Engineering Commons^™

Modeling, Simulation, And Experimental Testing Of A Single-Legged Hopper, John Anthony Bennett

Master's Theses

Legged robots are well-suited for navigating unstructured terrain due to their ability to perform agile dynamic motions. Building on the efforts of Cal Poly's Legged Robotics Group, this project focuses on achieving stable forward hopping with a single legged robot.

A comprehensive model of leg hopping is formulated, with leg dynamics during flight and stance phases derived using Euler-Lagrange equations. During the stance phase, a spring-mass system models the leg-ground interaction. The touchdown and lift-off conditions are formulated mathematically, and state mappings between phases are determined via momentum conservation. A two-phase hybrid controller is designed, incorporating trajectory planning during flight …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Lignin–Pva Hydrogels With Tunable Network Structures, Keturah Bethel

All Dissertations

The ability to directly tune the crosslinked network structure of hydrogels is crucial for their functional applications in various fields, such as water filtration, protein separation, and tissue engineering. By controlling the crosslink density of the hydrogel, one can directly alter the mesh size – i.e., the end-to-end distance between crosslink junctions – and, subsequently, directly alter the hydrogel performance. This work discusses the fabrication and characterization of soft composites containing the biopolymer, lignin, are discussed. Precisely, physically-crosslinked composite lignin–Poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were fabricated via the freeze-thaw (F/T) pathway, whereby solutions containing specified amounts of PVA and lignin were …

Bioaffinity Analysis Of Aptamer-Target Interactions, Pooja Karunanithi

Honors Theses

This study explores the bioaffinity of aptamer-target interactions through a comprehensive analysis. Aptamers, oligonucleotides that can bind to target molecules, have emerged as powerful tools in various fields, including diagnostics and therapeutics. The primary objective of this research was to assess the binding affinity and specificity of selected aptamers to their respective targets using a combination of experimental techniques and computational models. The binding affinity of 10 different complexes were measured through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) followed by molecular simulations. The results showed that the 6th complex had the best binding affinity. The data suggest that these aptamers could be …

Denoising And Super-Resolution Of In-Vitro 4e Flow Mri In A Stenotic Phantom Model Using Physics-Informed Neural Networks., Shrouk M. Wally

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, the use of 4D flow MRI has revolutionized cardiovascular imag- ing by providing comprehensive data on blood flow dynamics over time. However, the limited spatial and temporal resolution of this imaging modality can hinder the accurate assessment of complex hemodynamic phenomena. This thesis explores the application of Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) to enhance the resolution of 4D flow MRI data, thereby improving its clinical utility. PINNs are a class of neural networks that integrate physical laws into their training process. By embedding these physics equations, PINNs can discover the underlying physics of fluid dynamics to produce more …

Novel Sensors, Algorithms And Metrics For Human-Robot Interaction., Henry Lee Reynolds

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The increased presence and deployment of robotics in sectors such as the medical field results in the demand for robots to, directly and indirectly, interface with people and their environment, making human-robot interaction (HRI) a vital thrust of robotics research. Assistive robots, for example, aid humans in accomplishing tasks or by providing support in the workforce. As the demand for nurses and the aging population increases, the assistive robots deployed will be deeply rooted in environments that require constant interaction with humans. This work contributed to improving aspects of HRI through 1) Expanding accessibility of the methods used for interfacing …

Natural Language Processing For Automated Sysml Diagram Generation, Joshua Andre Ontiveros

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the applications of natural language processing (NLP) techniques in model-based system engineering (MBSE) to help generate System Modeling Language (SysML) diagrams. MBSE is a method that aids in enhancing traditional engineering practices by modeling to help improve understanding and communication in systems development. SysML, one of the modeling languages for MBSE, helps represent a system's architecture, behavior, and information flow. Translating systems requirements and specifications into SysML models can be time-consuming and can lead to errors when created manually. Automating the creation of SysML diagrams from textual descriptions with the help of NLP techniques can aid in …

Engineered Nucleic-Acid Binding Intrinsically Disordered Proteins For Biomedical Applications, Telmo Diez Perez

Biomedical Engineering ETDs

This dissertation explores the use of intrinsically disorder proteins (IDPs) in biomedical applications related to the detection and biosensing of nucleic-acid species. We engineer several low critical solution temperature (LCST) nucleic-acid binding elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) as model IDPs and study their potential in biomedical application via interactions with short single-stranded (ss) DNA, tRNA and viral RNAs. First, we engineer a simple polycationic ELP capable of recruiting DNA on demand in a DNA-protein-rich condensate via LLPS. Moreover, we develop a modified Flory-Huggins theory to quantify the partitioning of DNA and protein upon coacervate formation with and without salts. We then design …

Analysis Of The Relationship Between Flow Patterns In The Post-Stenotic Region Of Model Arteries And Stenosis Severity., Michael Laroche

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this study, contour fields of mean age and turbulence kinetic energy (TKE) in the post-stenotic region of model arteries were analyzed to explore their correlation with FFR. While both high and low FFR cases exhibited similarities with an inner low-age region and an outer high-age region, low FFR cases displayed asymmetry in their low-age regions due to eccentric stenosis. Moreover, gradients of age across the artery diameter were more pronounced for low FFR cases. Additionally, low FFR cases demonstrated significantly higher TKE in the post-stenotic blood jet stream compared to high FFR cases that are reflected in low-age boundary …

Carboxen Micropreconcentrator Performance For Analyzing Btex In Air., Raymond Daniel Spargo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are a class of toxic chemicals in environmental air associated with several serious health risks. Some of the most common and concerning VOCs are Benzene, Toluene, Ethyl Benzene, and Xylene (BTEX). To maintain healthy air quality in these environments, researchers pursue instruments and processes to quickly and accurately predict sub-ppb concentrations of BTEX in indoor and outdoor air. By employing a micropreconcentrator (μPC) to combine Solid-Phase Micro-Extraction (SPME) with Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, trace BTEX content in air samples can be captured, extracted and analyzed. In this thesis, a dual-compartment μPC with Carboxen 1000 …

The Impact Of Internal Curing Additives On Compressive Strength, Shrinkage, And Internal Relative Humidity Of Mortars., Payton Scott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Curing is a critical step in concrete construction. When a concrete specimen is properly cured, its shrinkage and early age curling/warping can be reduced, and the concrete strength can be increased. Curing methods can be divided into two categories: traditional external curing and emerging internal curing methods. Internal curing has similar benefits to external curing, such as reduced early-age cracking and shrinkage risk, and increased durability and strength. The purpose of this research is to investigate internal curing additives and their impact on length change, weight change, compressive strength, autogenous shrinkage, and internal relative humidity. Mortar mixtures with lightweight aggregate …

A Study Of Commuting Conditions For Construction Professionals In The San Francisco Bay Area, Ethan John Argue

Construction Management

This paper investigates the commuting experiences of workers in the San Francisco Bay Area, with a focus on construction industry professionals. Numerous scientific studies and reports have been done regarding both traffic congestion in the Bay Area and commuting conditions for construction workers. By comparing points of information on Bay Area workers like their job type, commute length and commute satisfaction, this study aims to uncover correlations and understand who is affected the most by traffic congestion. After extensive surveys and interviews of Bay Area workers, average commute times were calculated and reported for several industry subsets, along with averages …

Investigating Productivity Of Modular Buildings, Sibgat Mehedi Hasan

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The modular construction industry has grown substantially, yet understanding of the relationships between project categories, sizes, and productivity remains limited. This study investigates these relationships in both permanent and relocatable modular construction projects across different sectors, including multifamily housing, dormitories, healthcare, education, retail, office, and workforce housing. Data from 303 permanent and 188 relocatable projects in the Modular Building Institute database were analyzed using Kendall's tau-b correlation and linear regression analyses. Key findings reveal that permanent projects outnumber and are generally larger than relocatable ones, with education being the most common project type. Significant positive correlations between project size and …

Development Of A Passive Drag Reduction Modification For The 25° Ahmed Body Using Large Eddy Simulation, Skylar Polek

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In the field of automotive aerodynamics, the Ahmed body is a generic vehicle-shaped bluff body which is meant to generalize the rear end of fastback and hatchback vehicles. Specifically, an Ahmed body with a rear slant angle of 25° has seen common use due to its resemblance of common rear windshield shapes as well as its notoriously complex wake structure. This research focuses on simulating the flow over a 25° in various situations with an ultimate goal of drag reduction. First, a simple benchmark of the k-ω shear stress transport (SST), large eddy simulation (LES) with the Smagorinsky-Lilly subgrid scale …

Automated Measurement Of The Water Drop Penetration Time For The Analysis Of Soil Water Repellency, Danxu Wang

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

In this work, we develop an innovative system for the automated measurement of Water Drop Penetration Time (WDPT) - a parameter that is conventionally used for evaluating soil water repellency (SWR). Increased SWR can be a reason for plant stress and poor crop yields, create a risk of potential water runoff and floods and thus can pose risks to life and property loss. Timely evaluation of soil conditions can save resources and win time for responding to environmental disasters. Manual measurements of WDPT are labor-intensive, subjective, tend to produce variability of outcomes, and also not always available in remote or …

Fracture Behavior Of Advanced Technology Fuels For Light Water Reactors, Adrianna Elizabeth Lupercio

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The urgent call to decarbonize our energy infrastructure, while simultaneously meeting growing energy demands, highlights the need for reliable and clean energy sources. Nuclear energy provides reliable, high-capacity baseload electricity while emitting zero greenhouse gases during operation. To adequately meet the energy needs of society and maintain economic viability, it is crucial to enhance the efficiency of nuclear power plant (NPP) operations. Upgrades to NPP operations require near-term Advanced technology Fuel (ATF), such as doped UO₂, to increase the flexibility of plant operation without impacting safety margins.

Small additions of metal oxide dopants are reported to increase grain …

Development Of Recyclable Materials For Industry Using Non-Petroleum Feedstocks, Terra M. Miller-Cassman

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Plastics have been an essential material for over 80 years, yet we have been unable to manage the accumulation of plastic waste. The available solutions for recycling or replacing plastics are complex and costly, and thus have not kept pace with the increasing quantity of plastic waste. This dissertation describes a comprehensive, materials design approach to solving the current and future challenges of plastic waste. Recycled and recyclable materials are developed using commercial feedstocks to reduce barriers for industry adoption. In one approach, unsorted municipal solid waste is compressed at a low temperature and pressure to form rigid composite boards …

Development And Implementation Of A Gps-Agnostic Drone Localization System, Alex Peterson

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This research develops a GPS-denied state estimation system to localize and orient a drone for touch-based installations on power line towers and cables. As opposed to environments like underground tunnels or building interiors, our system effectively identifies and utilizes sparse landmarks such as towers, cables, and ground features. Our approach utilizes Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) to create and reference three-dimensional maps in real time. Specifically, we employ Georgia Tech Smoothing and Mapping (GTSAM), proposed by Georgia Tech's BORG Lab, a factor graph-based data structure consisting of measurement factors and unknown pose variables that we are implementing for solving the …

Selective Bacterial Biofilm Removal Using Image-Guided Detection And Cold Atmospheric Pressure Plasma, Michael Okebiorun

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation explores the use of cold atmospheric pressure plasma (CAP) technology in eradicating bacterial biofilms from tissue surfaces, using Ps. fluorescens on chicken tissue to model human chronic wounds. It introduces a novel image-guided technique for precise biofilm removal, employing trypan blue staining coupled with advanced computer vision analysis, enhancing the CAP treatment's precision and efficacy. The study demonstrates the CAP device's ability to effectively disrupt biofilms through a non-thermal mechanism, based on its electrical characteristics and operational parameters. The success of the treatment is evident in the significant reduction of biofilm thickness of 49 -185 µm, with the …

Tissue Engineered Models Of Environmental And Metabolism-Driven Cancer-Nerve Crosstalk, Emory Gregory

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Purpose: Within the last 30 years, cancer-nerve interactions have garnered attention for causing patient pain, increasing the risk of recurrence, and decreasing patient prognosis. There are 2 key forms cancer-nerve crosstalk takes: perineural invasion (PNI), in which cancer cells infiltrate nerves as a route for metastasis, and tumor innervation (TI), in which neurites penetrate solid tumors to promote tumor progression. Present in vitro models of cancer-nerve crosstalk primarily include Matrigel® mouse matrix and collagen I hydrogels; whereas collagen I hydrogels neglect tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) complexity, Matrigel® is controversial for its batch-to-batch inconsistencies and inclusion of experiment-altering growth factors. Decellularized …

A Thermo-Mechanical Analysis Of The Well-Structure Integrity In Enhanced Geothermal Systems Using Numerical Simulation, John Alfred Ganal Acevedo

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis will investigate the well structure integrity of enhanced geothermal systems. Enhanced geothermal system is a type of renewable energy generation that utilizes heat from a rock reservoir deep within the Earth’s subsurface delivered by circulating working fluids through kilometers-long well structures. However, due to the surrounding environment and harsh operating conditions, the well structures are vulnerable to deterioration and cracking, which can lead to structural failure of wells and reduced energy efficiency. The study seeks to gain a better understanding of the vulnerability of the well structure. A finite element model of a well structure was developed, and …

The Development And Analysis Of Practical Decision Support Tool Implementations: Case Studies From Small Business To Large Government Enterprise, Alexis Andaverde

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis demonstrates the critical role of decision support tools (DSTs) in both small business and large government operations, enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and economic benefits. By implementing Excel-based systems for small businesses and discrete event modelling for large enterprises, this research highlights the importance of adaptable and scalable solutions across various sectors. According to the U.S. Small Business Association, small businesses with 500 or fewer employees make up 99.9% of all U.S. businesses. However, 65% of new businesses fail within the first ten years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This case study focuses on the used vehicle …

Validation, Optimization, And Experimentation Of Electro-Centrifugal Spinning, Carlos Alberto Delgado

Theses and Dissertations

The aim of this study is to understand the behavior of polymeric solutions, when exposed to both electric fields and centrifugal forces through the electro-centrifugal fiber creation method, observing both effects of various parameter variations on the resulting nanofibers. The elemental deposition on electrospun fibers through in-situ processes is studied and optimized. The morphology, crystallinity, thermal properties, and elemental composition of the nanofibers were characterized. The purpose of these nanofibers is for future applications such as energy harvesting, filtration, and biomedical applications.

Advancements In Aerial Vehicle Platforms: A Guide For Design, Validation, And Implementation Of 3d Printed Drones, Alan Salvador Urteaga

Theses and Dissertations

Additive manufacturing methods have revolutionized the way products are designed and developed through a product's entire design life cycle. This is in part correlated with the nature of additive manufacturing methods that differentiate them from traditional methods. Some of the benefits of additive manufacturing methods include customizability, rapid prototyping, the production of complex design geometry, and embedded assembly manufacturing. Unmanned aerial vehicles have been on the rise for various military, commercial, or personal applications. The focus of this study is to provide detailed instructions on how to engineer a viable drone design that is impact-resistant, modular, and customizable. This study …

Development Of The Structure And Control System Of A Stewart Platform Robot For Human Balance Recovery Interventions, Rhobenn R. Alvarez Zambrano

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, the process to design a Stewart platform parallel robot for balance recovery with given assembly constraints and mobility requirements is described. A Model Based Design (MBD) approach in MATLAB was used as a tool to model and optimize the design of the platform through quick and repeatable workspace and movements simulations. An algorithm based on Inverse Kinematics was used to find the most adequate Stewart platform configuration which yields a workspace that fulfills the design goals best. Solidworks was used as a 3D CAD Modeling tool to elaborate machining blueprints while ensuring that each piece fits accurately …

In Situ Shear Exfoliation Of Layered Materials And Fabrication Of Multifunctional Composites, Md Abdur Rahman Bin Abdus Salam

Theses and Dissertations

To harness the extraordinary properties of 2D nanomaterials across a range of applications, including but not limited to device fabrication (such as sensors and transistors), energy storage and conversion systems (like batteries and solar cells), as well as biomedical applications (such as drug delivery and tissue engineering), it is imperative to achieve proper synthesis to single-layer form from bulk material, ensuring defect-free synthesis. Recognizing the criticality of defect-free synthesis and high yield for nanocomposite production, our focus centered on developing a facile, contamination-free, single-step, in situ shear exfoliation process for bulk materials (such as graphene, hBN, coal) within elastomers, which …

Feature Extraction From Vibration Signature Acquired From Railroad Bearing Onboard Condition Monitoring Sensor Modules, Kevin Quaye

Theses and Dissertations

The University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) has designed an onboard monitoring system that tracks vibration waveforms over time, to obtain a direct and more accurate indicator of bearing health. The data collected by these sensors is used for vibrational analyses of the bearings. The speed of the bearing is a fundamental parameter needed to carry out the analysis. GPS data can be used to determine bearing speed if available; however, due to size, cost and power constraints GPS is typically not available at the sensor location. This means that analysis must be delayed until the data is uploaded …

Bridging Human Emotion And Autonomous Vehicle Control: Reinforcement Learning Enhancements In The Carla Simulator, Timothy Marion Jude Lyons

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous vehicles are a key component for an evolution in transportation as they may lead to increased safety and productivity. As autonomous vehicles advance industries will look to further increase customer satisfaction through personalized experiences for autonomous vehicle passengers. Reinforcement learning may be the key to success for autonomous vehicles. The development of autonomous vehicles, utilizing reinforcement learning, which consider the emotions of the passenger, will be a breakthrough for the automotive industry. This thesis presents a unique approach to autonomous vehicles developed with reinforcement learning which consider the human emotions of the passenger. It is a stepping stone to …

Attachment Of 2d Nanomaterials Onto 1d Nanofibers For Separation And Sensing Applications, Elmmer A. Vera Alvarado

Theses and Dissertations

Advancing materials for water desalination and sensing is essential for tackling global issues related to clean water and efficient energy systems. This thesis explores the application of 2D nanomaterials, specifically graphene, integrated onto 1D poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers to enhance their effectiveness in these areas. Utilizing innovative techniques such as Forcespinning® and plasma treatment, PVDF nanofibers were strengthened with graphene and conductive polymers like poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT: PSS). The research involved thorough assessments using direct contact membrane distillation (DCMD) systems, oil-water separation tests, and various mechanical and electromechanical evaluations. Heat-pressed membranes consistently delivered a flux of 0.33 kg/m²/hr and …

Future-Ready Digitalized Education: Unraveling The Dynamics Of Sustainable And Ethical Digital Transformation, Vaishnavi Rode

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Amid the brisk advancement of digital technologies, higher educational institutions and universities are finding themselves at a crucial turning point, with significant obstacles and new prospects in the realm of digital transformation. This culminating experience project delves deeply into the compounded terrain of digital transformation in higher education, emphasizing the need for sustainable practices in the face of rapidly evolving technical advancements. The research questions are: (Q1) What strategies can universities adopt to foster digital literacy among students and faculty while promoting sustainability values within their digital education programs and Why? (Q2) What ethical considerations, concerning data privacy and digital …

Classification Model For Discovering The Type Of Crop To Plant Using Ensemble Techniques, Uma Mahesh Addanki

Electronic Theses, Projects, and Dissertations

Farming plays a role in ensuring survival, especially with the growing need for increased agricultural output. It is vital for farmers to efficiently choose the crops to cultivate. By using crop recommendation systems farmers can make decisions on what crops to plant leading to yields and improved resource management. The success of crop production depends on maintaining the balance of soil nutrients and favorable weather conditions. In this research project, we created a crop recommendation system utilizing learning methods to predict the appropriate crops based on essential soil nutrients and weather patterns. We worked with a dataset sourced from Kaggle, …