Rayan Kotowaroo

MARS Rocket Competition – Project Management & Flight Optimization

Key Impact: Achieved ~300 m apogee with stable flight (1.5–2.5 calibers), validating aerodynamic and structural design

Tools: SolidWorks, MATLAB, OpenRocket

Led a 6-member multidisciplinary team, managing timelines and tracking milestones to ensure successful design, testing, and launch execution under strict constraints

• Designed and optimized rocket subsystems in SolidWorks, focusing on aerodynamic stability and structural integrity

• Validated trajectory and flight performance using MATLAB and OpenRocket simulations, achieving ~300 m apogee

• Maintained stable flight with a 1.5–2.5 caliber margin, confirming design reliability under real launch conditions

Industrial Fluid System Optimization

Key Impact: Reduced TDH from 60.9 m → 31.4 m, achieving 35.7% cost reduction (~$137k → ~$88k) while eliminating cavitation risk through NPSH validation

Tools: AutoCad, Excel, Power BI, MATLAB

• Designed and optimized a fluid transport system using hydraulic analysis (Darcy–Weisbach, TDH, NPSH), evaluating multiple configurations

• Developed system layouts and schematics in AutoCAD to support design visualization and component placement

• Reduced total dynamic head from 60.9 m to 31.4 m, achieving ~35.7% cost reduction while eliminating cavitation risk through NPSH validation

Four-Bar Linkage Design & Kinematic Analysis

Key Impact: Achieved reliable weight-based sorting with precision tolerances (±0.001"–0.005%), validating mechanism performance

Tools: SolidWorks, MATLAB, Excel

• Designed a four-bar linkage mechanism in SolidWorks to sort ¾” balls by weight under strict spatial and tolerance constraints

• Performed kinematic analysis to optimize link geometry, motion range, and output positioning through iterative CAD refinement

• Achieved reliable sorting with precision tolerances (±0.001"–0.005"), delivering a fully functional prototype validated through testing

Robotic Gripper Design & Gear Mechanism

Key Impact: Achieved smooth, synchronized gripping with efficient torque transmission (~0.028 Nm), validating gear-driven mechanism performance

Tools: SolidWorks, MATLAB, Excel

• Designed a 5-bar robotic gripper in SolidWorks with gear synchronization to ensure symmetric motion and stable gripping

• Performed kinematic and force analysis (vector loop, MATLAB) to model motion, workspace, and actuator requirements

• Delivered a functional, manufacturable assembly integrating gears, linkages, and motor components

Mobile Living Shelter Design

Key Impact: Developed a low-cost, mobile shelter concept balancing accessibility, sustainability, and real-world design constraints

Tools: SolidWorks, Revit, AutoCad, Excel

• Designed a compact mobile shelter system under mobility, weight, and cost constraints, optimizing for real-world usability

• Developed and evaluated multiple design concepts, integrating accessibility, ergonomics, and environmental considerations

• Produced CAD layouts and engineering drawings, refining the final design through iteration and constraint-driven decision making

Manufacturing & Process Analysis

Key Impact: Improved workflow efficiency and process consistency through Lean analysis and structured process evaluation.

Tools: Excel, Lean Six Sigma, Process Mapping

• Developed process flow diagrams to analyze and optimize manufacturing workflows and system layout.

• Identified inefficiencies and redesigned process structure to improve consistency and operational efficiency

• Applied structured analysis to support system-level improvements and workflow standardization.