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Tnt Equivalence: Measuring, Validating, And Appending Binary Energetics To The Literature, Gracie Mae James, Rachel Bauer, Alexander Douglas, Catherine E. Johnson Apr 2024

Tnt Equivalence: Measuring, Validating, And Appending Binary Energetics To The Literature, Gracie Mae James, Rachel Bauer, Alexander Douglas, Catherine E. Johnson

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests were performed: 1) a plate dent test for direct dent comparison, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, …


Phytoremediation Of Nonpoint Source Pollution, Tylor Cheatham Apr 2024

Phytoremediation Of Nonpoint Source Pollution, Tylor Cheatham

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Stormwater can bring high concentrations of nutrients into urban ponds resulting in eutrophic conditions and subsequent algal blooms. These 91 blooms can lead to hypoxic water that will ultimately cause fish deaths and loss of recreation. Often, the majority of urban stormwater flows into local ponds through an inlet, which provides a target area for nutrient removal methods. One method being explored by researchers is the use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). FTWs are floating mats with plants anchored to them, allowing the roots to be suspended in the water column for nutrient removal. Our previous research focused on optimizing …


Uncertainty Quantification Of Thermal Capacitance Calorimeter For High-Enthalpy Flows, Logan Banker, Davide Vigano Apr 2024

Uncertainty Quantification Of Thermal Capacitance Calorimeter For High-Enthalpy Flows, Logan Banker, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Thermal capacitance calorimeters are the standard instrument used to measure cold wall heat fluxes in high-enthalpy flows that simulates hypersonic flight conditions. These instruments play a fundamental role in the development and testing of Thermal Protection Systems for space re-entry conditions. However, despite their rugged and simple design, they are affected by large uncertainty errors. These have been estimated in literature at 15%. Despite their importance, and large errors, no proper uncertainty analysis has been performed. Uncertainty analysis is difficult due to the complex physics of the environment these calorimeters have to operate into.


The Aerodynamic Levitator Project, Noah Brown Apr 2024

The Aerodynamic Levitator Project, Noah Brown

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

After the development and successful demonstration of a hyperbaric aerodynamic levitator, work to redesign the nozzle was proposed for increasing levitation height and stability. The goal of this eight-week summer research project was to create a CFD model to aid in the optimization of this nozzle. This was to be accomplished by using ANSYS Fluent to first replicate experimental data found in a research paper to assess its validity. Next, the model was to be modified for use on the levitator project and then used to analyze the current nozzle design. Afterwards, Steps will be taken to make alterations to …


Supersonic Wind Tunnel Modeling, Noah Cain, Davide Vigano Apr 2024

Supersonic Wind Tunnel Modeling, Noah Cain, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Supersonic wind tunnels are essential for high-speed aerodynamics research, allowing studies ranging from fundamental flow physics to the advancement of supersonic transport. This work presents a physics-based model developed for the Missouri S& T supersonic wind tunnel, a blow-down facility employing a converging-diverging nozzle to achieve high-speed flow. The model accounts for real gas effects, including Joule-Thomson phenomena, as well as predictions of pressure losses and heat transfer. Implemented in Matlab, the model's accuracy was validated through comparison with experimental measurements, demonstrating excellent agreement. This research contributes to the reliable prediction of supersonic wind tunnel performance, thus advancing the understanding …


Organic Contaminant Effects On The Mac Of Water, Jordan Hartfield Apr 2024

Organic Contaminant Effects On The Mac Of Water, Jordan Hartfield

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The evaporation or condensation rate of a liquid surface is directly proportional to the mass accommodation coefficient (MAC). Since the MAC is difficult, if not impossible, to experimentally measure, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been employed to study it. Experimental studies have shown that airborne hydrocarbon contaminants from a variety of sources can adsorb on liquid surfaces and significantly alter the surface properties. We have therefore studied the effects of organic surface contaminants, which are immiscible with water, on the MAC using equilibrium and nonequilibrium MD simulations. Our equilibrium MD simulation results show that the MAC decreases linearly with increases …


Analysis Of The Benefits And Risks Of Just In Time Inventory Management, Ian Hodge Apr 2024

Analysis Of The Benefits And Risks Of Just In Time Inventory Management, Ian Hodge

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Just in time (JIT) inventory management has become increasingly popular in industry due to its well known benefits. JIT aims to streamline inventory processes by minimizing excess stock, reducing holding costs, and improving operational efficiency overall. This approach introduces inherent risks, by minimizing the safety stock the company becomes more vulnerable to supply chain disruptions. If unexpected circumstances lead to a supply delay, the company will rapidly deplete their supplies and may have to cease operations until they are resupplied, resulting in decreased revenue and leaving customers unfulfilled.This research project will examine case studies of companies that adopted JIT methodology …


Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis Of Variables Of Oxidization, Clark Nguyen, Mario F. Buchely Apr 2024

Thermo-Gravimetric Analysis Of Variables Of Oxidization, Clark Nguyen, Mario F. Buchely

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Oxidation phenomena play a critical role in high temperature metallurgical processing and the performance during life cycle of components made of both high and low alloy steels. Therefore, the development of a precise experimental methodology to quantify oxidation processes is critically important. This report summarizes my experimental study of the oxidation behavior of high and low alloy steel, including kinetics of surface oxide layer formation and spallation. The focus of study was in determining the complex interactions between alloying elements in steel matrix and oxidation environment, composition and surface morphology of formed oxides. This report will also explore how the …


Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Fabrication For Gene Delivery, Noah Sparks, Lei Xu, Hu Yang Apr 2024

Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Fabrication For Gene Delivery, Noah Sparks, Lei Xu, Hu Yang

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

In this project ionizable lipids were analyzed for their efficacy in delivery of mRNA in multiple metastatic lung cancer cells. Different ionizable lipids with their molar ratio in making the LNPs were analyzed in order to enhance the nucleic acid delivery to cytoplasm. Phospholipids also play a role in targeting efficacy of the LNPs to the lung cells. Different combination of ionizable lipids with multiple phospholipids were studied for physical characterization and in-vitro transcription efficiency. Transcription efficiency was then quantified using flow cytometry and optimal particles for transcription were noted.


Data Driven Enhanced Vsg Control For Microgrids, Sophia A. Strathman, Oroghene Oboreh-Snapps, Jonathan W. Kimball Apr 2024

Data Driven Enhanced Vsg Control For Microgrids, Sophia A. Strathman, Oroghene Oboreh-Snapps, Jonathan W. Kimball

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This research explores the fusion of deep reinforcement learning and virtual synchronous generator control in a bid to enhance microgrid operations. Microgrids typically consist of multiple inverter-based distributed generators (IBDGs) connected in parallel to mismatched line impedances. This results in unequal reactive power sharing which negatively impacts the performance of IBDGs in microgrids. To achieve enhanced control, a solution utilizing deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed. DRL agents are trained to control variables in each IBDG using a well-designed reward function capable of achieving the following objectives: 1.) ensure output voltage of each IBDG remains within the designated operating boundary …


Development Of A Force Perturbation Handle For Physical Interaction Research In Humans, Henry Tien, Riley Still, Yun Seong Song Apr 2024

Development Of A Force Perturbation Handle For Physical Interaction Research In Humans, Henry Tien, Riley Still, Yun Seong Song

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The vision of developing more advanced robots that physically interact with people begins with the study of how people interact with each other. Even the simplest interactions between humans, such as shaking hands, provides tremendous challenges for current robots and minimal research has been conducted on the inner workings of these interactions. Understanding the process and mechanics behind effective and intuitive physical human-human interaction (pHHI) will yield meaningful insight into designing robots capable of assisting the elderly, operating side by side with workers, or even dancing with people. To study this process, a custom Force Perturbation Handle (FPH) was developed, …


Using Efficient Global Optimization With Cfd For Aerodynamic Optimization, Aaron Spillars, Nathan Roberts, Xiaoping Du Apr 2024

Using Efficient Global Optimization With Cfd For Aerodynamic Optimization, Aaron Spillars, Nathan Roberts, Xiaoping Du

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Machine learning and optimization are the stepping blocks in broad engineering areas, such as computational fluid dynamics (CFO) and CFO-based design optimization. Using the CFO-based optimization framework, MACH-Aero, we were able to use the SLSQP optimizer and compared the results with a reference case completed by the SNOPT optimizer. Results verified that our SLSQP optimizer was working properly. The solver created showed that our objective function had a difference in magnitude of 0.000019 allowing us to conclude that our solver was working as intended. However, there were several failed attempts before reaching a successful run that gave us a satisfactory …


The Application Of Poly-Ε-Caprolactone Nanoparticles For Endotoxin Removal, Mikaela Ritchie Apr 2024

The Application Of Poly-Ε-Caprolactone Nanoparticles For Endotoxin Removal, Mikaela Ritchie

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Lipopolysaccharides (LPS), also known as endotoxins, are toxins released from the cell walls of gram-negative bacteria upon their death. Ingestion of LPS by humans or animals can initiate inflammatory immune responses, resulting in blood vessels dilation, organ dysfunction and potential death. These toxins contaminate a variety of manufacturing processes from the pharmaceutical industry to animal feed production, posing a risk to humans and animals alike. This study details the production of PCL nanoparticle capable of removing LPS from water and a preliminary analysis of the removal efficiency. The outcomes of this research hold significant implications for industries reliant on bacterial …


Ta Theoretical Framework For Comparing Rlhf Method, Matthew Dominicis Apr 2024

Ta Theoretical Framework For Comparing Rlhf Method, Matthew Dominicis

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Reinforcement Learning from Human Feedback (RLHF) can be used as a means to align Al agents and Large Language Models (LLM) to better represent human expectations. There is a myriad of RLHF methods that exist, however it is difficult to benchmark and compare such methods in terms of alignment, training cost, data collection cost, and other metrics. This project aims to create a robust classification for different RLHF methods from a theoretical point of view. Additionally, this project will attempt to propose bounds for the degree of influence on LLMs that stems from human feedback. Open source LLMs will be …


Thermogravimetric Analysis Of High & Low Alloy Steel, Clark Nguyen Apr 2024

Thermogravimetric Analysis Of High & Low Alloy Steel, Clark Nguyen

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Oxidation phenomena play a critical role in high temperature metallurgical processing and the performance during life cycle of components made of both high and low alloy steels. Therefore, the development of a precise experimental methodology to quantify oxidation processes is critically important. This report summarizes my experimental study of the oxidation behavior of high and low alloy steel, including kinetics of surface oxide layer formation and spallation. The focus of study was in determining the complex interactions between alloying elements in steel matrix and oxidation environment, composition and surface morphology of formed oxides. This report will also explore how the …


Lung Cancer Drug Study Using Alc Nanoparticles, Noah Sparks Apr 2024

Lung Cancer Drug Study Using Alc Nanoparticles, Noah Sparks

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

In a previous project it was determined ALC polarized lipid nanoparticles have a high transfection efficiency in some lung cancer cell lines. Building off this information, these ALC particles will now be tested with an actual lung cancer drug. This process will consist of searching articles for promising lung cancer drugs and selecting one for use. The ALC particles will then undergo a comprehensive drug study using multiple lung cancer cell lines with the selected drug. Aspects such as drug release rate, transfection rate, cytotoxicity, etc. will be determined. The goal is to determine whether ALC nanoparticles show real promise …


Water Quality Profiles In Two Rolla Ponds: Implications For Nutrient Management, Tylor Cheatham Apr 2024

Water Quality Profiles In Two Rolla Ponds: Implications For Nutrient Management, Tylor Cheatham

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems is a growing global issue due to anthropogenic inputs. One of the main issues associated with eutrophication is fish death. Eutrophic waters can lead to algal blooms, resulting in hypoxic conditions where there is not enough oxygen to support the oxygen-breathing organisms like fish. This can happen in lakes or where rivers meet the ocean. These hypoxic conditions are a concern for lake managers and people who make a living fishing in waters that are now experiencing fish death. One method to target the oxygen levels in lakes is adding aerators. Because of how dynamic ecosystems …


Application Of T Gates For Anti-Concentration In Clifford Circuits, Matthew Dominicis, Mason Toombs, Gabriel Riddle, Parineeta Puja Saha, Himanth Bobba Apr 2024

Application Of T Gates For Anti-Concentration In Clifford Circuits, Matthew Dominicis, Mason Toombs, Gabriel Riddle, Parineeta Puja Saha, Himanth Bobba

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Our study examines the integration of non-Clifford T gates into randomly generated Clifford circuits to enhance their universal unitary capacity. We investigate the impact of T gates on circuit output randomness, focusing on generating random Clifford circuits and analyzing the effects of T gates. Through simulations and analysis, we assess the effectiveness of this modification in achieving outputs consistent with Anti concentration properties while minimizing the required number of Clifford gates. Our findings provide valuable insights into quantum circuits, with implications for quantum computing applications.


Biosensors For Antibacterial Medical Applications, Ryan Fagan, Shelby Wallen Apr 2024

Biosensors For Antibacterial Medical Applications, Ryan Fagan, Shelby Wallen

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Healthcare associated infections are significant concern in medicine and as antibiotics are becoming less effective, we need new alternative methods to treat them. We are testing various materials that can be used to prevent infections in healthcare settings and in wound treatments. These materials include bioactive glass and modified hydrogel materials. From these studies we've learned these are effective in killing bacteria and preventing infections. The goal of this project is to determine the mechanism at which these materials kill bacteria. Our approach is to construct biosensor strains that can indicate bacterial stress response to antimicrobial agents. We have used …


Quantifying Asphalt Binder Uv Effects With Relaxometry, Rosalee Brown Apr 2024

Quantifying Asphalt Binder Uv Effects With Relaxometry, Rosalee Brown

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Asphalt deterioration involves many physical and chemical changes caused by environmental factors such as automotive strain, extreme heat, and UV exposure. Asphalt binder assessment in the industry is currently based on structurally destructive testing methods and tests of physical performance without accounting for chemical structure. An emerging evaluation of asphalt binder uses relaxometry, a field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, to directly observe how asphalt binder is changed by causes of deterioration such as UV exposure. NMR relaxometry explores nuclear spins' interactions with their environment. This noninvasive method can provide a detailed view into the chemical environment of virgin …


Competition Or Prey: C. Elegans Populations In The Presence Of P. Pacificus, Charles Greene, Elena Zobel, Andrea Scharf Apr 2024

Competition Or Prey: C. Elegans Populations In The Presence Of P. Pacificus, Charles Greene, Elena Zobel, Andrea Scharf

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The predatory and territorial behaviors of the model organism P. pacificus provides a useful opportunity to study territorial defensive behaviors and optional predatory behaviors in relation to availability of preferred food sources. P. pacificus will be grown with C. elegans in shared cultures, in which E. coli will be placed and used to feed both species of worm. The number of predation events and territory defense events by P. pacificus against C. elegans will be recorded and tracked at differing levels of food concentrations. One potential issue is the different mouth morphs found in P. pacificus, with the stenostomatous (in …


Microbial Matrix: Genetic And Chemical Aspects Of Cell-Cell Communication, Amelia Markwell, Sophia Nicolette Militante Apr 2024

Microbial Matrix: Genetic And Chemical Aspects Of Cell-Cell Communication, Amelia Markwell, Sophia Nicolette Militante

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This research project focuses on looking at different quorum-sensing positive strains in bradyrhizobium japonicum, a species of legume-root bacteria found in soybean plants across the Midwest. Soybean plants are a high-yield crop produced here in the midwest, bringing in more than 8 billion dollars in monetary output for our state, making it Missouri's economic engine. Our objective, is to use different chemical testing methods to distinguish genetic differences between negative strains. This can be done through polymerase chain reaction, gel electrophoresis, and gene editing. Our goal has been to PCR amplify a fine-tuned promoter then clone it into the gene. …


Co2 Pricing Pass-Through To Electricity Prices Under Partial Regulations, Love Gami Apr 2024

Co2 Pricing Pass-Through To Electricity Prices Under Partial Regulations, Love Gami

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

With climate change becoming a growing concern, carbon trading has gained attention as a key solution to reducing carbon emissions. However, this raises a concern about whether polluters pass the cost of carbon to electricity prices. This study aims to assess the impact of CO2 pricing on electricity prices in the PJM market where some areas are regulated by carbon trading while others are not. Our findings reveal a significant impact of CO2 prices across all regulated areas, encompassing both real- time and day-ahead markets. Moreover, the impact extends to non-regulated areas, indicating a spillover effect within the PJM market. …


Next Generation Alloy Development For Scanning Induction Hardened Bearings, Ashton Ventura, Mario F. Buchely Apr 2024

Next Generation Alloy Development For Scanning Induction Hardened Bearings, Ashton Ventura, Mario F. Buchely

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

To increase the hardenability of Timken 4150 steel, the material was alloyed with either vanadium; vanadium and silicon; or received no alloying. The material underwent hot rolling and induction heating to simulate Timken's forming and heat treatment processes for their windmill bearings. Hardness, and toughness were tested and compared between the three materials. Both alloyed metals reported better hardness and toughness compared to the original steel with the vanadium-silicon steel recording the highest for both properties.


Fea Analysis On S& T Student Designed Satellite, Joseph Nguyen Apr 2024

Fea Analysis On S& T Student Designed Satellite, Joseph Nguyen

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The Missouri Rolla and Missouri Rolla Second Satellite (MR & MRS) is a paired satellite developed by the Missouri S& T Satellite Reseach Team (M-SAT) designed to test new technologies in support of missions involving proximity operations. The M-SAT team won first place in the Nanosatellite Competition hosted by Air Force Research Laboratory in 2015 and obtained funding to proceed with design development. The MR & MRS satellite today will undergo extensive revisions to meet new design requirements and changing technological advancements. The alterations planned for MR & MRS will not only change the structure but directly affect the thermal …


New Testing Capabilities Of The Missouri University Of Science And Technology Supersonic Wind Tunnel, Joshua Gary, Davide Vigano Apr 2024

New Testing Capabilities Of The Missouri University Of Science And Technology Supersonic Wind Tunnel, Joshua Gary, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The development of non-intrusive, laser-based diagnostic techniques has significantly enhanced supersonic experimental aerodynamics, enabling the measurement of many parameters in complex flow fields. Among these techniques, Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry, capable of measuring 3 components of velocity in 3-dimensional volumes, is now available at the Aerodynamics Research Laboratory of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. To integrate this new system into the university's supersonic wind tunnel, a redesigned nozzle, test section, and diffuser have been implemented. The upgraded modular test section features 4 large ports which can be configured with windows for optical diagnostics or lead plates for model …


The Deconstructed 555 Timer And Application Circuits For Interactive Educational Experience, Preston Carroll, Benjamin Cuebas, Justin Fausto, Rohit Dua Apr 2024

The Deconstructed 555 Timer And Application Circuits For Interactive Educational Experience, Preston Carroll, Benjamin Cuebas, Justin Fausto, Rohit Dua

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The Deconstructed 555 Timer and Application Circuits for Interactive Educational Experience offers interactional implementation of three fully discrete 555 Timer example circuits. The research project goal was to gain knowledge of the 555 Timer by deconstructing the device down to the component level. Three independent example application circuits, which showcase the application versatility of the 555 Timer in different modes, include Monostable, Astable, and Bistable circuits. Each mode has a hardware interface that can be used to adjust the operation of the 555 Timer allowing for a full interactive experience. The user can observe the differences in the internal working …


Turbulence Characterization For Supersonic Wind Tunnel, Allie Dingfield Apr 2024

Turbulence Characterization For Supersonic Wind Tunnel, Allie Dingfield

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Turbulence in compressible flows holds significant importance across various applications, such as optimizing air/fuel mixing in scramjet combustors. However, managing compressible turbulence presents distinct challenges compared to incompressible flows, as fluctuations extend to thermodynamic quantities, including density. Density fluctuations notably influence the production term of Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE). Despite advancements in velocity measurements, particularly in supersonic flows, density measurement remains inherently complex. This study focuses on further refining a turbulence density measurement technique utilizing shadowgraph imaging, tailored for application in the recently upgraded Missouri S& T supersonic wind tunnel. The developed technique will enable the student to quantify turbulent …


Simulating Inter-Species Competition In C. Elegans, Kevin Lai Apr 2024

Simulating Inter-Species Competition In C. Elegans, Kevin Lai

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

In biological research, understanding the life cycles of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is pivotal for insights into developmental biology, genetics, and population dynamics. Our project builds on Worm-Pop, a Python-based multi-agent simulation of Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) , to enhance its capabilities in simulating survival strategies, reproductive success, and genetic drift. The current model simulates a uniform population without inter-agent interactions. I plan to introduce multiple species of worms into the simulation to study competitive dynamics and determine which variants are most successful under various conditions. Pheromones significantly influence C. elegans behavior, affecting mating, foraging, and social interactions. To address …


Analyzing The Viability Of Novel Reactor Technology, Auston Obsuth Apr 2024

Analyzing The Viability Of Novel Reactor Technology, Auston Obsuth

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This study explores an innovative anaerobic digestion reactor technology aimed at improving the sustainability and efficiency of organic waste management. By employing a system without mechanical parts, it seeks to significantly enhance energy conversion from waste, tackling waste accumulation and the need for renewable energy sources. The project will use a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating economics, engineering management, and environmental science, to thoroughly evaluate the reactor's performance in terms of gas production, stability, and efficiency. Additionally, it will assess the economic viability and environmental impact, emphasizing advantages such as waste reduction and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, preliminary market analysis and …