Date of Award

5-8-2023

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Seal team 21 was tasked by Magseal to design a magnetic bearing seal for the emerging eVTOL (Electric Vertical Takeoff Landing) market. Located in Warren, RI, Magseal is one of two unique manufactures of magnetic seals for the aerospace industry. Contrary to Magseals competitor, Magseal specializes specifically in smaller to medium sized seals catered to the aerospace and aeronautics industry. Magseal specializes in magnetic seals that are engineered to outperform in conditions that present high speeds, vibrations, temperatures, and pressures. Which are all common conditions for the applications that their seals are used for. Magseals can be found in gearboxes, rotors, transmissions, and even fuel pumps. Furthermore, Magseals can be found wherever a bearing with fluid is present. In this application, Magseal products offer an advantage over traditional fluid seals for both lifespan as well as effectiveness. The goal for Seal Team 21 was to design a seal specifically for electric vehicles at a lower cost with minimal disadvantages. In a sense, the team was tasked with designing an “Under-Engineered” seal for the electric vehicle application. This is because electric vehicles have a much less harsh environment in which the seal operates. Most electric vehicles have significantly less vibration, speed, power, and heat for the seal to be able to withstand. The process included a literature search, patent search, and 120 different concepts. The final concept was chosen using Pugh’s analysis and a QFD analysis. Many different dimensions, materials, and design features were considered optimize the design. Further calculations were used to determine dimensions and materials based on design specifications/requirements. These calculations also included finding face heat generation, power consumption, contact pressure, running torque, and pressure velocity factor. Results from the calculations as well as testing proved that Seal Team 21’s design is a practical solution to the current problem. Further testing and experimentation will continue to prove the concept’s validity for the eVTOL market.

Comments

Team Name: Seal Team 21 (Team 21)

Company Sponsor: Magseal

Company Representative: Nick Daggett and Jared Desrosiers

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-021-PDF-2023-21

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