Engineering Commons^™

Database Development For Reliable Small Object Detection In Maritime Environments, Jacob Matthew Whisenant

Theses and Dissertations

Achieving high reliability in small object detection is critical for advancing maritime and littoral intelligent navigation operations. Computer vision provides an undetectable form of perception that can be easily integrated into existing camera systems, offering a low-profile yet powerful solution for navigation and situational awareness in water-based environments. While deep learning techniques have significantly advanced the field of computer vision, the detection of small objects remains a persistent challenge. Limited pixel representation, the scarcity of large-scale small object datasets, and the reduced detail and indistinct features of small objects complicate detection efforts, especially in complex environments. These factors collectively hinder …

Satellite Radar Imagery Analysis For Ground Hazard Risk Monitoring In Railway Tracks And Slopes, Sumanth Varma Byrraju

Theses and Dissertations

Railway transportation is essential to national economies globally, and disruptions from geohazards can result in significant operational delays and considerable economic consequences. Satellite radar technologies, including Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR), offer an effective means to monitor geohazard risks across extensive railway networks. This thesis employs Multi-Temporal InSAR (MTInSAR) techniques, including Persistent Scatterer InSAR (PSInSAR) and Small Baseline Subset (SBAS), to identify high-risk areas along railway rights of way (ROW) prior to geohazard occurrences. However, the efficiency of these MT-InSAR and, consequently, the caliber of the data generated may be restricted by elements like topographical profile, vegetation, and surface soil …

Reduced Order Model-Based Framework For Microsecond Model Updating Of Two-Dimensional Structural Systems Using The Local Eigenvalue Modification Procedure, Emmanuel Abiodun Ogunniyi

Theses and Dissertations

Real-time model updating is crucial for active structures and electronic assemblies subjected to high-rate dynamic events. High-rate dynamic events refer to events that occur at high speeds and with rapid changes in the forces and energy involved. These events can include explosions, impacts, and crashes. These systems are characterized by a high dynamic response with a high rate (< 100 ms), high amplitude (> 100 gn), highly nonlinear, meaning that the response is not proportional to the applied force, and involve complex interactions between multiple objects or materials. A system exposed to high-rate dynamic environments is frequently prone to rapid plastic deformation, involving violent and …

Generalized Dynamic Pole Placement Control For Voltage Source Converters With Inductive-Capacitive Output Filters, Byunghee Moon

Theses and Dissertations

Voltage Source Converters (VSCs) with inductive-capacitive (LC) filters are prevalent in power electronics applications. There are many control techniques utilized for that category of power converter topology. However, as converter applications continue to increase their switching frequency, faster control methods are desirable to take advantage of the higher bandwidth that increased switching frequency allows for

Dynamic pole placement (DPP) controls are very promising methods for achieving high-speed control of VSCs with LC filters. However, the conventional DPP controls have very high sensitivity to disturbances and noise. In order to address this, two novel DPP current control methods are proposed and …

Strain And Redox Engineering For Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance In Transition Metal Oxide Thin Films, Mohammad Jamal El Loubani

Theses and Dissertations

The discovery of highly efficient and cost-effective thermoelectric (TE) materials is essential to envision high-performance TE power generators that enable the direct conversion of waste heat into electricity. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are considered promising candidates for high-temperature TE applications due to their excellent thermal stability and low cost. However, their maximum power output (power factor, PF = σ•S2) is constrained by the intrinsic trade-off between thermopower (S) and electrical conductivity (σ), both of which are inversely related to carrier concentration. This trade-off poses a significant barrier to improving the performance of TE devices. Among various strategies to overcome this …

Characterizing The Relationships Between Cranial Geometry, Brain Morphometry, And Brain Mechanical Properties Using Mr Imaging And Elastography, Jessica Restivo

Theses and Dissertations

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a global health concern, with over 69 million cases annually. TBI risk depends on subject-specific neuroanatomical variation, yet research often only considers generic finite element (FE) models, based on the geometry and material composition of a 50th percentile male head. Although highly accurate, subject-specific models require expensive magnetic resonance (MR) imaging, elastography, and time-consuming computational resources. There is a need to create subject-specific TBI models that account for subject-specific variations, without neuroimaging. This study aims to create mathematical models to predict brain morphometry (dimensions, volume) [Objective 1] and mechanical properties (shear stiffness, damping ratio, octahedral …

Elevating Next Generation Wireless Devices Towards Contactless Sensing For Healthcare Applications, Aakriti Adhikari

Theses and Dissertations

There is an increasing interest in technologies that can understand and perceive at-home human activities to provide personalized healthcare monitoring, aimed at early detection of disease markers and assisting physicians in making clinical decisions. Existing approaches, such as wearables, require users to wear sensors that can be cumbersome and cause discomfort. Vision based solutions, such as optical cameras, IRs, LiDARs, etc., can be used to design contactless at-home monitoring systems. However, these systems are limited by poor lighting and occlusion, and they are privacy-invasive. Fortunately, high-frequency millimeter-wave wireless devices provide an effective alternative to the existing systems to enable fine-grained …

Characterization Of Lactobacilli-Containing Catheter Segments Developed By Using Selective Laser Sintered Mold., Caden Maners

Master of Engineering Theses

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs) are a major healthcare burden with current prevention strategies offering limited success. This study presents a novel, self-coating biomaterial approach using a silicone-based bioink embedded with thermally sensitive probiotic strains (L. crispatus, L. rhamnosus, and L. reuteri). Catheter segments were fabricated via bio-injection molding using 3D-printed CAD molds. These Lactobacilli, selected for their probiotic and antimicrobial potential, serve as a non- antibiotic strategy to reduce infection risk. These segments were evaluated for mechanical strength (Shore A hardness), thermal stability (TGA/DSC), porosity and bacterial presence (SEM), biofilm formation (crystal-violet assay), as well as mass retention in …

Informing Cold Spray Via High Strain Rate Particle Impacts Captured Using Ultra-High-Speed Videography, Elias Timmons

Theses and Dissertations

The primary objective of this research is to provide insight into high strain rate deformation behavior of particles in cold spray-like impacts for the purposes of material vetting and optimization of spray parameters for deposition quality and efficiency. A light gas gun and ultra-high-speed videography techniques were engineered, built, and used for millimeter particle impact experiments and adapted to launch micron scale particles at controlled velocities and particle/substrate temperatures representative of cold spray conditions. Analytical techniques employed for understanding impact mechanics focused on characterization of impact behavior and presence of features related to cold spray particle bonding. This research demonstrates …

Simulations Of Single Metallic Particle Impacts Onto Polymeric Substrates For Insights Into Cold Spray Adhesion At Composite Material Interfaces, Saidur Rahman Shoaib

Theses and Dissertations

Metallization of polymer-based composites finds applications in a variety of industries in which addressing challenges such as electrical discharge mitigation or surface erosion can be vital. Cold spray additive manufacturing is emerging as a cutting-edge technology for polymer/composite metallization, offering a transformative approach to achieving desired material enhancements. This study employs finite element analysis (FEA) to evaluate the adhesive “bonding” strength (i.e., extraction force under impulsive dynamic loading) between single 20-micron diameter spherical metal (copper) particles and polymer (polyetheretherketone) substrates under cold spray-relevant impact conditions. Analysis of FEA simulations centers on initial impact processes parameterized by particle impact velocity and …

Design And Control Of A Versatile Modular Soft Robotic System With Integrated Resource Sharing And Self-Reconfiguration Capabilities, Joshua Knospler

Theses and Dissertations

Modular, self‑reconfigurable soft robots promise unprecedented versatility by combining the compliance of soft materials with the adaptability of modular architectures. This thesis presents an integrated system of pneumatic, bending-type soft actuator modules. Modules are compact and fully equipped with tunable magnetic and electromechanical connections for low‑power attachment and detachment and a novel power-air-communication (PAC) connector for seamless sharing of electricity, compressed air, and digital signals. This work examines two representative assemblies: ManusBot, a pinching gripper, and TendrilBot, a versatile linear configuration for various tasks. Their grasping performance, variable stiffness, and radial support capabilities are characterized. A magnetic interlock and an …

Data-Driven Constrained Control, Ali Kashani

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

Ensuring safety is a fundamental challenge. Traditional methods often rely on precise mathematical models, which are difficult, impractical, or costly to obtain for real-world systems with complex, nonlinear dynamics. This dissertation develops direct data-driven control approaches that enable safe and efficient operation of nonlinear systems without requiring explicit models or performing system identification. This effort leverages machine learning, optimization, and control theory to bridge theoretical rigor and practical applicability. Deterministic guarantees are provided based on the Lipschitz continuity of the system, and probabilistic guarantees through scenario optimization. The computation of safe sets is performed using one-shot approaches with broad neural …

Monitoring And Mitigation Of Per- And Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (Pfas) In Urban Stormwater Runoff, Mustafizur Rahaman

Theses and Dissertations

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are emerging contaminants known for their persistence with widespread environmental and health concerns. Urban stormwater runoff could be a non-point pollution source that transports PFAS to receiving water bodies. This study analyzed types and concentrations of PFAS in stormwater runoff from Trenton and Glassboro, New Jersey, with samples collected from high- and low-traffic areas during precipitation events in February, June, July, and August 2024. Significantly higher concentrations of PFAS were identified in high-traffic areas than low-traffic areas (p< 0.05) in both cities for most sampling events, confirming the role of traffic in PFAS dispersal. To address PFAS contamination in stormwater runoff, this study evaluated the removal of six U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA)-regulated PFAS compounds from synthetic stormwater runoff using aluminum-based water treatment residuals (Al-WTRs, by-products of the drinking water treatment process). The findings demonstrated that Al-WTRs exhibited high sorption capacities and low desorption rates for PFAS, particularly for long-chain PFAS compounds such as perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), supporting their potential as an economical and effective sorbent for stormwater PFAS management. Furthermore, the durability and sustained performance of Al-WTRs indicated their feasibility for future field-scale applications.

Development Of Biodegradable Mg-1zn-0.5sc Alloy & Surface Treatment Through Laser Shock Peening And Evaluation Of Microstructure & Property Correlation For Orthopedic Implants, Parameshwari R

Theses and Dissertations

Magnesium (Mg) and its alloys are of much interest as promising third-generation bio-materials for bone implant applications; however, challenges remain for the alloy's mechanical integrity and bio-corrosion behaviour. Therefore, appropriate alloying elements and surface-modification techniques are required to overcome these limitations. Zinc (Zn) and Scandium (Sc) elements were found to have good biocompatibility and biodegradability; hence, they were selected as suitable alloying elements for magnesium.

This research work aims to enhance the mechanical integrity and bio-corrosion resistance behaviour of a novel Mg-1wt% Zn-0.5wt% Sc cast alloy by laser shock peening surface treatment with multiple passes (LSP-2 Pass and LSP-3 Pass). …

Anhydrous Ammonia As A Hydrogen Carrier Fuel For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Cole Anthony Wilhelm

Dissertations - ALL

In the years since humans realized that our actions could have profoundly harsh effects on the environment, we have been searching for ways to minimize our impacts, while also maintaining the same standard of living. One of the actions with such effects is power generation using fossil fuels, which has long been the largest source of energy. While efforts should be made to improve the efficiency of these power generation plants, we should also work to identify alternative opportunities for power generation without the use of fossil fuels. Some of these opportunities include hydroelectric, photovoltaic, wind, nuclear, and the combustion …

Dynamic Resource Allocation For Wireless Networks And Radar Systems Via Deep Reinforcement Learning, Ziyang Lu

Dissertations - ALL

The rapid advancement of wireless communication technologies and the proliferation of smart devices have led to increasingly complex and dynamic network environments. These developments have posed significant challenges to traditional radio resource management (RRM) techniques, which often struggle with scalability, adaptability, and real-time decision-making. In response to these limitations, this dissertation explores the application of advanced machine learning, particularly deep reinforcement learning (DRL), to develop intelligent, adaptive, and data-efficient solutions for resource management in wireless networks and radar systems. We begin by addressing joint channel access and power control in wireless interference networks using centralized, distributed, and federated multi-agent DRL …

Corrosion Mitigation And Monitoring Of Bridge Tendons And Failure Forecasting Of Wastewater Force Mains, Stanley Chike Agbakansi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Corrosion remains a significant threat to civil infrastructure, resulting in costly repairsand potential structural failures. This dissertation addresses three critical aspects of corrosion: mitigation and monitoring of post-tensioned bridge tendons, and failure forecasting of wastewater force mains due to internal corrosion.

First, the research investigates the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors (CIs) applied via pressure injection (impregnation) in post-tensioned tendons. The protective mechanisms and long-term performance of various inhibitors were evaluated to identify the most effective formulations. Among the tested inhibitors, MCI-2020 — a water-based, migratory, mixed-type corrosion inhibitor — demonstrated the most promising results, showing excellent corrosion protection while preserving …

Efficient Methods And Algorithms For Analyzing Stochastic Systems, Mohammad Ahmadi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the challenges of stochastic analysis of safety-critical systems with biological components, where unexpected behavior can lead to catastrophic events. Two fundamental challenges hinder the analysis of such systems: their typically large or infinite state spaces, and the extreme rarity of error states of interest. While Monte Carlo simulation can analyze biochemical systems without storing the state space, accurately estimating rare event probabilities becomes computationally prohibitive. Conversely, probabilistic model checking excels at analyzing extremely low probability events but becomes impractical for systems with large or infinite state spaces due to memory constraints.This work proposes two main contributions to …

Ai-Driven Emi Mitigation For Smart Healthcare: Generative Adversarial Networks And Edge Computing For Reliable Medical Systems, Mona Esmaeili

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Electromagnetic interference (EMI) from radio frequency (RF) sources poses a major challenge to digital systems, especially in high-electromagnetic environments. Tradi- tional electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) analysis often focuses on continuous wave (CW) interference and overlooks the effects of waveform modulation on EMI coupling. This thesis explores how modulated waveforms influence EMI coupling and introduces a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN)-based classification framework to distinguish between harmful and non-harmful EMI signals. The study extends conventional EMC analysis using machine learning (ML), showing that modulated EMI waveforms can in- crease coupling by up to 27% compared to CW signals. This highlights the need for …

Development Of Fiber Composite Joints To Improve Folding Of Deployable Arrays, Luke Q. Gardner

Theses and Dissertations

An origami-inspired deployable array, despite being commonly made from rigid materials, must be able to fold into its stowed configuration. This necessitates the employment of discontinuities between the panels of the array and the use of specialized joints to connect them. Compliant joints, with all their typical advantages, are useful in this application. Membrane hinges and lamina-emergent torsional (LET) arrays are two classes of compliant joints, or surrogate folds, which each feature unique benefits and drawbacks. Membrane hinges in principle are simple and flexible, providing a wide range of motion while experiencing little stress. However, perhaps their most robust variation, …

The Role Of Langmuir Circulation In Coastal Flows Driven By Wind, Waves And Tides, Thathsarani Dilini Herath Herath Mudiyanselage

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Langmuir Circulation (LC) is a wind and wave-driven process and is a key driver of vertical mixing and transport in the ocean. In coastal shelf regions, LC can span the entire water column, linking surface and bottom boundary layers and amplifying turbulent mixing. However, the influence of LC on vertical mixing and cross-shelf transport in shallow, tidally forced coastal waters remains poorly understood. This dissertation addresses this knowledge gap by developing a novel modeling framework based on the Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, offering a computationally efficient alternative to more resource-intensive Large Eddy Simulations (LES).

The proposed RANS-based approach is first …

Tweaking Ml-Kem (Kyber) And Ml-Dsa (Dilithium), Kumar Rahul

Master’s Dissertations

Lattice-based cryptography is the use of conjectured hard problems on point lattices in Rn as the foundation for secure cryptographic systems. Attractive features of lattice cryptography include apparent resistance to quantum attacks (in contrast with most number-theoretic cryptography), high asymptotic efficiency and parallelism, security under worst-case intractability assumptions, and solutions to long-standing open problems in cryptography. This work surveys the structure, security, and optimization potential of two leading lattice-based cryptographic schemes: ML-KEM (Kyber) and ML-DSA (Dilithium). Special attention is given to their applicability in government-oriented post-quantum cryptographic systems, focusing on performance, implementation considerations, and resilience against known quantum threats. In …

Limb Light - Interactive Lighting Control, Joseph Pandit, Matthew Tran

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

The progression of stage lighting in the modern age has significantly influenced the immersive experience of the audience. Through events like Daft Punk’s 2006 Cochella performance, lighting has become more pivotal to performances in every genre. However, interactive, customized lighting remains inaccessible to small and mediumscale performers. The cost of hiring a lighting director or pre-programing each song is simply too much. Current cost effective solutions, like sound-activated effects, lack in both quality and real-time emotional responsiveness.

This thesis presents an interactive lighting control system designed to bridge this gap and create a novel creative tool. Our approach integrates MIDI-triggered …

Contaminant Removal Of Printed 7xxx Aluminum Using The Additive Friction Stir Deposition Process, Jacob Jason Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

The development of contaminant-free additive friction stir deposition (AFSD) using 7xxx series aluminum alloys represents a significant advancement in solid-state additive manufacturing. The removal of graphite and other contaminants allows AFSD to more effectively move forward into the production space. This work demonstrates how contaminant-free depositions were made more feasible. This was accomplished via novel tool designs. These novel designs reduced process forces sufficiently that 7xxx aluminum alloys were able to be printed on commercial and research AFSD machines. Internal features such as draft angles and diffusers/chamfers help to significantly reduce actuator forces. This work also demonstrates how external tool …

Enhancing Fault Tolerance In Tmr Soft Risc-V Fpga Socs Through Failure-Driven Mitigation Strategies, Andrew Elbert Wilson

Theses and Dissertations

Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) leveraging soft processors, particularly those implementing the open-standard RISC-V Instruction Set Architecture (ISA), are increasingly important for space missions due to their adaptability and reconfigurability. However, their susceptibility to radiation-induced Single Event Upsets (SEUs) presents significant reliability challenges, necessitating robust fault-tolerant strategies such as Triple Modular Redundancy (TMR). This dissertation evaluates the effectiveness of TMR-based mitigation techniques for Linux-capable soft RISC-V System-on-Chip (SoC) implementations deployed on SRAM-based FPGAs operating in high-radiation environments. Using a combination of deterministic fault injection and neutron radiation testing, this work identifies critical residual single-point failure modes that persist in TMR-protected designs. …

Development Of A Near Terahertz Backward Wave Oscillator Using Standard Waveguide, Alexander Glick

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

There is a demand for terahertz (THz) frequency radiation sources. Applications include, but are not limited to, imaging for medical and security purposes, biochemical and organic spectroscopy, and velocimetry. Historically, there was a limited supply of THz devices due to technological limitations. In recent years much progress has been made to reduce this “gap” in supply and demand for THz sources. This work proposes a vacuum electronic device that produces high power, extremely high frequency radiation in the G-band, by utilizing a backward wave oscillator (BWO) based on WR3 standard waveguide. This device is compact, fundamentally simple, and has great …

Hierarchical Reinforcement Learning (Hrl) In Multi-Goal Spatial Navigation With Autonomous Mobile Robots, Brendon Johnson

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Hierarchical reinforcement learning (HRL) is hypothesized to be able to take advantage of the inherent hierarchy in robot learning tasks with sparse reward schemes, in contrast to more traditional reinforcement learning algorithms. In this research, hierarchical reinforcement learning is evaluated and contrasted with standard reinforcement learning in complex navigation tasks. We evaluate unique characteristics of HRL, including their ability to create sub-goals and the termination function. We constructed experiments to test the differences between PPO and HRL, different ways of creating sub-goals, manual vs automatic sub-goal creation, and the effects of the frequency of termination on performance. These experiments highlight …

Emt Vision, Logan Calder, Grant Johnson, John Alvarado, Jack Landers

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Augmented Reality (AR) has demonstrated considerable promise for future mobile technologies, offering the ability to overlay crucial information within a user’s vision while they can still maintain awareness of the surrounding environment. Similarly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an increasingly influential technology with significant potential to revolutionize the medical field. Its ability to rapidly learn and adapt to specific tasks makes it particularly promising for supporting paramedics during emergency calls. AI can efficiently analyze real-time data and present it in a concise, actionable format, enhancing decision making in critical situations.

Given the potential of these technologies, we have developed a smart …

Effect Of Cage Eccentricity On Moment Capacity Of Drilled Shafts, Jason Schaefer Steinbach

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

During the construction of drilled shafts, reinforcement cages can be inadvertently placed eccentrically. Current codes, such as ACI 318 and AASHTO LRFD Bridge Specifications, assume there is little impact from such movements within the drilled shaft or that cage centering provisions are sufficiently robust. This thesis will explore the impact that reinforcement cage eccentricity has on the bending capacity of drilled shafts and propose new strength reduction and resistance factors for tension-controlled failure in drilled shafts.

A total of 208 drilled shafts across eleven counties within the state of Florida were tested using thermal integrity profiling to identify the worst …

Empowering Tanzanian Education: Personalized And Accessible Test Preparation, Brian Wiebe, Shiv Jhalani

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

Only 20% of students performed well enough on their secondary exams to continue their A-level studies. This challenge exists due to a lack of resources, classroom overcrowding, and absenteeism of the instructors. The project focuses on improving the pass rate for these national exams; we have built an intelligent quiz generating platform that helps Tanzanian students prepare more effectively for exams by meeting user needs including active recall, answer explanations, increasing difficulty, and filtered studying. Students can select the subject, form level, topic, and the difficulty level, and the platform provides different types of questions, including true/false, multiple choice, and …