Optimized Riflescope Mount

The goal of this project was to create a lightweight riflescope mount that is both comparable in strength to an existing model made by Nightforce, and as cheap to produce as well. To do this, a twofold approach was taken: First, a simulated model of the mount was created to identify high stress regions during firing, and how they can be mitigated. Secondly, prototypes of three different material mount concepts (Magnesium AZ61A, Al 2024, and Al 7068) were fabricated, and tested to client standards as a deliverable by the end of the spring semester.

=Problem Definition= Nightforce has never conducted an in-depth analysis of the efficiency and optimality of their Ultramount riflescope before and came with the request of developing a lightweight model that would still hold up to the current Ultramount, in addition to not being drastically more expensive to produce.

Background
The client specified their current model’s alloy used for production, in addition to strength, spatial, mass, and durability requirements at the first team/client meeting. Military-specifications, previous live-fire testing, etc. were also discussed. Required files were given to the team to begin work on the simulation of the mount.

Deliverables
•	Create a force testing math model – 11/07/2019 •	Implement math model into mount design, and use for geometric optimization – 12/31/2019 •	Deliver final prototypes with specs – 04/06/2020

Specifications
The new mount was qualified upon the following specs •	Corrosion resistance in saltwater environments •	Capable of surviving within a temperature range between –40 – 225 oF •	Capable of surviving recoil of 10,000 rounds on a corresponding rifle •	Must look visually appealing •	Will maintain position after a standard 5-foot drop test. •	Must be lighter than 52.9 grams •	Cost effective compared to current model

=Design Considerations= Material Selection A materials candidacy study was conducted based upon the above specs. Metal alloys, polymers, and composites were all considered. Polymers, while lightweight and strong in some cases, would fail in terms of cost effectivity and optimal temperature range. This eliminated all but carbon fiber reinforced polymers. Other composites considered were glass fiber reinforced polymers. Over 50 Al-alloys were examined for comparable properties, but only a handful possessed the strength and low density to continue in the selection process. Magnesium and Titanium alloys were also considered. After checking the corrosion resistance, and temperature range, each material was indexed according to its Young’s modulus (E), yield strength, cost per unit volume, and density. The results and most attractive candidate based upon the indexes were shared with the client and team, allowing for further steps to be taken in acquiring quotes for the various materials and taking note of the bulk price for each material.

=Project Learning=

=Final Design=

=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes

Presentations



Client Interview