Engineering Commons^™

Ceria Nanostructured Catalysts For Conversion Of Methanol And Carbon Dioxide To Dimethyl Carbonate, Jawad Hassan A Al Drwish

Masters Theses

"In this study, three different shapes of ceria (CeO₂) nanostructures (e.g., nanooctahedra, nanocubes and nanorods) were synthesized via the hydrothermal method and screened for carbonylation reaction. Of these three shapes of nanostructures, the nanorod was doped with metals such as Ca, Ni, Cu, and Co by wet impregnation method. All materials were characterized by XRD, NH₃/CO₂-TPD, XRF, FTIR and N₂ physorption to determine the crystal size and phases, acid-base properties, metal loading, and surface properties. The obtained materials were employed as catalysts for the activation of Carbon Dioxide (CO₂) and methanol …

Bifunctional Porous Polymeric Fiber As A Catalyst For N-Phenylglycine Synthesis And Carbonation Of Propylene Oxide To Propylene Carbonate, Ahmed Abdulghani Almuslem

Masters Theses

"In this study, development of a polymeric bi-functional porous catalyst that can be used in various applications such as batch, packed-bed, and continuous flow reactors and the formation of highly important chemicals that have many applications in the industry. With this material many homogenous reactions can be conducted in heterogeneous environment which is more efficient and profitable. The catalyst was formed by grafting hollow fiber with APS then immobilized with Br using 1,2-dibromoprobane (Br/APS/PAI-HFs). The formed catalyst was tested with BET and FTIR to confirm the immobilization of Br. A porous polymeric material Br/APS/PAI-HFs provides the ability for ring opining …

Cyclic Axial Compression Behavior Of Concrete-Filled Hybrid Large Rupture Strain Frp Tubes, Monika Nain

Masters Theses

"This study introduces an experimental investigation of the behavior of concrete filled fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tubes (CFFTs) under cyclic axial compression. The FRP used in this study were either small rupture strain FRP (SRS-FRP) or large rupture strain FRP (LRS-FRP). This paper also presents the first-ever experimental study on the behavior of concrete confined using hybrid LRS-FRP and SRS-FRP. LRS-FRP included PEN (polyethylene napthalate) and PET (polyethylene terephthalate) where both of them having ultimate axial strain larger than 5%, and low stiffness. SRP-FRP included carbon and glass FRP having small rupture strains, smaller than 2%, and high stiffness. The …

Fluid Flow In A Krogh Cylinder: A Model For A Single Capillary And Surrounding Tissue, Xianjie Qiu

Masters Theses

"A model describing the flow of plasma from the capillaries to the interstitial space in the extravascular tissue and back into the capillaries is constructed and solved. The flow through the tissue or the interstitial spaces is described by the Brinkman equation for porous medium, modified to account for the presence of cells considered as spheres. The flow of blood through the capillaries is considered to be that of a Newtonian fluid. The flow between capillary and tissue is coupled by the permeability of the capillary wall. The nature of flow and its magnitude was found to be highly dependent …

An Investigation Of The Economic Order Quantity Model With Quantity Discounts Under An Environmental Objective, Tiffanie Marie Toles

Masters Theses

"In a sustainable supply chain, retailers are the direct link between customers and products. Retailers play an important role by relaying feedback such as customer satisfaction, inventory improvement, or product improvement to the other key players in a supply chain. Their overall goal is to reduce supply chain costs, such as the cost of ordering product, transporting product, or holding product in inventory. Other costs associated in a supply chain can include environmental and operations costs. It is important to consider these costs due to the impact environmental operations play in the role of how sustainable a supply chain can …

Corrosion Performance Of Zirconium-Based Passivations On Electroplated Zinc Nickel, Madison Morgan Reed

Masters Theses

“Performance requirements for Department of Defense (DoD) electrical components include corrosion and electrical contact resistance. Historically, electroplated cadmium with a chromate conversion coating (CrCC) has been used to meet corrosion and contact resistance standards. However, replacements are needed for these materials because they are toxic and carcinogenic. Electroplated γ-ZnNi has been identified as an acceptable alternative to Cd. This study evaluated commercially available Zr-based thin films and sealers as passivations for potential replacement of CrCCs. Ten different passivations were tested and compared with bare γ-ZnNi. X-Bond and Zircobond passivations were found to provide some improvement to the bare ZnNi corrosion …

Epithelium Detection And Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Classification In Digitized Histology Images, Sri Venkata Ravitej Addanki

Masters Theses

“Cervical cancer is one of the most deadly cancers faced by women. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women aged 20 to 39 years. In order to detect cancer at early stages, pathologists analyze the epithelium region from the cervical histology images. These histology images have a pre-cervical cancer condition called cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) determined by pathologists. This study deals with automating the process of epithelium detection and epithelium CIN classification in digitized histology images. For epithelium detection, the objective is to detect epithelium regions in microscopy images from non-epithelium regions and background. convolutional neural …

Characterization Of Free-Radical Solution Polymerizations Of Acrylamide Initiated By Persulfate Initiator Systems, Yashu Chen

Masters Theses

”In order to reduce the water production and improve the oil recovery of mature reservoir, various conformance control technologies have been extensively developed. Preformed particle gel (PPG), a cost-effective plugging agent, has been successfully applied to block the high permeability zone and thus to displace the water to up-swept zone.

A common PPG based on polyacrylamide hydrogel have been wildly used. Identifying the parameters that affect gelation performance and understand how these parameters affect the performance is very useful to predict and manipulate the gelation time and to control the performance of gels.

The objective of this research is to …

Numerical And Experimental Analysis Of Local Buckling Of Axially Loaded Steel Tubes Confined By Concrete And Frp, Nicholas Colbert

Masters Theses

“The hollow core Fiber-Reinforced-Polymer (FRP) concrete circular-steel (HC-FCS) column consists of an outer circular fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) tube, an inner thin-walled circular steel tube concentrically aligned, and a concrete shell between them. Research has been performed on the performance of the member as a whole, but to date, there has been no investigation into the behavior of the steel tube confined in the column. 17 small-scale columns were tested under axisymmetric axial compressions applied directly to the steel tube under displacement control. The conducted parametric study examined the effects of diameter-to-thickness (D/t) ratio, concrete unconfined compressive strength, FRP thickness, …

Thermal Curing Efficiency Of Geopolymer Mortars, Simon Peter Sargon

Masters Theses

”Missouri is the fourth largest coal consumer in the U.S. with coal-fired power plants generate 81.3% of the electricity in the state which generate about 2.7 million tons of coal combustion residuals (CCRs) annually. The CCR, including fly ash, disposal issue is not limited to Missouri, rather it is a national issue with CCRs being the second largest waste stream in the U.S. Ninety million tons of fly ash are stored in landfills and ash ponds annually. Hence, using this waste product effectively is necessary. One of the emerging applications of fly ash is to use it as binder in …

Multiscale Approaches Toward Advanced Lithium-Ion Battery: From Nano To Meso Scale, Susmita Sarkar

Masters Theses

“Battery performance and its degradation are determined by various aspects such as the transport of ions and electrons through heterogeneous internal structures composed of constituent particles, kinetic reactions at the interfaces, and a corresponding interplay between mechanical, chemical, and thermal responses. Further, modern battery materials require a variety of engineering processes such as coating, doping and mixing. As a result, in order to fully understand the behavior of the battery material and improve battery performance, it is necessary to understand and control the individual particle behavior and then connect it to the electrode. This study elucidated the physical phenomena associated …

Laser-Aided Additive Manufacturing Of Glass, John Michael Hostetler

Masters Theses

“This thesis presents various approaches for the laser-aided additive manufacturing of glass. First, a technique is investigated to create free-form, low to zero coefficient of thermal expansion structures out of silica-gel. A CO₂ laser was coupled through a gantry system and focused onto a binder-free silica-gel powder bed (15-40 μm particles). Prior to writing each layer, powder is dispensed by sifting it onto the build platform as opposed to a conventional wiper system, avoiding contacting and potentially damaging sensitive parts. After deposition, the parts are annealed in a furnace to increase their strength. The influence of various process parameters …

Monobore Completion Design: Classification, Applications, Benefits And Limitations, Anwar Khaled Al-Fadhli

Masters Theses

"A monobore completion is a simple completion design that uses the same internal diameter from the bottom of the well to surface. This may be accomplished by cementing a string of casing in a well, or by having tubing stabbed into a polished bore receptacle on a casing liner the same size as the tubing. Monobore completions have been applied extensively in oil and gas fields around the world, both onshore and offshore, from very low reservoir flow to extremely high production rates, since the late 1980s. They have proven beneficial due to their simplicity and cost savings. This study …

Data Analysis Of Low-Salinity Waterflooding To Enhance The Oil Recovery In Sandstone Reservoirs, Nadia Ariani

Masters Theses

"The lack of a single reasonable general mechanism to describe how low-salinity waterflooding can improve oil recovery in both laboratory and field pilot projects has increased the interests of many researchers and stakeholders. There has not been observed the relationship of formation brine salinity and injected brine salinity to see how much salinity is reduced to produce the maximum enhanced oil recovery by LSWF. There is no guidance in what EOR stage the LSWF is best implemented. This work collects data from various published literature to develop a comprehensive data set regarding low-salinity waterflooding in sandstone reservoirs. The LSWF mechanisms …

New Wellbore-Integrity Classification For Gas Migration Problems And New Cement Formulations Using Graphene Nano Platelets To Prevent Gas Migration Through Cement, Mohammed Mousa M. Alkhamis

Masters Theses

"Gas migration, one of the primary problems related to the integrity of oil wells, is caused by cement failures. Gas migration can result in costly well repairs and may endanger personal, equipment, and result in severe operational difficulties and environmental issues. The ultimate objectives of this research were to provide a comprehensive review of the problem and to provide a solution to the problem using Graphene Nano Platelets (GNPs).

An intensive review was performed to understand the cement failures. The reasons behind these failures were analyzed and classified with respect to their locations in the wellbore. Recommendations and potential solutions …

A Novel Power Integrity Modeling Method Based On Plane Pair Peec, Siqi Bai

Masters Theses

"A low impedance power distribution network (PDN) is essential for high frequency integrated circuits. A novel modeling mothed, i.e. the plane pair PEEC method is proposed in this thesis to model the PDN of the multi-layered printed circuit board. The modeling results agrees favorably with full wave simulation and measurement. A PDN tool is develop based on this method"--Abstract, page iii.

Facile Synthesis Of Nanostructured Metal Borides And Composites For Applications In Sustainable Energy, Maalavan Arivu

Masters Theses

"Electrocatalytic water splitting is a promising solution for sustainable energy generation since one of the half reactions lead to the formation of H₂ which is a clean fuel. The other half of the reaction leading to O₂ evolution is an energy intensive process necessitating the need for an electrocatalyst to break the activation barrier for the commencement of the reaction. In this work we will focus on expanding the family of non-oxidic OER electro-catalysts, especially borides, whereby, apart from facilitating delocalization of electron cloud on the catalytically active transition metal site, low anion electronegativity and increased covalency in …

Thermal Analysis And Control Of Small Satellites In Low Earth Orbit, Katelyn Elizabeth Boushon

Masters Theses

"Small satellites are becoming more popular in the space sector, primarily due to their lower cost and shorter development time. Much of the information available about satellite thermal analysis and control refers to larger spacecraft. Sorting through this information to find the practices specifically applicable for small satellites can be a daunting task, particularly for inexperienced engineers. This thesis study is intended to inform the reader about basic thermal control and analysis methods that relate specifically to small satellites in low Earth orbit. A case study involving a satellite designed by the Missouri University of Science and Technology Satellite Research …

De-Embedding Method Comparisons And Physics Based Circuit Model For High Frequency D-Probe, Yuan Chen

Masters Theses

"In section 1, the procedures of 1X-Reflect smart fixture de-embedding (SFD), 1-port auto fixture removal (AFR), and 2X-Thru SFD are compared from various perspectives: test fixture design, the de-embedding procedure, and de-embedded results. The accuracy of fixture characterization and the de-embedded result is the key figure of merit (FOM) in each de-embedding method. Full wave models are built to evaluate the FOM of the three methods, by comparing the scattering parameters (S-parameters) and time domain reflectometer (TDR). A test coupon for measuring USB-C cables is adopted to serve as a manufactured validation purpose.

In section 2, a physics-based circuit model …

Bioaccessibility Of Lead From Contaminated Soil Using Phosphate Treatment -- Physiologically Based Extraction Test And In Vitro Gastrointestinal Method Test, Austin Charles Doss

Masters Theses

"Phosphate treatments are used to immobilize lead in soil by forming pyromorphite. Soil from Bonne Terre, Mo was collected to study whether such treatment decreases the bioaccessibility of lead. The soil was treated using 0.5 soil wt% of phosphate. Treatments were: none, phosphoric acid, triple super phosphate, and organic bone meal. Each sample was studied after one, four, sixteen, and twenty weeks; during this time span, water was added approximating the average rainfall rate. Percolated water was collected to test the leached phosphate concentrations. Phosphate was below the detection limit in that leachate. Remediated soil samples were used in Physiologically …

An Integrated Method For Understanding The Fluid Flow Behavior And Forecasting Well Deliverability In Gas Condensate Reservoirs With Water Aquifer Drive, Abdulaziz Mustafa Em. Ellafi

Masters Theses

"Gas condensate reservoirs constitute a significant portion of global hydrocarbon reserves. In these reservoirs, as bottomhole pressure falls below the dew point, liquid develops in the pore space. This results in the formation of a liquid bank near the wellbore region that decreases gas mobility, which then reduces gas inflow. Some gas condensate reservoirs have bottom aquifer drive, which also negatively impacts gas production. This research used a field case study to demonstrate an integrated workflow for forecasting well deliverability in a gas condensate field in Libya. The workflow began with the interpretation of open-hole log data to identify the …

Computational Intelligence Methods For Predicting Fetal Outcomes From Heart Rate Patterns, Vinayaka Nagendra Harikishan Gude Divya Sampath

Masters Theses

"In this thesis, methods for evaluating the fetal state are compared to make predictions based on Cardiotocography (CTG) data. The first part of this research is the development of an algorithm to extract features from the CTG data. A feature extraction algorithm is presented that is capable of extracting most of the features in the SISPORTO software package as well as late and variable decelerations. The resulting features are used for classification based on both U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) categories and umbilical cord pH data. The first experiment uses the features to classify the results into three different …

Battery Optimization In Microgrids Using Markov Decision Process Integrated With Load And Solar Forecasting, Prateek Jain

Masters Theses

"Rising climatic concerns call for unconventional/renewable energy sources which reduce the carbon footprint. Microgrids that integrate a variety of renewable energy resources play a key role in utilizing these energy resources in a more efficient and environmentally friendly manner. Battery systems effectively help to utilize these energy resources more efficiently. This research work presents a framework based on Markov Decision Process (MDP) integrated with load and solar forecasting to derive an optimal charging/discharging action of Battery with rolling horizon implementation. The load forecasting regression models are discussed and developed. Also, various solar forecasting models like clear sky, multi-regression and Non-Linear …

Examination Of Shear Friction Design Provisions, Nikkolas J. Edgmond

Masters Theses

"This thesis reports the results of research conducted to establish a state-of-the-art database of shear-friction studies to be turned over to ACI Committee 445-0D as a living document, utilize a subset of the established database to examine the effectiveness of the ACI 318 Code (2014), PCI Design Handbook (2010), AASHTO LRFD Bridge Design Specification (2016) and CSA A23.3 Design of Concrete Structures Standard (2014) provisions to predict shear transfer strength, and examine the effective coefficient of friction (µ_e) approach allowed in the PCI Design Handbook (2010).The shear friction design concept is applicable in conditions where direct shear must …

Effect Of Variation Of Parameters On Biogas Production Using Aspen Plus & Dynamic Simulation Using Mimic, Shruti Shrikant Karambelkar

Masters Theses

"Design and management for Biogas production have gained significance in growing dependency on Renewable energy resources. This would need a detailed information on steady state and dynamic behavior of systems. In order to make this process environmentally ecofriendly, its needs a lot of improvisation on process simulation. Anaerobic digestion helps treat this inefficient water to be converted into water fit for effluent purposes.

Byproducts contain consists of organic, inorganic and wastes which lead to a high COD content and thus, cannot be discarded into the outlets. The anaerobic digestion process. A study of these effects with simulation need to be …

Recycling Effect In Expanded Granular Sludge Bed Reactor And Implementation Of Six Sigma In A Methane Generation Process, Manohar Manchenahalli Shivashankaraiah

Masters Theses

"Brewery industries are the largest consumers of water among several production industries. Despite consuming these huge amounts of water and electricity, they generate by-products that are harmful to the environment. These by-products contain organic, inorganic, and solid wastes with high chemical oxygen demand (COD) strength. The anaerobic digestion (AD) process plays an important role in treating this wastewater. This study investigates the design and development of an expanded granular sludge bed reactor (EGSB) effluent recirculation, which can achieve high COD removal efficiency of the wastewater and enhance the efficiency of generating biogas with high yields and increases in the concentration …

Nonlinear Finite Element Analysis Of Concrete Columns Subjected To Complex Loading, Adam Christopher Morgan

Masters Theses

"This study details the development and implementation of a finite element model within a commercial finite element code, Abaqus CAE, for the analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns containing interlocking spirals subjected to combined loading conditions including axial, shear, bending, and torsional loads, including the post-peak response. The model is a first of its kind attempt at simulating the response of RC columns with continuous spiral transverse reinforcement and subjected to combined loading conditions including torsion. The model is utilized to determine the quasi-static load-deformation response under various proportions of the input loads and displacements. The resulting quasi-static load-deformations, …

Characterization Of Ionic Liquid Monopropellants For A Multi-Mode Propulsion System, Alex J. Mundahl

Masters Theses

"Multi-mode micropropulsion is a potential game-changing technology enabling rapidly composable small satellites with unprecedented mission flexibility. Maximum mission flexibility requires one shared propellant between the chemical and electric systems. A deep eutectic 1:2 molar ratio mixture of choline-nitrate and glycerol ([Cho][NO₃] - glycerol) is investigated as a fuel component in a binary mixture propellant for such a multi-mode micropropulsion. Specifically, binary mixtures of the novel ionic liquid fuel with hydroxyl-ammonium nitrate (HAN) and ammonium nitrate (AN) are considered and compared against the previously investigated propellant [Emim][EtSO₄]-HAN. Chemical rocket performance simulations predict this new propellant to have …

Transmission Line Inspection Using Suspended Robot: Cost Effective Analysis And Operational Routing Identification, Balaji Rathinam Nagarajan

Masters Theses

"High voltage transmission lines form a crucial part of the energy infrastructure of a country. Effective maintenance is required to maintain its reliability and reduce the probability of the occurrence of the outage. Conventionally, the routine inspection of the transmission line was conducted by linemen with the assistance of hot stick and helicopter, which is considered dangerous, time-consuming, and expensive.

In this thesis, we focus on the initial study of seeking the state of the art robotics technology to by largely replace human beings in transmission line inspection. The existing robotics technologies that are interested by utility companies, as well …

Cellulose And Sulfate Degradation In A Biochemical Reactor During Treatment Of Mine Drainage, Sweta Ojha

Masters Theses

"Seventy-two biochemical reactors were set up, and operated using a mixture of chip-bark, horse manure, and gravel as the biochemical treatment substrate. The simulated mine water containing sulfate (1000 mg/l) was pumped into each reactor at a flow rate of 0.5 ml/minute (approximate), giving an empty bed contact time of 8 days. The main idea is that the microorganisms present in horse manure would convert the cellulose in chip-bark into volatile fatty acids. The produced volatile fatty acid would enhance the metabolism of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB) initially present in horse manure, which would degrade (and eventually remove) the sulfate from …