Project Info
Rock Strength Probe – Electronic Design
Jamal Rostami | rostami@mines.edu
This probe has been designed and fabricated and the initial results are great. This probe is about 1.5 inch diameter and we can insert it into a borehole and scratch the sidewall with a miniature disc and measure forces on the disc and from there estimate the strength of the rock. The unit has a micro processor that records the data but the circuit has a flaw in that it cannot protect the surges and thus burned a couple of microprocessors. We need a EE major to look into the design and modify it so that the unit can become operational and we can perform some field tests.
More Information
We can offer a one on one review of the project to bring them up to speed.
Grand Engineering Challenge: Not applicable
Student Preparation
Qualifications
EE seniors should be able to work on this project.
Time Commitment
40 hours/month
Skills/Techniques Gained
Design of Electrical circuits, dealing with I/O for micro processor and controllers
Mentoring Plan
Will be available to discuss the project and follow its progress. As needed, we can involve a EE faculty to help the student with technical issues