Digital Commons Network^™

Design Of An Angle Measurement Device Using Ultrasonic Pairs, Shadi Khanpour Doustkar

Electrical Engineering

In this paper, a new concept for ultrasonic indoor positioning built upon instantaneous frequency of ultrasonic signals is presented. Ultrasonic sensors are inexpensive and manageable sensors; they are currently not used to good advantage with their potential for the electronics industry. The current ultrasonic sensors in the market only present a distance value to the nearest object for the user and due to this kind of feedback, it’s not attainable to find the relative position of the object from the sensor in a detection area; examples vary from workpieces and robots to even people. By using an algorithm and multiple …

Decentralized Machine Learning On Blockchain: Developing A Federated Learning Based System, Nikhil Sridhar

Master's Theses

Traditional Machine Learning (ML) methods usually rely on a central server to per-
form ML tasks. However, these methods have problems like security risks, data
storage issues, and high computational demands. Federated Learning (FL), on the
other hand, spreads out the ML process. It trains models on local devices and then
combines them centrally. While FL improves computing and customization, it still
faces the same challenges as centralized ML in security and data storage.

This thesis introduces a new approach combining Federated Learning and Decen-
tralized Machine Learning (DML), which operates on an Ethereum Virtual Machine
(EVM) compatible blockchain. The …

Discourse Analysis In Engineering: Investigating Patterns In Brainstorming Conversations, Aimee Chiem

Master's Theses

Brainstorming is a critical part of the engineering design process and can have a significant impact on the outcomes of the overall project. While research has studied the outcomes of brainstorming and the ideas that teams generate, the role that language and conversation play in these activities is still relatively underexplored. Observing the different ways people use specific types of discourse can reveal how conversations can affect brainstorming itself. To that end, this research aims to answer the following questions:

1) What are the different kinds of discursive moves that students make during engineering brainstorming activities?

2) What patterns or …

A Numerical Modeling Analysis Of The San Francisco Bay And Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta: Riverine, Tidal, And Wind Processes, Drake A. Abrahamsson

Master's Theses

The primary motivation of this study is to analyze the 1D-2DH hydrodynamic model of the San Francisco Bay and Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta (SFBD) outlined in Nederhoff et al. (2021). I compared model water level data to 70 tidal records from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA), the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the California Data Exchange Center (CDEC), and from local municipalities throughout the Bay Area to investigate how the model captures water levels and tidal constituent amplitudes. While the Nederhoff et al (2017) model analyzed an extended time period from 1950-2019, I analyzed M2 amplitude and tidal water …

Temporal And Spectral Analysis Of 1es 2344+514 In Two Flaring States Observed By Veritas, Connor Poggemann

Physics

VERITAS observed the bright blazar 1ES 2344+514 during two flaring periods, one from Dec. 17 to Dec. 18, 2015 (MJD 57373-57374) with a peak flux of ~60% of the Crab and another from Nov. 28 to Dec. 3, 2021 (MJD 59546-59551) with a peak flux of ~20% of the Crab. This blazar, located at a redshift of z = 0.044, is classified as an extreme high-frequency-peaked BL Lacertae object (HBL). It is known to be variable, including several previous day-scale flares: Whipple on Dec. 20, 1995, VERITAS on Dec. 7, 2007, and MAGIC on Aug. 11, 2016. The VERITAS near-nightly …

An Imc Plan For The Blue Dolphin Company, A Local Nonprofit, Allison Evelyn Campbell

Journalism

Alan Godley's journey into marine preservation began as a dock boy, a role that brought him face-to-face with the environmental impact of boat cleaning practices. Witnessing the washing of harsh chemicals into the ocean and waterways fueled his environmental consciousness. Years later, he founded the Blue Dolphin Company in 1989, an “organization focused on furthering the awareness of whales and dolphins, and all marine life … [supporting] the rehabilitation and release of marine mammals and other wildlife”. Over the three decades, Mr. Godley has operated this nonprofit and small business, leveraging educational initiatives to inform people of all ages about …

Band Motor Crankshaft For Hydrogen Combustion Engine, Lincoln Hofer, Jacqueline Mendoza Cortes, Austin Rhee, Roze Raymond

Mechanical Engineering

This report outlines the steps in which a group of four mechanical engineers at California Polytechnic State University California, San Luis Obispo, addressed an issue brought up by Professor Roger Benham from the Materials Department. The task included developing an automated and modular testing platform for a revolutionary concept crankshaft prototype – meant for a hydrogen combustion engine - developed and produced by the sponsor: Roger Benham. A testing platform is necessary to measure the performance of the shaft design created to eventually implement this subsystem into a complete hydrogen engine design. Values being tested include geometric validation, maximum static …

Design And Modeling Of A Hybrid-Electric Drone System For Conversion, Mark Atttaalla

Electrical Engineering

With the increased use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the need for long range high capacity (>1kg) drones has also increased. While these drones do exist, they use complicated and complex technology that proportionately increases the price and barrier to entry for these drones. The goal of this paper is to look at different designs for hybrid electric drones, model the series-hybrid design, and create a low-cost alternative drone that uses off the shelf components. A primary purpose for this document is to present the information required to recreate a similar

Electronic Note-String Detector, Gavin Garcia-Rossi, Tommy Smail

Electrical Engineering

As the virtual space has become a dominant part of everyone’s day-to-day lives, many normal face-to-face interactions and services have not yet been facilitated by adapting technology. One of these prevailing areas is music lessons. Over Zoom meetings, or other virtual platforms, it is tremendously challenging to teach students. These challenges include recognizing student mistakes audibly and visually, and being able to give confident feedback on the incorrect notes played by learning musicians. Without having to delve into improving the complex systems that would be required to improve audio, video, and connection quality of these connections, we have another solution …

Road Embedded Traffic Actuated Turbine (Retat), Derek Terry Cedillo, Jairo Fernandez Garcia, Alejandro Samaniego, Yosef Towfique

Mechanical Engineering

The Road Embedded Traffic Actuated Turbine (RETAT) project aims to revolutionize sustainable energy solutions by harnessing the power of passing vehicles to generate electricity. This Final Design Review (FDR) encapsulates the evolution of the project, from conceptualization to the tangible realization of the Verification Prototype created by a team of mechanical engineering students. The RETAT boasts an innovative design, incorporating square steel tubing and a unique linear-to-rotational energy conversion mechanism. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the design, implementation, and testing phases, highlighting achievements, challenges, and areas for refinement. As the RETAT project strives to contribute to a cleaner, …

Towing Safety Mechanism, Grant K. Mcdonald-Hulen, Andy Magallanes, Nick Sundstrom, Ava Hsu

Mechanical Engineering

Our team was tasked with creating a system that automatically disconnects the direct drive of our towable auger, the Dirt Dawg, when the machine is ready to be towed. Since our Critical Design Report (CDR), the team made detailed designs for the systems we need to ensure fail-safe and easy automation of the Dirt Dawg and its direct drive system. We needed the best way for us to translate the motion of our hitch handle to the gear system. The team found that bike brake cables would be a direct translation of motion and offer no resistance regardless of its …

Slitter Blade Sharpener, Griffin Buchan, Regan Lane, Kinsale Sproule

Mechanical Engineering

Within this document, our team, “Think Sharpener”, will discuss the following work we have completed since the Critical Design Review: material and part procurement, the manufacturing process for our prototype, and a discussion of our results from testing our final Verification Prototype (VP). To summarize our team’s work during the last portion of this project, our design for the slitter blade sharpening mechanism required us to consult the IME department for materials and manufacturing guidance, order pneumatic components from various online hardware companies, and test our VP to verify we met the engineering design specifications. Our slitter blade sharpening mechanism …

Integrated Actuator, David Hefter, Mathew Smith, Amanda Westmoreland, Akanksha Maddi

Mechanical Engineering

This Final Design Review document outlines the senior project design that we, a team of four mechanical engineering students at California Polytechnic State University, are developing for Charlie Refvem, a lecturer in the mechanical engineering department. The final design has undergone significant modifications since the Critical Design Review, such as a redesigned vertical shaft, material changes, and the incorporation of belt tensioners. These redesigns are thoroughly discussed in the context of testing and assembly error resolution.

The document outlines the detailed steps for the production and testing of the design verification prototype. This includes the procurement and manufacturing of components, …

Maitreya Desalination, Riley Taft, Hudson Kispert, Brendan Dizon

Mechanical Engineering

This document relays the design and manufacture of a dual power input Reverse Osmosis desalination unit. It's power sources are electric drive and human power via recumbent seated cycling. Fresh water outputs range from 4 - 7 GPH for human power inputs of 150 - 280 Watts depending on the selected gearing ratio from the derailleur.

Evaluation Of Structural Retrofit Of A Hillside Home, Cameron C. R. Cunningham

Architectural Engineering

On November 24, 2021 after months of initial planning, the project owner received approval from the San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department for initial work on a residential remodeling submission. This approval including a grading permit and other initial site work to begin renovation of the owner’s hillside residential property.

Docai, Riley Badnin, Justin Brunings

Computer Science and Software Engineering

DocAI presents a user-friendly platform for recording, transcribing, summarizing, and classifying doctor-patient consultations. The application utilizes AssemblyAI for conversational transcription, and the user interface allows users to either live-record consultations or upload an existing MP3 file. The classification process, powered by 'ml-classify-text,' organizes the consultation transcription into SOAP (Subjective, Objective, Assessment, and Plan) format – a widely used method of documentation for healthcare providers. The result of this development is a simple yet effective interface that effectively plays the role of a medical scribe. However, the application is still facing challenges of inconsistent summarization from the AssemblyAI backend. Future work …

Highlighting The Key Differences In Project Management When Using Mass Timber: Case Study, Kevin Krueger

Construction Management

Mass Timber or Cross Laminated Timber (CLT) is structurally engineered wood designed to be used as the structural components of a building. As the Construction Industry shifts toward using more renewable materials, mass timber becomes more relevant. This paper presents a comprehensive case study focusing on the construction process innovations implemented in a recent mass timber project located in San Francisco. The project involves the construction of a secure facility for a prominent biotechnology company. This research aims to learn the innovative techniques and strategies that contributed to the successful completion of this unique project. Key stakeholders, including the project …

Artificial Intelligence Integration In Construction: A Cal Poly Curriculum Assessment, Carter James Hahn

Construction Management

In a rapidly evolving industry where AI enhances efficiency and safety, questions are being raised on whether it should be introduced in the classroom. This research project is with the intention of understanding if and how artificial intelligence should be incorporated into Cal Poly’s construction management curriculum. The research combines a literature review establishing AI's relevance in construction project management with a survey-based methodology to gauge industry perspectives. Today, the global construction market witnesses a surge in AI adoption in its planning, construction, and O&M phases. In turn, the industry has benefited from its application in mitigation of risks, improved …

Development Of Load Measurement Technique For Arbitrary Shapes, Quintin J. Cockrell

Master's Theses

Obtaining aerodynamic forces and moments about all three orthogonal axes for arbitrary shapes at arbitrary orientations in a fast manner via a measurement technique specific to Cal Poly’s low-speed wind tunnel to continually obtain the forces and moments under quasi-steady conditions is explored. A Continuous Rotation Technique (CR) uses a 6-DOF load cell and stepper motor to rotate an object about an axis for a complete rotation. The forces and moments acting upon the object pass through the stepper motor and interface plates and recorded by the load cell as the object is rotated continuously a finite number of rotations. …

Complex Dimensions Of 100 Different Sierpinski Carpet Modifications, Gregory Parker Leathrum

Master's Theses

We used Dr. M. L. Lapidus's Fractal Zeta Functions to analyze the complex fractal dimensions of 100 different modifications of the Sierpinski Carpet fractal construction. We will showcase the theorems that made calculations easier, as well as Desmos tools that helped in classifying the different fractals and computing their complex dimensions. We will also showcase all 100 of the Sierpinski Carpet modifications and their complex dimensions.

The Tidal Prism, Viable Eelgrass Habitat, And The Effects Of Sea Level Rise In Morro Bay, Kaden A. Caliendo

Master's Theses

The tidal prism, or the volume of water exchanged from the sea to an estuary from mean low to mean high tide, influences system hydrodynamics and ecological functioning. Since 1884, the tidal prism in Morro Bay, California has been estimated to be decreasing over time due to sedimentation from upstream practices. What is the current tidal prism in Morro Bay and how will that change with sea level rise? How will eelgrass respond to rising sea levels?

For this study, inexpensive tidal gauges were deployed at four locations in Morro Bay from March to August 2023 to measure spatially varying …

Diet Induced Metabolic Alterations In The Brain Tissues Of Juvenile Pigs With Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, Rhesa Lacanienta

Master's Theses

The objective of this study was to investigate the diet-induced metabolic changes that affect the brain tissue of juvenile pigs with NAFLD. This study explored the liver- brain axis and metabolic markers in the frontal cortex (FC) affected by liver damage. 18 male (M) and 20 female (F) Iberian pigs were randomly allocated to 1 of 3 high-fructose high-fat liquid diets (lard, olive oil, and coconut oil) and fed for 10 consecutive weeks. “Healthy” Iberian pigs were fed a eucaloric diet to establish a physiological baseline. Protein precipitation extraction using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry was performed for primary …

2nd Annual Girls Build Summer Academy: Apprentice Ii Service Project, Angeline Witt

Construction Management

Cal Poly’s construction management department hosted the second annual Girls Build Summer Academy in July 2023. This paper highlights the service work project that the three returning academy participants completed during the week-long day camp. The academy’s goal was to provide high school-aged girls the opportunity to learn about the various career paths in the construction industry while emphasizing skilled trade opportunities including concrete, framing, drywall, electrical, and equipment operators. The girls worked to enrich their construction knowledge and grow their skills with hands-on building activities. By the end of the week, each girl had gained the skills and confidence …

Transitions Metal Health Association Youth Treatment Program Facility Upgrades, Nicolas Fregulia

Construction Management

The Transitions Mental Health Association (TMHA) Youth Treatment Program in San Luis Obispo is a vital resource dedicated to supporting the mental health and well-being of young individuals in the community. TMHA recently purchased a new property that requires several updates before opening. Three California Polytechnic State University Construction Management students collaborated an estimate, schedule, design and construction of a parking lot, walking path, and a new tortoise enclosure. The team split up the roles evenly into two phases preconstruction and construction, where preconstruction includes estimate, schedule, design, and logistics. The purpose of this is to review phase one of …

Teaching The Equivalent Rectangular Stress Block, J. Chris Carroll, Ben Dymond, Anahid Behrouzi

Architectural Engineering

The equivalent rectangular stress block is the basis for determining the flexural strength of reinforced concrete members. Instructors commonly present the concept in two dimensions, contrary to its three-dimensional nature. Unfortunately, this can be particularly difficult for students to understand and visualize, especially for students with visual learning style preferences. This paper presents an overview of the equivalent rectangular stress block, select active learning methods, and four specific examples used by the authors to introduce the equivalent rectangular stress block in an undergraduate reinforced concrete design course. The first method focuses on understanding the terms associated with the equivalent rectangular …

Novel Method Of The Quantification Of Turbulent Fluid Flow In Silicone Artery Phantoms Using Acoustic Analysis, Julia Wong

Master's Theses

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death globally and is responsible for taking 17.9 million lives per year. Despite the use of clinical treatments and detection methods, there remains a large population of individuals that suffer from CVD whose symptoms are left undetected and untreated prior to a life-threatening cardiac event. This highlights a need for an early detection method that can prevent the manifestation and worsening of the disease as well as address limitations of current early detection methods. An area of interest for early detection of CVD is subclinical atherosclerosis, which is the long, early, asymptomatic stage …

Development Of An Angiogenic Tissue-On-A-Chip Microenvironment, Eric Stuehr

Master's Theses

Preclinical testing is necessary to investigate the safety and efficacy of novel therapeutics before moving to clinical trials, yet approximately 90% of these therapies fail once tested in humans. This has led to increased interest in developing robust preclinical models that accurately mimic the complex human in vivo physiology. Microfluidic devices that can introduce dynamic conditions to 3D cell/organoid cultures, also known as tissue-on-a-chip, have emerged as physiologically relevant in vitro preclinical models that can achieve high throughput screening of therapeutics. The research presented here aimed to develop an angiogenic environment within a novel microfluidic device to stimulate formation of …

Custom Led Dashboard Integration For The Cal Poly Racing Team, Josue Hernandez

Computer Engineering

The Custom LED Dashboard Integration was made for the Cal Poly Racing Team, specifically the BAJA division. The dashboard was made as a way to combat the current limitations endured from the past methods used to display critical information of the vehicle to the car. The display was made to combat issues of limited quantity of data being able to be displayed to the driver and its small readability was an issue, the display helped combat that by providing a greater quantity of data being able to be sent and displayed on the display and the information being displayed having …

Active And Visual Methods For Teaching Nonrectangular Reinforced Concrete Beams, J.Chris Carroll, Anahid Behrouzi, Karl F. Meyer

Architectural Engineering

Nonrectangular cross sections are a common occurrence in reinforced concrete design typically taking the form of flanged beam sections, circular columns, and square or rectangular columns subject to biaxial bending. Instructors typically introduce the theory behind nonrectangular beams using two-dimensional sketches of flanged sections. Students can struggle to visualize the examples when presented in two dimensions; deciphering the multiple resultant compressive forces and their corresponding moment arms are particularly difficult. This paper presents an overview of nonrectangular beam theory and select active learning methods along with three specific examples used by the authors to teach nonrectangular beams in an undergraduate …

Smartphone Based Object Detection For Shark Spotting, Darrick W. Oliver

Master's Theses

Given concern over shark attacks in coastal regions, the recent use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), or drones, has increased to ensure the safety of beachgoers. However, much of city officials' process remains manual, with drone operation and review of footage still playing a significant role. In pursuit of a more automated solution, researchers have turned to the usage of neural networks to perform detection of sharks and other marine life. For on-device solutions, this has historically required assembling individual hardware components to form an embedded system to utilize the machine learning model. This means that the camera, neural processing …