B.S. Mechanical Engineering
Minor Computer Science
Minor Design Integration
University of Virginia
Class of 2017
Senthil Kannan
Electromechanical Devices
Intelligent Automatic Watering System
Integrated Systems Design Class
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Designed complex automatic home watering system that can be controlled remotely through a website
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Identified and interviewed potential users of system in order to meet their needs
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Created multiple water distribution systems to appeal to wider range of users and increase versatility of system
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Waterproofed and rigorously tested all aspects of system to ensure functionality and usability of final product
Gallery of project shown below
System is shown attached to a spigot on a building for testing purposes. This is picture 1 of 14. Pictures 1-7 are of the system and 8-14 are slides that provide more detailed information about the system.
Waterproof box containing circuitry and micro-controller Hose splitter with solenoids that control water Moisture sensor for feedback
These are the 3 watering distribution systems we marketed to users in order for our system to be adaptable, versatile, and appeal to the widest range of users possible.
System is shown attached to a spigot on a building for testing purposes. This is picture 1 of 14. Pictures 1-7 are of the system and 8-14 are slides that provide more detailed information about the system.
Semi-Quadcopter
Mechatronics Class
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Built and wired self-balancing semi-quadcopter with 2 degrees of freedom
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Coded Parallax Propeller microcontroller control algorithm in C to stabilize roll and pitch, using inertial measurement unit (IMU) and ultrasonic sensor
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Researched and implemented PID control/tuning, I2C communication, and Kalman filter
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Link to testing video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gu-WoXYLHz4
Gallery of project shown below
Finished semi-quadcopter being tested to ensure it maintains balance and stabilizes itself despite being hit or carrying weights on either motor.
Complete circuit for controlling the semi-quadcopter
Diagram representing major components and systems in the semi-quadcopter and showing how they all interact
Finished semi-quadcopter being tested to ensure it maintains balance and stabilizes itself despite being hit or carrying weights on either motor.
Autonomous Line-Following Delivery Robot
Introduction to Electromechanical Systems Class
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Coded Arduino program in C to automate line-following control algorithm
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Set up online order placement using integrated SQL database and PHP scripts
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Designed 3D printed delivery system to operate with a servo, laser cut chassis of robot, wired electronic circuitry, incorporated infrared sensors and encoders
Gallery of project shown below
Basic layout diagram of main parts needed and their placement on the device
CAD drawing of location of all cutouts on plastic chassis board. Drawing was exported and sent to laser cutter to create the platform for all the device's components.
Basic layout diagram of main parts needed and their placement on the device
Specimen Rotation Mount
Gizmologists Club
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Designed and 3D printed structure to hold cylindrical fatigue specimens of a nickel-based
super-alloy for surface pitting characterization research -
Wired circuitry to control stepper motor with Arduino microcontroller
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Programmed Arduino in C to dynamically rotate motor based on user commands
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Two members on the team made a project post with more information here: https://pages.shanti.virginia.edu/TLP_TLC/2016/11/20/electromechanical-specimen-mount-for-surface-profilometry/
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Videos of functional device being tested available here and for a better view of the display click here
Gallery of project shown below
Shows Arduino and circuitry in the foreground with the specimen mount in the background. Arduino is currently connected to a computer as the code is being uploaded.
Potentiometer controls brightness of the display to ensure it is visible. Green and red buttons control rotation of the specimen mount. A button press rotates the specimen a set number of degrees in one direction (buttons rotate same amount in opposite directions). Arduino can be connected to computer to change the number of degrees the buttons rotate the specimen, or to modify other parameters.
Shows Arduino and circuitry in the foreground with the specimen mount in the background. Arduino is currently connected to a computer as the code is being uploaded.