Engineering Commons^™

Visualizing Relationships Between Related Variables: Improving Physics Education Through D3.Js Network Visualizations, Stephanie Friend

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

phiMap is a web application started by Cal Poly professors and students to aid professors in teaching physics. I developed Javascript visualizations for phiMap that serve to simplify the processes of both teaching and learning physics. These visualizations aim to present relationships between physics variables in an easy to understand manner, and they could eventually have a huge impact on physics education.

Preemptive Placement And Routing For In-Field Fpga Repair, Joshua E. Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

With the growing density and shrinking feature size of modern semiconductors, it is increasingly difficult to manufacture defect free semiconductors that maintain acceptable levels of reliability for long periods of time. These systems are increasingly susceptible to wear-out by failing to meet their operational specifications for an extended period of time. The reconfigurability of FPGAs can be used to repair post-manufacturing faults by configuring the FPGA to avoid a damaged resource. This thesis presents a method for preemptively preparing to repair FPGA devices with wear-out faults by precomputing a set of repair circuits that, collectively, can repair a fault found …

Experimental Testing Of Shallow Embedded Connections Between Steel Columns And Concrete Footings, Nicholas Valgardson Barnwell

Theses and Dissertations

Shallow embedded column connections are widely used for columns resisting gravity loads in current design methods. These connections are usually considered “pinned” for structural analysis. In reality these connections fall in between a fixed and a pinned condition. Although methods exist to estimate the stiffness and strength of exposed columns or embedded columns under lateral loads, little research has been done to determine the strength of shallow embedded columns. An experimental study was carried out to investigate the strength of these connections. A total of 12 specimens with varying orientation, embedment depth, and column size were loaded laterally until failure …

An Investigation Of Friction Stir Welding Parameter Effects On Post Weld Mechanical Properties In 7075 Aa, Steven B. Dickson

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of weld temperature, travel speed, and backing plate thermal diffusivity on themechanical properties of a weld have been studied. A face centered cubic experiment of designwas completed in which the response variables were yield strength, minimum hardness in the HAZ, and charpy impact toughness. Three models were created from the data gathered usinga stepwise regression in order to see the effects of each parameter. For the yield strength andminimum hardness it was found that only travel speed and backing plate thermal diffusivities werestatistically significant to the properties. The charpy impact toughness saw that all three parameterswere statistically significant …

Me-Em Enewsbrief, March 2015, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Nanoparticle Properties And Synthesis Effects On Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (Sers) Enhancement Factor: An Introduction, Nathan D. Israelsen, Cynthia Hanson, Elizabeth Vargis

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

Raman spectroscopy has enabled researchers to map the specific chemical makeup of surfaces, solutions, and even cells. However, the inherent insensitivity of the technique makes it difficult to use and statistically complicated. When Raman active molecules are near gold or silver nanoparticles, the Raman intensity is significantly amplified. This phenomenon is referred to as surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The extent of SERS enhancement is due to a variety of factors such as nanoparticle size, shape, material, and configuration. The choice of Raman reporters and protective coatings will also influence SERS enhancement. This review provides an introduction to how these factors …

Hybrid Electric Power System Validation Through Parameter Optimization, Hasnaa Khalifi

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Battery models can be developed from first principles or from empirical methods. The work presented in this thesis is semi-empirical, the model was validated using test data through parameter optimization. Simulink Parameter Estimation toolbox was used to identify the battery parameters and validate the battery model with test data. Experimental data was obtained by discharging the battery of a modified 2013 Chevrolet Malibu hybrid electric vehicle. The resulting battery model provided accurate simulation results over the validation data. For the constant current discharge, the mean squared error between measured and simulated data was 0.26 volts for the terminal voltage and …

Cybersecurity In The Information Age

DePaul Magazine

According to the Identify Theft Resource Center, more than 750 breaches occurred in 2014, exposing more than 83 million records. Breaches occur because people have discovered that there’s money to be made from stealing corporate and customer information. Faced with this reality, consumers and companies may wonder if it’s possible to protect their personal and financial data. DePaul's College of Computing and Digital Media is training the next generation of cybersecurity experts to thwart cybersecurity attacks. In addition, DePaul faculty and alumni in data security offer advice to consumers on securing their financial and personal information.

Stroke-Related Effects On Maximal Dynamic Hip Flexor Fatigability And Functional Implications, Henry Kuhnen, Megan M. Rybar, Tanya Onushko, Ryan E. Doyel, Sandra K. Hunter, Brian D. Schmit, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Introduction: Stroke-related changes in maximal dynamic hip flexor muscle fatigability may be more relevant functionally than isometric hip flexor fatigability. Methods: Ten chronic stroke survivors performed 5 sets of 30 hip flexion maximal dynamic voluntary contractions (MDVC). A maximal isometric voluntary contraction (MIVC) was performed before and after completion of the dynamic contractions. Both the paretic and nonparetic legs were tested. Results: Reduction in hip flexion MDVC torque in the paretic leg (44.7%) was larger than the nonparetic leg (31.7%). The paretic leg had a larger reduction in rectus femoris EMG (28.9%) between the first and last …

Three-Phase Generation Using Reactive Networks, Tattiana Karina Coleman Davenport

Master's Theses

Household appliances utilize single-phase motors to perform everyday jobs whether it is to run a fan in an air conditioner or the compressor in a refrigerator. With the movement of the world going “green” and trying to make everything more efficient, it is a logical step to start with the items that we use every day. This can be done by replacing single-phase motors with three-phase motors in household appliances. Three-phase motors are 14% more efficient than single-phase motors when running at full load and typically cost less over a large range of sizes [1]. One major downside of incorporating …

Combination Of A Probabilistic-Based And A Rule-Based Approach For Genealogical Record Linkage, Pooja P. Shah

Master's Theses

Record linkage is the task of identifying records within one or multiple databases that refer to the same entity. Currently, there exist many different approaches for record linkage. Some approaches incorporate the use of heuristic rules, mathematical models, Markov models, or machine learning. This thesis focuses on the application of record linkage to genealogical records within family trees. Today, large collections of genealogical records are stored in databases, which may contain multiple records that refer to a single individual. Resolving duplicate genealogical records can extend our knowledge on who has lived and more complete information can be constructed by combining …

Effect Of Sustainable And Composite Materials On The Mechanical Behavior Of Sandwich Panels Under Edgewise Compressive Loading, Justin A. Tafoya

Master's Theses

Over the last three decades, the aerospace industry has gradually shifted from metals to composites in many different applications due to the lightweight properties of composite materials. Some benefits of composites include higher strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance. At this point in time, the composite industry researchers are focusing on renewable and sustainable materials (bio-composites). By understanding the structural capabilities of bio-composites that have been used for centuries, new developments of sustainable materials will spark more interest throughout the industry. Bio-composites include fibers such as hemp, bamboo, flax, etc. The high demand for bio-composites in composite structures can also reduce …

Development And Lab Calibration Of The Pnuematic In-Situ Soil Caving Index Sampler (Piscis), Michael A. Grolle

Master's Theses

The caving/sloughing of sandy layers into drilled shafts is a common and costly phenomenon in the drilling industry. A prototype soil-testing device known as the Pneumatic In-situ Soil Caving Index Sampler (PISCIS) has been developed to test sandy layers above the water table for their propensity to cave/slough into a drilled shaft during the drilling process. The PISCIS fits down a Cone Penetration Test (CPT) hole and uses air pressure to agitate a sample off of the hole wall that is then collected and weighed. Large-scale lab testing was conducted using sand under a variety of simulated overburden pressures and …

Design Methods For Remotely Powered Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, William Beaman Howe

Master's Theses

A method for sizing remotely powered unmanned aerial vehicles is presented to augment the conventional design process. This method allows for unconventionally powered aircraft to become options in trade studies during the initial design phase. A design matrix is created that shows where, and if, a remotely powered vehicle fits within the design space. For given range and power requirements, the design matrix uses historical data to determine whether an internal combustion or electrical system would be most appropriate. Trends in the historical data show that the break in the design space between the two systems is around 30 miles …

Nutrient Removal From Clarified Municipal Wastewater Using Microalgae Raceway Ponds, Justin Andrew Kraetsch

Master's Theses

Shallow, mixed raceway ponds can be used to grow microalgae for the dual purposes of wastewater treatment and biofuel feedstock production. To improve the environmental sustainability of microalgae biofuels and to alleviate resource limitations, nutrients remaining after biofuel production should be recycled for additional cultivation. This thesis considers three topics: wastewater treatment by algae, nitrogen and phosphorus assimilation by algae, and algae cell disruption to facilitate nutrient recovery.

The main experimental work was done in pilot raceway ponds growing polycultures of microalgae on clarified municipal wastewater. In addition, two lab-scale pretreatment technologies were tested for their ability to disrupt cells, …

Benchmarking, Characterization And Tuning Of Shell Ecomarathon Prototype Powertrain, Eric J. Griess

Master's Theses

With the automotive industry ever striving to push the limits of fuel efficiency, the Shell EcoMarathon offers a glimpse into this energy conserving mindset by challenging engineering students around the world to design and build ultra-efficient vehicles to compete regionally. This requires synchronization of engineering fields to ensure that the vehicle and powertrain system work in parallel to achieve similar goals.

The goal for Cal Poly – San Luis Obispo’s EcoMarathon vehicle for the 2015 competition is to analyze the unique operating mode that the powertrain undergoes during competition and improve their current package to increase fuel efficiency. In this …

Tracking Of Rhythmical Biomedical Signals Using The Maximum A Posteriori Adaptive Marginalized Particle Filter, Sunghan Kim, Lars Andreas Holmstrom, James Mcnames

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Biomedical signals are often rhythmical and their morphologies change slowly over time. Arterial blood pressure and electrocardiogram signals are good examples with such property. It is of great interest to extract clinically useful information such as the instantaneous frequency (i.e. heart rate) and morphological changes (e.g. pulse pressure variation) from these signals. Conventional filtering methods such as the Kalman filter are not suitable for estimating the instantaneous frequency of quasiperiodic signals due to the non-Gaussian multi-modal property of its posterior distribution. One possible alternative is particle filters that are increasingly used for nonlinear systems and non-Gaussian posterior state distributions. However, …

Comparison Of Regular Ringer's Solution And Glucose Ringer's Solution On The Longevity Of The Hirudo Medicinalis' Retzius Cell, Nicole Arielle Peretti

Master's Theses

In 1882, Sydney Ringer, a professor of medicine at University College in London, experimented with the frog ventricle to better understand how each constituent of blood influences contraction. The ultimate goal was to create an artificial circulating fluid to use for the perfusion of isolated organs, in this case, a frog heart. Today, Ringer’s solution is still used in research for physiological studies requiring the survival and maintenance of specimens outside of their host bodies. One such example is the use of medicinal leech ganglia for electrophysiological measurements. In this thesis, I am comparing two Ringer’s solutions, original versus added …

Temperature And Stress Effect Modeling In Fatigue Of H13 Tool Steel At Elevated Temperatures With Applications In Friction Stir Welding, Bradley Valiant Jones

Theses and Dissertations

Tooling reliability is critical to welding success in friction stir welding, but tooling fatigue is not well understood because it occurs in conditions that are often unique to friction stir welding. A fatigue study was conducted on a commonly used tooling material, H13 tool steel, using constant stress loading at temperatures between 300°C and 600°C, and the results are presented. A model is proposed accounting for temperature and stress effects on fatigue life, utilizing a two-region Arrhenius temperature model. A transition in temperature effect on fatigue life is identified. Implications of the temperature effect for friction stir welding suggest that …

Building And Growing With Mobile Technology, Chris Lierheimer

The Professional Constructor

Today’s construction managers have an arsenal of mobile technologies at their disposal, all of which make managing projects vastly more organized and efficient than ever before. In this paper, I will explore in detail three different mobile technologies that the modern contractor has at his or her disposal, their benefits, potential pitfalls that they may present, and my thoughts on the future of these tools. I will share personal experience with, and research based on topics ranging from building information modeling, to RFID chip tracking of resources, to cloud based programs that streamline information flow.

Using Mobile Technology For Managing Construction Projects, Paul Shaw

The Professional Constructor

This essay examines the use and application of emerging mobile technologies in the construction industry. Mobile phones and tablets are discussed in-depth, and can be used to replace office tools, to collaborate, and to bring building information modeling (BIM) technology out into the field. Next, wearable computing technology is discussed, including Google Glass and smart hard hats. This technology provides another avenue for construction information access in the field. Finally, unmanned aerial vehicles are discussed, along with their challenges and potential benefits. Increased technology use will absolutely improve efficiency and profitability in the construction industry.

Solar Orientation For Low-Energy Residential Building In Pagosa Springs, Colorado, Torry D. Hessman, Caroline M. Clevenger, Maryellen C. Nobe, Katharin Leigh

The Professional Constructor

This research compares the energy performance of 43 homes. Seven homes, constructed by a single builder using passive design principles, are the focus of the study. The remaining 36 homes, more conventionally built, establish a baseline for local residential energy performance. All of the homes are located within a six square-mile geographical region in Pagosa Springs, Colorado. Researchers collected utility data over a two year period, from September 2009 to August 2011. While other factors impact performance, for this study the dependent variable was energy consumption in British Thermal Units (BTUs) per square foot per season. The independent variable was …

Adoption Of Green Building Guidelines In Usa, India, And China, Matt Syal, Yunhui Yang, Gayatri Kumar, Jawanda Jackson

The Professional Constructor

Green Building Guidelines (GBGs) have played a major role in the global efforts to develop environmentally responsible buildings and infrastructure. These guidelines serve as ratings tools to evaluate sustainable practices used in buildings’ design, construction, and operations. Although, the acceptance of these guidelines has begun to increase globally, only a few countries have seen their widespread adoption. The acceptance of GBGs is dependent upon various factors specific to the country and society in which they exist. USA, India, and China were selected to be the focus of this study since each of these countries present a unique set of societal …

Characterizing Equipment Cost, Fuel Use, And Emissions For Earthwork Activities, Phil Lewis, Yongwei Shan, Apif Hajji, Elizabeth Hazzard

The Professional Constructor

The objective of this paper is to examine the relationships between construction equipment costs, fuel use, and air pollutant emissions to make more informed decisions in construction planning and achieve more sustainable construction activity. This paper presents an estimating approach that combines both construction and environmental data to assess the relationships between equipment costs, fuel use, and emissions. To characterize these relationships, a case study is presented for a dozer performing a bulk excavation activity. Sensitivity analyses based on soil type, dozing distance, and engine horsepower rating are presented. Results indicate that there is little difference in the equipment total …

General Interest Articles, American Institute Of Constructors

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Assessing The Economic, Energy, And Environmental Impacts Of A Bridge Replacement Project, Elizabeth Hazzard, Phil Lewis

The Professional Constructor

As the nation moves toward more sustainable energy and environmental standards, it is important to examine all sources of fuel consumption and pollution, including heavy-duty diesel (HDD) construction equipment. In order to quantify these sources at the project level, they must be identified with their respective activities. A case study was performed on an Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) bridge replacement project in order to establish a baseline estimate of real-world equipment activity, fuel use, and emissions data. These data were collected on a daily basis via jobsite visits and included specific information such as the equipment’s model year, engine …

In Memory Of Fran Dugan, American Institute Of Constructors

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of Green Building Initiatives On U.S. University Campuse, Dennis C. Bausman, Ben Mueller

The Professional Constructor

As population expands and resource consumption grows, interest in sustainable practices continues to intensify. Universities and colleges in the U.S. have been leading the trend toward building certification and green initiatives to reduce energy consumption, lower water consumption, and recycle solid waste. This study investigates the extent to which green practices are implemented on new construction and the renovation of existing building stock on university campuses across the United States. The study also examines the financial analysis techniques institutions use to assess and prioritize green initiatives on new and existing facilities. The population selected for this study was two hundred …

Full Issue, Volume 39, Number 1

The Professional Constructor

No abstract provided.

Arff Wg's Response To The Ntsb's Recommendations, Rita "Rene" Herron

Publications

This piece is the final installment in a series of articles discussing research in connection to the four applied research projects the ARFF Working Group and Federal Aviation Administration are conducting concerning the National Transportation Safety Board’s recommendations from the report of findings on the crash of Asiana Flight 214.