Engineering Commons^™

Growing Reservoir Networks Using The Genetic Algorithm Deep Hyperneat, Nancy L. Mackenzie

Student Research Symposium

Typical Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have static architectures. The number of nodes and their organization must be chosen and tuned for each task. Choosing these values, or hyperparameters, is a bit of a guessing game, and optimizing must be repeated for each task. If the model is larger than necessary, this leads to more training time and computational cost. The goal of this project is to evolve networks that grow according to the task at hand. By gradually increasing the size and complexity of the network to the extent that the task requires, we will build networks that are more …

Analysis Of Preload In Bolted Joints Under Impulse, Albert Dusseault

Thinking Matters Symposium

From transportation to storage to construction, bolted joints are utilized everywhere. Bolted joints in closures such as pressure vessels/tanks require a preload, or a specific amount of tightening of the bolts to seal the vessel when pressurized to avoid leaking. Low preload can result in joint loosening whereas high preload can result in yielding. Therefore, finding feasible and even better optimal values of preload is of great practical importance. In an earlier work in 1996, this problem was tackled with an exponentially decaying pressure applied on a pressure vessel closure. In the present analysis, however, the pressure variation is considered …

3d Printing Of Piezoelectric Materials And Devices, Dominic Polletta, Zack Myrtle

Thinking Matters Symposium

The design goal of the project is to use a stock 3D printer to 3D print materials with piezoelectric properties by adding Barium Titanate nanoparticles to the UV resin. The result of the printed material will be a device that will produce a charge when subjected to vibrations or stress. These printed devices can be used as microphones and other vibration sensors in a variety of applications. This process will be achieved by modifying the 3D printer by changing the film in the resin vat of the printer with a conductive film. This will allow for applied voltage to create …

Autonomous Navigator Mobile Robot Upgrade, David Sansoucy

Thinking Matters Symposium

The mobile robot platform has been developed over the course of 10 years at USM. In Spring 2020, Belle-Isle and Werner updated the previous framework by rewriting the software to use the ROS framework running on an on-board Raspberry Pi 3. They also implemented navigation using an A* motion planning algorithm and image processing. In Summer 2021, Ames incorporated Lidar and Kinect sensors onto the robot to improve its real-time navigation capabilities. He also made improvements to the power distribution systems. This project aimed to build on the ROS frameworks developed by the previous 2 teams with the main goal …

A Low-Cost, Arduino-Based Platform For Emulating Energy Harvesting In Wireless Sensor Networks, Braden A. Miller

ONU Student Research Colloquium

This paper presents an Arduino-based platform for emulating energy harvesting in Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) as a form of hardware-in-the-loop simulation. The platform makes use of a battery monitoring circuit and code implemented on the Arduino as an alternative to using significantly more expensive fully equipped energy harvesting nodes. Using embedded code to emulate the energy harvesting process allows for various energy harvesting models and processes to be tested using the same platform. The main contributions of this paper are the experimental data and analyses demonstrating the energy use characterization of the Arduino-based platform in a three-node relay network using …

Computational Analysis Of The Effects Of Scarfed Nozzle Variations On Jet Plumes, Andrew J. La Sorsa

ONU Student Research Colloquium

A computational fluid dynamics analysis investigating the variation of effects on nozzles with non-orthogonal exit planes, known as scarfing, was performed. The steady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes model, coupled with the Spalart-Allmaras turbulence model, was used to simulate and compare plume development and characteristics using various scarfing geometries at variable inlet conditions. The jet plume cross-section is significantly affected for overexpanded conditions, while retaining the nozzle exit shape for underexpanded conditions, although slight peaks (bifurcation) do occur at the centerline. The same observations occur when slightly changing the angle of scarf. However, inverting the overall geometry of the diverging portion of the …

Effects Of Vortex Generator Placement On A Horizontal Axis Wind Turbine Blade, Dagan Sorensen

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Vortex generators are commonly used devices to control the flow over an airfoil or other surface. In this paper the effect of differing placements of vortex generators on a wind turbine airfoil, compared to an airfoil without vortex generators, were simulated using computational fluid dynamics(CFD). It was shown that, in some instances, the application of vortex generators effectively controlled the flow over the airfoil to increase the power produced by the wind turbine. According to the CFD results, the application of vortex generators at an angle increased the lift produced, as well as delaying the separation of the boundary layer.

Combat Robot, Wayne Lambert, Elijah Harris, Brian Eiseman, Jordan Meyer

ONU Student Research Colloquium

The senior capstone project that was tasked to the team was the decision of choosing a challenge within a national robotics competition. The group decided to compete at the National Robotics Challenge in Marion, Ohio. The idea was to participate in the combat robot competition at this NRC event. Once this decision had been made the next steps were to get an idea of what the rules and requirements of the competition were and to try and to sketch a very rough drawing of what the ideal robot should look like. From there it was decided to start a timeline …

Evaluating The Use Of Nintendo Labo As A Rehabilitation Tool, Jacob Colwell, Logan Suiter, Amanda Wells

ONU Student Research Colloquium

Serious gaming is the practice of using video games, either commercial or specifically designed, for physical rehabilitation. Serious games have emerged in the last decade as a way to increase patient involvement in rehabilitation, increase the likelihood of patients continuing treatment after progress stalls, and generally increase mental health during treatment. However, the current literature has not kept pace with the evolution of technology and therefore the use of next-generation consoles for serious gaming is underdeveloped.

The Nintendo Switch could provide new avenues for serious gaming because of the advanced sensing ability of its controllers (Joy-Cons) and the engaging ways …

Introducing Normal Forms To Students: A Comparison Of Theory-First Vs. Project-First Educational Approaches, Dakota C. Cookenmaster, Jacob A. Bahn

Campus Research Month

One of the primary challenges instructors face when educating scientists and engineers is the introduction of important theory, both to show its essential nature in research as well as its practicality. This paper analyzes two pedagogical methods for the instruction of database normal forms. The first of these methods is a theory-based approach that relies on written works and practices to introduce the concept. The second of these focuses on a project-based approach which aligns with normal form standards as students implement a database schema. This paper compares these in a small study and advises an appropriate method for educators.

Application Of Phased Array Eddy Current (Paec) Nondestructive Technology For Stress Corrosion Cracking (Scc), Cameron A. Jones

GS4 Student Scholars Symposium

Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) is the constant growth of a crack or fault due to the tensile and corrosive stresses in a given environment. These cracks can potentially progress to sudden and catastrophic failures in metals exposed to tensile stress and corrosive environment. The over-whelming cost and damage caused by Stress Corrosion Cracking (SCC) is an immense amount of cost in many industries considering that SCC happens to produce a spontaneous failure due to overload stress. The topic of stress corrosion cracking has drastically changed the movement and progression of the production of better-quality products and engineering design such as, …

A Study Into The Impact Of Screen Time On Student Gpa, Mia Brown, David Santos, Akeisha Belgrave

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

With advances in technology, the use of computers has become a common habit for most college students. Recent studies show that the amount of time spent on those devices can affect their grades. (Class Project)

Using Mycelium To Bioremediate Environments Damaged By Acid Mine Drainage, Michael Lazar, Jacquelyn Maddox

Harrisburg University Research Symposium: Highlighting Research, Innovation, & Creativity

Acid mine drainage (AMD) is a major source of environmental contamination around areas that were once utilized by the mining industry, and does not have many pragmatic remediation solutions. Pleurotus ostreatus mycelium has been previously tested and shown to be able to biosorb a variety of heavy metals into its mycelial tissue. This project utilized P. ostreatus mycelium as a novel and natural approach to bioremediate acid mine drainage. There were two experiments: one proof-of-concept experiment and one situational experiment that used stream mesocosms. (Project II)

Improving Lightweight Designs By Modeling Deformation Twinning In Magnesium Alloys, Daniel Kenney

Liberty University Research Week

Doctoral

Three Minute Thesis

Airfoil Alternative: Magnus Effect Flettner Rotorcraft, Benjamin Cook

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Three Minute Thesis

Design, Construction, And Implementation Of A Water Energy Collector Using Dielectric Elastomer Generators, Isaac Liu

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Three Minute Thesis

The Music Bluetooth Controller: An Intersection Between Music And Technology, Lydia Wu, Eli Best

Liberty University Research Week

Undergraduate

Three Minute Thesis

Mathematically Modeling Non-Sinusoidal Kinematics Of Linear Smat Milling, Joby M. Anthony Iii

Liberty University Research Week

Doctoral

Three Minute Thesis

Direct Numerical Simulation Of Superhydrophobic Surface Plastron Collapse, Reid Prichard

Liberty University Research Week

Doctoral

Three Minute Thesis

Preventing Human Trafficking With Machine Learning, Bethany Matsick

Liberty University Research Week

Doctoral

Three Minute Thesis

A Smart Illicit Discharge Monitoring System, Alexander Campbell, Henry S. Armstrong, Tien Yee

Symposium of Student Scholars

In the present study, we attempt to use a variety of sensors to monitor illicit discharges that are present near the Kennesaw State University Marietta Campus. The US Environmental Protection Agency defines an illicit discharge as “any discharge into a storm drain system that is not composed entirely of stormwater”. Each year, approximately 860 billion gallons of sewage spills are reported throughout the country. In Georgia, sewer spills data shows that spills may range from hundreds of gallons to millions of gallons depending on the severity of the leak. The undetected sewer leaks may degrade the water quality in nearby …

Development Of A Compliant Gripper Driven By 3 Dof Soft Robot, Derek M. Price Ii, Ricardo Ramirez, Pt Angel Tran

Symposium of Student Scholars

Industrial robots are moving toward automation, which makes it increasingly necessary to replace the functions traditionally performed by humans with robotics. Pick and place operation is a prime example of such automation. Robots that pick up and place objects mimic the human action of picking an object up and placing it in a targeted location. It has led to the development of robotic end-effectors that have a human-like feel. Grippers can be articulated in various ways depending on their application area and well-defined desired tasks. As compliant and soft links deflect more under the same load than their rigid body …

Detection Of Trace Heavy Metals In Water: Development Of Electrochemical Sensors, Quang Lam, Joel Mututeke

Symposium of Student Scholars

The presence of heavy metals in our ecosystem poses significant ecological and physiological consequences. As a result, numerous techniques are developed for the detection of contaminants in aqueous solutions. However, early and trace detection of such contaminants still remains a challenge. Amongst many techniques, electrochemistry driven sensors have shown promise due to their possibility of miniaturization and low-cost. Our research investigates the use of electrically conducting polymer and atomically thin carbon materials as electrodes towards the development of electrochemical sensor. Nanocomposite electrode films have been synthesized and fabricated using in-situ polymerization technique and the relationship between number of cycles of …

Fabrication Of Microfluidic Devices To Study Confined Collective Migration Of Breast Cancer Cells, Linh Luong

Symposium of Student Scholars

Cells in our body mostly exist in confined environments. They are surrounded by neighboring cells, tissues, and the extracellular matrix. The changes in these surrounding environments influence cell behaviors. Therefore, studying cell mechanics plays a significant role to understand how cancer cells migrate and what primary factors that control cancer metastasis. Many studies have been developed to study how cancer cells migrate in the body. However, these experiments in vivo are complicated and incredibly challenging. Another approach is to perform experiments in vitro instead. However, to obtain relevant results, a specific experimental apparatus must be designed to confine cells. Glass …

Design And Computational Validation Of A Shear Stress Bioreactor For Conditioning Vascular Tissue To Time-Varying Multidirectional Fluid Shear Stress, Rajeshwari Raja, Philippe Sucosky, Jason Shar

Symposium of Student Scholars

Design and Computational Validation of a Shear Stress Bioreactor for Conditioning Vascular Tissue to Time-Varying Multidirectional Fluid Shear Stress

Author: Rajeshwari Raja Mentor: Dr. Jason A. Shar Department of Mechanical Engineering Kennesaw State University 1100 South Marietta Pkwy SE, 30060

Altered biological environments and conditions, such as microgravity and pregnancy, can impact vascular blood flow and, in turn, generate fluid wall shear stress (WSS; frictional force generated on the tissue surface due to blood flow) abnormalities. These abnormalities are known to affect cardiovascular tissue biology and can be replicated experimentally using a cone-and-plate shear stress bioreactor. This device exposes tissue …

Cost-Efficient Bridge Scour Health Monitoring Using Commercial Sensors, Connor Embleau, Tien Yee, Metin Oguzmert, Mahyar Amirgholy, Alan Akazemi, Dale Goff

Symposium of Student Scholars

Bridge scouring has been a major international issue regarding bridge health and the overall longevity of a bridge. A common bridge health concern such as scouring accounts for close to 60% of bridge failures in the United States and is a leading cause to a bridge being in critical condition. Traditional methods to combat this failure is to measure the scour depth to assess a bridge health. Due to safety concerns of the traditional method, this study proposes to monitor a bridge’s health using a vibration-based technique. At present, vibration-based techniques have yet to be utilized reliably in the field. …

Iot Clusters Platform For Data Collection, Analysis, And Visualization Use Case, Soin Abdoul Kassif Baba M Traore

Symposium of Student Scholars

Climate change is happening, and many countries are already facing devastating consequences. Populations worldwide are adapting to the season's unpredictability they relay to lands for agriculture. Our first research was to develop an IoT Clusters Platform for Data Collection, analysis, and visualization. The platform comprises hardware parts with Raspberry Pi and Arduino's clusters connected to multiple sensors. The clusters transmit data collected in real-time to microservices-based servers where the data can be accessed and processed. Our objectives in developing this platform were to create an efficient data collection system, relatively cheap to implement and easy to deploy in any part …

Novel Thermal Coating For High-Speed Airplanes, Abinash Satapathy, Lakshay Battu, Liam Watson, Nazanin Rajabi

Symposium of Student Scholars

In comparison to various other materials, Carbon Fiber, specifically Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymers (CFRP), is pre-eminent amongst other materials for use on aeronautical systems. Due to its high specific strength (strength-to-weight ratio), CFRP is prominent for carrying heavy loads while maintaining a lightweight build. However, when influenced by heat resulting from air resistance, CFRP is known to undergo serious degradation that would significantly decrease the effectiveness of the polymers. To prevent this degradation and maintain the strength of the CFRP, thermal protective layers (TPLs) are designed to shield the CFRP from heat exposure. This research is focused on the examination …

Ai Based Optimization Of Odometry Performance On Mobile Robots, Sunny Leveson Jones, Charles Koduru

Symposium of Student Scholars

Robots have become a large part of the modern world and have been used to navigate through complex environments, with various optimal speeds and pathing requirements. To improve this, we have developed an AI-based predictive pathing optimizer that takes in data regarding the requested route and implements optimal speeds. The algorithm will compare time lost to the time gained by moving at a higher velocity. This has been developed by implementing continual circular patterns onto a mobile robot, which allows for rapid analysis of both the accuracy and the speed of the cycle. This optimization is proposed to increase the …

Development Of An Autonomous Wheelchair System, Antione Clanton

Symposium of Student Scholars

This paper introduces the development of an electric wheelchair that provides an autonomous driving, obstacle avoiding, wall following, and line following. The objective of this project is for the wheelchair to be able to travel autonomously through an area safely and detect objects within 50 inches of collision. Based on a manual electric wheelchair, 3D printed structures are created as a kit, and the electric system consists of a Raspberry Pi 4B microprocessor, 2 ultrasonic sensors, and a Raspberry Pi cam. A Raspberry pi cam is connected to a Raspberry pi 4 to detect follow lines and obstacles in its …