Engineering Commons^™

Reconfiguration-Driven Assembly Of Inorganic Nanomembranes, Divya Jyoti Prakash

Chemical and Biological Engineering ETDs

This thesis focuses on the guided self-assembly of metastable nanomembranes (NMs) that are either amorphous or polycrystalline. Guided self-assembly of NMs is a robust and scalable method to obtain a variety of three-dimensional structures such as helices, rolled-up tubes, and networks of interconnected channels. These 3D structures have important applications as on-chip actuators, sensors, inductors, transformers, waveguides, and antennas. Furthermore, a large amount of strain and strain gradient can be imparted in NMs by bending them to a nanoscale and microscale radius of curvature, making guided self-assembly on NMs a viable route to extreme strain engineering of amorphous and polycrystalline …

Hitch Cart “Landing Gear”, Rebekah White, Jose Raygoza, Randy Hernandez, Brandon Leon

Mechanical Engineering

This report aims to allow our sponsor, to review our design process of the Hitch Cart Landing Gear Prototype. In the design overview section of this report, we discuss the primary design modifications we made to the wheel mechanism of the existing hitch cart prototype, including the addition of the ACME screws and the folding brackets. This allows our sponsor to see the intended improvements made to the past prototype and understand the primary goal of our project. Then, in the implementation section, we cover the entire manufacturing process to allow our sponsor to understand what manufacturing steps must be …

Quantifying Lock Criticality For Inland Waterway Navigation Using An Agent-Based Simulation, Ashwin Narayan

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Inland waterway travel has tremendous potential to improve multimodal transportation in the United States due to its environment-friendly and safe nature. Waterway travel has proven to be much cheaper per ton-mile and more fuel efficient than trucks. Millions of dollars have recently been invested in inland waterway networks to facilitate travel. The waterway infrastructure must be resilient to enable efficient waterway travel and prevent unnecessary delays. Locks, an important component of waterway infrastructure, enable vessels to travel between waterways of varying depths and must be maintained consistently to avoid unexpected failures. However, with limited resources, it is difficult to preserve …

Shape Memory Alloy Capsule Micropump For Drug Delivery Applications, Youssef Mohamed Kotb

Theses and Dissertations

Implantable drug delivery devices have many benefits over traditional drug administration techniques and have attracted a lot of attention in recent years. By delivering the medication directly to the tissue, they enable the use of larger localized concentrations, enhancing the efficacy of the treatment. Passive-release drug delivery systems, one of the various ways to provide medication, are great inventions. However, they cannot dispense the medication on demand since they are nonprogrammable. Therefore, active actuators are more advantageous in delivery applications. Smart material actuators, however, have greatly increased in popularity for manufacturing wearable and implantable micropumps due to their high energy …

Design Of High Efficiency Doherty Power Amplifier, Kobi G. Kelly, Severin Pindell

Electrical Engineering

The project includes design and fabrication of a high efficiency power amplifier for a student design competition held at International Microwave Symposium (IMS) 2023. Efficient power amplifiers are critical for base station communication requiring efficient use of available power. The final design optimizes power added efficiency (PAE) and linearity. The amplifier will operate at 2.45 GHz. Competitive PAE above 50%, and C/I above 30 dB is achieved by leveraging a Doherty class amplifier using accurate discrete CGH4006P transistor models to simulate an efficient and linear design. Unique design features include optimal transistor bias point selection and power split ratios between …

Generalized Model To Enable Zero-Shot Imitation Learning For Versatile Robots, Yongshuai Wu

Master's Theses

The rapid advancement in Deep Learning (DL), especially in Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Imitation Learning (IL), has positioned it as a promising approach for a multitude of autonomous robotic systems. However, the current methodologies are predominantly constrained to singular setups, necessitating substantial data and extensive training periods. Moreover, these methods have exhibited suboptimal performance in tasks requiring long-horizontal maneuvers, such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) inventory, where a robot requires thousands of steps to complete.

In this thesis, we address the aforementioned challenges by presenting the Cross-modal Reasoning Model (CMRM), a novel zero-shot Imitation Learning policy, to tackle long-horizontal robotic …

A Comprehensive Review Of Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis Processes To Produce Sustainable Diesel And Aviation Fuel, Joseph C. Steinagel

Honors College Theses

The greatest threat known to humankind today is global warming. It affects every nation on the planet and the natural order of all living things. Consequently, this ongoing crisis necessitates action to scientifically revolutionize important areas of society, including researching modern adaptations of the transportation industry. In that regard, it has been determined that an effective short-term answer to eliminating carbon emissions is to produce sustainable fuels that run cooperatively with the well-established machines of today. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is one such topic of interest, and the Fischer-Tropsch synthesis process is an effective way of producing SAF. To that …

Effect Of Waste Covid-19 Masks On Compaction Characteristics Of Silty-Clay Soil, Sydney K. Lawson

Honors College Theses

The present study aims to explore the effect of adding shredded waste Covid-19 masks to silty-clay soil on the soil’s compaction characteristics for beneficial use in embankment, the subgrade of roadways, or backfill. This was accomplished by using two different types of masks: blue surgical masks and KN95 masks. Both mask types were hand shredded into half-inch sections using safety-scissors. The maximum dry density (MDD) and optimum moisture content (OMC) are the two most important compaction characteristics, and they were determined by the Standard Proctor Compaction Test (ASTM D698 / AASHTO T99). The change of both the MDD and OMC …

Brain Computer Interface-Based Drone Control Using Gyroscopic Data From Head Movements, Ikaia Cacha Melton

Honors College Theses

This research explores the potential of using gyroscopic data from a person’s head movement to control a DJI Tello quadcopter via a Brain-Computer Interface (BCI). In this study, over 100 gyroscopic recordings capturing the X, Y and Z columns (formally known as GyroX, GyroY, GyroZ) between 4 volunteers with the Emotiv Epoc X headset were collected. The Emotiv Epoc X data captured (left, right, still, and forward) head movements of each participant associated with the DJI Tello quadcopter navigation. The data underwent thorough processing and analysis, revealing distinctive patterns in charts using Microsoft Excel. A Python condition algorithm was then …

Navigating The Relationships Among Food Waste Practices, Environmental Intentions, And Sustainability Knowledge Of Students, Merri Claire Minshew

Honors College Theses

Colleges and university campuses are among the greatest food wasters in the US due to combined over production and plate waste from consumers. While some schools have developed programs aimed at reducing and sustainably managing food waste, much of it ends up in landfills and produces greenhouse gas emissions. The overall goal of the research was to collect a comprehensive data set on university students’ food waste practices and behavior, environmental and sustainability knowledge, and environmental intentions. For probing relationships among these drivers, a structural equation model and student survey was developed. The survey of 37 questions was collected on …

Effects Of Magnetite Particle Morphology On Adsorption Of Copper Ions From Aqueous Solutions, Alisa Hashley

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Adsorptive processes can be used for metal contaminant removal. This work addresses magnetite, a magnetic iron oxide, as the adsorbent for use in an adsorptive removal system, known as the continuous flow material recovery system (CFMR), developed by Leitzke et al. [1]. Though the system is effective in removing contaminants from aqueous solution, efforts to further improve efficiency are being made. One way to improve the efficiency of the CFMR is to analyze the magnetite particles being used and investigate how the particle properties effect adsorption. The author’s research is presented and discussed here to describe the effects magnetite particle …

Machine Learning For Intrusion Detection Into Unmanned Aerial System 6g Networks, Faisal Alrefaei

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Progress in the development of wireless network technology has played a crucial role in the evolution of societies and provided remarkable services over the past decades. It remotely offers the ability to execute critical missions and effective services that meet the user's needs. This advanced technology integrates cyber and physical layers to form cyber-physical systems (CPS), such as the Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), which consists of an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), ground network infrastructure, communication link, etc. Furthermore, it plays a crucial role in connecting objects to create and develop the Internet of Things (IoT) technology. Therefore, the emergence of …

Analysis Of Wingtip Vortex Structure Generated By Bio-Inspired Winglets, D'Zahn A. Smith

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Bio-inspired winglets were studied with the goal of better understanding the structure of the wingtip vortices they generate. Measurements of the tip vortex were previously carried out using stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (sPIV). The bio-inspired winglet was tested on a rectangular NACA 0012 wing section at a 5-degree angle of attack and at a chord Reynolds number of 900,000. Velocity field measurements were recorded at 0.7 and 2 chord lengths aft of the wing’s trailing edge. Compared to the wing with no attachment and a traditional blended winglet, the bio-inspired winglet’s vortex exhibited significantly less intense flow field properties. These …

New York City’S Rising Sea Level And Coastal Erosion: Approaches To Resiliency, Ryder D. Isidro

Student Theses 2015-Present

No abstract provided.

Affordable Bioprint Head-Adapter For 3d Printers, Andrew Ceralde, Dominic Drake, Noah Engles, Mohammad Alwan, Nevada Perry

Honors Capstones

Introduction: Addressing the need for affordable and accessible bioprinting technology, the Northern Illinois University bioprinting research and design project aims to democratize the field by developing an open source bioprint head. The initiative targets the prohibitive cost of commercial bioprinters by proposing an optimal design that can be integrated with widely available 3D printers, like the Creality Ender-3. This approach seeks to enable the widespread adoption of bioprinting technology, particularly for applications in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.

Methods: Leveraging SolidWorks for design, the project employs a methodology that combines a precision extrusion system with thermal and UV crosslinking capabilities. …

Detection Of Unauthorized Transmissions In A Frequency Spectrum Using A Wireless Sensor Network, Benjamin Roehrig, Joel Brinkman, Dylan Zupec, Jannette Gonzalez

Honors Capstones

A prototype for a wireless sensor network has been designed to detect and identify unauthorized wireless transmissions in a frequency spectrum. This prototype design is intended to detect unauthorized transmissions within the FM band of frequencies independently at individual nodes with Software Defined Radio receivers and transmit that information to a fusion center for aggregation using a Bluetooth Low Energy mesh network. Aggregated results will be displayed to the user through a Graphical User Interface at the fusion center.

Improving The Power Efficiency Of Woodward’S High-Power Inverter (Hpi) Using Algorithmic Part Selection., Jaron Holder, Ali Al Gazwi, John Childers, Jose Soublett

Honors Capstones

Woodward Inc. is a secondary aerospace manufacturer based in the USA that specializes in aircraft power and control systems. This senior design project was concerned with a power systems platform currently in development by Woodward, the High-Power Inverter (HPI) system. In this report, the senior design group from Northern Illinois University (NIU) demonstrated the creation of an algorithmic part selection process to choose more power-efficient electrical components, the prototyping using MATLAB Simulink, and the practical testing that showed an increase of 7% in the power efficiency of the HPI system.

Variable Scale Pore System Effects On Unconventional Reservoir Fluid Properties And Production Mechanisms, David Reichhardt

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Improved recovery from tight oil reservoirs will be accomplished through a more thorough understanding of primary and enhanced production mechanisms. This is true for both primary production and production following cyclic gas injection processes. The production mechanisms are controlled by reservoir fluid properties and pore network characteristics. The pore networks found in these reservoirs include large fractions of nanometer scale pores, which effect fluid flow and storage. A numerical model was developed to describe the impacts that nanometer scale pore networks have on the fluid properties and oil production. In order to describe the effects, the nanometer scale pore networks …

Analyzing Heat Generated From Electro-Osmotic Flow Utilizing Computational Fluid Dynamics, Jordan Elizabeth Grothe

Honors Thesis

Without extensive vascularization, the transfer of fluid and nutrients through human tissue is limited to diffusion and weak interstitial flow. Electroosmosis, or the flow of fluid driven by an electrical field, has become a promising solution. Scientists have begun applying electricity to human tissue to promote stronger interstitial flow; however, optimization of this process has proven to be a challenge due to ohmic heating. Cells function within a small range of temperatures and exposure to voltages exceeding the threshold will cause cells to degrade and die prematurely. This research seeks to better understand and quantify the range of voltage where …

Selective Separation Of Metal Ions From Aqueous Process Streams Using Magnetite Adsorbent, Daniel Geottlich

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The effect of coexisting ions on the selectivity of adsorption onto magnetite nanoparticles (MNPs) for various elements in aqueous solutions was investigated. Surrogate solutions of varying concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs), heavy metals, and gangue elements (low commercial value elements or metals) were mixed with MNPs. Selectivity experiments were performed on surrogate samples based on the composition of a REE ore concentrate and a leach liquor from the chlorinated products of the roasted REE ore concentrate. Adsorption efficiency of magnetite was determined by measuring ion concentration in a sample using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). Magnetite is selective …

Mpem Capstone Presentation, Stetson Ratzlaff

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Master of Project, Engineering and Management. MPEM Capstone Final Presentation.

Process Intensification For Rare Earth Elements Adsorption By Resonant Vibratory Mixing, Oluwatosin Adebayo, Richard Ladouceur, Zainab Nasrullah

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The adsorption capacity for six rare earth elements (Lanthanum, Terbium, Neodymium, Dysprosium, Praseodymium, and Holmium) by biochar produced from hemp feedstock was investigated. An innovative approach to enhancing the adsorption of rare earth elements using biochar was studied and investigates the potential of resonant vibratory mixing (RVM) as a process intensification method compared to conventional mechanical mixing for the adsorption process. Hemp hurds as source of biomass was pyrolyzed to produce biochar at a temperature of 4500C for 60 minutes. The biochar was characterized by FTIR (Fourier Transform Infra-red), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscopy), Surpass 3 Electrokinetic solid surface analyzer, and …

Electrical Resistance Tomography Measurements In Column Flotation Of Pure Hydrophobic And Hydrophilic Systems, Vimeipha Vilayphone

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Column flotation was phenomenologically investigated with Electrical Resistance Tomography (ERT) as an uninterrupted instrument to measure gas holdup. Two-phase tests were performed to use the measurements for examining gas dispersion. Results were found to duplicate the findings in a previous thesis. With confidence attained in experimental procedures, three-phase tests were then performed to compare gas holdup with hydrophobic and hydrophilic solids. Hydrophobic solids included talc as well as dolomite with dodecyl amine (DDA) collector. Hydrophilic solids included dolomite as well as talc with carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) depressant. Variables throughout the research included frother concentration and sparger size. Results showed gas …

Using Unmanned Aircraft System (Uas)-Borne High-Resolution Hyperspectral Imaging And Gamma Radiometry For Rare Earth Element Exploration In The Bearpaw Mountains, Montana Usa, Emma Kamp

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The radiometric signature of thorium, in combination with the hyperspectral signature of carbonate minerals, can be a useful indicator of rare earth mineral occurrences in air-borne geophysical exploration. Recent technological advancements have allowed unmanned aircraft system (UAS)--borne spectral imaging and gamma-ray spectroscopy systems to acquire high-spatial-resolution data. In this study, we attempted to define and map an area of interest for rare earth mineral exploration using UAS-borne spectral and gamma-ray spectroscopy systems. Gamma-ray spectroscopy data were used to define an area of interest. Short-wave infrared imagery was used to detect and map carbonate minerals within the area of interest. Gamma-ray …

Mpem Capstone Presentation, Jason Schneider

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Master of Project, Engineering and Management (MPEM) Final Capstone Presentation.

Mpem Capstone Presentation, Sarah Hambidge

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Master of Project, Engineering and Management (MPEM) Final Capstone Presentation.

Comparison Of All-In Sustaining Costs, Gold Grade, And Gold Prices In North American Gold Mining Companies, David Abiodun

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Mining has evolved into an equilibrium of ore deposit management, environmental stewardship, and economic profitability that necessitates a proper understanding of economics and production efficiency. The All-In Sustaining Cost (AISC) was introduced in 2013 to better capture the cost of producing one ounce of gold and, when compared with the gold price and grade, could describe a company’s gold production efficiency. In this paper, this novel analysis focuses on US and Canadian operations under Barrick and Newmont, the two largest gold mining companies in North America, from 2019-2022. Published data for Coeur and Kinross were also secondarily analyzed. Under Newmont …

Mpem Capstone Presentation, Kaelin Newman

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Master of Project, Engineering and Management (MPEM) capstone final presentation.

Detection Of Unauthorized Transmissions In A Frequency Spectrum Using Wireless Sensor Network, Joel Brinkman, Jannette Gonzalez, Benjamin Roehrig, Dylan Zupec

Honors Capstones

A prototype for a wireless sensor network has been designed to detect and identify unauthorized wireless transmissions in a frequency spectrum. This prototype design is intended to detect unauthorized transmissions within the FM band of frequencies independently at individual nodes with Software Defined Radio receivers and transmit that information to a fusion center for aggregation using a Bluetooth mesh network. Aggregated results will be displayed to the user through a Graphical User Interface at the fusion center.

Signal Processing Algorithms For Doppler Lidar Sensors, Samantha Grubb

Physics and Astronomy Honors Papers

Light detection and ranging (LiDAR) is a remote sensing technology that obtains relative distance and velocity measurements between a sensor and a defined target by using light transmitted and received from the target. FMCW Doppler LiDAR, a particular variant of LiDAR, functions by analyzing the frequency shift in the reflected light to determine the target's range and velocity. This technology plays a crucial role across various sectors including defense, aerospace, and automotive. This paper presents signal processing algorithms designed to optimize data obtained from Doppler LiDAR sensors. By applying various window functions to time domain data, the Signal-to-Noise Ratio (SNR) …