Engineering Commons^™

Vulnerability Of Progressive Collapse In Reinforced Concrete Flat-Plate Buildings, Jinrong Liu

College of Engineering: Graduate Celebration Programs

• Progressive collapse is the spread of initial local failure, causing partial or
  even total collapse of a building.
• Flat plate structure is widely used for office and residential buildings.
• There is a large inventory of older flat plate building without continuous slab bottom reinforcement through columns.
• Limited knowledge exists regarding the risk of disproportionate collapse in
  older flat-plates under sudden column removal during abnormal events.
• Reliable mechanical model is needed for structural evaluation.

Mono-Sized Sphere Packing Algorithm Development Using Optimized Monte Carlo Technique, Karn Soontrapa, Yitung Chen

College of Engineering: Graduate Celebration Programs

In this research, fuel cell catalyst layer was developed using the optimized sphere packing algorithm. An optimization technique named adaptive random search technique (ARSET) was employed in this packing algorithm. The ARSET algorithm will generate the initial location of spheres and allow them to move in the random direction with the variable moving distance, randomly selected from the sampling range (a), based on the Lennard–Jones potential and Morse potential of the current and new configuration. The solid fraction values obtained from this developed algorithm are in the range of 0.610–0.624 while the actual processing time can significantly be reduced by …

3rd Graduate Celebration, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas

College of Engineering: Graduate Celebration Programs

The Howard R. Hughes College of Engineering Graduate Celebration is an event that recognizes the scholarly work of our engineering and computer science graduate students within the college. The target audience includes undergraduate students, graduate students, college faculty and staff, and the campus community as well as local and regional stakeholders. The objective of the event is to promote and publicize the research activities of the College of Engineering and to inform our stakeholders of our students’ achievements.

All students whose advisors deem that their research is mature enough are invited to communicate their research by participating in the College’s …

Evidence For Effective Mass Reduction In Gaas/Algaas Quantum Wells, A. T. Hatke, M. A. Zudov, J. D. Watson, Michael J. Manfra, L. N. Pfeiffer, K. W. West

Birck and NCN Publications

We have performed microwave photoresistance measurements in high mobility GaAs/AlGaAs quantum wells and investigated the value of the effective mass. Surprisingly, the effective mass, obtained from the period of microwave-induced resistance oscillations, is found to be about 12% lower than the band mass in GaAs, m(b)*. This finding provides strong evidence for electron-electron interactions which can be probed by microwave photoresistance in very high Landau levels. In contrast, the measured magnetoplasmon dispersion revealed an effective mass which is close to m(b)*, in accord with previous studies. DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.87.161307

Mimicking The Mechanical Behavior Of Advancing Disc Degeneration Through Needle Injections, Jeremy S. Alsup

Theses and Dissertations

Objective - To investigate the effects of injected protease solution on the mechanical advancement of disc degeneration, and to establish test protocol for future pre-clinical validation of spinal arthroplasty devices. The hypothesis that injection of a protease into a cadaveric lumbar disc will mimic advanced degeneration mechanics was the subject of this study. Summary of Background Information - Spinal disc degeneration is a universal condition that progresses in adults due to aging, disease, or injury. Stages of disc degeneration have been categorized in cadaver specimens, with each degeneration level exhibiting characteristic changes in flexibility parameters. Spinal disc tissue can be …

Modification Of Nanostructures Via Laser Processing, Louis Franzel

Theses and Dissertations

Modification of nanostructures via laser processing is of great interest for a wide range of applications such as aerospace and the storage of nuclear waste. The primary goal of this dissertation is to improve the understanding of nanostructures through two primary routes: the modification of aerogels and pulsed laser ablation in ethanol. A new class of materials, patterned aerogels, was fabricated by photopolymerizing selected regions of homogeneous aerogel monoliths using visible light. The characterization and fabrication of functionally graded, cellular and compositionally anisotropic aerogels and ceramics is discussed. Visible light was utilized due to it’s minimal absorption and scattering by …

Investigation Of Surface Properties For Ga- And N-Polar Gan Using Scanning Probe Microscopy Techniques, Josephus Daniel Ferguson Iii

Theses and Dissertations

Because the surface plays an important role in the electrical and optical properties of GaN devices, an improved understanding of surface effects should help optimize device performance. In this work, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and related techniques have been used to characterize three unique sets of n-type GaN samples. The sample sets comprised freestanding bulk GaN with Ga polar and N polar surfaces, epitaxial GaN films with laterally patterned Ga- and N-polar regions on a common surface, and truncated, hexagonal GaN microstructures containing Ga-polar mesas and semipolar facets. Morphology studies revealed that bulk Ga-polar surfaces treated with a chemical-mechanical polish …

The Santa Clara, 2013-04-25, Santa Clara University

The Santa Clara

No abstract provided.

2013 - The Eighteenth Annual Symposium Of Student Scholars

Symposium of Student Scholars Program Books

The full program book from the Eighteenth Annual Symposium of Student Scholars, held on April 25, 2013. Includes abstracts from the presentations and posters.

A Methodology For The Extraction Of Design Principles For Unfamiliar Markets, Robert D. Campbell

Theses and Dissertations

Successful product design focuses on design principles that are relevant to a target market. Consequently, the better these principles are understood and used, the higher the likelihood that resulting products will be well-received in that market. This thesis presents a method for extracting market-specific design principles for any market. The method employs user/designer-described characteristics of products within a market to extract the design principles specific to that market. The method generalizes the product characteristics, seeks to discover design decisions that could have resulted in those characteristics, and then extracts the underlying design principles. To demonstrate the ability of the method …

Sustainability In Industrial Logistics Operations, Vishnu Siddharth Somanur Paramasivam

Purdue Polytechnic Directed Projects

CO2 concentration in the atmosphere has been rising at a rapid rate. As per the numbers quoted, the concentration has surpassed the safest upper limit suggested by the scientists. CO2 is a green-house gas and is partially responsible for global warming. With the current rate of emissions, it poses a threat to the planet's future and prosperity. Transportation contributes 30% of the overall CO2 emissions. Companies that use transportation are taking sustainability initiatives to reduce the emissions. This project documented some of the sustainability practices followed by the companies currently. It was found that the practices followed three general methods …

Missing Data In The Relational Model, Marion Morrissett

Theses and Dissertations

This research provides improved support for missing data in the relational model and relational database systems. There is a need for a systematic method to represent and interpret missing data values in the relational model. A system that processes missing data needs to enable making reasonable decisions when some data values are unknown. The user must be able to understand query results with respect to these decisions. While a number of approaches have been suggested, none have been completely implemented in a relational database system. This research describes a missing data model that works within the relational model, is implemented …

The Mechanotransduction Of Primary Cilia In Tumor Progression Of Lung Adenocarcinoma, Sagar Patel

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this study was to investigate primary cilia and their mechanotransduction role in lung adenocarcinoma tumor progression. The main focus investigated the effect of primary cilia on cell cycle progression, survival, adhesion and migration analysis of these cells and the role of sonic hedgehog signaling pathway in mechanotransduction. Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) adenocarcinoma biopsies contain more primary cilia than non-tumor lung sections. To observe the effects of primary cilia presence in lung cancer cells in-vitro, formation of primary cilia is inhibited using small interfering RNA. A549 cells with intact primary cilia observe less cell cycle progression …

Capacity Fade Analysis And Model Based Optimization Of Lithium-Ion Batteries, Venkatasailanathan Ramadesigan

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Electrochemical power sources have had significant improvements in design, economy, and operating range and are expected to play a vital role in the future in a wide range of applications. The lithium-ion battery is an ideal candidate for a wide variety of applications due to its high energy/power density and operating voltage. Some limitations of existing lithium-ion battery technology include underutilization, stress-induced material damage, capacity fade, and the potential for thermal runaway. This dissertation contributes to the efforts in the modeling, simulation and optimization of lithium-ion batteries and their use in the design of better batteries for the future. While …

Development Of Optimization Models For The Set Behavior And Compressive Strength Of Sodium Activated Geopolymer Pastes, Brian Albert Fillenwarth

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

As large countries such as China begin to industrialize and concerns about global warming continue to grow, there is an increasing need for more environmentally friendly building materials. One promising material known as a geopolymer can be used as a portland cement replacement and in this capacity emits around 67% less carbon dioxide. In addition to potentially reducing carbon emissions, geopolymers can be synthesized with many industrial waste products such as fly ash.

Although the benefits of geopolymers are substantial, there are a few difficulties with designing geopolymer mixes which have hindered widespread commercialization of the material. One such difficulty …

Optimization Of Induced-Power From Dynamic Inflow Theory With Realistic Constraints, Chad File

All Theses and Dissertations (ETDs)

Finite-state induced-inflow theory is used to develop an analytic formulation for general performance of the lifting rotor with arbitrary loading. The theory incorporates conventional blade-element theory for blade lift and provides the integrated loads and the induced-power of the rotor in terms of an arbitrary number of rotor controls such as conventional collective and cyclic pitch as well as higher harmonic radial and azimuthal pitch. The theory provides the basis for a classical quadratic optimization with realistic constraints that is applied to determine minimum induced-power for a variety of available control combinations, rotor trim constraints, and operating conditions. The findings …

Rainwater Harvesting - A Zero Waste Approach To Water, Liam Mccarton, Sean O'Hogain

Other Resources

This keynote presentation explores the concept of a zero waste approach to water supply. This is a precursor to the circular economy of water.

Efficient Multifamily Homes In A Hot-Humid Climate By Atlantic Housing Partners, Florida Solar Energy Center, Dave Chasar

FSEC Energy Research Center®

With assistance from the Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and its Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction (BA-PIRC), Atlantic Housing Partners (AHP) has implemented a high performance, systems-engineered package of measures in the new construction multifamily housing sector in the hot-humid climate zone. This report demonstrates how the initiative achieves Building America (BA) goals of 30%-50% energy savings. In addition, the report discusses the role of utility allowance calculations, used as part of the low-income housing tax credit process, to value those energy savings.

Results of energy modeling are presented to demonstrate that the specification package achieves 40% energy …

Optimization Of Eigenvalue Calculations Within Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata Stray Charge Simulations, Taylor Baldwin

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Simulations for quantum computing typically involve the computation of a large number of eigenvalues of large matrices. This effort focuses on optimization of these calculations using algorithms tailored to the specific characteristics of typical matrices found in these simulations. Currently, computations which heretofore required over 30 hours of simulation time have been reduced to less than 3 hours.

Measuring Drainage Below Ground In Accordance With Arm4:An Introductory Demonstration, Tony Cunningham

Other Resources

This presentation demonstrates the principles and techniques involved in measuring a simple below ground surface water drainage arrangement. It may be of some use to students of quantity surveying related disciplines at foundation level.

Spacial Optimization: A Study In Theme Park Design, Zachary Balgeman

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

Optimization is carefully considered when a company begins to design a theme park. The company wants to maximize their profits while still meeting the consumers' expectations. One of the things that must be kept in mind throughout the optimization process is space management. With a fixed space budget, only a finite amount of land is available for different park components (including attractions, shops, restaurants, and open areas). We have been studying the allocation of these areas in the Walt Disney World Magic Kingdom. From this, we want to develop a model for an amusement park in an urban environment.

Water Quality Monitoring Of The Little Calumet East Branch Watershed, Nicholas H. Feller, Melissa Dorton

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

The Little Calumet East Branch (LCEB) is a 10-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC) watershed that ultimately discharges into Lake Michigan. The watershed begins in unincorporated LaPorte County and discharges west through unincorporated Porter County, converges with the West Branch of the Little Calumet River, and finally discharges into Lake Michigan via the Burns Ditch Waterway. A water quality monitoring study was performed in the summer of 2012 as part of the watershed management process led by a not-for-profit organization, Save the Dunes. Save the Dunes’ Great Lakes Innovative Stewardship through Education Network (GLISTEN) liaisons initiated weekly monitoring at eleven LCEB …

An Analysis Of Sulfur Trioxide In Aggregates For Concrete Using An Astm Standard For Portland Cement, Sarah Brunsvold

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

It is well-known that sulfates in concrete can reduce the long term durability of concrete. Sulfates most notably contribute to the problem of sulfate attack, which causes cracking and deterioration of concrete. Some aggregates can contain these sulfates and so can contribute to a reduction in durability. However, there is currently no standard test methodology to determine the sulfate content in the aggregates used to produce Portland cement concrete. The purpose of this research is to apply the current American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standard for analyzing the sulfur trioxide content in Portland cement to measure the sulfur …

Design And Fabrication Of An Ultra-Low Capacitive Pressure Transducer, Justin Brown, Armand Gagne, Stephen Charnley, Kyle Devlin, Ryan Finley, Jenan Almishari, Anna Wint, Dr. Shahin Nudehi

Symposium on Research and Creative Expression (SORCE)

The goal of the Capacitive Pressure Sensor project is to redesign the Alpha Instruments 168 series capacitive pressure sensor sold by Dwyer Instruments. The primary objectives of the new design will be to eliminate the use of welding in the assembly of the sensor components and to eliminate stray capacitance in the system measurements through the use of dielectric boundaries. Additionally, the sensor housing will be a stamped design in order to avoid expensive machining steps. The electrical components of the system will be tailored to accept a capacitive signal and transfer it to a voltage reading. This voltage will …

A High Energy Density All Solid-State Tungsten-Air Battery, Xuan Zhao, Xue Li, Yunhui Gong, Nansheng Xu, Kevin Gregory Romito, Kevin Huang

Faculty Publications

An all solid-state tungsten–air battery using solid oxide–ion electrolyte is demonstrated as a new chemistry for advanced energy storage. The unique design of separated energy storage from the electrodes allows for free volume expansion–contraction during electrical cycles and new metal–air chemistry to be explored conveniently.

Precast Concrete Insulated Wall Panel Corbels Without Thermal Bridging, Mohamed Elkady

Department of Construction Engineering and Management: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The common practice in corbel design is to block out the insulation in order to provide a solid concrete area at the corbel location. This connection practice results in thermal bridging, which significantly reduces the energy performance of the panel. For example, the PCI Design Handbook indicates that the reduction in thermal resistance caused by a solid part with an area equal to 9% of the total panel surface area is as high as 42%. This paper presents a discussion of a new concept for corbel design of insulated wall panels with the thermal break totally preserved. Two different designs …

Fully Compliant Mechanisms For Bearing Subtraction In Robotics And Space Applications, Ezekiel G. Merriam

Theses and Dissertations

Robotics and space applications represent areas where compliant mechanisms can continue to make a significant impact by reducing costs and weight while improving performance. Because of the nature of these applications, a common need is for bearing replacement mechanisms, or mechanisms that perform the function of a bearing without the complexity and failure modes associated with bearings. Static balancing is a design strategy that attempts to reduce the actuation effort of a mechanism, and has been applied to compliant mechanisms in some applications. Monolithic construction, especially by means of 3D printing technology, is a strategy whereby the mechanism links and …

Design Considerations And Requirements For In-Flight Refueling Of Unmanned Vehicles, Ian R. Mcandrew, Kenneth Witcher

Publications

The need to refuel in-flight has become a significant part of military strategy for air forces to work at further distances from safe shores. The use of Unmanned Vehicles is increasing and expected to be the principal part of military deployment. This paper will address the concepts and requirements for applying refueling unmanned vehicles in a military context for supporting fixed and rotor aircraft. Design aspects of human factors in the process are considered, reviewed and solutions proposed to allow for the first generation of designs to be developed. Furthermore, the practical and operational limitations will be addressed as part …

Magnetic And Crystal Structures Of Sr2Iro4: A Neutron Diffraction Study, Feng Ye, Songxue Chi, Bryan C. Chakoumakos, Jaime A. Fernandez-Baca, Tongfei Qi, Gang Cao

Center for Advanced Materials Faculty Publications

We report a single-crystal neutron diffraction study of the layered Sr₂IrO₄. This work unambiguously determines the magnetic structure of the system and reveals that the spin orientation rigidly tracks the staggered rotation of the IrO₆ octahedra in Sr₂IrO₄. The long-range antiferromagnetic order has a canted spin configuration with an ordered moment of 0.208(3) μ_B/Ir site within the basal plane; a detailed examination of the spin canting yields 0.202(3) and 0.049(2) μ_B/site for the a axis and the b axis, respectively. It is intriguing that forbidden nuclear reflections …

Reversible Mn Segregation At The Polar Surface Of Lithium Tetraborate, Christina L. Dugan, Robert L. Hengehold, Stephen R. Mchale, Juan A. Colon Santana, John W. Mcclory, Volodymyr T. Adamiv, Yaroslav V. Burak, Ya B. Losovyj, Peter A. Dowben

Faculty Publications

We find Mn surface segregation for single crystals of Mn doped Li₂B₄O₇, nominally Li_1.95Mn_0.05B₄O₇(001), but as the temperature increases, evidence of this Mn surface segregation diminishes significantly. At room temperature, the surface photovoltaic charging is significant for this pyroelectric material but is quenched at a temperature well below that seen for the undoped Li₂B₄O₇ samples. The suppression of surface charging in the region of 120 °C that accompanies the temperature of Mn dissolution in the bulk of Li₂B_{4 …}