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Articles 1 - 30 of 65
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
A Computational Investigation Of Wood Selection For Acoustic Guitar, Jonah Osterhus
A Computational Investigation Of Wood Selection For Acoustic Guitar, Jonah Osterhus
Senior Honors Theses
The acoustic guitar is a stringed instrument, often made of wood, that transduces vibrational energy of steel strings into coupled vibrations of the wood and acoustic pressure waves in the air. Variations in wood selection and instrument geometry have been shown to affect the timbre of the acoustic guitar. Computational methods were utilized to investigate the impact of material properties on acoustic performance. Sitka spruce was deemed the most suitable wood for guitar soundboards due to its acoustic characteristics, strength, and uniform aesthetic. Mahogany was deemed to be the best wood for the back and sides of the guitar body …
Simulating And Training Autonomous Rover Navigation In Unity Engine Using Local Sensor Data, Christopher Pace
Simulating And Training Autonomous Rover Navigation In Unity Engine Using Local Sensor Data, Christopher Pace
Senior Honors Theses
Autonomous navigation is essential to remotely operating mobile vehicles on Mars, as communication takes up to 20 minutes to travel between the Earth and Mars. Several autonomous navigation methods have been implemented in Mars rovers and other mobile robots, such as odometry or simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) until the past few years when deep reinforcement learning (DRL) emerged as a viable alternative. In this thesis, a simulation model for end-to-end DRL Mars rover autonomous navigation training was created using Unity Engine, using local inputs such as GNSS, LiDAR, and gyro. This model was then trained in navigation in a …
Developing General Purpose Apps To Automate Image Analysis Of Wave-Augmented-Varicose-Explosion Atomization And Other Multi-Phase Interfacial Flows, Ethan Newkirk
Senior Honors Theses
Atomization involves disrupting a flow of contiguous liquid into small droplets ranging from one submicron to several hundred microns (micrometers) in diameter through the processes of exerting sufficient forces that disrupt the retaining surface tensions of the liquid. Understanding this phenomenon requires high-speed imaging from physical models or rigorous multiphase computational fluid dynamics models. We produce a MATLAB application that utilizes various methods of image analysis to quickly analyze and store mathematical data from detailed image analyses. We present a user with numerous tools and capabilities that provide results that deviate from 1.8% to 8.9% of the original image sequence …
Applications, Challenges, And Research Issues For Enabling A Uav Swarm, Jennifer Hahner
Applications, Challenges, And Research Issues For Enabling A Uav Swarm, Jennifer Hahner
Senior Honors Theses
Unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms have the potential to be useful in numerous applications due to their versatility and ability to operate without human intervention. However, this promising technology still requires further investigation, research, and testing before UAV swarms can be implemented extensively. The level of human intervention needed to control the system determines the differing levels of autonomy for UAV swarms. For swarms to become more independent, efficient algorithms for task and path planning are essential. In addition, accurate communication is essential for swarms to be able to coordinate and accomplish tasks successfully. This paper seeks to provide a …
Incorporating Safety Excellence Into Urban Air Mobility (Uam): Insights From Commercial Aviation, Rotorcraft, And Unmanned Aerial Systems (Uas), Seyoung "Evie" Jang
Incorporating Safety Excellence Into Urban Air Mobility (Uam): Insights From Commercial Aviation, Rotorcraft, And Unmanned Aerial Systems (Uas), Seyoung "Evie" Jang
Senior Honors Theses
This paper focused on safety considerations in Urban Air Mobility (UAM) through a cross-industry examination of commercial aviation, rotorcraft, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Although UAM promises transformative benefits, there are safety concerns remaining. Based on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s Concept of Operations (ConOps), the literature review explained the fundamental concepts of UAM. In commercial aviation, regulatory framework, pilot training and certification, vehicle design and maintenance, and emergency response planning are emphasized. For rotorcraft, safety requirements for vertical flight, collision avoidance systems, heliport standards, and weather adaptability are crucial. Leveraging UAS advancements, the study suggested autonomous systems, sense-and-avoid technology, …
A Novel Brain Computer Interface Design, Steven Vogan
A Novel Brain Computer Interface Design, Steven Vogan
Senior Honors Theses
A brain computer interface (BCI) is a system which connects neural signals to a computer system. They have been used for controlling systems including robotics, on-screen computer control such as mouse movement, typing, and synthesizing audio signals. Invasive, or implanted, systems are often long-term medical solutions, or used for research where very clear signal is required. Non-invasive systems usually rely on exterior signals gathered through a headset using one or more electrode sensors. These signals are composed of sums of neuron activation potentials from brain activity and can be used to determine particular aspects of brain function. All BCIs rely …
The Rapid Increase Of Ransomware Attacks Over The 21st Century And Mitigation Strategies To Prevent Them From Arising, Sanjay Jacob
The Rapid Increase Of Ransomware Attacks Over The 21st Century And Mitigation Strategies To Prevent Them From Arising, Sanjay Jacob
Senior Honors Theses
Cyber-attacks have continued to become more common throughout the past century as more people are exposed to the Internet. Every year, various studies, reports, and scholarly research is done to emphasis the rapid increase of attacks. In this honors thesis, the student sought to gather further information about the rise of ransomware attacks, various cyber threats, discuss the psychological manipulation that exist, and provided the reader with an ethical complement of cyber-attacks. Additionally, case studies from previous research have been analyzed and mitigation strategies have been explained to provide the reader with practical application. This research emphasizes in on key …
The Impact Of Flight On Cabin Crew Wellness: A Literature Review, Ashleigh Roderick
The Impact Of Flight On Cabin Crew Wellness: A Literature Review, Ashleigh Roderick
Senior Honors Theses
Since its conception in 1903, aviation has captivated the attention of people across the globe and has been utilized in many sectors of society. Aviation related occupations pose a unique set of risks to those working in the field, health risks being one of the most prominent. Cancer, cardiovascular disease, musculoskeletal ailments, and genetic damage have all been studied as potential consequences of working in the aviation industry, as some studies indicate a higher prevalence of these issues in aviation employees. Apart from physiological issues, mental health issues have also been observed in those working in aviation. Mental health issues …
The Development And Use Of The Probabilistic Financial Decision Model For A Company Expansion, Elizabeth Wiese
The Development And Use Of The Probabilistic Financial Decision Model For A Company Expansion, Elizabeth Wiese
Senior Honors Theses
In the United States, companies are expanding constantly. However, in an industrial equipment dealership expanding into a new state, it is important to understand the industry, new market, and costs associated with expanding. With using financial statements of data-backed percentages for growth, research seeks to set up a financial model to see if expansion for an industrial equipment dealership into the state of North Carolina will be a financially wise decision. Wesley Worldwide, an industrial equipment dealership, is moving forward with the investment of expanding into North Carolina. However, it is vital to understand the financial predictions for profit return …
An Exploration Of The Application Of Desalination In Disaster Relief, Emma Sager
An Exploration Of The Application Of Desalination In Disaster Relief, Emma Sager
Senior Honors Theses
This paper aims to explore the application of small-scale desalination systems to provide clean water in the wake of marine natural disasters. A lack of clean water is a devastating impact of many natural disasters. Desalination technologies, both thermal and membrane, show potential for being scaled down and self-powered by renewable energy. Desalination can transform ocean water and contaminated drinking water with a high salt content into drinkable, usable water. While these techniques are not perfected, and the solution to a need for clean water is multifaceted, desalination shows potential. Through further research and ever-advancing technology, small-scale desalination could develop …
Effect On Focusing Fields By Ferromagnetic Cell Cores In Linear Induction Accelerators, Cooper Guillaume
Effect On Focusing Fields By Ferromagnetic Cell Cores In Linear Induction Accelerators, Cooper Guillaume
Senior Honors Theses
In the Los Alamos National Laboratories DARHT facility, there are two perpendicular linear induction accelerators, LIAs. The LIAs’ solenoids produce magnetic fields which focus the electron beam. Simultaneously, the accelerating pulse creates a magnetic field. These two field intensities act upon a ferromagnetic material in the cells to enhance magnetic flux density. Due to the nonlinearity of the material, this flux density will reach a saturation point. In turn, the magnetic field intensity of the axial solenoidal magnetic field will be affected and slightly altered. The width of the electron beam will increase, causing a decrease in effectiveness. Through simulation, …
Laboratory Evaluation Of The Geotechnical Properties Of Biochar-Amended Clay, Brett Natelborg
Laboratory Evaluation Of The Geotechnical Properties Of Biochar-Amended Clay, Brett Natelborg
Senior Honors Theses
The upkeep and rehabilitation of infrastructure damage related to the shrinking and swelling of expansive soils have cost the United States billions of dollars. Biochar, an innovative and eco-friendly additive proven to improve soil permeability, nutrient retention, and mechanical properties, is investigated as an additive to Mississippi chalk. The index properties of the chalk were determined and used to characterize its nature. The geotechnical engineering properties of the chalk amended with 6% and 12% biochar were evaluated via the Proctor compaction, compression, and direct shear tests. Results were analyzed to make comparative remarks on how the behavior of the chalk …
Effective Use Methods For Continuous Sensor Data Streams In Manufacturing Quality Control, William Hitchcock
Effective Use Methods For Continuous Sensor Data Streams In Manufacturing Quality Control, William Hitchcock
Senior Honors Theses
This work outlines an approach for managing sensor data streams of continuous numerical data in product manufacturing settings, emphasizing statistical process control, low computational and memory overhead, and saving information necessary to reduce the impact of nonconformance to quality specifications. While there is extensive literature, knowledge, and documentation about standard data sources and databases, the high volume and velocity of sensor data streams often makes traditional analysis unfeasible. To that end, an overview of data stream fundamentals is essential. An analysis of commonly used stream preprocessing and load shedding methods follows, succeeded by a discussion of aggregation procedures. Stream storage …
Flexible Materials And Applications For Wearable Sensors, Brock Ferrari
Flexible Materials And Applications For Wearable Sensors, Brock Ferrari
Senior Honors Theses
This literature review aimed to address the limitations of rigid wearable sensors in the medical community by investigating the development of flexible materials for remote health monitoring. A keyword search was conducted on Google Scholar, PubMed, and the Jerry Falwell Library, which yielded 9,102 articles. After applying filtering techniques, the results were narrowed down to 21 articles, which were categorized into "Present Market Conditions," "Flexible Materials for Medical Use," "Applications for Wearable Sensors," and "Potential Use Cases." Discussions were held on prominent materials such as substrate, nanocomposite, and liquid metal materials, exploring their potential applications for chemical and physical sensing, …
Simulating Steam Jets Due To Rapid Plate Tectonics: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis, Emilie Hatton
Simulating Steam Jets Due To Rapid Plate Tectonics: A Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis, Emilie Hatton
Senior Honors Theses
According to the Bible's account of earth's physical history, the majority of geological change from creation to the Ice Age is a consequence of the global Flood cataclysm described in Genesis 6-8. The changes included large-scale tectonic activity, recycling all pre-Flood ocean floor into the mantle, and generating all present-day igneous ocean floor by seafloor spreading at mid-ocean rift zones. Along the middle of these zones, strips of newly formed seafloor were present near the melting temperature of basaltic magma. Above these strips of extremely hot rock, intense jets of steam would almost certainly form. This research seeks to investigate …
Development Of Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanofiber Hybrid Structure, Greta Liu Bo Wilkins
Development Of Graphene Oxide/Carbon Nanofiber Hybrid Structure, Greta Liu Bo Wilkins
Senior Honors Theses
Graphene oxide (GO) and carbon nanofibers have unique individual properties that could be combined complimentarily to be utilized in a variety of fields. Combining these two materials together into self-standing structures would enable them to maximize their high surface area and electrically conductive properties into applications from lithium batteries to biosensors. This thesis aims to use a two-step process to develop a self-standing carbon nanofiber/GO structure. The first process is the electroless deposition process, and it is used to coat the GO with a metal catalyst. In the second step, a chemical vapor deposition technique is used to deposit carbon …
Application Of Image Processing In Soil Mechanics, Luke Knodel
Application Of Image Processing In Soil Mechanics, Luke Knodel
Senior Honors Theses
Whenever someone digs a hole in the ground or takes a relaxing walk on the beach, they directly interact with the soil. In its basic form, soil consists of solid, water, and air phases. Unlike water and metals, soil is a particulate media, and the relative proportion of the individual phases significantly influences its physical properties. Various studies have analyzed soil using image processing to determine its morphological properties. Research involving the digital processing of X-ray Computed Tomography (X-ray CT) images of soil to retrieve physically meaningful information is gaining recognition. This study investigates two-dimensional X-ray CT images of unsaturated …
Peer Mentoring And Test Anxiety In Collegiate Aeronautics Students: An Integrative Review, Angelo R. Cosentino
Peer Mentoring And Test Anxiety In Collegiate Aeronautics Students: An Integrative Review, Angelo R. Cosentino
Senior Honors Theses
An integrative review was conducted to lay the foundation for further research focusing on the use of peer mentoring as a tool to reduce the anxiety pilots and mechanics feel for their oral and practical exams to increase student safety and performance. Research on performance anxiety in competitive sports, music performance anxiety, and academic test anxiety showed how anxiety levels relate to athlete and student performance. Feedback surveys from peer mentoring programs identified increased self-efficacy, increased student retention, and a better understanding of the applicable examination as possible benefits of such mentoring programs. I determined the proposed research question was …
Design Considerations Of A Magnus Effect Flettner Rotorcraft, Benjamin Cook
Design Considerations Of A Magnus Effect Flettner Rotorcraft, Benjamin Cook
Senior Honors Theses
Airfoils have dominated the development of aircraft since the Wright brothers’ first flight. There are very few (if any) functional alternative mechanisms for heavier-than-air flight. However, in exploring the Magnus effect phenomenon applied to Flettner rotors in a rotorcraft configuration, a new and significantly underdeveloped method of heavier-than-air flight may be accomplished. Considering the aerodynamic context of the Magnus effect and its implementation in existing applications, this research principally concerns a single proposed mechanism and its design, viability, and lift-surface optimization. The proposed mechanism employs at least two 180o offset rotating cylinders rotating about a central vertical axis, like …
Assessing Security Risks With The Internet Of Things, Faith Mosemann
Assessing Security Risks With The Internet Of Things, Faith Mosemann
Senior Honors Theses
For my honors thesis I have decided to study the security risks associated with the Internet of Things (IoT) and possible ways to secure them. I will focus on how corporate, and individuals use IoT devices and the security risks that come with their implementation. In my research, I found out that IoT gadgets tend to go unnoticed as a checkpoint for vulnerability. For example, often personal IoT devices tend to have the default username and password issued from the factory that a hacker could easily find through Google. IoT devices need security just as much as computers or servers …
The Music Bluetooth Controller: An Intersection Between Technology And Music, Lydia Wu
The Music Bluetooth Controller: An Intersection Between Technology And Music, Lydia Wu
Senior Honors Theses
The modern musician faces a new challenge: how can technology be used to enhance a performance? This thesis documents the development of a Bluetooth remote controller that will aid today’s performing musicians by interacting with a digital display (e.g., an iPad) to flip musical score pages remotely. At its core, while mimicking a Bluetooth pedal (the current industry standard), this device attaches to the musician’s hand. In its pilot stages, the device has been referred to “MBC” (Music Bluetooth Controller).
An Analysis Of Voter Fraud And Proposed Methodology For Recording Numerical Anomalies In Polling Data, Harrison Granger
An Analysis Of Voter Fraud And Proposed Methodology For Recording Numerical Anomalies In Polling Data, Harrison Granger
Senior Honors Theses
Debate surrounding the security and accessibility of voting procedures in the United States has caused the matter of electoral integrity to become a point of contention. Confusion surrounding the Federal government's response to allegations of fraud has decreased the population’s trust in the government and increased voter apathy. The context for an empirical methodology is established with a history of e-voting, voter security, and voter-fraud sensationalism. This research methodology is then described and implemented with a software application that analyzes the proximity of voters to polling locations to study the way people vote and how fraud may be committed at …
Exploring Water Filtration Methods For Implementation In Rural Mozambique, Cole Glasson
Exploring Water Filtration Methods For Implementation In Rural Mozambique, Cole Glasson
Senior Honors Theses
Of Mozambicans living in rural areas, nearly two-thirds are without access to clean drinking water sources, leading to waterborne diseases and diarrhea. Thus, a great need exists for an effective and sustainable water treatment solution for rural Mozambicans. Boiling, solar disinfection, and membrane-based processes are analyzed with respect to their effectiveness and economic sustainability in an attempt to propose a solution to those living in rural Mozambique. The most sustainable option is membrane-based processes, with two particular systems showing the most promise: Skyhydrant™ and LifeStraw®. These two ultrafiltration system are extremely effective at retaining almost all forms of bacterial and …
The Traveling Salesman Problem: An Analysis And Comparison Of Metaheuristics And Algorithms, Mason Helmick
The Traveling Salesman Problem: An Analysis And Comparison Of Metaheuristics And Algorithms, Mason Helmick
Senior Honors Theses
One of the most investigated topics in operations research is the Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP) and the algorithms that can be used to solve it. Despite its relatively simple formulation, its computational difficulty keeps it and potential solution methods at the forefront of current research. This paper defines and analyzes numerous proposed solutions to the TSP in order to facilitate understanding of the problem. Additionally, the efficiencies of different heuristics are studied and compared to the aforementioned algorithms’ accuracy, as a quick algorithm is often formulated at the expense of an exact solution.
Analysis Of The Dispute Between American And Gulf Carriers In Aviation, Aminda Fernando
Analysis Of The Dispute Between American And Gulf Carriers In Aviation, Aminda Fernando
Senior Honors Theses
During the last decade, a significant disagreement has grown over unfair government financial subsidies in the aviation industry for Persian Gulf region carriers: $40 Billion US Dollars since 2000. The most prominent international airlines of North America, United, American, and Delta, have made claims on a white paper document directed toward the American government against the primary Persian Gulf region air carriers: Emirates, Qatar, and Etihad. Assertions made by both sides will be carefully scrutinized in this thesis with a fair analysis of both sides of the dispute over government aid in the aviation industry. This study also includes a …
Artificial Intelligence And The Ethics Behind It, Isaac Johnston
Artificial Intelligence And The Ethics Behind It, Isaac Johnston
Senior Honors Theses
Artificial intelligence (AI) has been a widely used buzzword for the past couple of years. If there is a technology that works without human interaction, it is labeled as AI. But what is AI, and should individuals be concerned? The following research aims to define what artificial intelligence is, specifically machine learning (ML) and neural networks. It is important to understand how AI is used today in cars, image recognition, ad marketing, and other areas. Although AI has many benefits, there are areas of ethical concerns such as autonomous cars, military applications, social media marketing, and others. This paper helps …
Biomedical Applications And Syntheses Of Selected Anthraquinone Dyes, Richard Sirard
Biomedical Applications And Syntheses Of Selected Anthraquinone Dyes, Richard Sirard
Senior Honors Theses
Anthraquinones are aromatic organic compounds that have multiple applications in the biomedical field. Some anthraquinone-based compounds are used as fluorophores to contrast cell nuclei while others act as chemotherapeutic agents. However, there are not many fluorescent anthraquinone cell stains currently available. In this study, commercially available anthraquinone dyes, in addition to other dye families and compounds, were reviewed for their unique properties, advantages, and drawbacks. The development and characterization of three novel anthraquinone fluorophores revealed promising photophysical characteristics, like large Stokes shifts. One of the compounds, RBS3, was chosen for fixed and live cell staining and exhibited desirable biomedical properties. …
Advancing Christ: Understanding How Foreign Cultures Respond To Missionary Aviation, Aidan Van Pelt
Advancing Christ: Understanding How Foreign Cultures Respond To Missionary Aviation, Aidan Van Pelt
Senior Honors Theses
After World War II, missionary aviation became a profound influence on the world of missions. The impacts of missionary aviation culture on the spread of the Gospel in foreign locations will be investigated to better understand how it influences Christianity. The effect of expediting the travel-time to remote locations is apparent, but missionary pilots have several other influences as well, such as, community development, education and discipling locals. These various cultural aspects will be explored by first defining the culture, discussing the history of missiological responses and the origin of missionary aviation, and then examining the effects of missionary aviation …
Cost Functions Of Crabs: Applications Of Hermit Crab Shell Exchange Behavior To Vacancy Chain Modelling, Hannah Miele
Cost Functions Of Crabs: Applications Of Hermit Crab Shell Exchange Behavior To Vacancy Chain Modelling, Hannah Miele
Senior Honors Theses
Vacancy chain systems function as a method of resource distribution in domains such as housing and labor markets. Hermit crabs also employ vacancy chains as a method of shell exchange. Application of vacancy chain modelling in engineering has been attempted, but numerous flaws exist in the developed vacancy chain scheduling algorithm. This work addresses the lack of an appropriate vacancy chain cost function by developing a generalizable cost function based on hermit crab shell exchange behavior. The cost function’s purpose is enabling development of realistic engineering experiments and models based on real-world vacancy chain systems.
The Impact Of Uas On The Passenger Airline Industry, Matthew Whitten
The Impact Of Uas On The Passenger Airline Industry, Matthew Whitten
Senior Honors Theses
This study seeks to cover the state of modern autonomous unmanned aerial systems (UAS) integration into commercial aviation, the future applications of the technology in the airline industry, and the roadblocks currently hindering its integration into passenger operations. Although great advancements are being made in the field, technological developments, economic impact, legal restrictions, airline cost, and public perception stand in the way of the full adaptation of autonomous technology into everyday passenger operations. However, technology is rapidly developing, perhaps allowing for the possibility of autonomous air travel even today, but there are likely years of refinement before regulators, executives, and …