2023 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition

An Optimized Elbow Project for Undergraduate Mechanical Engineering Students

Presented at Experimentation and Laboratory-Oriented Studies Division (ELOS) Technical Session 1: Laboratories in Mechanics, Thermofluids, Embedded Systems, and Controls

This paper presents the design, building and testing of an experimental setup for measurements of pressure drop in an optimized 90 degree elbow. The optimized elbow was designed using Sculptor software and experimental pressure drop measurements at different flow rates were compared with Ansys Fluent simulations of the flow field. It was discovered that a reduction in pressure drop by 50% could be achieved using an optimized design in comparison with the constant cross section elbow. The paper will include a description of student outcomes, student involvement and an assessment of student learning.

Authors

Mr. Jonathan Abdou Merheb Oral Roberts University [biography]

Mechanical Engineering Student at Oral Roberts University.
Josiah Kesler Oral Roberts University [biography]

I am an Engineering student at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. I am 28 years old and am graduating this May.
Mr. Ivan Samuel Esley Oral Roberts University [biography]

I completed my bachelor of science degree focused in Mechanical Engineering from Oral Roberts University on May 2023. I am an experienced Mechanical Engineer skilled in SolidWorks, MATLAB, and ANSYS.

Currently working full-time as a Project Engineer with AES & PSE in the electrical distribution sector.
Jesse Phillip Hosein Oral Roberts University [biography]

I was born in the country of Trinidad and Tobago; I came to Oklahoma to study Mechanical Engineering at Oral Roberts University due to God. I am beginning a post-undergraduate career at Johnson Controls in Wichita Kansas on June 5th as a Mechanical Engineer 1.
Miss Benitha Ndayisenga Oral Roberts University [biography]

I am a mechanical engineering major in my last year at Oral Roberts University, and my name is Benitha Ndayisenga. I have a keen interest in developing and upgrading mechanical systems, and I have been actively involved in several engineering projects during my academic career. The elbow project can enhance the learning chances for undergraduate mechanical engineering students. After graduating, I want to work in mechanical engineering and utilize my experience to help the sector grow.
Lucas Oliveira de Freitas Oral Roberts University [biography]

I am a senior undergraduate in Mechanical Engineer at Oral Roberts University. I am 26 years old and currently working as a Jr. Process Engineer. I am from Brazil and currently living in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
Dr. John E. Matsson Oral Roberts University [biography]

John Matsson is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK. He earned M.S. and Ph.D. degrees from the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm, Sweden in 1988 and 1994 respectively.

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