Create a test enclosure and electronic circuit to measure the turbidity of water.
Nick Mikstas
3D printed the test enclosures and sample holders
Michael Neumann
Assisted in 3D printing
The specific goal of this project was to create a test enclosure and electronic circuit to measure the turbidity of water. More broadly, it is part of a program designed to provide middle and high school students with a hands-on use case on how technology can be used to benefit humanity. The students built a test circuit on a supplied breadboard and interfaced it with the test inclosure, then measured the turbidity of an actual water sample.
Dr. Krishnan had the overall vision for the project and directed the other people involved to bring it to a successful conclusion. Nick designed the test enclosure and other printed parts using a CAD program. Michael assisted in the fabrication of the 3D printed items.
CAD design – Used to create the test enclosure and peripheral components.
3D printing – The test enclosures were printed after the initial design phase.
3D printer was used to make the main test enclosure and sample holders.
Laser cutter was used to cut a solid plastic base for each test assembly.
The initial concept for the project was a design made for an ELEN 115 lab class where the light absorption properties of small samples of paper and plastic were measured in a test enclosure and sample holder. Dr. Krishnan wanted to expand the project to create 11 test enclosures to be used to not only measure the light absorption of the small samples but also to measure the light absorption properties of liquids in test tubes. After feedback from Dr. Krishnan was provided, a new test enclosure and sample holders were created to fulfill her requirements. 10 additional test enclosures were then created.
1. The initial prototype was created for an ELEN 115 lab class.
2. A second prototype was created with the input of Dr. Krishnan
3. 10 additional test enclosures and sample holders were created and assembled.
4. The project was completed and successfully tested during a tech workshop.
The main challenge encountered during this project was the efficient use of time to create all the 3D printed parts before the project deadline. The process of printing all the parts was a lesson in clear communication and coordination. The printing was divided between Nick and Michael in a way to maximize printing efficiency.
The project yielded ten complete units that were used by middle and high school students who were participating in the workshop these were designed for. Students were able to get a wonderful introduction to electrical engineering and the myriad of applications that they can use it for - including to help solve societal problems.
Students who used the units we produced were able to get a wonderful introduction to electrical engineering and the myriad of applications that they can use it for - including to help solve societal problems.
