Date of Award

5-5-2025

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

This project presents the design, development, and testing of a remotely operated mounting platform for a High-Purity Germanium (HPGe) gamma radiation detector at the Rhode Island Nuclear Science Center (RINSC). The goal was to create a stable, precise, and compact system capable of adjusting the detector’s position in three dimensions, X, Y, and Z, within the spatial constraints of the facility’s dry gamma room. The mount allows for accurate alignment with a beam port used to direct gamma radiation from a submerged fuel element, enabling safe and effective spectral data collection without direct human intervention.

Previous iterations of the detector mount suffered from height limitations, insufficient rigidity, and lack of remote control. This redesigned platform utilizes a scissor lift mechanism for vertical adjustment and a custom XY lead screw system for lateral positioning. The frame is constructed from T-slotted aluminum and reinforced 3D-printed components, optimized to support the detector’s weight while maintaining a low profile. Motion is powered by stepper motors and controlled via an Arduino-based interface, allowing remote operation through a computer terminal or graphical interface.

Testing demonstrated that the system meets all key performance specifications, including load capacity, motion range, and remote control functionality. The mount improves alignment accuracy, reduces operator exposure to radiation, and provides a reusable, modular platform for future research applications. This report details the engineering process from problem definition and concept development to final design and implementation, and evaluates the solution through technical, financial, and ergonomic lenses.

Comments

Team Name: NukaCore Quantum (Team 21)

Company Sponsor: National Institute for Undersea Vehicle Technology (NIUVT)

Sponsor Representative: Steve Sullivan

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-021-2025

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