Engineering Commons^™

Explainable And Reduced-Feature Machine Learning Models For Shape And Drag Prediction Of A Freely Moving Drop In The Sub-Critical Weber Number Regime, Md Amanullah Kabir Tonmoy

Theses and Dissertations

Accurately predicting the shape and drag of a moving drop is crucial in many spray applications. However, due to the complex interaction between the drag force and drop shape deformation, accurate prediction of drop shape and drag from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation requires large computational resources and time. A novel data-driven approach using NARXNN (Non-linear Auto Regressive eXogenous input Neural Network) is proposed in this study, which recurrently predicts the drop shape and drag for a given Weber number (We) and Reynolds number (Re), in the sub-critical We regime where there is no drop breakup. The average error in …

Experimental Investigation Of Heat Transfer To Tightly Packed Cylinder Arrays, Cameron M. Sexsmith

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

With the increased emphasis on the development of hybrid electric aircraft and other electric driven vehicles, the thermal demand on batteries is increasing. Unique to the aviation sector is the combined need of high battery thermal loads and a light-weight thermal management system. A proposed configuration is an array of batteries directly cooled with a dielectric coolant. The knowledge of heat transfer characteristics of battery cooling is becoming an ever pressing issue due to the need to optimize volume and mass in a safe manner. Tighter spacings between batteries provide higher pack densities, however, at the cost of increased cooling …

Exploring New Applications Of Municipal Solid Waste, Harrison Appiah, Ezra Bar Ziv, Jordan L. Klinger, Armando G. Mcdonald

Michigan Tech Publications

This study aimed to (i) characterize municipal solid waste (MSW) sourced from Utah and Michigan transfer stations and (ii) upcycle, produce, and evaluate composites derived from this MSW. Composition analysis showed that the MSW was composed of a variety of commodity plastics, paper/cardboard, and inorganic materials. Detailed chemical analysis for lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lipids was performed. The plastics identified were mainly polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and poly (ethylene terephthalate). The compoundability of the MSW was assessed by torque rheometry. Composites were prepared by compounding the MSW in an extruder. A composite flexural strength of 29 MPa and a modulus of …

Bilateral Gait Trainer For Transtibial Amputees, Desmond Greer, Odinachi Anene, Andrew Wallace, Noah Hill

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Lower limb amputation affects over 2.3 million individuals in the U.S., with peripheral vascular disease and diabetes as leading causes. Prosthetic rehabilitation is critical for restoring mobility, yet barriers like therapist shortages, cost, and inconsistent at-home training limit patient outcomes. This thesis presents the design, development, and testing of a bilateral gait training device that addresses these challenges by providing real-time haptic feedback and quantitative gait metrics for at-home rehabilitation. The device integrates force-sensitive resistors embedded in insoles to monitor plantar pressure distribution, haptic actuators (eccentric rotating mass motors) mounted on thigh straps to deliver corrective feedback, and an Arduino-based …

Accelerating High-Throughput Phonon Calculations Via Machine Learning Universal Potentials, Huiju Lee, Vinay I. Hegde, Chris Wolverton, Yi Xia

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Phonons play a critical role in determining various material properties, but conventional methods for phonon calculations are computationally intensive, limiting their broad applicability. In this study, we present an approach to accelerate high-throughput harmonic phonon calculations using machine learning universal potentials (MLIPs) combined with an efficient training dataset generation strategy. Instead of computing phonon properties from a large number of supercells with small atomic displacements of a single atom, our approach uses a smaller subset of supercell structures where all atoms are randomly displaced by 0.01 to 0.05 UŮ, significantly reducing computational costs. We train a state-of-the-art MLIP based on …

Development Of Prechamber Enabled Mixing-Controlled Combustion Strategy For Ultra-Low Methane Emissions From Lean Burn Natural Gas Engines, Osama Nsaif, Adam Dempsey

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This numerical study explores the optimization of Prechamber Enabled Mixing-Controlled Combustion (PC-MCC) using natural gas in heavy-duty engines, aiming to enhance combustion efficiency to minimize methane slip and NOx emissions. The approach involves a prechamber ignition system, distinct from conventional spark ignition (SI) systems, to initiate combustion of direct injected natural gas. By leveraging the robust ignition characteristics of the prechamber, the PC-MCC method demonstrates significant potential in achieving efficient combustion akin to diesel engines but with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The research evaluates the effects of various geometric and operational parameters on the combustion process and emissions, including prechamber …

Model-Predictive Optimal Control Of Ferrofluidic Microrobots In Three-Dimensional Space, E. Olga Skowronek, Luke Silas Baker, Reza Ahmed, Hamid Marvi

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Ferrofluid microrobots have emerged as promising tools for minimally invasive medical procedures. Their unique properties to navigate complex fluids and reach otherwise inaccessible regions of the human body have enabled new applications in targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and diagnostics. This paper proposes a model-predictive controller for the external magnetic manipulation of ferrofluid microrobots in three dimensions (3D). The internal optimization routine of the controller determines appropriate changes in the applied electromagnetic field to minimize the deviation between the actual and desired trajectories of the microrobot. A linear system governing locomotion is derived and used as the equality constraints of …

Towards Sustainable Energy: Design And Preliminary Testing Of Tidal Current Turbines, Yareli A. Zelaya Pavon

Presentations - 2025

As the energy demand constantly increases and traditional energy resources decrease, incorporating sustainable alternatives has become necessary. In this context, this research attempts to provide a new solution for energy scarcity in regions that lack electricity, especially those located near large ocean areas. The objective of this project was to engineer and investigate an ideal prototype to transform power generation. Through detailed design and testing, this project seeks to reveal the potential of tidal energy, offering an alternative to communities struggling with energy distribution.

The research focuses on utilizing custom-designed propellers, which are 3D printed and installed on an open …

Automated Fiber Placement Laminate Level Optimization: A Physics-Inspired Method To Analyze Through-Thickness Defect Interactions, Nishan Patel

Theses and Dissertations

With the growing adoption of composite materials in industries such as aerospace, automotive, naval, wind energy, and even sectors like sports and consumer goods, there has been a strong push towards improving manufacturing reliability and productivity. One key method that has gained significant traction is Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), an additive manufacturing technique valued for its precision, efficiency, and adaptability in producing complex composite parts. As industries continue to shift from traditional metal-based structures to more advanced composite materials, the need for efficient and high- quality manufacturing solutions has become even more critical, prompting a focus on automation and optimization …

Frequency-Based Rapid Structural Damage Detection Using Embedded Edge Computing On Resource-Constrained Devices, Ryan Yount

Theses and Dissertations

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is essential for ensuring reliability and longevity of useful structures. Traditional SHM approaches rely on manual or remote data transmission and external processing, which introduce latency and can depend on stable communication links. This work aims to advance SHM by integrating edge-computing techniques for rapid damage detection to enable faster and more autonomous structural assessments in resource-constrained environments. The research spans three key contributions including 1) frequency-based damage detection of civil structures using a sensor package with the addition of an edge processor, 2) additions to the computational efficiency of the edge-computing sensor package in a …

Characterization Of Cure And Temperature Dependent Properties Of Filament Wound Composite Structures, Aaron Riley Sinkler

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Residual stress development in filament wound composites presents a critical challenge for the fabrication of thick composite structures exposed to elevated temperatures during operation. This study focused on determining temperature and cure dependent material properties to aid in understanding the residual stress build-up during the cure. Material characterization of a filament wound composite materials was performed by investigating thermo-chemical shrinkages in resin, lamina, and bi-lamina configurations. The coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) of both the neat resin and the fiber was measured, and the gel point and chemical shrinkage of the neat resin were investigated. A filament wound unidirectional laminate …

Approach Formula To Increase Energy Efficiency Of Internal Combustion Engines In The “Green Economy” And Impact On The Natural Ecosystem, Zakirjon Ergashevich Musabekov, Hilola Zokir Qizi Uralova, Sayyodbek Ilxomjon O‘G‘Li Abdullajonov

Technical science and innovation

This article discusses, analyzes, and proposes solutions for the role of internal combustion engines in forming a "green economy", as well as ways to replace or modernize them. The relationship between internal combustion engines and the "green economy," as well as their energy efficiency and impact on natural ecosystems, is a crucial and urgent issue. These engines primarily generate energy through the combustion of petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel. However, this process releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental degradation. The green economy is an economic model designed to protect the environment, ensure the efficient management …

Estimating Snow Coverage Percentage On Solar Panels Using Drone Imagery And Machine Learning For Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Ashraf Saleem, Ali Awad, Amna Mazen, Zoe Mazurkiewicz, Ana Dyreson

Michigan Tech Publications

Snow accumulation on solar panels presents a significant challenge to energy generation in snowy regions, reducing the efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and impacting economic viability. While prior studies have explored snow detection using fixed-camera setups, these methods suffer from scalability limitations, stationary viewpoints, and the need for reference images. This study introduces an automated deep-learning framework that leverages drone-captured imagery to detect and quantify snow coverage on solar panels, aiming to enhance power forecasting and optimize snow removal strategies in winter conditions. We developed and evaluated two approaches using YOLO-based models: Approach 1, a high-precision method utilizing a …

Effective Cleaning Of Cotton In A Saw Gin, Rustam Shennikovich Sulaymonov, Amirqulovich Begzod Irgashev, Zarshid Omonov Jumanazar O'G'Li

Technical science and innovation

In order to improve the efficiency of the cotton cleaning process and improve the quality of the fiber, the Gin feeder was improved with a colosnik grid. This constructive change serves to more effectively separate cotton raw materials from impurities and reduce the likelihood of fiber damage. Studies have found that the cleaning efficiency of the feeder in cleaning Cotton of varieties I and III has increased by an average of 2.4 (abs)% compared to the current system. Fiber quality also improved by 0.46% (abs) for Type I cotton and 0.22% (abs) for Type III cotton. Experimental results showed that …

Theoretical Analysis Of The Fiber Flow Movement Under The Influence Of Columns, Avazbek Azamatovich Obidov, Rashid Gulomjonovich Rakhimov

Technical science and innovation

During the study, the optimal design for testing the improved fiber cleaning device was initially selected, and a process flow diagram of the fiber cleaning chamber was created for theoretical studies. According to this process flow diagram, based on theoretical studies, the behavior of fibers in the grate of the fiber cleaning device was studied, and the effect of changing the geometric parameters of the grates on the cleaning efficiency was determined. Using the developed mathematical model, graphs were constructed for the dependence of the fiber flow rate on the angle of coverage at different values of the angular speeds …

Development Of Analytical Dependencies For Determining Kinematic Parameters Of The Drive Of The Working Engine Of The Mixing Machine, N. A. Maksudova

Technical science and innovation

The requirement of any technological process of product preparation is intensive mixing. This ensures uniform distribution of components. At the initial stage of designing planetary mechanisms, special attention is paid to determining the kinematic parameters. The dimensions, weight and design of the mechanism depend on the value of these parameters. The main criterion for assessing the scheme of the planetary mechanism is the kinematic parameters of the gear wheels of the mechanism. The article presents a kinematic scheme of the planetary mechanism of the kneading machine. The principle of rotation of the gear wheels of the planetary mechanism of the …

Exploring Corona Discharge In Electrostatic Printing For Electronics And In Other Application, Zijian Weng

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The field of printed electronics (PEs) is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing market demand. According to reports, the global market for PEs is expected to reach $23 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.3% from 2023 to 2028. This growth necessitates the development of innovative printing technologies that can meet these demands efficiently, delivering high-quality, high-resolution PEs suitable for applications in health, environmental monitoring, sports, aerospace, and more.

Currently, PEs manufacturing relies on two main groups of printing technologies. Contact printing methods offer high-speed production but struggle with precision, while non-contact methods provide high resolution but …

Enhancing Gas Cyclone Performance With Exit Diffusers, Omar Mohamed Mourad Dwidar, Yasser El-Shaer, Khairy Elsayed, Seyyed Hossein Hosseini, Goodarz Ahmadi

Journal of Engineering Research

This study evaluates seven cyclone designs to enhance pressure drop and collection efficiency (CE), using the conventional cyclone as a baseline. While the conventional design is efficient in particle collection, it experiences significant energy losses due to high values of pressure drops. This study introduces exit diffusers with various configurations—A, B, C, D, E, and F—to improve cyclone performance. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to analyse the pressure drop, tangential velocity, and static pressure at different levels of each cyclone. The findings reveal that cyclone D achieves a 41.1% reduction in pressure drop but at the cost …

Performance Evaluation Of Novel And Efficient Integration Of Solar-Assisted Hvac System With Solar Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination System, Ahmed M. Khaira, Ahmed Hossam, M. M. Bassuoni, Mohamed Abdelgaied

Journal of Engineering Research

This paper aims to study the performance of a novel and efficient integration of a solar-assisted HVAC system with a solar humidification-dehumidification desalination system for hot climates. The proposed hybrid system aims to achieve thermal comfort conditions, produce freshwater, reduce the required power input, and reduce environmental pollution. To achieve this idea, we designed, constructed, and tested the novel hybrid system consisting of a solar-assisted HVAC system incorporated with a solar humidification-dehumidification desalination system. The device takes the rejected hot air that has passed over a solid desiccant and feeds it into a solar still to extract fresh water, while …

Design And Development Of A Low-Cost Educational Robot: A Scalable And Affordable Software Learning Platform, Diana Refaat Henry Jacob, Mohamed Tarek Elawa, Ashraf Mohamed Hafez

Journal of Engineering Research

This study presents the design and development of a low-cost educational robot to enhance learning experiences in robotics and programming. The system integrates robust software development, ensuring seamless interaction between sensors, actuators, and a custom-designed graphical user interface (GUI). The robot is equipped with various sensors and actuators to support a broad range of experiments and educational applications. The software architecture is detailed, focusing on its modularity and ease of use, enabling students to intuitively program and interact with the robot. Additionally, a series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the sensors and actuators, providing insights into …

Numerical Investigation Of Heat Transfer And Pressure Drop In A Circular Microchannel Using Sio₂ Nanofluids, Mahmoud G. Abdelfatah, Osama E. Abd-Ellatif, Ahmed A. A. Attia, Abdelrady O. Elnady

Journal of Engineering Research

A numerical investigation was conducted to analyze the flow characteristics and heat transfer performance of a circular microchannel. using water and SiO₂+pure water nanofluids with volume fractions of 0.3%, 0.7%, and 1%. The microchannel was subjected to a constant heat flux of 100W, and the pressure drop, friction factor, and thermal resistance were evaluated for different Reynolds numbers ranging from 250 to 850. The results show that the addition of SiO₂ nanoparticles enhances the thermal performance of the microchannel by reducing the thermal resistance by up to 1.9% compared to pure water. However, the pressure drop increases with higher Np …

The Effect Of Hot Machining Of Difficult-To-Machine Materials On The Form Accuracy In The Turning Process, Ahmed Yehia Kamal, Samy F. M. Assal, Ahmed M. El-Kassas, Ahmed A. Hawam

Journal of Engineering Research

Form accuracy of machined parts is crucial to the interchangeability in production as well as the function of the part and its expected useful life. Numerous studies investigated the form accuracy in traditional machining operations but none of them considered this issue in hot machining. In this technique, a difficult-to-machine workpiece is preheated to soften its material and reduce the cutting force. In this paper, the form accuracy represented in roundness, tape, and straightness of hot turned AISI 304L parts are investigated. The results showed that the hot condition has a minimal effect on the form accuracy which confirms the …

Investigation Of Innovative Heat Pipes / Fins System For Diesel Engine Cooling, Mohammad Shafiq Anees

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Engine cooling is considered one of the most important factors that affect their efficiency and therefore their performance, so a new cooling method is proposed using both heat pipes and fins to improve the cooling quality of internal combustion engines and shall be examined theoretically and experimentally. A test rig has been designed and built using a specimen material with similar properties to the real engine materials with similar dimensions as the engine cylinder head / liner thickness. In order to make the effectiveness of this research, a comparison between the cooling by fins alone and cooling the engine by …

3d Printed Living Hinges In Deployable Origami Structures, Davis Wing, Robert J. Lang, Spencer Magleby, Larry Howell

Student Works

Origami-based geometries are often difficult to prototype and construct. Although methods exist for creating surrogate folds in many materials, doing so often requires multiple manufacturing steps. While engineers studying foldable models can use single-material additive manufacturing to construct living hinges in their models, current techniques are limited. We present an approach for generating living hinges in stowed, deployable mechanisms using single-material 3D printing. This approach enables new models to be constructed with accurate geometry and kinematics in a single print and with no further manufacturing necessary beyond an initial folding step. Additionally, by printing deployable structures in their stowed form, …

Analysis Of An Ultra-Broadband Terahertz Metamaterial Absorber, Md Ariful Islam, Md Rezwan Ahmed, Oishi Jyoti, Pritu Sarkar, Md. Samiul Habib

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper introduces a metamaterial absorber (MA) based on vanadium dioxide (VO2) that achieves over 90% absorption of incident terahertz (THz) waves in between 4.50 THz to 11.90 THz with an average absorption of 94.64% and a relative absorption bandwidth (RAB) of 90.18% — the highest reported absorption bandwidth for VO2-based absorbers to our knowledge. The proposed metamaterial absorber features a design with a central square surrounded by four ’T’-shaped elements on each side, symmetrically arranged on a TOPAS dielectric substrate. We perform all numerical analyses keeping the phase-changing material VO2 in the metallic state, and our simulation results show …

Advancing Tka Biomechanics: From Joint Simulator To Boundary Condition Development, Yashar Ali Behnam

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses four specific aims that collectively attempted to advance the experimental and computational analysis of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) components. The first study focused on the development of a novel whole knee joint simulator capable of simultaneous tibiofemoral and patellofemoral knee loading. This simulator employs custom fixturing to facilitate dynamic, unconstrained, muscle-driven PF articulation alongside controlled TF contact mechanics. Validation against experimental measurements showed strong agreement, demonstrating the simulator's potential as a valuable tool for future TKA design and surgical technique investigations.

The second study verified implant-specific physiological boundary conditions which accurately simulate activities of daily living using …

Determinants Of Knee Motion In Health, Disease, And Repair, Sean Edward Higinbotham

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The human knee joint is a complex and intricate structure, enabling a wide range of motions and facilitating various dynamic activities throughout a person's lifetime. The combination of the knee's complexity and its role as a primary load-bearing joint has made it susceptible to regular wear and tear, leading to pain and the development of Osteoarthritis (OA), to which, the only treatment currently is total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Despite TKA being a mature procedure, 20% of patients receiving a TKA are dissatisfied with their “new” knee. To reduce that 20% dissatisfaction and improve surgical outcomes, orthopedic companies are developing advanced …

New Method Of Impact Localization On Plate-Like Structures Using Deep Learning And Wavelet Transform, Asaad Migot, Ahmed Saaudi, Victor Giurgiutiu

Faculty Publications

This paper presents a new methodology for localizing impact events on plate-like structures using a proposed two-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) and received impact signals. A network of four piezoelectric wafer active sensors (PWAS) was installed on the tested plate to acquire impact signals. These signals consisted of reflection waves that provided valuable information about impact events. In this methodology, each of the received signals was divided into several equal segments. Then, a wavelet transform (WT)-based time-frequency analysis was used for processing each segment signal. The generated WT diagrams of these segments’ signals were cropped and resized using MATLAB code …

Lifting-Line Predictions For The Ideal Twist Effectiveness Of Spanwise Continuous And Discrete Control Surfaces, Zachary S. Montgomery, Douglas F. Hunsaker, James J. Joo

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Modern materials and manufacturing technologies have allowed the construction of morphing wings that are able to continuously vary certain airfoil parameters such as twist, camber, or control surface deflection as a function of span. This work presents a twist effectiveness parameter as a means of comparing the ideal aerodynamic efficiency of spanwise continuous control surfaces (morphing wings) and spanwise discrete control surfaces (standard wings). A numerical algorithm is used to compute the twist effectiveness of both continuous and discrete control-surface designs over a wide range of planform shapes with evenly spaced actuation for inviscid, incompressible flow. Results included here show …

Raising Awareness About Hydrographic Careers Through Sea-Going Opportunities, Juliet Kinney, Rochelle Wigley, Sara Cardigos, Fahima Bellabad, Larissa Marques Freguette

Center for Coastal and Ocean Mapping

There is a worldwide shortage of hydrographic personnel (van Wegen, 2021, Hydro International 2008).  Calls for action to address this issue include the IHO’s Hydrography at Sea opportunities, while intiatiative such as Seabed 2030 are bringing broader attention to the field and helping to catalyze new discussions and partnerships in hydrography (IHO, 2024).  The global sea floor mapping community needs to develop a broader workforce pipeline.  We would like to highlight the importance of providing time at sea and leadership opportunities in developing a robust workforce.  We start with an overview of a selection of current exchange and training programs …