Engineering Commons^™

Optimizing Information Values In Smart Mobility, Fatima Afifah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Smart mobility, enabled by advanced sensing, communication, vehicle, and emerging mobility technologies, has transformed transportation systems. Real-time information shared by public and private entities plays a pivotal role in smart mobility, which facilitates informed decision-making, including effective mode choice, dynamic vehicle control, optimized travel routing, and strategic vehicle relocation. While more information is believed to benefit individual decision makers, it is crucial to acknowledge that the effects of information on transportation network performance are contingent; more information may not always benefit the safety and mobility of the whole system. The goal of this dissertation is to investigate the effects of …

Theoretical Analysis Of Charge Conduction And Rectification In Self-Assembled-Monolayers In Molecular Junctions, Francis Adoah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

As electrical devices shrink to the atomic scale, it is expected that Moore's law will soon be obsolete for semiconductor devices. In 1974, Avriam and Ratner predicted that organic devices could replace semiconductor technology, leading to extensive research on molecular-based organic devices. This dissertation delves into the theoretical frameworks used to examine the transport in molecular junctions and aims to enhance our comprehension of charge transport and conduction properties. The studies presented in this thesis illustrates that a molecule's alteration by just a single atom can change it from an insulator to a conductor, and also that, by fine-tuning the …

A High-Pressure Shock Tube Study Of Hydrogen And Ammonia Addition To Natural Gas For Reduced Carbon Emissions In Power Generation Gas Turbines, Michael Pierro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Ignition delay times from undiluted mixtures of natural gas (NG)/H2/Air and NG/NH3/Air were measured using a high-pressure shock tube at the University of Central Florida. The combustion temperatures were experimentally tested between 1000-1500 K near a constant pressure of 25 bar. Mixtures were kept undiluted to replicate the same chemistry pathways seen in gas turbine combustion chambers. Recorded combustion pressures exceeded 200 bar due to the large energy release, hence why these were performed at the high-pressure shock tube facility. The data is compared to the predictions of the NUIGMech 1.1 mechanism for chemical kinetic model validation and refinement. An …

Improving Basic Cadet Training For Changing Environment: Case Study At The Korea Air Force Academy, Yoojin Kwon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Increasing uncertainty, such as Covid-19 and weather changes, threatens BCT (Basic Cadet Training) at ROKAFA (Republic of Korea Air Force Academy). In preparation for the changing and adverse environment, this study carried out the following steps to propose a system improvement utilizing LVC (Live, Virtual, Constructive) in BCT system at ROKAFA; 1) Researching the examples of BCT and LVC by advanced countries, 2) Analyzing BCT (ROKAFA) through systems approach (document analysis, survey of 140 cadets and officers, written interviews with military experts), 3) Applying LVC to BCT. BCT is a vital step in the transition from civilian to military status …

Performance Comparison Of Low-Cost Sensors Across Six Cities Of Continental United States, Md Hasibul Hasan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In the field of air quality measurement, low-cost sensors have been extensively used for capturing high-resolution spatial and temporal pollutant concentrations. However, data accuracy and the impact of environmental conditions particularly temperature and relative humidity, remain a significant issue. Careful sensor calibrations against reference instruments are necessary for ensuring data accuracy and validity. This study investigated the effectiveness of multiple calibration methodologies (linear calibration, 3rd order polynomial calibration, and Random Forest, RF) for low-cost air quality sensor calibration across six cities (Atlanta, Portland, Riverside, Sacramento, New York City, and Phoenix) in the United States. The data for this study is …

Experimental Analysis On Effects Of Inclination And Direction On Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Heat Transfer For Internal Pipe Flow, Emmanuel Gabriel-Ohanu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) can be utilized as a working or heat transfer fluid in various thermal systems with applications in large-scale power cycles; portable power production units, coolant systems and devices. However, there are no sufficient methods and equations of heat transfer coefficient correlations, and in addition insufficient research studies about the mechanisms controlling heat transfer processes for sCO2. This study is motivated by the need to understand the intricate properties of sCO2 heat transfer and fluid dynamics with an emphasis on flow direction and inclination effects. This paper presents the study on effects of gravity, buoyancy on sCO2 …

Distributed Optimization With Limited Communication In Networks With Adversaries, Iyanuoluwa Emiola

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

We all hope for the best but sometimes, one must plan for ways of dealing with the worst-case scenarios, especially in a network with adversaries. This dissertation illustrates a detailed description of distributed optimization algorithms over a network of agents, in which some agents are adversarial. The model considered is such that adversarial agents act to subvert the objective of the network. The algorithms presented in this dissertation are solved via gradient-based distributed optimization algorithm and the effects of the adversarial agents on the convergence of the algorithm to the optimal solution are characterized. The analyses presented establish conditions under …

Optimal Sequencing And Scheduling Algorithm For Traffic Flows Based On Extracted Control Actions Near The Airport, Sharmistha Chakrabarti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This dissertation seeks to design an optimization algorithm, based on naturalistic flight data, with emphasis on safety to perform a benefits' analysis when sequencing and scheduling aircraft at the runway. The viability of creating a decision-support tool to aid air traffic controllers in sequencing and optimizing airport operations is evaluated through the benefits' analysis. Air traffic control is a complex and critical system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within the airspace. This is particularly true in the immediate vicinity of an airport. Unlike in en-route or terminal area airspace where aircraft usually traverse well established routes …

Expression Optimization Of The Gst-Gfp Fusion Protein Through The Alteration Of Induction Conditions, Matthew J. Vaccaro

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This research sought to determine which induction condition resulted in the greatest GST-GFP fusion protein expression. It will hopefully serve as a guide for future researchers trying to produce their own recombinant protein containing GST and GFP-tags. The CDNB Enzyme Assay was used to determine the quantity of GST-GFP fusion protein present and tested three variables: IPTG concentration, duration, and temperature of induction. The findings showed that IPTG concentration, temperature, and induction duration all had a significant impact on protein expression. Induction temperatures of 20 °C and 25 °C showed better protein expression at IPTG concentrations of 1.0 mM IPTG …

Audible And Subaudible Components Of The First And Second Heart Sounds Using Phonocardiography And Seismocardiography, Daniella King

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Cardiovascular disease continues to be a leading cause of death in the United States, and a source of financial strain on the healthcare system. This prompts the need for new methods of low-cost, noninvasive technologies for cardiac monitoring to improve patient health and reduce healthcare costs. While the first and second heart sounds are common references that are listened to during auscultation of heart, seismocardiography (SCG) is a technology that detects chest sound vibrations with an accelerometer and may offer more information beyond the audible heart sounds. There is currently limited information regarding both the relationship between audible heart sounds …

Micro-Credentialing With Fuzzy Content Matching: An Educational Data-Mining Approach, Paul Amoruso

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

There is a growing need to assess and issue micro-credentials within STEM curricula. Although one approach is to insert a free-standing academic activity into the students learning and degree path, herein the development and mechanism of an alternative approach rooted in leveraging responses on digitized quiz-based assessments is developed. An online assessment and remediation protocol with accompanying Python-based toolset was developed to engage undergraduate tutors who identify and fill knowledge gaps of at-risk learners. Digitized assessments, personalized tutoring, and automated micro-credentialing scripts for Canvas LMS are used to issue skill-specific badges which motivate the learner incrementally, while increasing self-efficacy. This …

A Framework Of Critical Success Factors For Implementation Of Industry 4.0 In Aerospace And Defense Industries, Lina Khan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The fourth industrial revolution, or Industry 4.0, is essential to the success of Aerospace and Defense (A&D) organizations as it showcases the ability to adapt, innovate, and remain competitive. Industry 4.0 technologies such as cyber-physical systems (CPS), big data, cognitive computing, smart factories, connected manufacturing, and the Internet of Things (IoT) focus on revolutionizing manufacturing through embedding digital and physical systems, with the goal to maximize the desired output(s) while using minimal resources. Although there are numerous advantages, there are challenges associated with implementation of these complex systems. This doctoral research investigates the critical factors needed for successful implementation of …

Characterizing Air Plasma Sprayed Aluminum Oxide Coatings For The Protection Of Structures In Lunar Environments, Perla Latorre Suarez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Wear-resistant ceramic and ceramic composite coatings are significant to provide durability and support long-duration missions to the moon's surface for rovers, landers, robotic systems, habitats, and many other components. On the Lunar surface, structural components are continuously exposed to lunar dust projectiles that can cause protective coating delamination around the affected area, of protective coatings and this may not be physically visible. Ceramic coatings, composed of alumina, present excellent resistance to different types of wear due to their high strength and hardness as well as the ability to protect structural components from regolith impacts, wear, and abrasive damage. Air Plasma …

Developing Cost-Effective Specialty Adsorbents To Meet The Emerging Challenges Of Pollutant Removal In Surface Water Systems, Diana Ordonez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The production of clean water is emphasized under the United Nations goals for sustainable development (SDGs), enlightening the acute need of developing new sustainable technologies in all disciplines. SDGs have urged all engineers in the 21st century to mitigate pollution of drinking water sources and prevent all receiving waterbodies from the impact of agriculture discharge, wastewater effluent, and stormwater runoff. Current water matrix constituents of concern include traditional pollutants (i.e., total nitrogen and total phosphate), natural organic matters (i.e., total organic carbon (TOC), tannic acid), heavy metals (i.e., copper, calcium), and harmful algae toxins (i.e., microcystin), as well as contaminants …

Design And Control Of A Dual Active Bridge Converter For Electric Vehicle (Ev) And Photovoltaic (Pv) Applications, Md Safayatullah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

With the growing concerns of climate change due to fossil fuel-based electricity generation, solar integration to the grid is swiftly increasing. However, the intermittency of solar power is a major obstacle to harness it efficiently. Energy storage system (ESS) with its declining price over the last few years is a viable solution to address this issue. Another source of greenhouse gas emission is fossil fuel-based transportation system which is likely to be replaced by electric vehicles (EVs) in near future. To match the driving range of EVs with the internal combustion engine-based vehicle, fast and extreme fast charging infrastructure in …

Leveraging Signal Transfer Characteristics And Parasitics Of Spintronic Circuits For Area And Energy-Optimized Hybrid Digital And Analog Arithmetic, Adrian Tatulian

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

While Internet of Things (IoT) sensors offer numerous benefits in diverse applications, they are limited by stringent constraints in energy, processing area and memory. These constraints are especially challenging within applications such as Compressive Sensing (CS) and Machine Learning (ML) via Deep Neural Networks (DNNs), which require dot product computations on large data sets. A solution to these challenges has been offered by the development of crossbar array architectures, enabled by recent advances in spintronic devices such as Magnetic Tunnel Junctions (MTJs). Crossbar arrays offer a compact, low-energy and in-memory approach to dot product computation in the analog domain by …

Modeling Individual Activity And Mobility Behavior And Assessing Ridesharing Impacts Using Emerging Data Sources, Jiechao Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Predicting individual mobility behavior is one of the major steps of transportation planning models. Accurate prediction of individual mobility behavior will be beneficial for transportation planning. Although previous studies have used different data sources to model individual mobility behaviors, they have several limitations such as the lack of complete mobility sequences and travel mode information, limiting our ability to accurately predict individual movements. In recent years, the emergence of GPS-based floating car data (FCD) and on-demand ride-hailing service platforms can provide innovative data sources to understand and model individual mobility behavior. Compared to the previously used data sources such as …

Optimizing Biomechanical Models: Estimation Of Muscle Tendon Parameters And Ankle Foot Orthosis Stiffness, Sepehr Ramezani

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The complexity of the human musculoskeletal system presents challenges in accurately identifying its characteristics, particularly due to the presence of redundant actuators on a single joint. Non-invasive measures are necessary to overcome these challenges. Optimization algorithms have emerged as a crucial tool to advance subject-specific musculoskeletal modeling allows a more realistic representation of biomechanical behaviors, enhancing our understanding of human movement and enabling better clinical decision-making. Furthermore, optimization algorithms play a vital role in customizing rehabilitation and assistive devices, such as orthoses and prostheses. The current ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) stiffness measurement methods require bulky, complex designs, and often permanent modification …

High-Efficieny Ultrafast Mid-Infrared Source For Strong Field Science, Fangjie Zhou

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The potential of high-energy sources within the mid-infrared region (3-8 μm) has garnered significant attention for diverse research and industrial applications. Millijoule pulses extending beyond 3 μm can facilitate the production of x-rays with photon energies in the keV range through high harmonic generation (HHG). These high-energy x-ray pulses enable the characterization of electron dynamics within molecules and condensed matter materials. Additionally, the atmospheric transmission window between 3-5 μm allows lasers within this spectral range to deliver energy efficiently to distant targets via optical filaments without divergence, highlighting promising prospects for defense applications. In contrast to laser amplifiers, which are …

Understanding Changes In Land Use Patterns At A Parcel Level In Central Florida Counties (Orange, Seminole, Osceola), Youssef Mohamed Abdelaziz Elsebaie

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

In Florida, a state with significant population growth, it is essential to understand how land use change and transportation interact. Understanding these interactions between land use and transport is useful for transportation planners and land use modelers. Hence, in this research, we attempt to quantify the impact of the transportation system on land use and vice-versa. The research, using high-resolution land use data from 2011 to 2019, builds a binary logistic regression model of land use change. The model accounts for various independent variables, including socio-demographic attributes, built environment characteristics, and transportation network variables. The data set covers GIS data …

A Holistic Work System Approach To Creating Flow During Transactional Work, Steven Clapp

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Psychological flow is a positive mental state where one is so fully concentrated in a challenging task that self-consciousness falls away, time seems to stand still, and the reward is the experience of meeting the challenge. Previous research on flow in the workplace has been performed on how to create conditions to promote its occurrence in workers, to describe its attendant individual and organizational benefits, and to measure it through self-reported means and physiologically. Such research has been focused on creative endeavors (such as the arts, sports, medicine, teaching), where individuals have high agency over the execution of activities needed …

Process Optimization And Characterization Of P-Type Copper Indium Oxide And Copper Chromium Oxide Transparent Conducting Thin Films And Its Applications, Fnu Sreeram Sundaresh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Transparent conducting oxides (TCO) are a unique class of compounds that combine the properties of being optically transparent but at the same time are electrically conductive. TCOs are used in a variety of applications such as transparent contacts for solar cells, electrochromic windows, low-e windows, optoelectronic devices, light-emitting diodes, optical displays, UV sensors, defrosting windows, etc. By controlling doping and by adjusting the donor/acceptor levels, the conductivity of TCOs can be tuned from insulating via semiconducting to conducting. Various properties of TCOs such as optical transparency, bandgap, and electrical conductivity can be controlled using the aforementioned process. This concept paved …

The Development Of Computational Models For Melting-Solidification Applications Using The Volume-Of-Fluid Method, Brendon Cavainolo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Fluids-related issues in the Aerospace industry are often multiphase in scope. Numerical modeling, such as computational fluid dynamics, is used to describe these problems, as they are difficult or impossible to describe analytically. This research uses computational fluid dynamics to describe multiphase problems related to melting-solidification and particle impingement. Firstly, a numerical model was established that uses the Volume-of-Fluid method to resolve a melting/solidifying particle. This model was verified against experiments and simplified analytical models, and a mesh independence study was done to ensure the results were independent of the mesh sizing. Next, the model was applied to two separate …

Time-Specific Safety Performance Functions For Different Advanced Traffic Management Strategies, Jingwan Fu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Time-specific Safety Performance Functions (SPFs) were proposed to achieve accurate and dynamic crash frequency predictions and bridge the gap between annual crash frequency prediction and real-time crash likelihood prediction. This research proposed time-specific SPFs considering the temporal variation in crashes and traffic characteristics. Firstly, the developed time-specific SPFs that include different ATM strategies (i.e., HOV, merge, diverge and reversible lanes segments) were investigated in this study. The results indicate that the traffic turbulence during specific hours would relate to crash occurrence. Further, the variables that represent the speed and occupancy differences between the HOV lanes/reversible lanes and general-purpose lanes were …

Nanostructured Alloy Thin Film Fabrication And Application For Zinc-Air Battery And Lithium-Ion Battery, Guanzhi Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

The depletion of unsustainable fossil fuels and growing environmental issues have given rise to scientific challenges and research interests in the development of renewable energy technologies to meet the rising global energy demand. Electrochemical energy storage and conversion technologies (ESCTs), such as lithium-ion batteries, metal-air batteries, supercapacitors, and fuel cells, etc., offer a clean and sustainable strategy for utilizing energy. As the core components, the electrode materials, including anodes, cathodes, and catalysts, play a direct decisive role in the device's performance in practical application. Therefore, the development of high-performance and low-cost electrode materials is critical for the success of these …

Comparing Phosphorus Removal Efficiencies And Mechanisms Via Two Cost-Effective Specialty Adsorbents In A Cascade Upflow Filtration System, Sydney Kilgus-Vesely

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Finding solutions to treat water that contains phosphorus is an important effort due to the harmful impacts it presents to both human health and the environment. Phosphorus is considered a limiting factor in water oftentimes and therefore controls the growth of algal bloom in a water body. The increase of algal populations due to wastewater effluent, stormwater runoff, and agricultural discharge in Florida waters has a direct link to the event of harmful algal blooms such as red tide in coastal regions, eutrophication of waterbodies, and fish kills. Finding low cost, energy efficient, and low maintenance green sorption media (GSM) …

Comparing Hydrogen Peroxide And Sodium Perborate Ultraviolet Advanced Oxidation Processes For 1,4-Dioxane Removal From Wastewater Effluent, Tulsi Shukla

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Ultraviolet advanced oxidation processes were compared using sodium perborate (UV/NaBO3 AOP) or hydrogen peroxide (UV/H2O2 AOP) for 1,4-dioxane removal from tertiary wastewater effluent. Both UV/H2O2 and UV/NaBO3 AOPs were also tested with the addition of acetic acid. Results revealed that sodium perborate performed similarly to hydrogen peroxide – the UV/NaBO3 AOP with 6 milligrams per liter (mg/L) as H2O2 resulted in 43.9 percent 1,4-dioxane removal, while an equivalent UV/H2O2 AOP showed 42.8 percent removal. Although the oxidants performed similarly, NaBO3 is an average of 3.3 times more expensive than H2O2. However, the solid form of NaBO3 can provide a major …

A Numerical Analysis Of Shock Angles From Inward Turning Axisymmetric Flows, William L. Hilal

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Detonation-based propulsion systems are known for their high efficiency and energy release when compared to deflagrative systems, making them an ideal candidate in hypersonic propulsion applications. One such engine is the Oblique Detonation Wave (ODW) engine, which has a similar architecture to traditional scramjets but shortens the combustor and isolator to an anchored ODW after fuel injection.

Previous research has focused on using a two-dimensional wedge to induce an ODW while limiting total losses through the combustor. In this configuration, a two-dimensional wedge-based architecture entails a rectangular duct, limiting potential inlet design and increasing overall skin friction. However, an inward-turning …

Globally Distributed Teams: The Between-Team Barriers That Impede The Successful Delivery Of Agile Software Development, Ben Park

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Software development projects fail far too often, costing companies billions in revenue, loss of the intended purpose and damage to both customers and suppliers in the process (A. Shenhar & V. Holzmann, 2017a). Understanding the challenge of ever-failing globally distributed software development projects is the goal and research conducted in this dissertation. The vision guiding the direction of this research is "What are the betweenteam barriers that impede the successful delivery of Agile software development in Globally Distributed Teams?" Through the literature review, a model was created and refined. A Mixed-Method Sequentially Replicated Case Study Research was performed to determine …

Structural Transformations In Photo-Thermo-Refractive Glass For Hologram Recording, Roberto Alejandro Alvarez Aguirre

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This dissertation focuses on the structural transformations in photo-thermo-refractive (PTR) glass that enable recording phase holograms for efficient transformation of optical beams and high resolution spectroscopy. PTR glass is a multicomponent silicate matrix doped with Ce, Ag, Sn and Sb. It is a holographic phase medium with the ability of permanent refractive index change after UV exposure and thermal development above 500°C due to the precipitation of a NaF crystalline phase. Electronic processes are studied by analyzing the structure of absorption and luminescence bands of PTR glass matrix and its dopants. We analyze the structural transformations in PTR glass from …