Engineering Commons^™

Bridging Human Emotion And Autonomous Vehicle Control: Reinforcement Learning Enhancements In The Carla Simulator, Timothy Marion Jude Lyons

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous vehicles are a key component for an evolution in transportation as they may lead to increased safety and productivity. As autonomous vehicles advance industries will look to further increase customer satisfaction through personalized experiences for autonomous vehicle passengers. Reinforcement learning may be the key to success for autonomous vehicles. The development of autonomous vehicles, utilizing reinforcement learning, which consider the emotions of the passenger, will be a breakthrough for the automotive industry. This thesis presents a unique approach to autonomous vehicles developed with reinforcement learning which consider the human emotions of the passenger. It is a stepping stone to …

Attachment Of 2d Nanomaterials Onto 1d Nanofibers For Separation And Sensing Applications, Elmmer A. Vera Alvarado

Theses and Dissertations

Advancing materials for water desalination and sensing is essential for tackling global issues related to clean water and efficient energy systems. This thesis explores the application of 2D nanomaterials, specifically graphene, integrated onto 1D poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers to enhance their effectiveness in these areas. Utilizing innovative techniques such as Forcespinning® and plasma treatment, PVDF nanofibers were strengthened with graphene and conductive polymers like poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS). The research involved thorough assessments using direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) systems, oil-water separation tests, and various mechanical and electromechanical evaluations. Heat-pressed membranes consistently delivered a flux of 0.33 kg/m²/hr and …

Smart Zoning Control For Air Conditioning Systems, Octavio Gomes Diaz

Mechanical Engineering Theses

Nearly 45% of the energy consumed in residential buildings goes for Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC). Typical HVAC systems are mostly controlled by one thermostat that is usually located in the living room. This means that the HVAC system is running without consideration of the thermal conditions in the other rooms (zones), which might be colder (or warmer). Colder zones in the summer indicate that a lot of energy is wasted, and warmer zones mean that the HVAC system can’t produce a good comfort level. Therefore, zoning was introduced into relatively recent HVAC systems. Zoning in HVAC systems uses …

Fundamental Study Of Nonlinear Electrophoresis, Joseph Armakan Bentor

All Dissertations

Classical electrophoretic theory describes the linear response of particles suspended in Newtonian fluids under weak electric fields. When the electric field exceeds this weak limit, a nonlinear response arises due to non-uniform surface conduction over the curved particles. This nonlinear behavior introduces dependencies on fluid and particle properties not considered in the classical theory, offering potential advantages for microfluidic particle manipulation. While this phenomenon has been extensively studied theoretically and numerically in Newtonian fluids, experimental investigations have been relatively limited.

Fluid rheology can significantly alter particle dynamics under applied electric fields. Rheological properties like shear-thinning and elasticity which are not …

Linear And Nonlinear Topology Optimization With Morphing Beam Networks, Andrew S. Montalbano

All Dissertations

Topology optimization (TO) is an engineering design discipline dedicated to optimizing material distribution within a given domain. In traditional gradient-based topology optimization, the solid domain is discretized into small volumetric elements. Using finite element analysis (FEA) of the structure, the gradient of the objective function with respect to the design variables (the pseudo densities) is computed, and these design variables are updated iteratively until convergence is achieved. Although gradient-based TO methods are well-established, sensitivity analyses of objective functions and constraints can be both mathematically complex and computationally intensive. The nonconvex nature of most TO problems often complicates efficient convergence. Furthermore, …

Hybrid Physics-Infused Machine Learning Framework For Fault Diagnostics And Prognostics In Cyber-Physical System Of Diesel Engine, Shubhendu Kumar Singh

All Dissertations

Fault diagnosis is required to ensure the safe operation of various equipment and enables real-time monitoring of associated components. As a result, the demand for new cognitive fault diagnosis algorithms is the need of the hour. Existing deep learning algorithms can detect, classify, and isolate faults. Still, most depend solely on data availability and do not incorporate the system's underlying physics into their prediction. Therefore, the results generated by these fault-detecting algorithms sometimes need to make more sense and deliver when tested in actual operating conditions.

Similar to diagnosis, the fault prognosis of diesel engines is paramount in numerous industries. …

Hierarchy Of Exchange-Correlation Functionals In Computing Lattice Thermal Conductivities Of Rocksalt And Zinc-Blende Semiconductors, Jiacheng Wei, Zhonghao Xia, Yi Xia, Jiangang He

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Lattice thermal conductivity (𝜅L) is a crucial characteristic of crystalline solids with significant implications for thermal management, energy conversion, and thermal barrier coating. The advancement of computational tools based on density functional theory (DFT) has enabled the effective utilization of phonon quasiparticle-based approaches to unravel the underlying physics of various crystalline systems. While the higher order of anharmonicity is commonly used for explaining extraordinary heat transfer behaviors in crystals, the impact of exchange-correlation (XC) functionals in DFT on describing anharmonicity has been largely overlooked. The XC functional is essential for determining the accuracy of DFT in describing interactions among electrons/ions …

Smart Automatic Modal Hammer Predictor–Corrector Approach For Accurate Excitation Of Dynamical Systems, Mohammad Nasr

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

This research introduces an innovative solution that revolutionizes the study of linear and nonlinear dynamical systems—a smart automatic modal hammer. With its affordability and intelligent capabilities, this automatic modal hammer becomes an invaluable tool for research and industry, enabling repeatable strikes with precise force control. This system's significance becomes particularly evident when studying nonlinear systems, which heavily rely on the excitation level for their dynamics. By offering a cost-effective design this proposed system proves to be robust in accelerating research on nonlinear dynamics, providing researchers with an efficient and accessible means to delve deeper into these complex systems. The proposed …

Ultrasonic Nondestructive Quantification Of Case Depth In Railroad Bearing Components, Trevor K. Adelung

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

While in service, railroad bearings must withstand large loads to ensure smooth operation. These large loads can lead to failure due to rolling contact fatigue (RCF), for which small cracks initiate just beneath the surface of the components. As a preventative measure, bearings are manufactured with a hardened surface layer called the effective case depth (ECD). Current methods in industry use destructive hardness testing to quantify the ECD. While accurate, this method is costly and time consuming. Ultrasonic nondestructive testing would provide a more efficient and cost-effective method to determine ECD. In this thesis, diffuse ultrasonic shear backscatter was used …

Studies Of Exotic Electronic, Optical, And Electrochemical Properties In Nanoparticle Assembly And Graphene, Jay Min Lim

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

It is well known that exotic properties and phenomena emerge as structural dimensions shrink to nanoscales. We self-assembled one-dimensional chains of gold nanoparticles in solution and quantified the growth process by monitoring the redshift of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). Curiously, the redshift stopped while the chains continued to rearrange as manifested by gradual reduction in the LSPR peak. Using electromagnetic simulations, we quantitatively explained the phenomena as a rapid “addition-polymerization” followed by a sharp transition to “condensation-process.” Next, recognizing the significant electric field enhancement in the interparticle gap, a photoluminescent-active Eu³⁺ ion was used to probe Surface-Enhanced Photoluminescence …

On The Structure, Energy, And Segregation Behavior Of Grain Boundaries In Metallic Systems, Yasir Mahmood

All Dissertations

Nearly all structural metallic systems are multi-component polycrystalline aggregates; their microstructures are composed of crystalline grains that are internally joined at grain boundaries (GBs). This thesis focuses on GB structure, energy, and chemistry, as these greatly influence many material properties and processes, including boundary dynamics during processing treatments or under operating conditions.

Using atomistic simulations, we examine the impact of metastable GB structures on solute segregation. A wide range of GB geometries and metastable structures are used in our study. The Al-Mg alloy is used because it is of interest for light weighting. The atomistic simulation results are used to …

Convex Approach To Data-Driven Optimal Control With Safety Constraints Using Linear Transfer Operator, Joseph Raphel Moyalan

All Dissertations

This thesis is concerned with the data-driven solution to the optimal control problem with safety constraints for a class of control-affine nonlinear systems. Designing optimal control satisfying safety constraints is a problem of interest in various applications, including robotics, power systems, transportation networks, and manufacturing. This problem is known to be non-convex. One of this thesis's main contributions is providing a convex formulation to this non-convex problem. The second main contribution is providing a data-driven framework for solving the control problem with safety constraints. The linear operator theoretic framework involving Perron-Frobenius and Koopman operators provides the convex formulation and associated …

Development Of A Passive Drag Reduction Modification For The 25° Ahmed Body Using Large Eddy Simulation, Skylar Polek

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the field of automotive aerodynamics, the Ahmed body is a generic vehicle-shaped bluff body which is meant to generalize the rear end of fastback and hatchback vehicles. Specifically, an Ahmed body with a rear slant angle of 25° has seen common use due to its resemblance of common rear windshield shapes as well as its notoriously complex wake structure. This research focuses on simulating the flow over a 25° in various situations with an ultimate goal of drag reduction. First, a simple benchmark of the k-ω shear stress transport (SST), large eddy simulation (LES) with the Smagorinsky-Lilly subgrid scale …

Selective Bacterial Biofilm Removal Using Image-Guided Detection And Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma, Michael Okebiorun

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) technology in eradicating bacterial biofilms from tissue surfaces, using Ps. fluorescens on chicken tissue to model human chronic wounds. It introduces a novel image-guided technique for precise biofilm removal, employing trypan blue staining coupled with advanced computer vision analysis, enhancing the CAP treatment's precision and efficacy. The study demonstrates the CAP device's ability to effectively disrupt biofilms through a non-thermal mechanism, based on its electrical characteristics and operational parameters. The success of the treatment is evident in the significant reduction of biofilm thickness of 49 -185 µm, with the …

Moving Towards The Electrification Of Medium- And Heavy-Duty Vehicles In The Inland Empire, Kimberly Collins, Raffi Der Wartanian, Francisca Beer, Yunfei Hou

Mineta Transportation Institute

This report investigates the transition to zero-emission medium- and heavy-duty vehicles (MDHD) within California’s Inland Empire (IE), emphasizing the significance of electric vehicle charging infrastructure and opportunity charging strategies in facilitating sustainable transportation. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach that combines a systematic literature review, geospatial and big data analytics, and thematic analysis of expert interviews, the study explores the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of electrification. The literature review assesses policies at various governance levels, while geospatial analysis identifies regional traffic patterns and infrastructure needs. Big data analytics examine vehicle movements, complemented by insights from interviews with 16 regional experts, offering a …

Transient Heat Transfer To Rolling Or Sliding Drops On Inclined Heated Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Joseph Furner, Daniel Maynes, Brian D. Iverson, Julie Crockett

Faculty Publications

The thermal transport to drops that roll or slide down heated superhydrophobic surfaces is explored. High-speed infrared imaging is performed to provide time-resolved measurement of the heat transfer to the drop. Data are obtained for drops moving along smooth hydrophobic and structured superhydrophobic surfaces. Both post and rib style structures with surface solid fractions ranging from 0.06 to 1.0 are considered. The inclination angle of the surfaces was varied from 10 deg to 25 deg, and the drop volume was varied from 12 to 40 µL. The measurements reveal that the drop speed is a strong function of both the …

Multimodal Boiling Dataset With Synchronized Acoustic, Optical, And Thermal Measurements Under Steady-State And Transient Heat Loads, Hari Pandey, Changgen Li, Han Hu

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Boiling is a high-performance heat dissipation process that is central to electronics cooling and power generation. However, there exists a practical limit of boiling heat transfer known as the critical heat flux (CHF), beyond which significant performance degradation is observed. Understanding the physical mechanism that triggers CHF is essential to meet the increasing cooling demands driven by power densification and device miniaturization. However, the high dimensionality, stochasticity, and dynamicity of the boiling process have led to strong challenges in the experimental characterization and modeling of boiling CHF. As such, high-frame rate, high-resolution, multi-physics boiling datasets are critical to advancing the …

Wind Turbine Power Phase Control With Dc Collection Bus For Onshore/Offshore Windfarms, Wayne Weaver, David Wilson, Rush Robinett

Michigan Tech Patents

A DC bus collection system for a wind farm reduces the overall required number of converters and minimizes the energy storage system requirements. The DC bus collection system implements a power phasing control method between wind turbines that filters the variations and improves power quality. The phasing control method takes advantage of a novel power packet network concept with nonlinear power flow control design techniques that guarantees both stable and enhanced dynamic performance.

Tuning Of Real-Time Optimization Of Heliostat Concentrated Solar Power, Zachary L. Bernius

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

This paper investigates a real-time optimization algorithm for autonomously calibrating the heliostats in a concentrated solar power plant with the goal of maximizing power generation. The current state-of-the-art uses human operators to provide feedback for the heliostats. We use real-time/online measurements to produce an autonomous closed-loop system that does not require human intervention. The paper investigates tuning the gain of the real-time optimization algorithm to quickly and robustly converge to the optimal alignment and stabilize the system. The exponential stability of the system is certified using a quadratic Lyapunov function and static output feedback methods to couple the Lyapunov functions …

The Role Of Sensing Modalities In Shaping Collective Motion And Group Behavior, Poorendra P. Ramlall

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Collective behavior refers to the coordinated movements that emerge from simple interactions between individuals within a group. Traditionally, researchers have modeled these interactions assuming individuals can sense their surroundings in all directions, like having eyes all around their heads. While this is a useful simplification, it does not capture the diverse ways animals actually sense the world. In this thesis, we take inspiration from the natural world, particularly from animals like bats and dolphins that use a combination of hearing and sight to navigate their environments. We explore how combining these sensory cues in a three-dimensional space affects the way …

Analysis Of Ballistic Capability In Making Bulletproof Multilayers Using Woven Ramie Fiber, Hardfacing Metal With Epoxy Matrix For Bulletproof Vests, Rizal Wahyu Permana, Syamsul Hadi, Bima Cahya Maula Dana

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Bulletproof material in level III bulletproof vests must be created using hard and soft materials to prevent bullet penetration. Kevlar and SiC + PE are imported materials used as armor in bulletproof vests. The use of Kevlar and SiC is very dependent on foreign sources with high prices. An innovation was carried out by making bulletproof material using cheaper multilayer methods involving metal from hardfacing welding as a hard layer and ramie fiber as a soft layer with an epoxy matrix. To see the level of penetration and surface morphology structure in the specimens, 9 variations were made: 3 layers …

Study Of A Remote Wind Resource Assessment System Integrated With Internet Of Things, Filian Arbiyani, Filbert Filbert, Anthony Nathanael Theo

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Wind energy is an emerging and popular source of clean energy due to its non-polluting nature and low cost. The efficient use of wind energy requires accurate and precise wind parameter measurements, which is where wind resource assessment (WRA) comes into play. The IoT and cloud-based systems have been applied to remote monitoring systems and provide crucial solutions for data acquisition, storage, and analytics in wind energy technology. This study aims to build a remote WRA system integrated with the Internet of Things. This study utilizes an Arduino Uno microcontroller, RK100-01 wind speed sensor, BMP280 temperature and pressure sensor, and …

Metal Casting Furnace Design Development Using Computer Simulation, Ramadhan Wahyu Irianto, Yanuar R.A. Pradana, Suprayitno Suprayitno

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Metal foundries still rely heavily on crucible furnaces. The current furnace design, which is currently being used by the partner industry, has been found to be not properly designed and will result in a reduction in efficiency. CFD simulation will be used to find the optimal melting furnace design. This research simulation consists of 3 stages: pre-processing, solving, and post-processing. There are two furnace geometries, cylindrical and hexagonal, while the burner location will be divided into 3 positions, namely P1, P2, and P3. The most optimal furnace design will be used as a basis for the verification testing process. The …

Evolution Of Residual Stress, Crystal Orientation, And Texture On Preheating Weld Treatment Of Low Carbon Steel Astm A572 Grade 42, Suratno Adi Saputro, Andoko Andoko, Poppy Puspitasari

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Preheating is one type of heat treatment on the material prior to starting the welding process by increasing the temperature of the material. It is used to reduce the cooling rate during the welding processes to minimize the risk of residual stress and cracking during welding. Besides the benefits of welding, it also has a negative impact, especially on the integrity of the material, because the heating process at high temperatures will cause residual stress, which will affect the mechanical properties, chemical composition, and microstructure of the material, especially on Heat Affected Zone (HAZ). This study aims to analyze the …

Static And Modal Analysis Of A Box Structured Satellite Deployment Mechanism With Self-Actuated Torsion Joint, Dongping Sheng, Renzhe Ma, Chun Su

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

A brand-new satellite deployment mechanism with boxed structure and self-actuated torsion joints is proposed and an effective method to verify the feasibility of this mechanism is established in this paper. This mechanism has the characteristics of high base frequency, high ratio of deployed and folded space occupation ratio. In order to meet the design requirements, the related analysis and optimization need to be conducted, and several conclusions are obtained. Firstly, the modal analysis of deployment mechanism at folded and fully deployed state is analyzed, and the result showed that the proper wall thickness is the key parameter to satisfy the …

A Review Of Fault Detecting Devices For Belt Conveyor Idlers, Fahad Alharbi, Suhuai Luo

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

The shift towards automated inspection methods represents considerable progress in conveyor system maintenance, enhancing safety and efficiency while posing challenges in data analysis and implementation costs. This study critically analyses sensor technologies and inspection methods for detecting faults in conveyor belt idlers, highlighting their essential role in preserving the operational integrity of industrial conveyor systems. By synthesizing various research findings, the study assesses the effectiveness of different sensor devices in identifying defects, including built-in sensors, fixed sensor options like acoustic, ultrasonic sensors, cameras, accelerometers, and Distributed Optical Fibre Sensors (DOFS), as well as mobile sensor systems. Our findings emphasize the …

Simulation Of The Performance Of Kevlar Impregnated Shear Thickening Fluid Ballistic Test Results, Ridwan Prasetya, Andoko Andoko, Suprayitno Suprayitno

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

This study explores the enhancement of Kevlar fabric’s ballistic performance through impregnation with Shear Thickening Fluid (STF) for potential application in soft body armor. The experimental approach often fails to elucidate mechanical phenomena critical for the development of lightweight and high-strength body armor designs. To address this limitation, the finite element method, specifically using ANSYS/LS-DYNA R.13, was employed for a comprehensive analysis. The simulation aimed to evaluate the impact of STF on Kevlar fabric by assessing projectile velocity, force exerted by the projectile onto the fabric, displacement, stress distribution, and fabric failure mechanisms. Kevlar yarn was modeled as a shell …

Analysis Of Avgas Fuel Spraying Schemes Using The Ansys Application Approach, Dimas Endrawan Putra, Nasrul Ilminnafik, M Fahrur Rozy Hentihu, Muh. Nurkoyim Kustanto, Danang Yudistiro, Skriptyan N.H. Syuhri

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Avgas fuel consumption on Cessna trainer aircraft is very high. However, there has been little research regarding spray impacts in Cessna aircraft engines. The phenomenon of avgas spray colliding with the cylinder wall may occur during fuel injection, resulting in a changed spray radius and height, which will affect the mixing of fuel and air. In several aspects, this affects engine performance and exhaust emissions on Cessna aircraft. This research aims to determine and study the phenomenon of spray impact on avgasfueled aircraft engines. The fuel spray in the study occurred in the combustion chamber using pressure from a fuel …

Effect Of Addition Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle On Properties Of Pineapple Leaf Fiber Mediated Tempo Oxidation, Rahmad Ikrom Ramadhan, Heru Suryanto, Ahmad Atif Fikri, Aminnudin Aminnudin, Jibril Maulana, Faqih Fadillah, Mohamed T. Mito, Kemal Masera

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Indonesia is an agricultural country with the potential to grow many plants as natural fiber sources. In order to improve its properties, natural fiber needs to be treated by applying nanomaterial so that it can compete with the characteristics of synthetic fibers. The study aims to determine the influence of adding titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles on pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) characteristics. The PALF was collected from the Subang plantation (Indonesia). The chemical treatment was carried out with pre-treatment using an alkalization process for 3 hours, and the oxidation process was carried out with TEMPO. TiO2 nanoparticle grafting was carried out …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis Of Temperature Distribution In Solar Distillation Panel With Various Flat Plate Materials, Trismawati Trismawati, Hendry Y. Nanlohy, Helen Riupassa, Susi Marianingsih

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

As the world population continues to grow, the demand for clean water is increasing daily, making it a crucial resource to access. However, there are ways to harness abundant resources like solar energy and seawater to produce clean water. The present studies have conducted experimental investigations to convert seawater into freshwater using solar stills, where solar energy is utilized as the primary heat source for evaporation. The temperature distribution inside the solar stills was analyzed using a flat plate made of three different materials: copper, stainless steel, and aluminum. To examine the temperature distribution and performance of the solar stills, …