Travis LaPlaca

UMiami 2027 | Aerospace Engineering

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

For my final week of “WISE release” I went shopping for supplies for my symposium board and started laying out the details for my board. Can’t wait to begin constructing the board! @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Fun Fact: Aerospace engineers designed the wings of the B-2 Stealth Bomber to be completely smooth, giving it a bat-like appearance. This unique design helps it evade radar detection, making it virtually invisible to enemy defenses! @YHSMrsMero #aerospaceengineering

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

This week I have begun my second project for the engineering course. I designed and will be 3D printing a helicopter and adding electrical components to it. Take a look at my design below. @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Mind-blowing rocket facts! A typical rocket generates over 1 million pounds of thrust, enough to carry 6k lbs at speeds over 22k mph. That's the power of 13 Hoover Dams, the weight of 8 horses, and 15x faster than a speeding bullet! (ULA) #aerospaceengineering @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Did you know that the tires on an airplane are designed to withstand weight loads up to 38 tons?! They can hit the ground at 170mph more than 500 times before needing to be replaced! (Locker) #funfact #YHSWISE2023 #aerospaceengineering @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Learn more about the work of SpaceX, pushing boundaries in the aerospace industry and shaping the future of space exploration. Learn more about #SpaceX in TechTarget's article: https://t.co/sQOVteR7h0 @YHSMrsMero #aerospaceengineering

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Did you know that a Boeing 747 has over 6 million parts?! Of the 6 million parts, about half consist of fasteners! (MonroeAerospace) #Boeing747 #aerospaceengineering #YHSWISE2023 @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Due to time constraints, I’ve decided to combine my group project with my first project for the engineering course. The first project must be food related, so I have created a food tray with a robotic arm to feed the quadriplegic patient. See the design below! @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Here is an example from my group project. The left is the 3D design of the frame from CAD software. The right is the sliced file. As you can see, the computer puts in supports so the printer isn’t printing into thin air. The supports easily break off once the print is finished.

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

A major aspect to 3D printing is “slicing.” In simple terms, it is the process of taking a 3D design and converting the file into something the 3D printer can read and print. During the slicing process many settings can be adjusted like supports, density, etc . @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Did you know? Rockets are not one piece, they break apart in stages during flight. After ignition, the burning rocket exhaust propels the first stage forward. Once fuel runs out, the section separates and the second stage reserve is used to reach orbit. (Sophia) @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

@CNegrelliWISE @YHSMrsMero I wonder how that technology works, it could definitely be something to look into for our mind controlled wheelchair!

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Did you know? It's estimated that planes get struck by lightning once a year or every 3k flight hours. Thanks to careful engineering, lightning hasn't brought down a plane since 1967. The electric charge simply runs through the plane without causing harm. (Locker) @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

This week I had the opportunity to tour the Aerospace Engineering sector of the University of Miami’s College of Engineering (where I will be studying in the fall). I got to see some of the amazing projects they are working on and all the tech students can utilize. @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

This week I have continued my work on my WISE group project with @CNegrelliWISE, @klombardo_wise, and @aribeironursing. This week I have designed and assembled the frame for our wheelchair (see below). @YHSMrsMero #engineering

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

Did you know? When a plane lands at night, cabin crews dim the interior lights to help passengers adjust to the darkness in case of an emergency evacuation. Safety first 🛬 (Locker) #aviationfacts #aerospaceengineering #YHSWISE2023 @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

@SamRamosWISE @YHSMrsMero Congrats!!

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

This week I have begun working on the 3D design of the wheelchair I will be creating with @CNegrelliWISE, @klombardo_wise, and @aribeironursing for our group project. I just finished designing the wheels for the wheelchair! Take a look at the design below. @YHSMrsMero

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

One major hassle when it comes to 3D printing is “bed leveling.” It is crucial that the bed is 100% level or the print can be uneven or turn into a plastic mess (see below). @YHSMrsMero #3dprinting

[Travis LaPlaca @TravisLaPEng]

@CNegrelliWISE @YHSMrsMero @klombardo_wise @aribeironursing Great meeting! Can’t wait to continue working on this project!