This week’s progress:
- Developing the Control Code for the Solenoid Tapper
This week, I worked on writing and testing the control code for the solenoid tapper that will be used to generate consistent mechanical taps during our experiments. The goal of this component is to produce repeatable impulses on the HVAC duct surface so that we can reliably capture acoustic and vibration responses from the system. I focused on implementing the basic control logic needed to trigger the solenoid and regulate the timing between taps. This would involve experimenting with different timing intervals and pulse durations to ensure that the solenoid actuates reliably and returns to its resting position between activations. I got the preliminary code started a few weeks back and have been iterating on that, so when we have the ADC, we will be able to properly capture the data needed with the solenoid tapper.
My work for the week can be found here:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1qRRPVxLNIO-z_C0ETqJalA6X_706GjrcQP8EjuErZ6U/edit?usp=sharing
Things to do for next week:
Next week, most of the hardware materials for the experimental setup should arrive, which will allow us to begin assembling the system and collecting preliminary data. The main tasks for next week include:
- Receive and inventory all incoming materials required for the experimental setup. We are specifically waiting for the ADC
- Get the motors to work
- Finalize the solenoid tapper hardware integration with the rest of the system.
- Begin collecting initial acoustic and vibration data from the duct samples.
- Set up and test sensors with the data acquisition hardware to ensure signals are captured correctly.
- Work with Adithi to integrate the solenoid control logic with the broader embedded system so that tapping and data collection can occur in a synchronized and repeatable manner.