UROP Project

Excavator, buck design, optimization, sensor
Research Mentor: Dr Juyeong Choi, Juyeong
Department, College, Affiliation: FAMU-FSU College of Engineering, FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
Contact Email: jchoi@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Ms. Maral Nazemi Maral
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: mn22a@fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 4
Relevant Majors: Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering
Project Location: FLVC (1753 W Paul Dirac Dr, Tallahassee, FL 32310)
Research Assistant Transportation Required: Yes
Remote or In-person: In-person
Approximate Weekly Hours: 6 to 8 hours per week,
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link: 3:30 PM to 4:00 PM on September 4, September 5, and September 6.

https://fsu.zoom.us/j/94170250488

Project Description

Amidst the escalating challenges posed by natural and man-made disasters, one of the most dire situations is the entrapment of individuals under debris from collapsed structures. The urgency to maximize survival rates necessitates swift and efficient rescue operations. To address this, this project aims to evaluate and optimize the design of excavator buckets to enhance their efficiency in rescue scenarios. To be more specific, in simulated rescue operation scenarios, student volunteers will operate small-scale excavators equipped with varying bucket designs in attempts to unearth a 3D printed human figure while measuring both the rescue time and the accumulative pressure given to the figure throughout the operation. Drawing from these findings, the bucket design will be iteratively refined, with the ultimate goal of establishing an excavator bucket design that harmoniously blends speed with the delicate precision required for safe rescue operations. Through this endeavor, the project seeks to bridge the gap between technological advancements and their practical deployment in life-saving activities, potentially revolutionizing post-disaster rescue operations.

Research Tasks: Operating remote control excavators on different rescue activities, collecting, cleaning, processing the data collected from small-scale experiments, printing different bucket designs with 3D printers, and performing a literature review

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Programming [recommended], 3D design [recommended]

Mentoring Philosophy

In my approach to mentoring undergraduate students, accessibility is paramount. Many undergraduates are new to research and may encounter various challenges as they work on assigned tasks. To support them effectively, I establish open and ongoing communication channels. I encourage students to reach out with their questions and concerns, even outside of our scheduled meetings. By fostering an environment where students feel supported and able to seek help whenever needed, I believe I am crucially contributing to their success and overall experience in research.

Additional Information


Link to Publications