PERSONAL PORTFOLIO
All projects below have been conceptualized, designed and built by Victor Mazzuocco, P. Eng, unless otherwise stated.
Rolling Road Calibration Fixture
This project was conceptualized after the need for an absolute method for calibration was identified for force measuring hub restraint system. Prior to this, a vehicle of known drag was used to approximate the accuracy of the Rolling Roads force measurement system.
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This Calibration Fixture was designed in conjunction with two loading systems, side force and drag force, to apply a known amount of traction in each axis. This allows for a single axis loading and combined loading for calibration.
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Each of the three system design, the Calibration Fixture, Side Load Beam and Rear Load Beam, are construction from structural steel and 304SS mounting plates...
VEHICLE HUB RESTRAINT SYSTEM FOR A CHASSIS DYNAMOMETER
The former method of restraining a vehicle for dynamometer testing required chain falls that hooked into underbody hard points. Most vehicle manufactures are moving towards flat underbodies, which drove the requirement for a hub restraint system.
This system was designed to use minimal tools for vehicle installation, making use of pins instead of fasteners. This allows for expedited vehicle exchanges. The arms are telescoping stainless steel turnbuckles, pinned at each end. The lower yoke (pictured) derives its strength from being clamped against the steel floor. The clamping force is generated from the large base.
WIND TUNNEL TURNTABLE CONCENTRICITY UPGRADE
The goal of this project was to increase the concentricity of a 35ft steel turntable. The center of the turntable formerly wandered approximately 6mm. After the installation of my upgraded bearing housing design and high precision rail system, the turntable has a concentricity of 0.25mm, halving the required specification of 0.5mm.
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The previous lateral bearing package made use of a solid mounting base. When shored up against the former rail system, the turntable would bind. This was due to the rail have poor circularity. My assessment of the system pushed the design towards a compliant, but reliable and more accurate system. I redesigned the rail system to a much higher tolerance and outsourced it construction, allowing for a more concentrated effort on the bearing package.
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This bearing housing design makes use of a flexible 4-bar mechanism, requiring no maintenance. The design has reliable kinematics and allows for a precise spring rate. Multiple bearings around the perimeter of the turntable allow for a strong resistance to global deviation of the turntable, while the spring rate of one housing allows for small local deviations in the rail.
INFLOOR FORCE BALANCE
This force balance fixture was designed to measure lift and drag on a test object that is fixed onto the top plate. It's primary purpose is to allow for testing the influence of other objects on the same floor plane in close proximity. This force balance utilizes two 3-axis load cells, each attached to its own frame half. The two frame halves are joined by 3 structural members and a top plate. This allows for the fixture to be reconfigured, either lengthening or shorting the fixture, by replacing the 3 structural members and the top plate. Furthermore, this balance has been designed for quick installation, requiring no modification to the wind tunnels floor prior to installation.
OLYMPIC SKIER FORCE BALANCE
This fixture was designed to measure lift and drag forces on an Olympic Skier. It was designed around three key criteria: use of a Ruag 6-Axis Load Cell, minimal obstruction to airflow and yawing capabilities.
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The design makes use of a custom bearing pack that enables a small 3ft turntable to yaw. The turntable has adjustable mounting points to accommodate the gaits of different athletes.
INSTRUMENTED PEDESTAL
The purpose of this instrumented pedestal is to measure aerodynamic forces on a body. Its height places the test object away from any boundary layer effects, while its airfoil profile provides minimal disturbance to the airflow. A 3-piece yoke design enables roll, pitch and yaw of the test object in 5 degree increments.
More project information, resume and references available upon request.