Engineering Commons^™

Understanding The Effects Of Binder Dissolution Dynamics On The Chemistry And Performance Of Lithium–Sulfur Batteries, Saheed A. Lateef, John Chmiola, Fabio Albano, William E. Mustain, Golareh Jalilvand

Faculty Publications

Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) are promising next-generation energy storage devices due to their higher theoretical specific energy and lower cost compared to conventional Lithium-ion batteries. However, their practical implementation has been hindered by severe performance degradation during extended cycling, primarily driven by shuttling of soluble sulfur discharge products (polysulfides) between the cathode and anode leading to capacity loss. In this work, we investigate the impact of selected binders and solvents, highlighting the effect of the dissolution process of the binder in solvent, on the structural properties and electrochemical performance of sulfur cathode. It is demonstrated for a variety of binders that …

Tailoring Gel Polymer Electrolytes For Advancing Quasi-Solid-State Batteries, Linrui Duan, Juchen Zhang, Mataz Alcoutlabi, Hongtao Sun

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) have attracted considerable attention due to their advantageous properties, such as uniform lithium deposition, stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formation, nontoxicity, nonflammability, and leak-proof characteristics. In this study, a polyvinylidene fluoride hexafluoropropylene copolymer (PVDF-HFP)-based gel polymer electrolyte is synthesized via photo-polymerization, with a focus on examining the effects of curing time on electrolyte performance. The findings reveal that UV irradiation conditions significantly influence key material and electrochemical properties of the GPEs, including lithium-ion transference number, ionic conductivity, crystallinity, morphology, and liquid electrolyte uptake. Notably, the GPE cured for 120 s exhibited optimized performance, achieving an ionic …

Harnessing Generative Ai And Large Language Models For Revolutionizing Cybersecurity In The Internet Of Things: Ethical And Privacy Implications, Harsha Sammangi, Aditya Jagatha, Jun Liu

Research & Publications

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) and large language models (LLMs) have in- troduced transformative capabilities in cybersecurity, particularly in securing Internet of Things (IoT) environments. These technologies can synthesize vast datasets, support real-time anomaly detection, and generate predictive insights through simple prompts. However, their deployment also presents ethical and privacy-related concerns, including algorithmic bias, data leakage, and misuse for malicious content creation. This paper conducts a systematic literature review to evaluate how LLMs and generative AI contribute to IoT cybersecurity. We propose an ethical AI-IoT security framework, examine key challenges, and offer recommendations for integrating responsible AI governance. We aim to …

Modeling And Estimation Of Co2 Capture By Porous Liquids Through Machine Learning, Farid Amirkhani, Amir Dashti, Hossein Abedsoltan, Amir H. Mohammadi, John L. Zhou, Ali Altaee

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Porous liquids (PLs) are newly developed porous materials that combine unique fluidity with permanent porosity, which exhibit promising functionalities. They have shown ability to efficiently absorb greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO₂). Experimental measurement is one approach to determining the solubility of various greenhouse gases in PLs, which has drawbacks such as being expensive and time-consuming. Hence, simulation models are valuable to predict the solubility of CO₂ in various PLs. This work aims to develop machine learning (ML) modeling methods for accurately estimating CO₂ solubility under varying conditions (e.g. PLs, temperature, pressure). Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference …

Camino—Career Advancement, Mentorship, Inspiration, And Opportunities: A Stem K-12 Outreach Initiative, Hector A. Pulgar, Francisco Zelaya-Arrazabal, Erick Salvador Vasquez, Sebastian N. Martinez Lizana

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

CAMINO is a STEM program designed to promote career advancement, provide mentorship, give inspiration, and offer opportunities for K-12 Hispanic students located in East Tennessee. As part of the educational component of an NSF CAREER grant, the program launched in 2021 and is a collaboration between a research group from the University of Tennessee and one of the high schools with the largest Hispanic populations in the Knoxville Metropolitan area. These students from minority backgrounds may limit their aspirations and may not pursue higher education and/or professional development for numerous reasons, such as limited motivation, insufficient exposure to higher education, …

Entrepreneurially Minded Learning (Eml) Micromoment Activities Generated Using Students' Experiences In A Fluid Flow And Heat Transfer Course, Erick Salvador Vasquez, Megan Morin

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The Entrepreneurially Minded Learning (EML) Framework involves the 3 C's: curiosity, connections, and creating value. Several design courses, open-ended assignments, and laboratory experiences can successfully lead to EML implementations. However, these implementations require extensive class time and instructor feedback, limiting their use in core engineering courses. Developing EML activities that are active, engaging, and rapid to deploy in a classroom setting can promote the sustained growth of an entrepreneurial mindset (EM). EML micromoment activities are emerging as a practical tool to facilitate the incorporation of the 3 Cs through rapid activity implementations that only last 2 – 30 minutes. These …

Cst110.1 Analysing Everyday Interfaces Example 1, Sae University College

Exemplars

A Case Study on MyTime Interface analysing the usability of it.

Cst110.1 Analysing Everyday Interfaces Example 2, Sae University College

Exemplars

A Case Study on usability analysis of the Apple iOS fitness app.

Designing Electric Vehicle Infrastructures And Opportunities To Benefit All Residents, Polly Parkinson, Emma Mecham, Fawn Groves, Ivonne Santiago, Amy Wilson-Lopez

Teacher Education and Leadership Student Research

Countries around the globe have set electric vehicle adoption goals to address environmental and health concerns, but engineering planners and community policy experts cannot separate the socioeconomic factors from transportation needs. This mixed-methods case study indicates that because transportation decisions are inextricably linked to health, work, and housing, EV adoption must also address multifaceted human needs. To avoid the transportation mistakes of the past, it is essential that people in communities are consulted in the adoption process and have opportunities so all may actively benefit from the infrastructures and economic growth caused by electrification. “If you don't know the space …

Global Variation Of Mesospheric Gravity Waves Observed By Awe, Yucheng Zhao, Jiarong Zhang, Pierre-Dominique Pautet, Ludger Scherliess, Michael J. Taylor

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

USU Presentation on the Global Variation of Mesospheric Gravity Waves Observed by AWE

Awe Data Status, P.-Dominique Pautet, Anh Phan, Ludger Scherliess, Yucheng Zhao, Jiarong Zhang, Dallin Tucker, Connor Waite, Pedro Sevilla, Russell Kirkham, Harri Latvakoski, Jacob Adams, Keith Paskett

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on the AWE data status.

Board # 271: Nsf Iuse 2315777: Training Engineering Students To Be Better Learners: A Course-Integrated Approach, Huihui Qi, C. Pilegard, Minju Kim, Saharnaz Baghdadchi, Curt Schurgers, Alex M. Phan, Marko Lubarda

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Learning is a lifelong process exercised within and beyond the classroom, and a vital skill in almost all technical professions. Engineers, in particular, are impacted by rapidly evolving technologies and practices that require continuous learning and adaptation long after their training and the initial transition into their professional careers. However, despite the critical role of learning in their academic success and profession, engineering students experience academically rigorous and challenging courses with minimal emphasis or conscious focus on learning strategies that power effective learning. Often-used learning strategies such as rereading, highlighting, repetition, and memorization are intuitive for many students, yet do …

Empowering Engineering Students To Become More Effective And Self-Regulated Learners Through Course-Integrated Learning Strategies Intervention: A Pilot Study In A Solid Mechanics Course, Huihui Qi, Richard Eugene Vallejo Jr., Changkai Chen, Minju Kim, Alex M. Phan, Marko Lubarda, Celeste Pilegard, Curt Schurgers

Psychology Faculty Articles and Research

Learning is a lifelong process exercised within and beyond the classroom and a vital skill in almost all technical professions. Engineers, in particular, are impacted by rapidly evolving technologies and practices that require continuous learning and adaptation long after their training and the initial transition into their professional careers. However, despite the critical role of learning in their academic success and profession, engineering students experience academically rigorous and challenging courses with very little emphasis or conscious focus on learning strategies that power effective learning. Often-used learning strategies such as rereading, highlighting, repetition, and memorization are intuitive for many students, yet …

Direct Arp2/3-Vinculin Binding Is Required For Pseudopod Extension, But Only On Compliant Substrates And In 3d, Tadamoto Isogai, Kevin M. Dean, Philippe Roudot, Evgenia V. Azarova, Kushal Bhatt, Meghan K. Driscoll, Shaina P. Royer, Nikhil Mittal, Bo Jui Chang, Sangyoon J. Han, Reto Fiolka, Gaudenz Danuser

Michigan Tech Publications

A critical step in cell morphogenesis is the extension of actin-dense pseudopods, controlled by actin-binding proteins (ABPs). While this process is well-understood on glass coverslips, it is less so in compliant three-dimensional environments. Here, we knocked out a series of ABPs in osteosarcoma cells and evaluated their effect on pseudopod extension on glass surfaces (2D) and in collagen gels (3D). Cells lacking the longest Arp3 gene variant, or with attenuated Arp2/3 activity, had the strongest reduction in pseudopod formation between 2D and 3D. This was largely due to reduced activity of the hybrid Arp2/3-vinculin complex, which was dispensable on glass. …

Ex Vivo And Simulation Comparison Of Leakage In End-To-End Versus End-To-Side Anastomosed Porcine Large Intestine, Youssef Fahmy, Mohamed Trabia, Brian Ward, Lucas Gallup, Whitney Elks

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

Anastomotic leaks after colorectal resection are serious surgical complications. We have compared the integrity of two common colorectal anastomosis techniques, end-to-side (ES) and end-to-end (EE), to control specimens using a novel experimental setup that mimics anastomotic air leak tests, which are typically performed during surgeries. Freshly harvested porcine colonic sections from 23 F1 cross-species pigs were used. Pressure measurements and video imaging were used to monitor the ex vivo experiments on EE, ES, and Control specimens. Using EE (n = 16), ES (n = 12), and Control (n = 22) specimens, leak pressure was 282.6 ± 3.0 mm Hg for …

Integrated Decision Support System For Optimizing Time And Cost Tradeoffs In Linear Repetitive Construction Projects, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed, Ali Hassan Ali, Ahmed Adel Abdelhady

Civil Engineering

No abstract provided.

Integrated Decision Support System For Optimizing Time And Cost Trade Offs In Linear Repetitive Construction Projects, Ahmed Gouda Mohamed

Civil Engineering

time and cost performance. Traditional scheduling techniques often struggle to effectively address these complexities. This paper aims to enhance project optimization by introducing a metaheuristicbased Time-Cost Trade-off (TCT) framework specifically designed for repetitive project environments. Unlike previous studies that focus solely on single-algorithm applications, this research evaluates two metaheuristic optimization strategies—Genetic Algorithm (GA) and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO)—within a consistent problem setting. The framework employs both algorithms, which are independently assessed for their effectiveness in tackling the Linear Repetitive Project Time-Cost Trade-off (LRPTCT) problem. The methodology utilizes task decomposition alongside the Line of Balance (LOB) scheduling technique, facilitating a more …

Life Cycle Costs Of The Little Cottonwood Canyon Transportation Scenarios Under Varied Economic Conditions And Analysis Periods, Emma Reeves, Dane Richards, Darrell Sonntag

Faculty Publications

Abstract— This study revisits the life cycle cost analysis (LCCA) of the Utah Department of Transportation’s (UDOT) proposed gondola project, using recommended best practices for selecting the discount rate, life cycle periods, and conducting a sensitivity analysis on cost projections. We reanalyze the life cycle costs of the five alternatives in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) (Scenario 1) across different economic scenarios, and subsequently, we reanalyze the life cycle costs of the Scaled Enhanced Bus (Scenario 2) and Enhanced Bus to Gondola (Scenario 3) from UDOT’s Revised LCCA, using construction dates in the record of decision (ROD) and considering various …

Examining Green And Chemical Methods For Zero-Valent Iron Nanoparticle Synthesis In Heavy Metal Adsorption, Juan Ferro-Falla, Lewis Stetson Rowles, Farith Diaz Arriaga, Jaime Plazas-Tuttle

Civil Engineering & Construction: Faculty Publications

The increasing concern over heavy metal contamination in water has necessitated the development of sustainable and efficient treatment methods. This study compares two synthesis approaches for zero-valent iron nanoparticles (nZVI) for cadmium, chromium, and arsenic removal: chemical reduction using sodium borohydride and green synthesis utilizing cocoa husk extracts combined with hydrothermal carbonization (HTC). Chemically synthesized nZVI exhibited high initial removal efficiencies (>98%), though desorption effects occurred over time due to particle aging. In contrast, green-synthesized nZVI, stabilized by a carbon matrix, maintained consistent removal efficiencies above 98% for 120 h under acidic conditions, showcasing superior stability and reactivity. Characterization …

Adsorption And Electron Transfer Of Metal-Reducing Decaheme Cytochrome Protein Mtrf On Iron Oxide Nanoparticle Surfaces, Jiahuiyu Fang, Pranab Sarker, Xiaoxue Qin, Shuting Zhang, Size Zheng, Tao Wei

Faculty Publications

Dissimilatory metal-reducing bacteria (DMRB) transfer electrons to extracellular metal oxides via a multiheme cytochrome network. Coupling DMRB with iron oxide nanoparticles (NPs) enables continuous redox processes for various applications such as bioremediation and bioenergy. The conformation of the terminal decaheme cytochrome MtrF on the surface critically influences electron transfer (ET) efficiency. In this work, we used molecular dynamics simulations and master equations to study MtrF adsorption on 3.6 and 6.0 nm α-Fe2O3 NPs and its steady-state ET in water. Our study shows that the heme cofactors can have strong electrostatic interactions with iron oxide NP surfaces, promoting protein adsorption and …

Diversifying Cybersecurity: Evaluation Of An Internet Of Things (Iot)-Based Cybersecurity Training Course Designed To Bridge The Diversity Gap, Maureen Namukasa, Bhoomin B. Chauhan, Carlie Swords, Curtice Gough, Weronika Dymanus, Catherine Diresta, John Vitali, Vivek Sharma, T J. Oconnor, Meredith Carroll

Aeronautics Faculty Publications

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of an eight-module Cybersecurity course at increasing the learning outcomes of middle and high school students with little to no experience, including underrepresented minorities (URMs) in Cybersecurity. Twice we administered and evaluated the Cybersecurity course, which included hands-on IoT-based activities, utilizing collaborative learning, scaffolding, and representation-based learning strategies. Using a quasi-experimental, within-subjects, repeated measures design, each participant experienced a pretest, the course, and a post-test to evaluate the impact on learners’ self-efficacy, interest, and knowledge. The results revealed that (1) at pre-test, female (p = .001) and in one course administration minority …

Networking For Power Grid And Smart Grid Communications: Structures, Security Issues, And Features, Biswash Basnet, Varsha Sen

Graduate Student Scholarship

The evolution from traditional to smart grid systems has radically changed communication architectures. It enables secure, efficient, and resilient energy infrastructures. Unlike the centralized, unidirectional communication practices typical of traditional grids with minimal automation, modern smart grids use tiered, bidirectional networks allowing real-time control, integration of distributed energy resources (DER), and active consumer participation. The drive for this development arises from the growing use of renewable energy resources, electric vehicles, and sophisticated digital metering technologies. End-to-end communication architectures now underpin grid reliability, interoperability, and cybersecurity. This research explores the end-to-end architecture of traditional and smart grids, including access technologies, protocol …

Nutrient Dynamics In Restored And Unrestored Urban Streams In The Piedmont Ecoregion Of South Carolina, Emily J. Jordan, Debabrata Sahoo, Calvin B. Sawyer, Jeremy W. Pike, Dara M. Park, Sarah A. White, Brian E. Haggard

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The United States invests billions of dollars annually to perform stream restoration projects, yet few studies have investigated the effects this ecosystem manipulation has on nutrient cycling and associated water quality. Water quality improvement remains a substantial motivation for mitigating catchment-scale disturbances, especially in urban streams. Various urban land use practices impact the transfer and transport of nutrients such as soluble reactive phosphorus, ammonium, and nitrate plus nitrite from land into the streams and rivers. The uptake length (Sw), or the distance a dissolved nutrient travels downstream within a stream reach, can be measured using short-term nutrient injections, where shorter …

Nanoscale Structure-Property Relationships Of Cyanate Ester As A Function Of Extent Of Cure, Khatereh Kashmari, Josh Kemppainen, Sagar U. Patil, Julieta Barroeta Robles, Pascal Hubert, Gregory Odegard

Michigan Tech Publications

Cyanate esters are key thermosetting resins for composite materials that require structural integrity and resistance to elevated temperatures. Because cyanate ester composites require relatively high processing temperatures, they are susceptible to the formation of process-induced residual stresses, which compromise their overall strength and durability. Process modeling is a key strategy for optimizing processing parameters to minimize such residual stresses. A necessary component of effective and efficient process modeling of composites is computationally established resin property evolution relationships for a range of processing parameters. In this study, the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of a cyanate ester resin are established as …

Mining Waste Materials In Road Construction, Nuha Mashaan, Bina Yogi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Resource depletion and environmental degradation have resulted from the substantial increase in the use of natural aggregates and construction materials brought on by the growing demand for infrastructure development. Road building using mining waste has become a viable substitute that reduces the buildup of industrial waste while providing ecological and economic advantages. In order to assess the appropriateness of several mining waste materials for use in road building, this study investigates their engineering characteristics. These materials include slag, fly ash, tailings, waste rock, and overburden. To ensure long-term performance in pavement applications, this study evaluates their tensile and compressive strength, …

A Unified Multiphase Composite Material Model: An Advanced Computational Continuum-Micro Mechanics Framework, Jaton N. Wince

Doctoral Dissertations and Projects

This work represents a transformational milestone that addresses the complex mechanical behavior of composite material systems within a unified framework for both inorganic and organic constituents. The motivation for this research stems from the need to accurately model and predict the mechanical behavior of these complex material systems, which are widely used in various industries. These materials present a unique challenge due to the intricate interplay of inorganic and organic phases, making them ideal candidates for an Internal State Variable (ISV) multiscale modeling approach.

The proposed model is a comprehensive ISV framework that seamlessly predicts inorganic and organic material behavior. …

Maximising Solar Pv Potential: A Comprehensive Review Of Factors Affecting Photovoltaic Installation And Generation In A Mild Temperate Oceanic Climate, Aiza Ahmad, Niamh Power, Evan Finnegan

Publications

The urgency of addressing the climate emergency and clean energy transitions have spurred worldwide initiatives to increase utilisation of renewable energy sources. The integration of rooftop photovoltaic panels at domestic level, often underestimated, is a priority across Europe to meet targets of net-zero emissions by 2050. PV systems represent a crucial technology for renewable energy generation and mitigating climate change. However, their performance and potential are influenced by various factors, including environmental conditions, building parameters and geographical factors. This paper demonstrates multiple factors that affect PV potential in mild temperate oceanic climates, using Ireland as a representative case study. Unlike …

Hybrid Pvt Integrated Pyramid Solar Still: 11e, Sustainability, And Sustainable Development Goals Assessment, Md Shahriar Mohtasim, Md Golam Kibria, Md Mahamudul Hasan Pranto, Barun K. Das

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Photovoltaic thermal (PVT) integrated solar stills (SSs) can address the challenges associated with electricity scarcity and water desalination. The experiment encompasses a synergistic approach of delivering the heated fluid from the PVT with phase change materials (PVT/PCM) and PVT integrated hybrid nano-materials with fin (PVT/HNPCM/Fin) setups to the water basin of the modified pyramid SSs for enhancing the evaporation rate. A comprehensive analysis is conducted on the impact of hollow circular fins, black sand, hybrid nano-particles with PCM and sponge in SS cases. For PVT scenarios, the effects of hybrid nano-enhanced PCM and fins in serpentine copper pipe layout at …

The Spectral Response Of Time-Resolved Piv In A Turbulent Boundary Layer, Peter Manovski, Wagih Abu Rowin, Henry Ng, Paul Gulotta, Matteo Giacobello, Charitha De Silva, Nicholas Hutchins, Ivan Marusic

Student Publications

This study presents the application of time-resolved particle image velocimetry (TR-PIV) to measure the mean and fluctuating velocity components in a turbulent boundary layer (TBL) over an axisymmetric body of revolution. A narrow wall-normal strip of the flow was captured using a synchronised high-speed laser and camera at a recording frequency of up to 80 kHz. The resulting streamwise and wall-normal velocity TR-PIV data were validated against hot-wire anemometry measurements and direct numerical simulations (DNS) of a flat plate under matched flow conditions. The mean flow results showed good agreement between all methods, while the expected attenuation due to the …

Shrinkage Study In Photopolymerisable Hybrid Sol-Gel Through Holographic Patterning, Jamshed Aftab, Izabela Naydenova, Tatsiana Mikulchyk

Articles

Photopolymerisation induced shrinkage of holographic materials is one of the main factors which needs to be considered for designing holographic optical elements (HOEs) with high accuracy in light redirection with maximum efficiency. This work studies the shrinkage in photopolymerisable hybrid sol-gel (PHSG) by examining the properties of volume transmission gratings recorded in PHSG layers. It explores both the dependence of shrinkage on the holographic grating parameters (thickness, spatial frequency, slant angle) and the effect of material aging. By using the fringe-plane rotation model, shrinkage is found to have the maximum value of 1.37 % at 765 lines/mm (19.36° slant angle) …