Chemical Engineering Commons^™

Role Of Directional Conditional Filtering On Droplet Velocity And Size Distribution, Farzad Hossain, Matthew J. Cleary, Yasir M. Al-Abdeli, Mehdi Khiadani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This study investigates the role of directional filtering in the analysis of spray behaviour using two full cone nozzles (65° and 75°) emitting aqueous sprays under atmospheric conditions. A hybrid computational–experimental framework was applied, using Large Eddy Simulation (LES) with Discrete Phase Model (DPM) and Rosin-Rammler distribution in ANSYS Fluent, validated against Shadowgraph and Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) measurements. The sensitivity of directional filtering to the effects of spray angle and flow rate (1.75 and 3.5 L/min), were also done. Upward-filtered droplets consistently exhibited greater breakup than both raw and downward-filtered data due to gravitational opposition and longer air exposure. …

Dynamic Mechanical Insertion Analysis Of Gelatin Methacryloyl Microneedles Under Realistic Insertion Conditions, Moloud Amini Baghbadorani, Masoumeh Zargar, Abdellah Shafieian, Majid Tolouei-Rad

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Despite the great potential of Gelatin Methacryloyl (GelMA) microneedles (MNs) for minimally invasive drug delivery and interstitial fluid extraction, their performance under realistic insertion conditions and across diverse geometrical and mechanical parameters has remained uncharacterized. In this study, dynamic and static finite-element analyses were conducted for the first time to compare three types of crosslinked GelMA MNs: conical, pyramidal, and tapered-conical with and without base support. Insertion force, von Mises stress, and safety factors were evaluated at insertion velocities of 2-6 m/s under varying crosslinking times and polymer concentrations. The tapered-conical geometry demonstrated the best overall mechanical reliability, combining moderate …

A Baseline Study Of Artificial Intelligence Use Among Chemical Engineering Undergraduates At The University Of Arkansas, Natalie J. Erickson

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from a novel innovation to a tool used in daily life, particularly within higher education. While anecdotal evidence suggests high levels of student engagement with AI, empirical data regarding usage patterns remains limited. This baseline study investigates AI integration among undergraduate chemical engineering students at the University of Arkansas. Through an anonymous survey (N=68; comprising 20 freshmen, 14 sophomores, 16 juniors, and 18 seniors), researchers assessed usage frequency, student comfort levels, and their evolving relationship with AI tools. The findings reveal that 75% of respondents utilize AI for coursework at least once …

From Kernel To Carbon Footprint: Using Life Cycle Analysis To Teach Sustainability In Chemical Engineering, Neal Z. Kinney

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Many chemical engineering departments in the United States are currently lacking developed sustainability coursework, leaving many students without a developed understanding of topics such as life cycle analysis (LCA). [1] Therefore, there is a need for engaging and flexible educational tools that can be easily incorporated into course frameworks. This study develops an interactive learning module, expanding upon the work from Pollution Prevention Through Popcorn, a study developed by Rowan University. [2] The module combines experimental analysis of popcorn popping methods with life cycle assessment using OpenLCA to evaluate the environmental impacts of common types of popcorn packaging. Results of …

Surface-Functionalized Silica Nanoparticles For Enhanced Bioavailability In Ophthalmic Mucoadhesive Drug Delivery Applications, Kaylee M. Drake

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study investigates the stimuli-responsive behavior of porcine gastric mucin (PGM) as a model for the conjunctival mucous membrane of the human eye to optimize mucoadhesive ophthalmic drug delivery. As a versatile biopolymer, PGM has a dynamic matrix structure that functions as a selectively permeable barrier, regulating transport across mucosal membranes. To improve drug bioavailability and retention in ocular treatments, silica nanoparticles (SiNPs) were modified with varying surface functional groups and incorporated into the mucin at different physiological pH levels to examine the resulting microstructural changes. Leveraging the amphiphilic and negatively charged characteristics of mucin, positively charged and hydrophobic SiNPs …

Design Of Aluminum-Air Battery Systems And Optimization Of Cetyltrimethylammonium Bromide And 8-Hydroxyquinoline Additives In Alkaline Electrolytes, Steve Chen

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The first portion of this thesis focuses on the design and component optimization of aluminum-air batteries to power a car for the Chem-E-Car competition. A range of separators, cathodes, and current collectors was evaluated to determine the optimal configuration for maximizing output. The resulting system consisted of 1000 series aluminum as the anode, cellulose separators saturated in 1 M potassium hydroxide as the electrolyte, and composite PVDF and graphite as the cathode. The improved batteries achieved a power density of 2.14 x 10^-4 W/cm² and were utilized for the Chem-E-Car competition. The second portion of the thesis investigates …

Electrochemical And Mechanical Evaluation Of Cellulose Acetate Electrolyte Films As A Function Of Polyetherimide And Polyethylene Glycol Additives For Supercapacitor Applications, Chase E. Golden

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Polymer electrolytes for supercapacitor applications require a balance between mechanical robustness and electrochemical performance. In this study, cellulose acetate (CA) films were modified with additives such as polyetherimide (PEI) and polyethylene glycol (PEG) to test how compositional changes influence mechanical performance, ionic conductivity, and electrochemical charge storage. Films were cast using phase inversion, soaked in a 1 M NaCl aqueous solution, and characterized using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), and tensile testing. Films were also evaluated based on fluid uptake for insight into electrolyte retention.

Characterizations show that the addition of PEI increased ionic …

Performance Of Zirconia-Based Catalysts For Cold Plasma-Assisted Dry Methane Reforming, Levi Pile

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study investigates the performance of zirconia-based catalysts in non-thermal plasma (NTP)–assisted dry methane reforming (DMR) for synthesis gas (syngas) production. This work explores an alternative pathway for converting carbon dioxide and methane into valuable products under milder conditions than conventional thermal processes. Experiments were conducted in a radiofrequency plasma reactor to evaluate the effects of plasma power, feed flow rate, and reactant ratios on conversion efficiency. The performance of plasma-only conditions was compared with packed-bed systems using zirconia catalysts. Results show that plasma-only systems achieved modest conversion rates (~16.5% for CH₄ and ~12.0% for CO₂), while …

Cationic Polymer-Grafted Magnetic Nanoparticles For Enhanced Removal Of Anionic Dyes From Wastewater, Joia A. Traver

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Water scarcity and pollution are escalating global challenges, with textile industry wastewater often enriched with toxic dyes posing significant risks to environmental and human health. These contaminants increase turbidity, reduce dissolved oxygen levels, and ultimately impair aquatic ecosystems. This thesis focuses on the remediation of dye-contaminated water using nanoscale polymeric adsorbents. Methyl orange, a common anionic dye widely used in textile and leather industries, was selected as the model contaminant due to its terminal sulfonate group, which enables strong electrostatic and hydrogen-bonding interactions with cationic functional materials.

In this work, magnetic nanoparticles grafted with cationic polymers were synthesized and evaluated …

Demonstration Of The Relationship Between Irwin Spire Quantity And Boundary Layer Depth In The Chemical Hazards Research Center Wind Tunnel, Jace D. Beckwith

Chemical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Atmospheric Dispersion Models (ADMs) are computer-based simulations used to model gas releases for enforcing regulatory compliance, designing facilities, and responding to emergencies. Because ADMs rely on complex mathematical models, they require experimental validation to ensure accuracy. Wind tunnels offer a controlled, repeatable method for gathering validation data. The Chemical Hazards Research Center (CHRC) at the University of Arkansas operates an ultra-low speed wind tunnel for this purpose. A key feature of this tunnel is its simulated Atmospheric Boundary Layer (ABL). The simulated ABL is a turbulent layer in which wind speed increases logarithmically with height from near zero at the …

Development Of A Metal-Based Catalyst For The Ammonia Dehydrogenation Reaction, Othman Mohammed Abdullah Al-Amodi

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Developing cost-effective and active catalysts that would replace noble metals is desirable for the ammonia decomposition reaction. Hence, this thesis focuses on the development and evaluation of a 10Ni/0.75TiO2-0.25CeO2 catalyst for ammonia decomposition, a promising route to carbon-free hydrogen production. The system parameters investigated include the effect of reaction temperature (550, 650, and 750°C) and the catalyst mass (100, 200, and 300 mg) on the performance of the ammonia decomposition process. The primary objective of this work is to investigate how catalyst composition and metal-support interactions influence activity, hydrogen production, and ammonia conversion. Catalysts were prepared by the incipient wetness …

Analysis Of Automatic Control Of The Channels And Ditches Cleaning Mechanism Based On Dynamic Indicators, Nasiba Siraj Amirbayova

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

The article deals with the automated design and experimental investigation of reinforced concrete irrigation channels and ditches, their interrelated channel-cleaning mechanisms, which are complex mechatronic systems integrating hydraulic, mechanical, and electronic components. A thorough methodology is suggested, hydrodynamic modeling, combining parametric analysis, and information-based design support to enhance channel concrete cover thickness, geometry, and cleaning system performance. Main structural parameters—involving channel depth, slope, bottom width, and concrete cover—are systematically defined and shown in matrix form to facilitate automated calculation and decision-making. Experimental prototypes and Solid Edge-based digital models are employed to verify the methodology, revealing vital interdependencies between structural parameters, …

Regular Synthesis Algorithms Of Control Devices In Nonlinear Control Systems, Husan Zakirovich Igamberdiyev, Iskandar Yusupovich Abdurakhmanov, Uktam Farkhodovich Mamirov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This paper examines the development of regularized algorithms for synthesizing control devices in control systems for polynomial objects, described by multidimensional Volterra functional series. The synthesis problem is solved using a two-stage procedure. In the first stage, the optimization problem is initially solved for an open-loop system. The second stage involves determining the parameters of the control device, i.e., its impulse response functions, by using the relationship between the characteristics of the open-loop and closed-loop systems. Regular algorithms are presented for finding the impulse response functions of the control device based on methods for regularizing the solution of operator equations …

Intelligent Manufacturing Of Edible Oil: From Smart Sensing To Big Data Platform, Ru Jiang, Nadirbek Yusupbekov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

With the rapid advancement of Industry 4.0 technologies, intelligent manufacturing and big data platforms are profoundly transforming the production models of the traditional edible oil industry. The edible oil production process involves multiple complex unit operations such as refining, decolorization, and deodorization, which impose high requirements on process control and product quality monitoring. This paper presents a systematic review of key technological advances in the field of intelligent manufacturing of edible oil, establishing a comprehensive technical framework encompassing four dimensions: smart sensing, artificial intelligence applications, IoT communication, and big data platforms. The review begins by analyzing the global background and …

Using Ali-4 Z-Implication In Controller Design, Shamil Azer Ahmadov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

One of the widely used theories in the information processing is Professor Zadeh's fuzzy logic theory. Fuzzy implications form the basis of this theory. When processing information using fuzzy implication, the chosen judgment method and the type of implication affect the result. Referring to the review of the relevant literature on fuzzy implications, it can be noted that there are still unresolved problems and issues. For example, fuzzy implications cannot be used in processing imperfect information or information based on probabilistic and fuzzy uncertainty. Existing fuzzy implications face limitations in practical applications. Fuzzy implications only take into account inaccuracy, but …

Reliability Analysis Of Separator Control Systems, D.P. Muxitdinov, O.U. Sattarov, M.Sh. Nematov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This article aims to enhance the reliability, efficiency, and diagnostic capabilities of gas-liquid separators operating in hazardous technological processes. In the study, the separator is considered as a critical functional unit of an industrial system and is analyzed through structural and functional decomposition. The main operating parameters of the separator, including pressure drop (ΔP), separation efficiency and operational state are described on the basis of a mathematical model. In addition, a state model is developed for normal operation, foaming, liquid droplet carryover with the gas flow, and failure conditions. Emphasis is placed on diagnostic and monitoring issues, …

Data-Driven Neuro-Fuzzy Modeling And Rule Optimization For Intelligent Prediction Of Bioreactor Dynamics, Kamala Najaf Mammadzada

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Modeling wastewater bioreactors is a challenging problem in environmental engineering because the processes are constantly changing and the microorganisms do not behave in a linear or predictable way. This makes it difficult to predict and control the system behavior. This research investigates three artificial intelligence approaches for modeling wastewater bioreactors: the Mamdani Fuzzy Inference System (FIS), the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), and clustering-based fuzzy models. These models help us predict what is happening in the bioreactors. For instance they help us predict how the amount of substances in the water is changing over time like dS₀/dt dSs/dt …

Optimization Of Renewable Energy-Based Alkaline Electrolysis Systems For Sustainable Hydrogen Production, Shokhrukhbek Kozimjon Ugli Bakhramov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

This paper presents a comprehensive optimization study of hydrogen production systems through alkaline water electrolysis powered by photovoltaic energy sources, with a specific focus on Central Asian applications. The research systematically investigates critical operating parameters including KOH electrolyte concentration (25-30 wt%), temperature effects (25-80°C), current density optimization (100-500 mA/cm²), and electrode material performance using cost-effective 316L stainless steel. Experimental results demonstrate that optimized systems achieve solar-to-hydrogen efficiency of 13-15%, with hydrogen production costs ranging from $2-8/kg depending on system scale. The study reveals that maximum performance occurs at 30 wt% KOH concentration, 60-80°C operating temperature, and 200-400 mA/cm² current density. …

Increasing The Prediction Accuracy Of Plant Oil Production Processes Through Adjusting The Parameters Of Machine Learning Models, Umidjon Ruziev, M.K. Shodiev, A.T. Rajabov

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

Vegetable oil production is characterized by high variability in output indicators due to nonlinear interactions between raw material parameters, equipment modes, and heat and mass transfer conditions. Existing approaches to applying machine learning in this field, as a rule, do not account for the impact of hyperparameter adjustments on forecasting quality across specific technological stages. The article presents a systematic methodology for adjusting model parameters (Ridge regression, SVR, GBM, LSTM) applied to three key tasks: predicting residual oil content in oil cake, color index during bleaching, and free fatty acid content during deodorization. In a set of 1000 observations, including …

Rdm Interval Arithmetic Based Weapon System Evaluation, Konul Imran Jabbarova Phd

Chemical Technology, Control and Management

For solving this issue, the paper considers a hierarchical multi-criteria decision-making problem, where the choice of a company that corresponds best to the criteria is required. Data used in this problem are presented in the form of intervals, which makes it possible to cope with uncertainty in the problem solution. Several companies working in missile production industry are chosen as alternatives for analysis. Evaluation of the selected alternatives is made based on five criteria clusters. More than twenty criteria are taken into account during evaluation.

Solving this problem is achieved with the help of the technique based on computation of …