ME-Research Student Worker (Dr. Michael)

Gannon University, United States

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Erie, PENNSYLVANIA
Deadline: 14 May 2024

Position Details
Position Summary


Position Title ME-Research Student Worker (Dr. Michael)
Posting Number
Division School of Engineering and Computing
Department Col. of Engineering & Business
Location Erie, Pa
Position Summary
Career Readiness Learning Objectives:
  • Critical Thinking – Over the duration of employment, the student will progressively develop enhanced critical thinking skills in order to advance his/her research project. These include, but are not limited to, performing literature searches, reading journal articles, and performing basic research. The student will work closely with a faculty research advisor to identify and develop these necessary skills.
  • Career and Self Development – Over the duration of employment, the student will develop, implement, and perform tasks of increasing complexity under the guidance of a faculty mentor. This will include, but is not limited to, conducting experiments, carrying out research, and technical writing.


This is a funded research position with funding provided by PA Manufacturing Fellows Initiative Berman Bedding (Erie, PA) and Engineered Polymer Products (Erie, PA) who request that Gannon University partner with Engineered Polymer Products to perform Assembly/ Disassembly Force and Parts Integrity Tests on plastic and elastomer SnapLINX, made from polymeric materials with differing compounds, dimensions and varying shapes. The Assembly / Disassembly Force testing will allow for product dimension and geometry changes for future product improvement. The SnapLINX is an innovative patented product used to replace fasteners on surgical pads. These fasteners include Velcro, replaced by Snap LINX (see Narrative below). The SnapLINX provides an ultimate Pad Fastening System. The SnapLINX are placed in special fixtures that allow accurate central loading within their operating range. First, tests are conducted on SnapLINX made of different materials with the same dimensions, both at room temperature and operating conditions. Then, using the same material, the geometries of the SnapLINX are varied and the tests are repeated. Finally results from gathered data will demonstrate the optimal combination of both SnapLINX material composition and geometry.
This study’s goals are to:
  • Determine how SnapLINX performance is impacted by different plastics, elastomers and varying geometries.
  • Understand the effects of material composition, parts geometry, environment on SnapLINX performance.
  • The ultimate goal of this project is to find a material and geometry that offers the optimum Assembly / Disassembly performance as calculated by A/DF. The SnapLINX in question are primarily used for medical purposes and are hence held to a higher standard of performance than other applications. Once that compound and geometry are discovered, the entire related Fastener market can be pursued.

    • Currently, the performance of most SnapLINX and Fasteners in most applications is determined by observing their repeatable Assembly / Disassembly and Retention Force at the operating conditions. However, it has been established that a more dependable characteristic of SnapLINX performance is repeatable retention over 10,000+ cycles. Thus, the results obtained by this project allow for a major upgrade in SnapLINX performance testing and validation without any radical overhaul in testing methodology or equipment. Current standards of SnapLINX performance would then have to be updated to incorporate this change.
    Required Qualifications
    Required qualifications include:
  • Must be an undergraduate student and at least at the junior level in Mechanical Engineering or a related field;
  • Demonstrated experience and proficiency in working in a machine shop environment;
  • Experience in developing CAD models for mechanical components or systems;
  • Strong dedication to learning new concepts and applying them practically in the development of physical models;
  • Excellent communication skills and ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented research environment;
  • Must be detail-oriented, responsible, and able to work independently on assigned tasks;
  • Knowledge of FEA will be an advantage.
    		•
    Preferred Qualifications
    Mechanical Engineering students are preferred.
    Physical Demands
    This position requires minimal physical demands, but applicants should be able to safely lift 25 pounds and sit and/or stand for extend periods of time; be able to work in a busy environment.

    Posting Detail Information


    Number of Vacancies 1
    Job Posting Open Date 04/09/2024
    Job Posting Close Date 05/14/2024
    Special Instructions to Applicants
    Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview. The Department of Mechanical Engineering is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive research environment. We encourage individuals from all backgrounds and identities to apply. If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Robert Michael ([email protected]).

    Similar Positions