Engineering Commons^™

Development Of Titanium Dioxide Coating For Self-Cleaning Photovoltaic Panels, Chau Pham

Masters Theses

As global energy demands continue to rise amid increasing environmental concerns, the transition to renewable energy sources, particularly solar power, has become imperative. Solar energy, driven by recent advancements in photovoltaic (PV) technology, presents a promising solution for achieving greater sustainability and efficiency. However, despite these technological advancements, the persistent issue of soiling caused by dust, bird droppings, and other contaminants remains a major obstacle, diminishing sunlight absorption and reducing energy conversion efficiency, presenting a significant obstacle to optimal PV performance.

This study explores the application of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticle coatings to address this challenge by enhancing the self-cleaning …

Hidden Markov Model For Identifying Local Variants In Human Genomes Using Simulated Data, Scott Mccallum

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Identifying adaptive mutations in genetic data is challenging due to the low frequency of occurrence of such events, and because signatures of selection are intertwined with the footprints of various other evolutionary forces that shape our genomes. Even when a larger region appears to be under selection, genomic sites that are linked to adaptive mutations have similar statistical signals, and thus can obfuscate the identification of the actual adaptive mutation. The new method described here uses a Hidden Markov Model that allows for classification of neutral, linked, and sweep (adaptive mutation) genomic sites. This model is general and can be …

A Comprehensive Usability And Economic Analysis Of Heat-Related Wearable Technologies: Applications To Occupational Health, Ryan T. Cannady

Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to analyze the usability and economic considerations of real-time wearable technologies that are implemented in occupational settings to assess risk of heat stress and heat strain. The study population included current agriculture workers and Department of Energy (DOE), Environmental Management (EM) contractors. We employed a mixed-methods approach to comprehensively analyze the usability and economic considerations of heat-related technologies. Specifically, our approach assessed three distinct aspects the applications of these technologies in occupational settings to comprehensively address our research objective: (1) worker perceptions of heat-related wearable technologies, (2) field-based assessment of these heat-related wearable technologies, …

A Clustering-Based Location Allocation Method For Delivery Sites Under Epidemic Situations, Yaqiong Zhou, Junqi Chen, Weishi Li, Sihang Qiu, Rusheng Ju

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the poor performance of commonly used intelligent optimization algorithms in solving location problems—specifically regarding effectiveness, efficiency, and stability—this study proposes a novel location allocation method for the delivery sites to deliver daily necessities during epidemic quarantines. After establishing the optimization objectives and constraints, we developed a relevant mathematical model based on the collected data and utilized traditional intelligent optimization algorithms to obtain Pareto optimal solutions. Building on the characteristics of these Pareto front solutions, we introduced an improved clustering algorithm and conducted simulation experiments using data from Changchun City. The results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm outperforms …

Research On Verification Method Of Motor Startups In Nuclear Power Plants Based On Topology Recognition, Baozhu Li, Weijie Dong, Chao Chen

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: There are many motors in operation or on standby in nuclear power plants, and the startup of group motors will have a great impact on the voltage of the emergency bus. At present, there is no special or inexpensive software to solve this problem, and the experience of engineers is not accurate enough. Therefore, this paper developed a method and system for the startup calculation of group motors in nuclear power plants and proposed an automatic generation method of circuit topology in nuclear power plants. Each component in the topology was given its unique number, and the component class …

Modeling And Integration Method Of Sysml Model For Complex Business Scenarios, Bing Yu, Baoran An, Shicao Zhao

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The development process of complex equipment involves multi-stage business processes, multi-level product architecture, and multi-disciplinary physical processes. The relationship between its system model and various disciplinary models is extremely complicated. In the modeling and integration process, extensive customized development is needed to realize model integration and interoperability in different business scenarios. Meanwhile, the differences in modeling and interaction between different modeling tools make it difficult to support the consistent representation of models in complex scenarios. To improve the efficiency of system modeling and integration in complex business scenarios, a system modeling and integration method was proposed. This method took …

Algorithm And Semi-Physical System Simulation For Command Intent Recognition Of Uav In Low-Resource Environment, Hongfu Liu, Yajing Fu, Wanpeng Zhang, Hu Zhang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: When a communication network is partially disabled or disrupted, an UAV is plunged into a "low-resource environment" and must rely on local hardware resources. This situation imposes constraints on computing power, storage capacity, and energy availability. To address the need for command intent recognition in such environments, a semi-physical simulation system for UAV in emergency rescue operations has been designed and implemented. Based on the low resource airborne hardware in the loop, the system simulates UAV command intention recognition and mission planning through GIS+BIM 3D environment modeling task scenarios. A new lightweight algorithm for intent recognition has been proposed, …

Uav Swarm Obstacle Avoidance Based On Visual Filed And Adaptive Radius, Gaohang Ai, Chuntao Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Aiming at the obstacle avoidance problem of large-scale UAV swarm tracking flight route, a swarm obstacle avoidance algorithm based on distributed model predictive control combined with visual field and adaptive obstacle avoidance radius is proposed. In the process of swarm flight, the UAV obtains the reference route information of the current moment according to its own position, and obtains the predicted trajectory of its neighbors through local information interaction. When encountering obstacles, the adaptive obstacle avoidance radius and field of view topology method are combined to effectively solve the problem that the internal safety distance cannot be maintained and …

A Novel Research Pattern For The Simulation Of Complex Systems Sigd, Bin Chen, Runkang Guo, Zhengqiu Zhu, Yong Zhao, Yatai Ji, Aiguo Chen, Guangquan Cheng

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The complexity of the system is mainly reflected in the numerous components and extremely complex interactions. Combined with the current trend of artificial intelligence development, this paper analyzes and considers the changes in thinking mode brought by simulation discipline research, and forms an understanding of the connotation and research scope of simulation intelligence. A new pattern for complex system simulation research is proposed: "simulation intelligence based generating decisions (SIGD)". In the SIGD pattern, the similar principles, modeling methods, and decision-guiding modes in simulation disciplines are different from those in traditional simulation. Under the guidance of this concept, a connection-oriented …

Fail-Safe Logic Design Strategies Within Modern Fpga Architectures, Priya A. Bhakta

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) are vulnerable to radiation-induced single event upsets (SEUs) and fault injection attacks, requiring the use of redundancy techniques such as fail-safe computing. Fail-safe computing refers to computing systems that revert to a non-operational safe state when a fault occurs. This work investigates circuit-level techniques and implements fail-safe computing processes as mitigation for SEUs and fault injection attacks on FPGAs. The analysis reveals vulnerabilities that exist in FPGAs over those in application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC); thus, requiring a more elaborate network of redundant circuits and checking logic. The reconfiguration capability of FPGAs adds complexity to fail-safe …

Discrete Element Method For Mining Industrial Applications: Solving The Clumping Problem Caused By Bulk Cohesive Particles In An Iron Ore Beneficiation Process, Shuang Liu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The discrete element method (DEM) is a widely used numerical approach for simulating and analyzing the behavior of granular materials in various applications. This research focuses on the iron ore beneficiation process, addressing the clumping issue in cohesive iron ores from existing crushing processes through a novel double-layered disperser design. The significance of this study lies in its potential to enhance the efficiency of the existing crushing phase and improve the linkage to subsequent purification stages that target smaller-sized iron ore pellets, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the ore beneficiation process and achieving significant energy savings. This research adopts …

An Intelligent System Using Deep Learning For Healthcare Monitoring In Light Of The Covid-19 And Future Pandemics Based On Iot, Sara Salman Qasim, Rajaa J. Khanjar, Jamal Nasir Hasoon, Baesher Abdullateff Abad, Ali Hussein Fadil, Shajan.M. Alsowaidi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Recently, the Internet of Things has become a compelling research field as a new topic of research in various disciplines, particularly in the field of healthcare, because the Internet of Things is rebuilding modern healthcare systems by integrating technology, economics, and social perspectives. The development of healthcare systems from traditional to more personalized systems in which patients can be easily diagnosed, monitored and treated and many people can be helped. People are treated and cared for remotely and this is what some people need in the crisis the world has been through like COVID-19. This epidemic is caused by the …

Speech Coding Based On A Hybrid Approach: Dct, Huffman And Run-Length Coding, Sundos Abdulameer Alazawi, Esraa Jaffar Baker, Shahbaa Mohammed Abdulmaged

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The exponential expansion of data in the digital world necessitates the development of effective methods for data transmission and storage. Data compression (DC) strategies are suggested to reduce the quantity of data stored or conveyed due to constrained resources. As a result of DC ideas' ability to efficiently use existing storage space and transmission capacity, different methods have been developed in various areas. Speech coding is a lossy method of coding; therefore, the output signal differs slightly from the input signal. Speech coding is useful for message encryption, communication over long distances and speech quality. In the fields of digital …

Measurement Of The Mechanical Properties Of Blood Vessels Using A Vascular Simulation Rig, Jack Lockyer

The Plymouth Student Scientist

Understanding the mechanical properties of blood vessels is crucial for reconstructive surgeons who connect donor tissue flaps to recipient sites. This paper describes the development of a vascular simulation test rig that delivers pulsatile flow to a blood vessel sample while continuously monitoring system pressure and sample diameter. These measurements allow for the calculation of the viscous coefficient, an important mechanical property for comparing blood vessels. A pilot test using the rig demonstrates its ability to measure pressure and diameter and highlights necessary improvements to enhance data quality. The pilot test shows that the current rig can measure 5 mm …

Investigation Of The Use Of Nanotechnology In Food Packaging, Ollie-May Woodland

The Plymouth Student Scientist

This review discusses topics related to the use and development of nanotechnology and nanomaterials in food packaging applications. The accelerated use of these technologies brings about relevant safety, environmental, ethical and legislative/ regulatory concerns and as such the aim of this work is to assess the viability of the use of current commercialised nano-enabled packaging and to evaluate the potential future trends in the progression of these technologies against public opinion and potential risk(s). The data for this report was collected through comprehensive research of nanotechnology and its applications, specifically the packaging industry in the food sector. An online survey …

Real-Time Control (Rtc)-Based Urban Flood Risk Assessment Framework For Arid And Semi-Arid Regions, Sulaiman Altami

Dissertations - ALL

Global climate change has recently increased Flood Risk (FR) disasters in arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in Gulf countries, such as the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Arid regions generally face low rain on average during a year, but flash floods occur during rainfall of longer return periods due to urbanization and climate change. Flood Risk Assessment (FRA) outcomes enable municipalities (planners and decision-makers) in arid urban areas to develop flood management strategies and mitigate the issues of drainage systems, which may otherwise affect the quality of life. FRA is an effective tool for not only identifying high-risk areas but …

The Evolution Of The University Of Al-Anbar Urban Planning Based On The Mental Picture's Diversity And The Contemporary Planning Spaces Filling, Ali Abdulsamea Hameed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This research concentrated on the role of environmental graphic design (EGD) and the place-making idea in the interior environment of Al-Anbar University. To develop an identity being visual for the University of Al-Anbar internal environment (IE) is this goal of project. The search sought to create and enhance the shape of the internal University of Al-Anbar vacuum by reviving the idea of place building. In order to build and filling the internal emptiness of the campus, the identity being visual must also be strengthened. The descriptive analytical approach was chosen since it was best suited to achieve the goal of …

Discrete Element Method For Mining Industrial Applications: Solving The Clumping Problem Caused By Bulk Cohesive Particles In An Iron Ore Beneficiation Process, Shuang Liu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The discrete element method (DEM) is a widely used numerical approach for simulating and analyzing the behavior of granular materials in various applications. This research focuses on the iron ore beneficiation process, addressing the clumping issue in cohesive iron ores from existing crushing processes through a novel double-layered disperser design. The significance of this study lies in its potential to enhance the efficiency of the existing crushing phase and improve the linkage to subsequent purification stages that target smaller-sized iron ore pellets, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of the ore beneficiation process and achieving significant energy savings. This research adopts …

Modeling And Algorithms To Simplify Complex Multi-Clock/Edge Timing Constraints In High Performance Synchronous Digital Circuits, Nagbhushan Veerapaneni

Dissertations - ALL

Complex timing constraints that refer to multiple clocks and/or edges are often used in the design of modern high-performance processors. Such constraints complicate downstream algorithms such as logic synthesis and lead to inefficiencies. The complexity of the overall CAD system can be reduced considerably if we can optimally transform the timing constraints so that they refer only to a single clock and edge. In this dissertation, we show how to model these multi clock/edge timing constraints and describe algorithms to reduce the number of reference clocks/edges. We first introduce the concept of timing specification transformation and define optimality. We formulate …

Studies On The Synthesis, Reactivity, And Stability Of Au Nanoparticles In Ts-1 Zeolites For Propylene Epoxidation Within H2/O2 Mixtures, Weixin Li

Dissertations - ALL

The increasing global demand for energy and materials has highlighted the importance of efficient production of chemical intermediates like propylene oxide (PO), a key compound in manufacturing polyurethanes, propylene glycol, and other industrial products. Traditional methods, such as the chlorohydrin process and organic peroxide methods, pose environmental and economic challenges due to hazardous by-products and complex processes. The need for greener alternatives led to the exploration of gold (Au) catalysts for the direct catalytic epoxidation of propylene using hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2). This research focused on understanding the propylene epoxidation process over Au catalysts, specifically Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) supported …

Wood-Plastic Composites Integration For Triboelectric Nanogenerator Electricity Generation, Hanbyeol Park, Razamala Yashna F. Dimaporo, Sophia Maureen A. Emperado, Anton Jefferson L. Pangilinan, Juan Carlo T. Gumangan

Sinaya: A Philippine Journal for Senior High School Teachers and Students

Access to electricity in underdeveloped communities is particularly crucial in improving the living standards of people and alleviating poverty by promoting sustainable development. This study deals with the exploration of incorporating wood-plastic composite (WPC) – specifically wood pulp (W) and high-density polyethylene (H) – into triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) flooring system to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy, promoting sustainable energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, improving the quality of life, and serving as feasible flooring tiles. Two types of TENG tiles were prepared by using different WPC ratios: 30W:70H and 70W:30H. A static bending test was conducted to assess the flexural …

Harmonic Impedance Modeling And Oscillation Analysis Of Modular Multilevel Converter, Yuhong Wang, Wensheng Chen, Shilin Gao, Jianquan Liao, Yangfan Cheng

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To facilitate rapid analysis of the oscillation stability mechanism in modular multilevel converter-based high voltage direct current (MMC-HVDC) systems and streamline the simulation process for determining MMC impedance characteristics, a simplified mathematical simulation model for MMC closed-loop impedance is developed using the harmonic state space method. This model considers various control strategies and includes both AC-side and DC-side impedance models. By applying a Nyquist criterion-based impedance analysis method, the stability mechanisms on the AC and DC sides of the MMC are examined. In addition, a data-driven oscillation stability analysis method is also proposed, leveraging a global sensitivity algorithm based …

Optimal Operation Scheduling Of Integrated Energy System Considering Energy Priority, Dongli Jia, Keyan Liu, Zhaoying Ren, Zezhou Wang, Dongsheng Tang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Integrated with the actual situation of power grid and the growth of new energy, a multiobjective model for optimal scheduling of the integrated energy system(IES) is established based on the analysis of the energy-flow relationship of the IES and taking into account the priority of energy utilization and the load demand response in terms of the mismatch between the distributed energy sources and the loads, the net benefit of the unit cost of the IES, and the load response degree. Combined with the equipment and the environmental benefits system, a priority constraint for energy utilization has been established for …

Research On Scheduling Strategies Simulation For Building Air-Conditioning Systems Based On Transfer Imitation Learning, Qiaochu Wang, Yan Ding, Chuanzhi Liang, Haozheng Zhang, Chen Huang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To solve the problem of unstable performance and inefficient training process of low-quality data conditions at the initial stage of online deployment of air conditioner scheduling, we propose a migration-imitation learning-based air conditioning scheduling strategy simulation method. Reinforcement learning methods are used to generate building operation strategies. A standard building simulation model serves as the source domain, upon which migration learning is applied. An imitation learning loss function is incorporated into the intelligent loss function to enhance algorithm performance. The results indicate that, compared with the non-use of migration learning, the proposed method can improve the operational efficiency by …

Behavioral Modeling Of Manned-Unmanned Cooperative Air Combat Based On Improved Abc Algorithm, Peng Wang, Haoyu Liu, Ni Li, Zexi Yu, Shangjie Jia

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To solve the problem of difficulty in establishing collaborative behavior models and weak adversarial capabilities in typical MAV/UAV air combat scenarios, a mixed decision based MAV/UAV behavior modeling framework is proposed. Using collaborative rule sets, rule subsets, tactical action sets, and other tools, a hierarchical decision collaborative behavior model supporting five types of collaborative tactics, including grinding tactics and unilateral flanking tactics, is constructed in this framework. a behavior model parameter optimization method based on an improved artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm is proposed. By using the Mason rotation method to initialize the population, a better initial honey source …

Path Planning Of Desert Robot Based On Deep Reinforcement Learning, Ming Li, Wangzhong Ye, Jiehua Yan

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Due to the complexity and variability of the desert environment, the key to the high-efficient of mobile robot is how to avoid obstacles and plan its path. To solve the problems of poor search efficiency and slow convergence of deep reinforcement learning algorithm in complex environment, an improved deep reinforcement learning path planning algorithm is proposed. The exploration factor is improved and dynamically adjusted according to the convergence degree of the algorithm, so that the exploration factor dynamically decreases with the increase of the understanding degree of the agent to the environment, thus speeding up the convergence speed of …

Effects Of Negative Poisson’S Ratio On The Mechanics Of Auxetic Carbon Fiber Composites Under Tensile, Buckling And Low Velocity Impact, Wenhua Lin

Dissertations - ALL

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) matrix composites exhibited superior properties, such as high specific stiffness and specific strength, excellent fatigue and corrosion resistance, and low coefficient of thermal expansion, have been popular across various industries including aerospace, marine, automotive, energy, civil infrastructure, and high-end sports over the past decades. However, one significant drawback of CFRP composites is the susceptibility to low velocity impact damage which, for aircraft, can be results of tool drop, runway debris, and bird strike during takeoff and landing. These impact events could lead to external and internal damages of a CFRP composite structure in various damage …

Thermodynamics And Shear Flow Dynamics Of Block Copolymer Morphologies In Solution, Senyuan Liu

Dissertations - ALL

Block copolymers (BCPs) have been a focal point of research for several decades. They have been engineered to produce various morphologies by altering the combinations of chemically distinct polymer segments that interact selectively with their environment, such as in aqueous or organic solvents, or within a polymer matrix. The ability to tailor morphological features by manipulating polymer chain length, composition, and monomer chemistry has led to applications in advanced material manufacturing, catalysis, emulsification, environmental remediation, targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, and medical diagnostics. Consequently, understanding the relationship between copolymer architecture and the self-assembled morphologies at equilibrium, the pathways of structure …

Pan-Cancer Analysis Of Rna Dysregulation, Somatic Mutations, And Matrix Stiffness Using Bioinformatics Approaches, Gongyu Tang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Cancer is a complex disease driven by genetic mutations, epigenetic modifications, and alterations in the tumor microenvironment. Understanding these intricate molecular mechanisms is crucial for advancing cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has emerged as a powerful tool to study cancer by providing comprehensive insights into gene expression, alternative splicing, and mutations at the transcriptome level. This dissertation leverages RNA-seq data to explore different dimensions of cancer biology through multi-omics integration and computational approaches. The research is divided into three main projects. First, I developed OncoDB, an interactive database to analyze gene expression, methylation patterns, and viral interactions …

Mems 411: Dbf Wind Tunnel, Jeremy Choh, Stefan Hester, David Howard, Yang Yang

Mechanical Engineering Design Project Class

Design, Build, Fly (DBF) is a student-run engineering team at Washington University in St. Louis (WUSTL) that designs aircraft for flight competitions. Before assembling the final product, DBF runs numerous simulations on prototypes to understand the effects of drag and lift on the designed shape. The lift and drag parameters are important to aircraft design, as DBF hopes to optimize flight performance during competitions. However, simulations require computational power, are theoretical at best, and may inaccurately represent real-life situations. Preferably, DBF can use physical testing that captures prototype performance with more qualitative details.

Senior Design Group Z approaches DBF's needs …