Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

On The Application Of Machine Learning Techniques For Quality Assurance In An Automobile Paint Shop, Anis Fatima, Shakeel Ahmed, Muhammad Akif Shan

Michigan Tech Publications

The automotive industry depends on high-quality paint coatings for both aesthetic appeal and functional performance. However, surface imperfections such as scratches, paint runs, and orange peel can arise from process and environmental variations. This study employs machine learning (ML) and exploratory data analysis (EDA) to identify key factors that influence surface defect formation in automotive painting. Using historical production data from Lucky Motor Corporation Limited, models based on linear regression, support vector machines (SVM), and random forests were developed and validated under various process conditions. The best-performing model achieved an R² of 0.94, with a mean absolute error (MAE) of …

Optimization And Energy Efficiency Analysis Of An Automatic Feed Mixer With A Rotating Drum Mechanism, Kris Witono, Talifatim Machfuroh, Nurlia Pramita Sari, Lisa Agustriyana, Aini Lostari

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Energy-efficient feed mixer machines are important for improving the productivity and sustainability of small and medium-scale livestock farms. Previous studies primarily focused on either structural performance or mixing efficiency, with limited studies integrating both aspects. Therefore, this study evaluated an automatic rotating-drum feed mixer by combining Finite Element Method (FEM) analysis and energy modeling. The study used FEM simulations for different materials, namely A36 steel alloy, stainless steel 304, aluminium 6061, and galvanized steel, with thicknesses of 3 mm and 4 mm, as well as different drum systems. The FEM results showed that all evaluated materials met the minimum safety …

Influence Of Gas Atmosphere And Deposition Time On Si/Mno₂ Thin Films Properties Deposited By Magnetron Sputtering For Supercapacitor Application, Tansya Trisnatika Dewi, Boon Tong Goh, Reza Akbar Pahlevi, Ishmah Luthfiyah, Markus Diantoro

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Thin films of MnO₂ were successfully deposited onto Si substrates using the magnetron sputtering technique in various gas atmospheres and deposition times to study their influence on the structural, morphological, electrical, and electrochemical properties for application as supercapacitor electrodes. Structural analysis using XRD showed that deposition under an Ar+O₂ gas atmosphere increased the crystallite size and crystallinity of the Si/MnO₂ films, while shorter deposition times reduced the crystallite size and lowered the crystallinity. Surface morphology observation using SEM showed that the film deposited in an Ar+O₂ gas atmosphere had smaller, more uniform, evenly distributed, and closely …

Influence Of Fiber Loading And Cu/Sio₂ Fillers On Mechanical And Physical Properties Of Sugarcane Bagasse Epoxy Composites, Ansor Salim Siregar, Indra Indra, Agung Fauzi Hanafi, Sunny Ineza Putri

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

The rising worldwide need for lightweight, high-strength, and eco-friendly materials has driven considerable investigation into natural fiber composites. This research offers an extensive examination of the creation and characterization of a new hybrid composite designed for high-performance sports equipment. The composite structure consists of an epoxy matrix strengthened with sugarcane bagasse fibers and synergistic blend of copper and silicon dioxide hybrid particulate fillers. Three unique composite variations were created, with systematically adjusted weight fractions of sugarcane bagasse fiber (35%, 31%, 27%) and hybrid fillers. A thorough assessment of mechanical and physical properties was carried out following ASTM standards. The results …

An Analytical Framework For Quantifying Urban And Community Resilience To Natural Hazards From Cell-Phone Gps-Location And Traffic-Flow Data, Georgios Chatzikyriakidis

Civil and Environmental Engineering Theses and Dissertations

Urban areas are increasingly exposed to natural hazards while accommodating a growing share of the global population, yet a consistent science-based framework for quantifying urban and community resilience remains lacking. This dissertation develops a physics-based analytical framework grounded in statistical mechanics and the quantitative theory of Brownian motion. A city is conceptualized as a complex medium in which citizens move analogously to Brownian particles within a viscoelastic environment, influenced by socioeconomic interactions and infrastructure functionality.

A central premise is that urban resilience, interpreted as engineering resilience (an outcome), can be quantified through a single metric: the mean-square displacement MSD=⟨r²(t)⟩, of …

Assessing The Impact Of Multi-Physics Effects On Photovoltaic Module Degradation Using Computational Modeling, James Yuan Hartley

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

This dissertation describes research to develop and apply multi-physics simulation capabilities using finite element methods to analyze photovoltaic module damage mechanisms. Analyses of full-scale solar modules under mechanical load are presented, including experimental validation against measurements of external deflection and internal strain. Module damage by solar cell breakage and interconnection fatigue are discussed, and the applicability of simplifying analyses using mathematical plate theory is assessed. Detailed sub-module component models undergoing thermal-mechanical stressors are also presented, to identify the design features and materials most influential to stress generation and to assess the representativeness of using sub-module assemblies in accelerated testing. Finally, …

Kinetic Study Of Oil–Water Separation In A Dual Port Inlet Cyclone Separator, Ikhwanul Qiram, Agung Nugroho

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

In this study, a Computational Fluid Dynamics method is used to investigate the oil–water separation kinetics in a dual-port inlet cyclone separator. This was achieved using the Reynolds Stress Model coupled to an Eulerian multiphase framework. Three Reynolds numbers were studied (Re = 1.41×10⁵, 1.94×10⁵ and 2.52×10⁵) to analyse the flow; axial velocity distribution, vortex stability, radial migration velocity and separation efficiency were examined individually. Results indicate that both the radial migration velocity (vᵣ) and separation probability (p_remove) grow with Reynolds number, especially for larger oil droplets (10–100 µm). The best condition concerned is that …

Liquid-Phase Chemical Melting Deposition For Anchored Nanoparticle–Nanofiber Architectures, Hiep Pham, Kiernan O'Boyle, Gracie Boyer, Jonghyun Park

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We report chemical melting deposition (CMD), a manufacturing strategy designed to overcome the low mass loading and weak interfacial bonding inherent to vapor-based synthesis. Unlike conventional vapor routes, CMD leverages a transient liquid-phase transfer (TLPT) mechanism driven by the differential thermal degradation of carrier fibers to transfer and anchor nanoparticles directly onto target fibers. This process thermodynamically drives the wetting and interfacial fusion of nanoparticles, establishing a liquid-phase contact pathway that enables markedly higher active material loading. To validate the structural resilience of this fused architecture against extreme volumetric stress, we utilized lead oxide (PbO) as a model system, which …

Vegetated Canopy Heterogeneity Footprints In The Roughness Sublayer, Giulia Salmaso, Raul Bayoan Cal, Marc Calaf

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Turbulent flows over horizontally homogeneous rough surfaces are categorized as rough‐wall boundary layer flows, while flows over homogeneous vegetated canopies are better described through a mixing‐layer analogy. At present, numerous studies have investigated canopy density as a transition mechanism between rough‐wall and mixing‐layer‐type flows. Yet, most considered canopies have been spatially homogeneous, with few exceptions investigating agricultural arrangements. However, most vegetated canopies are not homogeneously distributed, but instead contain gaps and spatial heterogeneities of different scales. In these cases, it remains unclear which are the dominant flow traits, and how spatial heterogeneity affects them. To help overcome these knowledge gaps, …

Criticality Safety Evaluation To Address Potential Over Conservative Restrictions In 49 Cfr Fissile Materials – Exceptions, Avian Blumhorst

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The U. S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 49 CFR 173.453 Fissile Exceptions provide a regulatory classification that helps eliminate burdensome regulatory requirements. The current fissile exceptions are based on past technical basis reviews. These reviews may be overly conservative, and the final ruling potentially applied significant administrative over-conservatism. This thesis reviewed and presents several recommendations to the fissile exception criteria, as well as 49 CFR 173.453 section’s additions.

Using Monte Carlo N-Particle (MCNP) code version 6.3.0, several infinite sea mixtures and array systems were modeled for fissile isotopes 233U and 235U. The research demonstrated that for fissile exception (a) there …

Design And Uncertainty Methodology In High Efficiency Filtration Media Testing, Jeremy Andrei Adriano

Theses and Dissertations

Electrospun nanofiber media are being developed as potential alternatives to conventional HEPA filtration materials due to their small fiber diameters and tunable microstructures. To support future testing of these materials, the Small-Scale Test Stand (SSTS) at the Institute for Clean Energy Technology (ICET) requires modifications to ensure accurate and repeatable aerosol filtration measurements. Electrospun filters introduce challenges including fragile media structures and uncertain filtration efficiencies that may allow particle penetration to downstream instrumentation. This work evaluates adaptations to the SSTS design to support testing of electrospun filtration media. In addition, an uncertainty framework for aerosol measurements obtained using a Scanning …

Harmonic Response Analysis Of Asymmetric Double-Wishbone Suspension Systems For Amphibious Vehicle Stability, Harper K. Mccraw

Theses and Dissertations

Amphibious vehicles in the surf zone face severe hydrodynamic forcing, yet their internal suspension dynamics remain under-characterized. This research quantifies the non-linear dynamic response of an asymmetric double-wishbone suspension under regular wave impact. Using a physical model in a wave flume and a Qualisys motion-capture system, global rigid-body roll angles were processed through a decoupled kinematic numerical framework to isolate time-domain strut displacements. To evaluate stability, the data was transformed into the frequency domain to calculate Total Harmonic Distortion (THD). Results indicate that all test configurations exhibited significant non-linearity, primarily driven by mechanical clipping as struts reached their physical travel …

A Cradle To Grave Life Cycle Assessment Of Captured Landfill Methane Abatement Strategies, Joshua Caleb Richard

Theses and Dissertations

Landfill methane mitigation strategies are commonly evaluated using percentage-based leakage assumptions and linear scaling models. These approaches may misrepresent system performance at varying throughput levels and real-world operating scenarios. This thesis develops a system-level life cycle assessment framework that incorporates both fixed infrastructure losses and employs sensitivity analysis to more accurately characterize emissions from landfill gas management pathways. Three scenarios are evaluated: methane capture and flare, methane capture and combustion for electricity generation, and methane upgrading with pipeline injection as renewable natural gas. Results demonstrate that emissions models over- dependance on static factors may inadvertently lead to under-reporting and provide …

Sorption And Thermal Conductivity Of Concrete Containing Aggregates Of E-Waste, Rakesh Kumar Saini, Praveen Kumar

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

In many parts of the world, substantial energy is used to maintain comfortable temperatures in inner parts of the buildings for living and working. Construction materials with low thermal conductivity, if used in the exterior walls and façade etc. in such structures can be useful in lowering the energy demand. On the other hand, moisture ingress through sorption is a common factor contributing in degradation of concrete structures with time. Constituents of concrete may be engineered to some extent to get both the desired attributes, lower thermal conductivity and sorption than normal concrete. The rapid increase in electronic waste, or …

Effects Of Niobium On The Mechanical And Oxidation Properties Of Additively Manufactured Tungsten, Alexander Lesieur, Cayla Eckley, Ryan A. Kemnitz

Faculty Publications

Although additive manufacturing presents a novel and customizable approach to fabricating tungsten (W) alloys, the layer-by-layer production technique presents a unique set of processing challenges which are further exacerbated by the metal’s refractory properties. In this study, additions of niobium (Nb) were found to improve the mechanical properties and oxidation resistance of additively manufactured W. Microstructural investigation revealed the effect of Nb on the cracking, grain size, and texture in the as-built material. Mechanical compression testing showed significant improvement in ductility with increasing Nb content. The low concentrations of Nb used did not induce large changes in the yield strength …

Experimental Measurements Of The Forces Acting On A Submerged Beam Using High-Speed Videography, Madelyn Burrell

Masters Theses

The interaction of structures and fluids is highly relevant in many fields but difficult to accurately and reliably characterize. This study demonstrates a novel method of simplifying such problems by analyzing the structural deformations directly, without needing to explicitly solve for the fluid aspect. Six cantilever beams of varying properties were submerged in still water and released from an initial deflection at the free end: the cases consisted of three beam shapes (one of uniform width, one with a narrower free end, and one with a wider free end), with an end mass attached or detached. High-speed videography was utilized …

A Study & Comparison Of Lift Boosters For An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Trevor Sean Dady

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aerial vehicles are becoming increasingly prevalent in modern society for tasks, such as package delivery, defense, and cinematography. Due to this surge in applications, many researchers have begun to search for improvements to unmanned aerial vehicles for their lift and thrust properties. Potential solutions to magnify an unmanned aerial vehicle’s thrust capability are the implementation of Coanda surfaces, nozzles, or bowl-shaped structures on each propeller. Coanda surfaces provide additional lift force by creating a vacuum in response to the adhesion of fluid to the smooth surface. Nozzles can constrict the flow of air, while also increasing its velocity. The …

Thermal Transient Analysis Of Mahogany Wood Biomass Pyrolysis: The Role Of Zeolite Catalyst Variations On Temperature Distribution, Yusri Yusri, Widya Wijayanti, Mega Nur Sasongko

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Biomass pyrolysis is a thermochemical process that converts waste into fuel. The use of zeolite catalysts can enhance efficiency by accelerating biomass decomposition. To demonstrate its effect, thermal simulations were conducted using ANSYS Thermal Transient to analyze temperature distribution, reaction rates, and catalyst effectiveness in the pyrolysis process. This study aims to improve thermal efficiency and temperature uniformity by analyzing the effect of 10% and 20% zeolite mixtures on heat distribution and heating rates at input temperatures of 650 K, 750 K, and 850 K, using the 2D axial symmetry method. The simulation was performed under specific boundary conditions: input …

Comprehensive Analysis Of Spray Development And Low Temperature Combustion Characteristics In A Cvcc With Nvh Of Renewable Aerospace Fuels: Hefa & Ft Synthetic Kerosene (S8) Compared To Jet-A & Ulsd, Coleman Norton

Honors College Theses

A comprehensive analysis was conducted to research the viability of Hydroprocessed Esters and Fatty Acids (HEFA) and S8 Synthetic Kerosene fuels as a drop-in replacement for conventional petroleum-based fuels, Jet-A and ULSD (Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel). Global transportation remains heavily dependent on liquid fossil fuels, while renewable aerospace fuels offer a promising pathway to reducing life cycle greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. However, the combustion performance and long-term feasibility of these fuels remain insufficiently characterized. This study performed a thorough assessment of each fuel's thermophysical and combustion properties. Thermophysical characterization encompassed viscosity, freezing point, energy density, spray atomization, and volatility. …

Active Brazing Of Single Crystal Al2o3 To Kovar Alloy With Agcuzr Filler Metal, Anthony M. Mcmaster

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Brazing provides high strength and hermetic joining between metal, ceramic, and composite materials. Origins of the brazing process trace back to 3000BC, yet the technique continues to maintain relevance and demand across aerospace, medical, electronic, optical, and mechanical engineering. Here, single crystal Al2O3 (sapphire) was joined to Kovar in a single step via an AgCuZr active braze filler metal. The microstructure of the completed joint was investigating using microscopy and spectroscopy techniques. A unique braze chamber, paired with an optically clear top substrate (sapphire), allowed further investigation into the dynamics of the active braze process via in situ video monitoring. …