Engineering Commons^™

Cumulative Shear In Vitro Model, Jared Olson, Alex Deppe, Braden Andrews

Biomedical Engineering

The purpose of our project is to find a reliable method of Subclinical Atherosclerosis detection by measuring the pressure drop across an artery. This model is intended to display how a pressure change correlates with arterial shear rate, and how a decrease in shear rate is ultimately related to atherosclerosis wherein early detection could prove life saving for millions of patients worldwide.

On-Body Pressure For Subcutaneous Infusion Of Drug, Hannah Cole, Kayla Meacham, Eleanor Moran, Kaylee Voss

Biomedical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Integrity Testing Of Gas Permeable Silicone Filters, Maggie M. Baker, Thomas P. Humann, Kevin J. Yerina

Biomedical Engineering

This report investigates the most reasonable, cost efficient, and reliable ways to integrity test a filter made from a permeable silicone membrane for future biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. The goal of the project was to create a fixture that a pharmaceutical company can use to quickly and reliably test the integrity of the filter. A variety of methods are outlined to test the integrity of the filter, after a series of quantitative tests, a single method was established that meet the requirements most thoroughly. The method that was determined to be most effective involves a series of components including a …

Utilization And Standardization Of Beverage Based Containers, Michael T. Bobke, Jack C. Maughan, Kenia Vargas

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The purpose of this document is to formally describe and explain all of the decisions associated with the data collection and analysis for this Cal Poly Senior Project. Throughout the project, we will utilize and hone the skills that each team member has developed during our time in Cal Poly's Engineering program. In addition, this document will briefly describe some of Blue Diamond’s history as one of the biggest almond companies in the world. The statement of work will introduce and describe the current status of the beverage base container process and international beverage container design. Next it will discuss …

Rebar Impalement Safety, Spencer C. Nefores, Steven M. Hoover

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

This project is sponsored by Webcor with the purpose of finding a better solution to rebar impalement safety. The current rebar impalement safety caps being used by Webcor were found to frequently fall off after being installed. This results in workers being exposed to the hazard for longer than desired. The research that has been done by the team showed that rebar impalement is a serious hazard and results in injury or death every year. Site visits and interviews were performed to aid in understanding the problem and designing solutions. The customer needs, current state of the problem, existing solutions, …

Parklets San Luis, Owen Kenny, Preston Jag Stebel, Leonidas Goodman, Lukas Braun

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Downtown San Luis Obispo has been a popular destination for tourists, students, families, and roadtrippers. However, according to Ryan Betz, Interim Assistant to the City Manager, foot traffic and retail business revenue has been decreasing. Downtown SLO does not have enough free public spaces. Recent projects such as sidewalk bump outs and lighted crosswalks have aimed at making SLO more pedestrian accessible, but they have not actually made downtown more pleasurable. These projects have not seemed to drive any more business or traffic downtown. There are a myriad of ways to rectify this; studies show that having a free place …

A Data Analysis Of Immiscible Carbon Dioxide Injection Applications For Enhanced Oil Recovery Based On An Updated Database, Sherif Fakher, Abdulmohsin Imqam

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Carbon dioxide (CO₂) injection is an enhanced oil recovery technique used worldwide to increase oil recovery from hydrocarbon reservoirs. Immiscible CO₂ injection involves injecting the CO₂ into the reservoir at a pressure below which it will become miscible in the oil. Even though immiscible CO₂ injection has been applied extensively, very little research has been conducted to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanism and the applications of immiscible CO₂ injection. This research performs an in-depth data analysis is performed based on more than 200 experiments and 20 field tests from more than 40 …

Critical Review Of Asphaltene Properties And Factors Impacting Its Stability In Crude Oil, Sherif Fakher, Mohamed Ahdaya, Mukhtar Elturki, Abdulmohsin Imqam

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Asphaltene is a component of crude oil that has been reported to cause severe problems during production and transportation of the oil from the reservoir. It is a solid component of the oil that has different structures and molecular makeup which makes it one of the most complex components of the oil. This research provides a detailed review of asphaltene properties, characteristics, and previous studies to construct a guideline to asphaltene and its impact on oil recovery. The research begins with an explanation of the main components of crude oil and their relation to asphaltene. The method by which asphaltene …

Corrosion-Induced Mass Loss Measurement Under Strain Conditions Through Gr/Agnw-Based, Fe-C Coated Lpfg Sensors, Chuanrui Guo, Liang Fan, Genda Chen

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this study, graphene/silver nanowire (Gr/AgNW)-based, Fe-C coated long period fiber gratings (LPFG) sensors were tested up to 72 hours in 3.5 w.t% NaCl solution for corrosion-induced mass loss measurement under four strain levels: 0, 500, 1000 and 1500 µ∈. The crack and interfacial bonding behaviors of laminate Fe-C and Gr/AgNW layer structures were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and electrical resistance measurement. Both optical transmission spectra and electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) data were simultaneously measured from each sensor. Under increasing strains, transverse cracks appeared first and were followed by longitudinal cracks on the laminate layer structures. The spacing …

Does The Age Of An It Executive Impact Adoption Levels Of Cloud Computing Services?, Marcus L. Smith

Faculty Publications

This author researched previously the personal decision factors considered by information technology (IT) executives when making the cloud computing services adoptionchoice. The conclusions in that work (Smith, Jr., 2016) supported four hypotheses, namely, (a) advancement, recognition and satisfaction from accomplishments, (b) top management support, (c) diminishment of personal image, and (d) a pattern of technology readiness have a positive influence on business intentions to adopt cloud computing services. Interestingly, a fifth hypothesis, diminishment of personal image, was found to have a negative influence on business intentions. The relationship between age of the survey respondents and adoption levels was highlighted in …

Predicting The Prevalence Of Autonomous Heavy Equipment In The Construction Industry, Mitchell T. Bongi

Construction Management

Autonomy is a topic that is gaining speed throughout the world as labor shortages rise, wages increase the desire for greater safety in dangerous fields accelerates. One industry that has had a slower start but looks to join the autonomous bandwagon is construction. Different experts in different fields from engineers to construction managers give different timelines as to when this autonomous technology will be normally present in certain construction industries, however an accurate timeline has yet to be determined. The objective of this paper is to provide a more accurate timeline as to when autonomous heavy equipment will be prevalent …

A Case Study On The Financial Implications Of The Zero Net Energy (Zne) Goal In California, Shane A. Willingham

Construction Management

This paper is a case study that identifies potential financial implications from the updated Title 24, Part 6 code requirements established in 2019 by the California Energy Commission (CEC). The CEC works closely with the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), who’s long term goal is to make all residential structures Zero Net Energy (ZNE) throughout the state. The CEC’s updated code requirements include mandatory measures for detached residential homes to meet Zero Net Electricity on an Energy Design Rating (EDR) basis, a step towards Zero Net Energy. The purpose of this study is to understand the additional construction costs associated …

Increasing Health And Safety Through The Utilization Of 4d Modeling, Rogan J. Wells

Construction Management

Health and safety is one of the most important aspects of the construction industry. Every year there are thousands of work-related injuries in the construction industry. Avoiding these injuries is of the utmost importance on a jobsite. This paper will analyze how building information modeling, specifically the use of 4D building information modeling, can be utilized to increase the overall health and safety of construction jobsite. An exploratory survey was conducted amongst architecture, engineering, and construction industry professionals who hold a wide range of experience. The aim of this survey was to analyze their knowledge and experiences using building information …

Neca Ghana Project, Michael T. Klee

Construction Management

Cal Poly’s motto is, “Learn by Doing" and for Cal Poly’s NECA Chapter, this isn’t simply a motto, but a directive for proactive change. For my senior project I will be leading the Cal Poly NECA chapter in the design, pre- fabrication and construction of a 5-7kw solar array, community center, ice production room and technology room in the remote fishing village of Agbokpa, Ghana. The solar array will power multiple industrial DC freezers, high efficiency LED lighting and charging stations while additionally powering water filtration and irrigation systems. Like many other fishing villages around the world, Agbokpa has no …

Integration Of Bim Management Into Custom Residential Construction, Cruz Calderhead

Construction Management

The custom residential sector of construction currently lacks the usage of BIM management tools. This paper looks to research the current usage, advantages, and disadvantages of using BIM management software’s within custom residential construction. There will be a comparative case study held between two custom residential contractors, one with minor BIM usage and one who has fully integrated BIM software into their management procedure. The goal is to find out if BIM management is cost-effective and scalable to the custom residential industry. This information will be beneficial to the custom residential industry because it will provide custom residential general contractors …

Housing And Community Development Project In Siem Reap, Cambodia, Gerald F. Charette Iii

Construction Management

Habitat for Humanity Global Village is an international organization that gathers materials and volunteers to build homes for less fortunate villages in more than 70 different countries. The team I applied for was chosen to build a house for a family of four in a village near Siem Reap, Cambodia. I chose this as my senior project because it combines my interests in construction and humanitarian work, as well as giving me the opportunity to expand my knowledge of a different country’s construction means and methods. I felt that that the best way to showcase the material that I have …

Integration Of Plangrid Into Cal Poly's Construction Management Curriculum: Learn By Doing, Dane M. Clemensen

Construction Management

PlanGrid is a mobile construction management, document control software that gives builders real-time access to blueprints, punch lists, daily reports, submittals, RFIs and more. It is used throughout the industry by many different construction companies. The purpose of this project is to give Cal Poly construction management students early exposure to PlanGrid in an introduction lab in the jobsite construction class, CM 413. Before the lab was taught, a brief survey was sent out to construction companies asking their thoughts on how much exposure CM students should receive in PlanGrid. After receiving the survey results, the PlanGrid introduction lab was …

Hydronic Service Valve Product Development, Mark Hunsaker

Construction Management

Since the inception of modern mechanical and HVAC systems, maintenance and repairs have been prevalent in both contracting and facility operations. The average life of HVAC equipment is fractional compared to the life of buildings as construction technologies improve. Traditionally, the serviceability of heating and cooling equipment has entailed the significant amounts of labor and materials to disruptively drain or freeze hydronic systems in order to cut in means of bypassing the main system, swapping out equipment, or repair. The intent of this project is to explore alternative methods to forgo the aforementioned negative impacts of service and to improve …

Cal Poly Associated General Contractors Service- Learning Project In San Ignacio, Belize, Will A. Myers

Construction Management

In the winter of 2020, the Cal Poly Associated general Contractors chapter of San Luis Obispo built over 200 linear feet of soccer seating for the community of Selena, just outside of San Ignacio, Belize. Our team fundraised over $18,000 and designed a soccer stadium that would leave a lasting impact on the community. Throughout all phases of the project, we were challenged with many obstacles that tested our ability to overcome and handle difficult situations.

Belize Service Learning: A Case Study In Construction Technology Abroad, Parker H. Doshier

Construction Management

In Winter of 2019, members of the Associated General Contractors, Student Chapter at Cal Poly traveled to Selena, Belize to complete soccer bleachers at the local soccer field. This trip offered an excellent case study into feasibility and benefits of new construction technology on all project sizes and in different countries. SketchUp was used in multiple phases of this project including design, estimating and the creation of as-builts. Procore offers an array of useful features including the scheduling, daily logs and meetings that were used on this project. The scheduling feature was useful in tracking travel deadlines and for monitoring …

Analyzing More Sustainable Alternatives Than Using Ordinary Portland Cement In Commerical Construction, Brandon A. Sturla Bs

Construction Management

The purpose of this paper is to look at more sustainable alternative options for concrete use for California Commercial Contractors. This paper will analyze the more sustainable options for concrete and come to conclusions on how effective the alternative options are for protecting the environment, encouraging sustainability, maintaining cost effectiveness, and maintaining efficiency in building. This paper provides data on the negative impact concrete use has had on the environment and potential ways to alleviate this. This paper will also analyze how cost-effective the alternative options are to see if the alternative options are realistic and affordable to use in …

Prefabrication And The Labor Shortage On The Central Coast, Brenden Ryan Napier

Construction Management

The labor shortage has affected every aspect of construction all over California, however the central coast has been hit especially hard. The central coast’s location between the two major developmental hubs presents challenges such as relocating employees and finding skilled craftsman. One potential method that has been shown to increase productivity and cut costs is to prefabricate. Prefabrication can improve working conditions and increase worker safety while streamlining schedule and reducing environmental impact. While these benefits are certainly possible in larger cities that have the manufacturing grunt, this paper aims to understand if prefabrication is a viable way to alleviate …

Construction Curriculum Developed For Continuation Schools, Orlando I. Yepez

Construction Management

This paper will discuss a curriculum, an introduction to construction fundamentals, that was built for continuation schools. A continuation school is a school for at-risk youth in which it provides programs of empowering, inspiration and outlet. Five modules were created that focus on different sections of the construction industry. These modules consist of Site Safety, Untroduction to Basic Math, Introduction to Power Tools, Introduction to Construction Drawings, and Basic Employable Skills. Each module will consist of a ten-question quiz and presentation. Two homework assignments were also created. One homework assignment for site safety which requires students to identify if the …

John Houbolt: The Unsung Hero Of The Apollo Moon Landings, William F. Causey

Purdue University Press Book Previews

In May 1961, President Kennedy announced that the United States would attempt to land a man on the moon and return him safely to the earth before the end of that decade. Yet NASA did not have a specific plan for how to accomplish that goal. Over the next fourteen months, NASA vigorously debated several options. At first the consensus was to send one big rocket with several astronauts to the moon, land and explore, and then take off and return the astronauts to earth in the same vehicle. Another idea involved launching several smaller Saturn V rockets into the …

Analysis Of Crashes Involving First Responder Vehicles, Josie Gray

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

First responders face many hazards that put their lives at risk while on duty. A review of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund statistics shows that 553 police officers died in the line-of-duty between 2008 and 2017 as a direct result of a traffic related incidents. Sadly, the nation’s first responders are exposed to factors which make them uniquely vulnerable to traffic related injuries and deaths. The goal of this research is to investigate and analyze crashes involving first responder vehicles and struck-by crashes. This project concludes that approximately 1.2% of the crashes in the state of Florida involve …

Bs News March/April

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Infrared-Active Phonon Modes In Single-Crystal Thorium Dioxide And Uranium Dioxide, Sean Knight, Rafal Korlacki, Christina Dugan, James C. Petrosky, Alyssa Lynn Mock, Peter A. Dowben, J. Matthew Mann, Martin M. Kimani, Mathias Schubert

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

The infrared-active phonon modes, in single-crystal samples of thorium dioxide (ThO₂) and uranium dioxide (UO₂), were investigated using spectroscopic ellipsometry and compared with density functional theory. Both ThO₂ and UO₂ are found to have one infrared-active phonon mode pair [consisting of one transverse optic (TO) and one associated longitudinal optic (LO) mode], which is responsible for the dominant features in the ellipsometric data. At room temperature, our results for the mode pair’s resonant frequencies and broadening parameters are comparable with previous reflectance spectroscopy characterizations and density functional theory predictions. For ThO₂, our …

Design And Development Of A Robotic Platform For General Neurosurgical Procedures, Mehbodniya Amir Hossein

Student Works (2020-2029)

For the first time in 1985, robots were introduced to the neurosurgical operating rooms. Since then this field of robotics have advanced with new technologies with better accuracy and safety. However, developing robots for neurosurgery is a challenging task due to the sensitive nature of these applications and additionally their high cost of development. A typical neurosurgical robot costs millions of dollars in 2018, even though the costs of components and calculations have been lowered tremendously. This is mainly due to focus of current neurosurgical robots on few highly precise and specific surgical tasks which makes their use limited. In …

Using Knowledge Bases For Question Answering, Yunshi Lan

Dissertations and Theses Collection (Open Access)

A knowledge base (KB) is a well-structured database, which contains many of entities and their relations. With the fast development of large-scale knowledge bases such as Freebase, DBpedia and YAGO, knowledge bases have become an important resource, which can serve many applications, such as dialogue system, textual entailment, question answering and so on. These applications play significant roles in real-world industry.

In this dissertation, we try to explore the entailment information and more general entity-relation information from the KBs. Recognizing textual entailment (RTE) is a task to infer the entailment relations between sentences. We need to decide whether a hypothesis …

Investigation Of Dielectric Properties Of Urine For Pregnancy And Bladder Cancer Detection, Chao Zhe Zhu

Student Works (2020-2029)

Detection and monitoring of pregnancy and bladder cancer are important for medical treatment and nursing. Urine has diagnostic and prognostic values for pregnancy and bladder cancer due to the presence of biomarkers. This study investigated the dielectric properties of human urine and compared them between two groups: 1) non-pregnant healthy female volunteers and pregnant healthy female volunteers, and; 2) healthy subjects and patients with bladder cancer. An open-ended probe network analyzer was used to measure the urine dielectric constant (Ɛ’) and dielectric loss (Ɛ’’) at microwave frequency ranging from 0.2GHz to 50GHz at 25˚C (room temperature), 30˚C and 37˚C (body …