Engineering Commons^™

Machine Learning-Enabled Regional Multi-Hazards Risk Assessment Considering Social Vulnerability, Tianjie Zhang, Donglei Wang, Yang Lu

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The regional multi-hazards risk assessment poses difficulties due to data access challenges, and the potential interactions between multi-hazards and social vulnerability. For better natural hazards risk perception and preparedness, it is important to study the nature-hazards risk distribution in different areas, specifically a major priority in the areas of high hazards level and social vulnerability. We propose a multi-hazards risk assessment method which considers social vulnerability into the analyzing and utilize machine learning-enabled models to solve this issue. The proposed methodology integrates three aspects as follows: (1) characterization and mapping of multi-hazards (Flooding, Wildfires, and Seismic) using five machine learning …

A Feasibility Study Of A Wearable Health Monitoring Device Powered By Thermoelectric Generators, Sarah Schneider

Masters Theses

Implementation of thermoelectric generators (TEGs) as a power source for embedded systems has increased with the push toward alternative and renewable energy sources. Thermoelectric generators produce electrical energy from thermal energy through the Seebeck effect. The Seebeck effect is a phenomenon seen when a temperature difference at a joint of two different metals generates a DC current and electromotive force [1]. This has made TEGs desirable for embedded system applications because it would allow for extended wireless operation. TEGs are based on solid-state technology which means they do not consist of any moving parts which reduces wear and tear with …

Interaction Of Natural Convection And Real Gas Radiation Over A Vertical Flat Plate, Nathan Hale

Theses and Dissertations

This study explores natural convection heat transfer and fluid flow from a vertical plate in a radiating gas accounting for real gas spectral behavior. Finite volume techniques are used to solve the coupled nonlinear partial differential equations for mass, momentum, and energy conservation, while radiation transfer is modeled using the Discrete Ordinates finite volume finite angle method. Real gas spectral behavior is accounted for using the Rank Correlated Spectral Line Weighted-sum-of-gray-gases method. It is found that gas temperature and velocity are higher in the boundary layer, thickening the thermal and hydrodynamic boundary layers compared to the limiting case of pure …

A Novel Approach To Detect Modified Cytosines In A Nanopore Sequencer, Benjamin Davidorf

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Epigenetic changes, such as DNA methylation, have been seen in various types of cancers, diseases, and neurological disorders. A common form of methylation occurs when a methyl group is added to the C-5 position of a cytosine, which is called 5-methyl-cyosine (5- mC). Hydroxymethylated is a type of methylation where 5mC is oxidized to 5-hydroxy-methyl- cytosine (5hmC), which has been linked to normal brain development. Current methods to sequence DNA methylation patterns (5-mC and 5-hmC) at a genome-wide level have several limitations, so there remains a need for a method to efficiently map DNA methylation. The state- of-the-art method for …

The Influence Of Facades On Outdoor Comfort And Behavior In Urban Spaces, Mingliang Li

Graduate School of Architecture & Urban Design Theses & Dissertations

Global warming and rapid urbanization have intensified the urban heat island (UHI) effect, and its effect on human comfort in urban spaces has attracted widespread attention. The UHI effect increases the risk of heat-related mortality and building energy consumption and reduces outdoor human thermal comfort. A comfortable outdoor space supports sustainable urbanism by making the outdoor environment more comfortable and usable, thereby helping reduce the time spent indoors and the energy consumption of buildings.

There are thermal, visual, and acoustic features that influence outdoor comfort in terms of human physical, psychological, and social behaviors. Building façades, a common component of …

M²Brtpc: A Novel Modified Multimodal Biometric Recognition For Toddlers And Pre-School Children Approach, Mahmoud Bahzad, Labib M. Labib, Mostafa Elhosseini, Mahmoud Badawy

Mansoura Engineering Journal

A biometric system based on the characteristics of adults recently achieved an outstanding result. Over the last few decades, many applications have been developed for adults, such as fingerprint, face, iris, and hand-vein. Infant identification suffers from many problems and does not enroll all possible ages. Identifying children using one or any biometric features is the first step in ensuring that they are recognized before the law and that their rights are guaranteed. From another perspective, this prevents baby swaps in hospitals, Identifying Missing Children, and Civil ID Programs. This paper introduces an approach for Multimodal Biometric Recognition for Toddlers …

Low Loss Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguide With Graphene Multilayers, Hala Mossad I. Hassan, Nihal F. F. Areed, H. A. El-Mikati, Mohamed Farhat O. Hameed, S. S. A. Obayya

Mansoura Engineering Journal

A proposed design of graphene-based hybrid plasmonic waveguide is presented to improve the propagation length with a good confinement. The suggested design has multilayers of SiO2–graphene/ SiO2– GaAs – graphene/ SiO2. The full vectorial finite element method (FVFEM) is used to study the effective index (neff), propagation length (Lp), and normalized effective mode area (Aeff) of the supported hybrid plasmonic modes. In this investigation, the structure geometrical parameters are studied to achieve an ultra-small effective mode area with low propagation loss. The numerical results show that long propagation length of 138 µm at frequency of 3THz is achieved with normalized …

Groundwater Resource Assessment For West Africa Using Earth Observations And Groundwater Modeling, Sergio Armando Barbosa Casas

Theses and Dissertations

Groundwater is a crucial global resource, particularly in semiarid regions where surface water is scarce. As a result, effective groundwater management is essential. However, the challenge lies in a lack of data and information for proper decision-making. This dissertation present studies related to groundwater storage changes and recharge in West Africa, using data from NASA's Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) mission. In Niger, this research reveals little change in groundwater storage from 2002 to 2010 but a steep rise from 2010 to 2021, attributed partially to increased precipitation. Groundwater resources in Niger are found to be underutilized, with estimated …

Credit Hour Analysis, Tushar Ojha, Don R. Hush, Elias S. Lopez

Electrical & Computer Engineering Technical Reports

This report presents a detailed analysis of the credit hour usage pattern of undergraduate students at the University of New Mexico (UNM) using custom analytical tools. We introduce a credit-tree framework for analyzing credit hour efficiency. This framework leverages a custom-built specialized audit tool for categorizing student credits. More specifically, student credits are assigned to one of three categories: unusable credits that do not match any degree requirement, excess credits that can be removed without changing the requirement satisfaction, and applied credits that contribute to requirement satisfaction without excess. Clearly, this enables credit analysis at the course and degree requirement …

Evaluating And Advancing Automated Traffic Signal Performance Measures: Statistical And Machine Learning Approaches, Bangyu Wang

Theses and Dissertations

Automated traffic signal performance measures (ATSPM) are increasingly used to collect and evaluate traffic data from signalized intersections. ATSPM provide invaluable insights into both current and historical traffic signal performance. With their adoption by over 39 state and local transportation agencies, ATSPM play a crucial role in traffic operation and maintenance. ATSPM are continually evolving, introducing new performance measures and applications tailored to the needs of various transportation agencies. However, despite their potential, several challenges require attention and resolution. The first challenge involves the underutilization of ATSPM data due to its massive volume, which can overwhelm traditional identification and prioritization …

Robust Localization And Landing For Autonomous Unmanned Aerial Vehicles In Maritime Environments, Alexander D. Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents methods for robust precision landing of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) on platforms at sea. Localization methods are proposed for UAV-to-boat state estimation for systems that employ real- time kinematic (RTK) global navigation satellite system (GNSS) and vision sensors. Solutions for GNSS-only are first presented, followed by the fusion of GNSS and vision. The important problem of sensor intrinsic calibration is solved with a novel offline batch estimation approach. Hardware results are presented for all methods. Our calibration of GNSS-to-camera is shown to estimate sensor offsets with millimeter level accuracy. Localization systems are combined with custom state machines …

Investigating The Influence Of Portland Limestone Cement Combined With Sugarcane Bagasse Ash And Different Types Of Fly Ash On The Mechanical Properties Of Engineered Cementitious Composites, Samuel Guidroz

LSU Master's Theses

The ability to implement Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) within our transportation infrastructure systems has been limited because of increased costs associated with the material’s high cement quantity. To improve cost- effectiveness and to create a more sustainable footprint, the use of supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) has been explored. This study evaluated the effects of utilizing cement interground with limestone, Portland limestone cement (PLC), as a replacement for ordinary Portland cement (OPC). Additionally, the performance of the composites was analyzed when mixed with sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as well as different classes of fly ash (FA). In doing so, the experimental …

Understanding Evacuation Traffic Safety Issues During Hurricane Evacuation Using Machine Learning And Connected Vehicle Data, Zaheen E Muktadi Syed

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Hurricane evacuation, ordered to save lives of people of coastal regions, generates high traffic demand with increased crash risk. To mitigate such risk, transportation agencies need to anticipate highway locations with high crash risks to deploy appropriate countermeasures. With ubiquitous sensors and communication technologies, it is now possible to retrieve micro-level vehicular data containing individual vehicle trajectory and speed information. Such high-resolution vehicle data, potentially available in real time, can be used to assess prevailing traffic safety conditions. Using vehicle speed and acceleration profiles, potential crash risks can be predicted in real time. Previous studies on real-time crash risk prediction …

An Examination Of The Role Of Industry 4.0 In Supply Chain Management: Critical Success Factors And A Roadmap, Alper Senol

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Global supply chain management aims to enhance efficiency and profitability for suppliers, manufacturers, logistics providers, and warehouses. It faces challenges due to the complexity involved. To stay competitive, organizations in the industry are leveraging Industry 4.0 technologies, but some struggle with implementation due to limited expertise. The primary challenge of Global Supply Chain Management now is to integrate Industry 4.0 tools and technologies to maintain high-quality standards and optimized processes. This study focused on identifying the key factors that directly affect the success of integrating Industry 4.0 into the supply chain. It examined both tangible and intangible business resources and …

Transportation Electrification In Interdependent Power And Transportation Systems - Analysis, Planning, And Operation, Sina Baghali

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Electric vehicles (EVs) are one of the eminent alternatives to decarbonize the transportation sector. However, large-scale EV adoption brings new challenges and opportunities to both transportation and power systems (TPSs). The challenges include the lack of understanding of EV driving behaviors and the associated charging demand (CD) distribution, the complex interaction of the decentralized decision-makers from TPSs, and the insufficient infrastructure from TPSs to accommodate the growing CD of EVs. On the other hand, the opportunities include benefiting the power systems by leveraging vehicle-to-grid (V2G) technologies and improving transportation mobility by incorporating strategic infrastructure planning. The goal of this dissertation …

Defect Generation Mechanisms In Silica Under Intense Electronic Excitation By Ion Beams Below 100 K: Interplay Between Radiative Emissions, M. L. Crespillo, Joseph T. Graham, W. J. Weber, F. Agulló-López

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

Ion-beam effects on bulk silica at low temperature have been studied with the aim of understanding the routes and mechanisms leading from the initial generation of free carriers and self-trapped excitons (STEs) to the production of two stable defect structures in irradiated silica, non-bridging oxygen hole centers (NBOHCs) and oxygen deficient centers (ODCs). Ion beam induced luminescence (ionoluminescence, IL) spectra were obtained using 3 MeV H, 3.5 MeV He, 19 MeV Si, and 19 MeV Cl ions and a range of cryogenic irradiation temperatures from 30 to 100 K. The kinetic behavior of three emission bands centered at 1.9 eV …

Trajectory Design Optimization Using Coupled Radial Basis Functions (Crbfs), Kyler Roy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Optimal trajectory design has been extensively studied across multiple disciplines adopting different techniques for implementation and execution. It has been utilized in past space trajectory missions to either optimize the amount of fuel spent or minimize the time of flight to meet mission requirements. Coupled Radial Basis Functions (CRBFs) are a new way to solve these optimal control problems, and this thesis applies CRBFs to spacecraft trajectory optimization design problems. CRBFs are real-valued radial basis functions (RBFs) that utilize a conical spline while also not being affected by the value of the shape parameter. The CRBF approach is applied to …

A Unique Method Of Using Information Entropy To Evaluate The Reliability Of Deep Neural Network Predictions On Intracranial Electroencephalogram, Elakkat Dharmaraj Gireesh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Deep Neural networks (DNN) are fundamentally information processing machines, which synthesize the complex patterns in input to arrive at solutions, with applications in various fields. One major question when working with the DNN is, which features in the input lead to a specific decision by DNN. One of the common methods of addressing this question involve generation of heatmaps. Another pertinent question is how effectively DNN has captured the entire information presented in the input, which can potentially be addressed with complexity measures of the inputs. In the case of patients with intractable epilepsy, appropriate clinical decision making depends on …

Optimizing Information Values In Smart Mobility, Fatima Afifah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Smart mobility, enabled by advanced sensing, communication, vehicle, and emerging mobility technologies, has transformed transportation systems. Real-time information shared by public and private entities plays a pivotal role in smart mobility, which facilitates informed decision-making, including effective mode choice, dynamic vehicle control, optimized travel routing, and strategic vehicle relocation. While more information is believed to benefit individual decision makers, it is crucial to acknowledge that the effects of information on transportation network performance are contingent; more information may not always benefit the safety and mobility of the whole system. The goal of this dissertation is to investigate the effects of …

Optimal Sequencing And Scheduling Algorithm For Traffic Flows Based On Extracted Control Actions Near The Airport, Sharmistha Chakrabarti

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This dissertation seeks to design an optimization algorithm, based on naturalistic flight data, with emphasis on safety to perform a benefits' analysis when sequencing and scheduling aircraft at the runway. The viability of creating a decision-support tool to aid air traffic controllers in sequencing and optimizing airport operations is evaluated through the benefits' analysis. Air traffic control is a complex and critical system that ensures the safe and efficient movement of aircraft within the airspace. This is particularly true in the immediate vicinity of an airport. Unlike in en-route or terminal area airspace where aircraft usually traverse well established routes …

Distributed Optimization With Limited Communication In Networks With Adversaries, Iyanuoluwa Emiola

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

We all hope for the best but sometimes, one must plan for ways of dealing with the worst-case scenarios, especially in a network with adversaries. This dissertation illustrates a detailed description of distributed optimization algorithms over a network of agents, in which some agents are adversarial. The model considered is such that adversarial agents act to subvert the objective of the network. The algorithms presented in this dissertation are solved via gradient-based distributed optimization algorithm and the effects of the adversarial agents on the convergence of the algorithm to the optimal solution are characterized. The analyses presented establish conditions under …

Improving Basic Cadet Training For Changing Environment: Case Study At The Korea Air Force Academy, Yoojin Kwon

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Increasing uncertainty, such as Covid-19 and weather changes, threatens BCT (Basic Cadet Training) at ROKAFA (Republic of Korea Air Force Academy). In preparation for the changing and adverse environment, this study carried out the following steps to propose a system improvement utilizing LVC (Live, Virtual, Constructive) in BCT system at ROKAFA; 1) Researching the examples of BCT and LVC by advanced countries, 2) Analyzing BCT (ROKAFA) through systems approach (document analysis, survey of 140 cadets and officers, written interviews with military experts), 3) Applying LVC to BCT. BCT is a vital step in the transition from civilian to military status …

The Performance Of A Liquid-Fueled High Pressure Igniter For Scramjets, Gerardo Rodriguez

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Ignition systems within scramjet combust ors remain a trending topic of research because of the essential role they play in the engine's operation. An alternative to currently researched ignition systems is investigated in this study with the main goal of u tilizing the same liquid fuel as the mai n combustion chamber for the ignition system itself. In this case, JetA fuel was injected in a liquid jet in crossflow configuration with air to atomize the fuel. To characterize this ignition system, metrics such as combustion chamber pressure rise, pulse frequency, and jet penetration were used to validate possible utilization …

A High-Pressure Shock Tube Study Of Hydrogen And Ammonia Addition To Natural Gas For Reduced Carbon Emissions In Power Generation Gas Turbines, Michael Pierro

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Ignition delay times from undiluted mixtures of natural gas (NG)/H2/Air and NG/NH3/Air were measured using a high-pressure shock tube at the University of Central Florida. The combustion temperatures were experimentally tested between 1000-1500 K near a constant pressure of 25 bar. Mixtures were kept undiluted to replicate the same chemistry pathways seen in gas turbine combustion chambers. Recorded combustion pressures exceeded 200 bar due to the large energy release, hence why these were performed at the high-pressure shock tube facility. The data is compared to the predictions of the NUIGMech 1.1 mechanism for chemical kinetic model validation and refinement. An …

Flow Induced Vibration In Corrugated Metal Flexhoses, Patrick Tran

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This study on flow-induced vibration provides valuable insights into the fundamental dynamics of fluid-structure interactions. The findings contribute to the development of predictive models and design guidelines for engineering systems susceptible to flow-induced vibration. By improving our understanding of this phenomenon, engineers can enhance the safety and reliability of various structures subjected to fluid flow, such as pipelines, flexhoses, and bellows. Flowinduced vibration is a phenomenon that occurs when fluid flow interacts with a structure, leading to oscillations and potentially causing mechanical damage. Understanding the underlying mechanisms and predicting the vibration characteristics is crucial for the design and safe operation …

Early Life Drift And Environmental Effects In Nanocomposite Sensors For Biomechanics Applications, Jacob D. Carter

Theses and Dissertations

Wearable nanocomposite strain sensors are a promising technological advancement for real-time monitoring of human biomechanics. However, characterization of these sensors for biomechanical use can be complex due to factors such as creep-related resistance drift and environmental influence (humidity and temperature). The purpose of this work is to investigate and quantify these factors as well as seek to mitigate their effects. The first portion of this thesis is a study on creep-related drift of the electrical behavior of the sensors, investigating the impact of material cure levels and application of a compressive prestrain in ameliorating the observed drift. DSC testing of …

A Study Of The Influence Of Heat Flux On Aerodynamics In Hypersonic Flow, Kristina Pionessa

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

This study investigates the utilization of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to simulate aerodynamic heating effects in support of research and design endeavors. The initial investigation demonstrates the effectiveness of a computational approach in analyzing different geometries and flow conditions. Specifically, CFD is employed to analyze the aerodynamics of a blunt cone, double cone, and hypersonic leading edge experiencing a changing heat source across the flow/body boundary. At the stagnation point, maximum thermal loading occurs as previously found; therefore, boundary layer thickness and shock standoff distance is measured at that position to compare the results of each case. Characteristics such as …

Understanding The Mechanisms By Which Cable Sway Produces Motion Artifact In Mobile Electroencephalography, David Rojas

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Mobile brain/body imaging utilizes electroencephalography (EEG) to record brain activity during human walking in dynamic environments. Motion artifact from cable sway affects the quality of EEG signals collected from the scalp, masking contributions of synchronously firing neurons. Previous studies have explored cable sway-induced motion artifact, but only during vigorous exercise or controlled sinusoidal motion. Therefore, a need remains to further understand the underlying mechanisms of this artifact, as it may help with developing real-time mitigation methods, reducing reliance on offline signal processing. In this thesis, I aimed to show that controlled cable sway could produce specific motion artifact waveforms in …

Experimental Analysis On Effects Of Inclination And Direction On Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Heat Transfer For Internal Pipe Flow, Emmanuel Gabriel-Ohanu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO2) can be utilized as a working or heat transfer fluid in various thermal systems with applications in large-scale power cycles; portable power production units, coolant systems and devices. However, there are no sufficient methods and equations of heat transfer coefficient correlations, and in addition insufficient research studies about the mechanisms controlling heat transfer processes for sCO2. This study is motivated by the need to understand the intricate properties of sCO2 heat transfer and fluid dynamics with an emphasis on flow direction and inclination effects. This paper presents the study on effects of gravity, buoyancy on sCO2 …

Theoretical Analysis Of Charge Conduction And Rectification In Self-Assembled-Monolayers In Molecular Junctions, Francis Adoah

Electronic Theses and Dissertations, 2020-2023

As electrical devices shrink to the atomic scale, it is expected that Moore's law will soon be obsolete for semiconductor devices. In 1974, Avriam and Ratner predicted that organic devices could replace semiconductor technology, leading to extensive research on molecular-based organic devices. This dissertation delves into the theoretical frameworks used to examine the transport in molecular junctions and aims to enhance our comprehension of charge transport and conduction properties. The studies presented in this thesis illustrates that a molecule's alteration by just a single atom can change it from an insulator to a conductor, and also that, by fine-tuning the …