Control Of Columnar To Equiaxed Transition In Solidification Macrostructure Of Austenitic Stainless Steel Castings, Semen Naumovich Lekakh, Ronald J. O'Malley, Mark C. Emmendorfer, Brenton Hrebec

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Solidification macrostructure is of great importance for the properties and the quality of castings made from austenitic grade stainless steels (ASS) because there are limited options to change as-cast macrostructure in the solid condition. A typical cast macrostructure of ASS has a fine surface chilled zone followed by an elongated dendrite zone, columnar to equiaxed transition (CET) zone, and centrally located equiaxed crystals. Several castings from ASS were produced to determine the effects of casting geometry, chilling, and grain refinement on CET. The transient thermal field in solidified heavy castings was simulated and used to determine an isotherm velocity (V) …

Simulations Of Impinging Jet With A Range Of Configuration, Devansh Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Impinging jet technique is widely increasing across the globe due to its ability to produce high heat and mass transfer as compared to other traditional methods. Three cases of impinging jets related to cooling technologies for a gas turbine were investigated. The first case involves a single jet impinging on a flat plate. The second case has an array of jets impinging on a curved surface. The third case deals with simulating impinging jet in crossflow. The first case was used for validation and shows the effect of mesh and inlet boundary conditions. After careful observation, it was seen that …

Cfd Analysis Methods For Systems Driven By Natural Convection, Aaron Propst

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Natural convection driven flows are present in many engineering applications such as HVAC, electronics cooling, and cryogenic systems. Predicting the flow behavior of such systems requires experimentation or numerical simulation through Computational Fluid Dynamics due to the complex interactions of natural convection. Recent advances in computing resources have made CFD increasingly popular for engineering analysis of fluid dynamics and heat transfer. CFD simulation has several advantages over experimentation including: 1) cost, 2) ease of changing design parameters, and 3) time required to obtain results. These advantages lead to an increased likelihood of discovering an optimal design. However, systems with complex …

Uav-Based Bridge Inspection And Computational Simulations, Luis Duque

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV), commonly known as drones, has significantly increased in the field of civil engineering due to the poor condition of the United States’ infrastructure. The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently reported that more than 9.1% of the United States’ bridges were structurally deficient and required attention and maintenance to ensure appropriate structural performance. Meanwhile, current practices are expensive and unsafe for bridge inspectors, requiring innovative and safer methods for the study of bridges. The goal of this paper was to identify better techniques to not only inspect, quantify, and determine the effect …

Mathematical Modeling And Capacity Fading Study In Porous Current Collector Based Lithium Ion Battery, Surendra Bajagain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lithium ion (Li-ion) batteries are primary energy storage devices especially in electronic gadgets, electric vehicles and for stationary storage of intermittent renewable energy. These applications demand durable Li-ion batteries with higher energy density. Energy density can be increased either by finding novel electrode materials or by modifying the existing design of the battery. The electrode materials or modified design should not only increase energy density, but also should control the capacity fading of the battery. In this work, existing mathematical model of Li-ion battery was adjusted in the case of the porous current collector. The discharge performance and capacity fading …

Limb Stabilization In Older Adults And Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Pilot Study, Raymond C. Doudlah, Robert A. Scheidt, Aaron J. Suminski

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Visual fidelity influences many aspects of daily living, including stabilizing wrist movements against environmental perturbations. Here, we present a pilot investigation to determine how visual feedback impacts wrist stabilization for populations with age related declines in motor function and chronic stroke. To quantify these interactions, behavioral performance and local brain activation were observed during a task requiring stabilization of the wrist against constant and stochastic extensor torque perturbations. All subjects were better able to stabilize their wrist when veridical visual feedback of their limb was provided. Examination of the neural activation maps in the Control and Aging populations revealed patterns …

Lung Injury Pathways: Adenosine Receptor 2b Signaling Limits Development Of Ischemic Bronchiolitis Obliterans Organizing Pneumonia, John C. Densmore, Terry R. Schaid, Paul M. Jeziorczak, Meetha Medhora, Said H. Audi, Shraddha Nayak, John Auchampach, Melinda R. Dwinell, Aron M. Geurts, Elizabeth R. Jacobs

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose/Aim of the Study: Adenosine signaling was studied in bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP) resulting from unilateral lung ischemia. Materials and Methods: Ischemia was achieved by either left main pulmonary artery or complete hilar ligation. Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats, Dahl salt sensitive (SS) rats and SS mutant rat strains containing a mutation in the A_2B adenosine receptor gene (Adora2b) were studied. Adenosine concentrations were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) by HPLC. A_2A (A_2AAR) and A_2B adenosine receptor (A_2BAR) mRNA and protein were quantified. Results: Twenty-four hours after unilateral PA …

A Study Of Scattering From Snow Embedded With Non-Spherical Shapes Of Scatterers With Relaxed Hierarchical Equivalent Source Algorithm (Rhesa), Chan Fai Lum, Fu Xin, Hong Tat Ewe, Li (Lijun) Jun Jiang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Remote sensing has been used widely in studying the earth terrain such as snow or sea ice due to its fast, convenient and long-term monitoring capabilities. SAR images acquired could be used to analyze the condition of snow, snow water equivalent (SWE), surface roughness and others. Theoretical models have also been developed to understand how microwave interacts with the snow medium and the scatterers embedded inside the medium. Conventionally, spherical shape of scatterers is commonly used to represent the ice particles embedded inside snow where the actual shape of scatterers can vary. This paper is to present a theoretical model …

Evaluating Discretization Errors With Numerical Experiments, David Dodoo-Amoo, Julio Cesar Mendez, Dehau Feng, Frederick Ferguson

Early Career Technical Journal (ECTJ)

Section 5: Materials; pp. 134-141

No-Boundary Thinking In Bioinformatics, Jason H. Moore, Steven F. Jennings, Casey S. Greene, Lawrence E. Hunter, Andy D. Perkins, Clarlynda Williams-Devane, Donald C. Wunsch, Zhongming Zhao, Xiuzhen Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The following sections are included:
Bioinformatics is a Mature Discipline
The Golden Era of Bioinformatics Has Begun
No-Boundary Thinking in Bioinformatics
References

Decision Process In Mcdm With Large Number Of Criteria And Heterogeneous Risk Preferences, Jian Liu, Hong Kuan Zhao, Zhao Bin Li, Si Feng Liu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new decision process is proposed to address the challenge that a large number of criteria in the multi-criteria decision making (MCDM) problem and the decision makers with heterogeneous risk preferences. First, from the perspective of objective data, the effective criteria are extracted based on the similarity relations between criterion values and the criteria are weighted, respectively. Second, the corresponding types of theoretic model of risk preferences expectations will be built, based on the possibility and similarity between criterion values to solve the problem for different interval numbers with the same expectation. Then, the risk preferences (Risk-seeking, risk-neutral and risk-aversion) …

Silicon Carbide Based Surface Plasmon Resonance Waveguide Sensor With A Bimetallic Layer For Improved Sensitivity, Wei Du, Feng Zhao

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this letter, silicon carbide (SiC) waveguide-based surface plasmon resonance optical sensor with an Ag-Au bilayer metal configuration was studied. The wide bandgap energy of SiC allows the sensor to operate in visible and near-infrared range. The spectrum of resonant wavelength with refractive index shows improved sensitivity and sensing resolution in the Au-Ag bilayer configuration than in the single Au layer configuration. A sensitivity of 2581 nm/RIU (refractive index unit) indicated by the shift of resonant wavelength with refractive index was observed from a refractive index range of n=1.34–1.36, showing that the sensor is desirable for sensing in a series …

Filamentary Conduction In Aloe Vera Film For Memory Application, Zhe Xi Lim, Sasidharan Sreenivasan, Yew Hoong Wong, Feng Zhao, Kuan Yew Cheong

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Aloe vera gel was extracted, formulated and deposited as thin films by a facile solution process for memory application. The memory cell features a simple structure, in which a dried Aloe vera film was sandwiched in between an Ag top and ITO bottom electrode that was deposited on a glass substrate. Digital information can be encoded and stored as different resistance states of the Aloe vera film. Experimental results reveal that bipolar resistive switching behavior of the Aloe vera film is due to electrochemical growth and dissolution of metallic filaments connecting the top and bottom electrodes. The resistive switching behavior …

Process Control Laboratory Skid Refurbishment, Danny Crowder

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project evaluates a salvaged process control skid for potential refurbishment and educational re-use. In-lab work evaluated the existing skid. Several process control elements have been recommended for replacement, including the process tank (due to corrosion), the pressure transmitter (operability/corrosion), the flow meters (mechanical) and the control system (age). The control valves, temperature elements and transmitters, pump, holding tanks, and the electrical heat exchanger should be salvaged. An I/P converter and pressure relief valve should be added to the pneumatic feed. Enclosing of all electrical components should be prioritized. An electrical schematic for a new control system should be implemented. …

Effects Of Corrosion Inhibitor On The Corrosion Behavior Of Low Carbon Steel In Co2 Environment, Michael Harris

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The effectiveness of Benzalkonium chloride (C14) as a corrosion inhibitor for mild steel in an aqueous CO₂ environment was studied for dual use. It is a known biocide and currently untested corrosion inhibitor. Potentiodynamic polarization was used to determine the anodic and cathodic reaction kinetics through analysis of the potentiodynamic curves and the corrosion current densities. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was utilized to analyze the surface characteristics through analysis of the Nyquist and Bode plots. C1010 and C1018 mild steel were tested in a 200mL jacketed Gamery cell, and purged with CO₂ (99.9%). Temperature effects were studied and …

Lighted Ear Curette, Kaitlin Klotzle, Kelsey Ashmore, Crysta Yamamoto, Katrina Elfrink, Cynthia Stoller

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The ear canal is a sensitive and small part of the human body that is prone to accumulate cerumen or lodge foreign bodies. In order to clean the ear canal or remove foreign bodies, three hands are required: one to brace the patient's head, one to maneuver the curette that is used to clean the ear, and one to hold a light source in order to make the small, dark area visible. Therefore, a design is needed that can allow a doctor to safely clean an ear with an instrument that only requires two hands. Furthermore, the design must have …

Water Jet Cutting Head Actuator, Jacob D. Augustynovich

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In an effort to increase efficiency and productivity, WARDJet was seeking a better actuation method for the cutting head on their waterjets. Current actuation methods were, for the most part, purely mechanical, relying on compressed air, springs, and water pressure to open and close the valve to 60,000 psi of water. Increasing the speed of the on/off cycle times of the waterjet would allow for faster movements of the cutting head from one cut to the next, increasing the overall amount of products cut in a day, week, and year. This obviously points to increased sales, increased profit, and increased …

Wardjet Waterjet Cutting Head Actuator Design, Micah Steiner, Jacob D. Augustynovich, Benjamin Heckert

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In an effort to increase efficiency and productivity, WARDJet was seeking a better actuation method for the cutting head on their waterjets. Current actuation methods were, for the most part, purely mechanical, relying on compressed air, springs, and water pressure to open and close the valve to 60,000 psi of water. Increasing the speed of the on/off cycle times of the waterjet would allow for faster movements of the cutting head from one cut to the next, increasing the overall amount of products cut in a day, week, and year. This obviously points to increased sales, increased profit, and increased …

The Design And Testing Of A High Performance Formula Sae Powertrain, Ryan T. Harty

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Every year the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) tasks collegiate students with designing, constructing, testing, and competing with an open wheel formula style racecar. This vehicle has to meet stringent technical requirements that are provided in a rule book published by SAE. The Formula SAE (FSAE) rule book is a very comprehensive set of requirements that are centered on safety of the driver of the vehicle and the safety of the track workers. The students are required to read and understand the rulebook in order to use sound engineering practices to build not only a high performing vehicle but a …

Smart Fitness Machine, Tyler M. Masters

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This paper details the design of a smart fitness machine that, by the use of sensors and a central micro controller, tracks an individual users exercise performance data and provides a platform for the data to be easily accessed either by the trainer or user.

Optimization Of Acoustic Soundboard Through Modal Analysis And Material Selection, Noah C. Nicholas, Cody Gruber, Nicholas Hartman

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this design project was to determine if it is plausible to design an acoustic top plate assembly made of a non-traditional material which is equivalent in sound quality to that of a standard wooden guitar. Since wood must be crafted by skilled luthiers, the overall cost of producing the completed product is fairly high. To reduce the cost of a finished acoustic guitar, we proposed to alter the material to that of one that is easier to manufacture, such as plastics and composites.

Based on our research, our team chose to test both ABS plastic and carbon …

Stringless Guitar, Kue Z. Yang, Anthony Batey, Dominic Mercorelli, Nathaniel Hawk

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The aim of this project is to improve the design of a typical guitar by designing a digital stringless guitar. Due to the nonlinearities inherent in a guitar, it would be difficult to reproduce guitar tones by summing harmonic components; therefore, digital samples of guitar tones were taken in order to preserve these unique and wonderfully sounding tones. These digital samples were stored in the guitar and used to produce its tones when played. The digital guitar includes fingerboard position sensors as well as strum sensors for each string. The fingerboard position sensors detect the player’s fingers at discrete positions. …

Study Of Experimentally Blended Wings, Ray Roos 2894888

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This aim of this senior design project is to investigate the combination of a Selig 1223 and FX 74-CL5-140 into one profile to increase lift without significantly increasing drag. Our project began with researching current solutions for high lift and low drag airfoils. We found two airfoils which would be the target of our research, a Selig 1223 and the FX 74-CL5-140. After learning about the Cl and Cd of the current airfoils we built and physically tested the airfoils using additive manufacturing. A pressure differential tunnel was used to validate the airfoils. After researching how to blend two airfoil …

Rubber Additives To Concrete Specimens, Kendall J. Sweitzer, Mary Mccannon

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Rubber, as an additive to concrete, would hypothetically cause a concrete specimen to take on some mechanical characteristics of the rubber to a certain degree. In particular, the concrete’s durability should increase when exposed to fluctuating temperature conditions due to the rubber additive. This experiment sets out to test crumb rubber as a concrete additive, cured under various atmospheric conditions. The effects shall be measured via a simple concrete compression test.

Unfortunately, several errors took place during experimental process that led to inconclusive results. However, it can be reasonably considered from testing Matrix One that the addition of crumb rubber …

Swagelok's Hand Tube Bender, Chapin Hutama, Seth Bills, William Mcconnell, Tyler Brown

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In our project, we are assigned to develop a hand tube bender that is able to bend medium, high pressure, and standard 1/4” and 3/8” tubing. The bender also shall be capable of being used with two hands without the aid of a bench vise and have provisions for use in a bench vise for convenience. The bender shall not damage the tube during bending and induce a maximum of 8% ovality in the bent tubing. In addition, the cost of the bender shall be less than the existing hand tube bender and be resistant to rusting from ordinary use. …

Evaluation Of Epoxy Coatings For Protecting Aluminum Alloy 2024 From Corrosion Caused By Aspergillus Niger, Kamshat Dukenbaeva

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The aim of this study was to assess the potentials of using epoxy coatings for the prevention of fungus-induced corrosion. The metal specimen of interest was the aluminum alloy AA 2024-T3. The main intent was to evaluate the behavior of the organic acid producing fungus, Aspergillus niger (A. niger), towards the epoxy-coated aluminum. Two different types of epoxy coatings were used: a two-part resin and a commercially-available Rust-Oleum Specialty Appliance Epoxy. Due to challenges encountered throughout the length of the project and time constraints, limited quantitative data was obtained. However, from optical and visual data it can be concluded that …

Controlled Humidity Chambers To Maintain Red Roses’ Freshness And Improve Their Shelf Life, Rima Vasudevan

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Floriculture is the third largest agricultural crop in the United States of America. Flowers are usually transported in pots of mud or with the roots still submerged in water to increase their shelf life and ensure freshness during long hours of transport. This not only increases the weight of the transport materials but also makes the process expensive.

The research conducted provides the first stages of an alternative packaging material that can lower the weight of transport materials and maintain the freshness of the flowers. The experiments conducted in this work support the hypothesis that using controlled high (>60%) …

Forget-Me-Not, Daniel Barber-Cironi, Shawn Nicholson, Jake Kruse, Nicole Dent

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of Forget-Me-Not is to provide another level of care and comfort to those suffering from mild dementia, as well as provide further assistance for a friend, family member, or caretaker who may look after them. Research shows that timely reminders and persistent information can greatly improve the quality of life for those afflicted with mild dementia (Mokhtari et al.). Forget-Me-Not’s persistent display and wearable smart-bracelet offer a customizable and well connected system to provide these reminders. For the caretaker, a mobile application is provided in order to maintain the display and notify them of emergencies or critical events …

Design And Construction Of An Optimum Method To Present Uncertainty Of Convective Weather Forecasts To Air Traffic Personnel, Anna K. Selchow, Austin Wright

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The purpose of this design project was to develop a new weather display for air traffic controllers to utilize that shows the probabilistic hazard information for convective weather forecasts. Multiple iterations of maps were generated and evaluated for overall effectiveness in conveying uncertainty information for convective weather observations and forecasts with the final maps being tested through interviews with retired air traffic personnel. The goal of these maps was to improve upon current convective weather displays to more accurately show uncertainty and probabilistic hazard information to aid the air traffic controllers (ATCs) in providing guidance for aircraft pilots.

Underwater Robot, Joseph E. Beck, Matthew Crislip, Cody Bobek, Peyton Lucas

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) are remote controlled drones operated by a non-local user. The ROV we plan to build is connected by a tethering wire to a floating buoy that contains an antenna which will send signals between the base station and the ROV. The ROV is equipped with a video camera, ballast system, propulsion system, lights, and a depth sensor. The ROV will transmit a live video feed to the user, while receiving input signals to control its movement from the base station.