Engineering Commons^™

Thermal-Hydraulic Optimization Of The Heat Exchange Between A Molten Salt Small Modular Reactor And A Super-Critical Carbon Dioxide Power Cycle, James Sherwood

Honors Undergraduate Theses

The next generation of nuclear power sources, Gen. IV, will include an emphasis on small, modular reactor (SMR) designs, which will allow for standardized, factory-based manufacturing and flexibility in the design of power plants by utilizing one or several modular reactor units in parallel. One of the reactor concepts being investigated is the Molten Salt Reactor concept (MSR), which utilizes a molten salt flow loop to cool the reactor and transfer heat to the power conversion cycle (PCS).Here, the use of a supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) Brayton cycle is assumed for that PCS. The purpose of this thesis is to …

Analyzing Citation Metrics In Civil Engineering With Focus On Construction Engineering And Management, Islam H. El-Adaway, Gasser G. Ali, Rayan Assaad, Amr Elsayegh, Ibrahim S. Abotaleb

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

There are several metrics used to evaluate academic publications, including number of citations, h-index, and others. While these metrics are directly related to rewards in the academic community, it is debated whether they correctly reflect the true impact of research. As such, there is a need to clearly interpret and understand such metrics. The goal of this paper is to investigate the citation metrics used to assess academic publications in civil engineering (CE) with a considerable focus on construction engineering and management (CEM). The investigation of these two research fields is important since each one of them has its own …

Joint Simulation Of Continuous And Categorical Variables For Mineral Resource Modeling And Recoverable Reserves Calculation, Sentle Augustinus Hlajoane

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Spatial variability and uncertainty of continuous variables (grade) and categorical variables (rock-types) in mineral evaluation significantly impact the economics of mining projects. The conventional approach of simulating grades using deterministic rock- types is problematic since spatial variability, and uncertainty of grades at rock-type contacts are not well captured in deposits where the grade changes gradually between rock-types. Therefore, jointly simulating these variables can improve confidence (reduce uncertainty) in a resource model. Also, resource classification and recoverable reserve calculation can significantly improve the understanding of the deposit and its economic viability. This research utilized the Plural-Gaussian geostatistical simulation to jointly simulate …

Risks And Benefits Of Using A Commercially Available Ventricular Assist Device For Failing Fontan Cavopulmonary Support: A Modeling Investigation, Masoud Farahmand, Minoo N. Kavarana, Ethan Kung

Publications

Fontan patients often develop circulatory failure and are in desperate need of a therapeutic solution. A blood pump surgically placed in the cavopulmonary pathway can substitute the function of the absent sub-pulmonary ventricle by generating a mild pressure boost. However, there is currently no commercially available device designed for the cavopulmonary application; and the risks and benefits of implanting a ventricular assist device (VAD), originally designed for the left ventricular application, on the right circulation of failing Fontan patients is not yet clear. Moreover, further research is needed to compare the hemodynamics between the two clinically-considered surgical configurations for cavopulmonary …

Hedonic Games And Monte Carlo Simulation, Sheida Etemadidavan, Andrew J. Collins

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Hedonic games have applications in economics and multi-agent systems where the grouping preferences of an individual is important. Hedonic games look at coalition formation, amongst the players, where players have a preference relation over all the coalition. Hedonic games are also known as coalition formation games, and they are a form of a cooperative game with a non-transferrable utility game. Some examples of hedonic games are stable marriage, stable roommate, and hospital/residence problem. The study of hedonic games is driven by understanding what coalition structures will be stable, i.e., given a coalition structure, no players have an incentive to deviate …

Llogaritja E Aftësisë Mbajtëse E Tokës Në Kompleksi Banesor Në Gazi Babë-Shkup, Florijan Qazimi

Theses and Dissertations

Qëllimi i këtij punim bazohet në hulumtimin e vetive fiziko - mekanike të tokës ku do të mbështeten themelet dhe llogaritja e aftësisë mbajtëse të tokës duke shfrytëzuar dy metoda të krahasueshme: Metoda e Terzaku-të dhe Metoda e Mayorf-it. Si objekt për shqyrtim është marrë kompleksi banesor Ilievski Apartmants me lokacion në Komunën e Gazi Babës – Shkup, Maqedonia e Veriut. Një ndër hulumtimet e para që duhet të kryhet para se të fillojë ndërtimi i objektit janë shpimet gjeologo-gjeomekanike për nxjerrjen e parametrave gjeomekanik të cilët na shërbejnë për të konstatuar nëse toka ku do të bëhet ndërtimi është …

Investigating Multidimensional Characteristics Of Noise Signals With Tones From Building Mechanical Systems And Their Effects On Annoyance, Joonhee Lee, Lily M. Wang

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

This paper investigates multidimensional characteristics of tonal noise from heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning systems, besides loudness and tonality, to improve prediction of annoyance. Two studies were conducted: multidimensional scaling (MDS) analysis to determine what other perceptual signal characteristics are important and perceptual weight analysis (PWA) to understand the impact of multiple tones in a signal. In the MDS study, paired comparison tasks were conducted to gather similarity and annoyance data. Results show that the latent perceptual dimensions are related to the signal’s tonality, loudness, sharpness, and roughness. Including metrics for these perceptions, except roughness, improves the performance of earlier annoyance …

Cdc42-Dependent Transfer Of Mir301 From Breast Cancer-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Regulates The Matrix Modulating Ability Of Astrocytes At The Blood–Brain Barrier, Golnaz Morad, Cassandra C. Daisy, Hasan H. Otu, Towia A. Libermann, Simon T. Dillon, Marsha A. Moses

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Breast cancer brain metastasis is a major clinical challenge and is associated with a dismal prognosis. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the early stages of brain metastasis can provide opportunities to develop efficient diagnostics and therapeutics for this significant clinical challenge. We have previously reported that breast cancer-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) breach the blood–brain barrier (BBB) via transcytosis and can promote brain metastasis. Here, we elucidate the functional consequences of EV transport across the BBB. We demonstrate that brain metastasis-promoting EVs can be internalized by astrocytes and modulate the behavior of these cells to promote extracellular matrix remodeling in vivo. We …

Power-Over-Tether Uas Leveraged For Nearly Indefinite Meteorological Data Acquisition In The Platte River Basin, Daniel Rico, Carrick Detweiler, Francisco Munoz-Arriola

School of Computing: Conference and Workshop Papers

The integration of unmanned aerial systems (UASs) has increased in the field of agriculture. These systems can provide data that was previously difficult to obtain to help increase efficiency and production. Typical commercial off the shelf (COTS) UASs have significant limitations in the form of small payloads, and short flight times which inhibit their ability to provide significant quantities of useful data. We present the development of a novel power-over-tether UAS that leverages the physical presence of the tether to integrate sensors at multiple altitudes along the tether. The UAS can acquire data nearly indefinitely to sense atmospheric conditions and …

Ni-Au Anodic Nano-Electrocatalyst For Direct Glucose Fuel Cells, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Aya S. Abdulhalim Eng, Yassr M. Asal Mr, Ahmad M. Mohammad Prof

Chemical Engineering

This study aims at the sequential assembling of a nickel oxide (NiOx: cauliflower-like nanostructure, 90 nm) and gold (Au; spherical, 95 nm in an average particle size) onto the GC surface nanocatalyst on a glassy carbon (GC) electrode (will be abbreviated as Ni-Au/GC) for the glucose electro−oxidation (GO); the principal anodic reaction in the direct glucose fuel cells (DGFCs). The charge of the Ni deposition on the GC surface (will be abbreviated as Ni/GC electrode) was initially optimized to obtain the highest catalytic activity toward GO which attained at (339.8 Ag−1) by applying 15 mC in the Ni deposition. Yet, …

A Reduced Model For Microbial Fuel Cell, Dina Aboelela, Moustafa A. Soliman, Ibrahim Ashour

Chemical Engineering

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are a group of microbial electrochemical cells (bioreactors) that are used to generate energy from organic waste found in wastewater. MFCs represent a promising method of waste disposal and production of electricity. Scaling up the use of MFCs requires extensive analysis and detailed grasp of the required processes. The current work aimed to study a model of an MFC, and find the optimum parameters needed for maximum energy production. The process was simulated and validated on continuous-flow MFCs with a Columbic efficiency of 162% and 35% COD removal. Sensitivity analysis of the model was performed. The …

Effect Of Socioeconomic And Demographic Factors Of Driver Residence On Crash Occurrence, Shraddha Sagar

Theses and Dissertations--Civil Engineering

In the U.S., road traffic crashes are a leading cause of death. Crash data from the state of Kentucky shows that the per capita crash rates and crash-related fatalities were higher than the national average for over a decade. In effort to explain why the U.S. Southeast experiences higher crash rates than other regions of the country, previous research has argued the region’s unique socioeconomic provide a compelling explanation. Taking this observation as a starting point, this study examines the relationship between highway safety and socioeconomic characteristics using an extensive crash dataset from Kentucky.

The primary goal of this research …

Separation Of Radionuclides From A Rare Earth-Containing Solution By Zeolite Adsorption, Deniz Talan, Qingqing Huang

Faculty & Staff Scholarship

The increasing industrial demand for rare earths requires new or alternative sources to be found. Within this context, there have been studies validating the technical feasibility of coal and coal byproducts as alternative sources for rare earth elements. Nonetheless, radioactive materials, such as thorium and uranium, are frequently seen in the rare earths’ mineralization, and causes environmental and health concerns. Consequently, there exists an urgent need to remove these radionuclides in order to produce high purity rare earths to diversify the supply chain, as well as maintain an environmentally-favorable extraction process for the surroundings. In this study, an experimental design …

Tuning The Activity And Stability Of Platinum Nanoparticles Toward The Catalysis Of The Formic Acid Electrooxidation, Islam M. Al-Akraa, Bilquis A. Al-Qodami, Santosh Sridhar Mysore Dr, R. Viswanatha Dr, Abdul Kareem Thottoli, Ahmad M. Mohammad

Chemical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Synthesis And Characterization Of Chitosan Based Catalyst For Catalysis Applications, Mostafa Radwan

Chemical Engineering

In this research, chitosan based catalyst synthesis and characterization was investigated for different application in catalysis as chitosan based catalyst was combined with metal oxides in order to be used in dye removal of methyl orange (MO). Diluted acetic acid was used to dissolve chitosan then different percentages for metallic ions were mixed with diluted chitosan and then, 500 μL were added to the sample to reduce the metal salts then, microwave was used to heat the mixture for 5 minutes and then dried at 80-100 °C. Finally, X- ray diffraction was used to confirm the catalyst prepared. The aim …

Computational Model For Neural Architecture Search, Ram Deepak Gottapu

Doctoral Dissertations

"A long-standing goal in Deep Learning (DL) research is to design efficient architectures for a given dataset that are both accurate and computationally inexpensive. At present, designing deep learning architectures for a real-world application requires both human expertise and considerable effort as they are either handcrafted by careful experimentation or modified from a handful of existing models. This method is inefficient as the process of architecture design is highly time-consuming and computationally expensive.

The research presents an approach to automate the process of deep learning architecture design through a modeling procedure. In particular, it first introduces a framework that treats …

Understanding The Deformation Mechanisms In Ni-Based Superalloys With Using Crystal Plasticity Finite Element Method, Tianju Chen

Doctoral Dissertations

“Ni-based superalloy is considered as a good candidate due to its excellent resistance to elevated temperature deformation for long term period application. Understanding the deformation and failure mechanisms of Ni-Based superalloys is very helpful for providing design guidelines for processing Ni-based superalloys. Experimental characterization indicates that the deformation mechanisms of Ni based superalloy is strongly microstructure dependent. Besides, damage transform from the void nucleation to the macro cracks by voids growth leading to the failure of the Ni-based superalloys are also showing strong microstructure sensitivity. Therefore, this work focuses on the prediction and comprehension of the deformation and void growth …

Automated Assessment Of Cardiothoracic Ratios On Chest Radiographs Using Deep Learning, Varun Danda, Paras Lakhani, Md

Phase 1

Introduction: The cardiothoracic ratio (CTR) is a quantitative measure of cardiac size that can measured from chest radiography (CXR). Although radiologists using digital workstations possess the ability to calculate CTR, clinical demands prevent calculation for every case. In this study, the efficacy of a deep convolutional neural network (dCNN) to assess CTR was evaluated.

Methods: 611 HIPAA-compliant de-identified CXRs were obtained from [institution blinded] and public databases. Using ImageJ, a board-certified radiologist (reader #1) and a medical student (reader #2), measured the CTR by marking four pixels on all CXRs: the right- and left-most chest wall, the right- and left-most …

Irrigation-Yield Production Functions And Irrigation Water Use Effciency Response Of Drought-Tolerant And Non-Drought-Tolerant Maize Hybrids Under Different Irrigation Levels, Population Densities, And Environments, Suat Irmak, Ali T. Mohammed, William Kranz, C. D. Yonts, Simon Van Donk

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Irrigation-yield production functions (IYPFs), irrigation water use effciency (IWUE), and grain production per unit of applied irrigation of non-drought-tolerant (NDT) and drought-tolerant (DT) maize (Zea mays L.) hybrids were quantified in four locations with different climates in Nebraska [Concord (sub-humid), Clay Center (transition zone between sub-humid and semi-arid); North Platte (semi-arid); and, Scottsbluff (semi-arid)] during three growing seasons (2010, 2011, and 2012) at three irrigation levels (fully-irrigated treatment (FIT), early cut-off (ECOT), and rainfed (RFT)) under two plant population densities (PPDs) (low-PPD; 59,300 plants ha^-1; and, high-PPD, 84,000 plants ha^-1). Overall, DT hybrids’ performance was …

Soil Structure And Texture Effects On The Precision Of Soil Water Content Measurements With A Capacitance-Based Electromagnetic Sensor, Jasreman Singh, Derek M. Heeren, Daran Rudnick, Wayne Woldt, Geng Bai, Yufeng Ge, Joe D. Luck

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The physical properties of soil, such as structure and texture, can affect the performance of an electromagnetic sensor in measuring soil water content. Historically, calibrations have been performed on repacked samples in the laboratory and on in situ soils in the field, but little research has been done on laboratory calibrations with intact (undisturbed) soil cores. In this study, three replications each of disturbed and undisturbed soil samples were collected from two soil texture classes (Yutan silty clay loam and Fillmore silt loam) at a field site in eastern Nebraska to investigate the effects of soil structure and texture on …

An Automated Seepage Meter For Streams And Lakes, Douglas Kip Solomon, Eric Humphrey, Troy E. Gilmore, David P. Genereux, Vitaly A. Zlotnik

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

We describe a new automatic seepage meter for use in soft bottom streams and lakes. The meter utilizes a thin‐walled tube that is inserted into the streambed or lakebed. A hole in the side of the tube is fitted with an electric valve. Prior to the test, the valve is open and the water level inside the tube is the same as the water level outside the tube. The test starts with closure of the valve, and the water level inside the tube changes as it moves toward the equilibrium hydraulic head that exists at the bottom of the tube. …

Cognitive Resource Management In 5g Networks, Kelvin M. Franco-Argueta

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

The 4G LTE network offers a high speed connectivity that is predicated on the construction platform of the 3G network and relies on an Internet Protocol (IP) for data transmission and reception. This platform’s utility is quickly becoming exhausted as the frequency spectrum approaches maximum device connectivity capacity. To improve network capacity, we must expand the bandwidth that our devices operate on. To effectively carry out this task, a self-configurable network must be employed in the development of the 5g network. This article aims to explore the technologies which form the platform for the 5G network and the cognitive resource …

The Influence Of Blockchain Technology On Fraud And Fake Protection, Youngju Yun

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

No abstract provided.

Treatment Of Combined Acid Black 48 And Coffee Wastewater By Low-Cost Adsorbents, Yung-Tse Hung

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

© 2020, Kaunas University of Technology. All rights reserved. Removal of synthetic dyes from wastewater is essential both from the environmental and human health point of view. A small concentration of synthetic dyes can reduce water transparency and consequently influence photosynthesis and alter aquatic ecosystems. Acid black 48 is an Azo dye that falls under the category of synthetic dyes used in the textile industry. With dyes, coffee wastewater has high chemical oxygen demand (COD) that can affect dissolved oxygen (DO) in surface waters. A mixture of wastes in surface waters creates a need to investigate the efficiency of existing …

Treatment Of Vegetable Oil Refining Wastes, D. Kaya, Yung-Tse Hung

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The common vegetable oils are soybean, sesame, sunflower, corn, canola, and cotton seeds. Their yields, compositions and physical and chemical properties determine their usefulness in various applications aside edible uses. Crude oils obtained by pressing of such vegetable seeds are not usually considered to be edible before the removal of various nonglyceride compounds through operations known as refining. The refining processes remove undesirable materials such as phospholipids, monoacylglycerols, diacylglycerols, free fatty acids, colour and pigments, oxidised materials, etc., but, may also remove valuable minor components such as antioxidants and vitamins (carotenes and tocopherols). The major steps involved in chemical refining …

Anatomical Fraction Segmentation In The Biomass Bales, Rahul Reddy Kancharla, William A. Smith, Elisa H. Barney Smith, Jordan L. Klinger

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

According to the Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO), creating a robust next-generation domestic bioenergy industry is an essential pathway for providing sustainable renewable energy alternatives. Using non-food feedstocks, like corn-stover and forest residue, in the biorefineries doesn't affect the food supply chain. In the commercial-scale bioenergy operations, a significant development in the technological advancements is required to determine the biomass feedstock quality at the preprocessing stage. The penetrating ability of the x-rays helps study the big biomass bales, but the feedstock heterogeneity—physical size, shape, and chemical composition—poses a significant challenge during milling, conveyance, feeding, and biofuel conversion processes. The inherent complexity …

Prediction Of Neighbor-Dependent Microbial Interactions From Limited Population Data, Joon-Yong Lee, Shin Haruta, Souichiro Kato, Hans C. Bernstein, Stephen R. Lindemann, Dong-Yup Lee, Jim K. Fredrickson, Hyun-Seob Song

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Modulation of interspecies interactions by the presence of neighbor species is a key ecological factor that governs dynamics and function of microbial communities, yet the development of theoretical frameworks explicit for understanding context-dependent interactions are still nascent. In a recent study, we proposed a novel rule-based inference method termed the Minimal Interspecies Interaction Adjustment (MIIA) that predicts the reorganization of interaction networks in response to the addition of new species such that the modulation in interaction coefficients caused by additional members is minimal. While the theoretical basis of MIIA was established through the previous work by assuming the full availability …

Interrelationships Between Water Use Efficiency And Light Use Efficiency In Four Row Crop Canopies, Meetpal S. Kukal, Suat Irmak Dr.

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Quantitative evidence of light use efficiency (LUE) controls on water use effi- ciency (WUE) is lacking, especially comparatively across row crops. Field research experiments (2016–2018) were set up for maize (Zea mays L.), soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.], sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), under optimal growth conditions in dry sub-humid conditions. Overall, LUE was able to explain 52% of variance in WUE, and were related as WUE = 1.73 LUE, although crop-specific variation was observed. High- est sensitivity of WUE to changes in LUE was found in sorghum, followed by soybean, winter wheat, and …

Integral Mass Balance (Imb) Method For Measuring Multicomponent Gas Adsorption Equilibria In Nanoporous Materials, Darren P. Broom, Orhan Talu, Michael J. Benham

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

© 2020 American Chemical Society. To assess the performance of an adsorbent for a particular gas separation, and for process design, it is necessary to determine multicomponent gas adsorption equilibria, either experimentally or from predictions based on models or theory. The experimental techniques commonly used for this purpose, however, are time-consuming and typically require large samples. In this article, we describe a new approach, called the Integral Mass Balance (IMB) method, which combines the controlled flow of a gas mixture with in situ gravimetric measurement and gas composition analysis using quadrupole mass spectrometry. The IMB method allows very rapid equilibrium …

Using Technology To Support Student Learning In An Integrated Stem Learning Environment, Dazhi Yang, Sally J. Baldwin

Educational Technology Faculty Publications and Presentations

This paper provides the first review and illustration of technology-use strategies for supporting student learning in different integrated science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning environments. An integrated STEM learning environment may focus on integrating and learning science and mathematics or integrating and learning engineering and technology simultaneously for multiple levels of learners. An integrated STEM learning environment breaks down disciplinary boundaries and allows students to apply multidisciplinary knowledge in solving problems. This study illustrates four technology-use strategies to support student learning in an integrated STEM learning environment: a) providing authentic learning contexts, b) offering web-based inquiry environments, c) expanding …