Digital Commons Network^™

Invariant-Based Method For Improving Efficiency Of Mechanical Testing In Aerospace Certification Of Carbon Fiber-Epoxy Composites, Alyssa Rina Gruezo, Erika Gabrielle Hansen

Materials Engineering

The current challenge with qualification of carbon fiber composites in the aerospace industry would be the low efficiency of testing hundreds of samples. The Trace Theory strives to streamline the qualification process by utilizing a material’s Trace to predict properties of composites using Excel programs and basis data. To test this theory, predicted properties from the program, QuickLam, were compared to experimental data. Unidirectional 0° (T1), unidirectional 90° (T2), quasi-isotropic (T3), and hard quasi-isotropic (T4) laminates were made using HexTowR carbon fiber and TC250 resin provided by TenCate Advanced Composites. Tensile and compression tests were done according to ASTM D3039 …

Vortexing Off A Common Suction Header, Ryan J. Caceres, Brett R. Langlois, Brian H. Greenberg

Mechanical Engineering

This project is the first iteration of a testing rig to determine the critical submergence of a vortex off a main suction header. The rig was designed with supplies purchased and provided by PG&E, including 4-6” schedule 40 PVC pipe and fittings, a large water tank, a pump, and a flowmeter. PG&E at Diablo Canyon Power Plant presented their problem to the Cal Poly Mechanical Engineering Senior Project class, and three mechanical engineers took up the project. The following report details the ideation, design, build, and test processes used during the 2016-17 academic year to create the vortex testing rig. …

Message-Layer Encryption In Ricochet, Liam B. Kirsh

Computer Science and Software Engineering

My intention for this project was to implement encryption and authentication on Ricochet's message layer. This provides two major benefits. The first is a higher level of encryption in the event that a flaw is found in the existing channel-layer encryption, or if increases in computing power make attacks on that encryption feasible. Tor is used by the military, journalists, law enforcement, researchers, and activists, whose communications may be interesting to state-level adversaries and criminal organizations with access to great amount of computing resources. Additionally, message-layer encryption would allow users to specify relay nodes that can temporarily store messages and …

Implementing Subspace Identification On Shake Table Model, Zoe T. Cooperband

Architectural Engineering

Stochastic Subspace Identification is a field of applied mathematics that takes collected experimental time-history data and gives out information about the system that produced the data. SSI is typically used in control analysis but here we apply the methods to the modal analysis of structures. This senior project didn’t involve theory - instead much of the work was in research behind how Subspace Identification works, implementing the algorithm in MATLAB, and applying the program to shake table data to validate the program. In other words, building the framework to make SSI a usable tool and practical learning experience for other …

Optical Physics Of Rifle Scopes, Ryan Perry

Physics

Optical systems are typically consist of multiple lenses and mirrors and are used in a wide variety of fields. While there exist a variety of setups, there are a few key concepts that are at the core of all of them. These could be used from the most advanced scientific research to a simple magnifying glass. They are also used in industry and consumer products such as glasses and cameras. We are going to go over these key concepts and show how they apply to telescopes, or more specifically rifle scopes. First, we will go over Snell's Law of refraction …

Working With Cuore In Search For The Neutrinoless-Double Beta Decay, Kevin H. Phung

Physics

The neutrino, if found to be its own anti-particle, will reshape the Standard Model of physics. This paper will give some background information regarding CUORE’s experiment to discover the radioactive process known as neutrinoless double-beta decay, how their experiment works, and my own involvement in their research during the installation phase of the project in the summer of 2017.

My Contributions To The Cryogenic Underground Observatory For Rare Events Experiment And The Utilization Of Geant4 In Their Analysis, Kevin Armenta

Physics

First, a brief introduction and background of the basics of particle physics and the Standard Model is discussed in order to give context to nature of the neutrinoless double beta decay ($2\nu\beta\beta$) and why it is so interesting to particle physicists. Next, the Cryogenic Underground Observatory for Rare Events (CUORE) experiment is discussed in detail, explaining the rational behind the experimental setup and detection process. Finally, I conclude by discussing Geant4, an important software toolkit used in particle physics, and how it is utilized in the CUORE experiment.

Eighteenth Century Women And The Business Of Making Glass Music, Kate M. Hepworth

History

During the relatively short period from the mid-to-late eighteenth century when glass musical instruments were manufactured and gained popularity, several women made names for themselves in the realm of avant-garde musical performance. The lives of three female glass instrument players: Anne Ford, Marianne Davies, and Marianne Kirchgassner, show how these successful performer-entrepreneurs operated in an age of emerging feminine public identity. Their journeys reveal much about the gender dimensions of the age, the role of music in the modern era, the consumption of it, and their approach to business. The financial opportunities presented to women looking to challenge the limitations …

Acceleration Amplitude Control System For Oscillating Silicon Oil Physics Experiment, Eric Chen

Electrical Engineering

This project is an ‘acceleration amplitude control system’ for use in an ‘oscillating silicon oil physics experiment’. The physics experiment has a tray of silicon oil. This tray must oscillate vertically at a specific amplitude (either at or just below the level for Faraday Waves). This control systems manages taking measurements of acceleration amplitude, and also manages correcting the shaker’s driving signal to obtain the correct acceleration. Features of the control system are designed for ease of use, because the system will mostly be operated by professor/ students without background knowledge in electrical engineering.

Ecg Classification Using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System, Jason N. Rivera, Kelsey C. Rodriguez

Electrical Engineering

ECG classification using Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS), sponsored by Professor Yu, involves the diagnosis of six cardiovascular conditions by analyzing one single neural network. Today’s ECG signal instrumentation does not have the ability to characterize cardiovascular diseases without a doctor’s complete evaluation and diagnosis. Our project gives a promising solution to the inability in the current market’s ECG signal instrumentation to correctly evaluate and diagnose cardiovascular diseases. ECG signal reportings is a non-invasive process that will lead to many more applications of advanced signal processing and data analysis/diagnosis of cardiovascular diseases. The inputs to the ANFIS are annotations of …

Unreal Engine 4 Rpg, Jacob W. Russ, Jeffrey J. Nunez

Computer Engineering

Classic RPG videogames have become few and far between in the Western market over the years as modern RPG systems have gained popularity. The purpose of this project is to present a vertical slice of a hybrid RPG game that takes the gameplay mechanics and styles of classic RPG videogames and infuses them with a modern presentation. Through the use of the powerful Unreal Engine 4 graphics engine, this project is able to combine impressive graphical fidelity with modernized systems to fuel a videogame that is undeniably a classic RPG at heart. This is not a full game, but a …

Automated Grading Of Handwritten Numerical Answers, Mark T. Brown

Computer Engineering

The objective of this project was to automate the process of grading handwritten numerical answers in a classroom setting. The final program accepts a scanned answer sheet completed by the student along with a description of the correct answers and produces a detailed report describing the confidence of correctness for each answer.

Computer vision techniques are used to automatically locate the locations of the answers in the scan. Each digit is then passed through a convolutional neural network to predict what was written by the student. The individual probabilities of each digit produced by the network are aggregated into a …

Hands On, Michael Le, Justin Remulla, Chris Menezes, Noah Beilin

Electrical Engineering

The goal is to design an extremely articulate smart glove, which acts a virtual reality controller. The smart glove will have gesture detection, which could include hand movements and/or combinations of finger movements to emulate mouse click or scroll, or digitally map out a hand for integrations with virtually reality softwares. This glove will have multiple accelerometer sensors on each finger and joint, connected to a single board running BLE MCU SoC in order to communicate with computer or mobile devices. The glove would connect to devices such as computers or phones using a Bluetooth dongle with applications in virtual …

Investigation Of Mimo Communications, Rodrigo Mendez Olea, William C. Tran, Patrick C. Kezer, Jean M. Whitmore

Electrical Engineering

This project focuses on the background of multiple input multiple output (MIMO) communication and its advantages over the other possible implementations. A background of wireless communication in regards to modulation types, information theory, antenna background and a hardware implementation using a VSA and VSG is provided. The theory is compared and verified with the hardware implementation with regards to the effect of the increase in the number of antennas and the parameter vector error magnitude.

Game Implementation In Real-Time Using The Project Tango, Samantha R. Bhuiyan

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The goal of this senior project is to spread awareness of augmented reality, which Google defines as “a technology that superimposes a computer-generated image on a user's view of the real world, thus providing a composite view.” It’s a topic that is rarely known to those outside of a technology related field or one that has vested interest in technology. Games can be ideal tools to help educate the public on any subject matter. The task is to create an augmented reality game using a “learn by doing” method. The game will introduce players to augmented reality, and thus demonstrate …

Computer Vision Based Route Mapping, Ryan S. Kehlenbeck, Zachary Cody

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The problem our project solves is the integration of edge detection techniques with mapping libraries to display routes based on images. To do this, we used the OpenCV library within an Android application. This application lets a user import an image from their device, and uses edge detection to pull out a path from the image. The application can find the user's location and uses it alongside the path data from the image to create a route using the physical roads near the location. The shape of the route matches the edges from the given image and the user can …

Micro-Spi Sediment Profile Imaging Micro-Inspector, Andrew P. Corvin, Caleb T. Davies, Matt R. Ferrari

Mechanical Engineering

This project was proposed by Dr. Brian Paavo through a desire to more easily study the benthic sediment layers of the ocean. To do so, he asked us to build a simple and compact machine for use in sediment profile imagery (SPI). Although devices like this already exist, they are all large scale devices that require a ship with a crane to deploy, which is expensive and time consuming. Instead, he desired a “micro” SPI, which is capable of being deployed from a small vessel that can easily navigate shallow waters. Our interpretation of these requirements was as follows: a …

An Investigation Of Avian Wing Tip Vortex Generation Using A Biomimetic Approach, David Stewart Martin

Master's Theses

An experimental study has been conducted to develop a process allowing the creation of biologically accurate aerodynamic test models mimicking the slotted primary feather geometry of the Brown Pelican (Pelecanus occidentalis). Preserved examples of both a full Brown Pelican wing and a single primary feather were 3D scanned and digitally reconstructed using a combination of MATLAB and CAD software. The final model was then 3D printed as a collection of smaller components using a LulzBot TAZ 6 printer and Taulman3D T-Glase PET filament. After using various surface finishing techniques to improve the finish of all 3D printed parts, …

Development Of A Humidity-Resistant Coating To Impart High Oxygen Barrier Performance To Food Packaging Films, Ryan Yinghua Cox

Master's Theses

Oxygen barrier coatings have the potential to greatly extend the lifetime of certain food products by incorporating them into existing food packaging. Present technologies face definite challenges of maintaining high performance, while attaining simple and inexpensive preparation methods. The oxygen barrier effect obtained with these coatings is also susceptible to a plasticization effect when exposed to high humidity, since water vapor molecules are readily soluble in typically hydrophilic resins. In this work, we demonstrate a 1 – 2 micron thick oxygen barrier coating, prepared on a 12 micron poly(ethylene terephthalate) substrate, that has oxygen transmission rates as low as 1.44 …

The Ginkgo Shell, Mark Luzi, Karla Santos, Josh Cannon, Erika Davis, Nora Villanueva

Architectural Engineering

The overall concept for this outdoor concrete shell structure, located in Furstliche Park in Inzigkofen, Germany, is derived from an abstracted ginkgo leaf. Drawing on inspiration from a poem about the two parts of the ginkgo leaf becoming one, we took the approach of combining both the natural and built environment into one cohesive piece. To connect the two, it was imperative that we place the shell on the site as to have the smallest impact. With a small portion of the overall site used, the unoccupied space further enhances the natural environment. Creating a literal design connection between the …

A Comparison Study Of Two Synthesis Methods For Polymer Of Intrinsic Microporosity 1 (Pim-1), Conor S. Perry

Materials Engineering

Polymers of Intrinsic Microporosity (PIMs) are an emerging polymeric material class for molecular sieving applications. This study focuses on PIM-1, an alternating copolymer of 5,5’,6,6’-tetrahydroxy-3,3’,3,3’-tetramethyl-1,1’-spirobisindane and tetrafluoroterephthalonitrile synthesized via nucleophilic aromatic substitution. PIM-1 been widely studied as a gas separating material and filtering membrane, but in this case, it is studied as a battery separator material. PIM-1’s microporous (pore diameters less than 2 nm) structure allows smaller favorable ions to transport while preventing larger ions and compounds from transporting. Two synthesis methods, round bottom flask synthesis and ball mill synthesis, of PIM-1 are compared to see any improved characteristics. The …

Golf Club Prototyping And Design For Spin Rate Tuning, Cole Nygren, Jordan Wright, Jesse Yap

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The aim of this project was to design a golf wedge capable of increasing backspin for the amateur golfer. This was accomplished by embedding a metal lattice structure behind the clubface to allow the face to elastically deform slightly upon impact. This would increase contact time between the club and ball. The mechanism of spin generation was discussed and the relationship between contact time and spin rate was established. The design was enabled by using additive manufacturing, which allowed for the generation of a metal lattice structure. An appropriate control and prototype were designed to minimize run time and material …

As-830-17 Resolution Of Commendation For Dean Phil Bailey For His Outstanding Service To Cal Poly, Academic Senate, Faculty

Academic Senate Resolutions

Commendation for Phil Bailey

Academic Senate - Agenda, 5/30/2017, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Executive Committee - Agenda 5/23/2017, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Executive Committee - Agenda 5/16/2017, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Agendas

No abstract provided.

Executive Committee - Meeting Minutes, 5/16/2017, Academic Senate

Academic Senate Minutes

No abstract provided.

Paper Microzone Plates As Analytical Tools For Studying Enzyme Stability: A Case Study On The Stabilization Of Horseradish Peroxidase Using Trehalose And Su-8 Epoxy Novolac Resin, Kirsten A. Ganaja, Cory Chaplan, Jingyi Zhang, Nathaniel W. Martinez, Andres W. Martinez

Chemistry and Biochemistry

Paper microzone plates in combination with a noncontact liquid handling robot were demonstrated as tools for studying the stability of enzymes stored on paper. The effect of trehalose and SU-8 epoxy novolac resin (SU-8) on the stability of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was studied in both a short-term experiment, where the activity of various concentrations of HRP dried on paper were measured after 1 h, and a long-term experiment, where the activity of a single concentration of HRP dried and stored on paper was monitored for 61 days. SU-8 was found to stabilize HRP up to 35 times more than trehalose …

Soil Science Lesson Plan For The Cal Poly Learn By Doing Lab, Kelsey Ormonde

Natural Resources Management and Environmental Sciences

To increase interest in soil science and other related sciences, educational materials need to be tailored to appeal to younger students. The purpose of this project was to create a soil science lesson plan that could be utilized by the Cal Poly Learn By Doing Lab. Information from several articles, textbooks, lesson plans, and websites was reviewed to create a soil science lesson plan for students in 5-8^th grade. The lesson plan focused on the three sub-disciplines of soil science; physical, chemical, and biological. Activities were created to correspond to the three sub-disciplines. Alternate activities were created to allow …

Indian Sign Language Numbers Recognition Using Intel Realsense Camera, Sravani Mudduluru

Master's Theses

The use of gesture based interaction with devices has been a significant area of research in the field of computer science since many years. The main idea of these kind of interactions is to ease the user experience by providing high degree of freedom and provide more interactive way of communication with the technology in a natural way. The significant areas of applications of gesture recognition are in video gaming, human computer interaction, virtual reality, smart home appliances, medical systems, robotics and several others. With the availability of the devices such as Kinect, Leap Motion and Intel RealSense cameras accessing …