Engineering Commons^™

Chitosan Reduces Water Solubility Of Phosphorus In Poultry Litter, Iain M. Bailey

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The addition of chemical amendments to land applied poultry litter is paramount to the maintenance of acceptable phosphorus (P) and nitrogen (N) levels in stormwater runoff from pasture. Chitin is the chief component of shrimp shells, and together with its more processed form chitosan, may show promising P, N, and metal ion chelation characteristics by virtue of its chemical structure and unique charge distribution. The objective of this study was to measure the effects of aluminum sulfate (alum, Al2(SO4)3) on aqueous solubility of P and ammonia (NH3) release against those of chitin and three varieties of chitosan in poultry litter. …

Kinetics Of Xylose Oligomers Decomposition, Christopher Mcdaniel

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hemicellose-derived oligomers are key components in hemicellulose depolymerization into the five-carbon carbohydrate xylose, a key operation in the production of cellulosic biofuels. Unfortunately, hemicellulose oligomers do not only depolymerize directly into xylose, but also into degradation compounds that reduce the overall production of cellulosic biofuels. Because commercially available oligomers are prohibitively expensive, this study was carried out using relatively inexpensive commercial grade xylose. Understanding the degradation of xylose is important for its impact on the economic viability of the monomeric sugars-to-ethanol conversion. From experimental data and ensuing statistical analysis, initial xylose concentrations did not result in different xylose degradation rates, …

Formation Of Embryoid Bodies From Human Embryonic Stem Cells In Defined Medium, Ashley Kiene

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Embryonic stem cells have the characteristic of self-renewal and the ability to differentiate into tissues from all three germ layers. Many times, the first step in using human embryonic stem cells for regenerative medicine is often initiated by embryoid body (EB) formation. EBs are three-dimensional multicellular aggregates that resemble early post implantation embryos that still maintain the potential to form the three germ layers. Currently, generating EBs from human embryonic stem cells (hESC) that are adapted to feeder-independent medium is difficult, much more so than feeder cultured hESC. Using a chemically defined medium would not only help the application of …

Evaluation Of Biocomposite For Implementation As Prosthetic Socket, Chelsea Long

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

According to the World Health Organization, 0.5% of the population in developing countries is in need of prostheses or orthoses. For this population, obtaining a prosthetic is made difficult due to medical and transportation costs as well as a general lack of area resources. One possible solution to these problems would be to design a prosthetic socket from an inexpensive biodegradable material that could be produced in developing countries. One such material has been developed by Ecovative Design, LLC. Ecovative’s technology grows mycelium, mushroom roots, throughout a plant fiber matrix. Ecovative products are completely biodegradable and made naturally from local …

Study Of The Fundamental Chemical And Physical Interactions Between Chitosan And Hydroxyapatite, Abigail Washispack

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hydroxyapatite and chitosan are widely used in biomedical applications due to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. Various studies show that composites made of hydroxyapatite and chitosan exhibit desirable properties for applications in bone tissue engineering. When creating a composite it is important to understand the interfacial chemistry and physical interactions between the composite materials. An understanding of these properties gives more insight into the resulting structure of the composite on multiple levels (nano- micro- macro). This structure affects the chemical, physical, and mechanical properties of the material, thus analysis of these properties gives a better understanding of how a material will …

Monitoring And Regression Based Modelling Of End Winding Vibration In Large Synchronous Generators, David Shally

Doctoral

This research project was set up to monitor, on an ongoing basis, the condition of the end windings and their support structures of a 288 MVA 2-pole synchronous generator with a known end winding vibration problem
Excessive vibration at the end windings was caused by the natural frequencies of individual end bars (local) and of the entire end winding structure (global) being at or close to the magnetic forcing frequency of 100 Hz. Resonant vibration such as this has been a cause of major failures in machines of the same type in the past, resulting in significant down time ranging …

Structural Dna Origami: Engineering Supermolecular Self-Assembly For Nanodevice Fabrication, Craig Marshal Onodera

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

Two challenges encountered in nanotechnology are the ability to create nanostructures inexpensively and the ability to arrange nanomaterials with a precision commensurate with their size. In nature, nanostructures are created using a bottom-up approach, whereby molecules hierarchically self-assemble into larger systems. Similarly, structural DNA nanotechnology harnesses the programmability, specificity, and structural integrity of DNA to engineer synthetic, self-assembled materials. For example, during scaffolded DNA origami, a long single stranded DNA polymer is artificially folded into nanostructures using short oligonucleotides. Once folded, two- and three-dimensional nanostructures may be decorated with proteins, metallic nanoparticles, and semiconductor quantum dots. Using gold nanoparticles and …

Sweetgum Bark: Extraction, Purification, And Determination Of Antioxidant Activity, Shiloh Hurd

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Sweetgum (Liquidambar styraciflua L.) is a native tree species that grows as a volunteer in the understory of managed pine forests in Arkansas. Sweetgum, as well as other volunteer species, must be removed before the pines can be harvested. Sweetgum wood can be converted to hemicellulosic and cellulosic sugars by dilute acid pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis. These wood-derived sugars can then be fermented into cellulosic ethanol. Usually, the bark is not deconstructed into sugars, but transformed into thermal energy via a combustion process. Interestingly, the bark of the sweetgum contains value-added products that could be recovered prior to thermal processing. …

Study Of The Anisotropic Frictional And Deformation Behavior Of Surfaces Textured With Silvr Nanorods, Thomas Ivanoff

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Friction is one of the most common and influential mechanical interactions of two structures on both the macroscopic scale and especially the microscopic scale. On the microscopic scale, friction becomes the prime component of mechanical forces exerted on devices. Frictional anisotropy is an interesting characteristic of certain materials and can be used to control frictional properties in various applications. In this study, we measured the anisotropic frictional behavior of two silver (Ag) thin films: a continuous film and a thin film consisting of tilted nanorods angled at an average angle of 70o to the surface normal. Scratches, eight microns in …

Improved Models Of Cable-To-Post Attachments For High-Tension Cable Barriers, Robert W. Bielenberg, Cody S. Stolle, John D. Reid

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Improved Models Of Cable-To-Post Attachments For High-Tension Cable Barriers, Robert W. Bielenberg, Cody S. Stolle, John D. Reid

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Computer simulation models were developed to analyze and evaluate a new cable-to-post attachment for high-tension cable barriers. The models replicated the performance of a keyway bolt currently used in the design of a high-tension cable median barrier being developed at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility. Component tests of the keyway bolts were simulated and compared to the component test results. Accurate friction, fracture strain, and stress-strain material properties were determined for a solid element model of the keyway bolt by applying actual load curve measured from the test to a simulated pull cable. By simulating the material properties of the …

Heater Geometry And Heat Flux Effects On Subcooled, Thin Wire, Nucleate Pool Boiling In Microgravity, Troy Munro

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The purpose of this thesis is to study the effects of microgravity, surface geometry, and heat dissipation per unit area (heat flux) on boiling heat transfer. Boiling is able to move a significant amount of heat for a small area in comparison to other heat transfer methods. Space systems could benefit from the development of thermal management systems that use boiling heat transfer because they would be smaller, more robust, and less expensive. However, boiling is an extremely complicated process which has no comprehensive models to predict its behavior. Multiple correlations have been developed which relate heat transfer efficiencies to …

A Parametric Study Of Embankments On Clay Soils During Earthquake Shaking, Karla I. Reynoso

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

This study is a parametric evaluation of reduction in undrained shear strength of fine grained soils required to cause failure beneath embankments during earthquake loading. The evaluated parameters are: crust thickness, normalized undrained strength, maximum past pressure, and embankment height. Both finite element and limit equilibrium analyses were used to determine strength reductions that would lead to embankment failure. It was found that reductions of undrained strengths of 55% to 65% would lead to failure during earthquake loading.

The method proposed by Idriss and Boulanger was also used to predict strength reductions for each model over a range of earthquake …

Modeling And Analysis Of A Photovoltaic System With A Distributed Energy Storage System, Anthony Winston Ma

Master's Theses

As California continues to integrate more renewable energy into its electrical system, the state has experienced a corresponding rise in photovoltaic system installations. PV arrays are a unique source of power generation in that they are affected by the location of the sun, shading, and temperature changes. These characteristics make solar one of the most highly variable forms of renewable energy. In order to improve solar power’s consistency, PV systems require a supplemental source of power. The primary focus of this paper is to determine if distributed energy storage systems can be used to reduce the effect of solar intermittency. …

Monitoring And Regression Based Modelling Of End Winding Vibration In Large Synchronous Generators., David Shally

Masters

This research project was set up to monitor, on an ongoing basis, the condition of the end windings and their support structures of a 288 MVA 2-pole synchronous generator with a known end winding vibration problem Excessive vibration at the end windings was caused by the natural frequencies of individual end bars (local) and of the entire end winding structure (global) being at or close to the magnetic forcing frequency of 100 Hz. Resonant vibration such as this has been a cause of major failures in machines of the same type in the past, resulting in significant down time ranging …

Cogtool-Helper: Leveraging Gui Functional Testing Tools To Generate Predictive Human Performance Models, Amanda Swearngin

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Numerous tools and techniques for human performance modeling have been introduced in the field of human-computer interaction. With such tools comes the ability to model legacy applications. Models can be used to compare design ideas to existing applications, or to evaluate products against those of competitors. One such mod- eling tool, CogTool, allows user interface designers and analysts to mock up design ideas, demonstrate tasks, and obtain human performance predictions for those tasks. This is one step towards a simple and complete analysis process, but it still requires a large amount of manual work. Graphical user interface (GUI) testing tools …

Mathematical Modeling Of Fluid Spills In Hydraulically Fractured Well Sites, Oluwafemi Michael Taiwo

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Improved drilling technology and favorable energy prices have contributed to the rapid pace at which the exploitation of unconventional natural gas is taking place across the United States. As a natural gas well is being drilled, reserve pits are constructed to hold the drilling fluids and other materials returned from the drilling process. These reserve pits can fail, and when they do, plant and animal life of the surrounding area may be adversely affected. This project develops a screening tool for a suitable location for a reserve pit. This work will be a critical piece of the Infrastructure Placement Analysis …

Catalyst Studies With Implications On The Design And Fabrication Of Microreactors, Eric Snider

Honors Theses

Biodiesel, or fatty acid methyl ester (FAME), 'is a potential alternative, renewable fuel source to lessen foreign fuel dependency. Dr. Frank Jones' microreactor research group is investigating the use of microreactors to produce biodiesel. Microreactors can increase reaction rates, heat transfer, and lessen production costs due to their small size. The first generation of microreactors, coated with a nickel oxide (NiO) catalyst, has been developed and needs to be tested to determine their performance. Also, a catalyst study comparing NiO and platinum oxide (PtO2) will be performed to find the better catalyst for FAME production.

Converting Three-Component To Four-Component Image (2012), Ronald S. Cok, Michael E. Miller

AFIT Patents

A method of converting a three-or-more-color-component image input signal to an image output signal includes acquiring an input signal having a plurality of pixel signals, each pixel signal having three, or more, color components; determining a residual difference for each color component of each pixel signal; determining a limit value of the residual differences; calculating a common scale factor for each of the color components based upon the limit value; and applying the common scale factor to the image input signal to produce the image output signal.

Enhanced Tribological Properties Of Surfaces Patterned With Dlc/Su8 Microstructures, Luke Osborn

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Textured surfaces can reduce friction due to decreased contact area between two surfaces, and could therefore increase the reliability of micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS). The problem with some microtextures is their inability to withstand significant amounts of wear, often deforming or breaking, thus limiting their potential uses and overall effectiveness. In this study, connected and isolated SU8 microstructures with and without diamond-like coating (DLC) were designed to investigate the effects of these microstructures on the tribological performance of a surface. Friction studies were conducted using a tribometer, while surface topography and wear were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), optical microscope, …

Sudden Increase And Regrowth Of Fecal Coliforms And Escherichia Coli In Wastewater Biosolids After High Solids Centrifugation, Gordon G. Araujo

Master’s Theses

Treatment plants that operate either thermophilic or mesophilic anaerobic digesters with centrifugal dewatering processes have consistently observed densities of fecal coliform and Escherichia coli, both indicator bacteria, that decrease during digestion but then increase after dewatering and storage. The increases have been characterized as two separate phenomena to explain this observation: 1) “Sudden Increase,” or SI, which is defined as the increase that occurs immediately after dewatering and 2) “regrowth,” which is defined as an increase during storage of cake samples over a period of hours or days. The SI observation appears to be more prevalent with biosolids that are …

Monitoring And Modeling Of The Hydraulic And Sediment Processes At In-Stream Restoration Structures In The Vicinity Of A Bridge Crossing, Brian P. Schultz

Master’s Theses

The long-term performance of infrastructure depends on reliable and sustainable designs. Many of Pennsylvania’s streams experience sediment transport problems that increase maintenance costs and lower structural integrity of bridge crossings. A stream restoration project is one common mitigation measure used to correct such problems at bridge crossings. Specifically, in an attempt to alleviate aggradation problems with the Old Route 15 Bridge crossing on White Deer Creek, in White Deer, PA, two in-stream structures (rock cross vanes) and several bank stabilization features were installed along with a complete channel redevelopment. The objectives of this research were to characterize the hydraulic and …

Design And Use Of An Alternative Fuel Testing Apparatus And Assessment Of The Feasibility Of Biodiesel, Matthew Tanner

Master’s Theses

Petroleum supply and environmental pollution issues constantly increase interest in renewable low polluting alternative fuels. Published test results show decreased pollution with similar power output and fuel consumption from Internal Combustion Engines (ICE) burning alternative fuels. More specifically, diesel engines burning biodiesel derived from plant oils and animal fats not only reduce harmful exhaust emissions but are renewable and environmentally friendly. To validate these claims and assess the feasibility of alternative fuels, independent engine dynamometer and emissions testing was performed. A testing apparatus capable of making relevant measurements was designed, built, and used to test and determine the feasibility of …

Assessing The Engineering Performance Of Affordable Net-Zero Energy Housing, Jordan P. Wallpe

Purdue Polytechnic Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to evaluate affordable technologies that are capable of providing attractive, cost-effective energy savings to the housing industry. The research did so by investigating the 2011 Solar Decathlon competition, with additional insight from the Purdue INhome. Insight from the Purdue INhome verified the importance of using a three step design process to design a net-zero energy building. In addition, energy consumption values of the INhome were used to compare and contrast different systems used in other houses.

Evaluation of unbiased competition contests gave a better understanding of how a house can realistically reach net-zero. Upon …

Analytic And Finite Element Solutions Of The Power-Law Euler-Bernoulli Beams, Dongming Wei, Yu Liu

Mathematics Faculty Publications

In this paper, we use Hermite cubic finite elements to approximate the solutions

of a nonlinear Euler-Bernoulli beam equation. The equation is derived

from Hollomon’s generalized Hooke’s law for work hardening materials with

the assumptions of the Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. The Ritz-Galerkin finite

element procedure is used to form a finite dimensional nonlinear program

problem, and a nonlinear conjugate gradient scheme is implemented to find

the minimizer of the Lagrangian. Convergence of the finite element approximations

is analyzed and some error estimates are presented. A Matlab finite

element code is developed to provide numerical solutions to the beam equation.

Some …

Wireless Energy Monitoring System, Federico Alejandro Foglia

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Monitoring, controlling, and managing the energy usage in houses or buildings are tasks that not many electric power companies can do with the exception of a few. This sort of operations may be important to households who want to monitor and possibly even control and manage their own electrical energy usage. For this thesis, an open source Wireless Energy Monitoring System was implemented, primarily based on the OpenEnergyMonitor project. The goal of this thesis is to provide a very simple, scalable, and reliable monitoring system that is capable of reading current and voltage from any electrical panel of any building. …

Compressive Sensing Based Imaging Via Belief Propagation, Preethi Modur Ramachandra

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Multiple description coding (MDC) using Compressive Sensing (CS) mainly aims at restoring an image from a small subset of samples with reasonable accuracy using an iterative message passing decoding algorithm commonly known as Belief Propagation (BP). The CS technique can accurately recover any compressible or sparse signal from a lesser number of non-adaptive, randomized linear projection samples than that specified by the Nyquist rate. In this work, we demonstrate how CS-based encoding generates measurements from the sparse image signal and the measurement matrix. Then we demonstrate how a BP decoding algorithm reconstructs the image from the measurements generated. In our …

Error Estimation Techniques To Refine Overlapping Aerial Image Mosaic Processes Via Detected Parameters, William Glenn Bond

Dissertations

In this paper, I propose to demonstrate a means of error estimation preprocessing in the assembly of overlapping aerial image mosaics. The mosaic program automatically assembles several hundred aerial images from a data set by aligning them, via image registration using a pattern search method, onto a GIS grid.

The method presented first locates the images from a data set that it predicts will not align well via the mosaic process, then it uses a correlation function, optimized by a modified Hooke and Jeeves algorithm, to provide a more optimal transformation function input to the mosaic program. Using this improved …

Sun-Synchronous Orbit Slot Architecture Analysis And Development, Eric Watson

Master's Theses

Space debris growth and an influx in space traffic will create a need for increased space traffic management. Due to orbital population density and likely future growth, the implementation of a slot architecture to Sun-synchronous orbit is considered in order to mitigate conjunctions among active satellites. This paper furthers work done in Sun-synchronous orbit slot architecture design and focuses on two main aspects. First, an in-depth relative motion analysis of satellites with respect to their assigned slots is presented. Then, a method for developing a slot architecture from a specific set of user defined inputs is derived.

Resonant Characteristics Of Rectangular Microcantilevers Vibrating Torsionally In Viscous Liquid Media, Tao Cai, Fabien Josse, Isabelle Dufour, Stephen M. Heinrich, Nicholas J. Nigro, Oliver Brand

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The resonant characteristics of rectangular microcantilevers vibrating in the torsional mode in viscous liquid media are investigated. The hydrodynamic load (torque per unit length) on the vibrating beam due to the liquid was first determined using a finite element model. An analytical expression of the hydrodynamic function in terms of the Reynolds number and aspect ratio, h/b (with thickness, h, and width, b) was then obtained by fitting the numerical results. This allowed for the resonance frequency and quality factor to be investigated as functions of both beam geometry and medium properties. Moreover, the effects of the aspect ratio on …