11/23/2021
By Sokny Long

The Francis College of Engineering, Department of Plastics Engineering, invites you to attend a Master’s thesis defense by Taiyo Yamaguchi on “Thermoplastic Part Redesign & Analysis for Aerospace-Grade Suit.”

MSE Candidate: Taiyo Yamaguchi
Defense Date: Tuesday, Nov. 30, 2021
Time: 3 to 4:30 p.m. EST
Location: This will be a hybrid defense via Zoom and in person. Those interested in attending should contact the student, 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 Hoon Park, Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Committee Members

  • Stephen P. Johnston, Professor, Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • David O Kazmer, Professor, Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell
  • Davide Masato, Assistant Professor, Plastics Engineering, University of Massachusetts Lowell

Brief Abstract:
In light of recent efforts by US and others to re-explore lunar followed by eventual Mars mission, the spacesuits of modern days also call for innovation which has not been updated since the late 1980s. This thesis aims to optimize the space suit parts for plastic injection molding design. This paper covers the analysis of the given prototype, and then shows how the design could be changed while maintaining the necessary specifications for a Lunar & Martian environment. Once the optimized injection molded plastic design was created, a set of mold inserts were used to test the mechanical properties of the polycarbonate plastic that was chosen to be used. The geometry was tested with pure polycarbonate, as well as polycarbonate with a polycarbonate carbon fiber sub insert, alongside polycarbonate with an Aluminum insert. These geometries were tested with a 3-point bending test. Finally, the optimized part and the original part were both tested in simulations, under varying levels of pressure. All these tests were then analyzed. Overall, the optimized part shows great promise and will be further refined & improved.

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