All Mechanical Engineering Technology students complete a Senior Design Project which brings together all of the knowledge and skills they have learned. Many projects are funded by industry partners and students are often charged with developing a working prototype. Senior Design lasts for two semesters and culminates with a final paper and presentation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1
Do I have to be a senior?
MET 4460 (Product Design and Development) allows for junior or senior standing, but MET 4670 (Senior Design) does require senior standing. To get the full benefit of a senior design project it is advisable to take Senior Design only after a majority of your core course work is completed.
2
How do I get started?
The best way to get started with a senior project is to have a discussion with one of the MET faculty members. This discussion will help you choose a project that meets your needs and interests. If you have your own idea for a project this is a good time to determine its feasibility and scope.
3
Are solutions ever used?
Yes. Many projects are actually sponsored by a company or organization and you will be developing a solution or conducting research for them.
4
Will Enterprise fulfill Senior Project requirements?
Participation in an Enterprise can substitute for Senior Design, with advance planning. The ENT 3960 (1 cr.) and ENT 4950 (2 cr.) along with some specific requirements and documentation, can be substituted for MET 4670.
Contact Danise Jarvey, our Director of Academic Services, for more information
Spring 2019 Projects
Flow Meter for Power Plant Water Quality Analysis Equipment
Team Members
Michael Pugh, Devon DeVriendt, and Andrew Johnson, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Advisors
John Irwin and Sunil Mehendale, College of Engineering
Sponsor
Sentry Equipment
Project Overview
The flow meter team, comprised of three mechanical engineering technology seniors,
has been tasked by Sentry Equipment to develop a small electro-mechanical device to
be used in the process of water quality sampling within a steam power plant generation
system. The meter will be used to ensure that no minerals or other contaminants have
settled or adhered to the piping system while the water is on its way to be analyzed.
The lack of commercially available flow meters that meet the requirements set forth
by Sentry Equipment have presented an opportunity to formulate potential solutions
to this dilemma.
Laser Safety Proposal for Minerals and Materials Room 329
Team Members
Margaret Miko and Timothy Ingram, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Advisors
John Irwin, College of Engineering; Russell Stein, Paul Sanders, Materials Science
and Engineering
Sponsor
Department of Materials Science and Engineering
Project Overview
Due to the presence of a new laser, there are increased risks and hazards introduced
to Michigan Tech, which results in the need for additional safety precautions and
equipment in order to isolate the laser beam, protect the operator, and protect bystanders.
Upon receiving the laser, there was a lack of information concerning the operation
and functionality of components, which will need to be assessed prior to implementation
of laser specific safety features.
More Senior Design Projects
- Mobile Wellness Systems (International Business Ventures Student Enterprise)
- R/V Agassiz Forward Cabin Design (Great Lakes Research Center)
- Die Casting Machine Installation (Material Sciences Department, Michigan Tech)
- Four Season Fun (Student-initiated Project)
- CNC Router Table (Calumet High School)
- Car Turntable (Laurium Manor Inn)