Engineering Commons^™

Design And Development Of A Rapid Tensile Quench Rig, Tyler Jewell, Justin Naylor

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report outlines the design process and implantation of a tensile quenching rig that incorporated forced convection and a frequency generator. When any metal is quenched, a vapor barrier forms around it. When this happens, it limits the heat flux that may occur until the barrier turns into just nucleate boiling. The vapor barrier acts as an insulator and causes the heat flux to fluctuate, causing uneven hardening which would limit the use of some materials. To combat this effect, we are trying to use forced convection, and something new, which is adding high frequency waves into the quenching process. …

The Bacteriostatic, Regenerative, And Immunomodulatory Properties Of Extracellular Matrix Particles For Lung Injury, Keera P. Rhoads

Theses and Dissertations

Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a prevalent, life-threatening lung condition, affecting nearly 200,000 Americans annually, with a 40% international mortality rate. There is no cure for ARDS, and current pharmacological treatments have limited effectiveness. Symptoms can be mitigated with mechanical ventilation, though this often leads to ventilator-induced lung injuries (VILI) and puts critically ill patients at risk of infections, including ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). A promising therapeutic is the extracellular matrix (ECM), a complex network of structural proteins and bioactive molecules that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and prevent fibrosis. We aim to utilize the regenerative and immunomodulatory …

Pla Polymer Binder In Core Production - Influence On Final Casting Dimensions, Artur Soroczyński, Krzysztof Rechowicz

Virginia Digital Maritime Center (VDMC) Faculty Publications

The foundry industry is seeking an ecological alternative to synthetic molding resins. This study evaluates the technological properties of core sands bonded with biodegradable polylactide (PLA). Cores prepared on a 2% quartz sand matrix were subjected to casting processes using two alloys with extremely different pouring temperatures: gray cast iron (approx. 1200 °C) and AK11 silumin (approx. 710 °C). The research methodology included macroscopic assessment, dimensional analysis using 3D scanning (GOM Inspect), and qualitative knock-out assessment supported by numerical temperature field simulation. The results showed that the high crystallization temperature of cast iron leads to complete thermal degradation of the …

Molecular Modeling Methods And Applications For Accelerating Polymerization And Pyrolysis Studies, Joshua D. Kemppainen

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Polymer matrix composites and carbon-carbon composites play critical roles in the aerospace, automotive, and construction industries. Different matrix materials and processing conditions can lead to a large variety of composite materials and composite properties. Integrated computational materials engineering has been used to tailor PMC matrix materials and processing conditions to specific properties and manufacturing techniques. The integrated computational materials engineering process modeling framework uses molecular dynamics at the nanometer length scale to characterize the evolving thermo-mechanical properties of the polymer as it cures. Then finite element analysis is used at the micrometer length scale to adjust cure cycles to tailor …

Effect Of Metal Ions On The Reactive Oxygen Species Scavenging Capabilities Of Cerium Oxide For Biological Applications, Agastya Mittal

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Ceria nanoparticles' capabilities to defend cells against oxidative stress through superoxide dismutase activity are well-documented. Ceria nanoparticles demonstrate a ratio between 3⁺/4⁺ oxidative states on the surface of the particles to exhibit oxygen vacancies, a feature that allows these particles to scavenge Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in times of Oxidative Stress. Oxidative stress arises from many wounds in the body, such as wounds in the skin, and can have significant impacts on the health of an individual. Even when receiving treatment for the skin wound, ROS can circulate from around the wound, be generated from an imbalance …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Multifunctional Cerium Oxide Containing Nanoparticles For Biomedical Applications, Ishaan Patel

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This study presents the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of a novel core-shell nanoparticle composed of a maghemite (γ-Fe₂O₃) core and a europium-doped cerium oxide (EuCNP) shell, developed for potential use in cancer theranostics. Using a co-precipitation method, Fe₂O₃–EuCNP core-shell nanoparticles were synthesized and compared against control samples of CNPs, EuCNPs, and Fe₂O₃. A variety of characterization techniques, including UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, TEM, XRD, XPS, DLS, TGA, and DSC confirmed the successful synthesis of core-shell architecture and europium doping. Moreover, Fe₂O₃–EuCNPs demonstrating strong colloidal …

A Signal Processing And Mechanical Design Approach To Understanding Triboelectric And Piezoelectric Nanogenerators’ Output, Nicholas Rose

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Scalable energy harvesters—capable of converting motion into electrical output—provide promising solutions to increasing energy demands. This thesis was inspired by the potential biomedical applications of piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENG) and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENG). In theory, these devices could convert mechanical energy from the body into usable electricity for self-powered electronics such as pacemakers or cochlear implants. In line with this goal, this project worked to design a sustainable and biocompatible PENG; however, early devices produced inconsistent voltage. These output inconsistencies motivated an exploration of device reproducibility, but characterizing piezoelectric output signals is a particular challenge in the field. Subtle to significant …

3d Printing Of A Solid-State Battery, Maurizio A. Brozzi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Solid-state battery research has gained significant attention in recent years, as it provides a unique solution for several common issues in conventional Li-ion batteries. Additionally, as additive manufacturing technologies continue to advance, they have the potential to fabricate solid-state batteries with new materials. The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility of 3D printing of a solid-state battery. By creating an initial PEO-PSF hybrid polymer matrix dissolved in DMSO and adding a lithium salt, the base electrolyte ink was formed. With the addition of conductive additives and active material, electrode inks were also produced. Super P was used …

Beyond The Phonon Gas Model (Pgm): Unraveling The Unique Mechanistic Processes Dictating Thermal Transport In Highly Anharmonic And Disordered Materials, Sandip Thakur

Open Access Dissertations

Thermal transport in nonmetallic solids has traditionally been described by the phonon gas model (PGM), in which heat is carried by weakly interacting phonon quasiparticles in an ordered crystalline lattice. However, this model breaks down in materials characterized by strong anharmonicity, dynamic disorder, or structural complexity, features prevalent in many next-generation materials used in energy conversion, optoelectronics, and thermal management. This dissertation investigates thermal transport in such complex materials, including metal halide perovskites (MHPs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), metal organic frameworks (MOFs), and 2D-3D heterostructures, through large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and frequency-resolved spectral analyses.

In MHPs, the work reveals …

Comprehensively Understanding And Manipulating The Heat Transfer Mechanisms In Next-Generation Battery Materials, Connor Jaymes Dionne

Open Access Dissertations

Rechargeable batteries are paramount to the further development of green energy infrastructure as they allow for energy storage during peak production times, energy distribution during off-peak times, and provide the impetus to transition away from standard combustion engines in the transportation sector. The ability for rechargeable batteries to safely charge and discharge over multiple cycles is key to their successful application and long-term use. Moreover, the growing use of rechargeable batteries necessitates designs utilizing materials that are abundant and accessible to meet the ever-increasing demands required by the green energy and transportation sectors.

To address these needs, we first investigate …

Advances In Magnetic Nanoparticles For Molecular Medicine, Xiaoyue Yang, Sarah E. Kubican, Zhongchao Yi, Sheng Tong

Markey Cancer Center Faculty Publications

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are highly versatile nanomaterials in nanomedicine, owing to their diverse magnetic properties, which can be tailored through variations in size, shape, composition, and exposure to inductive magnetic fields. Over four decades of research have led to the clinical approval or ongoing trials of several MNP formulations, fueling continued innovation. Beyond traditional applications in drug delivery, imaging, and cancer hyperthermia, MNPs have increasingly advanced into molecular medicine. Under external magnetic fields, MNPs can generate mechano- or thermal stimuli to modulate individual molecules or cells deep within tissue, offering precise, remote control of biological processes at cellular and molecular …

Surface Morphology And Moisture Adsorption/Desorption Characteristics Of Hybrid-Dielectric Moisture Sensors, Ronak Ali

Theses and Dissertations--Electrical and Computer Engineering

Relative humidity sensors are used for high-humidity measurement. Moisture sensors, or dew point sensors are used for low-humidity measurement (< 1 ppm_v). The dissertation contains two parts of studies. In the first part, the effect of surface morphology on the response speed of moisture sensors is studied. Moisture sensors using α-Al₂O₃ films as porous dielectric materials deposited by anodic spark deposition are studied. In this part of the study, a variety of small pores have been studied to investigate the response speed of moisture sensors. Three different surface morphologies have been studied using scanning electron microscopy. One …

Effect Of Manufacturing Process On Mechanical Properties Of Polyetheretherketone (Peek) Cranial Implants Produced By Single-Point Incremental Forming (Spif), Elizabeth M. Mamros, Ihab Ragai, Brian Young

Faculty Conference Papers and Presentations

Polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is one of the most commonly used materials for cranioplasty due to its biocompatibility, relatively high strength, and light weight. Cranial implants manufactured from PEEK sheets using the same manufacturing process, e.g., single point incremental forming (SPIF), will have differing part properties based on the selected polymer forming process. Three fabrication methods for PEEK sheets were investigated: extrusion, modified hot pressing, and injection molding. Material characterization specimens were extracted for tensile, impact, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments. The PEEK sheets were also subjected to formability tests at room temperature using SPIF. Slight differences in ultimate tensile strength …

Investigation Using Single Point Incremental Forming (Spif) To Fabricate Patient-Specific, Titanium Orbital Floor Implants, Elizabeth M. Mamros, Lauren E. Blaha Md, Christian A. Kauffman Md

Faculty Conference Papers and Presentations

The floor of the human orbit is composed of thin bone that is prone to traumatic fracture. This leads to a loss of support for the eye, which can cause vision changes. Therefore, fractures may need surgical reconstruction using a thin, sheet-like implant. Titanium implants are available off-the-shelf in standard sizes, but fitting to each patient’s unique anatomy requires surgeons to cut, file, and bend these plates. This can be time-consuming and imprecise. To both save time and ensure a perfect fit for the patient, a custom plate can be created prior to surgery. This investigation focuses on single-point incremental …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Stay-In-Place Forms To Improve The Tosional Stability Of Box Beam Bridges During Erection, Karl E. Barth, Michael W. Seek, Gregory K. Michaelson, Dimitra Pyrialakou, Brook T. Woldegabriel

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Cold-formed tub girders provide an effective steel solution for short-span bridges. The girders are often delivered with an open top with stay-in-place forms installed on site. Walkways may be installed to the side of the girder that can induce significant torsion rotations in the open cross section. Full scale tests on girder specimens have shown that installing one or two panels of stay in place forms at the ends of the girder can significantly reduce the torsion rotation of the girder by providing warping resistance. Cantilever tests on the stay in place forms are performed to investigate the influence of …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Doped Rare-Earth Zinc Alloys, Partha Das

Graduate Theses/Dissertations

Rare-Earth-Zinc (RE-Zn) alloys doped with manganese represent a promising class of materials with diverse applications in magnetic, electronic, and thermoelectric devices. These alloys hold significant potential owing to the unique combination of rare-earth elements' properties with the versatility of zinc, augmented by manganese doping. In this study, I present the successful synthesis of ErMn_0.2Zn_11.8 alloys, achieved through self-flux method. The synthesized crystals were characterized using electron dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) and single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). Additionally, magnetic measurements were performed to investigate the magnetic properties. Future plans include DFT calculations and comparison study between Rare-Earth-Zinc alloys with …

Characterization Of The Solid-State Bonding For Simulated Charge And Seam Welds In The Porthole Die Extrusion Process, Randall L. Bowers

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

The isothermal (ISO-T) compression configuration is ideal for utilizing as a material input of flow stress at temperature and strain rate in models of the porthole die extrusion process due to the isothermal nature of the test. Micro-tensile testing was conducted to validate the solid-state welding integrity of the ISO-T samples at various temperatures and strain rates. Results of the mechanical testing were correlated with fractography and microstructural evaluations of the welds to confirm bonding behavior. Both clean interface conditions and oxidation and lubrication layers were evaluated to simulate the difference of seam and charge welds in the process. Results …

Combinatorial Thin Film Approach To Accelerate Materials Discovery: Development Of Nanoporous And Bulk Multi-Principal Element Alloys, Tibra Das Gupta

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) have garnered significant attention in materials science due to their potential for exhibiting a combination of desirable properties stemming from their unique configurational entropy. While early research focused on equiatomic compositions, recent studies have indicated that non-equiatomic MPEAs may offer superior mechanical performance. However, the identification of optimal non-equiatomic compositions remains challenging due to the vast compositional space and the reliance on time-consuming and computationally expensive methods. This dissertation presents a combinatorial thin film approach as a rapid and efficient strategy for discovering two types of materials: nanoporous and bulk MPEAs.

The first study explores the …

Microstructural Characterization Of Complex Metal Alloy Systems With A Focus On Electron Microscopy, Alexandra Allamon

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs)/high-entropy alloys (HEAs) are a class of materials that provide novel and superior combinations of properties, with promise for use in challenging application areas that many of the current established materials cannot fit. With a higher number of constituent elements, many of the newly created alloys are compositionally complex in nature, known to contain combinations of relatively soft FCC phases, hard BCC phases, and, in some cases, even harder intermetallic phases. Microstructural study of these new materials is essential to understanding the enhanced properties they may possess, but their complexity can make this study much more challenging …

Ion Hydration In Bulk And Nanoconfined Water: Insights From Machine Learning Force Fields, Zachary D. Baker

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

Understanding ionic hydration remains a central challenge in physical chemistry and materials science, as the interactions between ions and water molecules govern diverse phenomena ranging from electrolyte transport to selective ion separation. While experimental techniques have provided invaluable insights into solvation energetics and coordination numbers, they often lack atomistic resolution, particularly under nanoscale confinement where direct measurement becomes infeasible. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can bridge this gap; however, conventional classical force fields are limited by their simplified, fixed functional forms and empirical parameterization, whereas ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) achieves higher accuracy at the expense of severe computational cost and …

Understanding The Influence Of Applied Magnetic Field On Aluminum Alloys: Implications On Strength, Precipitate Development And Diffusion Of Solutes, Damilola David Alewi

Theses and Dissertations--Chemical and Materials Engineering

The processing of certain metals and alloys under magnetic fields presents a promising yet underexplored frontier for controlling microstructure alongside improving physical and mechanical properties. Magnetic fields can be strategically applied at different stages of materials processing, from melting and solidification to subsequent heat treatments to achieve targeted properties in materials. Although magnetic fields have been found to aid changes in microstructural evolution and phase equilibria in ferrous materials, there is limited application of this technique in non-ferrous material systems. This dissertation aims at contributing to the understanding of the influence of magnetic field on the mechanical properties and solid-state …

Optimizing Superconducting Nb Film Cavities By Mitigating Medium-Field Q-Slope Through Annealing, B. Abdisatarov, G. Eremeev, H. E. Elsayed-Ali, D. Bafia, A. Murthy, Z. Sung, A. Netepenko, A. Romanenko, C. P.A. Carlos, G. J. Rosaz, S. Calatroni, S. Leith, A. Grassellino

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Niobium films are of interest in applications in various superconducting devices, such as superconducting radiofrequency cavities for particle accelerators and superconducting qubits for quantum computing. In this study, we address the persistent medium-field Q-slope issue in Nb film cavities, which, despite their high-quality factor at low RF fields, exhibit a significant Q-slope at medium RF fields compared to bulk Nb cavities. Traditional heat treatments, effective in reducing surface resistance and mitigating the Q-slope in bulk Nb cavities, are challenging for Nb-coated copper cavities. To overcome this challenge, we employed DC bias high-power impulse magnetron sputtering to deposit …

Development, Synthesis And Characterization Of Advanced Low- Cobalt And High-Nickel Cathode Materials For Lithium-Ion Batteries, Arjun Patel

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation focuses on the improvement of structural and electrochemical stability of active materials for lithium-ion batteries. It explores the modification strategies to mitigate the issues related to Ni-rich cathode materials, along with the continuous production of cathode precursors using a slug flow reactor to improve the quality of the product.

The First part of the dissertation examines the effect of substitution of cobalt with aluminum and iron on the electrochemical stability of Ni-rich lithium nickel cobalt manganese oxide (NCM) materials. This study investigates how Al and Fe doping work and how they impact the performance and stability of these …

Hafnium Oxide-Based Nanoheterostructures For Catalytic Radiosensitization And Enhanced X-Ray Radiotherapy, Marlen Dariela Calix Quezada

Theses and Dissertations

Orthovoltage X-ray beams are attractive for surface and intra-operative radiotherapy. Yet, their clinical utility is constrained by rapid attenuation and the limited dose that can be delivered without harming healthy tissue. High-Z hafnium oxide (HfO₂) nanoparticles can boost local energy deposition through the photoelectric effect, while catalytic surface defects accelerate water radiolysis. Harnessing both mechanisms in a single nano-heterostructure could enable potent radiosensitization at diagnostic-range energies.

This thesis develops and evaluates HfO₂-based nanoheterostructures, both bare and Au-decorated, as catalytic radiosensitizers.

Two types of HfO₂ were evaluated, one was synthesized following a specific route and the …

Advanced Air Preheater Sealing Systems For Enhanced Efficiency And Reliability In Thermal Power Plants, Pavan Kumar Ravulaparthy

Theses and Dissertations

Global electricity generation still relies heavily on thermal power plants, which consume vast amounts of fuel and emit significant amounts of carbon dioxide. A major but often overlooked source of inefficiency in these plants lies within the rotary regenerative air preheater (RAPH), a critical heat-exchange component where air leakage can exceed 20% in aging units. This leakage increases fuel consumption, parasitic fan power, and CO₂ emissions, while degrading boiler reliability.

This research introduces advanced adaptive sealing systems designed to mitigate these losses by dynamically compensating for rotor eccentricity, thermal distortion, and wear under harsh operating conditions. Brush seals, composed of …

Laser Ablation-Induced Corrosion Resistance For Molten Salt Equipment Materials Evaluated Utilizing Electrochemical And Spectroscopic Analysis, Peggy Milota

Theses and Dissertations

Advanced reactors and used nuclear fuel separation (i.e. pyroprocessing technology) utilize high temperature salt as a thermal storage medium as well as an ionic solution for electrochemical processes. The use of these aggressive molten chloride and fluoride mediums requires specific materials or additional system alterations to extend the lifetime and structural integrity of equipment due to corrosion. Some materials, in the presence of inherently impure salt, will corrode and form oxide films in a specific formation that decreases corrosion rate by electrochemically and physically preventing elemental movement to the material surface. This is referred to as a passivation layer. However, …

Sustainable Hemp Industrial Panels (Ship) And Its Industrial Possibilities For The Replacement Of Oriented Strand Board (Osb), Anthony Ollins

Masters Theses

This study explores the feasibility of using industrial hemp fiber to create composite panels—termed Sustainable Hemp Industrial Panels (SHIP) as a potential competitor for oriented strand board (OSB), a commonly used structural wood product. Given hemp's historical and environmental advantages, including rapid growth, carbon sequestration capacity, and material strength, this research investigates its performance when combined with Urea-Formaldehyde (UF) resin, and in a hybrid form with Southern Yellow Pine (SYP). Two hemp-based composites were produced and tested: one with hemp and UF, and another with hemp and SYP. Using a custom-built hydraulic press, composite panels were fabricated and subjected to …

Material And Mechanical Characterization Of Sla 3d Printed Graphene Nanoplatelet-Based Nanocomposites Fabricated Within A Magnetic Field, Soka Suliman

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

The process of utilizing a static magnetic field to fabricate a nanomaterial-based composite via a stereolithography (SLA) 3D printing process is still a relatively new approach within the field of additive manufacturing. By using this magnetic field during the 3D printing process, both material and mechanical properties can be oriented and axially varied for enhanced characteristics. In this investigation, between 0% to 2% volume fractions of high aspect ratio, graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) are suspended within UV-curable resin during a SLA 3D printing process with a static magnetic field applied. The objective of this investigation is to determine the effect of …

Monte Carlo Modeling Of Spin Polarized Photoemission From Gaas At Low Temperatures And Positive Electron Affinity Surfaces, John Rison Callahan

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Research and development of new photocathode materials are essential to the continuing success and productivity of accelerator technology. High-quality photocathodes characterized by high quantum efficiencies, long lifetimes, low mean transverse energies, and robustness to vacuum environments and operation loads are becoming increasingly essential to the successful operation of the next generation of high brightness accelerator applications. For nuclear and high-energy physics experiments and other applications that rely on spin-polarized electron beams, photocathodes must also demonstrate high electron spin polarizations. The development of state of-the-art spin-polarized photocathodes will require both development of methods to improve the quality of already existing cathode …

Affordable And Sustainable: Innovating Filament Extrusion For Recycled Materials, Turab S. Rizvi

UROP Posters

The chemical stability, toxicity and non-biodegradability of the polymers pose a significant environmental threat. Addressing end-of-life treatment sustainability is crucial for mitigating these issues. The customized Lyman filament extruder in the Advanced Magnetic Materials Processing Laboratory represents an innovative approach to advancing sustainability in renewable energy production and CO₂ mitigation. Redesigning the thermal system and screw operation will tackle key challenges, including precise temperature control, consistent material flow to handle diverse recycled materials. Integrating an advanced thermal regulation system will reduce the energy consumption by maintaining optimal thermal conditions, thereby lowering the CO₂ footprint of the recycling process. The optimized …