Engineering Commons^™

Forecasting The Construction Expenditure Cash Flow For Transportation Design-Build Projects With A Case-Based Reasoning Model, Yunping Liang, Baabak Ashuri, Mingshu Li

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

Accurately forecasting the construction expenditure cash flow of transportation projects is critical for state departments of transportation (state DOTs) to secure sufficient funding to cover their fiscal obligations throughout the project development timeline. However, there is no quantitative model to assist state DOTs in accurately forecasting expenditure cash flows for design-build projects. At the outset of awarding a typical design-build contract, the design has not been finalized to enable exact quantities for a detailed cost estimate. This issue represents a big difference between design-build and design-bid-build projects that makes estimating the project payouts more difficult for design-build projects. This research …

Image Analysis Of Colloidal Systems For Pair And Triplet Correlations., Brianna Price

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Interactions among colloidal particles drive stability of suspensions or the assembly of particles into larger superstructures such as agglomerates or crystals. Typically, colloidal interactions are modeled using pairwise interaction potential energies which consider the interactions between pairs of particles. However, additional particles can modulate pair potentials, leading models to predict incorrect behavior. To analyze the effects of three-body interactions on the structuring of colloidal systems, pair and triplet correlation functions are calculated from published experimental data. These correlation functions are then translated into empirical pair and triplet potentials of mean force, which are then used to model systems more accurately …

How Does An Integrated Stem Life Sciences Unit Affect Middle School Students' Engagement And Science Content Knowledge?, Zeynep Gonca Akdemir, Muhsin Menekse, Saira Anwar, Siddika Selcen Guzey

Indiana STEM Education Conference

This study explored the effect of an integrated engineering design-based life sciences unit on middle school students' engagement and science content knowledge, and the role of engagement in predicting their success. Participants were 530 seventh-grade students from rural schools in the Midwest region of the United States. Data included science content pre- and post-assessments and a multidimensional engagement survey. The data were analyzed by conducting paired-sample t-tests and multiple regression analysis. Results indicated that students' social engagement increased when they engaged in an integrated engineering design-based life science curriculum unit. Also, students’ pre-assessment scores were found to be the …

Goals And Proceedings Information, William S. Walker Iii, Lynn A. Bryan, Siddika Selcen Guzey, Elizabeth Suazo-Flores

Indiana STEM Education Conference

No abstract provided.

Synthesis Of Uio-66 Metal Organic Frameworks, Nicholas Johnston, Larissa Lagria

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Studies In Additive Manufacturing Techniques For Pulsed Fusion Experiments, Michael Canary

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Brownian Dynamics Of Interacting Anisotropic Magnetic Nanoparticles, Daniel Duke

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Dielectrophoretic Control Of Macroscopic Media For In-Space Applications, Savannah Flaherty

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Smart Nails For Lithium-Ion Battery Internal Short Circuit And Thermal Runaway Characterization, Mary Kate Long, Siyi Liu

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Temporal Understanding Of The Conversion Of Normal Synovial Fibroblasts Into Osteoarthritic Fibroblasts, Danielle Mcdowell

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Development Of Fiber-Optic High-Temperature Heat Flux Sensors For Venus Exploration, Sara Mog

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Surface Topography On The Deposition Of Colloids, Mikhail Ramirez

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Development Of An Online Wind Tunnel Support And Physocal Controls, David Tutunzhiu

Summer Community of Scholars Posters (RCEU and HCR Combined Programs)

No abstract provided.

Design And Characterization Of Piezoelectric Actuator On Flexible Substrate For Conductive Hearing Aids, Sandhya Chapagain

Graduate Research Theses & Dissertations

Conductive hearing loss (CHL) is a common condition among infants and young children. CHL caused by an obstruction/damage in the auditory canal, preventing sounds from properly transferring into the inner ear. Failure in timely treatment in the early stage of life will delay brain and physical development, affecting language acquisition, learning abilities, communication, and social skills. The available treatment for CHL is corrective surgeries and conductive hearing aids. These options are invasive and are not suitable for newborns, infants, and pediatric patients with fragile organs. Here, we designed and characterized micro-actuators on flexible substrates to generate vibrations on the surface …

Relation Of Wettability Of Surfaces To Virus Survival Times, Anthony Pintola

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A newly identified coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, also known as COVID-19, has caused a worldwide respiratory illness pandemic. The virus is known to spread via contact with water droplets from an infected person. These drops can contaminate the surfaces we as humans interact with on a daily basis. It can be beneficial to understand if there is a correlation between how long the virus can survive on these surfaces and how easily wettable they are. The data was collected by placing 10 mL droplets onto various surface samples and collecting images of the surface contact. From the image a radius was determined …

Crosswalk Sensor System, Jacob Schandel, Mohammed Alsubhi, Aaron Gloeckler, Samuel Turner

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A number of safety concerns persist with modern crosswalks. People are distracted by things in their car, or their surroundings can make it hard to see oncoming pedestrians. With today’s self-sufficient power technologies, available sensors, and cheap low-power wireless communication protocols, it is possible to create digital signage to warn of oncoming pedestrians. By using distance sensors such as ultrasonic or infrared sensors, systems can detect where objects, or in this case people, are with respect to a sensor on a fixed pole. With low-powered illumination technologies like LEDs and low-powered IoT communication protocols like ZigBee, a system can communicate …

Feasibility Study To Measure The Impact Of A Specialized Core Exercise On Metabolic Efficiency And Stability During Walking For Above Knee Amputees, Shaye M. Tiell, Sabrina R. Segretario, Serena M. Myers, Emily G. Tully

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The objective of this study is to determine the feasibility of improving the gait of above-knee (AK) amputees by performing daily core exercises aimed to provide an efficient and stable walking pattern. The goal of the exercise is to strengthen core muscles and form temporary neural connections in the brain aimed at improving metabolic efficiency and stability. We will be implementing the Wright Balance Core 360 Exercise Technique for completion by our subjects. Motion capture technology will be utilized in conjunction with a metabolic oxygen consumption analyzer to collect stability and metabolic efficiency data while amputees walk on a treadmill. …

Theoretical Design Of A 360 Degree Pendulum Ride, John William Elliott

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project uses several areas of study: mechanical physics/design of moving parts, electrical power, and human comfort. It is based on the pendulum ride at Cedar Point called "maXair." One of the goals with this project is to create a theoretical, simpler version of a 360 Degree Pendulum Ride that operates on the same principles of a conventional pendulum rides. The velocity, forces on the shaft in the middle of the ride, the accelerations, the g force on the riders, and all the other forces associated with the pendulum ride were analyzed as well.

Hydraulic Vehicle Challenge, Jacob Steiner, David Kotovets, Evan Blitz, Luke Fetherston, Alex Colucy

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The target goal of this project is for a team of students to design a vehicle which is based on human power as the primary mover of the system and achieves vehicle propulsion through the required use of hydraulics and pneumatics. In summary, the rider will power a pump that will generate pressure in order to move the fluid that drives the motor. This will result in the powered rotation of the wheels. As there are many possible designs, naturally, this means that the final design for the vehicle will have specific limitations such as weight and the required use …

Liquid Rocket Engine And Test System, Ronnie Wallingford, Grace Ann Phillips, Blake Bowser, Jack Dalton

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project is to design the University of Akron’s first design team built liquid propulsion rocket engine and testing system. The creation of this engine and testing system will create new opportunities for the Akronauts Rocket Design Team moving forward, allowing the team to enter more prestigious competitions, and will also enable students to better pursue opportunities in the space and defense industry by exposing them to more relevant industry experiences.

The liquid rocket engine designed by the team will utilize ethanol and liquid nitrous oxide to generate approximately 500 lbf of thrust. An accompanying test system …

Entertainment 721, Mark Hendricks, Noah John, Jadon Vanyo, Chelsea Payne

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project was to design a luxury, aesthetically pleasing entertainment system with a TV lift mechanism that could be remote controlled. The design would also include a cooling cabinet for gaming systems, a remote locking system, and additional storage. Using a morphological chart and weighted decision matrix for each subsystem key features were determined to be included in the design. Several performance benchmarks were determined to accomplish the team’s design. Almost every benchmark was successful in the build of the first prototype. Several heat calculations and FEA analyses were performed on the system to ensure the success …

Application Of Laser Assisted Ultrasonic Nanocrystal Surface Modification On Aluminum And 3d Printed Titanium, Eman Hassan, Thomas Crouse

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

A novel surface treatment, laser assisted ultrasonic nanocrystal surface modification (LA-UNSM), has proved effective in increasing surface hardness, and fatigue life. The objective of this research is to determine the effectiveness of this process on components created with additive manufacturing. To accomplish this, we investigated the effectiveness of LA-UNSM treatment on aluminum, a common 3d printed metal, and the effectiveness of LA-UNSM processing on 3d printed titanium. We first conducted our own literature review to assess the practicality of using this same treatment on aluminum. We then treated traditionally manufactured aluminum at varying levels of laser intensity to determine if …

Formula Sae Design Validation Through Lap Time Simulation, Noah Gresser, Akos Jasper, Michael Metropoulos, Paul Buczynski, James Volcansek

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Lap time simulation is capable of advancing Zips Racing into a new, modern era for future vehicle designs. Through the use of VI-grade simulation software, Zips Racing was able to validate its current combustion and electric vehicle designs in spite of the challenges brought on to the team as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Throughout this project, the design team gained an enhanced understanding of suspension designs and optimizations through the usage of computer simulations. As a result, the teams have a better understanding of the fundamental changes that need to occur to enhance the race team’s final race …

Concusion Detection Headband Design, John Durkin, Noah Lewis, John Michel

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Concussion in sports is a prevalent medical issue. It can be difficult for medical professionals to diagnose concussions. With the fast pace nature of many sports, and the damaging effects of concussions, it is important that any concussion risks are assessed immediately. There is a growing trend of wearable technology that collects data such as steps, and provides the wearer with in-depth information regarding their performance. The Smart Headband project created a wearable that can record impact data and provide the wearer with a detailed analysis on their risk of sustaining a concussion. The Smart Headband uses accelerometers and gyroscopes …

Molecular Recognition Of Pet Depolymerization Products And Beta-Cyclodextrin, Thomas Palisin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Using molecular recognition techniques to determine the binding constant of the host-guest relationships of the depolymerization products of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and cyclodextrin species. The main method of data collection used was florescence spectroscopy. Using a titration method and measuring the florescence intensity, a nonlinear regression was used to determine the binding constant.

Jominy Hardenability Tester Redesign, Dennis Kopacz, Shadoe Beatty, Thomas Benenati, Jared Mclean, Matthew Yokosuk

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Our project is Redesigning a Hardenability Tester. The goal of this project is to figure out how to incorporate an intensive quenching system to the current design from last years group. An intensive quench is a new system that is safer to harden steel and it hardens steel more effectively than other quenching processes. This will be achieved through testing the initial design to make sure it is able to run. After that as a group we will take this system through a design process to introduce a safe process of intensive quenching to the tester.

Smart Doggy Door, Jaret Helminski, Brandon Caldwell, Jason Marcum, Nathaniel Hall

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The smart doggy door is an engineering senior design project which will be completed in the spring of 2021. The goal of this project is to design and implement a dog door that can detect when a dog is near. After that it will determine if the dog is allowed to use the door and it will then open if the dog is allowed to go through the door. This device will also send a notification to the dogs owner via an app on their phone. This device will allow dog owners to keep unwanted animals out as well as …

Sim Wheel Hand Controls For Disabled Users, Weston Davis, Jade Reese, Joshua King, Duncan O'Brien

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Sim Wheel Hand Controls kit is an open-source project for disabled individuals to experience simulation racing. The project converts a Thrustmaster TX foot pedal set into hand-operated brake and throttle controls. The module uses elements from the pedal set, a 3D printed housing and commonly available hardware. The Do-It-Yourself nature of the project allows the product to be inexpensive and accessible compared to its single competitor. A website was created to share the 3D printing files, detailed instruction manual and resources provided free by the University of Akron. The team found the module to be ergonomic, durable, realistic, and …

Golf Ball Mark Repair Tool, Peter Gildea, Jacob Cunningham, Simon Aramouni, Michael Buckley, Andrew Perez

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Golf is a unique sport because the players consist of various ages. Inexperience and old age are two factors that cause issues on the course for others, such as improperly repaired divots. Divots are “craters” in the ground caused by the golf ball landing with high velocity on the greens. Older players encounter body limitations that make it difficult for them to bend over in order to properly fix the divots on every hole. This device will be created to properly repair divots to keep the greens in good playing condition for all players and to keep the older players …

4040c Universal Tester Backup, Devan Keeling, John Bowen, Cameron Bosner, Jacob Lenart

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The 40 Series valve is one of Swagelok's highest volume part families of which 60,000 parts per year shipped are multi-ported. The multiport configuration requires a unique tester to ensure proper assembly and quality of upstream processes.

Due to the multiport configuration of these valves no alternate testing option exists, resulting in a high rate of customer disappointments per day should the equipment fail.

In addition to the tester's criticality, it has also been ranked as one of Swagelok's most unhealthy assets and is probable to experience extended downtime in the future.

This project proposes to design and build a …