08/10/2021
By Sokny Long

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Plastics Engineering, invites you to attend a Master’s thesis defense by Taiyo Galileo Yamaguchi on “Thermoplastic part redesign and analysis for aerospace-grade suit”.

MSE Candidate: Taiyo Galileo Yamaguchi
Defense Date: Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021
Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m. EST
Location: This will be a virtual defense via Zoom. Those interested in attending should contact taiyo_yamaguchi@student.uml.edu and committee advisor, jay_park@uml.edu, at least 24 hours prior to the defense to request access to the meeting.

Committee Chair (Advisor): Jay Park, Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering, UMass Lowell

Committee Members

  • Stephen Johnston, Associate Professor, Plastics Engineering, UMass Lowell
  • David Kazmer, Professor, Plastics Engineering, UMass Lowell
  • Davide Masato, Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering, UMass Lowell

Brief Abstract: We were approached by an Aerospace agency to analyze a component of a prototype spacesuit, dubbed the HUT (Hard Upper Torso). The agency was interested in manufacturing the HUT via injection molding. Said design then underwent a series of analyses where the part needed optimization for injection molding. This led to the creation of mold inserts that, when used in the Arburg, created subsections of the HUT to conduct mechanical testing. The HUT was then redesigned to meet the Aerospace agency's specifications while being optimized for injection molding. Overall, the prototype shows promise, and future work on further details is necessary before manufacturing the mold and beginning full production.

All interested students and faculty members are invited to attend the online defense via remote access.