Hambik Margoosian

Flexible Oscillating Heat Pipes

Oscillating heat pipes (OHP) are a type of heat transfer technology that employs a sealed tube filled with a working fluid, such as water or alcohol, and a small amount of non-condensable gas. This device is capable of rapidly and efficiently transferring heat over large distances and maintaining a constant temperature in the system regardless of power changes. Although there are many advantages to using oscillating heat pipes as a thermal solution, one of the downsides is the rigidity, which is caused by the traditional use of a flat rectangular block of aluminum for its straightforward manufacturing. This rigidity can be problematic in electronics applications, as the OHP is directly attached to a computer chip, and the lack of flexibility can lead to damage to the sensitive components due to vibrations and impacts. Additionally, flexibility is important to facilitate installation, as it allows for some extra compliance in the case of small inaccuracies from manufacturing.

During my SIRI internship at NASA JPL, I led a project focused on enhancing the flexibility of oscillating heat pipes (OHPs). I investigated and designed innovative adiabatic geometries for these structures, conducted static FEA and thermal simulations to assess their performance, and subsequently manufactured prototypes based on the top-performing designs from simulation results. Prototypes were made using an aluminum additive manufacturing process. Through rigorous experimentation and data analysis of the prototypes, I successfully achieved an impressive 80% improvement in OHP flexibility, contributing to advancements in thermal management systems.

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3D Printable Bedside Storage

Meet the 3D printable bedside storage box, which I designed to tackle the issue of cluttered nightstands. It's easy to 3D-print, assemble, and use. Plus, it's built to handle up to 15 pounds of items (tested with PETG material). Say goodbye to bedside clutter with my simple yet robust solution.

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Flapping-Wing Micro Air Vehicle (FWMAV)

Adjustable Brake Pedal Plate

In collaboration with the drivetrain team of the Caltech Formula SAE race team, I designed an adjustable brake pedal plate. The main feature of this pedal plate design is to allow for drivers to adjust the brake pedal position to provide comfortable seating position.

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Underwater Remotely Operated Vehicle (MATE ROV Competition)

As part of the mechanical team of Pasadena City College's (PCC) MATE ROV team, I designed components to make the ROV more versatile and easier to use. First I designed the grip handle attachments to make it easier to transport and remove the ROV from the water. The second component I designed was the support clamp which prevents the mechanical claw from wiggling around when moving heavy objects. In addition, I helped with the manufacturing process using tools such as 3D-printing, CNC router, plasma cutter, and a drill press.

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Robotic Fish Fin Propulsor

Ocean exploration has historically relied on human divers and manned vehicles, posing safety risks and high operational costs. The introduction of Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) mitigated most safety concerns but necessitates continuous human supervision, limiting mission durations. Autonomous Underwater Vehicles (AUVs) offer a promising alternative by reducing human intervention, lowering costs, and extending mission capabilities. However, AUVs encounter energy storage limitations by primarily relying on batteries. The primary energy drain for AUVs is propulsion, which in most AUVs typically involve screw propellors. Screw propellors also lead to additional drawbacks such as cavitation, large acoustic footprint, and poor maneuverability. To overcome these limitations, researchers have turned to biomimicry, drawing inspiration from nature, specifically underwater creatures such as dolphins and jellyfish, to enhance AUV performance.

During my WAVE 2023 internship at Caltech, I focused on creating a functional prototype of a compact fish fin propulsor integrated into a streamlined fish body. I successfully redesigned the fin propulsor assembly to optimize its range of motion, manufactured and tested a working prototype with a 27% improvement in range of motion, and adapted algorithms for advanced trajectory control. This work contributes to the development of a power efficient propulsion method particularly for autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) applications. Now that the redesigned fin mechanism is assembled and tested, the fish robot is ready for gathering experimental data in underwater environments.

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