necessary in upholding safeguards. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) emphasizes the importance of developing these technologies to navigate today’s rapidly evolving nuclear landscape. Efficient measurement of uranium enrichment in samples sourced from nuclear fuel plants is central in advancing these technologies. Although mass spectrometry serves as the current leading analytical tool for this purpose, it faces many challenges regarding the instrumentation’s cost, size, 

 weight, analysis time, and waste generation. As an alternative and solution to the limitations in mass spectrometry, Los Alamos National Laboratory’s Fieldable Atomic Beam Isotopic Analyzer (FABIA) utilizes laser absorption spectroscopy to quickly and accurately determine the isotopic composition of actinide samples in the field. The instrument works by resistively heating a tantalum micro‐crucible filled with an actinide sample in near vacuum; it then performs a laser absorption analysis on the resulting collimated monatomic beam. Per IAEA guidelines and FABIA’s objectives, several mechanical modifications were implemented to the copper connecting components that secure the micro‐crucible to the heating elements. These redesigns eliminated the need for specialized tooling to fasten the crucible ends and ensured a consistent crucible placement in the experimental setup. After a series of finite‐element analyses to inspect for anomalies resulting from changes to these components’ geometries, manufacturing of the updated component began. Additionally, in the interest of FABIA’s primary goal of fieldability, the overall weight was reduced by replacing the original laser power supply with a dedicated current controller to drive the onboard laser. With these improvements, FABIA is one step closer to being deployed in the field to monitor the ever‐changing nuclear environment on a global stage.   

LANL Student Symposisum (Summer 2024)
As well as giving slide-deck presentation at an internal SULI-specific event, I presented my summer's work at the student symposium in poster form. 

 Copper Heating Component Redesign

A major portion of my internship was dedicated to redesigning a component meant to clamp and provide the resistive-heating current to the micro-crucible, which houses the actinide sample. This redesign eliminates the requirement for specialized tooling to secure the crucible and facilitates consistent crucible placement in the clamp. This is a cross-sectional sketch sketch of the updated clamping component design.   

Temperature and Current Density Simulations
    
In order to predict any anomalous high temperature and high current concentrations due to the changed geometries of the component, FEA was performed using COMSOL: Multiphysics. The resistive heating as well as radiative effects were modeled. The results of a temperature plot can be found on the left.    

Final Model and Manufacturing     

After the analysis on this part was completed, manufacturing was begun with ProtoLabs for the first physical prototype. The finalized crucible-feedthrough subassembly SolidWorks CAD model (left) and the final physical prototype (right) of this portion of my internship work can be found below. 

Current-Controller Implementation 

As mentioned in the abstract, a current controller device was examined in this internship. In order to perform the the laser absorption spectroscopy, this ThorLabs (Laser Diode Current Controller KLD101, pictured on the right) current controller was required to modulate the outputted laser wavelength. Several methods were experimented with; however, after many accuracy and noise tests using an optical table setup and absorption wavemeter, it was determined that the selected current controller was no suitable for this instrument's application. The design would return to a previous iterations and the casing would be reconfigured to house a larger, more suitable current controller. 

ThorLabs

Source:

Associate Researcher at NASA Langley 

Hampton, Virginia

As a part of the NASA Academy, I worked on a 10-student mutlidisciplinary design project to develop the Compact Lightweight Aerial Sensor System with the goal of providing comprehensive frontline wildfire emergency decision support. I worked most closely with developing the systems architecture and developing the descent sub-system. The final report publication can be found via the button below.  

Centenary College of Louisiana 

Shreveport, Louisiana

I received a juried publication and first-place prize in the Concours de Contes Merveilleux de la Louisiane  [Wonderful Tales of Louisiana Competition], a international literary competition with aims of promoting early-career Louisiana French and Creole writers. This competition was co-sponsored by the French language publishing organization  Les Éditions Tintamarre as well as other groups such as CODOFIL, La Fondation Louisiane, University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Centenary College of Louisiana, and others!

Louisiana State University

Fall 2024–Spring 2025 Baton Rouge, Louisiana

For my senior design project, my team was tasked with designing a drone whose structural components are majority 3D printed. This drone must be able to remotely capture and release a small spherical payload​, take off from water, and visually detect a drop-off zone using machine learning. The current design is divided into seven major sub-systems, as outlined in the figure below. I currently act as the mechanical sub-team lead and have focused my efforts in developing the gripping mechanism sub-system (SS4). 

Abstract

 This project aims to develop and construct a highly versatile, semi-autonomous aerial drone capable of executing precise target identification, localization, and payload delivery missions. The drone will leverage an advanced AI algorithm for target recognition and geolocation, enabling its deployment across diverse terrains, including grass, rough terrain, and water bodies. Essential functionalities encompass controlled flight, target detection, payload acquisition and transportation, delivery, takeoff and landing, and video recording. The drone's structural framework will be primarily composed of 3D-printed components, ensuring optimal strength-to- weight ratio. The drone is designed to operate within a communication range of at least 1 mile and for a minimum flight duration of 20 minutes. The project is subject to stringent constraints, including a budget of $2,750, strict adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, and the capability to handle a payload of up to 0.5 pounds. The final deliverable will include a fully functional drone, along with comprehensive mission data including video footage, geolocation information, and performance metrics. 

Gripping Mechanism Sub-System (SS4) Description: 

The gripping mechanism sub-system describes the assembly that deals with the primary function of this drone design of handling a payload during the competition (Function F4). This sub-system can be broken down into three main functional groups: gripper, actuation, and mount. The gripper is composed of two clamshell buckets that hinge around an upper central pin. This central hinging point is fixed to a mount, which is in turn fixed to the underbelly of the drone’s body. The actuation group is comprised of the vertically oriented linear actuator, rigidly connected to the actuation block—the heart of the gripping mechanism. The actuation block is then connected to outer upper hinges on the clamshell buckets via simple rigid links. All pin joints utilize Clevis pins, and the rigid joint between the linear actuator and the actuation block uses a bolt.

Gripping Mechanism Embodiment: 

As featured in the above figures, the gripping mechanism was rendered using Fusion 360. A clamshell-bucket gripper was selected due to its relatively simplistic, compact, and versatile design. The actuation method featured a singular, vertically oriented linear actuator that pushes and pulls the actuation block. This actuation block is connected by rigid links pinned to outer hinges on the clamshell buckets. As the actuation block moves upwards, so do the buckets outer hinges, thus opening the gripper. This design was selected due to its efficient use of the actuating force, minimal required components, and power efficiency. This sub-assembly is fixed to the underside of the drone by the bolts through the mount components. An animation demonstrating the joint relationships between the different components can be seen above.  

1.  Kinematic analysis, to characterize the movement of the gripping mechanism as a function of input extension by the linear actuator
2. Force analysis, to determine the required forces of the linear actuator and rigid link during actuation and in a max loading condition as well as the stress generation for all parts of this sub-system
3. Finite-element analysis, to determine stress concentrations in all components
4. Bolt analysis, to determine the suitability of fastener material chosen 

Gripping Mechanism Analysis: 

A few different types of analysis were performed on this design to evaluate and optimize the design decisions made to achieve the sub-system's function, including the following: 

The results of these analyses were used to better inform the design of the gripping mechanism in a few ways. The kinematic analysis and force anlaysis allowed the team to demonstrate stress development in the mechanism as a function of actuation length, supporting decisions for fillet placement and material thicknesses. ​The finite-element analysis further validated these calculations as well as the bolt analysis results. Further details can be found in the final report, which will be made available in Spring 2025.

Current Project Status:

This project is still on going. Fall 2024 was dedicated to the embodiment and preliminary engineering analysis of final design decisions. Spring 2025 will be dedicated to the manufacture and physical testing of these designs. In April 2025, the competition will be held by LSU's Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering.