Engineering Commons^™

The Effects Of Antigen Size, Binding Site Valency, And Flexibility On Fab-Antigen Binding Near Solid Surfaces, Thomas A. Knotts, Derek B. Bush

Faculty Publications

Next generation antibody microarray devices have the potential to outperform current molecular detection methods and realize new applications in medicine, scientific research, and national defense. However, antibody microarrays, or arrays of antibody fragments (“fabs”), continue to evade mainstream use in part due to persistent reliability problems despite improvements to substrate design and protein immobilization strategies. Other factors could be disrupting microarray performance, including effects resulting from antigen characteristics. Target molecules embody a wide range of sizes, shapes, number of epitopes, epitope accessibility, and other physical and chemical properties. As a result, it may not be ideal for microarray designs to …

Performance Comparison Of Low Temperature And Chemical Absorption Carbon Capture Processes In Response To Dynamic Electricity Demand And Price Profiles, Seyed Mostafa Safdarnejad, John Hedengren, Kody M. Powell

Faculty Publications

Current projections to the year 2050 reveal that fossil fuels will remain the main source of energy generation. To achieve the target limits of carbon dioxide emission, set by national and international policies, carbon capture will play a key role. Modeling and optimization of various carbon capture technologies such as pre-combustion, oxy-fuel, and post-combustion, when integrated with coal-fired power plants, have been researched extensively in literature. Research on the integration of power generation with capture technologies regarding comparisons between the different schemes in response to dynamic inputs is lacking. This work provides a comparison between a low temperature carbon capture …

Cip2a Immunosensor Comprised Of Vertically-Aligned Carbon Nanotube Interdigitated Electrodes Towards Point-Of-Care Oral Cancer Screening, Shaowei Ding, Suprem R. Das, Benjamin J. Brownlee, Kshama Parate, Taylor Davis, Loreen R. Stromberg, Edward K.L. Chan, Joseph Katz, Brian D. Iverson, Jonathan C. Claussen

Faculty Publications

Vertically aligned carbon nanotube array (VANTA) coatings have recently garnered much attention due in part to their unique material properties including light absorption, chemical inertness, and electrical conductivity. Herein we report the first use of VANTAs grown via chemical vapor deposition in a 2D interdigitated electrode (IDE) footprint with a high height-to-width aspect ratio (3:1 or 75:25 µm). The VANTA-IDE is functionalized with an antibody (Ab) specific to the human cancerous inhibitor PP2A (CIP2A)—a alivary oncoprotein that is associated with a variety of malignancies such as oral, breast, and multiple myeloma cancers. The resultant immunosensor is capable of detecting CIP2A …

Coordinated, Multi-Arm Manipulation With Soft Robots, Dustan Paul Kraus

Theses and Dissertations

Soft lightweight robots provide an inherently safe solution to using robots in unmodeled environments by maintaining safety without increasing cost through expensive sensors. Unfortunately, many practical problems still need to be addressed before soft robots can become useful in real world tasks. Unlike traditional robots, soft robot geometry is not constant but can change with deflation and reinflation. Small errors in a robot's kinematic model can result in large errors in pose estimation of the end effector. This error, coupled with the inherent compliance of soft robots and the difficulty of soft robot joint angle sensing, makes it very challenging …

Thermochemical Conversion Of Biomass: Detailed Gasification And Near-Burner Co-Firing Measurements, Jacob B. Beutler

Theses and Dissertations

An increasing emphasis on mitigating global climate change (global warming) over the last few decades has created interest in a broad range of sustainable or alternative energy systems to replace fossil fuel combustion. Biomass, when harvested responsibly, is a renewable fuel with many uses in replacing fossil fuels. Cofiring biomass with coal in traditional large-scale coal power plants represents one of the lowest risk, least costly, near-term methods of CO₂ mitigation. Simultaneously, it is one of the most efficient and inexpensive uses of biomass. Alternatively, biomass can be transformed into useful products through gasification to produce clean syngas for …

Thermal Bridging In Concrete Sandwich Walls, Taylor J. Sorensen, Robert J. Thomas, Sattar Dorafshan, Marc Maguire

Faculty Publications

Energy efficiency requires continuity of the insulation system in structural and architectural details.

Nanofluidic Applications Of Silica Membranes, John Michael Stout

Theses and Dissertations

This work presents membrane development applicable in nanofluidic devices. These membranes can also be termed suspended thin films, supported on two or more edges. I first discuss motivation and background for developing these structures. Then I derive the formative principles for nanofluidic systems. Following the derivation of the Navier-Stokes and Washburn equations, I discuss applying these theories to planar nanofluidic capillaries and finish the derivation by discussing the forces that drive liquid flow in nanochannels. I next discuss the membrane development process, starting with my work in static height traps, and develop the concept of analyzing nanoparticles using suspended membranes. …

Intensive Mentoring And Micro-Electronics Research For Students In Engineering (Immerse) 2016 Mentoring Environment Grant, Aaron Hawkins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The MEG funds used for this projects supported undergraduate students working in the IMMERSE program starting in the Summer of 2016. IMMERSE employed a total of 49 students. Portions of the hourly wages charged by these students for their research work came from this MEG grant.

Deep Rc: Enabling Remote Control Through Deep Learning, Jaron Ellingson, Gary Ellingson, Tim Mclain

Student Works

Human remote-control (RC) pilots have the ability to perceive the position and orientation of an aircraft using only third-person-perspective visual sensing. While novice pilots often struggle when learning to control RC aircraft, they can sense the orientation of the aircraft with relative ease. In this paper, we hypothesize and demonstrate that deep learning methods can be used to mimic the human ability to perceive the orientation of an aircraft from monocular imagery.

This work uses a neural network to directly sense the aircraft attitude. The network is combined with more conventional image processing methods for visual tracking of the aircraft. …

Secondary Atomization During Droplet Impingement Of Water-Glycerol Admixtures On Heated Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Alexander White, Dr. Julie Crockett

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of the given document is to remind the reader of goals initially set in conjunction with the ORCA Grant project proposal in October 2016, to present experimental findings obtained during the grant period, and to discuss the results of the work and their implications for future investigations. As stated in the proposal, the main purpose of this ORCA project was to compare the droplet atomization (expulsion of a fine spray) of various water-glycerol mixtures upon impact on superheated, superhydrophobic surfaces. The major goal to that end was to use a certain unique experimental procedure in quantifying the data …

Functional Optimization Of Carbon Nanotubes, Taylor Davis, Sr. Brian Iverson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The objective of this project was to create, characterize, and optimize carbon nanotube (CNT) films as a surface functionalization strategy through modifying the growth, infiltration, and patterning during fabrication.

Carbon nanotubes have drawn attention in various disciplines in the scientific community because of their incredible strength, hardness, wettability (hydrophobicity), as well as their kinetic and electrical properties. At BYU specifically, they are being used in diverse applications including fabrication of superhydrophobic surfaces and interdigitated electrode biosensors.

Carbon nanotubes can be delicate with a diameter of only a few nanometers when grown. However, the process of carbon infiltration can be used …

Measuring Up: Engineering Stronger And Faster Cardiomyocytes, Kaitlyn Mcentire, Dr. Alonzo Cook

Journal of Undergraduate Research

If a heartbeat connotes life, then cardiomyocytes are the life givers. When heart disease results in cardiomyocyte death, however, these life-giving, beating cells are unable to reproduce, and portions of the heart irreversibly die. Despite modern technology and developments in heart disease treatment and prevention, heart disease remains the number one cause of death in America. With an inability to meet an ever-increasing demand for heart transplants, any potential alternative must be pursued.

Sunflowers, Solar Panels, And Beeswax: Improving Solar Power For The Developing World, Ivyann Oveson Running, Dr. John Salmon

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Inspired by the mechanics of how sunflowers follow the sun, we designed a system to increase output from solar panels by only using simple mechanics and beeswax. Solar power is becoming increasingly popular even in developing countries. We wanted to create a way to increase the power output of solar panels in such areas that lack technical support for current panel rotating mechanisms. When temperatures increase, beeswax expands, and we harness the motion by filling a piston with the beeswax. We use this motion to cause solar panels to turn, following the sun throughout the day and increasing electrical output.

Differentiation Of Kidney Progenitors Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells And Conditioned Media Of Renal Cortical Tubular Epithelial Cells, Steven Passey, Dr. Alonzo Cook

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to the National Kidney Foundation, 26 million American adults have kidney disease, 47,000 Americans died from kidney disease in 2013, and over 100,000 people await kidney transplants. Current treatment of kidney failure includes dialysis and kidney transplant. Unfortunately, those undergoing dialysis may experience fatigue and other complications. In addition, there is a vast shortage of available kidneys for transplant.

Equilibration Of Chloride Ions In Concrete Bridge Decks After Rehabilitation Using Hydro-Demolition And Concrete Overlay, Elizabeth Newbill, Dr. Spencer Guthrie

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In cold regions like northern Utah, harsh winters can lead to decreases in the service life of concrete bridge decks. Chloride-based deicing salts, which are commonly used to remove snow and ice from the surface of concrete bridge decks during winter months, are of particular concern. Even in uncracked concrete, chloride ions can diffuse into the bridge deck and eventually lead to corrosion of the embedded reinforcing steel. When chlorides corrode the steel, expansive rust forms, which causes cracks to form in the deck. These cracks allow for greater chloride ingress, accelerating the corrosion and deterioration processes within the bridge …

Analysis Of Isotruss Joints, Robert Thompson, Dr. David Jensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to identify how different winding patterns of composite tow affects the strength of interwoven joints, like those that exist in IsoTruss and other composite lattice structures. Three different winding configurations were analyzed to compare and determine how the pattern of carbon fiber strand layup would affect the strength of the joints on an IsoTruss member.

Hips Turbulent Flow Modeling For High Schmidt Number Flow A Novel Approach To An Old Problem, Joshua Frei, Dr. David Lignell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The whorls and vortices of smoke plumes, churning waterfalls, and crashing waves have a captivating sense of mystery about them. This chaotic, seemingly random fluid motion is known as turbulent flow, and it is ubiquitous both in day-to-day life and in engineering problems. Despite the many advances in technology, much of turbulence remains a mystery. It has been called the most important unsolved problem in physics [1].

Estimating Joint Configuration For Soft Robots, Jacob Olson, Dr. Marc Killpack

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Soft robotics are still a relatively new technology. As seen in Figure 1, they are made entirely from compliant materials that use pressurized fluid for both structure and actuation. These robots have great potential in the world of robotics. Soft robots can excel in many areas where rigid robots fall short due to their incredible compliance and low inertia. As soft robotic technologies develop, robots will be much less limited in the scope of what they can do without risk of human injury. They will be able to do tasks working more closely with humans in current industries, and be …

Hierarchal Parcel Swapping (Hips) A Comprehensive Multiscale Subgrid Model For Turbulent Reacting Flow, Justin Ward, Dr. David Lignell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project is to address the unmet need for a comprehensive, multiscale, regime- and fuel-independent turbulent reacting model by using a novel, physics-based strategy called Hierarchal Parcel Swapping (HiPS). Turbulent flow has been called the most important unsolved problem of classical physics. Modeling turbulent flow is extremely important due to the fact that nearly all flows in the real world are turbulent. Though the exact details of turbulent flow are not of great importance to an engineer, the effect turbulence has on chemical reactions and the overall chemical properties is vital. The solution to the turbulence problem …

Hand-Powered Washing Machine For The Developing World, Chris Bailey, Sean Larson, Megan Peffer, Sarah Ann Skousen, Judith Westwood, Dr. Randy Lewis

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Many countries still hand wash all their clothing. The community of the Uros Islands in Peru is no exception. Our goal was to develop a hand powered washing machine that will be useful to and improve the quality of life of the Uru people. The washing machine must be built out of materials that are inexpensive and readily available to the community. It must also be simple enough for the people to perform any necessary repairs. Furthermore, the final washing machine system could be implemented any developing area with similar needs.

An Ultra-Low Power Analog-To-Digital Converter For Neural Signal Recording: Comparator Research, Alexander Petrie, Dr. Shiuh-Hua Wood Chiang

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Brain diseases, such as depression and strokes, affect an ever-increasing number of the human population. Much scientific research has been devoted to finding ways towards alleviating the negative symptoms of these diseases. However, much more research must be conducted before these maladies are no longer a problem. Neural implantable devices are an essential part of such research. These tiny, electronic devices monitor electrical brain activity and wirelessly transmit the collected data to computers so scientists can analyze it. A common issue with these neural recording devices is battery life. Current technology allows for a battery to last only 3-5 years. …

Static And Dynamic Obstacle Avoidance For Small Uav, Michael Farrell, Dr. Tim Mclain

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) are becoming increasingly prevalent in society today. One of the most important problems for such vehicles is obstacle avoidance. Common applications for small UAV require them to navigate through an environment containing many obstacles, both static and dynamic. As part of the 2017 SUAS-AUVSI undergraduate competition, this common problem was simulated with several virtual stationary and moving objects that were to be avoided during flight. The purpose of this research project was to develop a robust obstacle avoidance algorithm to be demonstrated during the mission demonstration of the 2017 SUAS-AUVSI competition.

Rapid Biosensor Screening Blood And Urine, Rebecca Whitney Bills, Dr. Bradley Bundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) have led to worldwide health problems, including cancers, developmental disorders, and reproductive disorders. A recent study estimates that annual health and economic costs caused by EDCs in the European Union is $200 Billion and that the costs are even greater in the US (1). This is largely due to the extensive number of undetected Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDCs) that we come into contact with on a daily basis. EDCs have been found in dietary, environmental, and household chemicals. Despite this only a handful of EDCs have been characterized. The purpose of this project is to optimize …

Refining Statistical Magnesium Models Via Machine Learning, Andrew Orme, Dr. David Fullwood

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Magnesium is a potential replacement for steels and aluminum in strength applications. Despite desirable strength and weight properties, magnesium is costly to manufacture. To reduce manufacturing costs, extensive research has been done on is a phenomenon called twinning, where a large group of magnesium atoms collectively reorient from a base orientation to a new orientation. This reorientation caused by twinning has the potential to enable easier material deformation, allowing for less costly manufacturing. Our research group pursued a novel approach to twinning research by using data mining and machine learning algorithms. Data collected from samples of magnesium using a scanning …

Rigidly Foldable Origami Flashers Based On Curved-Fold Model, Jacob Badger, Dr. Larry Howell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my research was to explore the application of curved folding in designing rigid-foldable deployable mechanisms. In recent years, origami fold patterns known as “flashers” have been investigated for their ability to efficiently pack deployable surfaces. While many patterns have been investigated, none are capable of folding surfaces composed of rigid panels that bend only along crease lines. We hoped to identify one such rigid-foldable flasher by basing it on a curved-fold pattern known as a logarithmic spiral flasher.

Creation Of Non-Electric Cooling System For Food Preservation In Peru, Eleanor Ott, Dr. Randy Lewis

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Food preservation is an issue in third-world countries around the world where electricity and monetary means are not present to maintain a modern refrigerator. The short shelf life of unrefrigerated food items creates waste, requires time and energy with frequent trips to buy food, and lowers quality of life. Multiple solutions for this problem have been devised which are principally applicable in Asia and Africa. Implementation of these solutions has increased shelf-life of perishable foods and eliminated the need for daily trips to the market for food. A natural consequence has been increased profits, more educational opportunities for women, and …

Above Knee Prosthetic Socket For Developing Countries, Colton Graham, Dr. Mark Colton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Due to a civil war in Sierra Leone many have been left with amputated limbs. In order to provide the required prosthetic limbs for victims who have above the knee amputations they need a quality custom fit socket. Custom fit sockets are very expensive so we created a universal socket meant to comfortably fit everyone. This socket is also designed to be affordable and able to be manufactured in Sierra Leone. For a functional socket, it is to be custom fitted, durable, affordable, adjustable and comfortable for the amputee. Due to varying changes to the volume of the residual limb, …

Carbon Nanotube Filtration Device: Separating Oil From Fracking Waste, Phillip Ng, Dr. Anton Bowden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Pyrolytic Carbon Infiltration Carbon Nanotubes (CI-CNTs) can isolate water and oil molecules due to its superhydrophobic and oleophilic properties, unique cylindrical nanostructure, and functional groups¹. Because the waste produced from fracking is nonreusable due to the molecular oil droplets contained in it, the waste is typically injected back underground, which pollutes safe drinking water². This can be avoided with an inexpensive and efficient oil and water filter. The mentored research project revolved around a CI-CNT filter used to salvage waste created from fracking.

The design of a CI-CNT device was approached by three main considerations: a …

Gas Detection System For Biomass Cookstove Emissions, Cyra Bishop, Jeffery Smith, Dr. Matthew Jones

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this research project is to explore Peruvian social and cultural behaviors that typically prevent successful improved cookstove adoption in resource-limited settings as well as suggest ways to educate locals about the benefits of improved cookstoves. This will be done by constructing a cost-effective, easy-to-use gas-detection sensor system capable of measuring concentrations of harmful gases released from biomass cookstoves typically found in Peruvian communities.

Origami-Based Deployable Ballistic Barrier, Kenny Seymour, Dakota Burrow, Alex Avila, Terri Bateman, David C. Morgan, Spencer P. Magleby, Larry L. Howell

Faculty Publications

This paper demonstrates how recent developments in origami crease pattern adaptation, surrogate folds, and thickness accommodation techniques enabled development of an origami-based deployable ballistic barrier. The barrier crease pattern was employed using the membrane-fold technique for surrogate folds and to assist in thickness accommodation. A proof-of-concept barrier was fabricated and tested, demonstrating ballistic resistance, a large deployment ratio, and rapid deployment times.