Technical Analysis

Simulations & Mobility Analysis

Years
2021-2023
Technologies
MATLAB, Simulink, CAD, FEA
Role
Simulation Engineer
Simulations & Mobility Analysis

Project Overview

This collection showcases my expertise in simulation and mobility analysis, demonstrating the application of advanced computational methods to predict, analyze, and optimize mechanical systems. Through these projects, I've developed and applied sophisticated models that bridge theoretical understanding with practical engineering solutions.

The work spans various domains including dynamic system modeling, motion analysis, and performance optimization. Each project represents a unique challenge that required the integration of mathematical principles, software tools, and engineering knowledge to create accurate simulations that inform design decisions and improve system performance.

Simulations Overview

Featured Simulations

Serial Plotter Acceleration Analysis

Serial Plotter Analysis

This project involved developing a comprehensive analysis of acceleration versus time for blocks propelled by a motor system. The simulation captured the dynamic behavior of the mechanical system, identifying peak acceleration points and performance limitations. The results were visualized through a serial plotter interface that provided real-time data representation, enabling immediate assessment of system performance under various operating conditions.

The analysis incorporated factors such as friction, inertia, and motor characteristics to create an accurate model of the physical system. The findings were used to optimize motor control parameters and mechanical design elements, resulting in improved system efficiency and reliability.

Tools: MATLAB, Arduino, Serial Communication
Key Outcomes: Identification of acceleration patterns, optimization of motor control parameters

Mechanical System Simulation

Mechanical System Simulation

This project focused on creating a detailed simulation of a complex mechanical system to predict its behavior under various operating conditions. The simulation incorporated multiple components with interconnected dynamics, allowing for comprehensive analysis of system performance, failure modes, and optimization opportunities.

The model was developed using a combination of first-principles physics and empirical data, ensuring accurate representation of real-world behavior. Advanced visualization techniques were employed to present the results in an intuitive format, facilitating communication with stakeholders and informing design decisions.

Tools: MATLAB Simulink, CAD Integration, Data Visualization
Key Outcomes: Performance prediction, design optimization, failure mode analysis

Mobility Analysis of Articulated Mechanisms

Mobility Analysis

This project involved the analysis of mobility characteristics for articulated mechanisms, focusing on degrees of freedom, workspace boundaries, and kinematic constraints. The study employed both analytical methods and computational simulations to evaluate mechanism performance and identify design improvements.

The analysis included the development of mathematical models to describe joint movements and linkage interactions, complemented by visualization tools that illustrated motion paths and workspace volumes. The results provided insights into mechanism capabilities and limitations, informing design refinements to enhance functionality and efficiency.

Tools: MATLAB, Kinematic Analysis, 3D Visualization
Key Outcomes: Workspace optimization, joint configuration analysis, performance enhancement

Technical Approach

Mathematical Modeling

Each simulation begins with the development of a mathematical model that captures the essential physics of the system. This involves identifying relevant variables, establishing governing equations, and defining boundary conditions. For mechanical systems, this typically includes equations of motion derived from Newton's laws or Lagrangian mechanics, complemented by constitutive relationships for material behavior and constraint equations for kinematic limitations.

Computational Implementation

The mathematical models are implemented in appropriate computational environments, primarily MATLAB and Simulink, with custom algorithms developed for specific analysis requirements. This implementation includes numerical integration methods for solving differential equations, optimization routines for parameter identification, and data processing techniques for extracting meaningful insights from simulation results. The code is structured for modularity, reusability, and computational efficiency.

Validation & Verification

Simulation models undergo rigorous validation to ensure they accurately represent the physical systems they describe. This involves comparing simulation predictions with experimental data, conducting sensitivity analyses to assess the impact of parameter variations, and performing convergence studies to ensure numerical stability. When experimental data is limited, validation may include comparison with analytical solutions for simplified cases or cross-verification with independent modeling approaches.

Visualization & Analysis

Advanced visualization techniques are employed to present simulation results in an intuitive and informative manner. This includes time-series plots, phase diagrams, 3D renderings of motion paths, and animated visualizations of system behavior. The analysis focuses on extracting actionable insights from the simulation data, identifying performance limitations, and suggesting design improvements based on quantitative metrics and engineering judgment.

Applications & Impact

The simulation and analysis work presented here has had significant impact across multiple engineering domains, providing valuable insights that inform design decisions, optimize performance, and reduce development costs. By creating accurate virtual representations of physical systems, these simulations enable exploration of design alternatives and operating conditions that would be impractical or prohibitively expensive to test experimentally.

Specific applications and impacts include:

  • Design Optimization: Simulations have identified opportunities for performance improvements through parameter optimization and configuration changes, leading to more efficient and effective designs.
  • Failure Prevention: Analysis of system behavior under extreme conditions has highlighted potential failure modes, enabling proactive design modifications to enhance reliability and safety.
  • Development Acceleration: Virtual prototyping through simulation has reduced the need for multiple physical prototypes, accelerating the development process and reducing costs.
  • Performance Prediction: Accurate modeling has enabled reliable prediction of system performance under various operating conditions, informing operational guidelines and maintenance schedules.
  • Educational Value: The visualization and analysis techniques developed have provided valuable educational tools for understanding complex mechanical behaviors and system dynamics.
Simulation Impact

Technical Skills Showcase

Mathematical Foundations

  • Differential equations and numerical methods
  • Linear algebra and matrix operations
  • Kinematics and dynamics principles
  • Control theory and system modeling
  • Optimization techniques

Software Proficiency

  • MATLAB programming and toolboxes
  • Simulink model development
  • CAD integration and parametric modeling
  • Data visualization and analysis
  • Version control and documentation

Engineering Knowledge

  • Mechanical system dynamics
  • Material properties and behavior
  • Sensor integration and data acquisition
  • Control system design and implementation
  • Performance metrics and evaluation

Project Application

  • Requirements analysis and specification
  • Model development and validation
  • Results interpretation and communication
  • Design recommendation formulation
  • Technical documentation and reporting

Simulation Gallery

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