Engineering Commons^™

3d Tree Model Matching Based On Tree Shape Space, Liang Shuang, Zuoteng Zhu, Jinyuan Jia

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The retrieval of the 3D tree models cannot get the higher accuracy, retrieving efficiency and descripting match. In order to solve the problems, a three-dimensional tree model matching method based on tree space is proposed. By constructing the tree space of the three-dimensional tree model dataset, the method computes the difference between the Euclidean distance and the geodesic distance in the tree space by means of spindle matching, contour matching, and branch matching, and gradually matches the corresponding model. The matching implementation results are displayed in the general model dataset and the self-designed model dataset respectively. …

Experimental Study On Compression And Shear Strength Of Cfrp, Joseph Gentile, Ethan Garber

Discovery Day - Prescott

The increasing use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) in the aerospace industry requires a better understanding of its damage properties. Many modern aircraft under high loads are utilizing this material for their primary structures due to its high strength to weight ratio. However, CFRPs are sensitive to out-of-plane loading such as low-velocity impact and indentation. These damages can reduce the compressive strength significantly without leaving a visible mark on the surface, which is known as Barely Visible Impact Damage (BVID). The behavior and residual strength of CFRPs after impact damage under compressive loading are still not fully understood. Studies of …

Current Status Of Magnetic Resonance On Saliva For Oral And Dental Health Early Diagnosis, Anastasia Katsavochristou, Dimitrios Koumoulis

Oral Health Practice Faculty Publications

Magnetic resonance spectroscopy of biomolecules has recently gained attention for clinical diagnosis. Its combination with saliva collection and analysis can promote early disease detection and monitoring, by identifying biomarkers of specific underlying pathology or disease as detected in saliva. With this novel, non-invasive technique, certain salivary biomarkers have been linked to dental and periodontal tissues pathology, as well as to specific head and neck cancer malignancies. At present, diagnostic biomarkers are still in need for further identification (e.g., diagnosis and monitoring of Sjögren’s syndrome), and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy has been found to be a promising technique to compliment the …

Using The Chloride Penetration Depth Obtained From Rcpt To Assess The Permeability Of Concrete, Kang-Shiun Huang, Chung-Chia Yang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

A review of the literature on the rapid chloride permeability test (RCPT; ASTM C1202) indicates that RCPT has a few shortcomings, namely complex anions in concrete and Joule heating. The charge passed through concrete is affected by chloride ions because of the complex anions in concrete. Moreover, Joule heating influences the experimental temperature and causes an abnormal increase in the charge passed. Engineers have focused on the advance of the critical chloride front toward steel, but the charge passed in RCPT experiments has a poor relationship with the chloride penetration depth in fly ash concrete. Thus, it is risky to …

Biological Engineering Professor Named Fellow Of National Organization, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

April 15, 2020 — Utah State University Professor Ron Sims was named fellow of the Institute of Biological Engineering, or IBE, on April 1.

Nonlinear Least Squares 3-D Geolocation Solutions Using Time Differences Of Arrival, Michael V. Bredemann

Mathematics & Statistics ETDs

This thesis uses a geometric approach to derive and solve nonlinear least squares minimization problems to geolocate a signal source in three dimensions using time differences of arrival at multiple sensor locations. There is no restriction on the maximum number of sensors used. Residual errors reach the numerical limits of machine precision. Symmetric sensor orientations are found that prevent closed form solutions of source locations lying within the null space. Maximum uncertainties in relative sensor positions and time difference of arrivals, required to locate a source within a maximum specified error, are found from these results. Examples illustrate potential requirements …

Championing Christ In The Technical Workplace, Jonathan Habbick

Senior Honors Theses

Liberty University's goal of training champions for Christ is a high and lofty goal. Liberty has put in place classes and assignments throughout a student's time at Liberty that are aimed towards training them to be champions for Christ. However, many students who graduate from Liberty University are left lonely and unsure of how to go forth championing for Christ. This thesis will provide the motivation and encouragement for students to not only be champions for Christ but actually champion Christ, specifically in the technical workplace. In addition, this thesis evaluates Liberty's practices and will provide changes or additions that …

Evaluation Of Migration Characteristics Of Opc And Slag Concrete From The Rapid Chloride Migration Test, Rues-Wen Shiu, Chung-Chia Yang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

In this study, the non-steady state chloride migration coefficient in concrete was measured using the rapid chloride migration (RCM) test. After completing the test, we established the specimen’s chloride profile by collecting concrete powder samples at predetermined, controlled depths. In order to investigate whether the RCM (NT BUILD 492) can be applied to slag concrete, we made ordinary Portland cement (OPC) concrete and slag concrete with different water binder (w/b) ratios. The combined results from the concrete chloride profile and regression analysis demonstrated that the NT BUILD 492 RCM method can be successfully applied to slag concrete. In summary, a …

Fuzzy-Sliding-Mode-Based Robust Tracking Control Of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles, Qiaomei Sun, Jinguo Chen, Wan Yu, Huashan Su

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Control of an autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) is difficult due to its nonlinear and coupled characteristics, parameter uncertainties, and unknown disturbances. This paper presents a motion control system based on an adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control (FSMC) method for trajectory tracking of an AUV. The proposed FSMC method is primarily based on a combination of sliding mode control (SMC) strategy with an adaptive fuzzy algorithm to estimate external disturbances and weaken the chattering effect. A waypoint guidance law based on a line-of-sight (LOS) algorithm is applied to the guidance system. Simulation studies confirm a good performance of the proposed controller. …

P-Y Curve Of Small-Spaced Row Piles Subjected To Lateral Loads In Marine Clay, Runze Xue, Shean Bie, Linlin Guo

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

Newly proposed pile wall frame structures (PWFSs), notably with small-spaced row piles, have great potential for cofferdams of artificial islands applied for oil recovery in shallow seas. Studies have been called to analyze the bearing performance of small-spaced row piles subjected to lateral loads. A numerical investigation of laterally loaded row piles with small pile spacing was conducted to achieve a fitted algebraic expression of the P-Y curve. Significantly different from the hyperbolic P-Y curves of a single pile reported in other studies, the P-Y curve of small-spaced row piles is similar to an elastic–perfectly plastic curve, which simply depends …

Imaging Of Membrane Concentration Polarization By Nacl Using 23na Nuclear Magnetic Resonance, Masoumeh Zargar, Ryuta Ujihara, Sarah J. Vogt, Johannes S. Vrouwenvelder, Einar O. Fridjonsson, Michael L. Johns

Research outputs 2014 to 2021

Forward osmosis (FO) and reverse osmosis (RO) membrane processes differ in their driving forces: osmotic pressure versus hydraulic pressure. Concentration polarization (CP) can adversely affect both performance and lifetime in such membrane systems. In order to mitigate against CP, the extent and severity of it need to be predicted more accurately through advanced online monitoring methodologies. Whilst a variety of monitoring techniques have been used to study the CP mechanism, there is still a pressing need to develop and apply non-invasive, in situ techniques able to produce quantitative, spatially resolved measurements of heterogeneous solute concentration in, and adjacent to, the …

Mid-Ir Optical Refrigeration And Radiation Balanced Lasers, Saeid Rostami

Optical Science and Engineering ETDs

This dissertation reports recent advances in mid-infrared (mid-IR) optical refrigeration and Radiation Balanced Lasers (RBLs). The first demonstration of optical refrigeration in Ho:YLF and Tm:YLF crystals as promising mid-IR laser cooling candidates is reported. Room temperature laser cooling efficiency of Tm- and Ho-doped crystals at different excitation polarization is measured and their external quantum efficiency and background absorption are extracted. Complete characterization of laser cooling samples is obtained via performing detailed low-temperature spectroscopic analysis, and their minimum achievable temperature as well as conditions to achieve laser cooling efficiency enhancement in mid-IR are investigated. By developing a Thulium-doped fiber amplifier, seeded …

Advancing Elastic Solid Dynamics In Computer Graphics, Ran Luo

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

This dissertation proposes novel algorithms and applications and provides a real-time and easy-to-use simulator for realistic animation of the 3D solid model. The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a popular tool in the community because of its accurate result, however, the FEM is computationally expensive to handle a large number of DOFs. We present novel techniques to combine linear and nonlinear elasticity with model reduction to provide fast and realistic animation. On the other hand, one of the most important computation tasks of solid simulation is to evaluate the gradient vector and Hessian matrix of elastic energy function. We present …

A System Dynamic Model For Application Of Blockchain In The United States Electricity Sector, Oluwafemi Ezekiel Oyeniran

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Business and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree Master of Science by Oluwafemi Ezekiel Oyeniran on April 14, 2020.

66th Conference On Senior Engineering Design, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

Senior Engineering Design Conference

The 66th Conference on Senior Engineering Design Projects. The conference will be held from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2020 at the College of Engineering and Applied Sciences on the Parkview Campus of Western Michigan University. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences sponsors the conference to showcase the work of its graduating seniors, who are required to complete a capstone project that puts into practice what they have learned. Many of the projects are sponsored by business and industry.

Quantifying Wicking In Functionlized Surfaces, Maureen Winter, Ryan Regan, Alfred Tsubaki, Craig Zuhlke, Dennis Alexander, George Gogos

UCARE: Research Products

Wicking remains the enigmatic key factor in many research areas. From boiling in power plants, to anti-icing on plane wings, to medical instruments, to heat pipes, efficiency and safety depend on how quickly a surface becomes wet. Yet wicking remains difficult to quantify and define as a property of the surface. This experiment strives to measure the wicking property by examining the rate that a liquid can be pulled out of a container. A superhydrophilic surface is placed in contact with the liquid at the bottom of a tube so that the volume flow rate across the surface can be …

Inducing Increased Bioplastic Production In R. Palustris Cga009, Cameron Gilley, Dylan Hoppner, Brandi J. Brown

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

PHA’s (polyhydroxyalkanoates) are important bio polymers in different industries such as petroleum, medicine, and nano technology. In the microorganisms in which they are produced, they serve as an energy storage material by storing both carbon and usable electrons. This is useful in environments where the organisms are nutrient starved. PHA’s have a practical use especially in the medical field as bio-plastics because they are biodegradable and bio-compatible. Rhodopseudomonas. palustris, a common soil bacterium, is notable for its uncommon metabolic flexibility. Its diverse metabolism means that it can fix CO 2 and grow on many lignin based monomers in both aerobic …

Biomimetic Gold Nanoshell-Loaded Macrophage For Photothermal Biomedicine, Sung Hun Kang, Yong Kyu Lee, Il Seok Park, In-Kyu Park, Seok Min Hong, Soon Young Kwon, Young Hee Choi, Steen J. Madsen, Henry Hirschberg, Seok Jin Hong

Integrated Health Sciences Faculty Research

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of photothermal treatment (PTT) with gold nanoshell (ANS) using a macrophage-mediated delivery system in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell line. To achieve this, ANS-loaded rat macrophages (ANS-MAs) were prepared via the coculture method with ANS. The human HNSCC (FaDu cell) and macrophage (rat macrophage; NR8383 cell) hybrid spheroid models were generated by the centrifugation method to determine the possibility of using ANS-MAs as a cancer therapy. These ANS-MAs were set into the tumor and macrophage hybrid spheroid model to measure PTT efficacy. Kinetic analysis of the …

Bio-Mass To Bio-Oil: Direct Conversion Vs Companion Coal Gasification, Gabriel Hayes

Honors Theses

Biomass is produced in agriculture and forestry, and can be converted to use as a fuel substitute for petroleum. Direct conversion of biomass to bio-oil is conventionally accomplished with a process called fast pyrolysis, in which the biomass is heated to promote the chemical breakdown of its components. This produces some condensable vapors which, when condensed, yield bio-oil. Such a process was compared to a process that gains heat from companion coal gasification instead of traditional heating media such as heated sand. The conversions were then compared to determine the more cost-effective method for producing bio-oil. Additional parameters investigated include …

Biomimetic Gold Nanoshell-Loaded Macrophage For Photothermal Biomedicine, Sung Hun Kang, Yong Kyu Lee, Il Seok Park, In-Kyu Park, Seok Min Hong, Soon Young Kwon, Young Hee Choi, Steen J. Madsen, Henry Hirschberg, Seok Jin Hong

Integrated Health Sciences Faculty Research

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of photothermal treatment (PTT) with gold nanoshell (ANS) using a macrophage-mediated delivery system in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell line. To achieve this, ANS-loaded rat macrophages (ANS-MAs) were prepared via the coculture method with ANS. The human HNSCC (FaDu cell) and macrophage (rat macrophage; NR8383 cell) hybrid spheroid models were generated by the centrifugation method to determine the possibility of using ANS-MAs as a cancer therapy. These ANS-MAs were set into the tumor and macrophage hybrid spheroid model to measure PTT efficacy. Kinetic analysis of the …

Comparison Of Pretreatment Methods For The Production Of Ethanol, Emily Schulte

Honors Theses

Bioethanol provides a great alternative to regular ethanol sources because it uses secondary substrates that are byproducts of other industries, rather than substrates that compete with food products. The technology is available for industrial bioethanol production, but the production costs just aren’t competitive enough with traditional ethanol production. The goal of this project was not to prepare a proposal for a bio-ethanol plant with all of the associated costs and financial calculations, but rather to provide a direct comparison of two pretreatment methods to highlight which factors could make one method less costly than the other. Pretreatment is a critical …

Quantification Of Phenotypic Change Resulting In Sensitization Of Primary Sensory Neurons Due To Oxidative Stress, Adan Redwine, Sarah M. Romereim, Rebecca A. Wachs

UCARE: Research Products

84% of the population will suffer from low back pain at some point in their lives, and 39% of the cases may be related to pain originating from the intervertebral disc (IVD) also known as discogenic pain. Age or injury can cause progressive degeneration of the IVD, and this can allow innervation by nociceptive (pain-sensing) neurons from the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) into the inner IVD.⁶ Long-term exposure to pain-inducing stimuli can cause nociceptor sensitization, manifested as increased pain sensation in response to non-painful or painful stimuli.⁷ Sensitization results in the nociceptors responding more strongly to a stimulus, …

Evaluating Evapotranspiration Values In Rwanda While Using The Turc And Hargreaves–Samani Equations, Elizabeth Uwase, Derek M. Heeren, Lameck O. Odhiambo

UCARE: Research Products

Evapotranspiration (ET) is an important component of the hydrologic cycle and involves the exchange of water between the surrounding water bodies, soil, crop surfaces, and the atmosphere. Crop growth and yields are largely affected by the rate of ET, especially in semi-arid areas where the rate of ET is high and rainfall is not sufficient and reliable to add more water into the soil for crop use. Solar radiation, relative humidity, air temperature, rainfall, and wind velocity are some of the meteorological factors that affect ET. Therefore, this research was aimed at determining ET and its trend across Rwanda using …

Decision-Support System For Lid Footprint Planning And Urban Runoff Mitigation In The Lower Rio Grande Valley Of South Texas, Javier Guerrero, Taufiqul Alam, Ahmed Mahmoud, Kim D. Jones, Andrew Ernest

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

To address regional flooding in the United States, federal and state agencies are adopting strict drainage policies in any large-scale commercial development within the watershed boundary. The conventional approach of implementing a wet detention pond (WP) reduces the land cover and causes operation and maintenance challenges eventually. The present study developed a decision-support system (DSS) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley region of South Texas for optimal selection of Best Management Practices (BMPs) by substituting a portion of the WP footprint with three regionally promising low-impact development practices, namely, porous concrete pavement (PCP), bioretention (BR), and bioswale (BS). Source Load …

Sunseeker Display And Driver Controller, Alec Kwapis

Honors Theses

Digital dashboard displays with critical driver information are found in all modern vehicles. Examples of such information available to the driver include a speedometer, odometer, engine RPM, fuel gauge and more. The current 2016 Sunseeker solar car already has numerous displays that can show critical information to the driver, however, there are several problems that exist. Each display itself is less than two inches in size, the text on the screens is difficult to read, and the measurements have no units. Furthermore, these displays were made by a company that no longer exists, thus preventing the solar car team from …

Manipulation And Patterning Of Mammalian Cells Using Vibrations And Acoustic Forces, Joel Cooper

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Recently, there has been a surge in researchers and scientists investigating different methods which move, manipulate, and pattern biological cells. Multiple different mechanisms can be used for cellular manipulation, microfluidics, biochemical queues, and even optics, just to name a few. However, all techniques have their downsides. A majority of these methods require expensive equipment or reagents and can only manipulate a small number of cells at a time.

Some of the most common cell manipulation devices utilize acoustic pressure waves to move the cells to desired locations. Currently, it is unknown what level of force from these types of devices …

Design Of A Carbon Fiber Composite Monocoque Chassis For A Formula-Style Vehicle, Alexander Carline

Honors Theses

Western Michigan University’s Formula SAE team, Bronco Racing, designs and manufactures a formula-style vehicle to compete annually at an international collegiate design and racing competition. In order to remain competitive, Bronco Racing required a lighter chassis for the 2021 vehicle. To achieve this, the full 2020 carbon fiber monocoque chassis system was redesigned to be lightweight while considering packaging constraints, the Formula SAE rules, and design parameters set by Bronco Racing. The monocoque geometry was modeled using SolidWorks and the carbon composite was simulated, tested, and verified using ANSYS and quasi-static load frame testing. The newly designed 2021 monocoque chassis …

Development Of A Flexible Printed Paper-Based Battery, Justone Crosby

Honors Theses

Market demand for flexible electronics continues to grow, which, in turn, increases the demand for flexible energy storage devices. There are several types of energy storage devices available, including the alkaline (Zn-MnO₂) battery, which is the subject of this project. This project's objective was to develop a flexible, printed paper-based battery, which may be a sustainable solution to the increasing market demand. This device is low-cost and can be manufactured commercially using a scalable process.

The proposed device is an alkaline flexible cell, whose components can be printed onto paper. This alkaline system includes a zinc-based negative electrode …

Steam Valve Thermo-Performance Analysis, Benjamin Evans

Honors Theses

Steam leaks occur in aging power systems due to heat energy loss in the valves of that system. A model was developed to determine the amount of heat energy lost in Donald C. Cook Nuclear Power Plant’s steam pipe valve system. Several methods were used to determine the mass flow rate and used to model the system in PEPSE. The PEPSE model determined the estimated energy that was lost due to seal leakage and general valve degradation. A program was created for use of plant employees to easily calculate the lost generation in MWe due to these leaks using the …

Comparison Of Pretreatment Methods For Cellulosic Ethanol, Michael Eaton

Honors Theses

Bioethanol provides a great alternative to regular ethanol sources because it uses secondary substrates that are byproducts of other industries, rather than substrates that compete with food products. The technology is available for industrial bioethanol production, but the production costs just aren’t competitive enough with traditional ethanol production. The goal of this project was not to prepare a proposal for a bio-ethanol plant with all of the associated costs and financial calculations, but rather to provide a direct comparison of two pretreatment methods to highlight which factors could make one method less costly than the other. Pretreatment is a critical …