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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Thermal Resistance Characterization Of High-Voltage Sic Power Module, Landon Lemmons Dec 2023

Thermal Resistance Characterization Of High-Voltage Sic Power Module, Landon Lemmons

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Researchers within the University of Arkansas Electrical Engineering Research Department have embarked on a project aimed at enhancing the thermal performance of high-voltage power modules. To aid in the progress of this project, the design, and development of a thermal tester device are needed. The primary objective of this device is to determine the various thermal properties of high-voltage power modules that the electrical engineering department has developed. Additionally, the project aims to facilitate electrical loading tests on power modules and provide researchers with the means to calibrate the power module in terms of thermal load. This project also possesses …


Design And Scale Model Of Wave Generator For The Testing Of Wave Energy Conversion Devices, Amanda Olla Nov 2023

Design And Scale Model Of Wave Generator For The Testing Of Wave Energy Conversion Devices, Amanda Olla

Master's Theses

As the climate crisis draws more concern, research and development in wave energy as a renewable energy source has increased. Devices such as wave energy converters (WECs) are being researched, tested, and implemented to make wave energy a competitive power source. Testing of these devices is limited due to environmental concerns such as weather, location, and other issues. WECs require testing in a marine environment, however, performing testing in the actual environment may be difficult due to weather, access, mounting, and other issues. To eliminate environmental unknowns from testing, a wave simulator device can mimic wave behavior without the need …


A Multi-Aerial Vehicle Platform For Testing Collaborative Mobility Formation Controllers, Matthew Snellgrove Aug 2023

A Multi-Aerial Vehicle Platform For Testing Collaborative Mobility Formation Controllers, Matthew Snellgrove

LSU Master's Theses

Multi-agent systems have potential applications in a multitude of fields due to their ability to perform complex tasks with a high degree of robustness. Decentralized systems are multi-agent systems where sensing, control, and communication responsibilities are distributed amongst the agents giving this scheme a particularly high potential for robustness, adaptability, and complexity; however, this comes with its own list of challenges. Formation control is a topic in multi-agent systems that aims to have the agents moving as a virtual rigid body through space. In the literature, there have been successful implementation of formation control algorithms on robot agents in both …


The Performance Analysis And Optimization Of Wave Energy Converters From Modeling To Basin Testing, Lauren Dickson Aug 2023

The Performance Analysis And Optimization Of Wave Energy Converters From Modeling To Basin Testing, Lauren Dickson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The successful development and optimization of wave energy converters (WECs) are pivotal to the pursuit of sustainable and renewable energy sources. This thesis explores the elements in a workflow that develops and demonstrates the protocols for the optimization of WECs using a rapid design\build\test procedure. This thesis establishes the characterization of scaled ocean test sites, develops the performance metrics, generates the performance modeling techniques to predict the optimum design geometries which will be produced for final testing, and finally, establishes the basin test plan which will be used to conduct the testing on the optimum design. The findings of this …


Effect Of Surface Fluid Entrapment In A Laminar Flat Plate Boundary Layer, Abigail Hays Jul 2023

Effect Of Surface Fluid Entrapment In A Laminar Flat Plate Boundary Layer, Abigail Hays

Mechanical Engineering Research Theses and Dissertations

For streamlined objects in laminar flow, the drag is dominated by friction drag. To counteract this, the boundary condition of the object can be changed to introduce an apparent slip on the surface. A number of approaches have been proposed for introducing surface slip to reduce drag and viscous resistance in fluid flows. This work investigates a novel approach to providing slip via fluid entrapment in a perforated domain embedded in the surface. The fluid entrapment system uses a cavity underneath the domain to allow entrapment of fluid of the same type, or supply air to the surface perforations in …


Rhea Breast Pump: Implementation Of Biomimicry Technology, Harper Daniels, Leanne James, Laini Reynolds, Courtney Rowe, Julia Yaklich Jun 2023

Rhea Breast Pump: Implementation Of Biomimicry Technology, Harper Daniels, Leanne James, Laini Reynolds, Courtney Rowe, Julia Yaklich

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

Rhea Breast Pump is an innovative breast pump that implements biomimicry informed technology for a more efficient and comfortable breastfeeding experience. Our design implements a tongue actuator in conjunction with vacuum to mimic the suckling motion of a baby’s mouth, a heating element for pain alleviation, and a soft flange to maximize comfort. The development of this device is motivated by the goal of empowering women, specifically nursing mothers, to maintain their independence and individuality while raising a family. Our team, consisting of all female engineers, strongly believes in and supports the notion that women can and should have the …


Photonic Sensors Based On Integrated Ring Resonators, Jaime Da Silva May 2023

Photonic Sensors Based On Integrated Ring Resonators, Jaime Da Silva

Mechanical Engineering Research Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the application of integrated ring resonators to different sensing applications. The sensors proposed here rely on the principle of optical whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonance shifts of the resonators. Three distinct sensing applications are investigated to demonstrate the concept: a photonic seismometer, an evanescent field sensor, and a zero-drift Doppler velocimeter. These concepts can be helpful in developing lightweight, compact, and highly sensitive sensors. Successful implementation of these sensors could potentially address sensing requirements for both space and Earth-bound applications. The feasibility of this class of sensors is assessed for seismic, proximity, and vibrational measurements.


Transport Mechanisms In Electrochemical Immunoassay Biosensors With Applications To Sarscov-2 Neutralizing Antibody Detection, Mohammad Karim Dehghan Manshadi May 2023

Transport Mechanisms In Electrochemical Immunoassay Biosensors With Applications To Sarscov-2 Neutralizing Antibody Detection, Mohammad Karim Dehghan Manshadi

Mechanical Engineering Research Theses and Dissertations

Biosensors are used in diverse applications spanning from clinical diagnosis and drug discovery to environmental and safety monitoring. Among different types of biosensors, electrochemical ones have demonstrated high sensitivity, short detection time, and selectivity with a low cost, and have been widely used to detect various diseases. In this thesis, we have introduced an inexpensive, rapid, sensitive, and quantifiable impedance-based immunosensors to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibody (NAb), which shows the real protective immunity against COVID-19. We demonstrated that our device enabled assessment of NAb in a physiological buffer with conductivity equivalent to that of blood plasma. This technique can be …


Nautilus Rov Robot Manipulator, Dana Stefanides, Jenny Huynh, Andrew Stewart, Steven Reimer, Andrew Nguyen, Rebecca Walters, Matt Hayes Apr 2023

Nautilus Rov Robot Manipulator, Dana Stefanides, Jenny Huynh, Andrew Stewart, Steven Reimer, Andrew Nguyen, Rebecca Walters, Matt Hayes

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

Global warming and climate change are prevalent issues in today’s society. As a result, research in the ocean, our world’s biggest ecosystem, is imperative in efforts to protect the environment. Santa Clara University’s Robotic Systems Lab contributes to this field through work and developments on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs). An existing ROV system called Nautilus consists of a robot arm, end effector, and storage system in order to collect various types of sediments at a depth of 300 feet. However, the previous system does not meet that requirement. In direct collaboration with researchers within the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute, …


Robotic Arm Extrusion End Effector, Nicholas Viamin, David Blouin, Savannah Hunt, Nico Figueroa Apr 2023

Robotic Arm Extrusion End Effector, Nicholas Viamin, David Blouin, Savannah Hunt, Nico Figueroa

Interdisciplinary Design Senior Theses

This senior design project aims to enhance the capabilities of the Rotrics AIO Desktop Arm (Dexarm) by designing and implementing an extrusion device capable of smooth and consistent extrusion for 3D printing applications. The project focused on ensuring safety, affordability, and ease-of-use for users, while achieving precise control over the extrusion process. Various mechanical and electrical components were carefully selected to ensure compatibility with the Dexarm and to provide optimal performance. To maintain safety, extensive testing and risk assessments were conducted to minimize any potential hazards associated with the extrusion process. To achieve smooth and consistent extrusion, precise control mechanisms …


Jack & Alex Rc Baja, Jack Stutz Jan 2023

Jack & Alex Rc Baja, Jack Stutz

All Undergraduate Projects

There are paramount necessities to build an RC car such as the steering and suspension. Without either, the vehicle will not be able to ascertain basic movement characteristics. The team will compete in the RC Baja competition with the other students which will have various challenges and obstacles that they will endure. The device must be able to complete tests that will prove competence for the competition. By using knowledge of prior classes and experience, the team will produce a functional device for the event. Mechanics of materials and statics were used to determine the bending strength of the control …


Rc Baja Suspension And Steering, Garrett Bailey Jan 2023

Rc Baja Suspension And Steering, Garrett Bailey

All Undergraduate Projects

The RC Baja team set out to engineer and construct a working remote-control device that can compete in the ASME Baja Competition. The students have a focus on either suspension and steering or drivetrain and chassis. This report is centered on the suspension and steering. First, multiple analyses were completed using engineering methods such as mechanical design, statics, strengths of materials, and dynamics for parts of the device. The calculations found in the analysis are then used to create designs for the parts so that they will meet the requirements and be successful in the competition. After the parts are …


Additively Manufactured Polymeric Surface-Based Lattice Structures For Vibration Attenuation, Imabin Kelvin Ekpelu Jan 2023

Additively Manufactured Polymeric Surface-Based Lattice Structures For Vibration Attenuation, Imabin Kelvin Ekpelu

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this study was to select triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) structures made of 3D-printed polymers. The primary variables in this study were: TPMS shape, lattice volume ratio, and lattice material. Vibration absorption was characterized by damping ratio via transmissibility at the system’s natural frequency. The vibration testing was performed using an electro-dynamic shaker, a known mass, an input/control accelerometer, and an output/response accelerometer. The 3D-printed absorber/lattice was mounted to the shaker baseplate and a mass will be mounted on top of the absorber. One accelerometer will be mounted to the shaker baseplate and the other will be …


Icing Mitigation Via High-Pressure Membrane Dehumidification In An Aircraft Thermal Management, Danielle D. Hollon Jan 2023

Icing Mitigation Via High-Pressure Membrane Dehumidification In An Aircraft Thermal Management, Danielle D. Hollon

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Icing, or the formation of ice from water via freezing or water vapor via desublimation, is a phenomenon that commonly occurs within air cycle-based refrigeration systems and requires thermal control that limits system performance. In aircraft applications icing frequently occurs in the heat exchangers and turbine(s) that are part of the air cycle machine, the refrigeration unit of the environmental control system. Traditionally, water vapor is removed from an air cycle machine via condensing in a heat exchanger and subsequent high-pressure water separation. This approach is not capable of removing all of the vapor present at low altitude conditions, corresponding …


Characterization Of Aerosol Jet Printed Silver Thin Films Sintered By A Scanning Laser, William A. Metzger Jan 2023

Characterization Of Aerosol Jet Printed Silver Thin Films Sintered By A Scanning Laser, William A. Metzger

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Direct write printing, which is part of additive manufacturing (AM) technology, offers unique capabilities that can complement traditional methods of electronics fabrication. Printing of electrical interconnects via aerosolization is one of the areas in AM that is very important in electronics fabrication. Post-print sintering is a critical step in printed electrical interconnects because it strongly influences the electrical resistivity of the interconnects. Interconnects require the lowest possible resistivity to achieve better performance. Thermal sintering is the most common technique employed in printed interconnects. However, it is limited to substrates that can handle the high temperature requirement for sintering. For polymers …


Processing And Characterization Of Inkjet Printed Batio3/Su-8 Nanocomposite Dielectrics, Mustapha A. Muhammad Jan 2023

Processing And Characterization Of Inkjet Printed Batio3/Su-8 Nanocomposite Dielectrics, Mustapha A. Muhammad

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The persistent demand for flexible and wearable electronic components in healthcare, aerospace, media, and transit applications has led to a significant shift from traditional electronics processes to printed electronics. Printed electronics are anticipated to establish itself as the industry's dominant force due to their enhanced flexibility, rapid prototyping capabilities, and seamless integration with everyday objects. They are cost-effective and have the scalable option for large-scale production because additive manufacturing techniques are used. Among the various printing methods available, inkjet printing has recently gained popularity for printing electronics, especially capacitors that require precise and complex structures on different substrates. Inkjet printing …


Rheological Modeling And Inkjet Printability Of Electrode Ink Formulation For Miniature And Interdigital Lithium-Ion Batteries, Habib Temitope-Adebayo Ajose Jan 2023

Rheological Modeling And Inkjet Printability Of Electrode Ink Formulation For Miniature And Interdigital Lithium-Ion Batteries, Habib Temitope-Adebayo Ajose

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The rapid advancement of technology has resulted in a greater need for effective energy storage systems to meet the demands of the transportation and electronics industries. Among various energy storage systems, batteries are the most widely used, primarily because of their ability to store significant amounts of energy. In addition, lithium-ion batteries are prevalent for powering portable electronic devices due to their long cycle life, high energy density, and high operating voltage. The traditional doctor-blade approach has been used over the years for producing batteries. Currently, research is being directed to additively manufacture Li-ion batteries via Drop-on-Demand Inkjet Printing with …


Investigation Of Surface Roughness Effects On Additively Manufactured Metals Under Dynamic Loading, Rachel Elizabeth Tullis Jan 2023

Investigation Of Surface Roughness Effects On Additively Manufactured Metals Under Dynamic Loading, Rachel Elizabeth Tullis

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The as-printed surfaces of parts produced through laser powder bed fusion are significantly rougher than surfaces produced through traditional manufacturing processes. This increased roughness can have a significant impact on mechanical properties, with perhaps the most notable detriment in the fatigue life of the part. Therefore, the as-printed surface roughness in additively manufactured materials must be studied more extensively to determine its impact on fatigue performance. This work investigates the surface roughness of additively manufactured specimens through the investigation of processing parameters and their effects on surface roughness in metal additive manufacturing. Furthermore, the relationships between as-printed surface roughness and …


Experimental And Numerical Studies On The Projective Dye Visualization Velocimetry In A Squared Vertical Tube, Mark Bradley Johnson Jan 2023

Experimental And Numerical Studies On The Projective Dye Visualization Velocimetry In A Squared Vertical Tube, Mark Bradley Johnson

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

In fluid flow experiments, there have been numerous techniques developed over the years to measure velocity. Most popular techniques are non-intrusive such as particle image velocimetry (PIV), but these techniques are not suitable for all applications. For instance, PIV cannot be used in examining in-vivo measurements since the laser is not able to penetrate through the patient, which is why medical applications typically use X-rays. However, the images obtained from X-rays, in particular digital subtraction angiography, are projective images which compress 3D flow features onto a 2D image. Therefore, when intensity techniques, such as optical flow method (OFM), are applied …


A Machine Learning Framework For Hypersonic Vehicle Design Exploration, Atticus Beachy Jan 2023

A Machine Learning Framework For Hypersonic Vehicle Design Exploration, Atticus Beachy

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The design of Hypersonic Vehicles (HVs) requires meeting multiple unconventional and often conflicting design requirements in a hostile, high-energy environment. The most fundamental difference between ordinary aerospace design and hypersonic flight is that the extreme conditions of hypersonic flight require parts to perform multiple functions and be tightly integrated, resulting in significant coupled effects. Critical couplings among the disciplines of aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, and thermodynamics must be investigated in the early stages of design exploration to reduce the risk of requiring major design changes and cost overruns later. In addition, due to a lack of validated test data within the …


Effects Of Elastic Anisotropy On Residual Stress Measurements Performed Using The Hole-Drilling Technique, Joshua T. Ward Jan 2023

Effects Of Elastic Anisotropy On Residual Stress Measurements Performed Using The Hole-Drilling Technique, Joshua T. Ward

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

In the present work, the variation in through-thickness residual stress profiles driven by elastic anisotropy is investigated using the incremental hole-drilling method. The standardized hole-drilling technique allows for the calculation of in-plane stresses based on measured surface strains, however, these calculations assume elastic isotropy. The assumption of elastic isotropy allows for the material constants to be reduced down to two values, however, this assumption is invalid for many materials used in aerospace design. These materials are often times elastically anisotropic, which leads to inaccuracy and uncertainty in measured stress profiles. An interference fit ring and plug sample was designed, using …


Effect Of Size And Shape Parameters On Microstructure Of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718, Showmik Ahsan Jan 2023

Effect Of Size And Shape Parameters On Microstructure Of Additively Manufactured Inconel 718, Showmik Ahsan

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Additive Manufacturing (AM) methods are promising in applications where complex part geometries, exotic materials and small lot sizes are required. Aerospace manufacturing stands to use AM methods extensively in the future, and frequently requires temperature- and corrosion-resistant alloy materials such as Inconel 718. However, the microstructural evolution of Inconel 718 during additive manufacturing is poorly understood and depends on part size and shape. We studied the microstructure of Inconel 718 parts manufactured by Laser Powder Bed Fusion in order to further elucidate these dependencies. Microstructural analysis, SEM imaging, EBSD scans and Microhardness testing were performed.


Rankine Cycle Investigation On Meeting Power And Thermal Requirements Of High-Speed Aircraft, Jacob J. Spark Jan 2023

Rankine Cycle Investigation On Meeting Power And Thermal Requirements Of High-Speed Aircraft, Jacob J. Spark

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

This work is investigating a dual mode Rankine cycle for aircraft applications, specifically meeting vehicle thermal and power requirements. This multiconfigurational approach allows the Thermal Management System (TMS) to be controlled based on aircraft needs. In this design, waste heat is removed from critical areas of the aircraft (e.g., propulsion, structure, subsystems) using the fuel as a heat sink. Hot fuel is then forced through a heat exchanger actively boiling water. The vapor byproduct is fed to a turbine coupled to a generator, providing power. The low-pressure steam is then condensed using cold fuel drawn from its tank; however, when …


Icing Mitigation Via High-Pressure Membrane Dehumidification In An Aircraft Thermal Management System, Danielle D. Hollon Jan 2023

Icing Mitigation Via High-Pressure Membrane Dehumidification In An Aircraft Thermal Management System, Danielle D. Hollon

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Icing, or the formation of ice from water via freezing or water vapor via desublimation, is a phenomenon that commonly occurs within air cycle-based refrigeration systems and requires thermal control that limits system performance. In aircraft applications icing frequently occurs in the heat exchangers and turbine(s) that are part of the air cycle machine, the refrigeration unit of the environmental control system. Traditionally, water vapor is removed from an air cycle machine via condensing in a heat exchanger and subsequent high-pressure water separation. This approach is not capable of removing all of the vapor present at low altitude conditions, corresponding …