Mechanical engineering major Kaemon Nelson interned with Strongwell, a member of the Tennessee Engineering Network.
Mechanical engineering major Kaemon Nelson spent his second consecutive summer in Bristol, Virginia, working for Strongwell, the world’s leading manufacturer of high-quality pultruded fiber-reinforced polymer composites and structures. It has four manufacturing facilities throughout North America and over 450 employees.
During this summer, Nelson worked with the Research and Development Team on a variety of projects related to research and product development.
3D Modeling – Lab Pultruder and Test Fixtures
Nelson generated a detailed virtual representation of Strongwell’s primary lab pultruder to scale. This gives engineers a precise analysis of holes, threads, and fittings.
Using the virtual model, engineers can now customize setup trial designs for future profiles without any need for taking precise measurements each time.
Nelson was involved in optimizing the short 3-point bend fixture in compliance with ASTM D790 to resolve previous testing challenges.
DMA Studies
Continuing his work from last year’s internship, Nelson worked on rheology in relation to glass transition temperature in accordance with the new ASTM E-1640 standard. Using information gathered, Nelson conducted a study to test the effects of milling and grinding on the curing process of pultruded profiles. Through skills acquired from the Tickle College of Engineering, Nelson was able to upgrade multiple components within pultrusion process systems.
Internships such as these are valuable opportunities for engineering majors to understand the variety of engineering facets required in manufacturing. In addition, Nelson was able to use his rapport with Strongwell team members into doing deeper dives into production and overcome testing complications.
Strongwell is the recognized world leader in the production of fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites using the pultrusion manufacturing method.