Digital Commons Network^™

Quantifying The Threshold For Fragmentation Of Newtonian And Non-Newtonian Drops, Aditya Parik

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This dissertation investigates how the properties of liquid drops influence the minimum aerodynamic forces needed to cause the drop to fragment (breakup). For this work, we focus only on aerodynamic forces that are applied on a stationary drop by a sudden, uniform flow, a process called impulsive acceleration. Previous studies have largely focused on the fragmentation of spherical drops of Newtonian fluids (liquids with constant viscosity, like water), when impulsively accelerated in air-like ambient medium. Such systems only capture a limited range of drop and ambient properties (described by non-dimensional groups). Many real-world applications, such as aerial fire retardant delivery, …

Dynamics Of Rotating 2d Ellipse In Stratified Flow, Anton G. Kadomtsev

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Submersible vehicles that move through seawater are subjected to a variety of effects. Seawater has a non-uniform density because of uneven heating and the tendency of dense saltwater to sink. This non-uniform density distribution induced by gravity is known as stratification and introduces vertical confinement and internal gravity waves to flows around bodies. Along with translational motion, these vehicles also perform rotational motion. To identify the effects of density gradient, body shape, and rotation on the flow, 2D direct numerical simulations (DNS) are run and analyzed. The simulations are conducted using the open-source CFD solver Nek5000, utilizing its overset-grid-based methodology. …

Quantifying Buoyancy-Driven Exchange Flows Over Obstacle At The Great Salt Lake Using Rans Cfd, Mohammad Ikram Hossain Talukdar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This study examines how barriers, such as berms, affect the movement of water in the Great Salt Lake in Utah. The lake experiences two types of water flow: one, called a unidirectional gravity current, where denser water flows in a single direction, and another, known as buoyancy-driven exchange flow, where water flows in two opposite directions due to differences in both water density and surface elevation. These flows are important for understanding how water mixes and moves between the northern and southern parts of the lake. Using computer models, we simulated how these two types of water flows behave when …

Experimental And Computational Investigation Of Using Passive Sweeping Mist Jet Film Cooling Via Fluidic Oscillators In The Gas Turbine Application, Mohammad Javad Mohaghegh Kojidi

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

As the energy industry transitions to cleaner fuels like hydrogen, the resulting higher flame temperatures pose significant challenges for gas turbine cooling. Mist-enhanced film cooling using sweeping jets, generated by passive fluidic oscillators, offers a promising solution by providing wider and more uniform coolant coverage. This study combines computational and experimental (using Particle Droplet Phase Analyzer) approaches to evaluate sweeping mist jet performance.

Simulations were conducted under laboratory conditions to investigate the influence of droplet wall boundary conditions—reflect, trap, and wall-film—on cooling effectiveness and droplet dynamics. The wall-film model, motivated by observed liquid streaks, demonstrated the best agreement with experiments. …

Precooling Ventilation Air For Hospital Operating Rooms And The Affects On Terminal Box Reheat, Joel F. Luke Jr

LSU New Orleans Theses and Dissertations

This study evaluates the impact of climate on the energy performance of two HVAC system configurations—AL1, a conventional air handling system, and AL2, which incorporates a pre-cooling coil and discharge air temperature (DAT) reset strategy. Using EnergyPlus simulations, each system was modeled across multiple U.S. cities representing a wide range of climate zones. Results show that AL2 significantly reduces plant energy consumption, with an average energy savings of 66.61\% compared to AL1. These savings were nearly evenly split between reductions in heating and cooling demands.

A weather normalization analysis using cooling and heating degree days (CDD65 and HDD65) revealed a …

Campus Navigator: A Mobile App For Seamless University Navigation, Hafsa Mohammed, Ali Rahimzadehfard, Rachab Wilson, Mathias Rossi, Turaj Ashuri, Amir Ali Amiri Moghadam

Symposium of Student Scholars

Navigation services play a big role in everyone’s daily lives, from directing them on new roads to guiding them through buildings. Outdoor navigation services have evolved from physical maps to digital ones like Google Maps for ease of use and accessibility. Upon conducting literature research, the team found that many navigation apps lack clear and accurate instructions for how to navigate university campuses such as Marietta campus. Due to the size of KSU’s Marietta campus and its buildings, effortless navigation has been a common challenge for students, faculty, and visitors alike. Additionally, all buildings are referred to by letters, numbers, …

Cellulose Recovery From Waste Denim Fabrics Through Indigo Vat Dye Reduction And Spandex Dissolution, Tito N. Venance

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study addresses environmental conservation by tackling end-of-life management for post-consumer denim garments through the recycling of cotton fibres from waste denim. The purification process involved dithionite reduction of vat dyes in the presence of an alkali followed by selective dissolution of spandex using N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF). Optimal conditions for dye removal were determined at 90°C for 120 minutes with sodium hydroxide at 25 g/L, sodium dithionite at 6 g/L and PVP at 4.5 g/L, while spandex extraction was achieved using a 5% DMF solution at 70°C for 4 hours. Ultraviolet (UV)-vis spectrophotometric analysis indicated a significant increase in whiteness (DL*). …

Assessment Of Factors Contributing On Early Rotting Of Chromated Copper Arsenate Treated Utility Power Distribution Wood Poles In Tanzania, Innocent J. Macha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The study aimed to assess the factors contributing to the premature decay of Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) treated utility power distribution wooden poles in Tanzania. Deteriorated poles samples from various regions in Tanzania were analyzed using handheld X-ray spectrometry to quantify the retention of CCA preservative chemicals. The ages of these poles were estimated based on annual growth rings. The findings indicated that premature failure of CCA treated wooden poles is attributed to an imbalance in the chemical composition of the preservative solution. The study found that CuO retention in most samples ranged between 10-18 kg/m3, significant lower that the …

A Critical Realist Erp Implementation In Zimbabwean Mining Industry Organisations, Jairos Mukwenha

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This research uses a critical realist framework to examine the factors influencing the success of enterprise resource planning (ERP) system implementation in Zimbabwean mining industry organisations. From the perspective of critical realism, the mining industry in Zimbabwe faces a complex interplay of opportunities and obstacles while implementing ERP systems. The deployment of ERP in mining firms is critically examined in this paper, emphasising how these systems might improve operational efficiency while considering Zimbabwe's particular socioeconomic circumstances. By exploring underlying structures, mechanisms, and outcomes, the research aims to identify critical challenges and opportunities and develop practical recommendations for improving ERP adoption …

Design And Performance Analysis Of Fiber Bragg Grating Temperature Sensor For Industrial Processes Sensing Applications, Paul Stone Stone Brown Macheso S.B.

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor has become a widespread sensing device because of its small size, passive design, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and direct ability to measure physical properties like temperature and strain. Recently, femtosecond infrared laser processing and regeneration techniques have resulted in the development of stable high-temperature gratings, which are a powerful tool in smart factories, an aspect of the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and show promise for application in harsh environments like high pressure, high temperature, or ionizing radiation. The development of stable high-temperature gratings that can withstand harsh environmental factors like high temperatures, pressures, and …

Application Of Artificial Neural Network Models For Predicting Diesel And Petrol Prices In The Geographically Sparsed Regions In Tanzania, John M. Kafuku

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Fuel consumption in Tanzania, mainly diesel and petrol, accounts for 82 percent of the energy consumption in the country, with significant price volatility affecting market stability, availability of fuel, and investment decisions. This study uses an artificial neural network (ANN) with a backpropagating algorithm to predict fuel prices in four regions of Tanzania. Key input parameters include the currency inflation rate (CIR), the petrol fuel inventory (PFI), the diesel fuel inventory (DFI), and the fuel transport costs (FTC). The study selected the 6-10-10-2 ANN structures for Sumbawanga-Rukwa, Mpanda-Katavi, and Mbeya-Mbeya as well as 6-10-9-2 for the Songea-Ruvuma region. The results …

Synthetic Inertia Provision For Load Frequency Control In Networks With High Penetration Of Renewable Energy Sources, Paulina Mkoi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy has become a promising solution as the world shifts toward clean energy. Solar PV and wind resources are increasingly replacing conventional synchronous generators, leading to reduced system inertia and increased vulnerability to frequency instability during disturbances. To address this challenge, this study proposes a novel synthetic inertia provision strategy using a battery energy storage system (BESS) integrated alongside solar PV. The proposed method dynamically compensates for the loss of inertia by considering the variability of solar PV output due to changes in irradiance and temperature. …

Towards Human Modeling For Human-Robot Collaboration And Digital Twins In Industrial Environments: Research Status, Prospects, And Challenges, Guoyi Xia, Zied Gharairi, Thorsten Wuest, Karl Hribernik, Aaron Heuermann, Furui Liu, Hui Liu, Klaus-Dieter Thoben

Faculty Publications

Human-Robot Collaboration (HRC) and Digital Twins (DT) have significantly advanced industrial development and digital transformation. Human representations and models are essential in Industry 5.0, where human-centric is one of the key features. Despite the growing interest in human models for HRC and DT, a comprehensive overview of these models and enabling technologies currently needs to be provided. This paper aims to present the research status, prospects, applications, and challenges of human modeling for HRC and DT in industrial environments. This paper adopts a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. Moreover, a framework is proposed to systematize human modeling aspects, the technologies …

Dust Analyses In Ventilation Ducts, Karolina Vyhlidalova, Petr Vlček, Olga Rubinová, Jiří Bernard

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The paper describes the importance of monitoring the dust in the atmosphere of human life. It deals with the issue of dust in air ducts, approaching the methods that can be used to detect the amount of dust. For conditions for buildings in the Czech Republic there is created the methodology of quantitative and qualitative evaluation of dust sediment for the needs of HVAC and other building surfaces. The scale for visual evaluation was created and it has been elaborated the assessment of kind of particles contained in dust.

Assessment Of Long Time Approximation Equation To Determine Thermal Conductivity Of High Porous Materials With Nss Probe, Hussein Humaish, Bastien Ruet, Laurent Marmoret, Hassen Beji

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Recent economic changes have increased the focus on energy conservation in buildings. Improve insulation represents one of the biggest challenge to save energy. The TP02 Huksefux® Non Steady State Probe (NSSP) has been used to determine the thermal conductivity of the building insulation materials. Usually, the long term approximation equation (linear form) is applied to determine the thermal conductivity when using hot wire techniques. Long term approximation has been successfully used to characterize glycerol: a fluid which doesn’t present contact resistance and porosity. But, an S-shaped appears for more porous materials. So to generalize the possibility of using this method, …

A Survey Of Acoustic Phenomena And Predictive Modeling Techniques For High Explosive Experimentation, Nathanael I. Breed

Senior Honors Theses

High explosive experimentation (HEE) is a technical industry that is regulated, expensive, and dangerous. Developing novel technologies to aid in predictive abilities to minimize the industry’s reliance on the need for full-scale experiments is a worthwhile endeavor. Having the capacity to make accurate predictions regarding the overpressure of a detonation wave after it has interacted with various geometries is useful, but the current state of predictive techniques is limited with many techniques, either neglecting relevant acoustic phenomena or not being able to account for complex geometries. This thesis provides an overview of several acoustic phenomena and the current state of …

G.W.A.I.H.I.R. Guided Wing Aircraft For Intelligent Hybrid Insertion And Recovery, Abdirahman Ahmed Shirwa, Zach Richards, Derek Harwood, Alex Duncan

Senior Design Project For Engineers

The paper outlines the conceptual and preliminary design of a hybrid vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) heavy lift unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) for autonomous cargo transport missions. The primary design objective was to create an aircraft capable of carrying a 15 kg payload over a range of 33 km, achieving a top cruise speed of 45 km/h and maintaining an endurance capacity of at least 90 minutes.

A comprehensive literature review informed key design decision, including airfoil selection, structural material, propulsion system configuration, and control. Key requirements were established early in the design process, such as payload capacity, energy efficiency, …

Owlsat, David Amaya, Grant Keuhne

Senior Design Project For Engineers

The OwlSat project, conducted by senior aerospace engineering students at Kennesaw State University, represents the university’s inaugural entry into the 2025 CanSat Competition. The mission objective was to design, build, and validate a CanSat capable of controlled deployment from a rocket, stable descent via an autogyro system, real-time telemetry transmission, and onboard video recording, while meeting strict mechanical, structural, and operational requirements.

A comprehensive design methodology was employed, incorporating trade studies, computational simulations, Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and iterative prototyping. Key innovations include a foldable blade autogyro system based on the Selig S1223 airfoil, a robust canister release mechanism, and …

Development Of 6d Electromagnetic Actuation For Micro/Nanorobots In High Viscosity Fluids For Drug Delivery, Mostafa Abdelaziz, Maki Habib

Mechanical Engineering

This research focuses on the development, design, implementation, and testing (with complete hardware and software integration) of a 6D Electromagnetic Actuation (EMA) system for the precise control and navigation of micro/nanorobots (MNRs) in high-viscosity fluids, addressing critical challenges in targeted drug delivery within complex biological environments, such as blood vessels. The primary objective is to overcome limitations in the actuation efficiency, trajectory stability, and accurate path-tracking of MNRs. The EMA system utilizes three controllable orthogonal pairs of Helmholtz coils to generate uniform magnetic fields, which magnetize and steer MNRs in 3D for orientation. Another three controllable orthogonal pairs of Helmholtz …

Advanced Manufacturing Of Multifunctional Shape Memory Polymer Composites And Self-Healing Systems, John B. Konlan

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

The need for multifunctional light weight structures for engineering applications is on the rise. Multifunctional composites are desired because of their ability to combine multiple functionalities into one structure. The advantages of a high strength-to-weight ratio of multifunctional composites make them desirable and suitable for use in energy-efficient applications. Shape-memory polymers (SMPs) have attracted interest over the past several decades because of their multifunctional nature. They have found use in many applications such as aerospace, satellites, automobiles, textiles, and biomedical devices, where lightweight and multifunctionality are key. The self-healing nature of most SMPs makes them suitable for use in lightweight …

A Comparison And Investigation Of 2d Axisymmetric And 3d Models For The Wave Augmented Varicose Explosions Atomizer, Caleb Miller

Senior Honors Theses

Atomization of non-Newtonian, high-viscosity fluids is a challenging task with many applications. One method of atomizing these types of flows is the Wave Augmented Varicose Explosions (WAVE) atomizer. Using this framework, the study establishes an analysis methodology, investigates the relationship between 2D axisymmetric (2DA) and 3D models, and provides analysis of geometric, non-geometric, and non-dimensional parameter influences on the atomizer characterization in 2DA models. The study found that 2DA models can provide viable predictions of certain 3D model characteristics, established several mathematical models for parameter relationships among 2DA models, and identified certain metrics as inadequate predictors of atomizer characteristics in …

Design And Optimization Of Lattice-Integrated Plif Cages Using Additive Manufacturing And Finite Element Modeling, Olivia Draughn

Honors Theses

The customization, characterization, and development of biomedical implants through additive manufacturing (AM) and finite element methods (FEM) becomes imperative to the success of surgical operations and long-term patient satisfaction. To combat stiffness mismatches and prevent stress shielding between implant and bone tissue, lattice structures can be implemented within bone implant design to reduce the effective Young’s modulus (EYM) of the implant and to promote osteointegration within bone tissue. Lattice structures are highly customizable, three dimensionally repeated patterned unit cells that can be manipulated to mimic the porous nature of bone tissues to increase implant-bone interface longevity. The study presents the …

Optimizing A Perfusion-Compression Bioreactor Via Python Integration, Umamah Amer

Honors Theses

Bioreactors are widely used in tissue engineering to support cell and tissue growth under controlled conditions. Perfusion-compression bioreactors, like the one developed in our lab, can be used to replicate the physiological loading of bone on 3D-printed scaffolds. When seeded with osteogenic cells and subjected to mechanical loading, these scaffolds serve as a model to study osteogenesis. To simulate physiological conditions, the bioreactor must apply 1000 compression cycles at forces up to 200 N, three times daily over 14 days. Upon implementation, validation testing and experimental studies exposed several limitations in the bioreactor’s control code. The system was initially programmed …

Bioactivity And Mechanical Performance Of Centrifugally Spun Poly(D,L-Lactide)/Poly(3-Hydroxybutyrate) Submicrometric Fibers Containing Zinc Oxide And Hydroxyapatite Nanostructures, Victoria Padilla-Gainza, Heriberto Rodríguez-Tobías, Karen Lozano, Cristobal Rodriguez, Robert Gilkerson, Antonio Ledezma-Pérez, Narcedalia Anaya-Barbosa, Graciela Morales

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigates the morphological, thermal, mechanical, and bioactive properties of centrifugally spun fibrous composites made from poly(D,L-lactide)/poly(3-hydroxybutyrate) (PLA/PHB) blends with zinc oxide (ZnO) and hydroxyapatite (Hap) nanoparticles. A 75/25 PLA/PHB weight ratio was chosen to balance mechanical and thermal properties. The precursor solution viscosities ranged from 0.25 to 0.50 Pa s, increasing with nanoparticle incorporation probably due to polymer-nanoparticle interactions. SEM revealed a uniform fibrous morphology, with diameters of 1.21 for PLA/PHB, 2.65 for PLA/ZnO/Hap, and 1.80 μm for PLA/PHB/ZnO/Hap. TGA showed two-step degradation for PLA/PHB fibers, while PLA/PHB/ZnO/Hap degraded in a single step at 249°C, leaving a residue …

Variable Volume Refrigerator, Ryder Dietz

Honors Theses

This project presents the design and development of a Variable Volume Mini-Fridge Shelf, a solution to address the limitations of fixed compartment sizes in standard mini-fridge/freezer units. The proposed design enables users to dynamically adjust the internal ratio of fridge to freezer space using a repositionable shelf integrated with an airflow-regulating vent. The project involved multiple stages, including concept development, thermal and flow simulations, and physical prototyping.

SolidWorks Flow Simulation was employed to validate natural convection-driven airflow between compartments and guide initial design decisions. While attempts were made to integrate a dynamic control loop using MATLAB Simulink and the SolidWorks …

Optimizing Epoxy Nanocomposites With Oxidized Graphene Quantum Dots For Superior Mechanical Performance: A Molecular Dynamics Approach, Prathamesh P. Deshpande, Robert Chan-Jobe, Josh Kemppainen, Gregory Odegard, Ozgur Keles

Michigan Tech Publications

Due to their excellent mechanical properties, epoxy composites are widely used in low-density applications. However, the brittle epoxy matrix often serves as the principal failure point. Matrix enhancements can be achieved by optimizing polymer combinations to maximize intermolecular interactions or by introducing fillers. While nanofillers such as clay, rubber, carbon nanotubes, and nanoplatelets enhance mechanical properties, they can lead to issues like agglomeration, voids, and poor load transfer. Quantum dots, being the smallest nanofillers, offer higher dispersion and the potential to promote intermolecular interactions, enhancing stiffness, strength, and toughness simultaneously. This study employed molecular dynamics simulations to design graphene quantum …

Biowaste Valorization: Integrating Circular Economy Principles With Artificial Intelligence-Driven Optimization For Sustainable Energy Solutions, Dina Aboelela Dr.

Biochemical Engineering

Biowaste, encompassing food waste and agricultural residues, poses significant environmental challenges while offering transformative opportunities. Traditionally relegated to landfills or incineration, biowaste is increasingly recognized as a renewable resource for producing biofuels, biochemicals, biomaterials, and animal feed. This review offers a systems-level analysis of biowaste characteristics, conversion processes, and derived bioenergy products such as biofuels, biogas, biodiesel, biohydrogen, bioelectricity, and other valuable chemicals. Diverse conversion methods are explored, including anaerobic digestion, fermentation, microbial fuel cells, pyrolysis, and gasification, alongside conventional practices like landfilling and incineration. Emerging analytical advancements are revolutionizing biowaste valorization. Artificial intelligence (AI) …

How Can The Adoption Of Biodegradable Packaging In The Beverage Industry Specifically Contribute To Reducing Single-Use Plastic Waste, And What Regulatory Or Cost-Related Challenges Hinder Its Widespread Implementation In Developing Countries?, Rebecca Aba Gaisie

2025 Awards for Excellence in Student Research and Creative Activity - Documents

This research investigates the potential of biodegradable packaging to reduce single-use plastic waste in the beverage industry and explores the regulatory and cost-related barriers to its adoption in developing countries. The beverage sector is a major contributor to global plastic pollution, and biodegradable alternatives offer a promising path toward sustainability. Using a mixed-methods approach, this study combines qualitative interviews with industry experts and case studies of businesses implementing biodegradable solutions, alongside quantitative survey data from 100 manufacturers and 200 consumers across Africa, Asia, and Latin America. Findings reveal that while biodegradable packaging significantly reduces plastic waste and appeals to environmentally …

Data Science For Engineers, Heidi Moulton

Student Research Symposium

30% of USU undergraduate students participate in some sort of research, and for engineering students this often means generating large amounts of data.

Data Science for Engineers is a series of four modules that introduce students to data processing, visualization, and graphing in the Python programming language using Pandas DataFrames and Juypter Notebooks.

The modules are intended for students with a basic understanding of programming in Python, specifically those who have taken CS 1400 Introduction to Computer Science.

The Effects Of Geometric Shape And Power-Law Index On The Thermal Activity And Dynamic Behavior Of A Complex Fluid, Houssem Laidoudi

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

The paper presents numerical results for non-Newtonian fluid confined horizontally between two rings. The outer ring has a circular shape, low temperature and rotates at a constant and uniform speed, while the inner ring has different shapes (circular, square and triangular), is constant and has a high temperature. This study aims to determine the method and the amount of heat transfer between the rings and under the influence of these factors: the rheological coefficient of the fluid, known as the power-law index, thermal buoyancy intensity, the rotation speed of the outer ring and the geometric shape of the inner ring. …