Emulating Camera Parameters For A Digital Twin Lunar Terrain Simulation,
2026
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Emulating Camera Parameters For A Digital Twin Lunar Terrain Simulation, Samuil Nikolov
Student Research Symposium (SRS)
Digital twin simulations play an integral role in the design, validation and implementation of a plethora of systems in any industry - including aerospace. EagleCam 2 presents a great technical challenge, where we need to evaluate how our systems will do data acquisition best - image capturing in particular. In order to assist with the design and validation of our systems, a digital twin that emulates the Lunar environment as we expect it to be during the lifecycle of the mission is a crucial component. Such digital twin system allows us to simulate all the parameters that are considered variable …
Print, Pattern, Stick: Low–Cost Gecko–Inspired Adhesives Using Embedded Diffraction Structures,
2026
University of Akron
Print, Pattern, Stick: Low–Cost Gecko–Inspired Adhesives Using Embedded Diffraction Structures, Motaz Hassan, Oluwafemi Fayomi, Ajay Mahajan, Joshua Faust
University Research
Gecko-inspired adhesives offer strong, reversible, and directionally tunable adhesion, yet fabrication methods often depend on cleanroom lithography or proprietary molds, limiting scalability and accessibility. This study presents a low-cost, modular fabrication strategy combining high-resolution digital light processing 3D printing with 1000 lines/mm optical diffraction gratings to create hierarchical elastomeric adhesives. The resulting structures feature macroscale micropillars and embedded sub-micron surface topography, enabling effective contact splitting without advanced microfabrication. Mechanical testing reveals a nonlinear increase in shear performance with contact area, with maximum shear forces exceeding 80 N at 103.2 cm2. Peel testing across varied angles and surface areas demonstrates anisotropic …
Advances And Challenges In Nano-Modified Cementitious Composites: Mechanisms, Dispersion Strategies, And Impact On Mechanical Properties,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Advances And Challenges In Nano-Modified Cementitious Composites: Mechanisms, Dispersion Strategies, And Impact On Mechanical Properties, Fatemeh Mohammadi Ghahsareh, Pengwei Guo, Nusrath Jaha, Yi Bao, Kamal H. Khayat, Weina Meng
Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Nanomaterials are increasingly utilized to enhance the mechanical properties, durability, and functionality of concrete materials but face challenges such as agglomeration and uneven dispersion in cementitious systems, which can offset the intended improvements. This paper reviews the advances and challenges associated with nano-modified cementitious composites, elucidating fundamental mechanisms and highlighting strategies for overcoming the challenges through experimental and computing techniques. The reviewed contents include (1) the classification of nanomaterials commonly used in cementitious systems and the mechanisms through which they enhance the mechanical properties of cementitious composites; (2) challenges of nanomaterials such as agglomeration in water, re-agglomeration in cementitious systems, …
Integrated Computational And Experimental Investigation Of Groups V And Vi Metals In (M,Hf,Ti,Zr)B2-(M,Hf,Ti,Zr)C Ceramics,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Integrated Computational And Experimental Investigation Of Groups V And Vi Metals In (M,Hf,Ti,Zr)B2-(M,Hf,Ti,Zr)C Ceramics, Ana C. Feltrin, Simon Divilov, Gregory E. Hilmas, Stefano Curtarolo, William G. Fahrenholtz
Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Dual-phase compositionally complex ultra-high temperature ceramics were formulated by incorporating different Groups V and VI metals such as V, Nb, Ta, Cr, Mo, or W into a base composition containing the Group IV elements, Hf, Ti, and Zr. Metal distribution was predicted using first-principles-based thermodynamics simulations and compared with experimental results. Moreover, phase stability, microstructure, and mechanical properties were evaluated for all of the ceramics. Compositions containing Cr, V, Nb, or Ta formed dual-phase ceramics containing only one boride and one carbide phase, while compositions containing Mo or W developed an additional third phase. The experimental metal distribution trends generally …
Co-Calcination Of Limestone And Clay Enhances The Performance Of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (Lc3),
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Co-Calcination Of Limestone And Clay Enhances The Performance Of Limestone Calcined Clay Cement (Lc3), Oluwadamilare Charles Adesina, Sahil Surehali, Avinaya Tripathi, Kayla Lauren Lee, Bryan K. Aylas-Paredes, Aditya Kumar, Narayanan Neithalath
Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Limestone-calcined clay cements (LC3) reduce the environmental impact of cement production and accelerate the industry transition toward carbon neutrality. While conventional LC3 with 50% clinker replacement (LC3-50) demonstrate long-term performance comparable to ordinary Portland cement (OPC) in concrete, early-age performance is generally compromised. This study explores for the first time, joint thermal treatment—that is, co-calcination—of limestone (LS) and bulk kaolinitic clay in mass ratios of 1:1 to 1:4 under a calcination regime specifically designed to ensure activation of the clay mineral. The co-calcination converts a small fraction of LS to metastable CaO, thus providing an …
Inclusion Engineering Through Deoxidation Practice Optimization For Enhanced Mechanical Properties Of Cast Cr-Ni-Mo Steel,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Inclusion Engineering Through Deoxidation Practice Optimization For Enhanced Mechanical Properties Of Cast Cr-Ni-Mo Steel, Kingsley T. Amatanweze, Viraj A. Athavale, Simon Lekakh, Ronald J. O'Malley, Laura N. Bartlett
Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Deoxidation is an integral part of steelmaking, as it determines steel castability, cleanliness, and porosity levels of the final product. Steel quality is critical to its performance and can be sabotaged by impurities such as non-metallic inclusions and porosity. This study investigates the effects of four distinct deoxidation practices, using Al, Al-Ca, Zr-Ca, and Mn-Si respectively, on tensile strength, tensile ductility and impact toughness of a Cr-Ni-Mo steel. These deoxidation reactions were modeled on a commercially available thermodynamic software and possible inclusion product phases were predicted. The casting samples were studied on a scanning electron microscope (SEM) utilizing energy dispersive …
Post-Calcium Treatment Evolution Of Alumina (Al2o3) Inclusions Morphology,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Post-Calcium Treatment Evolution Of Alumina (Al2o3) Inclusions Morphology, Naziru I. Fuseini, Ronald J. O'Malley, Todd P. Sander, Jeffrey D. Smith, Haiming Wen, Laura N. Bartlett
Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
The post-calcium morphological evolution of Al2O3 inclusions formed under high-oxygen supersaturation (~1000 ppm) was investigated through time-resolved sampling and quenching of aluminum-killed, calcium-treated steel. SEM-EDS analysis revealed the formation of angular two-phase CaO·Al2O3–CaS inclusions within 1 minute, gradually transforming into spherical liquid 12CaO·7Al2O3 and CaO·Al2O3 with a thin CaS layer around it. The 3D morphology of the CaS phase of the complex CaO·Al2O3–CaS inclusions observed at 1 minute appeared as a cone-cap attached to the partially modified CaO·Al2O3. This …
Thermodynamic Analysis Of Metal Segregation In Two Metal Boride-Carbide Ceramics Containing V With Cr, Hf, Ti, Or Zr,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Thermodynamic Analysis Of Metal Segregation In Two Metal Boride-Carbide Ceramics Containing V With Cr, Hf, Ti, Or Zr, Ana C. Feltrin, Simon Divilov, Gregory E. Hilmas, Stefano Curtarolo, William G. Fahrenholtz
Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Dual-phase carbide-boride ceramics in different vanadium-Me (Me = Cr, Hf, Ti, and Zr) binary systems were synthesized by boro/carbothermal reduction under stoichiometric and carbon-deficient conditions and densified by spark plasma sintering. Thermodynamic analysis was used to evaluate the influence of composition on the phase stability and metal segregation between phases, along with the resulting effects on microstructure and hardness. Pairing vanadium with Group IV elements (Hf, Ti, and Zr) consistently formed one boride and one carbide phase, while the Cr-V system formed a monoboride phase and a carbon-deficient carbide. Metal segregation trends depended on composition. Vanadium preferentially segregated to the …
Zirconium And Hafnium Interdiffusion Study In Zrb2–Hfb2 System,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Zirconium And Hafnium Interdiffusion Study In Zrb2–Hfb2 System, Yue Zhou, Ana C. Feltrin, William G. Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas
Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Interdiffusion of Zr and Hf in the diboride system was investigated. High-purity zirconium diboride (ZrB2) and hafnium diboride (HfB2) were prepared by a combination of boro-/carbothermal reduction synthesis and densification by spark plasma sintering. The bulk ceramics had relative densities of 99.3% for ZrB2 and 99.7% for HfB2, and both ceramics were phase-pure by x-ray diffraction analysis. Diffusion couples of ZrB2 and HfB2 were annealed at temperatures ranging from 2000°C to 2200°C for times from 4 to 12 h. Zr and Hf elemental concentration profiles were measured using energy dispersive spectroscopy …
Hybrid Data-Driven Cement-Stabilized Soil Design: An Integration Of Machine Learning, Multi-Objective Optimization, And Life Cycle Assessment,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Hybrid Data-Driven Cement-Stabilized Soil Design: An Integration Of Machine Learning, Multi-Objective Optimization, And Life Cycle Assessment, Chikezie Chimere Onyekwena, Yunli Li, Ikenna J. Okeke, Ubani Obinna Uzodimma, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo, Wenping Wu
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Soil stabilization is crucial in geotechnical engineering, yet conventional methods are often time-consuming, resource-intensive, and environmentally unsustainable. Despite growing interest in Machine Learning (ML) and optimization tools for mix design, few studies integrate these methods with decision-making techniques and environmental assessment to support practical implementation. This study proposes a hybrid data-driven framework for predicting strength, optimizing mix compositions, and evaluating environmental impacts via life cycle assessment of cement-stabilized soft soils. Six ML models were evaluated, and the top-performing eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGB) model was further improved using the Grey Wolf Optimizer (GWO). The optimized XGB-GWO model, integrated with a polynomial …
Performance And Mechanistic Insights Into Cement Systems Modified With Wastewater-Recovered Struvite,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Performance And Mechanistic Insights Into Cement Systems Modified With Wastewater-Recovered Struvite, Ugochukwu Ewuzie, Rupack R. Halder, Abdulkareem O. Yusuf, Abiodun A. Saka, Godwin I. Ogbuehi, Titus C. Egbosiuba, Damilola A. Daramola, Monday Uchenna Okoronkwo
Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Struvite, the stable hydration product and primary strength phase in magnesium ammonium phosphate cement (MAPC), derived from wastewater treatment, has recently been utilized as a sustainable additive to Portland cement (PC). However, its impacts on cement hydration kinetics, pore refinement, rheology, and the mechanisms underlying these processes have not been comprehensively studied. This study developed Portland cement-struvite (PCS) systems by replacing PC with 3–20 % struvite (ST wt.%: PCS3–PCS20) and evaluated these processes using isothermal calorimetry, 3D micro-computed tomography (μXCT), time-dependent rheometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and the Krstulović-Dabić (K-D) model. The FTIR/XRD confirmed the coexistence …
Fly Ash Proppant Developed For Hydraulic Fracturing,
2026
The American University in Cairo AUC
Fly Ash Proppant Developed For Hydraulic Fracturing, Raz Rzgar Haydar
Theses and Dissertations
Proppants are critical components in hydraulic fracturing, used to maintain fracture conductivity and enhance reservoir stimulation. In high-pressure and harsh reservoir environments, the use of high-strength proppants is essential to ensure well performance. Conventional proppants, being sand, ceramic, and sintered bauxite can be expensive, and their use often requires costly fracture fluids. This study investigates the possibility of utalizing fly ash geopolymers as a sustainable alternative that is also cost-effective for proppants manufacturing. Fly ash, a by-product from the combustion of coal and other materials, was explored as a base material for proppants, utilizing an alkaline solution as an activator …
Copper Metal Organic Framework-Based Nanomaterial For Non-Enzymatic Glucose Electrochemical Sensor,
2026
The American University in Cairo AUC
Copper Metal Organic Framework-Based Nanomaterial For Non-Enzymatic Glucose Electrochemical Sensor, Sameha Mohamed Sadek
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis examines the development of non-enzymatic glucose sensors by engineering advanced electrode materials based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Conventional enzymatic glucose sensors, although widely used, suffer from inherent limitations, including poor long-term stability, narrow operating conditions, and sensitivity to environmental factors, due to their reliance on biological enzymes. Non-enzymatic sensors offer a more robust alternative by enabling direct electrochemical oxidation of glucose on engineered electrode surfaces. MOFs represent a highly tunable class of hybrid materials with structural and chemical features that are ideal for sensor applications, including a high surface area, tailored porosity, and excellent thermal and chemical stability. …
A Computational Study Of The Chemomechanics Of Paracetamol Polymorphs: Towards Improving Drug Tabletability,
2026
The American University in Cairo AUC
A Computational Study Of The Chemomechanics Of Paracetamol Polymorphs: Towards Improving Drug Tabletability, Karim Nader Samra
Theses and Dissertations
The mechanical properties of pharmaceutical crystals are of great importance in tablet manufacturing. Also, knowing the mechanical properties of different polymorphs of the same crystal can reduce the overall production cost. In this study, computational work was done via performing density functional theory calculations on 3 paracetamol crystal polymorphs Form I, II, and III. Understanding the chemical bonding helps in predicting the key elastic properties for different crystallographic directions. In Form II, lattice vector C is dominated with the intermolecular hydrogen bond OH…O giving it the stiffest Young Modulus and the least Poisson’s ratio. Then comes the A-Axis which contains …
Retrofitting Higher Education Buildings In Egypt: A Pathway Towards A Zero-Energy Campus,
2026
ssistant Professor, Department of Architectural Engineering, Canadian International College (CIC), Egypt
Retrofitting Higher Education Buildings In Egypt: A Pathway Towards A Zero-Energy Campus, Maged G. Nassim Mikhael, Hagar Samy Saad
HBRC Journal
Egypt’s higher education sector expanded rapidly over the last decade, resulting in increased energy consumption, negative environmental impacts, and economic challenges. Existing academic buildings present promising opportunities for energy savings through retrofitting; however, a validated pathway for achieving Zero-Energy Buildings ZEBs in Egypt remains underdeveloped. This study aims to develop a practical scenario and a replicable retrofitting pathway based on a multi-tiered approach that includes passive envelope enhancements, active system optimization, and the integration of renewable energy RE systems. Using the Canadian International College CIC campus as a case study, the research adapted the building energy simulation BES methodology to …
Enhancing Sustainable Cooling Solutions: Investigating Spot Radiant Cooling Systems Performance And Influence On Indoor Comfort In Hot Climates,
2026
Cairo University, Egypt
Enhancing Sustainable Cooling Solutions: Investigating Spot Radiant Cooling Systems Performance And Influence On Indoor Comfort In Hot Climates, Norhane Eldeeb, Ahmed Ahmed Fikry, Abbas Mohamed Elzafarany, Ehab El Shazly, Hinar Abo El-Maged
HBRC Journal
In hot climates, demand for effective sustainable cooling strategies to maintain comfort is high. Nevertheless, conventional radiant cooling systems are often hindered by condensation risks and complex control requirements in partially occupied spaces. To address these challenges, at top inlet conditions of approximately 26°C and 50% Relative Humidity) RH (, three-dimensional CFD simulations validated against the 1.405 kW reference case of Shin et al. were performed to quantify the effect of installation height and panel geometry on spot radiant cooling performance. Lowering the flat CRCP from 2.6 m to 2.2 m reduced volume averaged air temperature (Ta) …
Recent Advances Toward Damage-Tolerant 3d-Printed Titanium Alloys: Alloy Design Perspective,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Recent Advances Toward Damage-Tolerant 3d-Printed Titanium Alloys: Alloy Design Perspective, Saeid Alipour, Arezoo Emdadi, Ju Li
Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Twenty-year uninterrupted endeavor of titanium alloys printing has opened up a new paradigm in metal additive manufacturing (AM) to fabricate engineering components with required strength–density–corrosion combinations. Despite the remarkable advances in titanium AM, controlling the grain structure to print the parts with engineered microstructures, tailored mechanical properties, and minimum anomalies remains challenging. Numerous approaches have been implemented to address this challenge, such as printing parameter control, post-AM heat treatments, and thermomechanical processing. In addition to the aforementioned conventional approaches, novel techniques have been proposed that require employing hybrid manufacturing or developing the printer itself. One of the novel pathways in …
Development Status And Existing Problems Of Ion-Solvation Membranes For Electrolysis Of Water,
2026
State Key Laboratory of Advanced Fiber Materials, College of Environmental Science and Engineering, Donghua University, Shanghai 201620, China
Development Status And Existing Problems Of Ion-Solvation Membranes For Electrolysis Of Water, Zheng-Yuan Zhou, Yu-Tao Sun, Zheng-Bang Liu, Chuan-Zheng Wang, Yong-Nan Zhou, Xi Luo, Tian-Chi Zhou, Jin-Li Qiao
Journal of Electrochemistry
Ion-solvaing membranes (ISMs) have received extensive attention in recent years as a key component in electrochemical energy conversion and storage devices. This article provides an overview of structural composition, performance advantages, research progress, ion conduction mechanism and existing issues of ISMs, primarily classifying them according to the matrix structure. A detailed analysis of performance enhancement methods, key performance indicators of ISMs and performance influencing factors is also presented. The article contributes to further optimizing the design and application of ion-solvation membranes, providing theoretical support for the development of fields such as hydrogen production through electrolysis of water and electrochemical energy …
Iron-Involved Orr Electrocatalysts Under The Lens Of In-Situ/Operando Mössbauer Spectroscopy,
2026
CAS Key Laboratory of Science and Technology on Applied Catalysis, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning, China 116023; Mössbauer Effect Data Center, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, Liaoning, China 116023
Iron-Involved Orr Electrocatalysts Under The Lens Of In-Situ/Operando Mössbauer Spectroscopy, Sumbal Farid, Jun-Hu Wang
Journal of Electrochemistry
Exploring cost-effective and efficient catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) poses a significant challenge, especially in the pursuit of alternatives to precious metals like platinum. Significant advancements have driven electrochemists to develop efficient ORR catalysts using abundant materials, particularly iron (Fe)-based, known for their exceptional performance in ORR. While the crucial function of Fe in boosting ORR catalytic activity is recognized, the connection between material attributes and catalytic performance remains enigmatic. Understanding the dynamic processes involved in oxygen electrocatalysis is paramount for designing precious-metals-free ORR electrocatalysts. Mössbauer spectroscopy stands out as a powerful technique for deciphering the structural characteristics of …
The Ntp Anode For Aqueous Sodium Ion Batteries: Recent Advances And Future Perspectives,
2026
School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, Fujian, China; School of Materials Science and Engineering, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, P R China
The Ntp Anode For Aqueous Sodium Ion Batteries: Recent Advances And Future Perspectives, Ming-Li Wang, Xue-Ying Su, Zheng-Xiang Shan, Shu-Zhe Yang, Heng-Rui Guo, Hao Luo, Dong-Liang Chao
Journal of Electrochemistry
Aqueous sodium-ion batteries (ASIBs) have attracted great attention in aqueous batteries due to their merit of high safety. However, the constrained work potential and insufficient chemical stability of anode materials in aqueous electrolytes hinder the large-scale application of ASIBs. Sodium titanium phosphate, NaTi2(PO4)3 (NTP), is considered one of the most promising anode materials for ASIBs due to its excellent electrochemical performance and tunable structure. Recently, great achievements have been made in the development of NTP, however, a comprehensive review of existing studies is still lacking. This article firstly introduces the basic properties of NTP and …
