Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Commons^™

The Trials And Tribulations Of Building An Ebike From Recycled Parts, Olivia Conrady

Senior Honors Projects

The United States is far from being “walkable” in most suburban areas. Though public transportation has grown in its infrastructure in some large cities, it is far from sufficient. As a result of this, millions of people drive their cars every single day -- a practice that is unsustainable and becoming an increasingly evident issue. One possible solution that has become popular is the use of electric bicycles, since they are less physically taxing than a normal bike and allow for quicker transport. Though electric bicycles have been on the rise, they are still well outside of many people’s budget, …

Tradespace Exploration With Statistical Modeling Techniques And Immersive Visual Representation In Virtual Environments, Nikhil Raj

All Theses

Statistical modeling techniques combined with virtual reality (VR) visualization offer powerful new approaches to tradespace exploration in engineering design. The research presented addresses the challenge of analyzing and communicating insights from complex multidimensional datasets, particularly for autonomous ground vehicle systems.

Beginning with a review of statistical methods—including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and correlation analysis—the study examines their applications in tradespace exploration. Building on this foundation, three distinct visualization pathways connecting MATLAB data to virtual environments are developed and evaluated: VRML representation, STL conversion, and Blender integration. Each approach is assessed for its ability to maintain data …

Baja Sae Brakes, Carson Moore, Jaedyn Michael Imhoff, Will Duncan, Matthew Shaffer

Mechanical Engineering

Historically, the Cal Poly Racing Baja SAE has produced a braking system that has proven unreliable and barely passes competition rules and inspections, leading to ill performing and unsafe brakes. The goal of this project is to produce a system and documentation that meets the requirements provided by Cal Poly Racing Baja SAE. The final design includes a transient braking model of the vehicle to set system requirements, universal custom front and rear calipers modified from “Cal Poly BSAE Custom Brake Caliper Senior Project”, and a revamped hydraulic harness. Leaning on the team’s previous work and modifying the custom calipers …

Experimental And Theoretical Fracture Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Orthotropic V-Notches, Venkata Siva Sainath Bavapuram

Theses and Dissertations

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the fracture behavior of additively manufactured orthotropic V-notched components made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. The research integrates both theoretical and finite element approaches to evaluate stress intensity factors (SIFs) in Modes-I and II, which are fundamental in characterizing stress field distributions around notches under applied loading conditions. Unlike isotropic materials, where stress fields depend only on geometry of the component, the anisotropic nature of 3D-printed ABS introduces a dependency on material properties that necessitate different approaches to include anisotropy of the material.

Tensile specimens are 3D-printed with specific material orientations to …

Reinforcement Learning For High-Dimensional Tradespace Exploration In Multi-Objective Optimization, Aaditya Kothavade

All Theses

Engineering design optimization often requires balancing multiple competing objectives while navigating complex, high-dimensional tradespaces. Despite significant advances in tradespace exploration techniques, current methods face critical challenges in efficiently navigating high-dimensional design spaces. As the number of design variables and competing objectives increases, traditional multi-criteria decision-making and optimization methods struggle to explore the vast solution space comprehensively. The curse of dimensionality exacerbates this issue, making it impractical to analyze all possible solutions and effectively identify trade-offs between objectives. Additionally, the computational complexity of high-dimensional spaces further complicates optimization, making exhaustive solution analysis infeasible. Traditional multi-objective optimization methods rely on static Pareto-front …

Developing Reduced Order Models For Gas Bubble Formation In Irradiated Metals Using Integrated Phase Field Modeling And Koopman Operator Theory, John M. Eggemeyer V

All Theses

Irradiation damage in materials is prevalent in nuclear components, posing significant risks in the safety and reliability of nuclear reactors. Phase field models offer a versatile framework for modeling irradiation damage in materials at mesoscales. Such high fidelity method has been used to model the formation of fission gas bubbles superlattice, a microstructure array occurs at certain irradiation conditions (dose, dose-rate, and temperature). To overcome the high computational cost of phase field modeling, Koopman operator theory is applied to create reduced order models, allowing for instantaneous simulations of fission gas bubble behaviors. These low fidelity models are integrated into machine …

Defining Fidelity For Tradespace Application, Aditya Agrawal

All Theses

This research proposes a definition of tradespace fidelity and presents a study on its effectiveness in the tradespace. Tradespace exploration helps evaluate various design options, allowing engineers to make informed decisions in early design stages. Fidelity generally refers to how closely a model approximates reality. However, the definition of fidelity has been inconsistently defined and interpreted in various contexts concerning particular problems. In some cases, it is a measure of accuracy; in others, information; in another, uncertainty; and in others, computational complexity. Fidelity is poorly and inconsistently defined in the literature. In general, higher fidelity models tend to be more …

Mechanistic Insights Into Polymer-Assisted Graphene Exfoliation: The Roles Of Velocity, Adhesion, Cohesion, Temperature, Peeling Mode, And Edge Defect Via Coarse-Grained Molecular Dynamics, Linjiale Dai

All Theses

Graphene exfoliation is a critical step in the fabrication of high-quality graphene

layers. However, the underlying fracture mechanisms remain poorly understood. In this

work, I employed coarse-grained (CG) molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to

investigate how factors such as interfacial binding energy, substrate cohesion, temperature,

peeling mode, and edge defects influence the outcome of the exfoliation process. To model

polymer-assisted mechanical exfoliation, I used a finite-size system in which multilayer

graphene (MLG) is sandwiched between two thin polymer films. Leveraging the

spatiotemporal efficiency of the CG model, I performed fifty simulation iterations per

parameter set and analyzed the results from a …

Co-Designing Manufacturing Systems For Robustness And Resilience: A Decision-Based Design Perspective, Mathew Baby

Theses and Dissertations

Manufacturing systems (MSs) comprise various stakeholders associated with the manufacture and supply of products required by customers and are interrelated by the flow of materials and information. The interrelated stakeholders make system-specific decisions and stakeholder-specific decisions across multiple levels of a decision hierarchy to satisfy many conflicting system-specific and stakeholder-specific requirements that define system and stakeholder performances. Given the stakeholder interrelations and conflicting nature of system-specific and stakeholder-specific requirements, system and stakeholder performances are correlated and conflicting.

In the Industry 5.0 era, there is an increased emphasis on the creation and equitable distribution of value among all the stakeholders in …

Design And Performance Analysis Of Fiber Bragg Grating Temperature Sensor For Industrial Processes Sensing Applications, Paul Stone Stone Brown Macheso S.B.

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor has become a widespread sensing device because of its small size, passive design, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and direct ability to measure physical properties like temperature and strain. Recently, femtosecond infrared laser processing and regeneration techniques have resulted in the development of stable high-temperature gratings, which are a powerful tool in smart factories, an aspect of the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and show promise for application in harsh environments like high pressure, high temperature, or ionizing radiation. The development of stable high-temperature gratings that can withstand harsh environmental factors like high temperatures, pressures, and …

Semi-Autonomous Trash Bot, Ben Leon, Ethan Mashburn, Connor Olivera, Dillon Michael Wood

ATU Scholars Symposium

Title: Semi-Autonomous Trash Robot

Authors: Benjamin Leon, Ethan Mashburn, Connor Olivera, Dillon Wood

Abstract: Environmental pollution is becoming more worrying every day as megatons of human waste persist in vast amounts in our ecosystems. The existing waste collection methodologies, with the labor, time, and cost components combined, make the process cumbersome. A potential solution could be an automated waste collection robot that incorporates AI into a cheap system that autonomously detects trash. This report proposes a machine that may be manufactured to adequate standards in terms of size and cost and deployed in various environments, with the ultimate goal of …

A Comparison And Investigation Of 2d Axisymmetric And 3d Models For The Wave Augmented Varicose Explosions Atomizer, Caleb Miller

Senior Honors Theses

Atomization of non-Newtonian, high-viscosity fluids is a challenging task with many applications. One method of atomizing these types of flows is the Wave Augmented Varicose Explosions (WAVE) atomizer. Using this framework, the study establishes an analysis methodology, investigates the relationship between 2D axisymmetric (2DA) and 3D models, and provides analysis of geometric, non-geometric, and non-dimensional parameter influences on the atomizer characterization in 2DA models. The study found that 2DA models can provide viable predictions of certain 3D model characteristics, established several mathematical models for parameter relationships among 2DA models, and identified certain metrics as inadequate predictors of atomizer characteristics in …

Design And Optimization Of Lattice-Integrated Plif Cages Using Additive Manufacturing And Finite Element Modeling, Olivia Draughn

Honors Theses

The customization, characterization, and development of biomedical implants through additive manufacturing (AM) and finite element methods (FEM) becomes imperative to the success of surgical operations and long-term patient satisfaction. To combat stiffness mismatches and prevent stress shielding between implant and bone tissue, lattice structures can be implemented within bone implant design to reduce the effective Young’s modulus (EYM) of the implant and to promote osteointegration within bone tissue. Lattice structures are highly customizable, three dimensionally repeated patterned unit cells that can be manipulated to mimic the porous nature of bone tissues to increase implant-bone interface longevity. The study presents the …

40 - Design, Fabrication, And Installation Of Morphing Control Surfaces For Small-Scale Uas, Kyle Purser

Undergraduate Research Symposium

Morphing control surface technology, inspired by organic structures and compliant mechanisms, offers significant potential for enhancing the aerodynamic efficiency and performance of unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Despite these benefits, its adoption has been hindered by complexities in design, manufacturing, and installation, particularly when compared to traditional flap systems. This research explores the design, fabrication, and integration of morphing control surfaces for small-scale UAS using additive manufacturing techniques. To reduce costs and streamline the design process, fused deposition modeling (FDM) additive manufacturing was employed for component fabrication. An off-the-shelf Horizon Sport Cub S2 served as the testing platform, modified with a …

Design And Development Of A Low-Cost Educational Robot: A Scalable And Affordable Software Learning Platform, Diana Refaat Henry Jacob, Mohamed Tarek Elawa, Ashraf Mohamed Hafez

Journal of Engineering Research

This study presents the design and development of a low-cost educational robot to enhance learning experiences in robotics and programming. The system integrates robust software development, ensuring seamless interaction between sensors, actuators, and a custom-designed graphical user interface (GUI). The robot is equipped with various sensors and actuators to support a broad range of experiments and educational applications. The software architecture is detailed, focusing on its modularity and ease of use, enabling students to intuitively program and interact with the robot. Additionally, a series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the sensors and actuators, providing insights into …

Emg-Based Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Using Advanced Machine Learning Approaches, Abdalla Nabil Elsharkawy, Nourhan Zayed

Mechanical Engineering

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) plays a critical role in minimizing nerve damage during surgeries by providing real-time feedback on neural integrity. This study evaluated models associated with deep learning and machine learning models for electromyography classification of signal during intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). The CNNLSTM model achieved the highest accuracy (85.2%), outperforming traditional models like KNN (53%), RF (62%), and CNN (76%). This demonstrates the degree to which the CNN-LSTM model can gain insight into temporal and spatial dependencies throughout the EMG signals, which makes it optimal for real-time classification in IONM applications. This implies that deep learning techniques can improve surgical …

Forecasting And Assessment Of Air Quality Dynamics In Northeast India Using Machine Learning Models, Kumar Shubham, Gopikrishnan T, Anshuman Singh

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study investigated air quality dynamics in Northeast India, a region with unique terrestrial features, including the Eastern Himalayas. While air quality varies across districts, pollution impacts the entire area. Northeast India’s rich ecology is crucial for Himalayan climate regulation. Robust air quality monitoring and pollution control are essential to preserve environmental balance. This work focused on forecasting emissions of aerosols, SO₂, NO₂, CO, HCHO, O₃, and CH₄ primarily associated with human activities. Utilizing data from the Tropospheric Monitoring Instrument (TROPOMI) satellite instrument from 2019 to 2023, a 9-mo forecast was conducted using …

Advances Towards A Robotic Management Vehicle Suited To Nurse Row Crops To More Efficient Outcomes, Adam Mk Gronewold

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Enhancing agricultural production while reducing input costs remains a central challenge in modern row-crop management. Recent advances in computation, imagery, and sensors are enabling more efficient practices across various agricultural domains, and automation technologies are increasingly available to manage tasks central to perennial crop development. Automation in row-crop agriculture, by contrast, lags behind. This thesis explores utilizing small, unmanned ground vehicles to transform row cropping through the implementation of unconventional, in-season management strategies. The first focus of this work considers improvements to nitrogen fertilization using small, autonomous vehicles. An agronomy experiment in corn assessed the effects of gradually applying nitrogen …

Development Of Planetary Drive System For Formula Sae Electric Race Car, Brian Wong, Bradley Maruoka, Joshua Charles Fine, Madison Kai

Mechanical Engineering

Hub motors are compact electric motors mounted directly on each outboard wheel hub. Utilized in Formula SAE and Formula Student vehicles, this configuration offers several advantages over traditional drivetrains, including packaging optimization within the chassis, vehicle traction, and improved efficiency. Although hub motors are not yet common in 4WD vehicles, they are being explored for use in EVs and may become more common in the future. Every year, Cal Poly Racing FSAE designs and builds a formula-style race car. To improve drivetrain performance, the team is investigating the achievability of a hub motor 4WD drivetrain, requiring extensive research, development, and …

System Dynamics For Manufacturing: Supply Chain Simulation Of Hemp-Reinforced Polymer Composite Manufacturing For Sustainability, Gurinder Kaur, Ronald Kander

School of Design and Engineering Papers

Supply chain management (SCM) involves complexities and uncertainties in the flow of goods and services from raw materials to end users. Inaccurate estimation of raw materials, labor, or equipment can lead to financial losses and environmental impacts. This study explores the application of system dynamics modeling (SDM) in manufacturing hemp-reinforced polymer composites (HRPC) to optimize resource usage. Using SDM software STELLA^® (Version 3.7.3), selected for its affordability and features, the research demonstrates how system dynamics (SD) can enhance sustainability by minimizing materials, labor, and equipment, reducing energy consumption. A literature review identified a gap in existing research, as we …