Test Frame

Capstone Project

2024

As part of my senior design project, I led the development of an automated tensile testing system designed to measure material stress–strain behavior with high precision and repeatability. The system integrated Arduino-based motor control, load cell feedback, and a custom Python interface to automate testing, data visualization, and specimen calibration.

Key Contributions:

  • Software Integration: Developed a Python-based GUI with live stress–strain plotting, adjustable test parameters, and automatic data saving for post-experiment analysis
  • Embedded Control: Programmed Dynamixel XM430 motors via Arduino Uno and SoftwareSerial, achieving real-time motor torque control and displacement feedback
  • Mechanical Design: Designed and fabricated a horizontal tensile test frame with adjustable grippers and a 50 N bar-shaped load cell for accurate force measurement.
  • Experiment Automation: Implemented synchronized motor–sensor control for precise strain-rate testing, reducing manual operation time by over 70%.

This project deepened my understanding of mechatronic system integration and experimental automation, reinforcing my interest in combining mechanical design, control theory, and real-time computing to create adaptive testing and robotic systems.

Motivation

The goal of Test Frame was to design a tensile-testing apparatus integrated with an LSH 3D scanner for in-situ deformation analysis. The frame was engineered to mount within the scanner without occluding its field of view, enabling continuous 3D scanning while applying controlled tensile loads to 3D-printed lattice elastomer specimens. The system was designed to measure specimen elongation at micrometer-scale resolution and applied force with 0.1 N precision, allowing synchronized mechanical and geometric characterization.

Approach

Mechanical Property Testing

Troubleshooting:

  • Enhanced Search Functionality: Developed an advanced search system that allows users to easily find content aligned with their preferences.
  • Product Catalog Redesign: Revamped the browsing interface to showcase Netflix’s extensive library in a more organized and visually appealing manner.
  • Price Comparison Integration: Implemented a feature enabling users to compare subscription plans, ensuring transparency and informed decision-making.
  • User Reviews System: Introduced a platform for user-generated reviews, fostering a community-driven approach to content discovery.

This project aimed to not only improve the aesthetics of the Netflix platform but also to significantly enhance usability, making content discovery a seamless and personalized experience for its vast user base.