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Ceas E-News 02.14.2011, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences News

32nd Annual Engineers Week Dinner and Career Fair

Aerosol Synthesis And Electrochemical Analysis Of Niobium Mixed-Metal Oxides For The Ethanol Oxidation Reaction In Acid And Alkaline Electrolyte, Daniel Konopka

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

Direct ethanol fuel cells are especially important among emerging electrochemical power systems with the potential to offset a great deal of the energy demand currently met through the use of fossil fuels. Ethanol can be refined from petroleum sources or attained from renewable biomass, and is more easily and safely stored and transported than hydrogen, methanol or gasoline. The full energy potential of ethanol in fuel cells can only be realized if the reaction follows a total oxidation pathway to produce CO2. This must be achieved by the development of advanced catalysts that are electrically conductive, stable in corrosive environments, …

Tree Root Encroachment On Levee Drainage System, Tomomi Ito

Civil Engineering ETDs

The objectives of this study were to estimate the influence of roots on the drainage facilities associated with the levees along the middle Rio Grande (MRG), and to suggest an appropriate drainage design. This study consists of three research elements: (1) GIS-based analysis in estimating root distribution along levees, (2) a bench-top experiment, and (3) evaluating a drainage designs using a numerical model. First, tree crown sizes were measured on GIS-based aerial photography to estimate root distributions. The results were compared with vegetation maps that were created based on field observations. The GIS-based measurements and field measurements showed similar values …

Perceived Value Of Building Information Modeling In Facilities Operations And Maintenance, Francisco Forns-Samso

Civil Engineering ETDs

Conventional practices and inefficiencies in accessing relevant operation and maintenance (O&M) information are major issues to maintain facilities for their intended purpose. The need to have access to accurate information efficiently is critical to operate and maintain a facility. Building Information Models are databases able to store, organize and exchange structured information. Their use has proven to be successful in the design and construction phase. However, the benefits have not transcended to the O&M phase. Reluctance to process change, lack of knowledge and lack of documented metrics has prevented owners from adopting BIM to support the O&M phase. The purpose …

Design And Analysis Of Blast Induced Traumatic Brain Injury Mechanism Using A Surrogate Headform: Instrumentation And Outcomes, Eyitejumade A. Sogbesan

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Brain injury cases in military personnel exposed to improvised explosive devices (IED) in combat have been on the rise. In Iraq and Afghanistan improved helmets and body armor are not enough protection against blast wave threats. The United States military are sponsoring researchers and scientists around the globe to find the associations between pressure waves and traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Lack of accurate data and blast wave exposure information in returning soldiers has slowed the innovation needed to effectively diagnose TBI and other related brain injury as a result of pressure waves. More detailed data will be required to gain …

From Processing Interval-Valued Fuzzy Data To General Type-2: Towards Fast Algorithms, Vladik Kreinovich

Departmental Technical Reports (CS)

Bacterial Killing By Dry Metallic Copper Surfaces, Christophe Espírito Santo, Ee Wen Lam, Christian Elowsky, Davide Quaranta, Dylan W. Domaille, Christopher J. Chang, Gregor Grass

Nebraska Center for Biotechnology: Faculty and Staff Publications

Metallic copper surfaces rapidly and efficiently kill bacteria. Cells exposed to copper surfaces accumulated large amounts of copper ions, and this copper uptake was faster from dry copper than from moist copper. Cells suffered extensive membrane damage within minutes of exposure to dry copper. Further, cells removed from copper showed loss of cell integrity. Acute contact with metallic copper surfaces did not result in increased mutation rates or DNA lesions. These findings are important first steps for revealing the molecular sensitive targets in cells lethally challenged by exposure to copper surfaces and provide a scientific explanation for the use of …

Health, Transportation, And The Built Environment: Building A Roadmap For Change With Smaller Cities, Cynthia Carlson, Semra Aytur, Kevin Gardner, Shannon Rogers

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Presentation at the 2011 Active Living Research Annual Conference.

Electric Guitar Amplifier With Digital Effects, Shawn Garrett

Computer Engineering

During the course of this project, the research and development of an electric guitar amplifier was undertaken. This amplifier is divided into three distinct sections. The power distribution circuitry provides the proper voltages to safely operate all necessary components. The DSP and digital effects stage provides processing and allows the user to add digital effects to the original guitar sound. The amplification stage increases the power of the input signal to drive a loudspeaker. Due to several setbacks throughout the course of this project, the overall amplifier was not completed. All three of the sections were developed to working functionality, …

Laser Etched Pmma Microfluidic Chip Design And Manufacture With Applications In Capillary Zone Electrophoresis, Evan Allen Barbre

Master's Theses

This thesis encompasses a feasibility study of using low-cost materials to manufacture microfluidic chips that can perform the same functions as chips manufactured using traditional methods within an acceptable range of efficiency of chips created with more exotic methods and materials. The major parts of the project are the selection and characterization of the fabrication methods for creating the channels for fluid flow, the methods for sealing the channels to create a usable chip and the electrophoretic separations of carboxylated microspheres of different potentials. In this work we seek to answer the question if laser-etched PMMA microfluidic chips are comparable …

Development Of An Open Source Bridge Management System, Michael H. Scott

TREC Final Reports

A bridge management system is developed using the Tcl scripting language in conjunction with the OpenSees finite element software framework. Fully programmable and string-based, Tcl is ideal for implementing live load analysis through scripts and experimenting with emergent bridge rating methodologies. Since Tcl is an interpreted language, the application also has the important advantage that new bridge capacity models and rating factor calculations can be implemented on multiple platforms without compiling source code. The network programming features of Tcl give the system access to databases for conducting internet-based bridge rating. The system is demonstrated for rating a conventionally reinforced concrete …

A Microsimulation Of Traffic, Parking, And Emissions At California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo, Steven Michael Kilbert

Master's Theses

Traffic and parking congestion are significant issues at many universities nationwide. The delays experienced result in wasted time, money, and fuel for students, faculty and staff, not to mention the negative contributions to the environment. This paper quantifies the amount of vehicle emissions generated during an average morning peak hour in the university environment. Using VISSIM and CMEM microsimulation packages, a model is created for California Polytechnic State University- San Luis Obispo to aggregate the collective transportation behaviors and practices of the campus and recognize the implications these behaviors pose on the transportation network as a whole. Reasonable estimates are …

Modeling Of Equilibrium Point Trajectory Control In Human Arm Movements, Kai Chen

Dissertations

The underlying concept of the Equilibrium Point Hypothesis (EPH) is that the CNS provides a virtual trajectory of joint motion, representing spacing and timing, with actual movement dynamics being produced by interactions of limb inertia, muscle viscosity and speed/position feedback from muscle spindles. To counter criticisms of the EPH, investigators have proposed the use of complex virtual trajectories, non-linear damping, stiffness and time varying stiffness to the EPH model. While these features allow the EPH to adequately produce human joint velocities, they conflict with the EPH’s premise of simple pre-planned monotonic control of movement trajectory. As a result, this study …

Factors That Impact Seat Belt Usage And Injury Severity Of Belted Front Seat Occupants, Siri Konje Lawrencia Nukenine

Dissertations

Factors influencing seat belt usage have been extensively researched in the safety analysis literature. Most of this research has focused on factors that influence seat belt usage for a driver and front seat passenger in a vehicle. Few research studies have investigated factors that impact seat belt usage for back seat occupants. This research investigates the factors associated with seat belt usage for front-seat as well as backseat occupants of vehicles in the state of New Jersey. Using logistic regression, seat belt usage models were developed to examine the contribution of several variables on seat belt usage for five vehicle …

Study Of Mechanisms Of Phytotoxicity Of Alumina Nanoparticles, Anthony Elijius

Dissertations

Plant growth inhibitory effect of alumina nanoparticles has recently been reported (Ling Y, Watts D, 2004) but the mechanisms of such an effect are yet to be established. The phytotoxicity of aluminum and some of its compounds is well known, but the rapid expansion of nanotechnology resulting in the introduction of new sets of materials in the nanometer range has led to the development of new approaches, experimental methods and modes of investigation.

In this study, the observed phytotoxic effects of alumina nanoparticles suspension on five plant species (Zea mays, Cucumis sativus, Daucus carota, Brassica oleracea, Lactuca sativa) …

Dielectrophoresis Aligned Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes As Ph Sensors, P. Li, C. M. Martin, K. K. Yeung, Wei Xue

Henry M. Rowan College of Engineering Departmental Research

Here we report the fabrication and characterization of pH sensors using aligned single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs). The SWNTs are dispersed in deionized (DI) water after chemical functionalization and filtration. They are deposited and organized on silicon substrates with the dielectrophoresis process. Electrodes with “teeth”-like patterns—fabricated with photolithography and wet etching—are used to generate concentrated electric fields and strong dielectrophoretic forces for the SWNTs to deposit and align in desired locations. The device fabrication is inexpensive, solution-based, and conducted at room temperature. The devices are used as pH sensors with the electrodes as the testing pads and the dielectrophoretically captured SWNTs …

Non-Invasive Interventions Top Reduce Low Back Dysfunction, Nadi Atalla

Theses

This study aims to quantitatively evaluate the low back condition so that low back dysfunction can be identified and classified when measurements show a variance from the normal. The evaluation is done by using the hysteresis concept. In this study, subjects received two different types of treatment: massaging using a mechanical massager for ten minutes and manual massaging by a professional physician. Using the Automated Anatomic Torsion Monitor (A-ATM), the low back of the subject was evaluated before and after treatment. The change in Hysteresis Loop Area (HLA) was -12.5% for mechanical massaging and -15.7% for manual massaging. The negative …

Emg-Based Determination Of Upper Extremity Virtual Trajectory, Akshata Anand Korgaonkar

Theses

Movement and position of the limbs of the human body are controlled by the interaction between the muscle and the peripheral and central nervous system. This interaction is nothing but the neural signals. Neural signals are electrical in nature and referred as action potentials. An EMG is a summation of action potentials from the muscle fibers under the electrode placed on the skin. Thus it is easy to estimate the nature and timing of the movement from the firing of an EMG signal. Kai Chen in his dissertation has built the model to represent the arm movement with stiffness, damping, …

Effects Of Hypertension And Aging On Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Contribution To Reconstituted Aortic Tissue Stiffness, Nancy Lisa Sehgel

Theses

Aortic stiffness increases with hypertension and aging, and much of this increase has been thought to occur due to changes in the extracellular matrix. However, an increase in cell stiffness could also be important. To study the cellular contribution to aortic stiffness, a reconstituted aortic tissue model (composed of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) in a collagen matrix) was developed. VSMCs isolated from thoracic aortic samples of 5-week and 18-week old male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and normotensive Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats were passaged four times and then separately incubated in collagen for two days on a cylindrical mandrel. The resulting …

A Differential Planetary Gear Model With Backlash And Teeth Damage, Xi Wu, Jim Meagher, Andrew Sommer

Mechanical Engineering

Planetary gear trains can be more compact and efficient as power transmissions than fixed axis gear trains but are also more complicated and less understood in terms of vibration health monitoring. A practical differential planetary gear train, which combines two inputs and one output, is studied using multi-body dynamics software. Backlash between the sun gear and planet gears are precisely specified to avoid teeth interference and undercut. In order to calculate accurate impact forces, an impact model is chosen. Tooth geometry errors are created on the sun gear. Constraints and contact forces to the model are applied as close as …

An Advanced Numerical Model Of Gear Tooth Loading From Backlash And Profile Errors, Andrew Sommer, Jim Meagher, Xi Wu

Mechanical Engineering

This study demonstrates the early transient dynamic loading on teeth within a fixed-axis gear transmission arising from backlash and geometric manufacturing errors by utilizing a non-linear multi-body dynamics software model. Selection of the non-linear contact parameters such as the stiffness, force exponent, damping, and friction coefficients are presented for a practical transmission. Backlash between gear teeth which is essential to provide better lubrication on tooth surfaces and to eliminate interference is included as a defect and a necessary part of transmission design. Torsional vibration is shown to cause teeth separation and double-sided impacts in unloaded and lightly loaded gearing drives. …

Novel Bioelectrical Measurement Using A Digital Biopotential Monode, Mark Nolan, Edward Burke, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

In conventional biopotential recording, two or more electrodes are placed on the body. A unipolar lead records the time-varying electrical potential at a single point (relative to a reference potential) via one signal electrode. A bipolar lead records the time-varying potential difference between two points via two signal electrodes. In each case, the signal electrodes are connected to high impedance amplifier inputs, while an additional electrode provides a low-impedance path between the amplifier and human subject. Bipolar leads are usually preferred since interference appearing at both signal electrodes can be eliminated using an instrumentation amplifier with high CMRR. A drawback …

Intelligibility Of Electrolarynx Speech Using A Novel Hands-Free Actuator, Brian Madden, Mark Nolan, Ted Burke, James Condron, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

During voiced speech, the larynx provides quasi-periodic acoustic excitation of the vocal tract. In most electrolarynxes, mechanical vibrations are produced by a linear electromechanical actuator, the armature of which percusses against a metal or plastic plate at a frequency within the range of glottal excitation. In this paper, the intelligibility of speech produced using a novel hands-free actuator is compared to speech produced using a conventional electrolarynx. Two able-bodied speakers (one male, one female) performed a closed response test containing 28 monosyllabic words, once using a conventional electrolarynx and a second time using the novel design. The resulting audio recordings …

The Effect Of Cox-2 Specific Inhibition On Direct Fracture Healing In The Rabbit Tibia, David J. Hak, Kurt S. Schulz, Behrang Khoie, Scott J. Hazelwood

Biomedical Engineering

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Cox-2 administration on direct (primary) fracture healing.

Methods: A transverse tibial osteotomy was created in adult male rabbits and rigidly fixed in compression using a 2.7-mm dynamic compression plate. Animals were randomized to receive either rofecoxib (12.5 mg orally per day) or placebo. Animals were killed at 4 weeks and fracture healing assessed by mechanical testing.

Results: There were no significant differences between the control and Cox-2 treated animals in terms of mechanical strength at 4 weeks. There was a high complication rate of peri-implant fractures …

Operation Of A Dna-Based Autocatalytic Network In Serum, Elton Graugnard, Amber Cox, Jeunghoon Lee, Cheryl Jorcyk, Bernard Yurke, William L. Hughes

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The potential for inferring the presence of cancer by the detection of miRNA in human blood has motivated research into the design and operation of DNA-based chemical amplifiers that can operate in bodily fluids. As a first step toward this goal, we have tested the operation of a DNA-based autocatalytic network in human serum and mouse serum. With the addition of sodium dodecyl sulfate to prevent degradation by nuclease activity, the network was found to operate successfully with both DNA and RNA catalysts.

A Proposed Data Qualification Procedure For The Connecticut Bridge Monitoring Network, Stephen R. Prusaczyk

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Augmented Control Of A Hands-Free Electrolarynx, Brian Madden, James Condron, Eugene Coyle

Conference Papers

During voiced speech, the larynx acts as the sound source, providing a quasi-periodic excitation of the vocal tract. Following a total laryngectomy, some people speak using an electrolarynx which employs an electromechanical actuator to perform the excitatory function of the absent larynx. Drawbacks of conventional electrolarynx designs include the monotonic sound emitted, the need for a free-hand to operate the device, and the difficulty experienced by many laryngectomees in adapting to its use. One improvement to the electrolarynx, which clinicians and users frequently suggest, is the provision of a convenient hands-free control facility. This would allow more natural use of …

Developing Anaerobic Digestion Cooperatives In Ireland, Aoife Ní Ruanaigh, John Mcgrory

Dissertations

Anaerobic Digestion (AD) is a natural process of decomposition and decay that takes place in the absence of oxygen and by which organic matter is broken down to its simpler chemical components. AD plants could help Ireland meet its requirements under a number of EU Directives as landfills release far more greenhouse gas emissions than other forms of waste treatment. It is estimated that 37 million tonnes per year of animal manure are stored on farms before disposal. There are also 676,000 tonnes of municipal food and garden waste produced annually. This waste could be used in AD plants to …

Part 1: The Wind Tunnel Model Design And Fabrication Of Cal Poly's Amelia 10 Foot Span Hybrid Wing-Body Low Noise Cestol Aircraft, Kristina K. Jameson, David D. Marshall, Rory Golden, Eric Paciano, Robert J. Englar, Richard J. Gaeta, Jay Paterson, Dave Mason

Aerospace Engineering

A collaboration between California Polytechnic Corporation with Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI) and DHC Engineering worked on a NASA NRA to develop predictive capabilities for the design and performance of Cruise Efficient, Short Take-Off and Landing (CESTOL) subsonic aircraft. In addition, a large scale wind tunnel effort to validate these predictive capabilities for this NRA for aerodynamic and acoustic performance during takeoff and landing has been undertaken. The model, Advanced Model for Extreme Lift and Improved Aeroacoustics (AMELIA), was designed as a 100 passenger, N+2 generation, regional, cruise efficient short takeoff and land (CESTOL) airliner with hybrid blended wing-body with …

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