Engineering Commons^™

Selective, Catalytic Decomposition Of Hydrazine, Benjamin A. Kitson, Shirin N. Oliaee

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The selective, catalytic decomposition of hydrazine has been investigated using a 1 wt% Pt-Ni(OH)₂ catalyst system quantitatively studied by changing the following parameters; reaction solution alkalinity, temperature, hydrazine concentration, catalyst selectivity, catalyst stability, and catalyst durability. Using sodium hydroxide (NaOH), the best alkalinity was found to be 1 M NaOH. The optimal temperature was found to be 50 °C for complete hydrazine conversion. A hydrazine concentration of 0.1 M produced the most effective reaction. The catalyst was found to be completely selective in hydrogen and nitrogen production with no ammonia formation. The catalyst activity decreased by 15% after 8 …

Optimization Of An Agitated Extractor, Evan Zapf

Undergraduate Journal of Mathematical Modeling: One + Two

In this scenario, we use calculus to determine the optimal operating specifications of a chemical extraction process. The results are achieved by first developing an expression that yields the total annual cost of the process. Factoring in electricity, vessel, agitator, and solvent costs, an annual cost expression was fabricated. AGIEX company manufactures a certain amount of a product, A, which has an impurity that it wishes be reduced. By engineering an optimally sized vessel to perform the extraction of impurity, the company will save costs by ensuring no inefficient spending on power or excess solvent occurs. A specific amount of …

The Rheological Impact Of Cell Activation On The Flow Behavior Of Neutrophils, Nolan M. Horrall

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Previously, it was reported that the morphological changes (pseudopod projection) that circulating neutrophils adopt due to cell activation raises peripheral vascular resistance by disrupting microvascular rheology. Studies utilized murine muscle preparations to link neutrophil pseudopod formation to cell activation and a viscous impact on hemodynamic resistance. But because of the complexity associated with the organization of the vasculature and microvasculature in tissues, it was unclear whether the effects of neutrophil activation on hemodynamic resistance were associated with the macro-/micro- circulation. This research describes an in vitro analysis using viscometry and microvascular network mimics (microporous membranes) to assess the rheological impact …

No Reduction By Propane Over Monolithic Cordierite-Based Fe/Al2o3 Catalyst: Reaction Mechanism And Effect Of H2o/So2, Hao Zhou, Yaxin Su, Wenyu Liao, Wenyi Deng, Fangchuan Zhong

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The selective reduction of NO by C₃H₈and the sensitivity to H₂O and SO₂have been studied over monolithic cordierite-based Fe/Al₂O₃catalysts, which were prepared by the sol–gel and impregnation method. The catalysts were investigated by N₂ adsorption, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and in situ diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) techniques. Results showed that NO reduction was more than 90% in the absence of oxygen at 500 °C and in the presence of oxygen at 600 °C respectively. In a continues …

A Spatial-Dynamical Framework For Evaluation Of Satellite Rainfall Products For Flood Prediction, Felipe Quintero, Witold F. Krajewski, Ricardo Mantilla, Scott Small, Bong Chul Seo

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Rainfall maps that are derived from satellite observations provide hydrologists with an unprecedented opportunity to forecast floods globally. However, the limitation of using these precipitation estimates with respect to producing reliable flood forecasts at multiple scales are not well understood. To address the scientific and practical question of applicability of space-based rainfall products for global flood forecasting, a data evaluation framework is developed that allows tracking the rainfall effects in space and time across scales in the river network. This provides insights on the effects of rainfall product resolution and uncertainty. Obtaining such insights is not possible when the hydrologic …

Convective Cooling In A Pool-Type Research Reactor, Susan Sipaun, Shoaib Usman

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

A reactor produces heat arising from fission reactions in the nuclear core. In the Missouri University of Science and Technology research reactor (MSTR), this heat is removed by natural convection where the coolant/moderator is demineralised water. Heat energy is transferred from the core into the coolant, and the heated water eventually evaporates from the open pool surface. A secondary cooling system was installed to actively remove excess heat arising from prolonged reactor operations. The nuclear core consists of uranium silicide aluminium dispersion fuel (U₃Si₂Al) in the form of rectangular plates. Gaps between the plates allow coolant …

Preliminary Investigation Into The Rate Of Carbonation Of Concrete Blocks Under Normal Production Yard Conditions, Aimee Byrne, Eanna Nolan

Conference papers

The release of CO2 from calcination during the manufacture of cement can be partially or fully offset by the CO2 it naturally absorbs during its lifetime. This paper reports results from a preliminary investigation into the rate of carbonation in concrete blocks stacked in a production yard over a period of 6 months. The blocks were stacked in a normal manner under natural exposure conditions. Carbonation progress was determined by splitting the blocks and spraying the freshly exposed surface with a phenolphthalein solution at intervals over the test period. It was found that the rate of the carbonation front progression …

Self-Powered Microfluidic Device For Rapid Assay Of Antiplatelet Drugs, Bincy Jose, Peter Mccluskey, Niamh Gilmartin, Martin Somers, Dermot Kenny, Antonio J. Ricco, Nigel Kent, Lourdes Basabe-Desmonts

Articles

We report the development of a microfluidic device for the rapid assay in whole blood of platelet-protein interactions indicative of the efficacy of antiplatelet drugs—e.g., aspirin and Plavix, two of the world’s most widely used drugs—in cardiovascular patients. Because platelet adhesion to surface-confined protein matrices is modulated by fluid shear rates at the blood/protein interface, and because such binding is a better indicator of platelet function than platelet self-aggregation, we designed, fabricated, and characterized the performance of a family of disposable, self-powered microfluidic chips with well-defined flow and interfacial shear rates suitable for small blood volumes (≤ 200 µL). We …

Development Of An Instrument To Assess Capacity For Systems Thinking, Kaitlynn M. Castelle, Raed M. Jaradat

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

With the rapid growth and integration in technology and information, the behavior and structure of complex systems presents escalating challenges. Complex systems are marked by high level of ambiguity, uncertainty, and emergence. These conditions impose challenges and difficulties for practitioners responsible to successfully manage and design complex systems. There is a fundamental need to have a cadre of individuals who are capable of dealing with increasingly complex systems and their problems. One response is Systems Thinking, which can provide a holistic thinking paradigm that opens new channels and opportunities to think differently about complex systems as a whole unit. This …

Why Are All The Softies In Europe? A Discussion Of The Lack Of Penetration Of Soft Or In The Us, Andrew J. Collins, Patrick T. Hester

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Soft Operations Research (OR) methods are used for a variety of real-world problems due to their focus on qualitative or interpretative problem formulation and analysis. Analysts use Soft Systems Methodology for problem structuring, drama theory for understanding conflicts, and morphological analysis for decision support. These techniques have an advantage over their quantitative counterparts because they can be used to tame wicked problems. So why is the use of soft OR not widespread in the US? In this paper, we discuss the systems and forces in place that limit soft OR within the US' higher education system and, by extension, the …

Systemic Analysis Of Complex System Governance For Acquisition, Charles B. Keating, Joseph M. Bradley, Polinpapilinho F. Katina

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is to explore Complex System Governance (CSG) issues related to systemic analysis of acquisition systems. CSG is an emerging field focused on the design, execution, and evolution of the functions necessary to provide continued system performance (stability) in the midst of incessant turbulence and increasing complexity. Integral to this field is the necessity to engage systems to address behavior or performance that is inconsistent with that which is desired. Systemic analysis for CSG serves to examine a system to discover fundamental system issues (e.g. acquisition). Arguably, system acquisition has an unremarkable record of success, ranging …

Sems Says: Finding The Real Problem Is The Key, Curricula Should Teach, Patrick Hester, Pilar Pazos

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The article offers the authors' insight on problem formulation and teamwork in engineering managers. Topics discussed include the importance of problem structuring in problem solution and decision making, the importance of competencies with teamwork to the success of a project, and the professional skill development of engineering students.

Age-Related Hearing Loss: Prevention Of Threshold Declines, Cell Loss And Apoptosis In Spiral Ganglion Neurons, Robert D. Frisina, Bo Ding, Xiaoxia Zhu, Joseph P. Walton

Chemical, Biological and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Age-related hearing loss (ARHL) -presbycusis - is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disease and number one communication disorder of our aged population; and affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Its prevalence is close to that of cardiovascular disease and arthritis, and can be a precursor to dementia. The auditory perceptual dysfunction is well understood, but knowledge of the biological bases of ARHL is still somewhat lacking. Surprisingly, there are no FDA-approved drugs for treatment. Based on our previous studies of human subjects, where we discovered relations between serum aldosterone levels and the severity of ARHL, we treated middle age mice …

Development Of Coordination Control For Multiple Rooftop Units, Denchai Woradechjumroen, Haorong Li, Akekachai Deesiri

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

Rooftop Units (RTUs) have been widely applied in providing space heating and cooling for commercial buildings. In total, they serve over 60% of the commercial building floor space in the U.S. Even through the current control approaches of a RTU can maintain the zone temperature corresponding to a set point temperature, it performs inefficiently due to several factors such as limited sensing capability, non- coordinated local control, inherent oversizing effects and so on. In addition to unnecessary power consumptions, the current control and operation technology on RTUs also lead to the space humidity problem, equipment efficiency degradation, and premature failure. …

Transient-Based Risk Analysis Of Water Distribution Systems, Steven Hoagland

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Water distribution system utilities must be able to maintain a system’s assets (i.e., pumps, tanks, water mains, etc.) in good working condition in order to provide adequate water quantity and quality to its customers. Various asset management approaches are employed by utilities in order to make optimal decisions regarding the renewal of system components. Part of a good asset management approach is performing a comprehensive risk analysis which consists of considering all potential ways in which the system may fail, the likelihood failure of for each scenario, and the consequences of said failure. This study investigates a water distribution system’s …

Estimation Of Annual Average Daily Traffic On Local Roads In Kentucky, William Nicholas Staats

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Annual average daily traffic (AADT) is used to estimate intersection performance across Kentucky. The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) currently collects AADTs for state maintained roads, but lacks this information on local roads. A method is needed to estimate local road AADTs in a cost-effective and reasonable manner. A literature review was conducted on AADT models and found no models suitable to Kentucky. Therefore an AADT model using non-linear regression was developed for local roads in Kentucky

This model divided the state into three regions utilizing Kentucky’s highway districts. This partitioning accounted for geographic and socioeconomic variability across the state. Each …

Bridge End Settlement Evaluation And Prediction, Jiwen Zhang

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

A bridge approach is usually built to provide a smooth and safe transition for vehicles from the roadway pavement to the bridge structure. However, differential settlement between the roadway pavement resting on embankment fill and the bridge abutment built on more rigid foundation often creates a bump in the roadway. Previous work examined this issue at a microscopic level and presented new methods for eliminating or minimizing the effects at specific locations.

This research studies the problem at a macroscopic level by determining methods to predict settlement severity to assist designers in developing remediation plans during project development to minimize …

Enhancing The Strength Properties Of Fly Ash By Adding Waste Products, Alfred J. Susilo

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

For this study, the main material to be investigated is Class F fly ash that originates from the combustion of Appalachian coal. Alone, fly ash exhibits poor strength properties and is susceptible to liquefaction when subject to dynamic loading. This research is focused on investigating the effect of adding materials that would otherwise be considered as waste products to the fly ash. Materials to be considered include crumb rubber, shredded carpet and shredded paper. The benefits from this research are twofold. First, provide a method to stabilize fly ash. For large masses of fly ash such as those found at …

Tier 1 Highway Security Sensitive Material Dynamic Risk Management, Steven Douglas Kreis

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

Each year, over 2 billion tons of hazardous materials are shipped in the United States, with over half of that being moved on commercial vehicles. Given their relatively poor or nonexistent defenses and inconspicuousness, commercial vehicles transporting hazardous materials are an easy target for terrorists. Before carriers or security agencies recognize that something is amiss, their contents could be detonated or released. From 2006 to 2015, the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) recorded 144,643 incidents involving a release of hazardous materials. Although there were no known instances of terrorism being the cause, accidental releases …

The Influence Of Cholesterol-Related Membrane Fluidity On The Shear Stress Control Of Neutrophil Adhesion And Its Implications In Hypercholesterolemia, Michael L. Akenhead

Theses and Dissertations--Biomedical Engineering

Hypercholesterolemia is a significant risk factor in the development of cardiovascular disease and is associated with chronic leukocyte adhesion in the microvasculature. While the underlying mechanisms behind this have yet to be determined, it may be possible that hypercholesterolemia impairs the fluid shear stress (FSS) inactivation of neutrophils through the rigidifying effect of cholesterol on membrane fluidity. FSS restricts surface expression of CD18 integrins through cathepsin B (ctsB) proteolysis, which minimizes neutrophil adhesivity. If hypercholesterolemia blocks FSS mechanotransduction, then the inhibition of CD18 cleavage may link pathologic blood cholesterol elevations with dysregulated neutrophil adhesion. We hypothesized that elevated cholesterol contributes …

An Overview Of Production And Development Of Ceramic Membranes, Shereen Kamel Amin, Heba Mohamed Abdallah, Mai H. Roushdy, Chakinaz Aly El-Sherbiny

Chemical Engineering

Ceramic membranes became one of the most important ceramic products because of their numerous benefits. Many attempts have been made by researchers to produce ceramic membranes with modified properties by varying their raw materials. Some of these attempts included incorporating wastes into their production process. Examples of such waste are fly ash wastes, glass waste, mud resulting from the hydro cyclone laundries, cortical bone animal, coal gangue, sawdust, construction waste and rice husk. An ideal waste would be priceless waste while at the same time assisting minimizing pollution. Such a situation deals with a dual economic and environmental aspect. This …

Detecting, Segmenting And Tracking Bio-Medical Objects, Mingzhong Li

Doctoral Dissertations

"Studying the behavior patterns of biomedical objects helps scientists understand the underlying mechanisms. With computer vision techniques, automated monitoring can be implemented for efficient and effective analysis in biomedical studies. Promising applications have been carried out in various research topics, including insect group monitoring, malignant cell detection and segmentation, human organ segmentation and nano-particle tracking.

In general, applications of computer vision techniques in monitoring biomedical objects include the following stages: detection, segmentation and tracking. Challenges in each stage will potentially lead to unsatisfactory results of automated monitoring. These challenges include different foreground-background contrast, fast motion blur, clutter, object overlap and …

Lifetime And Effectiveness Evaluation Of Ceramic Pot Filters, Carlo Salvinelli

Doctoral Dissertations

"Poor water quality is a major contributing factor to disease in developing countries. Ceramic pot filters (CPFs) represent an effective and sustainable technology for poor communities, but the characterization of CPF lifetimes is on-going, and the water production seems to be the limiting factor. This dissertation describes laboratory and field investigations conducted to characterize the parameters that impact CPF effectiveness and lifetime in terms of water production and treatment efficacy, both under controlled and real use conditions.

CPF initial flow rate is the most common quality control parameter, but it may not be representative of the long-term effectiveness of the …

Modeling The Compressibility Behavior Of Hard Red Wheat Varieties, Aaron P. Turner, Michael D. Montross, Samuel G. Mcneill, Michael P. Sama, Mark E. Casada, Josephine M. Boac, Rumela Bhadra, Ronaldo G. Maghirang, Sidney A. Thompson

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The bulk density of grain in a storage structure varies vertically and horizontally due to the overburden pressure created by the cumulative weight of the overlying material. As the overburden pressure increases, the stored material compacts. This compaction is believed to be caused by rearrangement of kernels along with higher intergranular stress between particles, leading to kernel deformation. This compaction is of primary concern when estimating the amount of grain in a storage structure. In this comprehensive study, confined uniaxial compression tests were conducted on 27 different samples of hard red winter wheat, at three moisture levels, over the range …

Error Analysis Of Stored Grain Inventory Determination, Aaron P. Turner, Michael D. Montross, Joshua J. Jackson, Samuel G. Mcneill, Mark E. Casada, Josephine M. Boac, Rumela Bhadra, Ronaldo G. Maghirang, Sidney A. Thompson

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Estimation of the quantity of stored grain is important for crop insurance, financial statements, and inventory control. Traditionally, the height of grain has been measured using weighted tape measures, and the volume is subsequently computed using standard geometric shapes (cylinders and cones) along with visual correction of the grain surface. Field measurements by four trained USDA Farm Service Agency and crop insurance agents on older farm-sized bins (8.2 to 11.0 m, or 27 to 36 ft, in diameter) resulted in standard deviations between 0.02 and 0.30 m for the equivalent height when the grain surface was not level. The largest …

Correlating Bulk Density (With Dockage) And Test Weight (Without Dockage) For Wheat Samples, Rumela Bhadra, Mark E. Casada, Josephine M. Boac, Aaron P. Turner, Sidney A. Thompson, Michael D. Montross, Ronaldo G. Maghirang, Samuel G. Mcneill

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

In grain bins, the compaction of stored grain is caused by the overbearing pressure of the bulk material in the bin. To predict the amount of grain in the bin, compaction values must be determined based on the average bulk density (BD) of the stored material. However, BD is determined following the Federal Grain Inspection Service (FGIS) guidelines for measuring test weight (TW), which require that dockage be removed prior to measuring wheat TW. Thus, this creates a problem for predicting grain compaction and conducting inventory studies, because the average BD of the grain in a bin for these calculations …

As-Applied Estimation Of Volumetric Flow Rate From A Single Sprayer Nozzle Series Using Water-Sensitive Spray Cards, Michael P. Sama, John T. Evans, Aaron P. Turner, Surya Saket Dasika

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The objective of this study was to test the feasibility of using coverage measurements from water-sensitive spray cards to estimate the volumetric flow rate at an individual sprayer nozzle. TeeJet VisiFlow Even Flat Spray Tips were selected due to their uniform distribution of coverage. Spray distribution for each nozzle was validated using a spray patternator table with 2.5 cm sampling widths. A rotary test fixture translated water-sensitive spray cards through the spray dispersion (water at ambient conditions) at a constant angular velocity and a radius of 1.2 m. The test fixture measured volumetric flow and pressure at the nozzle and …

A Review Of Non-Destructive Methods For Detection Of Insect Infestation In Fruits And Vegetables, Nader Ekramirad, Akinbode A. Adedeji, Reza Alimardani

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Insect damage in fruits and vegetables cause major production and economic losses in the agriculture and food industry worldwide. Monitoring of internal quality and detection of insect infestation in fruits and vegetables is critical for sustainable agriculture. Early detection of an infestation in fruits can facilitate the control of insects and the quarantine operations through proper post-harvest management strategies and can improve productivity. The present review recognizes the need for developing a rapid, cost-effective, and reliable insect infestation monitoring system that would lead to advancements in agriculture and food industry. In this paper, an overview of non-destructive detection insect damages …

Nozzle Sensor For In-System Chemical Concentration Monitoring, Joseph S. Dvorak, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Yongbo Wan

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

Chemical concentration is a vital parameter for determining appropriate chemical application. This study describes the design and testing of a sensor that attempted to monitor concentration of chemicals upstream from each nozzle body. The sensor is based on an LED and photodiode pair. Its ability to detect chemical concentration within the main carrier was tested with a 2,4-D formulation, a glyphosate formulation, and a powdered Acid Blue 9 dye. The liquid herbicide formulations of glyphosate and 2,4-D were tested across common application concentrations of 0% to 12.5% by volume. The powdered dye produced a much stronger effect on the sensor …

Experimental Investigation Of Fracture Width Limitations Of Granular Lost Circulation Treatments, Mortadha Al-Saba, Runar Nygaard, Arild Saasen, Olav Magnar Nes

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Drilling fluid losses into fractured shales is a major challenge. Lost circulation treatments are widely applied to mitigate the losses; however, the effectiveness of these treatments is affected by different physical properties of the used lost circulation materials (LCM). This paper presents an experimental investigation to study the effect of LCM type, concentration, particle size distribution, temperature, and LCM shape on the formed seal integrity, with respect to differential pressure, at different fracture widths. The overall objective of this study is to address the effectiveness of LCM treatments in sealing fractured shales, with specific application to the over consolidated Barents …