Engineering Commons^™

Experiments And Simulations Of Liquid Mass Gauging And Slosh Dynamics In Microgravity, Jedediah Morse Storey

Theses and Dissertations

Advancements in liquid propellant management science and technologies are key to increasing safety, decreasing cost, and increasing payload mass of space missions. Propellant usually comprises a large portion of the total mass of launch vehicles and spacecraft, so liquid propellant sensing, as well as predicting and controlling the motion of it, are important. Electrical Capacitance Tomography (ECT) is an emerging sensing technology that is capable of measuring the distribution of liquid anywhere inside of a tank, potentially making it useful for measuring slosh and gauging mass. An ECT-instrumented tank was successfully tested in microgravity for the first time. Basics of …

Assessing The Thermodynamic Potential Of Deep Eutectic Solvents In The Absorption Of Greenhouse Gases Through Computational Methods., Thomas Michael Quaid

Theses and Dissertations

Greenhouse gas (GHG) capture is a fundamental technology in the fight against climate change. Some species of devastating GHGs like fluorinated compounds are released directly to the air from industrial processes. Some GHGs are co-produced in sustainably derived biofuels which require absorptive upgrading. The development of more efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly methods of capturing GHG’s from pollutant sources and industrial streams is of utmost importance in the fight against climate change. Deep eutectic solvents have entered the separations stage as potential disruptors to conventional solvent choices for a variety of applications. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are compounds of …

The Private Pilot Check Ride: Applying The Spacing Effect Theory To Predict Time To Proficiency For The Practical Test, Michael Scott Harwin

Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the relationship between a set of targeted factors and the total flight time students needed to become ready to take the private pilot check ride. The study was grounded in Ebbinghaus’s (1885/1913/2013) forgetting curve theory and spacing effect, and Ausubel’s (1963) theory of meaningful learning. The research factors included (a) training time to proficiency, which represented the number of training days needed to become check-ride ready; (b) flight training program (Part 61 vs. Part 141); (c) organization offering the training program (2- or 4-year college/university vs. FBO); (d) scheduling policy (mandated vs. student-driven); and demographical variables, which …

Viscosity Of Adsorbent Slurries For Washcoating Applications, Nitish Chauhan

Theses and Dissertations

The viscosity of adsorbent slurries is pivotal in understanding their rheological behavior, yet, the research on adsorbent slurry viscosity has been limited. This study addresses this gap by analyzing porous and non-porous solutes' behavior in solvents and then applying it to the washcoating adsorbents on ceramic substrates. By examining MIL-101 (Cr), glass beads, silica nanoparticles, and Titania, the study aims to comprehend the viscosity variations of each solute in the solvents, water and ethanol. A key observation from this study was the significant role of wetting in determining viscosity, as initial results found that MIL-101 (Cr) exhibited the highest viscosity …

Component Approach For A Combined Hurricane Wind And Rainwater Damage And Time Related Expenses Model In Mid/High-Rise Buildings, Zhuoxuan Wei

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on mid/high-rise commercial residential buildings (MHRB) vulnerable to wind-driven rainwater ingress during hurricanes. The author developed the WHIP-MHRB model, a new probabilistic vulnerability model funded by the Wind Hazard Infrastructure Performance Center (WHIP-C). This model combines the estimates of rainwater ingress, distribution and propagation, and damage assessments, and time-related expenses (TRE) predictions for MHRB during hurricanes. Embedded within WHIP-MHRB is the WHIP-TRE model, which forecasts repair times, delay times, downtime, and recovery times post-hurricane explicitly.

Furthermore, taking advantage of the new model, this study presents two approaches to address the combined wind and rain vulnerabilities of MHRB …

Metasurface Beam-Steering Antenna At X-Band Frequencies With Cloaking Applications, Erik Jermaine Kosh

Theses and Dissertations

I intend to use metasurface materials to adjust antenna field properties while applying a cloaking application to the antenna. Cloaking applications have been used to shield the neighboring antenna waveforms so that they do not affect it’s antenna patterns and reduce the mutual coupling between the two antennas [15], [16]. In this application, I propose a metasurface beam-steering antenna at X-band frequencies using mantle-cloaking techniques to adjust and direct the beam-steering while ignoring other adjacent antenna patterns.

The first part of this application provides a method for cloaking antennas that are close to each other in distance (less than a …

Task Optimization Utilizing Digital Transformation Concepts - Automation Project Execution Via Agile Methodology, Anthony Steven Maiello

Theses and Dissertations

Task Optimization via the use of automated process improvements is becoming more widespread as more industries lean into the concepts surrounding digital transformation. This shift also necessitates a complementary adaptation in project management methodologies to support the rapid and ever-changing environment, requirements, and innovations. This thesis examines the effectiveness of Agile methodology in managing digital automation projects, with a specific focus placed on process improvements with systems engineering. It accomplished this by contrasting the original model, designed and derived utilizing traditional project management techniques, with the proposed model which is a direct result of the application of Agile project practices. …

Path Planning Development Framework For Mobile Robots, Lauren-Ann Elizabeth Graham

Theses and Dissertations

Planetary exploration relies on methods of path planning to achieve autonomous navigation in hazardous environments. Simulating harsh terrain, real-time varying physics, and robotics applications is vital for testing control algorithms here on Earth. Robotics Operating System (ROS) is a set of software libraries and tools that allow you to build and simulate robotic applications. Utilizing ROS, Gazebo, and Blender, a rough terrain simulation framework is created to explore and compare path planning algorithms using various desired robots and maps. ROS supports multiple path planning algorithms given its open-source abilities. This research focuses on path planning implementation of Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) control …

Effects Of Perforations On Internal Cathodic Protection And Recruitment Of Marine Organisms To Steel Pipes, Alexander John Paluzzi

Theses and Dissertations

Steel monopile support structures for offshore wind turbines require protection from corrosion on their external and internal surfaces. Cathodic protection (CP) works effectively to protect the external surfaces of monopiles, but internally, byproducts from aluminum sacrificial anode CP (SACP) and impressed current CP (ICCP) induce acidification that accelerates steel corrosion. This project investigated the effects of perforations on the performance of aluminum SACP and ICCP when used inside of steel pipes. Additionally, marine growth on the external and internal surfaces of the pipes was assessed to determine if CP byproducts affect marine organism development.

Two sealed and two perforated steel …

Gpu Based Monte Carlo Estimation Of Eddy Current Losses In Electromagnetic Coil-Core System, Adwaith Ravichandran

Theses and Dissertations

A novel parallelizable probabilistic approach to model eddy currents in AC electromagnets is presented in this research. Consequently, power loss associated with the formation of these eddy currents is estimated and validated using experimental data. Furthermore, predicting the effect of ferromagnetic alternating field enhancement on power loss in the source excitation winding has been an active area of research. Unlike a stationary field, an alternating sinusoidal field diffuses partially into the ferromagnetic material leading to a predictably sub-optimal field enhancement. To model these physics, finite element techniques employ nonlinear iterative solvers which are time consuming. A novel method is developed …

Project Thetis: A Low-Cost, Low-Profile Inertial Data Logger, Braidan Duffy

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis details the design, testing, calibration, and verification of a nine degree of freedom inertial measurement data logger for use with floating bodies. The instrument was conceived to address limitations of equipment used in classes within the Ocean Engineering department at Florida Institute of Technology. By meeting with several stakeholders and end users, a series of stakeholder requirements, capabilities, and component-level requirements were de- veloped that informed the design constraints. There were several hardware iterations of the board, culminating in Revision F5 which was extensively tested and proven. The design was inspected after testing concluded to determine which capabilities …

Optimization Of High-Order Statistical Moment Combinations To Best Represent Spray Flow Particle Probability Density Functions, Amanda Lynn Myers

Theses and Dissertations

Characterizing spray flows has been an issue of interest for years, particularly in regards to fuel injection in engines. Droplet velocity and diameter, among other characteristics, are crucial to understanding spray flows. One approach for determining these quantities in a spray is using a statistical approach that solves for the moments of droplet characteristics as they evolve in space and time. A theoretical probability density function (PDF) can be formulated using various combinations of moments which evolve according to derived moment transport equations (thus evolving the PDF), using the principle of maximum entropy as closure to the system. Building upon …

Stability And Control Flight Testing Of A Modified Cessna 172, Tatiana Dirrigl Forbes

Theses and Dissertations

The Cessna 172N is a small, fixed-wing, single-engine aircraft. The modified Cessna 172N included a swapped engine to a Lycoming O-360-A4M, tuned exhaust, and variable timing ignition installed. Test flights on this aircraft were performed order to evaluate the stability and control characteristics of the Cessna 172N, and compare them with the regulations in the Title 14 CFR Part 23 Airworthiness Standards for Normal, Utility, Acrobatic, and Commuter Category Airplanes. The flight test consisted of four separate tests performed during a single flight, departing from and returning to Melbourne Orlando International airport (KMLB). The data was collected through static and …

Design Space Visualization And Exploration For Many Goal Problems Under Uncertainity, Niharika Balaji

Theses and Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Designing a complex engineered system is challenging due to many conflicting goals, uncertainties, and multiple interactions. Traditional optimization approaches often yield single-point solutions, which may not be suitable for early design stages due to their susceptibility to changes in conditions and uncertainties. To address this challenge, a satisficing approach is employed. This approach enables designers to effectively navigate the design space and identify satisficing solutions that balance conflicting goals in the face of uncertainties and changes in conditions. From a systems design perspective, we view design as an iterative process that involves making informed decisions based on available information …

Assessing The Thermodynamic Potential Of Deep Eutectic Solvents In The Absorption Of Greenhouse Gases Through Computational Methods, Thomas Michael Quaid

Theses and Dissertations

Greenhouse gas (GHG) capture is a fundamental technology in the fight against climate change. Some species of devastating GHGs like fluorinated compounds are released directly to the air from industrial processes. Some GHGs are co-produced in sustainably derived biofuels which require absorptive upgrading. The development of more efficient, cost effective, and environmentally friendly methods of capturing GHG’s from pollutant sources and industrial streams is of utmost importance in the fight against climate change. Deep eutectic solvents have entered the separations stage as potential disruptors to conventional solvent choices for a variety of applications. Deep eutectic solvents (DES) are compounds of …

Qasm-To-Hls: A Framework For Accelerating Quantum Circuit Emulation On High-Performance Reconfigurable Computers, Anshul Maurya

Theses and Dissertations

High-performance reconfigurable computers (HPRCs) make use of Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) for efficient emulation of quantum algorithms. Generally, algorithm-specific architectures are implemented on the FPGAs and there is very little flexibility. Moreover, mapping a quantum algorithm onto its equivalent FPGA emulation architecture is challenging. In this work, we present an automation framework for converting quantum circuits to their equivalent FPGA emulation architectures. The framework processes quantum circuits represented in Quantum Assembly Language (QASM) and derives high-level descriptions of the hardware emulation architectures for High-Level Synthesis (HLS) on HPRCs. The framework generates the code for a heterogeneous architecture consisting of a …

Underwater Image Enhancement: A Pipeline For Underwater Computer Visions, Humberto Lebron Rivera

Theses and Dissertations

Ocean exploration has surged in popularity and significance in recent years, including diverse areas like maritime archeology, underwater resources, and submerged structure inspection. The activities mentioned above heavily depend on vision and imagery, a challenge in the unpredictable marine world. This thesis presents a conditional generative adversarial network model for image-to-image translation problems. We designed and trained the model with the end goal of enhancing underwater images. Five metrics were employed for validation to quantify our model’s resulting enhanced images. By doing so, we aim to establish a pipeline that can leverage aerial computer vision algorithms for marine applications.

Our …

How Students Learn: Examining The Differences In Learning Strategies Between Flight And Nonflight Students, Jennifer A. Torres

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine if there were any differences in learning strategies between undergraduate flight and nonflight students attending a 4-year university that offered a Part 141 flight training program. Learning strategies were measured using Panadero et al.’s (2021) 30-item Deep Learning Strategies Questionnaire and its four subscales—Basic Learning Self-Regulation Strategies, Visual Elaboration and Summarizing Strategies, Deep Information Processing Strategies, and Social Learning Self-Regulation Strategies—all of which were the dependent variables. The primary independent variable was group membership, but the study also incorporated two covariates—self-efficacy and intrinsic value—which were measured using the respective subscales of Pintrich …

Accelerating Machine Learning Inference For Satellite Component Feature Extraction Using Fpgas., Andrew Ekblad

Theses and Dissertations

Running computer vision algorithms requires complex devices with lots of computing power, these types of devices are not well suited for space deployment. The harsh radiation environment and limited power budgets have hindered the ability of running advanced computer vision algorithms in space. This problem makes running an on-orbit servicing detection algorithm very difficult. This work proposes using a low powered FPGA to accelerate the computer vision algorithms that enable satellite component feature extraction. This work uses AMD/Xilinx’s Zynq SoC and DPU IP to run model inference. Experiments in this work centered around improving model post processing by creating implementations …

Characterization Of Human Mobility From Cellular Data, Zaid Matloub

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation investigates human mobility patterns using crowd-sourced cellular network data from different Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) in the United States, spanning the Houston, New York-Newark, NJ City, and 13 other significant MSAs. By focusing on prominent spatial mobility parameters highlighted in existing literature, the study unveils consistent findings regarding the predictability of human mobility across diverse time scales and geographic regions. The research underscores the significance of selecting appropriate sampling thresholds based on the mobility parameters being examined, the size of the dataset, and available computational resources. Through a meticulous analysis, it emerges that while values such as mean …

Deep Learning And Generative Ai Approaches For Automated Diagnosis And Personalized Treatment: Bridging Machine Learning, Medicine, And Biomechanics In Predicting Tissue Mechanics And Biomaterial Properties., Yasin Shokrollahi

Theses and Dissertations

Machine learning, particularly deep neural networks, has demonstrated significant potential in predicting high-dimensional tasks across various domains. This work encompasses a detailed review of Generative AI in healthcare and three studies integrating machine learning with finite element analysis for predicting biomechanical behaviors and properties. Initially, we provide a comprehensive overview of Generative AI applications in healthcare, focusing on Transformers and Denoising Diffusion models and suggesting potential research avenues to address existing challenges.

Subsequently, we addressed soccer-related ocular injuries by combining finite element analysis and machine learning to predict retinal mechanics following a soccer ball hit rapidly. The prediction errors are …

Analyzing The Effects Of Ultrafast Laser Processing On Mechanical Properties Of 3d-Printed Pla Parts, Darshan Pramodbhai Yadav

Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in additive manufacturing technologies have already led to wide-scale adoption of 3D-printed parts in various industries. The expansion in choice of materials that can be processed, particularly using Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM), and the steady advancements in dimensional accuracy control have extended the range of applications far beyond rapid prototyping. However, additive manufacturing still has considerable limitations compared to traditional and subtractive manufacturing processes. This work addresses limitations associated with the as-deposited surface roughness of 3D-printed parts. The effects of roughness-induced stress concentrations were studied on ultimate tensile strength and fatigue life. The samples were manufactured using a …

Application Of An Adaptive Controller On An Air-Bearing Vehicle-Manipulator System, Samuel Thomas Lovelace

Theses and Dissertations

The growing demand for on-orbit servicing and assembly as well as orbital debris capture and removal poses many engineering challenges. One primary challenge is that of position and attitude control of a spacecraft-manipulator system while performing these operations. Standard control approaches may be used for cases where the dynamics of the objects that the spacecraft-manipulator system interacts with are known are still plausible. However, there will likely be some uncertainty and lack of knowledge of the dynamic properties of orbital debris and parts required for servicing. Therefore, many have proposed the use of adaptive control schemes which can recalculate the …

Dechlorination Of Waste Pvc (Polyvinyl Chloride) Using Hydrothermal Liquefaction Method, Vahab Ghalandari

Theses and Dissertations

In 2019, waste plastic production in the United States (U.S.) amounted to approximately 73 million metric tons. Projections indicate that by 2030, the generation of waste plastic in the U.S. will increase to nearly 90 million metric tons, and by 2060, it is expected to surpass 140 million metric tons. One prominent type of waste plastic is polyvinyl chloride (PVC), characterized by its high chlorine content, making it a halogenated plastic. This dissertation presents a comprehensive investigation of the dechlorination of waste PVC (WPVC) through various hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) methods to produce environmentally friendly solid and liquid products. In this …

Analysis Of The Performance, Recertification, And Sustainability Of A Cessna 172n Modified With An O-360-A4m Powerplant, Variable Timing Electronic Ignition, And Tuned Exhaust, Kelsey Lee Kaht

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to discuss the performance, modification, and recertification of the test aircraft, a Cessna 172N that has been equipped with an O-360-A4M power plant, tuned exhaust, and variable timing electronic ignition, and to compare the aircraft to a stock aircraft and other high-performance aircraft to determine the feasibility of the modifications. 65 knot, 80 knot, and 95 knot steady state climb and 2000 ft and 5000 ft level acceleration tests were performed with the test aircraft at the Melbourne Orlando International Airport. The weather was clear with calm wind, and there was only one issue …

Construction Of A Real-Time Forecast Model With Deep Learning Techniques For Coastal Engineering & Processes: Nested In Basin Scale Suite Of Models, Md Ahsan Habib

Theses and Dissertations

The study aims to develop a robust and adaptable real-time forecasting system for coastal and estuarine regions, considering the challenges of limited or unavailable forecast data. To address the challenge of data unavailability, this study proposes the application of a deep learning model (DLM). This research involves the development of a high-resolution numerical model nested within global models. Calibration and validation are performed by comparing the model with observed data. The study explores the effects of various parameters, such as vertical resolution, wind variability, and bottom roughness, on model performance. It finds that the 10-layer model improves vertical stratification and …

An Empirical Investigation Of The Behavior And Cognition Of Engineering Designers While Describing Domains Of Design Problems, John Kochenberger

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a protocol study that examines the behavioral and cognitive patterns in human designers when they describe a problem domain of engineering interest through constructing concept maps. Understanding various design problem domains usually comes in design projects before the start of the formal design process and is crucial for discovering the pain points of given scenarios and identifying opportunities for creating value to improve them. Thus, this activity relies on the entrepreneurial aspects of engineering design that leads to identifying the right design problem to solve. While concept maps have been used to examine various research questions in …

High-Level Requirements For Conceptual Design Of Bridge Deflection Measurement System Using Model-Based Systems Engineering, Mariana Villalabeitia Arenas

Theses and Dissertations

Bridges are essential in the infrastructure transportation system. Repairs and maintenance are the key activities to keep them safe for use. Over the years, the evolution of technology has been applied to improve the way bridges are designed, built, monitored, inspected, and repaired. Nevertheless, there is still a gap between the research efforts and the application of this knowledge in the practical field of bridge inspections. Model-based Systems Engineering is a formalized methodology in the system design that is centered around the model throughout all the life cycle stages of a system, supporting the requirements, design, analysis, verification, and validation …

Modeling The Impact Of Scheduling Risks On Multi-Team Agile Projects, Bria Marie Booth

Theses and Dissertations

Agile project management allows for a quick response to a changing project environment. This opens possible avenues for new opportunities, but also may expose ongoing projects to previously unknown or unexpected threats. Risks must be continuously monitored as a product is worked on to avoid lost potential. This paper will propose a discrete event simulation model that multi-team projects may use to predict the impact to the project’s schedule. Using discrete event simulation early in the project’s planning cycle offers a greater understanding of the possible or probable impact of risks on the schedule. This would help to prepare project …

Geometric Inference In Machine Learning: Applications Of Fisher Information For Model Selection And Other Statistical Applications, Trevor Herntier

Theses and Dissertations

We consider the problem of model selection using the Minimum Description Length (MDL) criterion for distributions with parameters on the hypersphere. Model selection algorithms aim to find a compromise between goodness of fit and model complexity. Variables often considered for complexity penalties involve number of parameters, sample size and shape of the parameter space, with the penalty term often referred to as stochastic complexity. Because Laplace approximation techniques yield inaccurate results for curved spaces, existing criteria incorrectly penalize complexity. We demonstrate how the use of a constrained Laplace approximation on the hypersphere yields a novel complexity measure that more accurately …