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Projects

Vacuum Launcher

September 2026 – Present

Overview

Premise

Design and evaluate a vacuum-powered launcher targeting projectile velocities above 250 m/s, then compare a mathematical prediction of its behavior with experimental measurements.

What I Did

I worked on pressure and motion calculations, developed MATLAB models, and used experimental measurements to evaluate the agreement between theory and the physical system.

Results

The mathematical model showed approximately 4%–23% error relative to experimental results across the reported comparisons. Differences varied with operating conditions and experimental limitations.

September 2026 to Present

Skills

  • MATLAB
  • Numerical Modeling
  • Euler's Method
  • Fluid Mechanics
  • Thermodynamics
  • Pressure Analysis
  • Logger Pro
  • Vernier Sensors
  • Experimental Validation
  • Uncertainty Analysis

My Role

  • Developed mathematical models of projectile motion using pressure forces, conservation laws, and differential equations.
  • Implemented numerical calculations in MATLAB to estimate acceleration, velocity, displacement, and pressure changes during launch.
  • Ran parameter sweeps and sensitivity analyzes to investigate the effects of pressure, mass, geometry, and modeling assumptions.
  • Used Vernier rotary motion sensors and Logger Pro to collect experimental data and estimate projectile velocity using ballistic-pendulum calculations.
  • Investigated uncertainty associated with angle measurements, impact alignment, projectile deformation, and sensor behavior.
  • Compared model predictions with experimental results and documented the causes of discrepancies.

Accomplishments

  • Developed a working numerical model of the launcher.
  • Achieved agreement within approximately 4% in one reported model-versus-experiment comparison.
  • Analyzed experimental discrepancies reaching approximately 23% in another comparison.
  • Used uncertainty analysis and sensitivity calculations to identify limitations in the experimental setup and mathematical assumptions.

Pictures & Visuals

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