Engineering Commons^™

Infrared And Electro-Optical Stereo Vision For Automated Aerial Refueling, William E. Dallmann

Theses and Dissertations

Currently, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles are unsafe to refuel in-flight due to the communication latency between the UAVs ground operator and the UAV. Providing UAVs with an in-flight refueling capability would improve their functionality by extending their flight duration and increasing their flight payload. Our solution to this problem is Automated Aerial Refueling (AAR) using stereo vision from stereo electro-optical and infrared cameras on a refueling tanker. To simulate a refueling scenario, we use ground vehicles to simulate a pseudo tanker and pseudo receiver UAV. Imagery of the receiver is collected by the cameras on the tanker and processed by a …

36% Reduction In Fuel Resupply Using A Hybrid Generator & Battery System For An Austere Location, David J. Chester, Torrey J. Wagner, Douglas S. Dudis

Faculty Publications

The DOD energy policy is to increase energy security resiliency, and mitigate costs in the use and management of energy^[1] Forward operating bases (FOBs) are remote, austere base camps that support an operationally defined mission with a limited or no ability to draw from an energy grid and have historically relied on diesel-powered generators for the primary production of energy.^[2] Generators are sized to meet a theoretical peak demand, but steady state loads are far below this peak, resulting in under-loaded generators.^[3] Under-loaded diesel generators decrease efficiency and increase the need for maintenance, affecting the lifespan of …

Shattered Rim And Shelling Of High-Speed Railway Wheels In The Very-High-Cycle Fatigue Regime Under Rolling Contact Loading, Tao Cong, Jianmin Han, Jianmin Han, Joseph P. Domblesky, Xiaolong Liu

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Due to the improvement of the wear property, rolling contact fatigue including shattered rim and shelling are the main failure causes of the high-speed railway wheels. In this paper, shattered rim and shelling occurred on the service wheels of the China Railway High-speed (CRH) trains were systematically investigated. The recorded data of the last ten years CRH operation indicated that all shattered rims and shelling were detected with serving >10⁶ km (corresponding to the fatigue life 10⁷–10⁹ cycles) which is very-high-cycle fatigue (VHCF). The crack initiationregion of shattered rim located at the depth of 10–25 mm …

Heavy Timber Buckling-Restrained-Braces, Kaylee Pit, Junning Liu

Architectural Engineering

No abstract provided.

Enhancement Of Viable Adipose-Derived Stem Cells In Lipoaspirate By Buffering Tumescent With Sodium Bicarbonate, Ashish Francis Md, Wei Z. Wang Md, Joshua J. Goldman Md, Xin-Hua Fang Mt, Shelley J. Williams Ms, Richard C. Baynosa Md; Facs

School of Medicine Faculty Research

Background: Fat grafting is a growing field within plastic surgery. Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) and stromal vascular fracture (SVF) may have a role in fat graft survival. Our group previously demonstrated a detrimental effect on ASC survival by the lidocaine used in tumescent solution. Sodium bicarbonate (SB) buffers the acidity of lidocaine. The purpose of this study was to determine whether SB buffering is a practical method to reduce ASC and SVF apoptosis and necrosis seen with common lidocaine-containing tumescent solution. Methods: Human patients undergoing bilateral liposuction for any indication were included in this study. An internally controlled, split-body design …

Accelerated Wear Reactor Testing, Tristan Frisella, Daniel Alanis, Kian Ashoubi

Biomedical Engineering

Carbon dioxide accounts for a large amount of global greenhouse gases released into the environment. Because plastic degradation emits carbon dioxide, there has been interest to investigate how much carbon dioxide various plastics generate as they degrade. We have been tasked to create a dehumidifier and carbon dioxide sensor assembly for an accelerated wear testing apparatus that degrades plastic. Several products and literature currently exist that share similarity with our assembly but have not been manufactured to achieve the same combination of measurements we are expecting of our accelerated wear testing device. The following report shall introduce these products and …

Pressure Cylinder Controlled Release Valve, Alexa Dominique Balbuena

Biomedical Engineering

This project aims to integrate an automatic gas release system in a pre-existing scaffold fabrication process for tissue engineering applications.

To form the proper scaffold structure, the fabrication process is heavily influenced by the change in its surrounding pressure. The current production involves a pressure transducer and electric valve that is managed manually to create a suitable pressure environment for the scaffold. This method, although functional, proves to be ineffective when creating several batches; the user needs to constantly monitor the developing pressure profile and alter voltage parameters accordingly to create a linear gas release under a predetermined slope.

To …

Implementing An Iiot Core System For Simulated Intelligent Manufacturing In An Educational Environment, Andrew Craig Nemrow

Theses and Dissertations

In this new digital age, efficiency, quality and competition are all increasing rapidly as companies leverage the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). However, while industrial innovation moves at a faster and faster pace, educational institutions have lagged in the development of the curriculum and environment needed to support further development of the IIoT. To fully realize the potential of the IIoT in the manufacturing sector educational institutions must support the technological training and education rigor demanded to instill the skills and thought leadership to move the industry forward. The purpose of this research is to provide an IIoT core system …

Strain Path Effect On Austenite Transformation And Ductility In Tbf 1180 Steel, Parker Kenneth Gibbs

Theses and Dissertations

TBF 1180 steel was studied under various conditions focusing on the correlation of ductility and amount of retained austenite. Samples were prepared from sheet stock and then strained using limiting dome height tooling (LDH), a standard uniaxial test frame, and a tensile stage for use in an electron microscope. The steel was observed in plane, biaxial, and uniaxial strain to determine its effect on retained austenite transformation and ultimately, ductility. Retained austenite was observed using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) equipped with an electron backscatter detector (EBSD) to distinguish the different phases present. Initial austenite levels were around 5% by …

Neutron Beam Testing Methodology And Results For A Complex Programmable Multiprocessor Soc, Jordan Daniel Anderson

Theses and Dissertations

The Xilinx Multiprocessor System-on-Chip (MPSoC) is a complex device that uses 16nm FinFET technology to combine multiple processors, a large amount of FPGA resources, and many I/O interfaces on a single chip die. These features make the MPSoC a high-performance and architecturally flexible device. The potential computing power makes the MPSoC ideal for many embedded applications including terrestrial and space applications. The MPSoC, however, does not have extensive radiation history as many other devices have. The extent of the effect that ionized particles may have on the MPSoC is not well established. To solve this problem, neutron radiation testing can …

Construction Tools, Equipment And Safety Signal Identification Implemented Into Heavy Civil Lab, Brian F. Keane

Construction Management

The purpose of this project is to begin the development and implementation of a teaching module for commonly used construction tools, equipment, and safety signals into the Construction Management department’s Heavy Civil lab. Using knowledge gained from former and future employers, past construction management classes, and online research I found the most commonly used tools, equipment, and hand signals used on construction sites and created visual representations and descriptions of them. Many graduates of the Construction Management program will find themselves on construction sites and there is no question that workers in the construction field are subject to life threatening …

Aei Student Design Competition: Value Engineering & Design Build, Vincenzo Paolo Guidi

Construction Management

The Architectural Engineering Institute puts on a yearly student design competition that features interdisciplinary teams from colleges across the country. The project for the competition was the Jack H. Miller Center for Musical and Performing Arts on the Hope College campus in Holland Michigan. The main challenges in the problem statement address acoustics, using mass timber, and add alternative roof top space. Through a collaborative process, our team created a proposal that addressed the challenges and why we were the best fit for the job. I worked with a fellow construction management student, Shannon Wheeler, to produce our portion of …

A Continuation Of The Women In Construction Club’S Industry Mentorship Program And A Measure Of Its Effectiveness, Alexa S. Heien

Construction Management

The Women in Construction Club’s Industry Mentorship program at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) is nearly a year old, yet the only data collected on the program was taken directly after it was created. The creation of the Industry Mentorship program, and subsequent data collection, were a previous senior project. But there were no measurements on how effective the mentorship program was, or if there was a benefit for the students involved. Because this program has the potential of creating long-lasting relationships and connecting women in a men-dominated field, knowing if the mentorship program needs to …

Insight To An Asbestos Laborer, Eduardo Delgadillo

Construction Management

Asbestos laborers are often overlooked and not cared for much in construction projects. While they are often forgotten in the construction industry, they play a big role in most remodels or demolition projects. Abatement workers are exposed to the dangers of asbestos on a daily basis. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are the federal agencies that regulate asbestos. The EPA regulates the use, transportation and disposal of asbestos, while OSHA sets the standards for work involving asbestos minerals. OSHA has regulations that demolition and/or abatement contractors must comply with since asbestos is considered …

The Skills Students Coming Out Of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Lack To Become Effective Superintendents, Armando Pulido-Melendrez

Construction Management

The construction superintendent plays a very important role throughout the construction process in order to deliver a successful project. This paper analyzes the skills Cal Poly SLO graduates lack to become effective superintendents. It does so by first analyzing quantitative research on papers that state which skills are important. Several interviews were conducted with professionals in the construction industry. These interviews provided input regarding what makes an effective superintendent. From this research, an effective superintendent must have an understanding of scheduling and sequencing of construction processes. Additionally, they must have the strength and stamina for construction supervision in the field …

Building Homes And Hopes In Bangalore, India, Sherry S. Saroufeem

Construction Management

Habitat for Humanity Global Village is an organization that continuously sends volunteers to work on construction projects around the world. My team and I were chosen to go to a village in Bangalore, India, where we dug and poured home foundations for three families in need. Given the opportunity to combine my love for construction and my passion for helping those in need, I was certain that this was the senior project for me. I wanted the capstone of my college educational experience to reflect a hands-on approach, where I had the opportunity to make a difference and see an …

Quality Of Life Research For Cal Poly Construction Management Graduates In The Bay Area And Los Angeles County, Trevor Colbert

Construction Management

Construction Management Graduates from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate at an impeccable 97.5% per year. On average over 78% of graduates relocate to the Bay Area or Los Angeles County, but how are graduates basing their decision on where to relocate? Sociology professor, Mark Schneider, developed an accurate way to measure the satisfaction of residents within a given city. Through subjective and objective social indicators, Schneider is able to gauge total life satisfaction. Analyzing data from interviews with recent graduates, economic data from local, state and federal governments, and personal knowledge from living in each area – an immense …

Generation Of Orbital Angular Momentum In 3d Photonic Crystals, Menglin L.N. Chen, Li (Lijun) Jun Jiang, Wei E.I. Sha

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An approach to producing electromagnetic (EM) waves carrying orbital angular momentum (OAM) by using three-dimensional (3D) photonic crystals (PCs) is proposed. By introducing a point defect in the PCs, a localized rotation mode is excited and then radiated out through a circular opening upon the defect. The radiated wave carries well-defined OAM. The lowest four OAM modes, i.e., OAM indices of ±1 and ±2, are successfully generated. The effectiveness of our approach is validated by both full-wave simulations and experiments.

Improving The Drive Current Of Algan/Gan Hemt Using External Strain Engineering, Wei Chih Cheng, Siqi Lei, Wenmao Li, Feng Zhao, Mansun Chan, Hongyu Yu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The concentration of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) at the AlGaN/GaN heterojunction is dominated by the stress developed in AlGaN layer. In this work, the output performance of AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors (HEMTs) was improved by depositing a stressed SiNx as a passivation layer, and the external strain applied onto AlGaN was measured using Raman spectroscopy. As a result, an improvement in on-state resistance and drive current of the device was attained due to the extra 2DEG concentration induced by the external strain. Also, to determine the strain-induced threshold-voltage shift, the stress distribution over the gate region was analyzed.

Regulatory Design For Transport Security Regulations Of Nuclear And Other Radioactive Material, Marc R. Fialkoff

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

A cornerstone within a nuclear security regime of a country is a legislative and regulatory framework that both regulates the individuals using radioactive and nuclear materials, but also regulates the regulators for their commitments under International Law. When drafting nuclear law and regulations, both technical and legal expertise is needed to ensure the regulation meets the technical requirements for security, but also is legally enforceable within a country’s jurisdiction. While the Primary Nuclear Law, or Enabling Act provides establishes the Competent Authority and responsibilities for nuclear security, regulatory development is where the proverbial, rubber meets the road for requirements. The …

Analysis Of Proliferation Resistance Of Small Modular Reactors (Smr) For The Expansion Of Civilian Nuclear Power Systems, Abdus Sattar Mollah, Abdus Sattar Mollah Prof.

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

Analysis of Proliferation Resistance of Small Modular Reactors (SMR) for the Expansion of Civilian Nuclear Power Systems A. S. Mollah Department of Nuclear Science and Engineering Military Institute of Science and Technology Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka-1216, Bangladesh Abstract Nuclear energy has the potential benefit to make an important contribution for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions that cause climate change. Expanding nuclear energy capacity worldwide based on large centralized facilities poses many challenges and risks due to the large capital costs, important safety issues, obstructive public attitude, and persistent concerns about proliferation-that is, the intentional misuse of nuclear technology and material. SMRs, …

Initial Active Interrogation Experiments At The University Of Michigan Linear Accelerator Laboratory, Christopher Meert, Cameron A. Miller, Shaun D. Clarke, Sara A. Pozzi

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

To support the mission of the Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Office of the Department of Homeland Security, the Detection for Nuclear Nonproliferation group is researching active interrogation techniques and the development of new detection algorithms for fast neutron spectroscopy. The Countering Weapons of Mass Destruction Officehas loaned us a Varian M9 linear accelerator (linac), helium-3 detectors, boron-coated straw detectors, and perfluorocarbondetectors as part of this research, providing a variety of tools to conduct our experiments.In the summer of 2018, a thorough licensing process concluded, and preliminary experiments commenced. Later in the year, the facility was approved to possess and …

The Effects Of The Urban Environment On Background Neutron Flux, Eric Reddick, John Burkhardt, Marshall Millett

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

This project will measure the neutron background inan urban environment using United States Naval Academy’s(USNAs)high sensitivity neutron detection system, called the Large Neutron Sensor (LNS).The background neutron flux represents noise and affects our ability to identify a signal from illicit source material, including plutonium.As the neutron background essentially rains down from high energy cosmic ray events in our upper atmosphere, the shielding effect of skyscrapers in an urban environment on the ground level background is of interest.Witha characterization of the neutron background in this environment, end users will be able to optimize the effectiveness of survey protocols and alarm algorithms.

A Characterization Of Undersea Neutron And Capture Gamma Signatures Resulting From Special Nuclear Material On A Maritime Vessel, Elizabeth Troy

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

Special Nuclear Materials (SNM) located aboard ships emit radiation that may be detectable in the undersea environment. An Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUV) could be equipped with detection capabilities to determine whether commercial or private vessels are carrying SNM prior to reaching port. Additional research is needed improve such a UUV’s ability to detect and discriminate between types of SNM and reduce false- positive detections. This research builds on past work by C. T. McKay to provide a higher fidelity characterization of detectable radiation signatures from SNM in the undersea environment with a focus on plutonium-bearing SNM. 252Cf will be used …

Overview Of The United States Withdrawal From The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty, William Steinberger

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

The Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty symbolized the end of the Cold War and the likely termination of thistreaty marks the beginning of a new era. On February 1, 2019, Secretary of State Pompeo announced that the United States(U.S.) would withdrawal from the INF Treaty citing repeated violations by the Russian Federation as cause for withdrawal. Asearly as 2008, U.S. intelligence agencies reported missile testing by the Russian Federation of a cruise missile system that couldhave a range between the limits outlined by the INF Treaty. The Russian Federation has repeatedly denied the allegations andhas suggested that the U.S. is …

Purdue Conference On Active Nonproliferation, Daniel Hartman, Sean Alcorn, Tyler Naughton, Chris Duff, Gavin Webb

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

Conference for the discussion of nuclear nonproliferation

Exploring Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (Libs) For Post-Detonation Nuclear Forensics Debris Analysis, Justin Knoll, Chad Schools, David Fobar

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

In the unlikely but catastrophic event of a nuclear terrorist attack our government leadership will need reliable information to rapidly inform critical decisions. This research explores the use of Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) as a potential analysis tool in the National Technical Nuclear Forensics process. The current state of post detonation nuclear forensics requires ground and air samples be collected and shipped to state-of-the-art laboratories for radiochemical analysis. The samples undergo many measurements and useable data is produced as these measurements are completed. This data flows back into the process to guide additional measurements and inform the process of …

Radiation Detection, Measurement, And Visualization Assisted By Virtual And Augmented Reality, Erik Medhurst, Rizwan Uddin

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

Localizing a radiation source in an urban environment is a challenge in nuclear nonproliferation and radiation detection. Mobile radiation sensor networks can be sent into an area of interest to collect count rate measurements at many locations in an attempt to find the radiation source. However, there are numerous factors that cause fluctuations in background count rate such as time and location, and these factors make it challengingto analyze thecollected data. Displaying these measurements in a virtual model has contextualized them and made it easier to determine if environmental factors are introducing false positives. A virtual model has been shown …

Purdue Conference On Active Nonproliferation, Angela Di Fulvio, Yoann Altma, Marc G. Paff, Al Hero, Sara A. Pozzi

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

One major problem with nuclear security measurements involves source identification inthe presence of low signal-to-background ratio. This scenario iscommon to several applications, ranging from radiation identification atportal monitors to radiation source search with unmanned vehicles. In this context of identification of a large variety of sources, including natural and medical sources, sensitive sources of particular interest, but also potentially new/unknown sources for which no reference measurement is available, statistical methods are particularly appealing for their ability to capture the random nature of the measurements. Among them, Bayesian methods form a generic framework allowing for uncertainty quantification and propagation, which is …

Purdue Conference On Active Nonproliferation, Trent Baker, Ray Benitez, Jack Mcmahan, Josh Monge, Kayla Robinson

Purdue Workshop on Nonproliferation: Technology and Approaches

Design a small modular reactor that is easily transportable for use in disaster relief as well as remote military outposts. A rail shippable reactor gives quick and easy transportation from one part of a country to another. The reactor must have a three MWe production capacity to ensure the reactor has the performance to power larger government facilities, such as hospitals and water treatment plants. The reactor must have enough fuel for a six-month minimum fuel cycle. Atmospheric cooling only provides the ability to reject heat to the atmosphere, minimizing the weight requirements. Uranium fuel will have a maximum of …