Emma Ouellette

Mechanical Engineering Portfolio

Northeastern University 2016

Table of Contents
3

About Me

Senior Capstone Project -

Satellite Heatsink -

NASA Student Launch

Skills

Northeastern University

Planetary Resources
- Northeastern University

10 Contact Information

About Me
I am a driven, flexible, and conscientious mechanical engineering student
graduating from Northeastern University in December 2015. Aerospace
engineering is my passion and I have supplemented my education with practical
experience through multiple co-ops and involvement in my student chapter of the
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics. Having worked in design,
manufacturing, and project engineering roles, I am well-rounded and prepared to
take on any challenge. I am eager to begin applying my knowledge toward the
advancement of human spaceflight and exploration.
Education
Northeastern University, Boston MA
BS in Mechanical Engineering, 3.49 GPA
Work Experience
Planetary Resources, Redmond WA
Mechanical Design Co-op, Jan June 2015
GE Aviation, Hooksett NH
Manufacturing Engineering Co-op, Jan June 2014
Senior Aerospace Metal Bellows, Sharon MA
Project Engineering Co-op, Jan June 2013

Senior Capstone Project |

Northeastern University

Project Definition
Northeastern University's Student Chapter of AIAA is currently designing a highpower rocket with which they hope to reach the Karman line, the internationally
recognized boundary between Earth and outer space. The club has
commissioned my capstone design team to design a custom stage separation
system for their project.
Our objective is to design a complete system to reliably separate the stages of
the rocket at specified intervals without affecting the trajectory of the continuing
body. We must also integrate with an electrical engineering capstone design team
to ensure the system responds to a signal and releases at a specified time.
Design Steps

Worked closely with AIAA to define the requirements for the device and
ensure compatibility with other systems

Researched previous stage separation solutions

Designed a custom device for use in sponsor's rocket based on research and
requirements from sponsor

Performed structural analysis on interstage connections

Completed design testing, modification, and qualification

Senior Capstone Project |

Northeastern University

Skills Developed
Interstage structure design research, selection, and structural analysis

SolidWorks modeling and analysis

Bolt load calculation and structural analysis
Project management and communication with AIAA

Interstage bending simulation

Satellite Heatsink |

Planetary Resources

Project Definition
The performance of a critical component of an upcoming Planetary Resources
satellite was threatened by its tendency to overheat. I was assigned to design a
heatsink to cool the component.
Design Steps

Researched component specifications and collaborated with other

departments to determine design constraints

Performed initial thermal calculations to determine heat dissipation

requirements based on operational temperature range of component

Designed a custom heatsink to create a physical path to a cooler area

Modeled initial design in SolidWorks and created drawings
Identified new materials for use in design to improve thermal path
Performed structural and thermal analysis on design using SolidWorks
Presented design to senior engineers in reviews
Collaborated with machine shop and external vendors to ensure machinability
Designed and performed thermal qualification tests
Updated design continuously to reflect changes made by other departments

Satellite Heatsink |

Planetary Resources

Skills Developed
Materials research and selection

SolidWorks modeling
Thermal and structural analysis
Drawing creation
Technical presentations
Vendor communication
Design for aerospace environment

Completed heatsink ready for delivery

NASA Student Launch |

Northeastern University

Project Definition
Design a rocket and complete ground support system capable of autonomously
performing the following tasks:
Locating a small payload and loading it into the rocket
Sealing the rocket in preparation for launch

Lifting the rocket into a vertical position and launching it

Deploying the payload at 1000 feet
Design Steps
Led team mechanical in generating concepts for ground support equipment
Determined requirements based on volumetric constraints, power limitations,
and competition rules

Designed system to pick up payload off the ground and load it into rocket
Utilized off-the-shelf components to design a hinge system
Skills Developed
Team leadership

Component design and initial drafting

Technical report writing

Skills
Analysis
Thermal analysis

Statistical analysis
CAD
SolidWorks

AutoCAD
Design
Creative design

Written & oral

presentation

Manufacturing

Lean Six Sigma

principles

Design for
manufacture

External vendor
communication
Prototyping

3D printing
Basic mechanical

Software
MATLAB

ANSYS
Microsoft Office incl.
Excel, Word,
PowerPoint, & Visio
Testing & Qualification

Test fixture design

Basic TracerDAQ
Inspection

fabrication

Drafting
Drawing creation

GD&T

Contact
Phone

978-436-1845

Email

emj.ouellette@gmail.com

Website www.emmaouellette.weebly.com
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/in/emmaouellette

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