Digital Commons Network^™

Theory And Technology Of Enhanced Coal Seam Gas Production By Integrated Drilling, Punching And Fracturing In Coal Mine: Part 1 Theory, Shiyao Yu, Xianbo Su, Jinxing Song, Qian Wang, Zhenjiang You

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Coal seams in China are typically characterized by high coal seam gas content and low permeability, posing challenges for efficient coal seam gas extraction. However, achieving successful boreholes, especially in soft coal formations, remains a challenge. The mechanisms underlying permeability improvement in different coal structures need further exploration. Therefore, this paper is focused on the fundamental principles of permeability improvement in soft coal through hydraulic punching, and in hard coal via hydraulic jet fracturing. Firstly, borehole instability results from a dynamic interplay of four factors: in situ stress, coal structure, mechanical properties of coal with fluid, and drilling technology. While …

Nanao/Organocatalyat Sio2/4-(2-Aminoethyl)-Morpholine As A New, Reusable, And Efficacious Catalyst For The Synthesis Of Polyhydroquinolines Derivatives And Antibacterially Active Evaluation, Leila Amiri-Zirtol, Zahra Karimi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Ahmad Gholami, Seyedeh Narjes Abootalebi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this study, a new nanocomposite comprising 4-(2-Aminoethyl)-morpholine, an organic catalyst, was prepared on the surface of silica. The absence of metal in the catalyst structure contributes to its environmental friendliness. This novel nanocatalyst was used for multi-component reactions (MCRs). Having a nano size for the composite enhances the contact between the raw materials and the catalytic surface, leading to significant advancement in the reaction. The synthesized composite was identified and evaluated using FT-IR, EDX, EDX-Mapping, TGA, XRD, BET, TEM, and FE-SEM analysis. The characteristic analysis confirmed the synthesis of both nano-silica/4-(2-Aminoethyl)-morpholine catalyst and polyhydroquinoline. The composite’s catalytic properties for …

Theory And Technology Of Enhanced Coal Seam Gas Production By Integrated Drilling, Hydraulic Punching And Fracturing In Coal Mine: Part 2 Technology, Shiyao Yu, Xianbo Su, Jinxing Song, Qian Wang, Zhenjiang You

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

To enhance the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of coal seam gas extraction in coal mines, this study introduces an integrated approach combining drilling, hydraulic punching, and fracturing technologies. This method optimizes drilling media tailored to specific coal seams and fine-tunes technical parameters during drilling and permeability improvement processes. Furthermore, it clarifies the relationships among the coal breaking rate, discharge of drill cuttings, jet velocity, rotation speed, and displacement. This ensures precise and effective permeability improvement in both soft and hard coal formations. To implement this technology, a set of high-performance drilling tool with a large inner diameter, high pressure resistance, and …

Breaking Through The Strength-Ductility Trade-Off Of Lpbf-Produced Ti-Xnb Alloys From Mixed Powders Via Ω-Phase Induced Heterostructure, Jian Bo Jin, Shengfeng Zhou, Huan Yang, Junjie Yang, Zhiguo Zhang, Baisong Guo, Lai Chang Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Highlights Powder-mixed Ti-35Nb alloy produced by LPBF breaks through the strength-ductility trade-off. The ultimate strength, uniform elongation and Young’s modulus of heterostructured Ti-35Nb alloy are (806 ± 7) MPa, (18.0 ± 1.1)%, and (68 ± 6) GPa, respectively. In-situ laser re-melting improves elemental distribution uniformity in LPBF-produced powder-mixed Ti-xNb alloys. Optimized Nb content induces the phase transformation of β + α′ → β + ω in Ti-xNb alloy. Heterostructured β + ω/β enhances the strength-ductility synergy of Ti-35Nb alloy.

Optimization Of Size And Siting Of Distributed Generation In Unbalanced Distribution Systems: A Literature Review, Pema Dorji, Stefan Lachowicz, Octavian Bass

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Renewable energy sources (RES) are essential for meeting the rising global electricity demand while reducing greenhouse gas emissions from conventional generation. As traditional systems approach capacity saturation, the integration of RES into power grids becomes increasingly vital. However, the intermittent and variable nature of RES introduces significant technical, economic, and operational challenges. This review focuses on the optimal planning and integration of distributed generation in unbalanced distribution systems, which more accurately reflect real-world power network conditions. Emphasis is placed on siting and sizing strategies aimed at enhancing voltage stability, minimizing power losses, and reducing system costs and emissions. The review …

Confinement-Dependent Transient Mi For The Hoek-Brown (H-B) Strength Criterion, Hao Li, Leo Pel, Zhenjiang You, David Smeulders

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The growing global demand for mineral resources necessitates deeper excavation, where increasing in situ stresses pose significant geomechanical challenges. Consequently, an accurate strength assessment of deep-seated rock masses is crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of underground excavations. The Hoek-Brown (H-B) strength criterion remains a widely applied rock strength criterion. However, its conventional form struggles to characterize the full nonlinear evolution of rock strength from pre-critical to critical conditions across varying confining stresses. To address this limitation, this study proposes a Confinement-dependent Transient mi Model (CTM) as an enhancement to the H-B criterion. By incorporating confinement-sensitive variations of mi, …

The Microbial Factor In Subsurface Hydrogen Behavior: Implications For Wettability And Interfacial Dynamics, Hamid Esfandyari, Raziallah Jafari Jozani, Aliakbar Hassanpouryouzband, Farhid Hemmatzadeh, Manouchehr Haghighi, Stefan Iglauer, Alireza Keshavarz, Abbas Zeinijahromi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Microbial activity plays a significant role in subsurface hydrogen behavior, with implications for underground storage and natural hydrogen systems. This study examines how microbial processes influence the wettability and solid–liquid interfacial characteristics of key subsurface minerals, calcite, dolomite, quartz, and gypsum, in hydrogen-brine-rock systems under realistic subsurface conditions. Wettability directly affects hydrogen distribution, flow dynamics, and trapping, making it a critical factor for both storage and natural recovery applications. Experiments were conducted under high-pressure, high-temperature conditions, with SEM/EDS analysis used to characterize interfacial modifications and mineral surface changes across three scenarios: clean, organic acid-aged, and microbial-aged. Microbial aging consistently increased …

Adsorption-Photodegradation Performance Of Silver Titanate For Methylene Blue Removal: Kinetics, Thermodynamics And Isotherm Studies, Nawrin Rahman Shefa, Most. Afroza Khatun, Ahmed Hasnain Jalal, M. Jasim Uddin, Md. Wasikur Rahman

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Silver titanate (AgTO) was synthesized via an ion-exchange reaction between sodium titanate and silver nitrate. This study investigates the efficiency of AgTO in the combined adsorption-photodegradation process for removing Methylene Blue (MB). The synthesized material was characterized using FTIR, XRD, SEM, and EDX techniques. Batch adsorption experiments were conducted to assess the effects of AgTO dosage (0.1–1.0 g/L), initial MB concentration (5–20 mg/L), pH (3–11), and temperature (313–333 K). The highest MB removal efficiency (90 %) was achieved at 313 K, pH 3, and an initial MB concentration of 5 mg/L. The photocatalytic performance of AgTO was further evaluated under …

Bim-To-Brick: Using Graph Modeling For Iot/Bms And Spatial Semantic Data Interoperability Within Digital Data Models Of Buildings, Filippo Vittori, Fu Chuan Tan, Laura Anna Pisello, Adrian Chong, Cristina Piselli, Clayton Miller

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

The holistic management of a building requires data from heterogeneous sources such as building management systems (BMS), Internet-of-Things (IoT) sensor networks, and building information models (BIM), all aimed at environmental well-being. Data interoperability is a key component to eliminate silos of information, and using semantic web technologies like the BRICK schema, an effort to standardize semantic descriptions of the physical, logical, and virtual assets in buildings and the relationships between them, is a suitable approach. However, current data integration processes can involve significant manual interventions. This paper presents a methodology to automatically collect, assemble, and integrate information from a building …

Cross-Domain Disaggregation Of Electricity For Heating In All-Electric School Buildings – Learning From School Buildings With District Heating, Synne Krekling Lien, Ada Canaydin, Clayton Miller, Chun Fu, Hussain Kazmi, Jayaprakash Rajasekharan

Research Collection College of Integrative Studies

Electric heating is widespread in Norwegian buildings and significantly contributes to peak loads in the electricity grid. Non-residential buildings are typically heated either by district heating or a combination of electrical heating appliances. Despite its widespread use, most buildings lack sub-meters for electric heating. As a result, the true potential for energy efficiency and load flexibility from heating appliances in buildings remains unknown. Non-intrusive load monitoring and disaggregation techniques offer alternatives to sub-metering by using data-driven methods to extract electricity use for appliances from time-series data. However, little research has been conducted on disaggregating electrical heating loads from low-resolution data, …

Coupling Material Formulation Strategies To Tailor Piezoelectric Properties Of Ceramic Lattices, Amanda Lauren Borgaro

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis examines the material formulation and infiltration processes required to create interpenetrating ceramic composites with a particular focus on developing piezoelectric ceramic-epoxy lattice structures (PCELS). Following this, a high–solid loading barium titanite photopolymer resin (BT40) was developed to produce BTO scaffolds with controlled porosity suitable for metal infusion. The resin’s shear-thinning behavior and scattering-dominated curing response enabled the formation of stable, uniform ceramic structures whose pore networks directly influence infiltration behavior. Building on this foundation, a low-temperature Field’s Metal (FM) infiltration method was established using controlled thermal equilibration and the melting of pre-formed alloy rods. By maintaining the ceramic …

Simulation, Modeling, And Economical Optimization Of Small Modular Reactors For Flexible Power System Operations, Javier Bejarano

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The transition toward a low-carbon and increasingly renewable electric grid has heightened the need for generation technologies that can deliver both stability and operational flexibility. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with their modularity, reduced geographical footprint, and capacity for flexible operation, have emerged as promising resources for supporting modern power systems. However, a comprehensive evaluation of their technical performance across steady-state conditions, fault-induced disturbances, and economically optimized dispatch is necessary to understand their role in future grid architectures. This thesis provides an assessment of SMR capabilities using benchmark test systems, data-driven forecasting, dynamic simulation, and unit commitment modeling to evaluate how …

Computational Methods For Complex Electromagnetic Geometries And Media, Edgar Bustamante

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Additive manufacturing has enabled electromagnetic devices with increasingly complex geometries, but existing numerical tools remain limited in their ability to model and design such structures. This dissertation presents two major advancements that address these restrictions in the finite-difference frequency-domain method (FDFD) and the spatially-variant lattice algorithm (SVLA). These two numerical methods provide a foundation for future exploration in the simulation, optimization, and realization of next-generation electromagnetic devices. First, a general bianisotropic FDFD formulation based on the vector wave equation is presented that enables practical modeling of metamaterials using effective medium homogenized parameters rather than explicitly resolving subwavelength metamaterial features. The …

Mbse For Process Analytical Technology- Bwon Analysis Case Study, Arnaldo Garcia Cervantes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) emissions from industrial sources, particularly Benzene, present significant environmental and public health challenges. Regulatory frameworks, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Benzene Waste Operations NESHAP (BWON), mandate strict monitoring of control devices, specifically carbon adsorption canisters, to prevent emission breakthrough. However, current industry practices rely heavily on manual Method 21 testing, a labor-intensive process that creates lagging indicators and increases the risk of non-compliance events. This thesis proposes the design and development of an on-line, automated fugitive emissions monitoring system tailored for carbon canisters using Model-Based Systems Engineering (MBSE). Utilizing the Object-Oriented System Engineering Method …

Development Of Oxide And Oxynitride Thin Films For Advanced Optical Applications, Nathan Christopher Episcopo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

To develop Ga2O3 and TiOₓNᵧ thin films for optical applications, the process–structure–properties relationship was investigated using a comprehensive set of characterization techniques to establish the atomic structure and composition of the films in relation to the deposition conditions. The results provide critical insights into how deposition parameters influence the atomic structure and composition during magnetron sputtering. Furthermore, the correlation between atomic structure and composition with the optical and electrical properties of the films was examined to determine how variations in these factors affect functional performance. Collectively, these findings offer the necessary information to target desirable optical properties for Ga2O3 and …

Microstructure Evolution During Annealing Of Cryogenically Processed Cantor High Entropy Alloy, Mynel Gomez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This work focuses on the annealing behavior of a cryogenically processed Cantor high entropy alloy over a wide temperature range of 500–800°C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to analyze the microstructural evolution, with particular emphasis on twinning. Hardness and grain size were measured to correlate these microstructural changes with mechanical properties. The cryogenically processed alloy exhibited a high density of twin bundles, resulting in an initial hardness of 338 HV. Upon annealing at 500 °C, 550 °C, and 600 °C, the material showed only a limited degree …

Unmixing In Very High Spatial Resolution Hyperspectral Images, Ana C. Chavez Lopez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Hyperspectral Imaging (HSI) captures hundreds of contiguous narrow wavelength bands across the optical region of the electromagnetic spectrum collecting the spectral signature of materials in the field of view of the sensor enabling detailed analysis of each pixel's spectral signature. Satellite or airborne remote sensing systems often capture imagery with low to moderate spatial resolution (LMSR). At these resolutions, the measured spectral signature is a mixture of the signatures of the materials within a single pixel. This mixing of spectral information makes analysis and material identification difficult. Hyperspectral unmixing is an analysis technique that decomposes a pixel's spectrum into constituent …

Evaluating Large Language Models For Requirements Engineering And Verification: A Comparative Analysis Of Gpt-5 And Gemini 3 Pro, Guadalupe Nevarez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Large Language Models (LLMs) are increasingly viewed as viable tools for Systems Engineering, yet empirical data regarding their effectiveness in generating engineering-quality requirements remains limited. This thesis compares the performance of GPT-5 and Gemini 3 Pro in generating system functional requirements for the Miner Guardian Drone, a prototype UAV designed for minefield remediation. Both models were provided with identical prompts and tasked with producing 15 functional requirements. Two independent raters evaluated the outputs using a nine-dimensional quality rubric aligned with IEEE 29148 and INCOSE guidelines to ensure rigorous assessment. The difference between the models was analyzed using descriptive statistics and …

Calibration Of Low-Cost Pm2.5 Sensors Using Data Continuously Generated At A Reference Station In El Paso, Texas, Brenda Lizbeth Hernandez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Low-cost sensors (LCS) offer a cost-effective way to expand air-quality monitoring networks, but they require strong calibration methods to ensure reliable performance under changing environmental conditions. In this study, Clarity LCSs were co-located with a state reference monitor for 6 months to evaluate fixed-time (2-, 3-, 4-, and 6-week) and rolling (2- and 3-week) calibration approaches. A multivariate regression model using PM1, PM2.5, PM10, and relative humidity was used to generate calibration coefficients for a “base sensor.” Data from two additional sensors were normalized to the base unit using linear regression, and their calibration coefficients were applied across the network. …

One Step Fabrication: Software-Automated Printed Circuits Via Multi-Material Additive Manufacturing, Gabriel Sanchez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

As of now, the creation of 3D printed components faces many issues regarding stability, repeatability, and manual labor. Existing methods lack an integrated software framework that automates circuit generation while ensuring predictable behavior in printed geometries. In this work, circuits are modeled by leveraging distributed equations that reduce to lumped approximations when the printed geometry remains uniform. The system is implemented through a parametric, domain-specific programming workflow and evaluated across 100 Hz to 100 kHz to assess the accuracy of the predicted electrical values. Printed results were validated by empirical studies involving an RLC meter and by comparing both theoretical …

Development And Optimization Of A Deep Level Transient Spectroscopy System, Samuel Ruiz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) remains one of the most widely used techniques for identifying electrically active defects that affect leakage current, carrier lifetime, and overall reliability in semiconductor devices. Legacy boxcar or capacitance meter implementations, however, often struggle with limited signal-to-noise ratio, labor-intensive data collection, and poor adaptability across diverse material systems. This thesis presents the design and optimization of a semi-automated, lock-in-amplifier-based DLTS platform. By pairing a Zurich HF2LI with PID-controlled cryogenic sweeps, precision signal generation, and MATLAB driven acquisition and processing scripts, the system will (i) enhance SNR through phase-sensitive detection, programmable low pass filtering, and parasitics calibration; …

Image And Signal Processing Methods For Clinical Decision Support: Reference-Based Lung Segmentation On Chest X-Rays And Ecg-Based Study Of Acute Hyperkalemia Using Machine Learning, Basavarajaiah Shanmukhayya Totada

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

ABSTRACT

Study-I: An Image Processing Pipeline for Reference Guided Lung Region Detection in Chest Radiographs with Shape Similarity Matching Accurate and reliable segmentation of the lung region in chest X-ray (CXR) images is essential for computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) systems, particularly in the early detection and monitoring of lung disorders. Traditional segmentation techniques often rely on manual annotations, limiting scalability and adaptability. The proposed reference-guided approach selects the most similar healthy CXRs dynamically, ensuring flexibility while benefiting from dataset-specific reference images. Building upon prior approaches that utilize shape similarity-based selection and SIFT-flow, this study introduces a fully automated segmentation pipeline that …

Analysis On Modifications To An Outdoor Field-Scale Rotating Algal Biofilm Reactor With A Focus On Biomass Productivity And Power Usage, Davis R. Haag

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

A rotating algal biofilm reactor (RABR) was operated outdoors for one calendar year to see how the microalgae grown were affected. The algae are grown in wastewater that contains nitrogen and phosphorous, which are elements found in fertilizer. The design used was modified from a previous design, and this project tested the modifications to see if they improved how much microalgae were grown. In February 2025, the objectives of the field study were updated to focus on growing as much microalgae as possible instead of removing as much nitrogen and phosphorous as possible. This updated design increased the fluid flow …

Cognitive Dynamics In Undergraduate Engineering Education: Effects Of Need For Cognitive Closure And Achievement Goal Orientation On Cognitive Engagement, Zain Ul Abideen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Cognitive and motivational factors play an important role in students’ engagement during problem-solving, which can lead to academic and professional success. Among these factors, Need for cognitive closure (NFCC) and achievement goal orientation (AGO) have been studied extensively individually, but their interaction and impact on engineering students’ problem-solving is still not explored. NFCC refers to the person’s desire for quick answers, and AGO is the student’s approach to learning and success. This research investigated the impact of NFCC on gender and engineering major, and the relation between NFCC (five facets) and AGO (Mastery, Performance) at their different levels. Additionally, this …

Enabling Scalable Camera-Based Streamflow Monitoring With Serverless Cloud Computing, Sajan Neupane

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis introduces a modern and automated method for monitoring rivers and streams using cameras and cloud-based software tools. Traditional monitoring methods often rely on sensors placed directly in the water, which can be expensive, hard to install, and difficult to maintain, especially in remote or rough terrain. In contrast, this approach uses cameras to observe water flow from a distance, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative. However, camera systems come with their own challenges, such as collecting large amounts of image data, transferring it reliably from the field, and analyzing it quickly enough to be useful. This research …

Feasibility And Potential Of Electric Air Taxis For Long Distance Airport Access/Egress Trips, Atul Subedi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Getting to the airport is often one of the most stressful parts of a trip, especially for people who live far from the airport. In the United States, many travelers live more than an hour’s drive from a major airport, and their choices such as driving, using public transit, or paying for ride-hailing can be time-consuming, expensive, and inconvenient. A new technology, Electric Air Taxis (EATs), is being developed as a potential solution. These small, battery-powered aircraft could offer faster, cleaner, and more direct connections to airports. However, the success of EATs depends not only on the technology itself but …

Utilizing Diatoms In Wastewater Treatment For Pollutant Removal, Ceaira D. Howard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Wastewater treatment systems are increasingly challenged by a complex mix of pollutants including excess nutrients, organic dyes, and persistent chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Conventional treatment technologies often struggle to effectively and affordably remove these contaminants. This study explores the use of two diatom species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Navicula cryptocephala var. veneta, both single-celled microalgae with silica-based cell walls, as an environmentally sustainable approach to tertiary wastewater treatment. Diatoms offer dual functionality through surface adsorption properties and metabolic flexibilities, making them promising candidates for integrated treatment strategies.

To test the trophic flexibilities of diatoms, P. tricornutum was …

Evaluating Use Of Multiple Hydrologic Storage Indicators To Enhance Streamflow Forecasting, Reza Morovati

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Accurate seasonal streamflow forecasts are essential for managing water resources in the western United States, where much of the water supply depends on snow accumulation and melt. Water managers, farmers, and communities rely on these forecasts to plan for water use, prepare for droughts, and protect the environment. However, traditional forecasting methods often do not fully use all the available information about how water is stored in the landscape, such as in snowpacks, soil moisture, and groundwater. This can limit the accuracy of predictions and make water management more difficult.

This study aimed to improve streamflow forecasts by explicitly including …

Enhancing Grid Integration Of High-Power Loads Through Modular Unfolding-Based Power Conversion With Decentralized Control, Sanat R. Poddar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a critical step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a cleaner, more sustainable transportation sector. However, many drivers — particularly those operating larger vehicles such as trucks and buses — face significant challenges, including limited driving range and lengthy charging times. High-power, fast-charging stations, which can rapidly replenish EV batteries, are therefore essential for mitigating these barriers and making electric transportation practical across all vehicle classes.

Despite the promise of electric vehicles, deploying high-power fast-charging stations presents significant challenges. They require large amounts of electricity, making them expensive to install, operate, and …

Design, Control, And Optimization Of Unfolding-Based Ac-Dc Topologies With Three-Port Resonant Converters For Electric Vehicle Battery Charging Applications, Aditya Zade

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels has made electric mobility a cornerstone of sustainable transportation. This transition is driving demand for advanced charging infrastructure and more efficient power conversion systems. Power converters play a central role, not only in enabling reliable EV charging but also in integrating renewable energy sources with the grid. Because of the large amount of power involved, these converters must operate efficiently, reliably, and at low cost. Conventional high-power chargers often use two stages of conversion, which are effective but limited by size and energy losses. To overcome these …