Engineering Commons^™

Synergistic Doping And Coating Strategy For Boosting Na0.7mno2 Cathode Performance In Sodium-Ion Batteries, Ahmad Helaley, Han Yu, Manashi Nath, Xinhua Liang

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Advancing sodium-ion battery (SIB) technology requires novel approaches to optimize cathode materials for improved electrochemical performance. In this study, we employ atomic layer deposition (ALD) to precisely modify the surface of P2-type Na_0.7MnO₂ cathodes with different coating materials including ZnO, NiO, and Al₂O₃, followed by post-annealing at 750°C for 10 hours. The strategic combination of ALD and thermal treatment can achieve thin film coating on particle surface and promote element doping into the near-surface lattice, as confirmed by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) analysis. The incorporation of Zn, Al, and Ni results in …

Cytotoxicity And Genotoxicity Of Glyphosate And Roundup Quickpro On Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells, Tasnimul Ferdous, Qingfang He, Wen Zhang

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Glyphosate and Roundup products have become the most used herbicide worldwide. However, previous bans in Europe and recent reversal have caused confusion over their safety. This study aims to investigate the cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of Roundup QuickPro and its main ingredient glyphosate using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. Cytotoxicity was calculated by measuring CHO cell viability with 72 h of exposure to each toxicant. Roundup QuickPro exhibited higher cytotoxicity with LC50 of 511.2 mu g/mL than glyphosate's LC50 of 3389 mu g/mL. The recommended application concentration (11,233.7 mu g/mL) of Roundup QuickPro is much higher than the measured LC50, …

Characterization And Evaluation Of Next-Generation Photon-Counting Image Sensors For Space Applications, Nicholas Shade, Gillian Kyne, Shouleh Nikzad, Edoardo Charbon, Eric R. Fossum

Dartmouth Scholarship

Astronomers’ pursuit of imaging light from increasingly faint and distant objects in the expanse of space necessitates continuous improvement in the signal-to-noise ratio of camera technology. Recent advancements in solid-state detector technologies have enabled the determination of photon number, including single-photon events, enabling observations at the fundamental limits of physics. We present an evaluation of three next-generation silicon-based detectors capable of photon-counting with deep-sub-electron input-referred read noise: the electron-multiplying charge-coupled device (EMCCD), the single-photon avalanche diode (SPAD), and the CMOS quanta image sensor (QIS). The EMCCD is built using a CCD sensor design that additionally employs repeated impact ionization to …

Parentcoach: Designing An Mhealth Parenting App To Enhance Parental Involvement In Adhd Support, Franceli L. Cibrian, Nancy Herrera, Jesus A. Beltran, Lucas M. Silva, Mikaela Pulse, Kayla Anderson, Cassie Zeiler, Luc Rieffel, Daniel I. Lee, Sabrina E. B. Schuck, Kimberley D. Lakes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Introduction: Parents play a vital role in supporting self-regulation and managing behaviors in children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). However, many face barriers to accessing consistent, evidence-based support. Mobile health (mHealth) technologies offer a promising way to deliver flexible, low-burden guidance for parents on best practices and strategies to support their children's self-regulation. However, designing them is non-trivial.

Objective: This paper introduces ParentCoach, a mobile application designed to support parents of children with ADHD through brief daily lessons, reflection prompts, and skill-building activities.

Methods: ParentCoach was developed in two phases: (1) secondary analysis of qualitative data from over 30 families …

Carbon-Neutral Concrete: A Review On Carbon Capture, Storage, And Utilization Technologies, Syed Muhammad O Naqvi, Muhammad Daniyal Raza, Syed Muhammad Bilal Haider

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Concrete industry is responsible for approximately 7% of total CO2 emissions around the globe making it a critical target for decarbonization. This review study evaluates carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies applicability in concrete industry with a focus on direct air capture (DAC), CO2 curing, mineral carbonation, and incorporation of carbonated recycled aggregates and alternative binders. Emphasis is placed on the mechanisms of various CCUS technologies, economic feasibility, environmental benefits, mechanical performance, and current challenges in their application and scalability aiming to optimize the structural efficiency, carbon uptake, and cost of concrete structures. Case studies from industrial implementations, such …

Bending Energy Schemes For Discrete-Spring-Network Structural Modelling Of Red Blood Cells, Osayomwanbor Ehi-Egharevba, Mingzhu Chen, Fergal Boyle

Articles

Red blood cells (RBCs) undergo large structural deformation, including bending, when passing through capillaries. They also exhibit a range of complex shapes such as stomatocytes, discocytes and echinocytes that form due to altered blood pH and salt levels, ingested drugs and adenosine triphosphate depletion. Discrete-spring-network structural models of RBCs employ different numerical treatments of the continuum bending energy. This affects bending accuracy and the prediction of accurate RBC shapes. This research compares three representations called bending energy scheme (BES) A, B and C to evaluate their accuracy in shape predictions. BES A, seen throughout the literature, is based on the …

Microgrid Black Start Challenges: The Role Of Grid-Forming Inverters, Gab-Su Seo, Wenzong Wang, Behrooz Mirafzal

Faculty Publications

Grid-forming (GFM) inverters are becoming increasingly important for future power systems, particularly in establishing and restarting microgrids after blackouts. The use of GFM inverters enables microgrids to operate independently of utility power and provide key advantages over synchronous generators in black start scenarios, including rapid startup and stable voltage and frequency support for critical loads. However, inverter-driven black start introduces unique challenges and operational considerations. This article examines key challenges and solutions, emphasizing inverter design, control strategies, and microgrid system requirements. Drawing on analysis, simulation, and experimental results, this article highlights the central role of GFM inverters in ensuring reliable …

Integrating Complete Bond Dissociation In Class Ii Force Fields, Joshua Kemppainen, Hendrik Heinz, Gregory M. Odegard

Michigan Tech Publications

Predicting the physical and mechanical properties of organic materials from purely chemical understandings remains a significant challenge due to the limitations of conventional force fields in molecular dynamics (MD). In this work, we present a novel reformulation of Class II force fields that integrates Morse bond potentials with newly derived cross-term interactions, explicitly capturing complete bond dissociation while maintaining computational efficiency. This reformulated functional form combines the stability of fixed-bond models with the reactive capabilities of bond-breaking force fields, achieving accurate and robust MD predictions across crystalline, semi-crystalline, and amorphous organic systems. Extensive benchmarking confirms its predictive accuracy and speed, …

Data-Centric Ai For Eeg-Based Emotion Recognition: Noise Filtering And Augmentation Strategies, Nadieh Moghadam, Rana Hegazy

School of Engineering: Faculty Scholarship

Research in the biomedical field often faces challenges due to the scarcity and high cost of data, which significantly limit the development and application of machine learning models. This paper introduces a data-centric AI framework for EEG-based emotion recognition that emphasizes improving data quality rather than model complexity. Instead of proposing a deep architecture, we demonstrate how participant-guided noise filtering combined with systematic data augmentation can substantially enhance system performance across multiple classification settings: binary (high vs. low arousal), four-quadrant emotions, and seven discrete emotions. Using the SEED-VII dataset, we show that these strategies consistently improve accuracy and F1 scores, …

Adaptive Pi Control Using Recursive Least Squares For Centrifugal Pump Pipeline Systems, David A. Brattley, Wayne Weaver

Michigan Tech Publications

Pipeline transportation of petroleum products remains one of the safest and most efficient methods of bulk energy delivery, yet overpressure events continue to pose serious operational and regulatory challenges. Traditional fixed-gain PI controllers, commonly used with centrifugal pump drives, cannot adapt to varying product densities or transient disturbances such as valve closures that generate water hammer. This paper proposes a self-tuning adaptive controller based on Recursive Least Squares (RLS) parameter estimation to improve safety and efficiency in pipeline pump operations. A nonlinear simulation model of a centrifugal pump driven by an induction motor is developed, incorporating pipeline friction losses via …

Cybersecurity Risks Of Freight Rail As Critical Infrastructure, Kira Sun

Discovery Undergraduate Interdisciplinary Research Internship

Our project implements simulated train engineers to operate model train engines on a hybrid twin of a freight rail system. We can then use the model and simulate cyber-security attacks to demonstrate the risks and effects of the attacks. Using existing model train hardware and an Arduino running open-source software, DCC-EX and JMRI, we can control the train engines and various track components and sensors. We program each engine to make safe decisions about what speed and direction to take, using information provided by the various sensors and light signals around the track. When attacks occur, the engines can have …

A Comprehensive Review Of Influence Of Critical Parameters On Wettability Of Rock-Hydrogen-Brine Systems: Implications For Underground Hydrogen Storage, Nurudeen Yekeen, Berihun Mamo Negash, Muhammad Ali, Ahmed Al-Yaseri, Surajudeen Sikiru

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

The rock wettability is one of the most critical parameters that influences rock storage potential, trapping, and H2 withdrawal rate during Underground hydrogen storage (UHS). However, the existing review articles on wettability of H2-brine-rock systems do not provide detailed information on complexities introduced by reservoir wettability influencing parameters, such as high pressure, temperature, salinity conditions, micro-biotic effects, cushion gases, and organic acids relevant to subsurface environments. Therefore, a comprehensive review of existing research on various parameters influencing rock wettability during UHS and residual trapping of H2 was conducted in this study. Literature that provides insight into molecular-level interaction through machine …

Mesopause-Region Gravity Wave Activity Due To Tropical Convection As Observed By Awe, Jeffrey M. Forbes, Xiaoli Zhang, Jiarong Zhang, Stephen D. Eckermann, Yucheng Zhao, Pierre-Dominique Pautet, Jun Ma, Ludger Scherliess, Michael J. Taylor

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Mesopause-region (∼ 87 km) gravity waves (GWs) generated by tropical convection are investigated within the four longitude sectors encompassing Africa, the Indian Ocean, the Intertropical Convergence Zone, and South America during the Dec 2023– Feb 2024 Southern Hemisphere monsoon season. Variances (Q_v) in the OH Q-line emission measured by the Atmospheric Waves Experiment (AWE) capture GW activity, and precipitation rates (PR) from the Global Precipitation Measurement (GPM) Mission identify regions of convective activity. The zonal component of GWs comprising the Q_v between 10°S-10°N primarily propagate eastward. The Q_v distributions are latitudinally-shifted and more confined in …

Machine Learning Model For Detecting Masked Hypertension In Young Adults, Brendyn Miller, Samuel Coeyman, Annemarie Wentzel, Carina M.C. Mels, William J. Richardson

Chemical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Introduction Cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains the leading global cause of mortality, with hypertension (HT) being a significant contributor, responsible for 56% of CVD-related deaths. Masked hypertension (MHT), a condition where patients exhibit normotensive blood pressure (BP) in clinical settings but elevated BP in out-of-clinic measurements, poses an elevated risk for cardiovascular complications and often goes undiagnosed. Current diagnostic methods, such as ambulatory BP monitoring (ABPM) and home BP monitoring (HBPM), have limitations in feasibility and accessibility. Methods This study aimed to address these challenges by leveraging machine learning (ML) models to predict MHT based on clinical data from a single …

Comparative Study Of Interfacial Bond Strength Of Steel H-Pile With Ultra-High Performance And Polymer Concrete Jacket, Binod Shrestha, Mohanad M. Abdulazeez, Mohamed A. Elgawady

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study investigates the bond behavior of steel H-pile encased in concrete jackets under push-out loading, considering the effects of concrete type and embedment length. Nine full-scale specimens were tested using three concrete types: ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), Methyl Methacrylate Polymer Concrete (MMA-PC), and conventional concrete (CC), with embedment lengths of 63.5 mm, 127 mm, and 190.5 mm. The experimental results revealed that MMA-PC jacket demonstrated the highest bond strength, though gains were marginal beyond 127 mm. UHPC exhibited superior tensile strength and ductility, preventing splitting failure. UHPC also displayed the highest interfacial fracture energy of 9.63 N/mm, exceeding MMA-PC and …

Inverse Design For Generating Initial Conditions In Scientific Simulations, Leslie Horace, Christin Whitton, Vanessa Job, William Jones, Nathan A. Debardeleben

Computing Sciences

We propose a conditional normalizing flow (CNF) surrogate model to solve generative, many-to-one inverse problems in scientific simulations governed by partial differential equations (PDEs) with time-evolving interactions between heterogeneous materials. We present two case studies: electrostatic potential and heat diffusion, which serve as proxy simulations for generating diverse sets of initial conditions that can reproduce an observed output state (transient or steady). Finally, we provide a comprehensive overview of the synthetic datasets, the model specification, each stage of the experimental workflow, evaluation of training performance, and uncertainty quantification for the generated samples.

A Magnesium Alloy With High Corrosion Resistance, Hardness And Elastic Modulus Enabled By Elemental Synergy, Alexander Helmer, Manoj V. Mugale, Tushar Borkar, Rajeev K. Gupta

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

A magnesium alloy containing Ca, Ti, Zn, and In was synthesized via high-energy ball milling of elemental powders followed by spark plasma sintering. X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy revealed a homogeneous matrix with dispersed Mg-rich phases and intermetallics. Potentiodynamic polarization tests revealed low corrosion current density (9.6 f 2.1 mu A/cm2), a noble corrosion potential (-1197 f 4 mVSCE), and a clear passive region, indicating excellent corrosion resistance. Nanoindentation tests showed high hardness (2.61 f 0.21 GPa) and elastic modulus (55.35 f 5.47 GPa), exceeding those of commercial Mg alloys.

Treatment Intensification Of Digester Dewatering Sidestreams Via Pilot- And Demonstration-Scale Revolving Algal Biofilms At Municipal Water Resource Recovery Facilities, Audrey E. Kocher, Hunter W. Schroer, Christopher A. Marks, Craig L. Just

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

As water resource recovery facilities (WRRFs) pursue decarbonization, the treatment of concentrated side streams from anaerobic digestion offers a critical opportunity to reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. This study evaluated the intensification potential of revolving algal biofilms (RAB) for side stream nutrient removal via partial nitrification at pilot- and demonstration-scales. RAB systems were deployed at municipal WRRFs in Boulder and Iowa City, treating real dewatering side streams across a range of ammonium (NH4⁺–N) surface area loading rates (SALR) reaching up to 196 g N m^–2d^–2. The results demonstrated that RAB systems can …

A Distinctly Christian Approach To Engineering, Paul Griffioen

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

No abstract provided.

Interfacial Gap Prediction In Laser Welding Of Pure Copper Overlap Joints Using Multiple Sensors., Hyeonhee Kim, Cheolhee Kim, Minjung Kang

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this study, a novel approach was proposed for predicting the interfacial gap in copper overlap joints by using deep learning and multi-sensor fusion. In this method, an image sensor, a spectrometer, and optical sensors tomography (OCT) sensors were used to develop and validate deep learning models under various gap conditions. The results revealed that the variation in melt pool dimensions, changes in keyhole behavior, intensity variations at specific wavelengths, and keyhole depth derived from the OCT data could be used to accurately predict the interfacial gap. Among the proposed models, a binary gap classification model achieved the highest accuracy …

Fall 2024 Computer Programming And Engineering Self-Efficacy Survey Data, Mary Benjamin

Michigan Tech Research Data

This dataset was collected as part of a research study examining the impact of automated code critiquers on students’ programming and engineering self-efficacy in first-year engineering courses. The study involved pre- and post-surveys administered to students enrolled in ENG1101: Introduction to Engineering during Fall 2024 at Michigan Technological University. The research aims to understand how exposure to automated feedback tools, such as WebTA, influences confidence, persistence, and perceived competencies.

Test Data: Raised Or Recessed? Finding The Optimal Gate Architecture For Improving The Static Performance Of Graphene Transistors, Ivan Puchades, Tzu-Jung Huang, Andrew Spencer, Luke Ingraham, Anibal Pacheco

Data

As silicon CMOS technology approaches its scaling limits, graphene offers a compelling alternative as the active material channel in transistors due to its high carrier mobility and atomically thin profile, which provide strong electrostatic control and promise high-performance analog applications. However, roadblocks such as device-to-device variation, high contact resistance, poor dielectric interfaces, and non-uniform graphene quality have limited the adoption of graphene field effect transistors (GFETs). Hence, further investigations are required for mitigating these issues at a material, e.g., by improving graphene transfer, and device level, e.g., by finding an appropriate gate architecture. In this work, we directly compare two …

Promoting Leadership To Enhance Safety In Aircraft Maintenance: A Phenomenological Study Of Aviation Technical Operations, Komi Tete

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

The purpose of this qualitative phenomenological study was to explore how leadership styles affect the safety practices and overall performance of aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) in aviation Technical Operations (TechOps) environments. The study built on previous research indicating that safe and efficient aircraft operations depend on numerous technical and social processes. It focused on the comprehensive lived experiences of AMTs as they related to leadership influence on safety. The transformational leadership theory and safety culture theory guided the study, aligning with the inquiry by explaining how leaders could influence the behavior, motivation, and safety practices of AMTs. Ensuring the safety …

Evaluating Perceived Ease Of Use Of Augmented Reality In Aviation Maintenance: A Technology Acceptance Model Approach, Russell Quenten Gardner Jr.

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This quantitative study examines the perceived ease of use (PEU) of augmented reality (AR) technology among two key groups: aviation maintenance students, representing workforce readiness, and professional aircraft maintenance technicians, representing field expertise. This approach offers a comprehensive understanding of AR’s role in maintenance training by accounting for varying levels of participant experience. Addressing the need for innovative methods to improve task accuracy, efficiency, and knowledge retention, this study emphasizes user acceptance as a critical factor for AR adoption. Guided by the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), this research investigates how technician experience influences perceptions of AR’s usability and whether PEU …

User Interface And Watchstation Improvements Required For Multi-Vehicle Usv Operations, Val Schmidt, Joshua Bergeron

Faculty Publications

In October 2024, the University of New Hampshire and NOAA’s Uncrewed Systems Office embarked on a mapping mission in the Gulf of Maine, simultaneously operating two DriX Un-crewed Surface Vehicles. Goals of the project were focused on testing hypotheses related to concepts of operation, including the safety of operations, cognitive loading of operators, management of vehicle endurance, vehicle logistics, maintenance and field support, refueling and a host of others.

Cv: Young "Paul" Kim (Computer Engineering), Young "Paul" Kim

ECaMS Department Faculty Curricula Vitae

No abstract provided.

Effect Of Cryo-Milling On Pla/Cmc And Pla/ Caco3 Composites: A Comparison Study, Fatemeh Mahdiyeh-Boroujeni, Ron Kander

School of Design and Engineering Papers

This study examines a new approach for improving the dispersion of hydrophilic fillers into a hydrophobic polymer matrix, a long-standing challenge that often limits the thermal and mechanical performance of biocomposites. Two different fillers, natural cellulose microcrystals (CMC) and mineral calcium carbonate (CaCO3), were incorporated into polylactic acid (PLA) at five different weight fractions. Biocomposite films were prepared using physical mixing and cryo-milling, followed by hot pressing. Cryo-milling was explored as a strategy to enhance filler distribution within the matrix. Thermal properties, crystallization behavior, and mechanical performance were characterized using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and tensile testing, …

Sustainable Practices For Aircraft Decommissioning And Recycling In A Circular Aviation Economy, Eva Maleviti, Dimitra Papadaki

Publications

The aviation industry requires a series of actions that will transform its current status, aiming for sustainable operations. Aviation’s end-of-life stream is a pivotal lever for circularity, yet current dismantling and recycling practices leave significant value unrealized. Circular Economy could be considered as a transformational approach to the aviation industry and address its environmental and economic challenges, meeting sustainability principles. This study conducts a PRISMA-guided qualitative systematic review across academic and industry sources to synthesize regulations, technologies, and economics of aircraft decommissioning. It aims to quantify material recovery potential and environmental gains at the aircraft level and assess technology readiness …

Framework And Methodology For Risk-Based Bridge And Tunnel Asset Management: Risk-Based Asset Ranking And Corridor Prioritization, David Y. Yang, Arash Khosravifar, Diane Moug, Avinash Unnikrishnan

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This report presents the results of Phase II of the project, "Framework and Methodology for Risk-based Bridge and Tunnel Asset Management". The research was carried out at Portland State University in collaboration with engineers and officials at the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). Using the framework and methodology developed in Phase I of the project, the primary goal of Phase II is to showcase the practical application in risk-based asset management. In particular, the report includes the following two case studies: Case Study I — Weighted hazard scenarios for seismic risk assessment of Oregon Highway …

Locations Of Outfalls In The Indian River Lagoon And Lake Worth Lagoon, Florida, Kelly M. Kibler, Melinda J. Donnelly, Vincent Encomio, Madison Giuntoli, Manisha Thenuwara, Brice Bennett, Laura Andrade Barron, Mariam Sonbol, Wynter Raine Seppala, Namritha Ramakrishnan, Jennifer Jordan Báez, Beth Orlando, Irene Arpayoglou, Melissa Meisenburg

Indian River Lagoon Shorelines

The spatial dataset: UCF_Outfalls_IRL_LWL.shp was created under grants from the Indian River Lagoon National Estuaries Program and Florida Sea Grant. These projects cumulatively led to creation of a living shoreline restoration prioritization model and hydrodynamic habitat suitability models for 1,550 km (963 miles) of estuarine shorelines in Indian River Lagoon (IRL) and Lake Worth Lagoon (LWL).

The dataset presented here includes the location of outfalls identified throughout the study region and general characteristics of the shoreline where they were identified.