Engineering Commons^™

Development And Evaluation Of Reactor Physics Transient Benchmarks For Molten Salt Reactors Based On The Molten Salt Reactor Experiment, Mohamed H. Elhareef

Theses and Dissertations

Molten salt reactors (MSRs) are a promising class of advanced nuclear reactors selected as

one of the generation IV reactors. This class of reactors employs a unique design, where fissile

material is dissolved in a molten salt mixture, serving as fuel and coolant of the reactor. The design

features high-temperature low-pressure operation and efficient heat transfer capability, which

leads to significant improvements in reactor thermal efficiency, safety, and waste management.

However, MSRs also have complex phenomena not observed in conventional reactors, such as

fission product transport in the circulating fuel loop. These phenomena impact neutron distribution

and reactivity feedback mechanisms …

Borophene And Graphene For Non-Enzymatic Biosensor- Ab-Initio Study, Omar A. Ismail

Theses and Dissertations

Non-enzymatic glucose sensing holds promise to overcome limitations associated with glucose oxidase, such as oxygen dependence and short shelf life. This study explores the potential sensing capabilities of borophene and graphene through direct interaction with various compounds, including β-glucose, uric acid, ascorbic acid, fructose, and acetaminophen. Using Density Functional Theory (DFT), we calculated binding energies and the respective Density of States (DOS) for these adsorbates on both graphene and borophene surfaces. Preliminary results suggest that borophene might exhibit nearly twice the affinity for β-glucose compared to graphene. Moreover, the calculated Density of States reveals distinct distortions in the electronic states …

Advancing Polymer Sustainability Through Custom Interpenetrating Polymer Network Synthesis, Processing, And Design, Alexandra Maria Lehman-Chong

Theses and Dissertations

The need for improving polymer sustainability is as ubiquitous as the role of polymers in modern society. Interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) design flexibility offers opportunities for improved polymer sustainability while balancing desired polymer properties for various applications. This work investigates the structure-property-processing relationships of IPNs judiciously designed under the framework of the polymer life cycle. Sustainable polymer design was largely considered at the feedstock and manufacturing stages while considering overall polymer performance. Chemicals from bio-based feedstocks were used to design a full simultaneous polybenzoxazine-epoxy IPN, focusing on the effects of monomer and polymer structure on polymer properties. Processing-property relationships were …

Fabrication & Characterization Of Hybrid Piezoelectric/Triboelectric Nanocomposite Nanogenerators Via Fusion Deposition Modeling, Khaled El Toukhy

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis aims to discuss the potential of using piezoelectric and triboelectric nanogenerators (PTENGs) for energy harvesting, particularly in the sportswear industry. PTENG's main advantage is that it offers good flexibility making it suitable for high-strain applications. The piezoelectric effect is induced by embedding piezoelectric nanofillers into one of the two triboelectric layers. PTENGs can generate both piezoelectric and triboelectric signals when strained resulting in an enhanced output compared to regular piezoelectric nanogenerators (PENGs) and triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs). TPU was adopted as the matrix for PTENGs advantageous due to their flexibility, low electrical resistivity, and compatibility with additive manufacturing techniques. …

A Systems Approach To Process Design And Sustainability - Synergy Via Pollution Prevention, Control, And Source Reduction, Emmanuel Apau Aboagye

Theses and Dissertations

Historically, process design prioritized efficiency and profitability, often overlooking environmental and societal implications. However, given the global challenges like climate change and resource scarcity, there is a growing emphasis on embedding sustainability into process design. Adopting a systems-oriented approach provides a comprehensive view, spanning from raw material acquisition to end-of-life product management. Such an approach not only identifies potential sustainability challenges but ensures that solutions foster both environmental responsibility and economic viability. In this study, a comprehensive framework for designing industrial systems is introduced, aiming to encompass the entire lifecycle impacts of chemical processes. The research initially delves into two …

An Advanced Sensor Network To Calculate Net Unit Heat Rate Of A Coal-Fired Boiler In Real-Time For Use In Dynamic Optimization, Keane Christopher Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

Dynamic operation of dispatchable energy sources is crucial for enabling the efficient integration of intermittent renewable energy into the electricity grid. Coal-fired boilers have been required to increase transient operation as renewable energy expands in order to avoid excess renewable energy going to waste. The frequent transient operation required to meet residual energy demand has created a challenge for coal-fired units to operate efficiently. This work utilizes an Advanced Sensor Network (ASN) to calculate Net Unit Heat Rate (NUHR) of a coal-fired boiler in real time through combustion calculations and statistical correlations to provide the tools for optimizing dynamic operation. …

Optimal Method To Obtain Soil Strength Properties In Sands For Laterally Loaded Pile Analysis In Lpile, Troy Roger Washburn

Theses and Dissertations

One common software program developed for analyzing single laterally loaded piles is called LPILE. Soil properties are required as input into LPILE. For sands, the soil properties required are effective soil unit weight, γ’; subgrade modulus, k; and the internal friction angle, ϕ’. There are two commonly used methods to obtain ϕ’ and subsequently k: the API method and Bolton method. Fourteen different pile test sites were used in the analysis of the API and Bolton methods to obtain soil strength properties in sands for laterally loaded single pile tests. Between the fourteen pile test sites, a total of 26 …

Characterization Of Friction At The Tool/Material Interface In Friction Stir Welding, Bryan Gonzalo Ramos Gonzales

Theses and Dissertations

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) process development is very costly, and it is still experimental. A predictive model would optimize the weld by changing parameters and obtaining results that reflect the physical process. Friction is the primary adjustable parameter in FSW modeling. Currently, friction model selection is not physic-based. It is based on what is available and contributes to the best fit between the model and experimental data. The research objective is to characterize the interface tool/base material by studying the effect of tool friction coefficient and thermal properties. This is accomplished by changing welding parameters such as force, rpm, and …

Motives And Methodologies For Improving 3d Displays, Dylan Charles Barton

Theses and Dissertations

This work contains two key contributions to the development of 3D displays. First a successful exploratory human trial research study. By comparing multiple real displays in human trials, the factors of ease of use, time, and accuracy were able to be examined in a general setting, instead of isolated to only a specific type of 3D display. These human tests showed that 3D displays in general offer better ease of use and accuracy compared to 2D displays when showing 3D media. This differs from previous studies where only a single display was examined or theoretical papers discussing factors on paper. …

Optimal Control Of Ion Exchange Process For Chromate Removal And Protein A Chromatography For Antibody Extraction, Fadi Ghanem

Theses and Dissertations

Ion exchange resins are widely used in the extraction of hazardous chemicals as well as the recovery of precious molecules. Therefore, an early breakthrough from the resin system can lead to toxic compounds affecting the drinking water quality or inefficient use of costly resins. Hence, accurate modeling of the ion exchange process and control strategy can enable decisions that assist in avoiding leakage when facing fluctuations in the inlet contaminant concentrations. In this work, the ion exchange process is modeled via the method of moments where the system uncertainties are captured via stochastic modeling using Ito processes. The flow rate …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Flexible Microelectrode Arrays On Kapton Polyimide For Implantable Spinal Cord Stimulation Applications, Nabil Jamhour

Theses and Dissertations

Recent advances in spinal cord stimulation (SCS) technology have made a significant impact in the treatment of chronic pain which is a prevalent issue amongst 20% of the population in developed nations. A few medical device manufactures have developed SCS devices that have been studied in clinical environments and reported to be effective and safe for commercial use. However, the current SCS devices available are bulky, rigid, and still present infection, fibrosis, discomfort, pulse delivery challenges and other concerns for patients. In this study, flexible electrodes processed on Kapton® polyimide films by physical vapor and inkjet deposition are fabricated and …

Route Condition Estimation By Video Data Analysis, Sharafat Hossain

Theses and Dissertations

Catastrophic natural disasters have an impact on millions of individuals each year, whether directly or indirectly. A successful rescue operation can save a great deal of lives in the post-disaster phase, but researchers are still facing difficulties in carrying this out. Even while they are in peril, today's people frequently post updates about their whereabouts on well-known social media platforms, sometimes even asking for help. A prompt and appropriate response to these catastrophic events depends on developing an efficient and automated approach capable of retrieving real-time data from impacted locations and extracting essential elements. The research focuses on predicting flood …

Dam Failure And Incident Investigations, Nathaniel Gee

Theses and Dissertations

There are multiple dam failures and dam safety incidents every year in the United States. There are currently no standard policy requirements for when or how to conduct failure or incident investigations. This paper first reviews one of the most significant failures in US history, the failure of Buffalo Creek Dam No. 3 in order to explore the impacts of one significant failure on dam safety policy in the US. The paper then explores the currents state of the industry by reviewing 58 different dam failure or incident investigation reports based on incidents that occurred in the United States from …

Development Of Battery-Grade Silicon Through Magnesiothermic Reduction Of Halloysite-Derived Silica, Nathan Clarke

Theses and Dissertations

The production of halloysite-derived silicon (HDS) is investigated as a potential anode material in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). Other researchers have found HDS to be electrochemically active in small test cells. To test larger electrochemical cells, the production process needs to be scaled up and optimized. HDS is produced through magnesiothermic reduction of acid-etched halloysite. The reduction process is very exothermic and requires special consideration while being scaled up. A reactor and pressure release system were designed and fabricated to perform the reduction process in a safe manner. Various steps of the process were tested to determine their influence on the …

Void Formation And Mortality During Liquid Composite Molding, Jared Michael Turner

Theses and Dissertations

Within the high-performance composite manufacturing industry, there exists a need to improve the reliability of LCM (Liquid Composite Molding) manufacturing processes in producing composite parts that better approach the quality and consistency of pre-impregnated composite tapes that are cured in autoclaves with cost being a driving factor of this need. One obstacle to that end is the phenomenon of void formation during the LCM infusion processes. The formation of these voids through different mechanisms leads to composite parts with lower mechanical properties and consistency than their pre-impregnated autoclave cure counterparts. The objective of this research is to investigate the different …

Pullout Strength Of Welded Wire And Ribbed Strip Reinforcement In Lightweight Cellular Concrete Backfill Behind Mechanically Stabilized Earth Wall, Mathew Robert Bueckers

Theses and Dissertations

Lightweight cellular concrete (LCC) is a cement, water, and air entrained mixture that consists of 25-80% voids. The air voids reduce the material strength but also decrease the material weight. Due to its lightweight properties LCC is an attractive alternative to soil backfill for retained structures, such as mechanically stabilized earth (MSE) walls. Although LCC is widely used behind MSE walls, limited information exists regarding the pullout strength of MSE wall reinforcements in LCC backfill. This research attempts to fill the knowledge gap through performing pullout tests on welded wire and ribbed strip reinforcements in MSE walls to determine the …

Design And Fabrication Of Transparent Ultrasonic Transducers For Optoelectronic Applications, Stephen Colby Warren

Theses and Dissertations

Acoustic levitation utilizes general principles of ultrasonics to trap particles in midair without external support. This is done by creating an array of ultrasonic transducers to propagate sound waves to a focused point in space. In order to optimize the particle trap it is necessary to design transducers that can produce enough sound to create pressure pockets. In this work I examine the fundamental principles of acoustics by testing the sound pressure levels (SPL) of a known transducer in both air and water mediums. A comparison between domed and bimorphed transducers are also examined. Experimentation was performed on the feasibility …

Lcc Mse Walls, Joel Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Lightweight cellular concrete (LCC) is mainly a mixture of water, cement, and foam bubbles. LCC generally has a cast density between 20-60 pcf and an air content between 49-84%. LCC is often used as a fill material because it has a low unit weight which reduces settlement. LCC is increasingly being considered as a backfill behind Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls and embankments. Although engineers are using LCC in MSE walls or free face walls (MSE wall without the concrete panels or reinforcements), there is presently a lack of information regarding the performance and behavior of LCC to guide them. …

Evaluation Of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Flight Parameters That Impact Stockpile Volume Computations, Nicole Marie Hastings

Theses and Dissertations

Stockpile volumes are monitored by their companies as the product (i.e., aggregate, soil) is moved in and out of the facilities to ensure minimal product loss. Companies are mandated to report product movement to the government to ensure that the aggregate and soil is going where it is supposed to go. Many tools are used to monitor stockpile volumes including truck scales (to weigh incoming and outgoing trucks), light detection and ranging (LiDAR), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) equipment, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) photogrammetry. These processes give a good estimate of stockpile volumes. Errors in these estimates typically come …

A Tunable System For High Frequency Bioimpedance Plethysmography, Daniel H. Tebbs

Theses and Dissertations

Bioimpedance measurements are useful for determining a variety of biological conditions. By accounting for small impedance variations due to the arterial pulse, the effect of the blood can be studied more closely. The quasi-circulator system presented enables monitoring of pulsatile impedance changes with input frequencies above 1 MHz. The adjustable Rmatch allows for dynamic tuning of the system to increase sensitivity. By tuning Rmatch to be near the match point, the pulsatile signal in the output magnitude can be amplified, and tuning Rmatch to be at the match point causes the pulsatile signal in the output phase to be amplified. …

Combined Design And Dispatch Optimization For Nuclear-Renewable Hybrid Energy Systems, Daniel Clyde Hill

Theses and Dissertations

Reliable, affordable access to electrical power is a requirement for almost all aspects of developed societies. Challenges associated with reducing carbon emissions has led to growing interest in nuclear-renewable hybrid energy systems (N-RHES). Much work has already been done in suggesting and analyzing various N-RHES using a variety of optimization techniques and assumptions. This work builds upon previous techniques for simultaneous combined design and dispatch optimization (CDDO) for hybrid energy systems (HES). The first contribution of this work is the development and application of sensitivity analysis tailored to the combined design and dispatch optimization problem. This sensitivity analysis cover uncertainty …

Simulating Incident Management Team Response And Performance, Daniel Jarvis

Theses and Dissertations

The effectiveness of Incident Management Teams (IMT) in reducing the duration and impact of traffic incidents is well-documented. The capacity of large-scale simulation models to illustrate the negative effects of these incidents on vehicle delays and excess user costs (EUC) is also widely recognized. However, there is a gap in research integrating large-scale simulation modeling with IMT performance analysis. This study uses the Multi-Agent Transport Simulation (MATSim) framework to simulate the impact of incidents and evaluate the performance of IMT across the regional network of Utah's Wasatch Front, analyzing their operation in various hypothetical situations. Our findings validate the role …

Development Of An Automated Delivery System To Apply Copper Sulfate Crystals Using Precision Dry Fertilizer Application Technology, Kevin Charles Wise

Theses and Dissertations

The digenetic trematode, Bolbophorus damnificus, poses a substantial threat to catfish aquaculture, causing significant economic losses. Infestations lead to suppressed feed consumption, secondary bacterial infections and poor production performance. Survey data reveals widespread infestation in the in the southeastern United States. Current control strategies involve the application of a concentrated copper sulfate solution to reduce snail populations which serve as the first intermediate host of the trematode life cycle. This study aimed to improve treatment efficacy by developing a granular copper sulfate application system. A modified Gandy fertilizer applicator, equipped with a programmable control system, demonstrated accurate distribution of copper …

Improved Methodology For Conducted Emi Assessment Of Power Electronics And Line Impedance Measurement, Mark Anthony Didat

Theses and Dissertations

Electromagnetic Interference (EMI), primarily common mode (CM), is problematic in a wide range of electronic circuits due to its propensity to radiate, particularly in high power applications. It is routine for much effort and resources to be dedicated to its characterization and reduction as EMI compliance is a requirement for most electronic systems and devices, including power electronics. Many well-known factors contribute to a system’s EMI performance including intentional coupling from system components as well as unintentional coupling from parasitics. Sources of intentional coupling may include Y-capacitors intended to mitigate EMI as part of a filter. Unintentional coupling is more …

Design, Development, And Validation Of A Perfusion-Compression Bioreactor To Study Osteogenesis In Bone Explants, Alexis Victoria Graham

Theses and Dissertations

The current gold standard treatment for bone defects is autologous cancellous bone graft, which involves increased surgery time and donor site morbidity, and limited supply of bone and cells for regeneration. Bioreactors may aid in the generation of mechanically conditioned bone grafts with more cells compared to traditional grafts. However, the specific parameters of fluid flow and mechanical loading which contribute to osteogenesis and cell viability in bioreactors are not fully characterized. Here, a perfusion-compression bioreactor system was developed to study osteogenesis in porcine trabecular bone explants. Loading accuracy was over 88% across six bioreactors at a 0.1 s-1 strain …

Dynamic Segmental Kinematics Of The Lumbar Spine During Diagnostic Movements, Paul Mcmullin

Theses and Dissertations

While lumbar kinematics can be measured in vivo, most measurements are invasive (such as percutaneous bone pins), provide high doses of radiation (such as biplane fluoroscopy), or are taken with the patient in a static position (such as MRIs). Recent work suggests that lumbar kinematics can be determined by dynamic measurements of epidermal strain in the lower back. This work aims to develop and examine a method of examining lumbar kinematics via optoelectronic motion capture utilizing skin-mounted markers in the lumbar region. Two studies were performed. One study examined lumbar epidermal strain in 28 asymptomatic subjects during diagnostic movements, while …

Investigation And Control Of Görtler Vortices In High-Speed Flows, Omar Es-Sahli

Theses and Dissertations

High-amplitude freestream turbulence and surface roughness elements can excite a laminar boundary-layer flow sufficiently enough to cause streamwise-oriented vortices to develop. These vortices resemble elongated streaks having alternate spanwise variations of the streamwise velocity. Following the transient growth phase, the fully developed vortex structures downstream undergo an inviscid secondary instability mechanism and, ultimately, transition to turbulence. This mechanism becomes much more complicated in high-speed boundary layer flows due to compressibility and thermal effects, which become more significant for higher Mach numbers. In this research, we formulate and test an optimal control algorithm to suppress the growth rate of the aforementioned …

Influence Of Periodic Stitching On The In-Plane And Out-Of-Plane Mechanical Properties Of Polymer Composites, Radwa Alaziz

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to investigate the influence of stitching architectures by using different stitching periodic patterns on the in-plane and out-of-plane mechanical properties. By using the inherent periodic architecture of these composites, their mechanical properties may be tailored for specific applications. Composite structures are extensively used in several industries such as aerospace, automotive, sports, and construction due to their many advantages, which include tailorable mechanical properties, high strength-to-weight ratios, and high specific stiffness. However, due to their low interlaminar tensile strength, composites are prone to delaminations, which can degrade the overall mechanical performance of the structure. Through-thickness …

Adaptive Traction, Power And Torque Control Strategies And Optimization In An All-Electric Powertrain, Aymane Hidara

Theses and Dissertations

Electric and hybrid-electric vehicles lean heavily on intricate control algorithms to provide smooth, reliable, and secure operations under any driving conditions. Three distinct supervisory control strategies have been developed, each aiming to improve reliability and vehicle performance of a dual-motor electric vehicle equipped with an all-wheel-drive, fully electric powertrain. These algorithms are adept at dynamically modulating and constraining the torque provided to the wheels, leveraging two autonomous permanent magnet electric drive units. This study utilizes a vehicle model jointly provided by MathWorks and General Motors in partnership with industry sponsors. The these strategies were implemented in the model and enhanced …

Safety-Aware Autonomous Robot Navigation, Mapping And Control By Optimization Techniques, Tingjun Lei

Theses and Dissertations

The realm of autonomous robotics has seen impressive advancements in recent years, with robots taking on essential roles in various sectors, including disaster response, environmental monitoring, agriculture, and healthcare. As these highly intelligent machines continue to integrate into our daily lives, the pressing imperative is to elevate and refine their performance, enabling them to adeptly manage complex tasks with remarkable efficiency, adaptability, and keen decision-making abilities, all while prioritizing safety-aware navigation, mapping, and control systems. Ensuring the safety-awareness of these robotic systems is of paramount importance in their development and deployment. In this research, bio-inspired neural networks, nature-inspired intelligence, deep …