Multiscale Architecture Governs Stability In Suction-Actuated Variable Stiffness Catheters,
2026
Washington University in St. Louis
Multiscale Architecture Governs Stability In Suction-Actuated Variable Stiffness Catheters, Sheridan Lee
McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations
Endovascular procedures require devices with widely varying mechanical properties: flexibility for navigating tortuous vessels and rigidity for stable therapeutic delivery. Suction-actuated variable stiffness sheaths address this challenge by incorporating axial wire string arrays that mechanically couple under suction to increase flexural rigidity. However, prototype devices achieve stiffening ratios below theoretical predictions, suggesting that interlayer mechanics and string positioning play a critical role. This study investigates whether interweaving polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tape within the string array enhances flexural rigidity modulation and curvature stability. Prototype devices with varying wrap configurations were fabricated and evaluated using flexural testing, curvature stability testing, and mathematical modeling. …
A Federated Learning Framework For Data-Sovereign Predictive Maintenance In Distributed Smart Manufacturing,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
A Federated Learning Framework For Data-Sovereign Predictive Maintenance In Distributed Smart Manufacturing, Md Sazol Ahmmed, Sriram Praneeth Isanaka, Frank Liou
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Featured Application: The proposed federated learning framework can be applied in distributed smart manufacturing environments where multiple factories or production facilities collaboratively develop predictive maintenance models without sharing sensitive operational data. This approach is particularly useful for industrial networks involving geographically distributed plants, contract manufacturing partners, and multi-site production systems where data sovereignty and avoidance of raw data sharing are critical. Predictive maintenance enables early detection of machine failures and reduces unexpected production downtime. However, conventional approaches typically rely on centralized data collection and model training which introduce challenges related to data sovereignty, communication overhead and data ownership. To address …
Effect Of Environmental Conditions On Fracture Of Composite Materials And Thin Films,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Effect Of Environmental Conditions On Fracture Of Composite Materials And Thin Films, Victor Birman
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Environmental conditions, i.e., temperature and moisture, affect mechanical properties of materials, including composites. In this paper, we concentrate on one of the aspects of the effect of environment on fracture in a composite lamina. The paper demonstrates an analytical approach to account for the effect of the changes in environment on the strain energy release rate of composite materials and thin films. These analytically determined strain energy release rates should be compared to fracture toughness to predict the susceptibility of the material to fracture. Numerical examples are presented for several polymeric and metal matrix composites using available experimental data for …
Validity Of The Schrage Equation In Prediction Of Evaporation Rate Of Liquid N-Dodecane In High-Pressure Nitrogen Gas: A Molecular Dynamics Study,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Validity Of The Schrage Equation In Prediction Of Evaporation Rate Of Liquid N-Dodecane In High-Pressure Nitrogen Gas: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Wazih Tausif, Jordan Hartfield, Md Amin Haque, Zhi Liang
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Evaporation of liquid fuel in a high-pressure air is a process that critically influences fuel–air mixing in advanced propulsion systems. In this work, we use molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to study the validity and accuracy of the Schrage equation in quantifying the evaporation and condensation rates of n-dodecane (a diesel surrogate) in air (approximated as N2 gas) with gas pressure varying from 0 atm to above the critical pressure of n-dodecane. The MD simulation results show that the evaporation coefficient (αe) is higher than the condensation coefficient (αc) at the evaporating n-dodecane surface and is lower than αc at the …
Machine Vision For In Situ Measurement And Control Of Wire Stickout In Lwded Process,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Machine Vision For In Situ Measurement And Control Of Wire Stickout In Lwded Process, Braden Mclain, Remy Mathenia, Todd Sparks, Frank Liou
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
This work presents a machine-vision–based measurement and control framework for laser wire directed energy deposition (LWDED) processes. A visible-light camera system is used to capture meltpool images, from which a novel vision algorithm extracts the wire–meltpool interface location. By utilizing a camera that is rigidly mounted to the deposition head, the vision algorithm provides a relative measurement of the distance between the nozzle tip and the workpiece, also referred to as wire stickout. A proportional-derivative (PD) control strategy is implemented using the measured stickout as feedback to adjust deposition feedrate. Results show that the control system successfully compensates for improper …
Using Machine-Learning-Based Process Map To Guide Evaluation Of Inconel 625 Mechanical Properties In Laser Foil Printing,
2026
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Using Machine-Learning-Based Process Map To Guide Evaluation Of Inconel 625 Mechanical Properties In Laser Foil Printing, Yu Hsiang Wang, Sung Heng Wu, Hung Chu Chiang, Pen Ning Yu, Chia Hung Hung, Ming C. Leu
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Inconel 625 is widely studied in powder-based additive manufacturing, but its processing characteristics and mechanical performance in foil-feedstock laser foil printing (LFP) remain largely unexplored. In this study, a gradient boosting regression (GBR)-based process map was developed for LFP of Inconel 625 using 32 single-track experiments. The GBR model achieved R2 values of 0.859 and 0.793 and mean absolute errors of 22.25 μm and 19.83 μm for melt-pool depth and width, respectively, outperforming second- and third-order polynomial regressions in capturing nonlinear melt-pool responses and distinguishing lack-of-fusion, conduction, and keyhole regimes. Three conduction-mode conditions with target depth-to-foil thickness ratios (D/T) …
Experimental Investigation Of A Shrouded Dual-Rotor Wind Turbine For Small-Scale Applications,
2026
The British University in Egypt
Experimental Investigation Of A Shrouded Dual-Rotor Wind Turbine For Small-Scale Applications, Ahmed Elbaz, Mahmoud Alghrieb Mr
Mechanical Engineering
Small-scale wind power faces significant challenges in areas characterized by low wind speeds and turbulent wind patterns, limiting its contribution to the global energy demand. To spread the use of wind energy even at regions of low wind speeds, the turbine with wind lens concept was introduced in the literature. This device increases the free stream wind speed at the turbine section which enhances power output of the turbine. Other methods involved using dual rotors to augment power output of the turbine too. In the current study, the performance of single and dual rotors was investigated using wind lens to …
Development Of Low-Cost Triaxial Force Sensor For Measurement Of Human-Exoskeleton Interaction Forces,
2026
Clemson University
Development Of Low-Cost Triaxial Force Sensor For Measurement Of Human-Exoskeleton Interaction Forces, Hamdan Khan Sarvathullah
All Theses
Contemporary research suggests that shear force is a major contributor to discomfort and pressure injury. However, the variation of shear forces during human-exoskeleton interaction dynamics is a highly unexplored field. The high cost of commercial triaxial force sensors may be a major factor in the notable lack of research in this field. Therefore, in this paper, we present a low-cost, 3D-printed triaxial force sensor designed specifically to measure the triaxial interaction forces between an exoskeleton and its user. The triaxial force sensor uses Carbon-Black/Silicone Rubber (CB/SR) strings to measure shear forces, whereas the normal force is measured with a Force …
An Experimental Study On Turbine-Based Energy Harvesters For Thermal Underwater Gliders,
2026
Florida Institute of Technology
An Experimental Study On Turbine-Based Energy Harvesters For Thermal Underwater Gliders, Stephen Edward Coster
Theses and Dissertations
Buoyancy-driven underwater gliders have been optimized for long-duration missions primarily for continual monitoring of the ocean’s water column. However, longer missions and higher-powered sensors have increased the energy requirements of gliders. While current solutions aim to increase battery capacity, the development of energy-harvesting systems (EHMs) could greatly improve mission capabilities in both ability and duration. This thesis discusses the experimental testing of an underwater glider with an EHM as detailed in the theoretical study, “Development of a Turbine-Based Ocean Thermal Energy Harvesting Mechanism Applied to the Underwater Glider” by Hongbo Hou, PhD. The rear-mounted turbine captures energy using the kinetic …
Moon Adaptive Technology For Extraterrestrial Architectural Robotics (Matear),
2026
Florida Institute of Technology
Moon Adaptive Technology For Extraterrestrial Architectural Robotics (Matear), Candela Noemi Solis Zampini
Theses and Dissertations
The Moon Adaptive Technology for Extraterrestrial Architectural Robotics (MATEAR) focuses on the development of an autonomous robotic system capable of providing structural building blocks directly from lunar regolith. As a sustained human presence on the Moon becomes a necessity, the costly and limited payload capacity associated with transporting construction goods from Earth creates a critical challenge. MATEAR addresses this problem through in-situ resource utilization (ISRU), integrating a regolith processing system onto a remote operated vehicle. The proposed system is designed to collect lunar dust, mechanically compact the material, and apply thermal treatment to enhance cohesion through sintering. These regolith-made bricks …
Numerical Investigation On Lightning Survivability And Residual Strength Of Scarf-Patched And Z-Pinned Cfrp Composites,
2026
Utah State University
Numerical Investigation On Lightning Survivability And Residual Strength Of Scarf-Patched And Z-Pinned Cfrp Composites, Logan Hales
All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present
Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites are critical in aerospace applications yet remain vulnerable to lightning strikes due to orthotropic electrical conductivity and poor thermal resistance. Over the past decades, lightning-strike damage in pristine CFRP has been extensively investigated. However, the response of damaged and subsequently repaired laminates remains poorly understood, raising concerns about the structural integrity of repaired aircraft. This study aims to develop a sequentially coupled thermo-structural modeling framework to quantify how two common composite repair strategies (scarf patching and z-pinning), along with patch size, pin material, and configuration, influence lightning-induced damage and the residual flexural strength of …
Porous Hydrophobic Adsorbent Coatings For Carbon Dioxide Capture,
2026
Florida Institute of Technology
Porous Hydrophobic Adsorbent Coatings For Carbon Dioxide Capture, Samuel Babatunde Olushola
Theses and Dissertations
This work presents the development of a porous, hydrophobic zeolite 13X coating for the separation of carbon dioxide (CO2) from flue gas or natural gas. Zeolite 13X was combined with yeast, glucose, and sodium alginate as pore-forming agents, and with polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) and Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as hydrophobicity-inducing agents to enhance water resistance while maintaining CO2 access to the adsorbent. The study explored PTFE/13X mass ratios ranging from 0 to 2.33 to investigate the interplay between hydrophobicity and CO2 uptake. The wettability of the coating was characterized by using a temporal water contact angle (WCA) measurement. Increasing …
Deep Learning For Predicting Impact Energy And Compression After Impact Strength Of Composite Materials Using C-Scan Images,
2026
University of Akron
Deep Learning For Predicting Impact Energy And Compression After Impact Strength Of Composite Materials Using C-Scan Images, K. T. Tan, Jason P. Mack, Faizan Mirza, Zhong-Hui Duan
University Research
Traditional assessment of post-impact performance in carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites often relies on simplified scalar metrics that fail to capture the complex spatial interactions driving failure. This study addresses this limitation by developing an automated, end-to-end deep learning framework that shifts from manual feature extraction to the direct interpretation of raw damage morphology from ultrasonic C-scans. Using a ResNet18-based convolutional neural network (CNN) trained on 1,428 augmented images, the model achieved coefficients of determination (R2) of 0.7948 ± 0.0847 for compression after impact (CAI) strength and 0.9436 ± 0.0098 for impact energy. Beyond prediction, this dual-purpose methodology serves …
Technology Based Assessment Of Workplace Biomechanical Risk: A Roadmap For Process Improvement,
2026
The British University in Egypt
Technology Based Assessment Of Workplace Biomechanical Risk: A Roadmap For Process Improvement, Tamer Adel Mohamed, Noha Mostafa, Ahmed Elsayed
Mechanical Engineering
The main objective of this paper is to develop a methodology for assessing the biomechanical risk in the workplace and design and apply improvements to reduce this risk by redesigning the working process. The risks are measured using Ergonomics tools to assess body posture and lifting index. Kinect sensor and video recordings are utilized to evaluate the joints' positions as an input for body posture data. Then, the specialized CATIA V5 software [26] is used to simulate the workers' bodies in the form of 3D models. Risk factors were assessed, and a new design was developed to be implemented in …
Comparative Experimental Analysis Of Vertical And Inclined Bifacial Pv Panels Under Varying Azimuthal Angles In Egypt For Agrivoltaics Systems,
2026
The British University in Egypt
Comparative Experimental Analysis Of Vertical And Inclined Bifacial Pv Panels Under Varying Azimuthal Angles In Egypt For Agrivoltaics Systems, Ahmed Elbaz, Yahia Hassanein Nr, Iman Elmahallawi Dr, Tarek Abdelsalam Dr
Mechanical Engineering
The growing deployment of photovoltaic (PV) technologies across a wide range of applications, from residential rooftops to agrivoltaic systems, has created new opportunities, such as harnessing albedo from bright surroundings, as well as challenges, including limited space availability and adverse shading effects, which urge the need for optimising space along with energy use. While vertical bifacial photovoltaic (VBPV) systems may offer a potential solution, their effectiveness against their conventional inclined counterparts remains largely unexplored in different locations. This paper presents an experimental evaluation of the energy performance of vertical and inclined Bifacial PV configurations under the different climatic conditions of …
Extremum Seeking Compensation And Quantification Of Position Sensor Offset Error In Speed-Controlled Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors,
2026
Western Michigan University
Extremum Seeking Compensation And Quantification Of Position Sensor Offset Error In Speed-Controlled Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motors, Tessa Biondo
Masters Theses
Position sensor offset errors present a persistent challenge in speed-controlled permanent magnet synchronous motor drives operating under field-oriented control. Even small, constant offsets in the measured rotor position can reduce torque effectiveness, requiring increased current and voltage demand to maintain the commanded speed and resulting in degraded speed regulation performance across a range of operating conditions. These effects are particularly problematic in speed-controlled systems, where speed loop dynamics cause increased electrical effort and limit overall performance. Many existing detection and compensation approaches are either dependent on the system model, require offline calibration, or are primarily designed for torque-controlled operation. This …
Cylindrical Versus Spherical Self-Similar Capillary Cavity Collapse,
2026
Portland State University
Cylindrical Versus Spherical Self-Similar Capillary Cavity Collapse, Karl Cardin, Christophe Josserand, Raul Bayoan Cal
Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations
Drop tower experiments have been performed to study the capillary collapse of large high-aspect-ratio cavities. Cavities are formed by momentarily impinging the free surface of a liquid bath with a jet of air in the microgravity environment of a drop tower. The collapse may give rise to a jet and three distinct jetting regimes are identified. Simulations are performed to further investigate the phenomena. The abrupt emergence of a thin high velocity jet is observed experimentally and numerically at a specific initial cavity aspect ratio. Different power laws are identified in different regions of the cavity during the collapse providing …
Optimization Of A Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter (Wec),
2026
Florida Atlantic University
Optimization Of A Point Absorber Wave Energy Converter (Wec), Rutwa Dilipkumar Nagar
Electronic Theses and Dissertations 2020 - Present
This study examines the performance and optimization of a point absorber wave energy converter with a partially submerged spherical float. A comprehensive open-source computational framework integrates frequency-domain hydrodynamic analysis with time-domain simulation using Capytaine, BEMIO, and WEC-Sim. Hydrodynamic coefficients such as added mass, radiation damping, and excitation forces are calculated and integrated into the governing equation of motion using the Cummins formulation. A parametric analysis varies the float diameter and geometric configurations across several cases. Hydrodynamic coefficients and response amplitude operators are assessed to analyze system behavior and resonance characteristics. Results indicate consistent trends in normalized added mass, with radiation …
The Pid-Based Three Quadcopter Uavs Formation Control Under External Disturbance,
2026
Institute of Engineering Technology, Thu Dau Mot University, HoChiMinh City 70000, Vietnam
The Pid-Based Three Quadcopter Uavs Formation Control Under External Disturbance, Vo Van An, Trinh Luong Mien
Makara Journal of Technology
This paper presents the design and evaluation of a formation control strategy for three quadcopter UAVs, based on a PID controller in a leader–follower structure, under the influence of external disturbances. Each UAV employs a six-degree of-freedom dynamic model and utilises a cascade PID control architecture, in which the inner control loop stabilises the attitude. In contrast, the outer control loop regulates position and maintains the formation. The PID parameters are tuned using the Ziegler–Nichols method to ensure simple implementation and low computational cost. The performance of the control system is evaluated through simulations in the MATLAB environment for two …
Evaluation Of Quantification Methods Applied To Overlapping Ftir Features,
2026
Brigham Young University
Evaluation Of Quantification Methods Applied To Overlapping Ftir Features, Benjamin P. Diehl
Reviews, Analyses, and Instructional Studies in Electrochemistry (RAISE)
Quantifying overlapping FTIR spectral features is critical for electrochemical analysis but often requires complex deconvolution. This work systematically evaluates several area ratio and proxy-based quantification methods using a controlled synthetic spectral model with varying signal-to-noise ratio, peak spacing, width, background, and data resolution. Constrained peak fitting and fixed-window integration consistently exhibit near-perfect monotonicity (Spearman ≈ 1.000) and linearity (Pearson ≈ 0.999–1.000) across all conditions. In contrast, derivative and moment-based metrics show sensitivity to peak overlap, width, and background. These results demonstrate that physically grounded area-based methods provide the most robust and reliable quantification of overlapping FTIR features.
