Digital Commons Network^™

A Durability And Utility Analysis Of Efpi Fiber Optic Strain Sensors Embedded In Composite Materials For Structural Health Monitoring, Adam Benjamin Haskell

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of the research work was to develop a method to embed fiber optic sensors (FOS) that measure strain in polymer matrix composite (PMC) laminates and sandwich composite panels, to apply the technology to structural health monitoring, and to assess the durability of the sensor system through a fatigue test protocol applied to sandwich composite panels. There is a growing interest in determining and monitoring the performance and sustainability of structures such as bridges, buildings, marine vessels, and aerospace structures. By monitoring structural elements, damage to the structure can be detected resulting in more efficient repair and maintenance schedules, …

Coastal Sediment And Fish Biosolids Remediation Using A Microbial Fuel Cell, Eric George Para

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

Organic pollution of marine and freshwater environments has long been a problem due to spills, shipping or boating activity, runoff, and waste discharge. Microbial Fuel Cells (MFC) harness electrons released during the oxidation of organic carbon to produce an electric current. Hydrocarbons are normally broken down into carbon dioxide and water by microbial respiration, where electrons from hydrocarbons are transferred to an electron acceptor such as oxygen. In sediment, however, oxygen is consumed within the top few centimeters, and other electron acceptors such as sulfate yield less energy, which slows the degradation process. A MFC anode placed in the …

Structural Design Of Hollow Extruded Wpc Sheet Piling, Melissa Kahl

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In marine environments, materials are exposed to a number of harsh environmental factors. Traditional retaining wall materials experience severe degradation as a response to these factors. To address these degradation issues, wood plastic composite (WPC) materials can be used in marine sheet pile applications. WPC materials are both lightweight and durable. This research focuses on developing a sheet pile design that utilizes the material benefits of extruded wood plastic composites with a voided z section sheet pile geometry. The objectives are to develop a more efficient structural design in terms of both material and geometry as compared to the polyvinylchloride …