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Articles 22021 - 22050 of 27415

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Properties Of Carbon Coated Tin Negative Electrode For Lithium-Ion Battery, Gui-Chang Liu, Xiao-Xiao Shen, Li-Da Wang Apr 2013

Properties Of Carbon Coated Tin Negative Electrode For Lithium-Ion Battery, Gui-Chang Liu, Xiao-Xiao Shen, Li-Da Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Carbon coated tin power was prepared by decomposing glucose applying a hydrothermal method, and was further used as the active material for negative electrode of lithium secondary battery. Charge-discharge tests show that the carbon coated tin electrode with the addition of 5 wt.% acetylene black as a conductive agent could obtain an initial discharge capacity of 967 mAh·g-1 and a discharge capacity of 362 mAh·g-1 after 50 cycles, which is much higher than that of tin electrode (166 mAh·g-1 after 50 cycles). The coated carbon hinders the agglomeration of tin powder, reduces the irreversible capacity loss of …

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Synthesis And Electrocatalysis Of Pdcu Alloy Nanocrystals, Hai-Bin Wu, Rui-Zhong Zhang, Wei Chen Apr 2013

Synthesis And Electrocatalysis Of Pdcu Alloy Nanocrystals, Hai-Bin Wu, Rui-Zhong Zhang, Wei Chen

Journal of Electrochemistry

Monodispersed PdCu alloy nanoparticles were synthesized by co-reduction of Cu(acac)2 and Pd(acac)2 with 1, 2-hexadecanediol. The spherical and popcorn-like shapes of PdCu alloy nanoparticles were obtained by changing the ratios of mixed surface protecting ligands of 1-octadecene, and oleylamine or oleic acid. TEM and XRD measurements showed that both PdCu nanoparticles are alloy nanocrystals dominated with (111) planes and the average sizes are 12.7 ± 0.18 and 20.4 ± 0.31 nm for he spherical and popcorn-like PdCu nanoparticles, respectively. The electrocatalytic activities of the PdCu nanocrystals for formic acid oxidation were evaluated by electrochemical cyclic voltammetry (CV). The result showed …

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Fabrication And Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Of Ultrathin Nanoporous Gold Films, Shi Feng, Shu Chen, Qing Yang, Juan Xiang Apr 2013

Fabrication And Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Of Ultrathin Nanoporous Gold Films, Shi Feng, Shu Chen, Qing Yang, Juan Xiang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Ultrathin nanoporous gold films (NPGF) with a thickness of approximately 50 nm were fabricated via electrochemical dealloy method. The morphology of NPGF was evaluated with a parameter of surface roughness. SEM results demonstrate that the fabrication of NPGF with different roughness factors can be achieved by controlling the circles of cyclic voltammetry. UV-Vis spectra indicate that the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) of NPGF is affected by the roughness of NPGF. With the optimal roughness factor, NPGF displays a linear relationship between the ethanediol concentration and the absorbance intensity at λ = 450 nm. The LSPR effect of NPGF presents …

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Electrochemical Synthesis Of Hierarchical Dendritic Polyaniline Nanostructures, Shao-Huang Weng, Jian-Zhang Zhou, Zhong-Hua Lin, Xin-Hua Lin Apr 2013

Electrochemical Synthesis Of Hierarchical Dendritic Polyaniline Nanostructures, Shao-Huang Weng, Jian-Zhang Zhou, Zhong-Hua Lin, Xin-Hua Lin

Journal of Electrochemistry

In this work, the p-TSA doped and hierarchical dendritic nanostructured polyanilines (PANI) have been prepared by potentiostatic electropolymerization without using any templates at room temperature. The mechanism of the polymerization has been discussed according to the electrodeposition curves. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed to confirm the formation of uniform hierarchical dendritic structure on PANI. UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis) and infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) proved that the prepared PANI is in the form of emeraldine salt. The templateless electrodeposition method is simple, easy to operate, can be applied to fabricate other nanostructures of conducting polymers.

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Performance Of Vn As Negative Electrode Materials In Electrochemical Capacitors, Zhao-Hui Gao, Hao Zhang, Gao-Ping Cao, Min-Fang Han, Yu-Sheng Yang Apr 2013

Performance Of Vn As Negative Electrode Materials In Electrochemical Capacitors, Zhao-Hui Gao, Hao Zhang, Gao-Ping Cao, Min-Fang Han, Yu-Sheng Yang

Journal of Electrochemistry

Nanocrystalline vanadium nitride (VN) materials were synthesized by high temperature ammonia (NH3) reduction of vanadium oxide (V2O5). The structure and morphology of VN materials were characterized by XRD, SEM and TEM, while the specific surface area, pore size distribution and supercapacitive behavior by N2 absorption, cyclic voltammetry (CV) and constant current charge-discharge measurements in 1 mol·L-1 KOH electrolyte. The results showed that the VN sample belonged to the cubic crystal system (Fm3m [225]), and had homogeneous surface and appeared nearly spherical with uniform size. As the reaction time was extended to 12 h, …

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Influence Of Tissue Stiffness Asymmetry On Human Vocal Fold Vibration, Kimberly Stevens, Dr. Scott Thomson Apr 2013

Influence Of Tissue Stiffness Asymmetry On Human Vocal Fold Vibration, Kimberly Stevens, Dr. Scott Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The flow-induced vibration of the human vocal folds produces the sound for voiced speech and singing. The vocal folds consist of two folds of tissue, one on each side of the larynx, that are nominally symmetric in terms of shape, composition, and stiffness. However, several voice disorders, including vocal fold scarring and inflammation, cause severe asymmetry in vocal fold tissue properties. The asymmetry can lead to irregular vocal fold vibration and subsequent decrease in voice quality. A more accurate understanding of the effect of vocal fold asymmetry can aid in the development of improved clinical care of the human voice. …

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Measurement Of Wing Loads During Flapping Flight, Ryan Anderson, Dr. Mark Colton Apr 2013

Measurement Of Wing Loads During Flapping Flight, Ryan Anderson, Dr. Mark Colton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Ongoing research at BYU with the Flapping Flight Research Group (FFRG) is aimed at uncovering the physics behind flapping flight. Discoveries in this field could produce new aircraft designs and technolo- gies, as well as broaden our understanding of natural phenomena. One ambition of the FFRG is to quanti- fy (as determined by lift and thrust) wing trajectories followed during flight. To achieve this quantifica- tion, a precise sensor is necessary to record the lift and thrust produced during each flap.

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Assessing The Impact Of The Approximations Used In The Development Of The Pulsed Laser Method For Measuring Thermal Diffusivity, Trevor Terrill, Dr. Matthew Jones Apr 2013

Assessing The Impact Of The Approximations Used In The Development Of The Pulsed Laser Method For Measuring Thermal Diffusivity, Trevor Terrill, Dr. Matthew Jones

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project was to conduct a rigorous investigation of each of the approximations made in the development of the pulsed laser method for measuring the thermal diffusivity. Thermal conductivity is an important engineering parameter, but measuring it directly is difficult. In common engineering practice, the thermal diffusivity, specific heat, and density are measured, and the thermal conductivity is calculated from these properties. The pulsed laser or flash method is commonly employed to measure the thermal diffusivity, but it contains many restrictive approximations that are difficult to satisfy in practice. This project investigated the significance of each of …

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Investigation And Development Of Of Pyrometer Coating, Weston Baxter, Dr. Dale Tree Apr 2013

Investigation And Development Of Of Pyrometer Coating, Weston Baxter, Dr. Dale Tree

Journal of Undergraduate Research

This project aimed to produce and test an opaque surface on an optical fiber tip that will survive temperatures up to 3000 K. The optical fiber is to be used to measure flame temperature in oxy-coal and other combustion processes.

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Enhancing In Vitro Production Of Exotic Proteins Utilizing Linear Dna Templates, Savannah Herdegen, Dr. Brad Bundy Apr 2013

Enhancing In Vitro Production Of Exotic Proteins Utilizing Linear Dna Templates, Savannah Herdegen, Dr. Brad Bundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

[Final report posting is embargoed pending publication.]

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New Capabilities In Large-Scale Models In Computational Biology, Casey Abbott, Dr. John Hedengren Apr 2013

New Capabilities In Large-Scale Models In Computational Biology, Casey Abbott, Dr. John Hedengren

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Advances in biomedical research have lead to an increase of experimental data to be interpreted in the context of reaction pathways, molecular transport, and population dynamics. Kinetic modeling is one way employed to interpret this data and is used in the pharmaceutical industry in developing clinical trials for new medications [1]. One collection of kinetic models is built on the System Biology Markup Language (SBML). Many of these models have detailed reaction metabolic pathways that describe biological systems, including cause and effect relationships in the human body. While simulations of these biological systems have been successfully applied for many years, …

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An Alternative Method To Prepare Cobalt Catalysts Using Salt Precursors, Trevor Seegmiller, Dr. Calvin Bartholomew Apr 2013

An Alternative Method To Prepare Cobalt Catalysts Using Salt Precursors, Trevor Seegmiller, Dr. Calvin Bartholomew

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Fischer-Tropsch synthesis (FTS) is the process for converting syngas (carbon monoxide and hydrogen) into liquid fuels such as gasoline and diesel. A cobalt or iron catalyst is required for the process. Cobalt catalysts have the highest effectiveness and stability in FTS; however, they are more expensive due to higher materials cost as well as the time-consuming and complex processes generally associated with manufacture.

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Instrumentation And Monitoring Of Concrete Bridge Decks: Moisture, Temperature, And Electrical Conductivity, Tenli Waters, Dr. Spencer Guthrie Apr 2013

Instrumentation And Monitoring Of Concrete Bridge Decks: Moisture, Temperature, And Electrical Conductivity, Tenli Waters, Dr. Spencer Guthrie

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this report is to give the results of research conducted to measure the extent of internal curing occurring in the field in concrete bridge decks constructed using lightweight concrete compared to conventional concrete. With permission from bridge engineers at the Utah Department of Transportation and in cooperation with personnel at Provo River Constructors and Raba Kistner Infrastructure, Inc., we used sensors donated by Decagon Devices to monitor moisture content, temperature, and electrical conductivity in four bridge decks located in Utah County along the I-15 corridor: 400 South, 400 North, 800 North, and Geneva Road. The bridge decks …

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Scos Calibration And Filtering For Hpm Field Measurement, Bradley Whitaker, Dr. Stephen Schultz Apr 2013

Scos Calibration And Filtering For Hpm Field Measurement, Bradley Whitaker, Dr. Stephen Schultz

Journal of Undergraduate Research

High power microwave (HPM) weapons create large electric and magnetic fields with the purpose of disrupting electronic equipment. In order to protect electronics, the interaction between the equipment and the electromagnetic fields must be characterized. This requires a noninvasive sensor that can detect large electromagnetic fields and the sensing area needs to be in close proximity to the target electronics. However, to serve as a reliable measurement tool, the sensor must neither cause electromagnetic interference of its own nor disrupt the electric field it measures. Finally, the sensor must not be sensitive to electric and magnetic field interference outside the …

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Power Harvesting System For More Efficient, Cleaner Burning Cookstoves, Suman Pokharel, Dr. Matthew Jones Apr 2013

Power Harvesting System For More Efficient, Cleaner Burning Cookstoves, Suman Pokharel, Dr. Matthew Jones

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Each day more than 2 billion people cook using open fires or fires in primitive cook stoves that are fueled with biomass (wood, straw, crop waste, dung, etc…). These fires pollute homes and the environment, leading to serious health problems and contributing to global climate change. Additionally, fuel must be purchased at relatively high prices, or many hours are required to gather sufficient fuel each day. High fuel costs add in the limited financial resources, and collecting for fuel limits time available for education or other economically productive activities.

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Development Of A Fuel-Efficient Stove To Reduce Particulate Emissions, Geoffrey Lemon, Dr. Randy Lewis Apr 2013

Development Of A Fuel-Efficient Stove To Reduce Particulate Emissions, Geoffrey Lemon, Dr. Randy Lewis

Journal of Undergraduate Research

According to the World Health Organization, one of the leading causes of death in developing countries is respiratory disease, caused by inhalation of particulates from cooking stoves.1 With this challenge in mind, our team of interdisciplinary engineering students worked for over two semesters on designing and implementing a more effective stove for the people in Matinga, Peru. With the help and feedback of faculty members and other teams within our Global Engineering Outreach class, we chose to design a modified “rocket stove.” This design was chosen to more completely combust the fuel, producing a much cleaner burning fire.

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Silver Flash: A Mems Memory Device, John Stout, Dr. Aaron Hawkins Apr 2013

Silver Flash: A Mems Memory Device, John Stout, Dr. Aaron Hawkins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The silver flash project is an effort to create a reliable, MEMs based memory device. As a joint electrical and mechanical structure these devices offer several advantages over the traditional NAND flash memory currently found in phones, mp3 players, and USB memory drives. The silver flash project uses standard silicon-processing materials and processes to build a device that should have a long lifespan and continue to function under extreme conditions.

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Incorporating Cyberbullying Prevention Curriculum In Technology Classrooms, Andrew Jackson, Dr. Geoff Wright Apr 2013

Incorporating Cyberbullying Prevention Curriculum In Technology Classrooms, Andrew Jackson, Dr. Geoff Wright

Journal of Undergraduate Research

With the advancement of communication technology and the increasing influence it has in our lives, the prevalence of a new intimidation tactic, cyberbullying, is multiplying. Recent studies cite that between 25% and 46% of adolescents are victims of cyberbullying or online harassment (Li, 2006; Palfrey et al., 2010). At present there is limited access to a cyberbullying prevention curriculum for educators; cyberbullying prevention resources have not been synthesized into useable curriculum.

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Creation Of An Interactive Early-Stage Design Environment, Braden Hancock, Dr. Christopher Mattson Apr 2013

Creation Of An Interactive Early-Stage Design Environment, Braden Hancock, Dr. Christopher Mattson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In my proposal for an ORCA grant, I provided a plan to assist design engineers in the early stages of the design process. This I proposed to do through the development of a computational environment wherein design engineers could more fully and simply analyze the relationships between the various design objects (variables, constraints, and objectives) that define a multiobjective optimization problem (MOP). Thanks to the opportunity that I received to pursue this research, that technology has been developed and disseminated in the scientific community through two academic journals, two professional conferences, and one student conference.

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Radio-Frequency Microfluidic Interferometer In Printed Circuit Board Process, Shiul Khadka, Dr. Brian Mazzeo Apr 2013

Radio-Frequency Microfluidic Interferometer In Printed Circuit Board Process, Shiul Khadka, Dr. Brian Mazzeo

Journal of Undergraduate Research

In this project, we developed a process to integrate microfluidic channels on standard radio- frequency (RF) A 10.56 GHz RF microstrip interferometer was fabricated using the proposed technique and used to compare electrical responses for liquids with various dielectric properties and thereby demonstrate the capability of RF PCB-integrated microfluidic devices for biological sensing. Microchannels were milled into a substrate and prepreg outlines for microchannels were cut using a laser system. Substrates were adhered and bonded by clamping and baking. The RF interferometer responded to changes in liquid permittivity with high sensitivity relative to many other types of dielectric sensors.

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Research And Design Of Transtibial Prosthetic Shower Legs, Angelina Schwartz, Dr. Eric Homer Apr 2013

Research And Design Of Transtibial Prosthetic Shower Legs, Angelina Schwartz, Dr. Eric Homer

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The aim of 2ft Prosthetics is to design, test, and distribute low-cost prostheses to below-the-knee amputees in developing countries. To do this, a research and development team focuses on the design and construction of the prosthesis. It is then tested on local amputees by the clinical trials team. During this interaction we gain many insights regarding improvements that can be made to the prosthesis to make it more comfortable, reliable, and versatile. We learned that many high- level prostheses commonly used here in the United States are not designed to be used in wet environments. Amputees must remove it to …

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Android Gloves To Control Smart Phone: Providing A Mouse And Keyboard To Every Smart Phone User, Skyler Greenman, Dr. Bret Swan Apr 2013

Android Gloves To Control Smart Phone: Providing A Mouse And Keyboard To Every Smart Phone User, Skyler Greenman, Dr. Bret Swan

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I am reporting to the MTC on August 15th. I am therefore submitting my final report a few months early of the December deadline. However, I have put nearly a year’s amount of work into this project as I started researching early knowing that there were many different ideas and concepts that I had to understand before I could begin experimenting with the hardware. For example, I had to understand how an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) when attached to a user’s hand could navigate a phone like a mouse and how to overhaul the Android operating system to create a …

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Gold Nanoparticle Conjugation With A2 Protein In Vlp For Symmetrical Alignment, Matthew Burnham, Dr. Brad Bundy Apr 2013

Gold Nanoparticle Conjugation With A2 Protein In Vlp For Symmetrical Alignment, Matthew Burnham, Dr. Brad Bundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A Virus-like Particle (VLP) is a nanostructure composed of many coat proteins. They differ from real viruses in that they are synthesized to be non-infectious. VLPs have many useful applications in vaccines, drug delivery, gene therapy, and material science1. Last year, I attempted to create a high resolution image of the VLP Q-beta. This was to be accomplished by making modifications to the virus’ structure after its creation. Conjugating a gold nanoparticle to the Q-beta VLP-A2 protein complex would, in theory, provide a site of orientation and allow us to image the VLP (Figure 1). Although the goal …

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Scaffold Design Of A Novel Nano-Particle For Single-Target Imaging, Chad Varner, Dr. Brad Bundy Apr 2013

Scaffold Design Of A Novel Nano-Particle For Single-Target Imaging, Chad Varner, Dr. Brad Bundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this project has been to help develop a novel nano-imaging particle. Current methodologies have limitations that preclude them from being used for nanometric (1-500nm) imaging processes in living organisms. These include, but are not limited to, low signal to noise ratios, limited target specificity, and bio-incompatibility. To further the possibilities available for nano-imaging, we have attempted to create a scaffold, or framework, for a biocompatible nanoparticle that is capable of imaging specific targets in living systems.

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Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Extract Preparation Methods, Troy Holland, Dr. Brad Bundy Apr 2013

Cell-Free Protein Synthesis Extract Preparation Methods, Troy Holland, Dr. Brad Bundy

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My ORCA project proposed to test and optimize various low capital cost cell lysis methods, while leaving the internal cell machinery intact and viable for cell-free protein synthesis research. Our cells of interest were a strain of the bacterium E. coli, and their cellular machinery consists of the chemicals and enzymes they use in their every-day life processes, including (and of particular interest to us) the synthesis of proteins. These proteins have an almost limitless number of potential applications in medicine, food services, and chemical production, so the various methods of protein synthesis are of significant importance, both financially, and …

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Geographic Information Systems And Transportation Safety: A Prototype, Clancy Black, Dr. Grant Schultz Apr 2013

Geographic Information Systems And Transportation Safety: A Prototype, Clancy Black, Dr. Grant Schultz

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this report is to describe work completed for the ORCA sponsored research project “Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Transportation Safety: A Prototype”. A literature review was conducted to identify the best existing tools and technology. From the research, a GIS model prototype was created to assist in data processing and identification of high-risk crash locations. Applications of the model were tested.

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Compressive Strength Of Emulsion-Treated Base Material Stabilized With Cement, Lisa Gurney, Dr. Spencer Guthrie Apr 2013

Compressive Strength Of Emulsion-Treated Base Material Stabilized With Cement, Lisa Gurney, Dr. Spencer Guthrie

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Full-Depth Reclamation (FDR) in conjunction with stabilization is becoming an increasingly popular method for flexible pavement reconstruction. FDR can be more economically and environmentally friendly than excavation and replacement; however successful reconstruction greatly depends on the stabilization method employed, base material properties, and site conditions.

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Using Photolithographically-Produced Micro-Channels With Controlled Pores To Create A Bacteria Filter For Blood, Sara Ehlert, Dr. Aaron Hawkins Apr 2013

Using Photolithographically-Produced Micro-Channels With Controlled Pores To Create A Bacteria Filter For Blood, Sara Ehlert, Dr. Aaron Hawkins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The importance of blood to humans cannot be understated. Its important functions include transporting oxygen and nutrients around the body, preventing blood loss, fighting infection, carrying antibodies to fight infection, delivering waste products to the kidneys and liver to be removed from the body, and regulating body temperature [1]. Unfortunately, there are several severe diseases that are directly related to blood, including anemia, hemophilia, blood cancers, blood clotting problems, septicemia (blood poisoning), and sepsis. Furthermore, many important diagnostic tests are performed using blood, such as evaluating organs (e.g. kidney, liver, thyroid, and heart), diagnosing cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and medicine effectiveness …

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The Executive Model And Efficiency Analysis Of Power Intrachange, Tai-Ken Lu, Wen-Chi Chang Apr 2013

The Executive Model And Efficiency Analysis Of Power Intrachange, Tai-Ken Lu, Wen-Chi Chang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In recent years, the deregulation of power companies has been a subject of discussion in many countries. However, irrespective of the degree of deregulation of a power industry, its power systems still have the same basic structure for power generation, transmission, distribution and the end user. In most countries, the power industry has institutions dedicated to achieving improvements in its power systems in order to maintain reliable power supply. Power companies often establish power interchange support mechanisms with nearby power systems to ensure a stable power supply. One such mechanism is “power intrachange,” wherein a power system can compensate for …

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Numerical Simulations And Wind Tunnel Studies Of Pollutant Dispersion In The Urban Street Canyons With Different Height Arrangements, Cheng-Hsin Chang, Jin-Shian Lin, Chii-Ming Cheng, Yung-Shan Hong Apr 2013

Numerical Simulations And Wind Tunnel Studies Of Pollutant Dispersion In The Urban Street Canyons With Different Height Arrangements, Cheng-Hsin Chang, Jin-Shian Lin, Chii-Ming Cheng, Yung-Shan Hong

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Air pollution in big city areas resulting from exhaust emissions is a major urban problem. Often traffic pollution excess controls air pollution management decisions. There are a number of elaborate predictive models of pollutant dispersion and diffusion that address the effects of variable shapes of city buildings on pollutant concentrations, but few are fully validated. This study presents ventilation behavior in different street canyon configurations. To evaluate dispersion in a model urban street canyon, a series of tests with various street canyons with different height in upwind and downwind of street canyon are presented. These buildings were arranged in 2-D …

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