Engineering Commons^™

Monitoring Pm2.5 Pollution In The North End Of Hartford, Ct, Jocelyn Phung, Kristina Wagstrom

Honors Scholar Theses

Particulate matter (PM) or particle pollution is one of the six criteria air pollutants that can cause harm to human health and the environment; yet, there is a lack of data in many areas of the United States. Particulate matter is a mixture of solid particles and liquid droplets suspended in the air (EPA). Exposure to PM2.5 has been linked to respiratory and cardiovascular conditions. People who live in urban areas are more likely to be exposed to particulate matter as many urban areas are known to have poor air quality. Our goal is to determine how particulate matter levels …

Control And Design Of A Passive Solar Lumber Drying Kiln, Peter Chardavoyne

Honors Scholar Theses

The passive solar lumber drying kiln design, developed by EE Senior Design Team 2317 is presented, tested, and discussed. The design incorporates solar power and a custom control system to dry 12’ lumber boards inside a shipping container much faster than air-drying methods, which can take up to a year for thorough drying, though this can be extended due to the unpredictability of weather events and conditions. This work presents the design as in the final report provided by the team, but provides a more detailed explanation and analysis of the microcontroller system, testing methods and outcomes, alternate solutions and …

Light Sheet Microscopy Incubation Design And Control Scheme, Venkatanathan Kidambi

Honors Scholar Theses

The focus of the following paper is the development of a light sheet or selective plane illumination microscopy (LSM / SPIM) platform to support long duration three dimensional imaging of various cells and tissues. This paper describes the complete design and fabrication process behind the prototype, including a definition of light sheet microscopy and its differences from confocal microscopy, as well as existing open source selective plane microscopy literature and designs. The complete engineering design process as applied to the microscope design is described in detail. Specifically, this paper will focus on the development of an incubation chamber for light …

Probabilistic Machine Learning For Battery State Of Health Prognostics, Charli Zaretsky

Honors Scholar Theses

The ability to understand and predict the state of health (SOH) of lithium-ion batteries is an integral component of their widespread commercial use. There are various methods through which SOH can be analyzed and predicted, and this paper discusses these different methods, and the strengths and weaknesses of each. This paper also details an analysis of lithium-ion battery SOH through two data-driven machine learning methods: XGBoost and Gaussian process regression. A comparison is made between each method’s accuracy in predicting next-cycle discharge capacity using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) readings and battery charge and discharge rates, from a dataset given in …

Effects Of Tempering Temperature On Gas Turbine Fan Cases, Seth Utter

Honors Scholar Theses

The project aimed to investigate the effects of tempering temperature on metals used for gas turbine engine fan cases as a major relevant concern is containing blades in during blade-out events. There are three ways to accomplish this: using a thicker metal, incorporating different materials into the case, or heat treating the metal. This project focused on the third solution: reviewing the impact toughness and hardness of fractured samples and their equivalent ductile-to-brittle transition shear faces. Given its availability, 1045 steel, as opposed to aerospace grade metals, was used for in-house testing. The data obtained from these experiments were then …

Cloudbots: Autonomous Atmospheric Explorers, Akash Binoj

Honors Scholar Theses

The CloudBot is an autonomous weather balloon that operates on the principle of variable buoyancy to ascend and descend in the atmosphere. This project aims to develop a device that will collect atmospheric measurements and communicate them mid-flight. The apparatus consists of a helium-filled balloon, the robotic payload, and an air cell. The fixed-volume helium balloon at the top provides an upwards buoyancy force, while the air cell at the bottom can hold a variable amount of pressure to adjust the weight of the CloudBot. By doing so, it is able to travel in storm conditions and collect valuable atmospheric …

Optimization Of Orbital Trajectories Using Neuroevolution Of Augmenting Topologies, Nathan Wetherell

University Scholar Projects

This project aims to determine the feasibility of using NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies (NEAT), an advanced neural network evolution scheme, to optimize orbital transfer trajectories. More specifically, this project compares a genetically evolved neural network to a standard Hohmann transfer between Earth and Mars. To test these two methods, an N-body simulation environment was created to accurately determine the result of gravitational interactions on a theoretical spacecraft when combined with planned engine burns. Once created, this simulation environment was used to train the neural networks created using the NEAT Python module. A genetic algorithm was used to modify the topology …

Triggering Thermal Runaway In Lithium-Ion Batteries, Chris John

Honors Scholar Theses

The proliferation of lithium-ion batteries enables electric devices such as cell phones to electric vehicles to become a reality. A latent danger, however, exists in these batteries. Mechanical, thermal, or electrical damage can initiate a phenomenon known as thermal runaway (TR). This damage causes internal short circuits within the battery, releasing heat and triggering exothermic decomposition reactions. The battery will catch fire if rapid cooling is not present. While experimental designs exist for evaluating TR, significant safety hazards and impracticality may impede testing efforts. Finite element analysis, therefore, becomes a vital tool in modeling TR and mitigation techniques. However, there …

Calcium Ferrite As A Semiconductor For Microbially Assisted Photocatalytic Reduction Of Carbon Dioxide, Lauren King

Honors Scholar Theses

The pressing issue of global climate change has been found to be attributed to the increasing concentration of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere, especially carbon dioxide. One mitigation idea to close the carbon loop is to utilize redox reactions and photocatalysis to reduce carbon dioxide to a useable fuel source, like methane or methanol. This thesis will study the possibility of using calcium ferrite as the semiconductor to perform photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide with the assistance of a microbial fuel cell, which will help minimize the energy required from sunlight photons. A calcium ferrite thin film was produced through …

Study Of Porosity Of Gelatin-Alginate Hydrogels To Model Brain Matter For Studying Traumatic Brain Injuries, Apolline Vincent

Honors Scholar Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) affect brain tissue and neuronal signaling, leading to many side effects including death. Research on TBIs is limited by the lack of accurate brain matter models to study the physiological and cellular reaction. Alginate-gelatin hydrogels have been designed and modified to mimic the mechanical properties of the brain to act as an accurate in vitro model. This Honors thesis aims to verify the porous microstructure of gelatin-alginate hydrogels through Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) to understand how gelatin and alginate affect the microstructure. I measured the pore sizes of each hydrogel using ImageJ, compared the average pore …

5-Axis Milling For Micro-Machining Of Implantable Flow Sensor, Devin Kot-Thompson

Honors Scholar Theses

5 axis milling is a manufacturing process utilizing CNC technology. It has been widely supported as an effective tool for micro machining throughout multiple industries. In medical manufacturing specifically, there is a large demand for high accuracy at the microscale level as the geometries of medical devices are often highly complex. 5-axis milling offers the means to develop such complex features including curved faces and steep walls. This thesis covers the conversion of a generic 3-axis milling machine into a 5-axis machine. Through testing, the modified device effectively demonstrated its ability to run 5-axis tool paths required for complex designs. …

Performance Improvements In Inner Product Encryption, Serena Riback

Honors Scholar Theses

Consider a database that contains thousands of entries of the iris biometric. Each entry identifies an individual, so it is especially important that it remains secure. However, searching for entries among an encrypted database proves to be a security problem - how should one search encrypted data without leaking any information to a potential attacker? The proximity searchable encryption scheme, as discussed in the work by Cachet et al., uses the notions of inner product encryption developed by Kim et al.. In this paper, we will focus on the efficiency of these schemes. Specifically, how the symmetry of the bilinear …

Assessing The Feasibility Of A Belt Based Continuously Varied Transmission For Bicycles, Ethan Wicko

Holster Scholar Projects

The objective of this project is to establish the feasibility of a new drivetrain that decreases maintenance and decreases rider effort compared to current widely used derailleur-based drivetrains by utilizing a belt based continuously varied transmission. With further development, this technology will make cycling more accessible by reducing the mechanical knowledge required to maintain a functional bike and facilitate bicycle riding by increasing durability and providing infinite gear ratios within that range, potentially increasing the health and quality of life for many.

Impact Of Angiogenic And Osteogenic Factors In The Presence Of Biodegradable Piezoelectric Films, Jayla Millender

University Scholar Projects

One of the most common causes of bone graft rejection is lack of a vascular network connecting the graft to the existing native tissue – allowing for nutrient flow. Under current grafting techniques, the existing blood vessel network in the patient slowly invades the implant in order to supply the injured site with its necessary nutrients. The purpose of this research is to determine if a synthetic bone graft with a stable microvascular network can be developed in vitro. I hypothesize that the use of indirect angiogenic factors such as sonic hedgehog homolog and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in combination with the …

Impact Of Angiogenic And Osteogenic Factors In The Presence Of Biodegradable Piezoelectric Films, Jayla Millender

Honors Scholar Theses

One of the most common causes of bone graft rejection is lack of a vascular network connecting the graft to the existing native tissue – allowing for nutrient flow. Under current grafting techniques, the existing blood vessel network in the patient slowly invades the implant in order to supply the injured site with its necessary nutrients. The purpose of this research is to determine if a synthetic bone graft with a stable microvascular network can be developed in vitro. I hypothesize that the use of indirect angiogenic factors such as sonic hedgehog homolog and hypoxia-inducible factor-1 in combination with the …

A Deep Learning Model For Predicting Covid-19 Transmission In Connecticut, Nathan Choi

Honors Scholar Theses

COVID-19 has immensely impacted life as we know it, as the virus quickly spread throughout the entire world in a matter of weeks since its emergence. It has toppled economies, tested healthcare systems worldwide, and has un- fortunately taken the lives of many in the process. While extensive research has analyzed the issue on a large scale, focusing on entire countries and states, there has not been as much focus on the meso-scale, mainly compris- ing towns and cities, due to the lack of available COVID-19 data at this scale. However, in the case of countries like the United States …

Modeling And Monitoring Of Water Quantity And Quality In Permeable Pavement Systems Using Geophysical Equipment, Abby Klimowicz

Honors Scholar Theses

Permeable pavements are a type of low impact development (LID) that reduces runoff by increasing the permeability of developed surfaces. Less runoff helps protect the surrounding ecosystems from erosion and pollution. Without pools of accumulating runoff, the potential for the development of ice on roads and parking lots is also decreased. However, sufficient research on the movement of water and the ions dissolved in it through the permeable pavement system has not been completed. In this study, geophysical equipment was used to observe how moisture, measured as volumetric water content (VWC), and ions, approximated by electrical conductivity, pass through constructed …

Impact Of Covid-19 On City Streets, Mihir Sharma

Honors Scholar Theses

Covid-19 has had a severe impact on the urban fabric of many cities and caused disruption to the current way of living. This paper attempts to shed light on the impact that Covid-19 has had on the city streets and how city streets have adapted to the disruptions brought on by the virus. Furthermore the paper lays down recommendations that cities can use to make their streets healthier and safer

Potential Improvements For Underwater Sound Speed Measurement Devices, Matthieu Bernier

Honors Scholar Theses

Modern sonar systems rely on fast and accurate measurements of the speed of sound in water. Plenty of measurement devices currently exist which are used to gather sound speed measurements in water. They specifically require accurate temperature measurements, as temperature is the most influential factor which affects sound wave speed. Previous research on sound speed properties, a few different examples of sound speed measurement devices, and examples of different types of temperature measurement devices was used along with new research on salinity equations and properties of sound, ocean water, and various existing measurement devices to suggest possible improvements for sound …

Machine Learning-Based Recognition On Crowdsourced Food Images, Aditya Kulkarni

Honors Scholar Theses

With nearly a third of the world’s population suffering from food-induced chronic diseases such as obesity, the role of food in community health is required now more than ever. While current research underscores food proximity and density, there is a dearth in regard to its nutrition and quality. However, recent research in geospatial data collection and analysis as well as intelligent deep learning will help us study this further.

Employing the efficiency and interconnection of computer vision and geospatial technology, we want to study whether healthy food in the community is attainable. Specifically, with the help of deep learning in …

Meta-Network Analysis Of Complex Construction Systems: Improving Project Efficiency Using Novel Computer-Based Analytic Methodology, Ethan Cummiskey

Honors Scholar Theses

The objective of this study is to build upon the framework of a meta-network approach to assessing vulnerabilities in construction projects. By viewing these complex environments as configurations of various nodes and links, it is possible to show the relationship between each entity in the project and the overall completion that is achieved from these connections. To expand upon previous studies, the vulnerabilities measured from this approach will be used to optimize the current network to eliminate any shortcoming in the project model. By investigating the congruence of different agents on the project, resources and informational nodes can be supplied …

A Comparison Of Medical Article Transport Approaches, Andrew White

Honors Scholar Theses

Our senior design project is to develop a product named the Smartbox - a container capable of safely carrying and monitoring medical articles and accommodate a UAV drone carrying the container. These medical articles include sensitive medicines and human organs for transplantation. Speed, safety, and reliability are a must in this field, as the stakes if a payload is lost or improperly maintained can be life threatening. This project aims to improve on the existing medical transport logistics chains in use today. Time is the most important factor in transportation: many organs simply cannot survive outside of the human body …

Household Income And Air Pollution At Public Schools In The United States, Katyland Facas, Kristina Wagstrom

Honors Scholar Theses

Poor air quality at schools may negatively impact students’ academic performance.1 2 3 In this study we look at the relationship between ambient, outdoor air quality and student socioeconomic status at United States public schools. We used free and reduced lunch eligibility, as part of the USDA’s National School Lunch Program, as an indicator of household income. We focus on nitrogen dioxide (NO2), ozone (O3), and particulate matter smaller than 2.5 microns (PM2.5). We used ambient pollutant concentration estimates at census block group resolution (Kim et al.) as the outdoor air pollution concentration at each school.4 We found a positive …

Path Planning With Deep Neural Networks, Paul Simmerling, Brendan Sayers, Paulo Alcantara Silva

Honors Scholar Theses

This report will cover the work and plans of the ECE 2107 Senior design team. The goal of the project is to design and build a fully autonomous self-driving car. This car will have a complete sensor suite including LIDAR, an IMU, a camera, and encoders. It will be based on a multi-level system where the highest level uses a neural network for advanced signal processing and analysis. The current state of the project is discussed as well as the final results. Project management and other constraints will be briefly investigated. This team is building a self driving car testbed …

Differential White Blood Cell Counting, Gregory Austin

Honors Scholar Theses

This thesis was completed with the goal of developing a model for the detection and differentiation of 8 different classes of white blood cells. Manual differential counting can be a time consuming and laborious task that would greatly be improved by an automated system. The model created in this project was to be used to automatically determine the number of each cell type in a sample, greatly reducing the need for manual counting. The model was produced using a convolutional neural network that utilized transfer learning from MobileNet_V2, an image recognition network produced by Google. After 20 epochs of training …

Use Of Food Waste Activated Carbons For Wastewater Treatment, Abigale Monasterial

Honors Scholar Theses

Activated carbons are often used to remove phenol from wastewater. However, they are usually derived from expendable resources, such as coal and have high regeneration costs. In this work, the adsorption of phenol on activated carbon derived from food waste was studied to understand its kinetics, determine its maximum adsorption capacity, and compare it to commercial activated carbons. Adsorption experiments were performed at 298 K for 48 hours at various pHs and initial phenol concentrations. The adsorption data was then fit to the pseudo-first order, pseudo-second order, and intraparticle diffusion models to understand the kinetics and to the Langmuir and …

Theoretical Foundation Of Solution Dehydration In Porous Media: Effect Of Microstructure And Solute Interactions, Fernanda Sulantay Vargas

Honors Scholar Theses

Retention and evaporation of water have important implications in many natural and industrial settings. Here we focus on the effect of solute components (salts) as well as system geometry on evaporation rate of water. The study of multicomponent solutions with phase changes is challenging topic because of the complex and inter-connected physical phenomena that govern its dynamics. In the present work we review the theory of water evaporation and simulate evaporation of water as a function of composition and geometry for both droplets and bulk-scale (slit-like) systems. For droplets, we studied levitated droplets and droplets over hydrophobic and hydrophilic surfaces. …

Investigation Of Neoprene Medical Gloves: Analysis Of Material Properties, Durability, And Bacterial Barrier Efficacy, Amanda Agui

Honors Scholar Theses

This work aims to investigate the material properties, durability, and bacterial barrier efficacy of neoprene for applications in the healthcare/medical field. A special focus on material stiffness and fatigue failure will be explored. Additionally, manufacturer regulations and testing will be inspected to ensure medical gloves made of neoprene blends have a proper lifespan for its desired application in the healthcare community. The resistance of protective gloves and its ability to withstand perforation failure will be investigated to guarantee the safety of users holds extreme importance. Lastly, an analysis of the bacterial barrier efficacy of neoprene gloves will be determined.

Evaluating Driving Performance Of A Novel Behavior Planning Model On Connected Autonomous Vehicles, Keyur Shah

Honors Scholar Theses

Many current algorithms and approaches in autonomous driving attempt to solve the "trajectory generation" or "trajectory following” problems: given a target behavior (e.g. stay in the current lane at the speed limit or change lane), what trajectory should the vehicle follow, and what inputs should the driving agent apply to the throttle and brake to achieve this trajectory? In this work, we instead focus on the “behavior planning” problem—specifically, should an autonomous vehicle change lane or keep lane given the current state of the system?

In addition, current theory mainly focuses on single-vehicle systems, where vehicles do not communicate with …

Design Of Versatile Feedback Control System Components For Selective Laser Sintering, Thomas Chessman

University Scholar Projects

Selective laser sintering (SLS) is an additive manufacturing technique that involves using a laser to fuse powdered material together, layer by layer, in order to create a 3-D product. Despite its numerous benefits over traditional methods of manufacturing, including higher efficiency, versatility, and the ability to process many materials, selective laser sintering suffers from its propensity to generate structural errors during operation.

Feedback control has been shown to improve fabrication quality in other laser-based additive manufacturing techniques when implemented properly. Widespread exploration of applying feedback control in SLS might lead to significant performance improvements in this form of manufacturing.

This …