Engineering Commons^™

Fpso Motion In Synthetic Environments: Stereo-Driven Deep Learning For Wavefield Reconstruction, Motion Analysis, And Mooring System Assessment, Omar Jebari

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents an integrated synthetic environment for simulating the motion and monitoring the integrity of a moored Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) vessel. The central hypothesis is that synthetic data-driven approaches can (1) accurately estimate spatio-temporal wave fields, (2) predict vessel motion, and (3) monitor the integrity of the mooring system—using stereo imagery of the wave field and structure motion, both of which can be acquired in real time. The first study develops a synthetic framework for estimating spatial wave fields using stereo images captured by dual cameras mounted on a moving FPSO. Dynamic sea states and vessel …

Experimental And Theoretical Fracture Analysis Of Additively Manufactured Orthotropic V-Notches, Venkata Siva Sainath Bavapuram

Theses and Dissertations

This study presents a comprehensive investigation into the fracture behavior of additively manufactured orthotropic V-notched components made of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) material. The research integrates both theoretical and finite element approaches to evaluate stress intensity factors (SIFs) in Modes-I and II, which are fundamental in characterizing stress field distributions around notches under applied loading conditions. Unlike isotropic materials, where stress fields depend only on geometry of the component, the anisotropic nature of 3D-printed ABS introduces a dependency on material properties that necessitate different approaches to include anisotropy of the material.

Tensile specimens are 3D-printed with specific material orientations to …

Stability Of Holes In Granular Raft, Plabon Kumar Saha

All Theses

A granular raft at an oil–water interface exhibits unique mechanical properties, including the ability to form and sustain stable holes. In this study, we experimentally investigate the formation, stability, and collapse dynamics of holes in particle rafts composed of micrometer-sized particles. Holes are created using a hollow cylinder, which generates a meniscus that inhibits particle motion, thus stabilizing the hole. Stable holes are formed when their size reaches a critical value, which depends upon the capillary length. The critical hole size does not depend upon the circularity of the hole. We show that capillary forces due to the presence of …

Micro Wind Turbine - Modelling And Testing, Mohammad Uzair Bhati

All Theses

The global energy demand continues to rise as people consume more electricity to power their personal electronics, electric vehicles, and consumer products such as outdoor tools. To generate renewable energy, large scale solar and wind farms continue to receive the most commercial attention. However, portable wind energy turbines have the potential to generate sufficient power for cell phones and other electronic devices. There are two types of wind turbines, horizontal and vertical axis each having their pros and cons. Vertical-axis wind turbines are the main focus of this thesis, with a reduction in their form factor or size and portable …

Tradespace Exploration With Statistical Modeling Techniques And Immersive Visual Representation In Virtual Environments, Nikhil Raj

All Theses

Statistical modeling techniques combined with virtual reality (VR) visualization offer powerful new approaches to tradespace exploration in engineering design. The research presented addresses the challenge of analyzing and communicating insights from complex multidimensional datasets, particularly for autonomous ground vehicle systems.

Beginning with a review of statistical methods—including Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), and correlation analysis—the study examines their applications in tradespace exploration. Building on this foundation, three distinct visualization pathways connecting MATLAB data to virtual environments are developed and evaluated: VRML representation, STL conversion, and Blender integration. Each approach is assessed for its ability to maintain data …

An Experimental And Computational Study Of High-Temperature Creep Behavior In Fully Lamellar Titanium Aluminide Alloys, Karel M. Ziminsky

All Theses

Titanium aluminide alloys have seen increased aerospace applications in recent years, especially in aircraft jet engines. They can offer benefits such as improved high-temperature strength compared to titanium alloys and reduced density compared to nickel alloys. These alloys also can exhibit high creep resistance due to their fully lamellar microstructure. These mechanical properties are desirable for components like turbine blades, where tight tolerances must be maintained for optimal performance. This research examines the high-temperature creep behavior of a fully lamellar two-phase titanium aluminide alloy, TNM® (Ti-43.5Al-4Nb-1Mo-0.1B), through experimental and computational methods. Scanning electron microscopy studies reveal the presence of large …

Investigation Of Plm Utilities And Concepts In Engineering Curriculum: Challenges And Opportunities, Frederick Rowell

All Theses

The implementation of Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) tools and concepts in engineering education has gained increasing significance as manufacturing and engineering industry shifts towards digital engineering workflows to enhance collaboration, efficiency, and innovation. Despite its typical application in engineering industries, many mechanical engineering programs have not integrated PLM software into their curriculums. The Product Lifecycle Management Center (PLMC) at Clemson University offers PLM workshops and research opportunities to students. Despite these initiatives, PLM education remains largely extracurricular and is not fully incorporated into required coursework within the mechanical engineering curriculum. The objective of this thesis is to explore the role …

Tsunamigenesis On A Buoyant Granular Layer As A Model Of Ice Mélange In Ice-Choked Fjords, Nathan F. Reyner

All Theses

Glacial calving events can often create destructive tsunami waves in ice-choked fjords in the arctic region, posing a threat to local inhabitants and damaging coastlines. Here the sea is covered by a polydisperse granular material called ice mélange, whose properties can affect the wave characteristics. To investigate the role of a buoyant granular layer, as a model of ice mélange, on tsunami generation, or tsunamigenesis, a series of laboratory experiments were conducted by collapsing a column of dense granular material into a body of water with a layer of buoyant particles distributed across the liquid surface. Experiments were performed over …

Investigation Of Control Strategies For Swing-Up Maneuver Of A Double Inverted Pendulum On Rotating Link, Abdulrahman Mohammad Rahmani

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis is concerned with investigation of the swing-up control problem of underactuated mechanical systems namely the double rotary inverted pendulum using the optimal control theory. The research aims to develop a robust controller to achieve the swing-up and stabilization of the pendulum in the upright unstable equilibrium position while regulating the angular displacement of the rotating arm and the two pendulum angles. The performance of the designed controller was evaluated through numerical simulations in the MATLAB/Simulink environment. A comprehensive review of the literature was conducted and the challenges that researchers face in the control of underactuated mechanical systems were …

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

Symposium of Student Scholars

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

Low Cost Additive Manufacturing Of Segmented Stator Composite Polymer Permanent Magnet Dc Motors, Ben Goldberg, Jordan Bailey, Connor Hawkins, Colin Haskins, Razvan Voicu

Symposium of Student Scholars

This study presents a novel approach to the design, manufacture, and optimization of segmented stators for composite construction axial flux permanent magnet DC motors. Traditional axial flux stator manufacturing is both challenging and expensive, creating a bottleneck in rapid prototyping and innovation. To overcome these limitations, the stator is divided into individually fabricated segments using advanced composite polymer materials and low-cost additive manufacturing techniques. This segmentation not only drastically reduces production complexity and cost but also allows for customized coil geometries that maximize the surface area for improved heat dissipation.

A key innovation of our design is the integration of …

Building Resilience: Strategies For Sustainable Wildfire Management In California, Jaiden Rennie, Pegah Zamani

Symposium of Student Scholars

Wildfires in California are becoming more intense and destructive, threatening communities, ecosystems, and livelihoods. This project explores how resilience and sustainability can work together to reduce wildfire risks and long-term damage. By reviewing research, case studies, and expert insights, it examines what’s driving these fires, climate change, poor land management, and human activity, and looks at solutions that can make a real difference. From community education programs to AI-driven fire detection and smarter policies, the findings highlight practical ways to better prepare for and manage wildfires. The goal is to contribute to a future where communities and the environment are …

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

Faculty Publications

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

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

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

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

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

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

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

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

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

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

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

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

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

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

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

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

Clustering Mini-Grids To Enhance Power Systems Reliability In Distributed Generation, Santos Kihwele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study investigates the effectiveness of clustering mini-grids as a method to improve the reliability and operational stability of distributed generation systems in remote areas, particularly where renewable energy sources are predominant. As renewable resources like solar and wind are increasingly integrated into mini-grids, these systems face various challenges, particularly in maintaining stable voltage and frequency across interconnected networks. Such issues are compounded by the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and the lack of extensive communication infrastructure in rural or resource-constrained settings. To address these control challenges, this study applies droop control techniques to two mini-grids in Uganda, utilizing …

Factors Affecting Adoption Of Industry 4.0 Predictive Maintenance By Manufacturing Industries: Tanzania Food And Beverage Manufacturing Industries, Fred E. Peter

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Industry 4.0 has increasingly become a focal point of scholarly inquiry. Nonetheless, there remains a noticeable lack of comprehensive research on the diverse and systematic factors that influence the adoption of Industry 4.0 Predictive Maintenance (PdM 4.0) in manufacturing sectors within developing regions, particularly in East Africa. This study seeks to bridge this research gap by investigating the key determinants affecting the actual implementation of PdM 4.0 in Tanzania’s food and beverage manufacturing industries. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods research design was adopted, combining both qualitative and quantitative approaches. Qualitative data were obtained through in-depth interviews with ten industry …

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

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

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

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

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

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

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

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

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

Pep Manned Electric Boat, Llanzita Chea, Sean Cobb, Robin Cung, Justin Fuentes, Khynnedi Murry

ATU Scholars Symposium

A team of five engineers took on the challenge of designing, building, and testing a single-person electric boat for the Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) competition. From the start, our team focused on maximizing efficiency and performance by carefully selecting and refining each part of the system—everything from the hull and shaft to the propeller, motor, and battery setup. We repurposed an old hull, repaired it, and outfitted it with a new custom-designed shaft and a well-matched propeller to improve handling and propulsion. Power came from a custom-built LiFePO₄ battery pack, paired with a reliable battery management system to keep everything …

Fatigue Behavior Of 3d-Printed Nylon And Asa For Aerospace Applications, Brayden D. May, Collin Kita

ATU Scholars Symposium

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has revolutionized the production of lightweight, customized, and cost-effective components across various industries. This study specifically investigates the fatigue behavior of two thermoplastics—Nylon and ASA—fabricated using the Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) technique. These materials have demonstrated significant potential in aerospace applications, particularly for lightweight structural components in mini drones and satellites, where corrosion resistance and high performance are critical requirements. Specimens were manufactured using the state-of-the-art Bambu Lab X1 Carbon printer, and the influence of key printing parameters—such as infill density, layer height, and test frequency—was systematically analyzed under cyclic loading. Among the …

Semi-Autonomous Trash Bot, Ben Leon, Ethan Mashburn, Connor Olivera, Dillon Michael Wood

ATU Scholars Symposium

Title: Semi-Autonomous Trash Robot

Authors: Benjamin Leon, Ethan Mashburn, Connor Olivera, Dillon Wood

Abstract: Environmental pollution is becoming more worrying every day as megatons of human waste persist in vast amounts in our ecosystems. The existing waste collection methodologies, with the labor, time, and cost components combined, make the process cumbersome. A potential solution could be an automated waste collection robot that incorporates AI into a cheap system that autonomously detects trash. This report proposes a machine that may be manufactured to adequate standards in terms of size and cost and deployed in various environments, with the ultimate goal of …

Implementing Maintenance 4.0 Methods In Ventilation Systems: A Case Study In Uaeu Laboratories, Ammar Yaser Abdullah

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This study introduces an advanced Maintenance 4.0 framework aimed at systematically evaluating and mitigating air quality risks within laboratory environments, specifically applied to the context of the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). Employing real-time monitoring through sophisticated IQ-Air sensors, this research continuously captures key indoor environmental parameters, such as particulate matter concentrations (PM₁, PM₂.₅, PM₁₀), carbon dioxide (CO₂) levels, ambient temperature, and humidity. State-of-the-art machine learning algorithms are developed and operationalized to enhance ventilation system efficiencies and proactively forecast maintenance requirements, thereby transitioning from reactive to predictive maintenance strategies.
Empirical results indicate that Maintenance 4.0 applications significantly enhance the capacity …

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

Senior Design Project For Engineers

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

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

Owlsat, David Amaya, Grant Keuhne

Senior Design Project For Engineers

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

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

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

Senior Honors Theses

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