Engineering Commons^™

Final Report: Accomplishments And Findings, Ncete Faculty

Reports to NSF

The National Center for Engineering and Technology Education (NCETE) was funded on August 15, 2004 under the auspices of the Centers for Learning and Teaching (CLT) program in the Division of Elementary, Secondary and Informal Education. The Program Solicitation (NSF 04-501) provided the following synopsis of the program: The Centers for Learning and Teaching program focuses on the advanced preparation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM)educators as well as the establishment of meaningful partnerships with education stakeholders, especially PhD-granting institutions, school systems, and informal education performances. Its goal is to renew and diversify the care of leaders in STEM …

Modification Of Behavior Of Elastin-Like Polypeptides By Changing Molecular Architecture, Ali Ghoorchian

ETD Archive

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELP) are environmentally responsive polymers that exhibit phase separation in response to external stimuli such as temperature, pH, light, and ionic strength. It has been shown that the sequence of the pentapeptide, its length, and the solution concentration are very important in the transition of the molecules from soluble to insoluble, but there has not been any detailed study of the effect of molecular architecture on the behavior of ELPs.In this study we designed, synthesized and characterized ELPs with different architectures and chemical identities to probe the effect of molecular design on the microscopic and macroscopic behavior of …

In Vitro Biomechanical Testing And Computational: Modeling In Spine, Mageswaran Prasath

ETD Archive

Two separate in vitro biomechanical studies were conducted on human cadaveric spines (Lumbar) to evaluate the stability following the implantation of two different spinal fixation devices interspinous fixation device (ISD) and Hybrid dynamic stabilizers. ISD was evaluated as a stand-alone and in combination with unilateral pedicle rod system. The results were compared against the gold standard, spinal fusion (bilateral pedicle rod system). The second study involving the hybrid dynamic system, evaluated the effect on adjacent levels using a hybrid testing protocol. A robotic spine testing system was used to conduct the biomechanical tests. This system has the ability to apply …

Practical Solutions To The Non-Minimum Phase And Vibration Problems Under The Disturbance Rejection Paradigm, Shen Zhao

ETD Archive

This dissertation tackles two kinds of control problems under the disturbance rejection paradigm (DRP): 1) the general problem of non-minimum phase (NMP) systems, such as systems with right half plane (RHP) zeros and those with time delay 2) the specific problem of vibration, a prevailing problem facing practicing engineers in the real world of industrial control. It is shown that the DRP brings to the table a refreshingly novel way of thinking in tackling the persistently challenging problems in control. In particular, the problem of NMP has confounded researchers for decades in trying to find a satisfactory solution that is …

Myocardial T1 Mapping Techniques For Quantification Of Myocardial Fibrosis, Xiaopeng Zhou

ETD Archive

Identifying and quantifying diffuse myocardial fibrosis is important to provide insights into the relationship between myocardial fibrosis, diastolic and systolic dysfunction, as well as clinical outcomes. T1 mapping is a promising technique for noninvasively identifying diffuse myocardial fibrosis in heart failure. A quantitative T1 map provides sensitivity to the full range of T1 values and is advantageous over the traditional T1-weighted imaging by reducing the reliance on visual interpretation of the signal intensity in the myocardium. However, in-vivo myocardial T1 quantification is challenging because of cardiac and respiratory motion. During the past few years, a variety of T1 mapping techniques, …

Effects Of Magnesium Sulfate, Digestate And Other Inorganic Nutrients On The Phototrophic Growth Of The Green Microalga Scenedesmus Dimorphus, Jacob R. Schwenk

ETD Archive

The individual components of the growth media, notably magnesium, have a profound impact on the growth and lipid production of the green microalgae, Scenedesmus dimorphus. The goal of this work was to investigate these effects and explain the causes via multiple experiments. It is important to understand the aspects of algal growth because they have a significant impact on the commercial viability of microalgal lipids as a potential feedstock for biofuel production. Digestate, derived from bovine waste and a potential cost effective nutrient replacement for conventional media types, was found to maximize growth and lipid concentration in S. dimorphus at …

Effect Of Glucose Supplementation On Nighttime Biomass Loss And Productivity Of Microalgae Chlorella, Dhruvesh Shah

ETD Archive

Microalgae have been proven to be a promising source for the production of biofuel. It has higher oil yield than any other food crop. Oil yield from microalgae is 7 to 13 times higher than the best food crop. There are several issues to be addressed for economic production of biofuel from microalgae. One such issue is cultivation of microalgae. Algae can be cultivated photoautotrophically or heterotrophically. Algae grown photoautotrophically lose up to 35 of the biomass during nighttime. Heterotrophic cultivation of microalgae has been proven to be resulting in faster microalgae production compared to photoautotrophic growth, but requires use …

Characterization Of Elastic-Like Polypeptide Micelles Using Capillary Viscometry, Sumit H. Kambow

ETD Archive

Elastin-like polypeptides (ELPs) are a part of the family of responsive polymers. These polymers can be made to respond to a wide variety of stimuli, including temperature, pH, salt, concentration, light, and solvent. Elastin-like polypeptides are soluble in water at low temperatures but they become hydrophobic and insoluble above their transition temperature. Elastin-like polypeptides, (GVGVP)40-foldon and (GVGVP)60-foldon, were expressed in bacterial system. These ELPs above their transition temperature, Tt, at low salt (< 45mM) and high pH (> pH 10) assemble into micelles where the hydrophobic tails phase separate in the interior of the micelle as an immiscible coacervate phase. The oligomerization domain termed as …

Computational Analyses For Fluid Flow And Heat Transfer In Different Curved Geometries, Carlin Miller Lucente

ETD Archive

Three-dimensional Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) models were developed to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer in a variety of helical channel geometries: circular and elliptical. Laminar flow was observed for Reynolds number between 200 and 1000. Code validation was done for developing steady laminar flow in a circular curved channel. The CFD results were compared to previous numerical results to verify that the model was producing valid results. The curve of the channel has a centrifugal effect on the fluid flow creating secondary flow known as Dean cells. This secondary flow moves the location of the maximum axial velocity towards …

Finite Element Analysis Of Spur Gear Set, V.S.N. Karthik Bommisetty

ETD Archive

A Finite Element procedure has been developed in this work to determine the load distribution factor, Km, of the AGMA formula for a set of spur gear. At first, a spur gear with perfect involute is modeled using a 3-D CAD software. The model is them is assembled with shafts having 1, 2, and 3 degree misalignments. The generated 3-D models were in turn imported to ANSYS workbench to calculate the maximum bending and contact stresses using finite element method. The results generated were then compared with the maximum bending stress results obtained for parallel shafts to estimate the Load …

Mathematical Modeling Of Dc Cardiac Ablation, Sowmya Reddy Narala

ETD Archive

This thesis presents a mathematical modeling of the cardiac DC ablation procedure. The model treats the procedure as a one dimensional heat transfer phenomenon taking place across the thickness of the myocardium. The model further considers a constant 37 oC for one of the boundary condition of the affected tissue, and the temperature of the other boundary condition is set to be a time dependent square-pulse variations. The parameters defining this time dependent boundary condition is used to perform parametric studies to predict tissue temperature at different depth of the myocardium. The initial condition of the myocardium prior to the …

A Finite Element Approach To Stress Analysis Of Face Gears, Lokamanya Siva Manohar Rampilla

ETD Archive

Face Gears have alternative gear-teeth configuration compared to Bevel Gears. Face Gear have a standard spur pinion as opposed to a bevel Gear. This work concentrates on modeling of a Face-gear, Meshed with a spur gear, using CAD Software and Finite Elements Analysis. The bending stress developed at the gear teeth is determined. Numerical results are validated using the bending stress developed between two involute spur gears

Modeling, Simulation And Experimental Verification Of An Electric Bicycle With Regenerative Braking, Maulik Kalolia

ETD Archive

Electric bicycles are widely available in user markets. However their use as a daily commuting vehicle is limited due to the need for frequent recharging. This thesis focuses on the mathematical modeling of electrical bicycle with regenerative breaking. Basic bond graphs methods are discussed here to develop state space models for mechatronic systems. A bond graph based mathematical model of an electric bicycle with regeneration is developed in this thesis. Mathematical models are tested in simulation, generating different road scenarios. Parameters required for the simulation are calculated using an experimental setup. The thesis shows the capability of bond graphs to …

Distributed Biogeography Based Optimization For Mobile Robots, Arpit Shah

ETD Archive

I present hardware testing of an evolutionary algorithm (EA) known as distributed biogeography based optimization (DBBO). DBBO is an extended version of biogeography based optimization (BBO). Typically, EAs require a central computer to control the evaluation of candidate solutions to some optimization problem, and to control the sharing of information between those candidate solutions. DBBO, however, does not require a centralized unit to control individuals. Individuals independently run the EA and find a solution to a given optimization problem. Both BBO and DBBO are based on the theory of biogeography, which describes how organisms are distributed geographically in nature. I …

An Analysis Of Data Quality Defects In Podcasting Systems, Thomas A. Mis

ETD Archive

Podcasting has emerged as an asynchronous delay-tolerant method for the distribution of multimedia files through a network. Although podcasting has become a popular Internet application, users encounter frequent information quality problems in podcasting systems. To better understand the severity of these quality problems, we have applied the Total Data Quality Management methodology to podcasting. Through the application of this methodology we have quantified the data quality problems inherent within podcasting metadata, and performed an analysis that maps specific metadata defects to failures in popular commercial podcasting platforms. Furthermore, we extracted the Really Simple Syndication (RSS) feeds from the iTunes catalog …

Synchrophasors' Application In Svc For Industrial Networks, Kareem M. Suhwail

ETD Archive

It is widely understood that as fuel and energy prices continue to increase, new and innovative ways of becoming more energy efficient will be required. This couldn't be more apparent than in industry, where every decision is constrained by economics. Power factor correction is a cost effective way for industry to have economically sound improvements with maximum efficiency benefits. It is proposed that in large industrial systems, where an SVC (Static Var Control) system could be used, synchrophasor measurements could also be used to control the SVC and provide enhanced historical analysis. Currently, many protective relays used in industry provided …

A Coding Enabled Anonymity Network, Saikrishna Gumudavally

ETD Archive

An onion routing based anonymous communication system is developed to address timing analysis attacks, a common limitation of many contemporary anonymous systems including Tor. Timing analysis based attacks gained importance because simple payload check and packet inspection attacks are avoided by encrypting packets. Timing information gathered at one part of the network is correlated with information gathered at other parts to break the anonymity. Network coding, a recently developed packet forwarding technique, is used to disrupt timing attacks. The system uses a multicast tree of onion routers (OR) through which the packets are relayed to desired destinations. Packets from different …

Analysis Of Microstructure And Macrosegregation For Directional Solidification Of Al-7 Wt Si Alloy With A Cross-Section Change At Growth Speeds Of 10 And 29.1 [Mu]M/S, Luke Johnson

ETD Archive

No abstract provided.

Recycling Concrete For Sustainable Construction, Joseph M. Dardis

ETD Archive

The demolition of concrete structures has made concrete debris the largest portion of the waste stream in the U.S. With landfills becoming scarcer, the need to recycle demolition debris is becoming increasingly relevant. An effective way to recycle this material is to produce recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) and use this material in the reconstruction of buildings and roads. Producing and re-using RCA will reduce landfill waste and save energy by minimizing the production and transport of natural aggregates. The focus of this thesis is to quantify how much energy can be saved by producing and re-using RCA instead of landfilling …

Feasibility Of Expanding The Use Of Steel Slag As A Concrete Pavement Aggregate, Brad A. Fronek

ETD Archive

Sustainability has become an important aspect of developed countries throughout the world. Sustainability is the ability to use byproducts and or waste materials from industry and recycle these materials in such a way that the application of the materials provides a beneficial use in the manufacturing or construction sector. As the United States and the rest of the world continue to grow, so too does the demand on the limited natural resources throughout the world. It is this demand on the resources that has brought the idea of sustainability to the forefront of research and design.The transportation industry continues to …

Analysis Of Uncontrolled Concrete Bridge Parapet Cracking, Jeffrey D. Bazzo

ETD Archive

The Ohio Transportation has recently identified the problem of wide-spread premature cracking of concrete bridge parapets throughout its District 12 region (Northeast Ohio). Many of the bridge decks that contain these prematurely cracked parapets are of relatively recent construction. In severe cases, replacement of the parapet may be required before replacement of the bridge deck itself. This incurs a sunk cost upon the bridge owner, as the parapets will again be replaced during the regularly scheduled replacement of the bridge deck. In a recent instance, the replacement of a cracked parapet (without replacing the deck) cost District 12 approximately $140,000. …

An Active Disturbance Rejection Control Solution For Electro-Hydraulic Servo Systems, Xiao Wang

ETD Archive

The intriguing history of disturbance cancellation control is reviewed in this thesis first, which demonstrates that this unique control concept is both reasonable and practical. One novel form of disturbance cancellation, ADRC (Active Disturbance Rejection Control), attracts much attention because of its good disturbance rejection ability and simplicity in implementation. Hydraulic systems tend to have many disturbances and model uncertainties, giving us a great motivation to find out a good control method. In this thesis, electro-hydraulic servo control problem is reformulated to focus on the core problem of disturbance rejection. An ADRC solution is developed and evaluated against the industry …

Free Convection Along A Vertical Wavy Surface In A Nanofluid, Deepak Ravipati

ETD Archive

The study of this paper is to introduce a boundary layer analysis for the fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics of an incompressible nanofluid along a vertical wavy surface in a nanofluid. The Resulting transformed governing equations are solved numerically by an implicit finite-difference scheme (Keller-Box method). The results are presented for the major parameters including the wave amplitude , buoyancy ratio parameter , Brownian motion parameter , Thermophoresis parameter and Lewis number. A systematic study on the effects of the various parameters of the local frication factor, surface heat transfer rate (Nusselt number) and mass transfer rate (Sherwood number) …

Mountain Bike Wheel Endurance Testing And Modeling, Robin C. Redfield, Cory Sutela

United States Air Force: Publications

Mountain bike wheels may be evaluated for durability and mode of failure using bump drum test machines that subject wheels to simulated rider loads and uneven terrain. These machines may operate at high speeds in order to accelerate failures, particularly during the design and prototype phase of wheel development. This paper describes a mathematical model of the dynamics of a wheel test drum assembly, and the validation of the model using data recorded during a wheel test. This model will subsequently be applied to better understand the key test operating parameters that must be controlled in order to produce repeatable …

Numerical Simulation Of Buoyancy-Driven Turbulent Ventilation In Attic Space Under Winter Conditions, Shimin Wang, Zhigang Shen, Linxia Gu

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Attic design and construction have significant impacts on residential buildings’ energy performance. In order to understand how passive ventilation rates affect ridge-vent attic’s performance, a two-dimensional steady-state finite volume model is employed to simulate the buoyancy-driven turbulent ventilation and heat transfer in a triangular attic space of a gable-roof residential building under winter conditions. The modeled attic has a pitch of 5/12 and a passive ventilation system, consisting of continuous ridge and soffit vents. The v2f model is used to analyze the turbulent air flow and natural convection heat transfer inside the attic. The effects of ambient air temperature, vent …

Numerical And Experimental Investigation Of Vascular Suture Closure, Linxia Gu, Ananth Ram Mahanth Kasavajhala, Haili Lang, James M. Hammel

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Purpose — In order to optimize the performance of the suture for tissue closure, it is essential to develop strategies for devising new and improved techniques that can visualize and compare various suturing techniques. This paper describes an experimental and numerical investigation on the performance of sutured tissue.

Methods — In the experiments, two pieces of glutaraldehyde cross-linked bovine pericardium were sutured together through simple running suture and tensioned to study the performance of the sutured tissue. During testing, the tension load and the total displacement of the specimen were recorded. The strain field of the specimen was simultaneously captured …

Studying The Glial Cell Response To Biomaterials And Surface Topography For Improving The Neural Electrode Interface, Evon S. Ereifej

Wayne State University Dissertations

Neural electrode devices hold great promise to help people with the restoration of lost functions, however, research is lacking in the biomaterial design of a stable, long-term device. Current devices lack long term functionality, most have been found unable to record neural activity within weeks after implantation due to the development of glial scar tissue (Polikov et al., 2006; Zhong and Bellamkonda, 2008). The long-term effect of chronically implanted electrodes is the formation of a glial scar made up of reactive astrocytes and the matrix proteins they generate (Polikov et al., 2005; Seil and Webster, 2008). Scarring is initiated when …

Reliability Model For Ductile Hybrid Frp Rebar Using Randomly Dispersed Chopped Fibers, Bashar Ramzi Behnam

Wayne State University Dissertations

RELIABILITY MODEL FOR DUCTILE HYBRID FRP REBAR USING RANDOMLY DISPERSED CHOPPED FIBERS

Fiber reinforced polymer composites or simply FRP composites have become more attractive to civil engineers in the last two decades due to their unique mechanical properties. However, there are many obstacles such as low elasticity modulus, non-ductile behavior, high cost of the fibers, high manufacturing costs, and absence of rigorous characterization of the uncertainties of the mechanical properties that restrict the use of these composites. However, when FRP composites are used to develop reinforcing rebars in concrete structural members to replace the conventional steel, a huge benefit can …

Sustainable Design Of Complex Industrial And Energy Systems Under Uncertainty, Zheng Liu

Wayne State University Dissertations

Depletion of natural resources, environmental pressure, economic globalization, etc., demand seriously industrial organizations to ensure that their manufacturing be sustainable. On the other hand, the efforts of pursing sustainability also give raise to potential opportunities for improvements and collaborations among various types of industries.

Owing to inherent complexity and uncertainty, however, sustainability problems of industrial and energy systems are always very difficult to deal with, which has made industrial practice mostly experience based. For existing research efforts on the study of industrial sustainability, although systems approaches have been applied in dealing with the challenge of system complexity, most of them …

Metal Chalcogenide Nanoparticle Gel Networks: Their Formation Mechanism And Application For Novel Material Generation And Heavy Metal Remediation Via Cation Exchange Reactions, Irina Ramona Pala

Wayne State University Dissertations

METAL CHALCOGENIDE NANOPARTICLE GEL NETWORKS: THEIR FROMATION MECHANISM AND APPLICATION FOR NOVEL MATERIAL GENERATION AND HEAVY METAL REMEDIATION VIA CATION EXCHANGE REACTIONS

by

IRINA R. PALA

February 2012

Advisor: Dr. Stephanie L. Brock

Major: Chemistry

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

The dissertation research is focused on (1) uncovering the mechanism of metal chalcogenide nanoparticle gel formation; (2) extending the cation exchange reaction protocol to zinc sulfide gel networks, with the goal of accessing new aerogel chemistries and understanding the factors that drive the process; and (3) conducting a quantitative analysis of the ability of ZnS aerogels to remove heavy metal ions …