Digital Commons Network^™

Assessing The Impact Of Radar-Rainfall Uncertainty On Streamflow Simulation, Nicolás Velásquez, Witold F. Krajewski, Bong Chul Seo

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hydrological models and quantitative precipitation estimation (QPE) are critical elements of flood forecasting systems. Both are subject to considerable uncertainties. Quantifying their relative contribution to the forecasted streamflow and flood uncertainty has remained challenging. Past work documented in the literature focused on one of these elements separately from the other. With this in mind, we present a systematic approach to assess the impact of QPE uncertainty in streamflow forecasting. Our approach explores the operational Iowa Flood Center (IFC) hydrological model performance after altering two radar-based QPE products. We ran the Hillslope Link Model (HLM) for Iowa between 2015 and 2020, …

Correlations Between Song Popularity And Their Audio Features Using Machine Learning, Rong Chen

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

This project is an interactive visual project that explores the relationship between audio features and song popularity on Spotify using machine learning techniques. Through the collection of nearly half a million songs and implementation of seven different machine learning models, including Linear Regression, Random Forest, Decision Trees, and Gradient Boosting, I investigated how audio characteristics correlate with a song's popularity ranking. The project utilized MongoDB for data storage, Spotipy for API integration, and Streamlit with Plotly for visualization. This work provides insights into the practical challenges of large-scale music analysis and the relationship between technical audio characteristics and commercial success, …

Research On Wireless Monitoring System For Internal Temperature Field Of Coal Gangue Mountain, Xiaofei Liu, Chunhao Liang, Jifa Qian, Xiaolin Li, Xuemei Li, Baoli Li, Guang Xu, Bin Zhou

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In the long-term accumulation process, coal gangue can lead to severe consequences such as spontaneous combustion and explosions due to external factors. Additionally, the coal gangue that ignites spontaneously significantly pollutes the land and groundwater, causing serious risks to the health and safety of individuals living and working in the vicinity. Therefore, to mitigate the risk of spontaneous combustion resulting from the long-term accumulation of coal gangue, a monitoring system based on LoRa wireless communication technology is proposed to collect and monitor the internal temperature of coal gangue mountains in real time. In the laboratory, active temperature rise monitoring was …

Blast Tube Design: How Shape And Size Influence The Resultant Shock Wave, R. L. Bauer, C. E. Johnson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Shock tubes and tunnels are often used in research settings as a way of producing high pressure shock waves in a smaller footprint or without the use of explosives. However, there is no standard geometric design across laboratories. Peak pressure is a significant parameter for characterizing a shock wave. However, different tube configurations could also affect parameters such as impulse and duration, yet no research has investigated how the scale of the tube affects the overall waveform shape. To understand the implications of shock tube design, tubes with a constant length to diameter ratio were evaluated to determine how tube …

Influence Of Temperature, Oxygen Partial Pressure, And Microstructure On The High-Temperature Oxidation Behavior Of The Sic Layer Of Triso Particles, Visharad Jalan, Adam Bratten, Meng Shi, Tyler Gerczak, Haiyan Zhao, Jonathan D. Poplawsky, Xiaoqing He, Grant Helmreich, Haiming Wen

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Tri structural isotropic (TRISO)-coated fuel particles are designed for use in high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactors, featuring a structural SiC layer that may be exposed to oxygen-rich environments over 1000 °C. Surrogate TRISO particles were tested in 0.2–20 kPa O2 atmospheres to observe the differences in oxidation behavior. Oxide growth mechanisms remained consistent from 1200–1600 °C for each PO2, with activation energies of 228 ± 7 kJ/mol for 20 kPa O2 and 188 ± 8 kJ/mol for 0.2 kPa O2. At 1600 °C, kinetic analysis revealed a change in oxide growth mechanisms between 0.2 and 6 kPa O2. In 0.2 kPa …

Effects Of Gypsum And Limestone On Early-Age Hydration And Strength Optimization In Belite Calcium Sulfoaluminate Cement, Sai Akshay Ponduru, Bryan K. Aylas-Paredes, Taihao Han, Advaith Neithalath, Narayanan Neithalath, Gaurav Sant, Aditya Kumar

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Belite calcium sulfoaluminate cement (CSAB), an alternative to Portland cement, exhibits excellent strength at both early and later ages. However, due to its high belite content, the carbon reduction from this type of cement is not sufficient when compared to other alternative cements. To further enhance CSAB's sustainability, this study investigates the performance of CSAB when partially replaced by low-carbon mineral additives (i.e., limestone and gypsum). The primary objective is to identify the optimal mixture design by incorporating gypsum and limestone to formulate a sustainable binder that maintains high compressive strength. The CSAB is replaced (with both additives) by up …

Elevated Temperature Performance: Arc-Jet Testing Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Zrb2 Bars Up To 2200 °C For Strength Retention Assessment, D. Sciti, A. Vinci, L. Zoli, P. Galizia, M. Mor, W. Fahrenholtz, S. Mungiguerra, R. Savino, A. M. Caporale, A. Airoldi

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

For the first time, ultra-high temperature ceramic matrix composite bars were tested inside an arc-jet facility to investigate the impact of oxidation damage on strength retention. The composite bars, which were based on a ZrB2 / SiC matrix reinforced with 45 vol% carbon fibers, were produced by slurry impregnation and sintering. The first batch was tested under 3-point (pt) bending, and two additional batches were exposed to plasma of dissociated air up to a temperature of 2200 °C for 2 min or 2.2 min and then subjected to 3-pt bending. More than 75% of the initial strength was retained even …

Oxidation–Reduction Of Ti-6al-4v In Direct Energy Deposition Subject To Minimum Argon Consumption, Bharadwaja Ragampeta, Prashansa Ragampeta, Todd Sparks, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Ti-6Al-4V is a well-known alloy for its low density and excellent corrosion resistance, making it popular in aerospace, marine, medical, and automotive applications. However, at elevated temperatures, the alloy forms oxides, leading to embrittlement. In additive manufacturing, particularly in the direct energy deposition (DED) process, which involves high temperatures, the alloy experiences oxidation. An inert gas chamber provides shielding during the process but limits the size of the manufactured components, and deposition in a vacuum chamber can alter the chemical composition of the alloy. Local shielding is a technique generally used for such applications, but it uses a high volume …

Simulation-Based Models For Postearthquake Response: A Survey And Research Directions, Abhijit Gosavi, Lauryn A. Spearing, Lesley H. Sneed

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Computer simulation is increasingly being used by emergency planners as a tool to improve disaster response given that it can model real-world scenarios, such as earthquakes. Although there has been an increase in simulation research focused on disaster response, much of this literature is from disparate fields and across disaster scenarios. To bridge this gap, this paper surveys simulation-based models for post-earthquake response from the year 2000 onward. Advantages of simulation over closed-form statistical models are discussed. Three main subproblems in post-earthquake response models are explored: (1) service distribution (e.g., food, water), (2) infrastructure restoration (at the building and transportation …

Impurity Behavior In Cast Copper Anodes: Implications For Electrorefining In A Circular Economy, Agustin Morales-Aragon, Daniel Sánchez-Rodas, Guillermo Ríos, Michael S. Moats

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The behavior of impurities in cast copper was investigated to simulate production with increased utilization of secondary sources within the framework of a circular economy. The incorporation of impurities, particularly Ni, Sn, and Sb, from recycled Cu may significantly impact the electrorefining process. In this study, commercial anodes were doped with Ni, Sn, and Sb concentrations of 2500–6500 g/t, 300–900 g/t, and 450–950 g/t, respectively. Anode concentrations of Pb and Bi were maintained at 1000 g/t and 350 g/t, respectively. As concentrations were examined at two levels, 860 or 1700 g/t, depending on the commercial anode used to create the …

A Comprehensive Study Of Cooling Rate Effects On Diffusion, Microstructural Evolution, And Characterization Of Aluminum Alloys, Atiqur Rahman, Sriram Praneeth Isanaka, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cooling Rate (CR) definitively influences the microstructure of metallic parts manufactured through various processes. Factors including cooling medium, surface area, thermal conductivity, and temperature control can influence both predicted and unforeseen impacts that then influence the results of mechanical properties. This comprehensive study explores the impact of CRs in diffusion, microstructural development, and the characterization of aluminum alloys and the influence of various manufacturing processes and post-process treatments, and it studies analytical models that can predict their effects. It examines a broad range of CRs encountered in diverse manufacturing methods, such as laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), directed energy deposition …

Pancreatic Cancer Extracellular Vesicles Stimulate Schwann Cell Activation And Perineural Invasion In Vitro Via Il-8/Ccl2, Emory Gregory, Isabel Powers, Azemat Jamshidi-Parsian, Robert J. Griffin, Younghye Song

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Purpose Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, and perineural invasion (PNI), in which cancer cells infiltrate nerves, enables metastasis in most patients. PNI is largely attributed to Schwann cells (SC) that, when activated, accelerate cancer cell migration towards nerves. However, this cancer-associated reprogramming is generally under-appreciated. Additionally, tumor extracellular vesicle (EV) facilitation of cancer aggravation is well documented, but more investigation is required to better understand their role in PNI. Here, we assessed whether PDAC EVs mediate PNI via SC activation using tissue-engineered in vitro platforms and PANC-1 and HPNE human cell lines as models. …

Uav-Based Phytoforensics: Hyperspectral Image Analysis To Remotely Detect Explosives Using Maize (Zea Mays), Paul V. Manley, Stephen M. Via, Joel G. Burken

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Remnant explosive devices are a deadly nuisance to both military personnel and civilians. Traditional mine detection and clearing is dangerous, time-consuming, and expensive. And routine production and testing of explosives can create groundwater contamination issues. Remote detection methods could be rapidly deployed in vegetated areas containing explosives as they are known to cause stress in vegetation that is detectable with hyperspectral sensors. Hyperspectral imagery was employed in a mesocosm study comparing stress from a natural source (drought) to that of plants exposed to two different concentrations of Royal Demolition Explosive (RDX; 250 mg kg−1, 500 mg kg−1). Classification was accomplished …

Multi-Scale Modeling Of Transport Properties In Cementitious Materials With Go Admixture, Bing Liu, Weichen Kang, Weixing Lian, Feng Xing, Hongfang Sun, Hongyan Ma

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In coastal areas, the presence of concrete cracks provides pathways for hazardous ions to ingress from the exterior into the interior of concrete, while the migration of the ions further accelerates concrete deterioration and causes durability problems. The incorporation of graphene oxide (GO) into concrete can inhibit crack initiation and development starting at the nanoscale, improving the concrete microstructure, thereby affecting concrete's resistance to hazardous ion transport and the resulting deterioration. In this study, a multi-scale transport model for cementitious materials with a GO admixture was established to predict the resistance to hazardous ions. Based on the determination of hydration …

Pilot Study: Initial Investigation Suggests Differences In Emt-Associated Gene Expression In Breast Tumor Regions, Kylie L. King, Hamed Abdollahi, Zoe Dinkel, Alannah Akins, Homayoun Valafar, Heather Dunn

Faculty Publications

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype and disproportionately affects African American women. The development of breast cancer is highly associated with interactions between tumor cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM), and recent research suggests that cellular components of the ECM vary between racial groups. This pilot study aimed to evaluate gene expression in TNBC samples from patients who identified as African American and Caucasian using traditional statistical methods and emerging Machine Learning (ML) approaches. ML enables the analysis of complex datasets and the extraction of useful information from small datasets. We selected four regions of interest …

Spark Plasma Sintering Of (Zr,Nb)C Ceramics, Jacob Stacy, Greg Hilmas, Jeremy Watts, Brian Taylor, Jhonathan Rosales

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A range of (Zr,Nb)C ceramics containing 20–50 vol% NbC were spark plasma sintered at 2000°C. The ceramics had relative densities greater than 97 %, and all compositions formed a complete solid solution. The average grain size was ∼7.1 µm over all compositions. Elastic moduli values ranged from 436 to 445 GPa, and the fracture toughness ranged from 0.8 to 2.8 MPa·m1/2 over the compositional range, both increasing with increasing NbC content. The hardnesses of the (Zr,Nb)C ceramics ranged from 19.1 to 20.2 GPa at a load of 9.81 N. The flexural strength increased from 352 to 395 MPa as the …

A Framework To Harmonize Legal Provisions In Infrastructure Ppp Projects In Egypt Funded By Multilateral Development Banks, Menna Elkadi

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last decade, Egypt has witnessed an increase in the number of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, specifically in infrastructure, as a result of the growing interest and popularity of various entities participating in such projects. Public infrastructure systems are no longer thought to be exclusively provided by the government; instead, the private sector’s contribution in the provision of such services is increasing. However, not every PPP program has been equally effective or has made the optimum use of planning and decision-making. The possibility of a project failure as a result of poor risk allocation is increased, if the potential …

Reinforcing Polymer Flooding System With Dendritic Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles For Improved Oil Recovery, Di Li, Yanling Wang, Baojun Bai, Ning Xu, Wenjing Shi, Yu Zhang, Wenhui Ding, Peixu Ma, Zan Gao

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSNs), characterized by a high specific surface area and abundant hydroxyl groups, offer a promising approach to enhancing the performance of amphiphilic polymers in challenging enhanced oil recovery (EOR) conditions. In this study, DMSNs were successfully synthesized, and systematically evaluated for their impact on the solution properties of a betaine amphiphilic polymer (PADC). The unique "flower-like" mesoporous structure of DMSNs provided approximately 7-fold higher surface area than conventional SiO2, facilitating enhanced polymer-nanoparticle interactions. The DMSN/PADC composite system exhibited significantly improved viscosity, salt resistance, thermal tolerance, and shear resistance compared to PADC and SiO2/PADC systems. Quantum chemical …

Hierarchical Analysis Of Us Electric Vehicle Subsidies For Carbon Emission Mitigation, Boman Su, Kang Shen, Chris Yuan

Faculty Scholarship

Electric vehicle (EV) adoptions are promoted with subsidies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from ground transportation. In this paper, a hierarchical analysis is presented on the potential of greenhouse gas emission mitigation via the electric vehicle subsidy policy at state level in the US, through research of environmental and economic fundamentals of electric vehicle operations, energy consumptions, battery degradation and service life. It has been found that restructuring the federal subsidies to promote EV adoption can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions across the US. The reduction costs of greenhouse gas emissions vary between $1167.44/ton in Vermont to $6880.13/ton in Wyoming. …

Transient Temperature Measurements In A Ballistic Impact Experiment On A Thermoplastic Composite Material, Alexander I.G. Savadelis, Bryan E. Schmidt

Faculty Scholarship

Dynamic impact tests were conducted on thermoplastic composite laminates over an impact velocity range spanning the penetration velocity threshold, 88% of the penetration velocity, and 34% of the penetration velocity of the test panels. The primary objective was to record temperature increases that could affect the material properties of the composite during an impact event, and if so, provide guidance to predictive models which may account for such temperature rises. Observations from a combination of high-speed visible light photogrammetry coupled with high-speed infrared thermography indicate that it is highly unlikely that the composite reaches the glass transition temperature of 147°C …

Structural Earthquake Resiliency Of Rocking Core Systems With Floor Enabled Recentering, S. Taban Hajimirza

Dissertations and Theses

The growing need for structural earthquake resiliency, coupled with increasing demands for environmentally sustainable construction, has driven architects and engineers to emphasize the importance of earthquake-resistant mass timber multistory construction in regions prone to high seismic activity. With advancements in building technologies, cross-laminated timber (CLT) has emerged at the forefront of this movement by unlocking new potentials for urban development.

Motivated by the aforementioned demands, this PhD dissertation investigated lateral behavior and earthquake response of a novel lateral force-resisting structural system, known as Floor Recentering Rocking Core (FLR-ROCR). FLR-ROCR is a low-damage recentering mass-timber system that leverages restoring interactions between …

Electrochemical Insights Into The Direct Dissolution Of Impure Sphalerites And Their Partial Oxidation In An Acidic Environment, Gholamreza Khodadadmahmoudi, Saeid Karimi, Hadi Abdollahi, Milad Karimi, Ali Rezaei, Lana Alagha

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study examined the electro dissolution mechanism of five impure sphalerite samples, which differ significantly in purity levels, along with their partially oxidized counterparts in a 0.5 M H₂SO₄. Partially oxidized samples were prepared through an incomplete leaching of sphalerite using H₂SO₄ with Fe₂(SO₄)₃.H₂O as an oxidizing agent. The original sphalerite samples and the partially oxidized samples were referred to as SP and POS samples, respectively. Analyses using XRD, SEM, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical techniques suggested presence of elemental sulfur and a metal-deficient layer on …

Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion In Computing Science: Culture Is The Key, Curriculum Contributes, Giulia Toti, Peggy Lindner, Alice Gao, Ouldooz Baghban Karimi, Rutwa Engineer, Jinyoung Hur, Fiona Mcneill, Shanon Reckinger, Rebecca Robinson, Anna Sollazzo, Richard Wicentowski

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Undergraduate computer science programs worldwide struggle to attract and retain underrepresented students for many reasons. Culture, stereotype threats, uneven gender and racial representations, lack of role models, and uncertain career prospects for minority groups are among the many reasons behind this situation. Many computer science programs are trying to change course through strategies to foster equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI), aimed at improving outreach, recruitment, admissions, and retention of underrepresented students. EDI approaches may also include modifications to the undergraduate computer science curriculum. However, if not properly planned, these modifications risk amplifying existing stereotypes rather than producing positive change [38]. …

Co2 Electrolysis Using Metal-Supported Solid Oxide Cells With Infiltrated Pr0.5Sr0.4Mn0.2Fe0.8O3−Δ Catalyst, Boxun Hu, Ka-Young Park, Asia Sarycheva, Robert Kostecki, Fanglin Chen, Michael C. Tucker

Faculty Publications

Electrochemical conversion of CO₂ to CO is demonstrated with symmetric-structured metal supported solid oxide cells (MS-SOC). Perovskite Pr_0.5Sr_0.4Mn_0.2Fe0.8O_3−δ (PSMF) and Pr₆O₁₁ catalysts were infiltrated into the MS-SOC cathode and anode, using 3 cycles with firing at 850 °C and 8 cycles with firing at 800 °C, respectively. Upon reduction during operation, the perovskite PSMF was transformed to Ruddlesden–Popper structure with a highly efficient electrocatalytic activity. The impact of operating temperature (600–800 °C) and overpotential (0–1.8 V) on the CO₂ conversion was investigated. The highest CO₂ conversion …

Role Of Sulphur In Resistive Switching Behavior Of Natural Rubber-Based Memory, Muhammad Awais, Nadras Othman, Mohamad Danial Shafiq, Feng Zhao, Kuan Yew Cheong

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The rising environmental awareness has spurred the extensive use of green materials in electronic applications, with bio-organic materials emerging as attractive alternatives to inorganic and organic materials due to their natural biocompatibility, biodegradability, and eco-friendliness. This study showcases the natural rubber (NR) based resistive switching (RS) memory devices and how varying Sulphur concentrations (0-0.8 wt.%) in NR thin films impact the RS characteristics. The NR was formulated and processed into a thin film deposited on an indium tin oxide substrate as the bottom electrode and with an Ag film as the top electrode. The addition of Sulphur modifies the degree …

Desktop-Scale Robot Tape Manipulation For Additive Manufacturing, Nahid Tushar, Rencheng Wu, Yu She, Wenchao Zhou, Shou Wang

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Advancements in additive manufacturing and robotic automation have enabled diverse fabrication techniques using various materials. However, small-scale tape placement for three-dimensional (3D) printing remains underexplored, with most research focused on large-scale composite manufacturing using carbon fiber prepreg tapes. This work presents an innovative, automated, and cost-effective tape placement system that extends traditional methods beyond carbon fiber prepreg. We developed a customized tape print module (TPM) integrated with a robotic arm, enabling precise and versatile tape placements. Our system supports non-linear toolpaths, complex patterns, and controllable placements on multi-plane surfaces, creating overhangs without support. We demonstrate circuit printing with copper tape …

The Design And Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Of A Pembrolizumab Single-Chain Variable Fragment, Landon E. Ebbert, Tyler J. Free, Mehran Soltani, Bradley Charles Bundy

Faculty Publications

Background/Objectives: Cancer is a leading cause of death. However, recently developed immunotherapies have shown significant promise to improve cancer treatment outcomes and survival rates. Pembrolizumab, a cancer immunotherapy drug, enables a strong T-cell response specifically targeting cancer cells to improve patient outcomes in more than 16 types of cancer. The increasing demand for pembrolizumab, the highest selling drug in 2023, increases global dependence on drug production, which can be vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. Methods: Cell-free protein synthesis (CFPS) is a rapid in vitro protein production method that could provide the production of an immunotherapy drug in an emergency and …

Municipal Solid Waste Management In Egypt Environmental And Economic Objectives, Nader Ibrahem Ismael

Mansoura Engineering Journal

The research aims to study the problem of municipal solid waste in Egypt, which notes the growth of the phenomenon of dumping this waste in the streets of Egypt, especially following the January 25 revolution and the resulting shortcomings in the performance of successive governments in confronting this problem, which led to an increasing rate of solid waste accumulation in the streets of Cairo and the shortcomings of the administrations’ performance. There is also a lack of a specific methodology for collecting local waste at the republic level. The research aims to develop a methodology for managing these wastes, starting …

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 …

Feasibility And Acceptability Of The Mazi Umntanakho Digital Tool In South African Settings: A Qualitative Evaluation, Catherine E. Draper, Caylee J. Cook, Elizabeth A. Ankrah, Jesus A. Beltran, Franceli L. Cibrian, Kimberley D. Lakes, Hanna Mofid, Lucretia Williams, Gillian R. Hayes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

To address the need for interventions targeting social emotional development and mental health of young children in South Africa, the Mazi Umntanakho (‘know your child’) digital tool was co-designed, and piloted with caregivers and 3–5-year-old children involved in home visiting programmes promoting early childhood development. The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of this tool in four urban and four rural low-income communities, from the perspective of home visitors and caregivers. Focus groups were conducted with home visitors (n = 117) and caregivers (n = 72). Issues relating to the feasibility of …