Engineering Commons^™

Energy-Absorbing Helmet For Safer Football, Aidan Laudeman

Honors Theses

Football-related injuries are a common occurrence and are often detrimental to the player’s health. Force impacts frequently occur at the front, back, and sides of a player’s helmet, resulting in head injuries like concussions. The goal of this project is to reduce recurrent head injuries by designing a solution involving the use of energy-absorbing metallic materials that are inserted into a football helmet. These energy-absorbing materials are configured in target zones inside the helmet to reduce the acceleration of the head based on impact locations. The chosen materials are nitinol and spring steel, which display energy-absorbing properties. Various energy-absorbing material …

Hydrogen Fuel Cell Catalyst Test Stand For Single Cell Evaluation, Tyler Johnson

Honors Theses

The main objective of this project was to develop at test stand and relevant testing procedures to aid in ongoing research being conducted by Dr. Ghantasala’s team on platinum-alternative catalyst materials used in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). To do this, various software (Microsoft Excel, Python, and Simscape) were used to create fuel cell simulations of increasing complexity. These simulations served as baselines for PEMFC evaluation in experimental testing, and they were used to create polarization curves, a standard method for evaluating steady state fuel cell performance. A test stand was also created in order to effectively and efficiently …

Synthesis And Structure-Property Relationships Of Sustainable Nanostructured Materials Towards Energy And Environment Applications, Nizamudeen Alungal Cherupurakal

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This doctoral research aims to advance clean energy technologies by developing specialized nanostructured materials. The study covers significant research themes, each forming separate sections in the thesis, explaining the important role of nanostructures in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy devices and photocatalytic technologies. The enduring effort toward stabilizing and improving the efficiency of dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) has stirred the solar research community to follow innovative approaches. The primary objective of the research is centered on electrode materials design, which improves photoanodes' light-harvesting efficiency (LHE). To improve the Photoanode of DSSCs, a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) derived porous photoanodes …

Eco-Efficient Coatings For Healthy Indoors: Ozone Deposition Velocities, Primary And Secondary Emissions, Alessandra Ranesi, Paulina Faria, M. Rosario Veiga, Elliott T. Gall

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone (O3) are harmful pollutants present in indoor air. Indoor concentrations of VOCs are typically higher than outdoors, due to the presence of indoor sources like building materials and ozone-surface reactions. The study aims to identify and quantify the ozone reactivity and primary and secondary emissions of different indoor coatings. The coatings selected for the study were three gypsum-based plastering mortar, with and without the addition of a bio-waste from Acacia dealbata (raw bark, BA, and bark heated at 250°C, BA250), two clay plasters (one with sand and the other with seashells as additional aggregate), …

Development Of A Discrete Element Model For Artificial Turf, Justin Rittenhouse

Dissertations

NFL data exhibits a distinct correlation between an elevated lower extremity injury rate and synthetic surfaces. These ubiquitous injuries frequently relate to excessive foot traction (i.e., failure to release causing fracture or soft tissue damage). Consequently, a discrete element model was developed using open-source software to analyze stud traction. First, laboratory data was collected via bench level experiments covering seventeen different testing scenarios. A minimum of twenty-five samples were collected per scenario. Total work, average torque, and maximum torque were used as indicators of stud grip. And the latter two were statistically analyzed for outliers and significant differences. Next, an …

Friction Stir Welding Of Tube-To-Tubesheet And Spot Joints For Virgin And Recycled Thermoplastic Materials., Syed Haris Iftikhar

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Thermoplastic materials are becoming popular, due to their chemically inert and anti-fouling properties, for use in industrial heat exchanger applications involving heating/cooling of highly reactive fluids like acids. A novel nonconventional joining framework, based on the friction stir welding (FSW) technique, is developed to create high-quality thermoplastic tube-to-tubesheet joints (TTJs). The proposed technique has applications in the thermoplastic shell-andtube heat exchanger and piping industries (as flange-to-pipe joints). The primary objective is to study the feasibility of the FSW technique for developing thermoplastic TTJs, followed by optimization of the process parameters and detailed material characterizations. This work used workpieces (tube, tubesheet) …

Mechanical Characterization And Evaluation Of Additively Manufactured Titanium 5v-5mo-5al-3cr Alloy, Zachary Casias

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Ti-5V-5Mo-5Al-3Cr (Ti-5553) is a near beta titanium alloy commonly used in aerospace applications. It is currently being explored for additive manufacturing (AM), but the fatigue behavior of this AM alloy needs to be well-understood for adoption in aerospace applications. The present work examines the tensile and fatigue behavior of LPBF manufactured Ti-5553. The effect of post-print heat treatments, effects of surface roughness, and print defects on the mechanical properties of AM Ti-5553 were also evaluated. Fatigue lives of as-LPBF and BAA material are nearly identical, and both are far below the fatigue lives of conventionally manufactured Ti-5553 of 350 MPa. …

Research On 3d Printing Resin Exposure Properties And Its Application On Centrifugal Microfluidic Platform Based On Fluorescence Detection, Zheng Qiao

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation encapsulates significant advancements in the field of SLA 3D printing and centrifugal microfluidics. Central to the research is the development of a novel mathematical model for predicting trapped resin thickness in SLA 3D printing, a groundbreaking contribution that addresses a critical aspect of printing intricate structures. This model, the first to establish a mathematical relationship for resin thickness, is rooted in a comprehensive study of the resin curing process. The research leverages the concept of 'critical dosage' for resin curing, leading to a more refined and theoretically grounded approach for calculating curing thickness. Experimentation further validates the model, …

Strength And Stiffness Optimization Of Coated Structures With Lattice Infill, Ali Tamijani, Zhichao Wang

Publications

A machine-implemented method for establishing optimized parameters defining a model of a coated structure with a lattice infill can include receiving constraints for the model of the coated structure. The machine-implemented method can also include initializing a lattice infill defined by respective lattice cells according to the constraints for the model of the coated structure. The machine-implemented method can also include optimizingthe lattice infill and a shape of the coated structure by iteratively modifyingthe lattice infill and the shape of the coated structure and evaluating a strength-based criterion. The machine-implemented method can also include generating, usingthe optimized lattice infill and …

Correlation Of Am Lpbf Processing Parameters To Grain Morphology Of Ss316l, Patrick Merighe

Student Research Symposium

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) is a 3D printing technology that uses a recoater to spread powdered metal across a substrate. A laser then selectively fuses layers of this metal powder, intricately shaping three-dimensional objects. This process repeats, with each new layer of powder being spread across the previous layer to form a solid part.

Offshore Wind Farm Pycnocline Mixing From Varied Flow Types, Laura Lundahl

Student Research Symposium

As the demand for sustainable low carbon energy grows, offshore wind farms (OWFs) are becoming increasingly popular and are being pushed into stratified regions where a pycnocline exists (Figure 1). These wind farms may cause turbulent mixing of the pycnocline, which will harm the phytoplankton ecosystem. This project quantifies pycnocline mixing to gain knowledge of effective methods for mitigating harmful effects.

Quasi-Static Compression Performance Of Three Subscale Origami-Inspired Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer, Chase Mortensen

Student Research Symposium

Sandwich-structured composites are made of a lightweight core material between two thin composite panels. Variants of the Ori-Miura folding pattern have been investigated and compared to both the traditional Miura folding pattern (Fig. 1) and the more commonly used core design, the honeycomb. While the honeycomb design is favored over the Miura folding pattern and its variants due to its simple shape and better performance in compression, honeycomb cores also present drawbacks that are detrimental to the integrity of the sandwich structure. These drawbacks include, but are not limited to:

• Honeycomb cores consist of closed channels trapping moisture and heat. …

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

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

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

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

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

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

The Aerodynamic Levitator Project, Noah Brown

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

Supersonic Wind Tunnel Modeling, Noah Cain, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

Organic Contaminant Effects On The Mac Of Water, Jordan Hartfield

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

Simulating Low Gravity Particle-Laden Flow, Ryan Lewis

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Density Fluctuations Measurements In Supersonic Flows, Allie Dingfield, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Turbulence in compressible flows plays a major role in a variety of aerospace applications. However, due to fluctuating thermodynamic quantities, compressible turbulence is challenging to analyze. Of these quantities, density fluctuations are of high importance due to their role in describing turbulence. A method to obtain quantitative measurements of density fluctuations has been developed using the optical technique of shadowgraph imaging. Shadowgraph imaging has frequently been used to obtain qualitative information about density gradients in fluids. However, quantitative application of these methods is much less common. The quantitative shadowgraph method presented here relates the light intensity variations in an image …

Turbulence Characterization For Supersonic Wind Tunnel, Allie Dingfield

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

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

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

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

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

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

Research In Robotics: Vex Robotics, Dylan Wagner, Darec Wagner, Lyric Yost, Alexander Redinger, Yue Fan, Mark Hamrick, Mufeng Shen, Lawrence Yan

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

Throughout the past year our group has been working toward the construction of a robot. Our goal with this robot was to compete in the competition laid out by VEX robotics. Our robot would be built using the VEX robotics pieces as well as some custom-made parts. We utilized the engineering design process to ensure that we were working as efficiently as possible, whilst also working towards making the greatest bot. The first semester had us split into two teams, with both going to Pittsburgh KS to compete against other universities from across the state. After this competition, we combined …

High-Fidelity Turbulence Modelling Of Double-Diffusive Mixing In Buoyancy Driven Flows, Sanaz Izadifar

Student Research Symposium

Double-diffusive convection is the flow caused by buoyancy gradient in a fluid, where two different scalars cause density gradients, and each scalar has significantly different diffusion rates.

Wake Characteristics Of In-Phase And Out-Phase Array Of Oscillation Airfoils, Yi-Cheng Chen

Student Research Symposium

In order to solve the hydrodynamics of a school of fish using the open-source SEM solver Nek5000, an oscillating mesh is required to simulate fish oscillations and at the same time simplify the process of mesh partitioning and satisfy the limitation of nek5000 that the mesh must be quadrilateral.

Mechanical Property Variability In Lpbf Ss316l Due To Defects Formation And Process Interruption, Tasrif Ul Anwar

Student Research Symposium

This project aims to understand the correlation between the manufacturing process, defect formation, process interruptions, and the resulting properties of components made with laser powder bed fusion techniques.

Dynamic Angle Of Repose Of Ss316l Powders Fabricated By Gas Atomization For Additive Manufacturing Applications, S. M. Mahid

Student Research Symposium

Metal additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, unlike conventional manufacturing methods like turning and milling, construct objects by incrementally adding layers of material. Various processes can be used to 3D print including laser or electron beams to melt or sinter metallic powder particles.

A Novel Camera Based Measurement Technique For High Temperature Applications, Prasenjit Dewanjee

Student Research Symposium

Digital Image Correlation (DIC) is an optical technique for camera-based measurements.

A Multi-Directional Smart Hip Implant With Wireless Connectivity For Enhanced Health Monitoring, Leila Donyaparastlivari

Mechanical Engineering Theses

The thesis presents the culmination of the smart hip implant project, which signifies a significant stride in orthopedic technology. By integrating piezoelectric and triboelectric systems into conventional implants, this study demonstrates the feasibility and effectiveness of creating intelligent implants. Through a meticulous design process and rigorous testing, novel configurations were developed to optimize energy harvesting efficiency and enable precise detection of mechanical loads experienced during various physical activities. The application of Finite Element Analysis provided critical insights into the localization of contact points, informing the strategic placement of harvesters within the implant for enhanced performance. Utilizing a cam follower and …