Engineering Commons^™

Defect Chemistry And Ion Intercalation During The Growth And Solid-State Transformation Of Metal Halide Nanocrystals, Bo Yin

McKelvey School of Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Abstract of the Dissertation

Defect Chemistry and Ion Intercalation During the Growth and Solid-State Transformation of Metal Halide Nanocrystals

Semiconductor metal halides as light-sensitive materials have applications in multiple areas, such as photographic film, antibacterial agents and photocatalysts. One focus of this dissertation is to achieve novel morphologies of ternary silver bromoiodide (AgBr1-xIx, 0

For the silver halide system, we demonstrate that the anion composition of AgBr1-xIx nanocrystals determines their shape through the introduction of twin defects as the nanocrystals are made more iodide-rich. AgBr1-xIx nanocrystals grow as single-phase, solid solutions with the rock salt crystal structure for anions compositions …

Electronic Transport Behavior Of Adatom- And Nanoparticle-Decorated Graphene, Jamie Anne Elias

Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations

To induce a non-negligible spin-orbit coupling in monolayer graphene, for the purposes of realizing the Kane-Mele Hamiltonian, transition metal adatoms have been deposited in dilute amounts by thermal evaporation in situ while holding the device temperature near 4K. Electronic transport studies including measurements such as gate voltage dependent conductivity and mobility, weak localization, high field magnetoresistance (Shubnikov de Haas oscillations), quantum Hall, and nonlocal voltage were performed at low temperature before and after sequential evaporations. Studies of tungsten adatoms are consistent with literature regarding other metal adatoms on graphene but were unsuccessful in producing a spin-orbit signature, at least partially …

Predicting The Mechanical Properties Of Nanocomposites Reinforced With 1-D, 2-D And 3-D Nanomaterials, Scott Edward Muller

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Materials with features at the nanoscale can provide unique mechanical properties and increased functionality when included as part of a nanocomposite. This dissertation utilizes computational methods at multiple scales, including molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT), and the coupled atomistic and discrete dislocation multiscale method (CADD), to predict the mechanical properties of nanocomposites possessing nanomaterials that are either 1-D (carbyne chains), 2-D (graphene sheets), or 3-D (Al/amorphous-Si core-shell nanorod).

The MD method is used to model Ni-graphene nanocomposites. The strength of a Ni-graphene nanocomposite is found to improve by increasing the gap between the graphene sheet and a …

Transferring Power Through A Magnetic Couple, Nickolas Cruz Villalobos Jr.

Senior Theses

Properties of several working magnetic coupled rotors have been measured and their performance compared to theoretical models. Axial magnetic couplers allow rotors to work within harsh environments, without the need for seals, proper alignment, or overload protection on a motor. The influence of geometrical parameters, such as distance from the center of the rotors, polarity arrangement, and the number of dipole pairs were experimentally tested. These results can be used to improve rotor designs, to increase strength and efficiency.

Equation Of State Of H2o Ice Using Melt-Recrystallization, Zachary Michael Grande

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The recent surge in exoplanet discoveries due to advancements in astrophysical technology and analysis has brought the reliability of early equation of state measurements into question as they are the limiting factor when modeling composition of these planets. H2O content is among the most important for the search of habitable planets as well as in understanding planetary dynamics and atmosphere formation. Over the last three decades the equation of state of H2O has been investigated with various techniques but, has suffered from anisotropic strain and poor powder statistics resulting in a large discrepancy in equation of state fits. At pressures …

Parameters That Influence The Performance Of Dispersion Barrier Coatings, Randy Raditya

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Barrier coating layers are important in many paper grades used in food packaging and have the potential to help reduce our use of plastics in some situations. Barrier layers to produce water proof packaging such as milk or juice cartons or coffee cups are common. Water based dispersion barrier coatings have the potential to be a low-cost alternative to extrusion coated layers. Water borne coatings are reported to be easy to recycle and break down in the environment. However, barrier properties are often less than what is desired and expected for these water borne coatings. The reason for this poor …

The Development Of A Viscoelastic Ellipsoidal Model For Use In Measuring Plantar Tissue Material Properties During Walking, Jessica Lee Deberardinis

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Introduction: The mechanical characteristics of the plantar tissues during walking is not well understood as most of the current research focuses on testing specific plantar regions in cadavers or while the feet of the participants are raised. In this work, it is hypothesized that a viscoelastic geometric ellipsoid model used to assess multiple structures of the foot would be accurate and robust. This model would be participant-specific and applicable to the entire stance phase of gait.

Methods: The proposed viscoelastic ellipsoid model would represent several key anatomical areas: Heel, Posterior Midfoot, Anterior Midfoot, Metatarsals 1-2, Metatarsals 3-5, Toe 1, Toe …

Cesium Platinum Iodide Perovskite Synthesis, Development And Application In Photovoltaic Devices, Dakota Schwartz

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Third generation photovoltaics, including perovskites, are essential to improving solar technology for widespread future use. Perovskite solar cells have surpassed 23.7% power conversion efficiency, comparable to traditional silicon photovoltaic panels. However, these perovskites are fabricated using lead-based compounds, posing toxicity issues. Furthermore, existing perovskites have limited thermal and moisture stability in ambient environments. In order to address toxicity and stability concerns, as well as to maximize photon absorption in solar cells through bandgap optimization, this effort focuses on the development of novel leadfree perovskite materials. A cesium platinum iodide composition is selected as a model system due to the theoretical …

Investigation Of Multiple Torch Paw-Based Additive Manufacturing, Nathan Huft

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

PAW Print 3D (PP3D), a wire and arc additive manufacturing (AM) system was developed. PP3D comprises three plasma arc welding torches arranged radially around a central wire feed. Using three torches was hypothesized to eliminate sensitivity to travel direction. Two deposition modes were developed – continuous, which deposited continuous beads, and dabber, which deposited discreet “dabs” of material. Dabber was hypothesized to provide favorable solidification conditions that would refine the as-deposited grain structure. Three sets of process parameters for each deposition mode were developed. Ineffective workpiece melting was observed and investigated during process development. Using COMSOL Multiphysics software and experimental …

Mechanism For Disodium Carboxymethyl Trithiocarbonate (Orfom® D8) Depression In Chalcopyrite-Molybdenite Flotation Systems, Simon Timbillah

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The chalcopyrite-molybdenite (Cu-Mo) flotation industry is increasingly turning to organic depressants as suitable replacements for inorganic reagents such as NaHS due to environmental and safety concerns as well as high consumption rates of the inorganic reagents. An opportunity arises for improving, designing and synthesizing new alternative reagents. Disodium Carboxymethyl Trithiocarbonate (Orfom^® D8) depressant is an organic depressant with a carboxylate group on one end and a trithiocarbonate group at the other end. Fundamental results are shown regarding the interaction of the Orfom^® D8 depressant in the bulk flotation of a Cu-Mo concentrate from an operating North American mine. …

Advances In Design Methodology In Swelling Shale Rock In Southern Ontario, Thomas R.A. Lardner

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

As infrastructure requirements increase in southern Ontario, excavations within swelling rock formations will become more frequent and larger. The objective of this study is to advance design capability for structures in swelling rock through three aspects: i) developing a practical swelling model for design engineers, ii) investigate two crushable/compressible materials for the mitigation of swelling rock effects, and iii) observe and analyze the behaviour of swelling rock to current excavation techniques.

A swelling rock constitutive model has been developed. The swelling parameters include the horizontal and vertical free swell potential, threshold stress, and critical stress as well as a “pseudo-Poisson’s …

Influence Of Leading Edge Oscillatory Blowing On Time-Accurate Dynamic Store Separation, Ryan G. Saunders

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this research is to support the static and dynamic characterization and the time-accurate dynamic load data acquisition of store separation from a cavity with leading edge oscillatory blowing. Developing an understanding of, and potentially controlling, pitch bifurcation of a store release is a motivation for this research. The apparatus and data acquisition system was used in a two-part experiment to collect both static and dynamic testing data in the AFIT low speed wind tunnel in speeds of 60, 100, and 120 mph, from Reynolds numbers varying from 5.5x10⁴ to 4.6x10⁵, depending on reference …

Tracking Shock Movement On The Surface Of An Oscillating, Straked Semispan Delta Wing, Justin A. Pung

Theses and Dissertations

A recent research effort, sponsored by the Air Force Office of Scientific Research, numerically investigated the unsteady aerodynamic flow field around an oscillating, straked, delta wing. The study was centered on determining the importance of the unsteady aerodynamic forces acting as a driver for a nonlinear motion known as limit cycle oscillations. The current effort focused on creating a computational model to compare to the results of previous tests and modeling efforts and discover new information regarding the onset of LCO. The computational model was constructed using the Cartesian overset capabilities of the CREATE-AV™ fixed wing fluid dynamics solver Kestrel. …

Manufacture Of Fused Deposition Modeling Joints Using Ultem 9085, Zane A. Willburn

Theses and Dissertations

The manufacture of joints between a base structure and a structure manufactured via Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) will be investigated. ULTEM 9085, a high temperature plastic with potential aerospace applications, will be the material used. The specific application this research is focused on is a robotic and mobile FDM printer capable of building structures onto other structures in space. A joint will be formed by fusing the base layer of the printed structure and the top of the base structure together. Tensile testing will be performed to determine the strength of the bond between parts. Tensile specimens will be manufactured …

Analytical Models And Control Design Approaches For A 6 Dof Motion Test Apparatus, Kyra L. Schmidt

Theses and Dissertations

Wind tunnels play an indispensable role in the process of aircraft design, providing a test bed to produce valuable, accurate data that can be extrapolated to actual flight conditions. Historically, time-averaged data has made up the bulk of wind tunnel research, but modern flight design necessitates the use of dynamic wind tunnel testing to provide time-accurate data for high frequency motion. This research explores the use of a 6 degree of freedom (DOF) motion test apparatus (MTA) in the form of a robotic arm to allow models inside a subsonic wind tunnel to track prescribed trajectories to obtain time-accurate force …

Ballistic Evaluation Of Carbon Nanotube Sheet Material In Multifunctional Applications, Casey M. Keilbarth

Theses and Dissertations

Significant development of carbon nanotubes has occurred since they were first studied in the 1990's. Attempts to capture the phenomenal molecular properties in practical applications are gaining ground as new methods of producing CNTs have been developed. This thesis sought to determine if the addition of commercially produced CNT sheets to thin carbon fiber panels improved the ballistic properties of the panel. The difference between 0 and 4 CNT sheets was studied. The hypothesis was that inte- grating CNT sheets into the laminate would increase the projectile energy absorbed by the panel and reduce the damage to the panel incurred …

Computational Aerothermodynamic Analysis Of Satellite Trans-Atmospheric Skip Entry Survivability, John J. Runco

Theses and Dissertations

Computational aerothermodynamic analysis is presented for a spacecraft in low Earth orbit performing an atmospheric skip entry maneuver. Typically, atmospheric reentry is a terminal operation signaling mission end-of-life and, in some instances, executed for spacecraft disposal. A variation on reentry – skip entry – is an aeroassisted trans-atmospheric maneuver in which a spacecraft utilizes the effects of aerodynamic drag in order to reduce energy prior to a terminal entry, pinpoint a targeted entry, or change orbital elements such as inclination. Spacecraft performing a skip entry enable new modes of maneuver to enhance operations in nominal or possibly contested mission environments. …

Bouncing Dynamics Of A Class Of Mem/Nem Switching Systems, Mohamed Bognash

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The aim of the present research is to understand the bouncing dynamic behavior of NEM/MEM switches in order to improve the switch performance and reliability. It is well known that the bouncing can dramatically degrade the switch performance and life; hence, in the present study, bouncing dynamics of a cantilever-based NME/MEM switch has been studied in detail. To this end, a model of a MEM switch that incorporates electrostatic force, squeeze film air damping force as well as asperity-based contact force has been proposed for an electrostatically actuated switch. An actuation force due to piezoelectric effects is further included in …

Nanoscale Spectroscopy In Energy And Catalytic Applications, Yi Ding

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Emerging societal challenges such as the need for more sustainable energy and catalysis are requiring more sensitive and versatile measurements at the nanoscale. This is the case in the design and optimization of new materials for energy harvesting (solar cells) and energy storage devices (batteries and capacitors), or for the development of new catalysts for carbon sequestration or other reactions of interest. Hence, the ability to advance spectroscopy with nanoscale spatial resolution and high sensitivity holds great promises to meet the demands of deeper fundamental understanding to boost the development and deployment of nano-based devices for real applications. In this …

Hierarchical Carbon Structures With Vertically- Aligned Nanotube Carpets For Oil-Water Separation Under Different Conditions, Kimia Kiaei

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The primary purpose of this study is to investigate the role of surface nano-structuring in fluid separation. It is hypothesized that hierarchical carbon structures consisting of aligned carbon nanotube arrays strongly adhered to the surface of porous carbon solids such as fabric and foam, can be used for separation of polar and non-polar fluids by selective wettability of one fluid and rejection of another. The vertically-aligned carbon nanotube arrays, as synthesized, possess super hydrophobicity demonstrated by high water contact angle on their surfaces. On the other hand, they are incredibly oleophilic, showing a high affinity to adsorb oil. These properties …

Preparation And Characterization Of Porous Pdms For Printed Electronics, Eyad Khalid M. Balbaid

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Fabricating an elastomeric substrate with internal features could provide a novel structure with distinctive mechanical properties that allow them to stretch, bend and absorb the impact force. To date, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a great candidate as a substrate for flexible electronic applications, due to easy fabrication, high stability and low cost. In the current thesis, porous PDMS samples are fabricated and characterized based on the particle size and the fusion of salt and sugar treated micro-regions. The liquid PDMS is prepared by mixing the silicon elastomer base (Sylgard 184) and elastomer curing agent using volume ration 10:1. The salt and …

Feed Control: Composite Recycle, Rosy Perez

All Undergraduate Projects

The Boeing Company gave Central Washington University an opportunity for students to research and come up with an idea to reduce costs and landfill waste caused by the trimmings from the 777x composite wing pieces. The engineering and manufacturing for this project is about transporting composite material through to the delamination and chipper process. The delamination process uses a ram to press two claw shaped devices together that bends and deforms the material in opposite directions. The chipper process uses counter rotating saw blades spaced 1/8” apart to produce small shredded material. It is important for this newly designed feed …

Analysis Of Residual Stress And Damage Mechanisms Of Thermal Barrier Coatings Deposited Via Ps-Pvd And Eb-Pvd, Linda Rossmann

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Thermal barrier coatings (TBCs) are critical to gas turbine engines, as they protect the components in the hot section from the extreme temperatures of operation. The current industry standard method of applying TBCs for turbine blades in jet engines is electron-beam physical vapor deposition (EB-PVD), which results in a columnar structure that is valued for its high degree of strain tolerance. An emerging deposition method is plasma-spray physical vapor deposition (PS-PVD), capable of producing a variety of customizable microstructures as well as non-line-of-sight deposition, which allows more complex geometries to be coated, or even multiple parts at once. The pseudo-columnar …

Cmas/Volcanic Ash Infiltration Performance Of Yttria Rich-Zirconia Thermal Barrier Coatings Produced By Electron Beam Physical Vapor Deposition, Juan Jose Gomez Chavez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

For many years the use of thermal barrier coatings (TBC) in gas turbine engines has allowed a significant increase in engine operating temperatures which are above the Ni-based super alloys' melting point. The base material for TBCs is the state of the art 7 wt % yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) which provides the thermal protection. Current industry demands for increased engine efficiency has pushed TBCs to the limits where significant technological constrains have been identified. One of the main ones represents the high temperature corrosion of the TBC material due to the ingestion of silicate based airborne particles commonly referred …

Understanding Of Deformation And Fracture Behavior In Next Generation High Strength-High Ductility Steels, Venkata Sai Yashwanth Injeti

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The industrial demand for low density high strength steels without compromising on ductility in is endless. In this regards, grain refinement and austenitic stability considered to the practical approach in order to meet the needs. The concept of phase reversion involving sever cold deformation of metastable austenite to generate strain-induced martensite, followed by time-temperature annealing sequence, was used to obtain varying grain size from nanograined/ultrafine-grained (NG/UFG) to coarse-grained (CG) regime. This concept was used to obtain "high strength-high ductility" combination in nano/ultrafine-grained (NG/UFG) austenite stainless steel. Using this concept, the objective of the study here is to elucidate the dependence …

Tailoring The Mechanical And Optical Properties Of Silicon-Niobium-Nitride Composite Coatings, Cristian Orozco

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Nitride nanocomposite thin films have generated significant attention as a result of their robust mechanical properties, excellent triobology, and good chemical (corrosion) stability. Due to their excellent hardness and high wear resistance NbN coatings have found use in a wide variety of applications such as the coating of cutting tools and to strengthen the surface mechanical properties of superconducting cavities. The mechanical properties of NbN can be further improved through mixing with Si3N4, leading to the formation of a nanocomposite structure. NbN-Si3N4 nanocomposite coatings have been actively studied due to their high hardness, high elastic modulus, and high resistance to …

Smart Roads: Investigating Roadways As Energy Sources For Potential Application Of In-Lane Charging, Dhruvalkumar Hitendrakumar Patel

Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

The main aim of this thesis is to explore the potential for using pavements as part of energy harvesting infrastructure. Asphalt pavements can be used for multiple purposes such as for energy harvesting, eco-friendly use of the car, and the utilization of the natural renewable resources to produce electricity and that electricity use for in-lane charging technology which helps to charge a car when it is being driven on the road. The wireless charger is set-up under the asphalt pavement, and it will produce the magnetic field. The piezoelectric material and wind turbine are the electric source for applications such …

Lithium Polysulfide Battery With Improved Capacity And Cycle Performance Using Carbon Black Coated Free-Standing Carbon Cloth, Zhen Wei

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lithium ion batteries (LIBs) have been used in various applications such as portable electronics, grid storages, and electric vehicles (EVs). Despite its commercial success, further advancement of the battery is necessary to satisfy the increasing demands for low-cost and high- performance energy storage devices as LIB is reaching its theoretical limits. Lithium sulfur battery (LSB) is one of the promising candidates for the next generation energy storage technologies. LSB uses sulfur cathode which is a low-cost and earth abundant material with an extremely high theoretical capacity of 2600 Wh kg-1. Although there have been numerous researches aiming to establish the …

Mechanical Properties And Degradation Of High Capacity Battery Electrodes: Fundamental Understanding And Coping Strategies, Yikai Wang

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Rechargeable lithium ion and lithium (Li) metal batteries with high energy density and stability are in high demand for the development of electric vehicles and smart grids. Intensive efforts have been devoted to developing high capacity battery electrodes. However, the known high capacity electrode materials experience fast capacity fading and have limited cycle life due to electromechanical degradations, such as fracture of Si-based electrodes and dendrite growth in Li metal electrodes. A fundamental understanding of electromechanical degradation mechanisms of high capacity electrodes will provide insights into strategies for improving their electrochemical performance. Thus, this dissertation focuses on mechanical properties, microstructure …

Interfacial Behavior In Polymer Derived Ceramics And Salt Water Purification Via 2d Mos2, Hao Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the present dissertation, the behavior of the internal potential barrier in a polymer-derived amorphous SiAlCN ceramic was studied by measuring its complex impedance spectra at various dc bias as well as different testing and annealing temperatures. The complex impedance spectra of the polymer-derived a-SiAlCN were measured under various dc bias voltages in a temperature range between 50 and 150°C, as well as different annealing temperatures (1100-1400 °C). All spectra, regardless of temperature and bias, consist of two semi-circular arcs, corresponding to the free-carbon phase and the interface, respectively. The impedance of the free-carbon phase is independent of the bias, …