Engineering Commons^™

Throughput Optimisation For Energy Harvesting Transmitter With Partial Instantaneous Channel State Information And Finite-Alphabet Inputs, Xiaodong Zhu, Weiliang Zeng, Chengshan Xiao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Wireless communication systems with energy harvester are attracting much attention due to their ability to improve the system operation time. Extensive research has been carried out on how to maximize the sum of mutual information over multiple time slots (i.e. the throughput). However, most research focuses on the energy harvesting transmitter with Gaussian inputs and single antenna. This study considers the throughput maximization problem for an energy harvesting transmitter with causal energy constraint over multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) channels. Different from existing works, the authors consider the MIMO system with finite-alphabet inputs and partial instantaneous channel state information (CSI). Specifically, the …

Mentored Environment For Isogeometric Analysis, Kevin Tew, Michael Scott

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The mentored environment for isogeometric analysis (IGA) has trained engineering and computer science students to develop isogeometric numerical methods and accompanying software to solve challenging problems in science and engineering. The mentoring environment consisted of:

1. Weekly group meetings where research concepts were discussed, scientific literature was reviewed, and progress was monitored.
2. Pairing of students with a faculty members to develop IGA design-through-analysis methodologies.
3. Preparation of results for peer-reviewed publications.

Power Transfer System, Hua Bai, Xuan Joe Zhou

Electrical & Computer Engineering Patents

A power transfer system and method are provided for transferring power from an AC supply outputting an AC voltage. The system includes a controller and a primary rectifier coupled to the controller and to the AC supply for converting the AC voltage to a DC bus voltage. An inverter is coupled with the primary rectifier and the controller for converting the DC bus voltage to a primary AC voltage. A primary coil is connected to the inverter. A secondary coil is in communication with the primary coil for producing an induced AC voltage. A secondary rectifier is connected to the …

Intensive Mentoring And Micro-Electronics Research For Students In Engineering (Immerse) 2014, Aaron Hawkins, Stephen Schultz

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The MEG funds used for this projects supported undergraduate students working in the IMMERSE program starting in the Summer of 2014. IMMERSE employed a total of 35 students, with 14 of them being supervised directly by Dr. Aaron Hawkins and Stephen Schultz. The students working for Drs. Hawkins and Schultz were paid hourly wages for their research work from this MEG grant.

Meg Report: Elastic Frames For Earthquake Resistance, Paul Richards

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The topic of the proposal was steel frames with superior elastic energy capacity that will permit buildings to better withstand severe earthquake loading. The anticipated outcomes related to mentoring were: each student researcher would be the lead author on a conference publication, students would present results at a national conference, and each student researcher would be a co-author on a journal article; with the graduate student researcher as a lead author.

A New Architecture For Application-Aware Cognitive Multihop Wireless Networks, Trenton Evans, Kossivi Tossou, Feng Ye, Zhihui Shu, Yi Qian, Yaoqing Yang, Hamid Sharif

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

In this article, we propose a new architecture for AC-MWN. Cognitive radio is a technique to adaptively use the spectrum so that the resource can be used more efficiently in a low-cost way. A multihop wireless network can be deployed quickly and flexibly without fixed infrastructure. In our proposed new architecture, we study backbone routing schemes with network cognition, and a routing scheme with network coding and spectrum adaptation. A testbed is implemented to test the proposed schemes for AC-MWN. In addition to basic measurements, we implement a video streaming application based on the proposed AC-MWN architecture using cognitive radios. …

Spring Runoff Conference 2016 - Call For Abstracts | College Of Engineering, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

March 2, 2016 — Utah State University’s Spring Runoff Conference is just weeks away. The annual spring runoff conference brings together researchers, scientists, and top experts in Utah and Intermountain West to discuss water issues. This year’s conference will take place April 5-6, 2016 at the Eccles Conference Center on USU’s Logan campus.

Enhancement Of Supercapacitor Energy Storage By Leakage Reduction And Electrode Modification, Tete Tevi

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Supercapacitors have emerged in recent years as a promising energy storage technology. The main mechanism of energy storage is based on electrostatic separation of charges in a region at the electrode-electrolyte interface called double layer. Various electrode materials including carbon and conducting polymers have been used in supercapacitors. Also, supercapacitors offer high life cycle and high power density among electrochemical energy storage devices. Despite their interesting features, supercapacitors present some disadvantages that limit their competitivity with other storage devices in some applications. One of those drawbacks is high self-discharge or leakage. The leakage occurs when electrons cross the double layer …

Biopolymeric Mucin And Synthetic Polymer Analogs: Their Structure, Function And Role In Biomedical Applications, Sundar Prasanth Authimoolam, Thomas D. Dziubla

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Mucin networks are viscoelastic fibrillar aggregates formed through the complex self-association of biopolymeric glycoprotein chains. The networks form a lubricious, hydrated protective shield along epithelial regions within the human body. The critical role played by mucin networks in impacting the transport properties of biofunctional molecules (e.g., biogenic molecules, probes, nanoparticles), and its effect on bioavailability are well described in the literature. An alternate perspective is provided in this paper, presenting mucin’s complex network structure, and its interdependent functional characteristics in human physiology. We highlight the recent advances that were achieved through the use of mucin in diverse areas of bioengineering …

Characterization Of Superabsorbent Poly(Sodium-Acrylate Acrylamide) Hydrogels And Infuence Of Chemical Structure On Internally Cured Mortar, Matthew J. Krafcik, Kendra Erk

School of Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Internal curing of mortar through superabsorbent polymer hydrogels is explored as a solution to self-desiccation. Four different hydrogels of poly(sodium-acrylate acry- lamide) are synthesized and the impact of chemical composition on mortar is assessed with relative humidity and autogenous shrinkage testing. The hydrogels are characterized with swelling tests in different salt solutions and compression tests. Chemical composition af- fected both swelling kinetics and gel network size. Mortar containing these hydrogels had increased relative humidity and markedly reduced autogenous shrinkage. Additionally, the chemical structure of the hydrogels was found to signifcantly impact the mortar’s shrink- age. Hydrogels that quickly released most …

High Temperature Electrochemical Engineering And Clean Energy Systems, Brenda L. Garcia-Diaz, Luke Olson, Michael Martinez-Rodriguez, Roderick Fuentes, Hector Colon-Mercado, Josh Gray

Journal of the South Carolina Academy of Science

Global power demand is projected to more than double by 2050 and meeting this increased power demand will require maintaining or increasing power output from all existing energy sources while adding a large amount of new capacity. The power sources that have the greatest opportunity to fulfill this demand gap over this time period are clean energy sources including solar and nuclear power. One of the areas of expertise that SRNL has been applying to help with a variety of clean energy technologies is in high temperature electrochemistry. Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL) in collaboration with industrial and university partners …

Skycsr: Optimal Communication Methods For Coordinating Ground Support In A Private And General Aviation Setting, Jessica Burke

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Delays due to miscommunication of between the pilot and ground service providers are increasing. The objective of this project is to develop a new method of communication between pilots, line service technicians and customer service agents. This will be achieved first through an investigation into current methods and state of the industry, followed by a survey conducted with a group of pilots and flight schools. This culminates in a web application that will take the deficiencies identified in the survey, to make sure ground service or fuel orders are explicitly clear and minimize the probability of a mis-fueling, overlooked fueling, …

Carbon Emission Awareness And Information Platform, Jose Ignacio Cordero, Paul Romero

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Climate change due to global warming has become a worldwide concern.

Nowadays, people are starting to wake up and realize that changes need to be

made in their lifestyles in order to preserve this earth and provide a better planet

for future generations. Finding a concrete solution to global warming and climate

change has proven to be a very challenging task. Governments have tried

implementing solutions and as a result, corporations have been forced to absorb

or transfer the cost of unsuccessful environmental regulations. Meanwhile,

individuals remain frustrated, wishing they could find a way to help.

The motivation behind this …

Osteoinductive Polyhipe Foams As Injectable Bone Grafts, J. L. Robinson, M. A. P. Mcenery, H. Pearce, M. E. Whitely, Dany J. Munoz Pinto, M. S. Hahn, H. Li, N. A. Sears, E. Cosgriff-Hernandez

Engineering Faculty Research

We have recently fabricated biodegradable polyHIPEs as injectable bone grafts and characterized the mechanical properties, pore architecture, and cure rates. In this study, calcium phosphate nanoparticles and demineralized bone matrix (DBM) particles were incorporated into injectable polyHIPE foams to promote osteoblastic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Upon incorporation of each type of particle, stable monoliths were formed with compressive properties comparable to control polyHIPEs. Pore size quantification indicated a negligible effect of all particles on emulsion stability and resulting pore architecture. Alizarin red calcium staining illustrated the incorporation of calcium phosphate particles at the pore surface, while picrosirius red …

Genesis And Growth Of Extracellular Vesicle-Derived Microcalcification In Atherosclerotic Plaques, Joshua D. Hutcheson, Claudia Goettsch, Sergio Bertazzo, Natalia Maldonado, Jessica L. Ruiz, Wilson Goh, Katsumi Yabusaki, Tyler Faits, Carlijn Bouten, Gregory Franck, Thibaut Quillard, Peter Libby, Masanori Aikawa, Sheldon Weinbaum, Elena Aikawa

Publications and Research

Clinical evidence links arterial calcification and cardiovascular risk. Finite-element modelling of the stress distribution within atherosclerotic plaques has suggested that subcellular microcalcifications in the fibrous cap may promote material failure of the plaque, but that large calcifications can stabilize it. Yet the physicochemical mechanisms underlying such mineral formation and growth in atheromata remain unknown. Here, by using three-dimensional collagen hydrogels that mimic structural features of the atherosclerotic fibrous cap, and high-resolution microscopic and spectroscopic analyses of both the hydrogels and of calcified human plaques, we demonstrate that calcific mineral formation and maturation results from a series of events involving the …

Multi-Level Route-Optimization Computer Application, Ryan Sutardji, Frank Nguyen

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This report provides a detailed analysis on how to optimize driving routes by creating a computer application. There are many different route-optimization issues that logistical companies consistently face, as well as many different solutions and algorithms. With technology on the rise, pick-up, delivery, and transportation services are become a huge part of our everyday lives. When optimizing routes, reducing transportation costs by minimizing travel distance is always ideal, but other factors must be considered such as arriving at a location before or after a certain time. Our objective is to optimize driving routes based on travel distance and priorities. We …

Ua66 Ogden College Of Science & Engineering Newsletter, Cheryl Stevens, Dean

Ogden College of Science & Engineering Publications

No abstract provided.

Mechanical Dispersion Of Semi-Solid Binders In High-Shear Granulation, Nathan J. Davis

Open Access Dissertations

Granulation is an important industrial process used to produce many foods, medicines, consumer products, and industrial intermediate products. This thesis focuses on high shear wet granulation with the specific case study of detergent manufacture using a high shear pin mixer. The key rate process in detergent manufacturing was determined to be the mechanical dispersion of the semi-solid surfactant binder. The pin mixer and mechanical dispersion utilized experiments, population balance models, and discrete element method (DEM) models.

The mechanical dispersion of the surfactant binder was studied using a lab scale 6 liter pin mixer. An experimental method was developed to isolate …

A Study On Flow Development In An Apu-Style Inlet And Its Effect On Centrifugal Compressor Performance, Fangyuan Lou

Open Access Dissertations

The objectives of this research were to investigate the flow development inside an APU-style inlet and its effect on centrifugal compressor performance. The motivation arises from the increased applications of gas turbine engines installed with APU-style inlets such as unmanned aerial vehicles, auxiliary power units, and helicopters. The inlet swirl distortion created from these complicated inlet systems has become a major performance and operability concern. To improve the integration between the APU-style inlet and gas turbine engines, better understanding of the flow field in the APU-style inlet and its effect on gas turbine is necessary.

A research facility for the …

Multi-Axis Machining Project Development, Ryan Patrick Blodgett, Andre Peter Rivera

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Multi-axis milling is a manufacturing material removal process in which computer numerically controlled (CNC) tools cut away excess material through movement in four or more axes. Compared to traditional three-axis machining, multi-axis machining greatly increases the capability and accuracy of the CNC machining processes by reducing the amount of operations required to completely machine a part. Currently, the Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department at Cal Poly lacks an advanced CNC class that incorporates fourth and fifth axis CNC machining in the curriculum. This report describes the process behind creating a project for such a class. The class will demonstrate the …

Fire And Life Safety Analysis Of Cal Poly Engineering Iv, Business In Amarillo, Tx And Costco, Russell B. Bainbridge Iii

Fire Protection Engineering: Culminating Experience Project Reports

The main fire protection disciplines ‐ Egress Analysis and Design, Fire Detection, Alarm and Communication Systems, Water‐based Fire Suppression Systems and Structural Fire Protection ‐ are covered in this report.

For Egress Analysis and Design, the California Polytechnic State University’s Engineering IV building was analyzed and covered in the first portion of this report. The building was analyzed against the 2015 edition of NFPA 101 and the 2015 edition of the International Building Code. It is a typical university engineering building with classrooms, professors’ offices and some laboratories. The occupancies, the occupant load, exit widths, exit lengths and number of …

Maintenance Shop Building- Comprehensive Fire Protection Evaluation, Theodore P. Stanton

Fire Protection Engineering: Culminating Experience Project Reports

The purpose of this report is to analyze the fire protection systems and features of the Maintenance Shop Building (MSB), which is a two story office and training building on the campus of a large industrial facility in central California. The goal of the fire protection systems and features of the Building is to provide occupants with reasonable assurance of safety from fire. This goal can be met by ensuring that occupants not intimate with the initiation of a fire will be able to safely escape from the Building in the event of the fire.

The ability of the MSB’s …

Technical Area 3 - 40; Physics Building- Fire And Life Safety Analysis, Parker Fellows

Fire Protection Engineering: Culminating Experience Project Reports

A Fire Protection Engineering Analysis was performed on TA‐3‐0040, Physics Building at the Los Alamos National Laboratory in Los Alamos, New Mexico. The goal of the analysis has two parts; first, to examine the buildings fire protection features from a code based prescriptive analysis and second, to examine the building and fire protection features using a performance based design analysis.

Building 40 is a 2 story structure approximately 187,000 square feet. The building was constructed in the mid‐1950s with a first floor, basement, partial sub‐basement, and various mezzanines. Originally, this building was constructed as a non‐combustible type IIB structure according …

Inspire E-News 03 2016, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences News

• Up, up and away
• Students prepare to float their boat in April
• Paper engineering students meet industry leaders
• Computer science students capture the flag

Carbon-Based Hierarchical Scaffolds For Myoblast Differentiation: Synergy Between Nano-Functionalization And Alignment, Akhil Patel, Shilpaa Mukundan, Wenhu Wang, Anil K. Karumuri, Vinayak Sant, Sharmila M. Mukhopadhyay, Shilpa Sant

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

While several scaffolds have been proposed for skeletal muscle regeneration, multiscale hierarchical scaffolds with the complexity of extracellular matrix (ECM) haven’t been engineered successfully. By precise control over nano- and microscale features, comprehensive understanding of the effect of multiple factors on skeletal muscle regeneration can be derived. In this study, we engineered carbon-based scaffolds with hierarchical nano- and microscale architecture with controlled physico-chemical properties. More specifically, we built multiscale hierarchy by growing carbon nanotube (CNT) carpets on two types of scaffolds, namely, interconnected microporous carbon foams and aligned carbon fiber mats. Nanostructured CNT carpets offered fine control over nano-roughness and …

A Cyber Forensics Needs Analysis Survey: Revisiting The Domain's Needs A Decade Later, Vikram S. Harichandran, Frank Breitinger, Ibrahim Baggili, Andrew Marrington

Electrical & Computer Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

The number of successful cyber attacks continues to increase, threatening financial and personal security worldwide. Cyber/digital forensics is undergoing a paradigm shift in which evidence is frequently massive in size, demands live acquisition, and may be insufficient to convict a criminal residing in another legal jurisdiction. This paper presents the findings of the first broad needs analysis survey in cyber forensics in nearly a decade, aimed at obtaining an updated consensus of professional attitudes in order to optimize resource allocation and to prioritize problems and possible solutions more efficiently. Results from the 99 respondents gave compelling testimony that the following …

Pre-R, Brian Carreon, Mariel Sanchez

Computer Science and Software Engineering

The project that PomTech worked on for Capstone is the Pre­R iOS Application for Dr. Sam Slishman. The main objective for this project was to create a functional prototype of the iOS application and deliver it to Dr. Slishman by the end of the 2016 Winter quarter. The prototype features the ability for patients to contact Dr. Slishman for consultation through a phone call, a Facetime video call, email, or a house call. In addition, the user of the prototype is able to see the proximity and availability of Dr. Slishman. Other features include a profile page of Dr. Slishman, …

Thermal Mass Behaviour Of Concrete Panels Incorporating Phase Change Materials, Dervilla Niall, Roger West, Sarah Mccormack, Oliver Kinnane

Conference papers

Phase Change Materials (PCM) have been incorporated into a range of building envelope materials with varied success. This study investigates two different methods of combining concrete and phase change materials to form PCM/concrete composite panels. The first method involves adding microencapsulated paraffin to fresh concrete during the mixing process. The second method involves vacuum impregnating butyl stearate into lightweight aggregate which is then included in the concrete mix design. The primary aim of the study is to determine which method is the most effective way to improve the thermal mass characteristics of a concrete panel in the context of a …

Mechanical Characterization Of Hybrid Vesicles Based On Linear Poly(Dimethylsiloxane-B-Ethylene Oxide) And Poly(Butadiene-B-Ethylene Oxide) Block Copolymers, Jeffery Gaspard, Liam M. Casey, Matt Rozin, Dany J. Munoz Pinto, James A. Silas, Mariah S. Hahn

Engineering Faculty Research

Poly(dimethylsiloxane-ethylene oxide) (PDMS-PEO) and poly(butadiene-b-ethylene oxide) (PBd-PEO) are two block copolymers which separately form vesicles with disparate membrane permeabilities and fluidities. Thus, hybrid vesicles formed from both PDMS-PEO and PBd-PEO may ultimately allow for systematic, application-specific tuning of vesicle membrane fluidity and permeability. However, given the relatively low strength previously noted for comb-type PDMS-PEO vesicles, the mechanical robustness of the resulting hybrid vesicles must first be confirmed. Toward this end, we have characterized the mechanical behavior of vesicles formed from mixtures of linear PDMS-PEO and linear PBd-PEO using micropipette aspiration. Tension versus strain plots of pure PDMS₁₂-PEO_{46 …}

Angle Of Repose, Said Shakerin

All Faculty Articles - School of Engineering and Computer Science

No abstract provided.