Rock-Slide: Developing an Indoor Climbing Volume with a Linearly Actuating Hold; A Future for Transportation: A Sustainability Assessment of Electric Vehicles
Gross, Tristan, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Virginia
Garner, Gavin, EN-Mech & Aero Engr Dept, University of Virginia
Foley, Rider, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
Elliott, Travis, EN-Engineering and Society, University of Virginia
My technical and sociotechnical papers are not directly related but they share a common thread in their attitude towards ecological preservation. The sociotechnical research paper examines a pressing issue for worldwide sustainability by investigating electric vehicle technology. Transportation technology is a huge consideration for improving global sustainability. Internal combustion vehicles make up a large portion of carbon emissions worldwide and electric vehicles are the currently proposed solution to this issue. While electric vehicles may be an adequate solution, they require greater scrutiny to ensure that they fully align with long term sustainability goals. The research paper employs sustainability decision making criteria outlined by Robert Gibson (2005). The main criteria which are discussed are the need for intergenerational equity and socio-ecological integrity.
The technical capstone project focuses on the sport of rock climbing, a sport which has long been centered on human interactions with our natural environment. Born from traditional mountaineering, it is a sport in which practitioners connect with nature and the land. The US national parks system is home to many of the greatest rock-climbing locales in the world and climbers are often large nature conservation advocates. For the sport to continue to thrive, our remaining wildlife must be preserved. The technical capstone project outlines the conceptualization, design and prototyping of a product designed to be used by rock climbers within indoor climbing gyms. The final prototype employed a mechatronic design to produce a novel form of rock climbing where the holds on the climbing wall were able to move while being used by climbers.
BS (Bachelor of Science)
Sustainability Assessment, Electric Vehicles
School of Engineering and Applied Science
Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering
STS Advisors: Rider Foley & Travis Elliott
Technical Advisor: Gavin Garner
Technical Team Members: Alexa Borden, Anthony Moore, Alexander Pommerenk, Giles Steiner, Ethan Whitt
English
All rights reserved (no additional license for public reuse)
2023/05/10
