Engineering Commons^™

An Integrated Plasma Spectroscopic And Capacitive Sensing Platform For Water Quality Diagnostics, John William Sweeney

Doctoral Dissertations

Even in modern times, the consumption of polluted water continues to inflict tremendous suffering on millions of people worldwide that is largely preventable with adequate sanitation practices, routine water quality diagnostics, and treatment. However, conventional water quality monitoring practices remain a time consuming endeavor, where water samples collected on-site are transported to off-site laboratories for evaluation with laboratory-scale chemical analysis devices. While considerable efforts have been made to miniaturize these devices for in-field use, many of the devices reported in the literature provide an incomplete assessment of a water contaminant's environmental impact by focusing on identifying its chemical composition and …

Position-Adaptive Localization Of An Electro-Magnetic Source Using Static And Mobile Wireless Sensor Networks, Miguel D. Gates

Doctoral Dissertations

We present new results in detection and localization of a hidden emitter using Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). While this type of problem has been explored extensively, this research combines multiple dynamics, such as mobility and adaptation, to extend the value beyond the typical search mission. Using Micro-Aerial Vehicles (MAVs), in conjunction with multiple static wireless sensor nodes, we create a hybrid sensor network capable of detection and localization of a hidden electro-magnetic (EM) emitter.

In order to localize the emitter, a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) is used as an approximation of distance from the transmitter to the revolving receivers. …

Unmanned Ground Vehicle Navigation And Coverage Hole Patching In Wireless Sensor Networks, Guyu Zhang

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation presents a study of an Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) navigation and coverage hole patching in coordinate-free and localization-free Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs). Navigation and coverage maintenance are related problems since coverage hole patching requires effective navigation in the sensor network environment. A coordinate-free and localization-free WSN that is deployed in an ad-hoc fashion and does not assume the availability of GPS information is considered. The system considered is decentralized and can be self-organized in an event-driven manner where no central controller or global map is required.

A single-UGV, single-destination navigation problem is addressed first. The UGV is equipped …