Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Optimizing Solid Thermal Storage In Insulated Solar Electric Cookers, Stefan Avramov

Physics

Insulated Solar Electric Cookers, more commonly known by their acronym ISECookers, are an alternative to biomass cooking. The ISECooker in its simplest form is a solar panel connected to a heating element, in contact with a cooking pot in an insulated chamber. An aluminum puck can be heated as solid thermal storage (STS) for increased power and night time cooking. Power was limited to about 500 W by the interface between the STS and cookpot. Powdered graphite and silver were separately applied to increase thermal flow. However, the powdered graphite decreased the thermal flow, while powdered silver decreased the temperature …

Thermal Degradation Of Erythritol, Sudheendra Gamoji

Physics

The Insulated Solar Electric Cooker (ISEC) is a double walled Aluminum pot with a resistive heater directly connected to a solar panel whose goal is to create and disseminate cheap solar cookers in rural areas that primarily rely on biomass for cooking. Phase Change Materials (PCMs) like Erythritol, a sugar substitute, take a tremendous amount of energy to melt, and when they solidify they release the energy. Through the use of PCMs, the ISECs will produce enough heat to cook food even after the sun sets. However, PCMs like Erythritol degrade over repeated heat exposure, so the purpose of this …

Learning Assistant And Instructor Communication: Impacts On Perceived Efficacy, Jahangir Rassouli, Laura Ríos

Physics

The Learning Assistant (LA) Model was co-developed by Richard McCray and Valerie Otero at the University of Colorado Boulder in 2003. In this model, senior undergraduate students serve as facilitators for group discussion in lower-division courses, and employ evidenced-based practices for promoting inquiry and active learning [1]. Since its inception, the LA model has grown to various departments, disciplines, and universities.

At California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly), the LA program in the physics department is still in its early stages. As such, it is an environment rich for exploration into the affordances, limitations, and benefits of …

Optimizing Llrf Parameters In The Electron-Ion Collider, William M. Bjorndahl

Physics

To improve particle interaction in the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC), we investigated different feedback implementations to control the accelerating voltage and examined the power and beam phase for each instance. Using MATLAB, we studied three feedback mechanisms: Direct, One Turn, and Feedforward. Enacting feedforward yielded the best performance. To minimize the klystron power consumption, we analyzed different Low-Level Radio Frequency (LLRF) parameters such as detuning. Combining theory and simulated results, we found the optimal detuning value that minimizes klystron power consumption.

An Introduction To Shape Dynamics, Patrick R. Kerrigan

Physics

Shape Dynamics (SD) is a new fundamental framework of physics which seeks to remove any non-relational notions from its methodology. importantly it does away with a background space-time and replaces it with a conceptual framework meant to reflect direct observables and recognize how measurements are taken. It is a theory of pure relationalism, and is based on different first principles then General Relativity (GR). This paper investigates how SD assertions affect dynamics of the three body problem, then outlines the shape reduction framework in a general setting.

An Investigation Of The Anomalous Thrust Capabilities Of The Electromagnetic Drive, Hannah J. Simons

Physics

The Electromagnetic Drive (EMDrive) is a propellant-less engine concept hypothesized by aero- space engineer Roger Shawyer. Shawyer’s proposed thruster technology is grounded on the theory of electromagnetic resonant behavior exhibited by a radiofrequency cavity, though the source of any generated thrust is undetermined by current physical laws. NASA Eagleworks Laboratories at John- son Space Center conducted a vacuum test campaign to investigate previously reported anomalous thrust capabilities of such a closed radiofrequency cavity, using a low-thrust torsion pendulum. The team published positive, although small-scaled thrust results in 2017. Following NASA Eagleworks breakthrough result and operating under the assumption that the …

Simulating The Electrical Properties Of Random Carbon Nanotube Networks Using A Simple Model Based On Percolation Theory, Roberto Abril Valenzuela

Physics

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) have been subject to extensive research towards their possible applications in the world of nanoelectronics. The interest in carbon nanotubes originates from their unique variety of properties useful in nanoelectronic devices. One key feature of carbon nanotubes is that the chiral angle at which they are rolled determines whether the tube is metallic or semiconducting. Of main interest to this project are devices containing a thin film of randomly arranged carbon nanotubes, known as carbon nanotube networks. The presence of semiconducting tubes in a CNT network can lead to a switching effect when the film is electro-statically …

Rental Property Energy Efficiency In San Luis Obispo, Zachary Earl Shockley

Physics

In the modern era, many people choose to rent homes instead of purchasing a home. College towns have an even more disproportionate number of renters when compared to other cities. The majority of rental properties are much less energy efficient than their owner-occupied counterparts. This project analyzes the energy efficiency issues of rental properties in San Luis Obispo and examines potential ways to remedy these issues. In order to analyze these issues, the guiding principles of building science are first discussed, followed by case studies of rental properties in San Luis Obispo. These case studies examine multiple rental properties and …

On-Sight Shifting At The Cryogenic Underground Observatory For Rare Events, Aaron C. Wong

Physics

During the summer of 2016, four Cal Poly students traveled to Assergi, Italy to contribute to the CUORE collaboration which is in search of a rare process called neutrinoless double beta decay. If detected, neutrinoless double beta decay will make break throughs in particle and nuclear physics, and will be the first observation of lepton number violation. The Cal Poly students provided on-sight shifting support during the installation phase of the project. This is a breakdown of the physics behind CUORE and Cal Poly's contribution.

Investigation Of Peltier Devices For Refrigeration, Evan C. Drake

Physics

The purpose of our project was to characterize Peltier devices and determine if they were good candidates toward inexpensive off-grid solar powered refrigeration in poor countries. We measured the rate of cooling with a constant temperature thermal sink for different current inputs. Through numerous experiments we calculated the coefficient of performance for two different thermoelectric coolers (TECs) through a range of temperature differentials. In addition, we found the lowest temperature these Peltier chips could reach so that we could test the accuracy of the information provided by the manufacturers spec sheets. Overall the data gathered through our research is compelling …

Thermodynamic Effects Of A Local Bell State Projection Interaction In A One-Dimensional Dynamic Spin System, Nickolas H. Pilgram

Physics

No abstract provided.

Saddle Force Mapping, Molly Totten

Physics

In horseback riding, the size and shape of a saddle can drastically effect the comfort, attitude and performance of the horse as well as the effectiveness of the rider. In an effort to create an accurate means of fitting the saddle to the horse, I have created a pressure sensing device that maps the force differences along critical areas of the horse's back during motion. Using an Arduino microprocessor and appropriate circuits, data was collected about the pressure levels between the saddle and the horse's back and a graphic representation of the findings was created.

An Extremum Principle For Charged Black Holes, Shaker Von Price Funkhouser

Physics

There is a well known static condition that characterizes how two or more charged black holes stay in place: this condition is |qi |=mi , where a black hole (labeled by i) has electric charge qi and mass mi . For nearly half a century, this static condition has eluded a simple physical interpretation, without appealing to forces. I provide the first proof that the static condition, |qi |=mi , corresponds to an extremum of the black holes’ total energy. My approach uses geometry and calculus in the context of general relativity. For the non-specialist, this work draws upon one’s …

Introduction To Ligo And An Experiment Regarding The Quality Factor Of Crystalline Silicon, Edward Taylor

Physics

Third generation LIGO detectors will be limited by thermal noise at a low frequency band where gravitational wave signals are expected to exist. A large contribution to thermal noise is caused by internal friction of the mirror and suspension elements. In order to meet the quantum mechanical sensitivity limits of the detector, it will be necessary to further push down the contribution of thermal noise. Future detectors will require new materials with extremely high mechanical quality. Silicon at cryogenic temperatures shows the promise to provide the required mechanical quality due to its vanishing expansion coefficient at 120 K. The fluctuation …

Exploring The Relationship Between A Fluid Container's Geometry And When It Will Balance On Edge, Ryan J. Moriarty

Physics

At some point while consuming a beverage, many people will idly try to balance its container on edge. The act itself is physically straightforward, merely involving the system's center of mass and achieving a static equilibrium between the opposing torques caused by gravity and the normal force between the container and the surface on which it balances. Further analysis of the act, however, illuminates the richness of the exercise.

These nuances are apparent even in simplified two-dimensional models because of the depth of the relationship between a container's geometry and achieving balance. The purpose of such analysis is threefold: first, …

Design And Implementation Of Anti-Ballistic Missile System Using Video Motion Detection And A Nerf Gun, Steven Bowman

Physics

The goal of this senior project was to use a video camera and a dart gun to create an antiballistic missile dart launcher. I created a motion detecting and trajectory calculating program with a webcam and linked it to a Nerf dart gun to fire Nerf darts at airborne projectiles. Despite the creation of successful trajectory calculating and dart launching systems, my best efforts have resulted in an inconsistent anti-ballistic system where a very small number of projectiles are actually hit.

A Boxer's Punch, Jacob A. Ekegren

Physics

For over a year now, I have been interested in the sport of boxing. This fascination led me to explore what occurs to a human head upon impact from a boxer’s punch. It is known that a knockout occurs when blood circulation to the brain is compressed. This compression results from the sudden acceleration and deceleration of the head. Therefore, the primary focus of this experiment explores the relative effort necessary to cause significant movement to a head about a neck.

Impact Testing Of Youth-Level Helmets Versus College-Level Helmets, Nicole Hermann

Industrial Technology and Packaging

With so many studies being conducted on professional football players regarding concussions and other related brain injuries, it’s amazing that such an important demographic has been missed. While NFL players are just as subjected to serious injuries as anyone else or even more so, it is important to remember that these players are outfitted, in most cases, with top-of-the-line equipment -- especially their helmets. If the focus is shifted to a younger demographic, youth football players in middle school and high school, the equipment is far less advanced and in a vast majority of cases, has been previously used by …

Viscosity Dependence Of Faraday Wave Formation Thresholds, Lisa Michelle Slaughter

Physics

This experiment uses an electromagnetic shaker to produce standing wave patterns on the surface of a vertically oscillating sample of silicon liquid. These surface waves, known as Faraday waves, form shapes such as squares, lines, and hexagons. They are known to be dependent upon the frequency and amplitude of the forcing as well as on the viscosity and depth of the liquid in the dish. At a depth of 4mm and for various silicon liquids having kinematic viscosities of 10, 20, and 38 cSt, we determined the acceleration at which patterns form for frequencies between 10 and 60 Hz. For …

Investigating Fault Structure Using Electrical Resistivity Tomography, Sara Michelle Monahan

Physics

The resolving power of two-dimensional Direct Current (DC) Electrical Resistivity Tomography (ERT) is investigated in the context of shallow faults. Subsurface electrical resistivity data was collected perpendicular to a secondary fault scarp of the Los Osos Fault Zone with a Syscal KID Switch 24 resistivity meter and processed with Prosys II and Res2DInv software to produce two-dimensional cross sections of resistivity values via a smoothness-constrained least-squares optimization method. Comparison of ERT inversion results to a trench wall map of the same fault scarp suggest the location and dip direction of faults is resolvable, while detailed fault structure, such as dip …

Nbconvert Refactor, Jonathan Frederic

Physics

IPython is an interactive Python computing environment. It provides an enhanced interactive Python shell. The IPython Notebook is a browser based interface distributed with IPython. It enables the creation of richly formatted notebooks that contain embedded IPython code. With nbconvert, notebooks can be exported to various formats including, but not limited to, LaTeX, reveal.js, RST, and HTML. This is important for users that want to be able to share their work outside of IPython. This senior project is the addition of a Sphinx LaTeX output format and the refactor of nbconvert.

An Inexpensive Scheffler Reflector For Developing Nations, Mike Kim

Physics

Scheffler reflectors are an appropriate solar technology used to provide heat for cooking surfaces and has been adopted in many developing nations. The first Scheffler was built in North America in 2010 by Jason Rapp et al., taking a group of four students approximately $2000 and 3 months. Thus, our task was to minimize certain aspects of the Scheffler construction process, so that it would be more appropriate for developing countries and industrial applications alike. Additionally, this senior project aims to incorporate the thermal storage unit and tracking system, with the current Scheffler system, to render a workable cooking technology. …

Atmosphere Observation By The Method Of Led Sun Photometry, Gregory Garza

Physics

No abstract provided.

Aspects Of General Relativity In 1+1 Dimensions, Richard D. Mellinger Jr

Physics

What would be the properties of a universe with only one spatial dimension and one time dimension? General relativity in 1+1 dimensions is unique since the two curvature terms in the Einstein field equations cancel. This makes the Einstein field equations algebraic rather than differential equations. This special feature can make 1+1 dimensionality attractive as an instructional tool to simplify the mathematics that many beginners find opaque. We explore the implications and features of the Einstein field equations in 1+1 dimensions and find they provide a surprisingly rich and interesting model. We then study an alternate theory and its implications …

The Double Pendulum: Construction And Exploration, Benjamin J. Knudson

Physics

The exploration of a nonlinear mechanical system, the Double Pendulum, a physical pendulum on the end of a physical pendulum, using analytic and experimental approaches. Also included discussion of the design and construction of the Double Pendulum apparatus to work with Vernier LabPro and LoggerPro. The apparatus outputs live data of the angles to a LoggerPro which collects and produces time evolution graphs as well as a corresponding animation lending itself to comparison with theoretical models. Normal mode frequencies are found both analytically and experimentally for the the general (real) double pendulum. Examples of both simple (periodic) and complex (chaotic) …

Development Of A Pyrotechnic Shock Simulation Apparatus For Spacecraft Applications, Joseph Binder, Matthew Mccarty, Chris Rasmussen

Aerospace Engineering

This report details the research, design, construction, and testing of a pyrotechnic shock simulation apparatus for spacecraft applications. The apparatus was developed to be used in the Space Environments Lab at California Polytechnic State University. It will be used for testing spacecraft components with dimensions up to 24”x12”x12” as well as CubeSats. Additionally, it may be used as an instructional or demonstrational tool in the Aerospace Department’s space environments course. The apparatus functions by way of mechanical impact of an approximately 20 lb stainless steel swinging hammer. Tests were performed to verify the simulator’s functionality. Suggestions for improvement and further …

Studying Beam Dynamics At Cesrta, Matthew (Matt) Randazzo

Physics

The Cornell Electron Storage Ring Test Accelerator (CesrTA) is a particle accelerator acting primarily as a laboratory for studying accelerator physics under a variety of conditions. Here, the experimental program on electron cloud effects is one of the highest-priority research and development projects during the International Linear Collider (ILC) Technical Design Phase 1. These electron clouds are of particular concern for the design of future low emittance rings like those in the ILC because of how they can adversely affect the performance of accelerators. The impact of electron clouds on the dynamics of individual bunches along a train known as …

Gaussian Beam Steering On A Target Plane Via High Speed Orthogonal Mirror-Mounted Galvanometers, Keith Gresiak

Physics

No abstract provided.

Paleomagnetism And Investigation Of 40 Ma Lavas, Liverpool Range, New South Whales, Australia, Nathan M. Padilla

Physics

The main focus of this project is the continued study of a reversal of the earth’s magnetic field recorded from lavas in the Liverpool Range of New South Whales, Australia. This reverse-to-normal transition, recently dated at ~40 Ma, was first reported in Nature in 1986. [2] In March 2011 some 200+ cores were drilled from several sections about the volcanic range—Jemmy’s Creek, Bald Hill, Rock Creek, Yarraman, and Coolah Tops Road. Here we focus on paleomagnetic findings from samples drilled from the most extensive section, that being along the trail near Jemmy’s Creek. Results from alternating field demagnetization show the …

Symbolic Quantum Circuit Simplification In Sympy, Matthew Curry

Physics

In the field of quantum information science, one can design a series of quantum logic operations known as a circuit. Circuits are the basis for quantum computations in quantum computing. As circuits will most likely be designed from a logical standpoint, there could exist mathematical redundancies which will lead to a larger circuit than necessary. These redundancies are computationally expensive, and there is a need for them to be found and eliminated to simplify the circuit. We present our research on finding the rules for simplifying circuits and its implementation in SymPy.