Engineering Commons^™

Development Of A Force Perturbation Handle For Physical Interaction Research In Humans, Henry Tien, Riley Still, Yun Seong Song

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The vision of developing more advanced robots that physically interact with people begins with the study of how people interact with each other. Even the simplest interactions between humans, such as shaking hands, provides tremendous challenges for current robots and minimal research has been conducted on the inner workings of these interactions. Understanding the process and mechanics behind effective and intuitive physical human-human interaction (pHHI) will yield meaningful insight into designing robots capable of assisting the elderly, operating side by side with workers, or even dancing with people. To study this process, a custom Force Perturbation Handle (FPH) was developed, …

Biosensors For Antibacterial Medical Applications, Ryan Fagan, Shelby Wallen

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Healthcare associated infections are significant concern in medicine and as antibiotics are becoming less effective, we need new alternative methods to treat them. We are testing various materials that can be used to prevent infections in healthcare settings and in wound treatments. These materials include bioactive glass and modified hydrogel materials. From these studies we've learned these are effective in killing bacteria and preventing infections. The goal of this project is to determine the mechanism at which these materials kill bacteria. Our approach is to construct biosensor strains that can indicate bacterial stress response to antimicrobial agents. We have used …

The Aerodynamic Levitator Project, Noah Brown

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

After the development and successful demonstration of a hyperbaric aerodynamic levitator, work to redesign the nozzle was proposed for increasing levitation height and stability. The goal of this eight-week summer research project was to create a CFD model to aid in the optimization of this nozzle. This was to be accomplished by using ANSYS Fluent to first replicate experimental data found in a research paper to assess its validity. Next, the model was to be modified for use on the levitator project and then used to analyze the current nozzle design. Afterwards, Steps will be taken to make alterations to …

Supersonic Wind Tunnel Modeling, Noah Cain, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Supersonic wind tunnels are essential for high-speed aerodynamics research, allowing studies ranging from fundamental flow physics to the advancement of supersonic transport. This work presents a physics-based model developed for the Missouri S& T supersonic wind tunnel, a blow-down facility employing a converging-diverging nozzle to achieve high-speed flow. The model accounts for real gas effects, including Joule-Thomson phenomena, as well as predictions of pressure losses and heat transfer. Implemented in Matlab, the model's accuracy was validated through comparison with experimental measurements, demonstrating excellent agreement. This research contributes to the reliable prediction of supersonic wind tunnel performance, thus advancing the understanding …

Organic Contaminant Effects On The Mac Of Water, Jordan Hartfield

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The evaporation or condensation rate of a liquid surface is directly proportional to the mass accommodation coefficient (MAC). Since the MAC is difficult, if not impossible, to experimentally measure, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations have been employed to study it. Experimental studies have shown that airborne hydrocarbon contaminants from a variety of sources can adsorb on liquid surfaces and significantly alter the surface properties. We have therefore studied the effects of organic surface contaminants, which are immiscible with water, on the MAC using equilibrium and nonequilibrium MD simulations. Our equilibrium MD simulation results show that the MAC decreases linearly with increases …

Tnt Equivalence: Measuring, Validating, And Appending Binary Energetics To The Literature, Gracie Mae James, Rachel Bauer, Alexander Douglas, Catherine E. Johnson

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests were performed: 1) a plate dent test for direct dent comparison, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, …

Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticles Fabrication For Gene Delivery, Noah Sparks, Lei Xu, Hu Yang

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

In this project ionizable lipids were analyzed for their efficacy in delivery of mRNA in multiple metastatic lung cancer cells. Different ionizable lipids with their molar ratio in making the LNPs were analyzed in order to enhance the nucleic acid delivery to cytoplasm. Phospholipids also play a role in targeting efficacy of the LNPs to the lung cells. Different combination of ionizable lipids with multiple phospholipids were studied for physical characterization and in-vitro transcription efficiency. Transcription efficiency was then quantified using flow cytometry and optimal particles for transcription were noted.

Data Driven Enhanced Vsg Control For Microgrids, Sophia A. Strathman, Oroghene Oboreh-Snapps, Jonathan W. Kimball

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This research explores the fusion of deep reinforcement learning and virtual synchronous generator control in a bid to enhance microgrid operations. Microgrids typically consist of multiple inverter-based distributed generators (IBDGs) connected in parallel to mismatched line impedances. This results in unequal reactive power sharing which negatively impacts the performance of IBDGs in microgrids. To achieve enhanced control, a solution utilizing deep reinforcement learning (DRL) is proposed. DRL agents are trained to control variables in each IBDG using a well-designed reward function capable of achieving the following objectives: 1.) ensure output voltage of each IBDG remains within the designated operating boundary …

Phytoremediation Of Nonpoint Source Pollution, Tylor Cheatham

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Stormwater can bring high concentrations of nutrients into urban ponds resulting in eutrophic conditions and subsequent algal blooms. These 91 blooms can lead to hypoxic water that will ultimately cause fish deaths and loss of recreation. Often, the majority of urban stormwater flows into local ponds through an inlet, which provides a target area for nutrient removal methods. One method being explored by researchers is the use of floating treatment wetlands (FTWs). FTWs are floating mats with plants anchored to them, allowing the roots to be suspended in the water column for nutrient removal. Our previous research focused on optimizing …

Tnt Equivalence Of Binary Energetics, Gracie Mae James

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

TNT equivalency is a standard used to measure and quantify the effects of energetic materials. Using these equivalencies, the safety factors for minimum distances and storage of explosives are determined. Having a known TNT equivalence of energetic materials also helps estimate potential blast damage and risks for individuals. The TNT equivalencies for numerous energetic materials, such as binaries, have no published values, but are regularly used in industry, military, and research testing. To determine TNT equivalence, three tests will be performed: 1) a plate dent test, 2) air blast tests to measure air overpressure and calculate impulse, and 3) velocity …

Thermogravimetric Analysis Of High & Low Alloy Steel, Clark Nguyen

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Oxidation phenomena play a critical role in high temperature metallurgical processing and the performance during life cycle of components made of both high and low alloy steels. Therefore, the development of a precise experimental methodology to quantify oxidation processes is critically important. This report summarizes my experimental study of the oxidation behavior of high and low alloy steel, including kinetics of surface oxide layer formation and spallation. The focus of study was in determining the complex interactions between alloying elements in steel matrix and oxidation environment, composition and surface morphology of formed oxides. This report will also explore how the …

Quantifying Asphalt Binder Uv Effects With Relaxometry, Rosalee Brown

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Asphalt deterioration involves many physical and chemical changes caused by environmental factors such as automotive strain, extreme heat, and UV exposure. Asphalt binder assessment in the industry is currently based on structurally destructive testing methods and tests of physical performance without accounting for chemical structure. An emerging evaluation of asphalt binder uses relaxometry, a field of nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, to directly observe how asphalt binder is changed by causes of deterioration such as UV exposure. NMR relaxometry explores nuclear spins' interactions with their environment. This noninvasive method can provide a detailed view into the chemical environment of virgin …

Water Quality Profiles In Two Rolla Ponds: Implications For Nutrient Management, Tylor Cheatham

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Eutrophication of aquatic ecosystems is a growing global issue due to anthropogenic inputs. One of the main issues associated with eutrophication is fish death. Eutrophic waters can lead to algal blooms, resulting in hypoxic conditions where there is not enough oxygen to support the oxygen-breathing organisms like fish. This can happen in lakes or where rivers meet the ocean. These hypoxic conditions are a concern for lake managers and people who make a living fishing in waters that are now experiencing fish death. One method to target the oxygen levels in lakes is adding aerators. Because of how dynamic ecosystems …

Engineering Faculty Perspectives On Student-Use Of Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gai) In Course Completion: A Work-In-Progress, Michaela Harper

Student Research Symposium

How do engineering faculty perceive student use of GAI assistance in undergraduate course completion?

Simulating Low Gravity Particle-Laden Flow, Ryan Lewis

Student Research Symposium

No abstract provided.

Identify And Quantify The Adverse Effects Of Plastics In Water-Soil-Plant System, Junjie Tang

Student Research Symposium

Plastic pollution has become impossible to ignore.

- Within that roughly 20-year span, we have generated 2.5bn tonnes of plastic waste and each year we produce about 380 million tonnes. More.

- Plastic waste:

(1) beaches

(2) landfills

(3) fruits and vegetables

(4) human organ

Energy-Aware Vehicle Routing Problem, Derek Redmond

Student Research Symposium

Outline

• Motivation
• The Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP)
• Solution Techniques
• Ant Colony Optimization
• Current Work
• Future Work

Experiential Learning In Rf Circuit Design, Benjamin Cuebas

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This research project will explore the intricacies of Radio Frequency (RF) circuitry design, demonstrating acquired insights by constructing a discrete RF amplifier with digital input attenuation control. The study will delve into a multitude of RF topics such as serial communication, digital data storage, transmission line theory, impedance matching, network parameters, amplifier classes, and Smith chart analysis. The RF amplifier will be designed to have an approximately 15dB input gain/attenuation digitally controlled by an external microcontroller. The device will operate at 50 MHz, in the VHF frequency range, with an input and output impedance of 50 . A network analyzer …

Density Fluctuations Measurements In Supersonic Flows, Allie Dingfield, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Turbulence in compressible flows plays a major role in a variety of aerospace applications. However, due to fluctuating thermodynamic quantities, compressible turbulence is challenging to analyze. Of these quantities, density fluctuations are of high importance due to their role in describing turbulence. A method to obtain quantitative measurements of density fluctuations has been developed using the optical technique of shadowgraph imaging. Shadowgraph imaging has frequently been used to obtain qualitative information about density gradients in fluids. However, quantitative application of these methods is much less common. The quantitative shadowgraph method presented here relates the light intensity variations in an image …

Turbulence Characterization For Supersonic Wind Tunnel, Allie Dingfield

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Turbulence in compressible flows holds significant importance across various applications, such as optimizing air/fuel mixing in scramjet combustors. However, managing compressible turbulence presents distinct challenges compared to incompressible flows, as fluctuations extend to thermodynamic quantities, including density. Density fluctuations notably influence the production term of Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE). Despite advancements in velocity measurements, particularly in supersonic flows, density measurement remains inherently complex. This study focuses on further refining a turbulence density measurement technique utilizing shadowgraph imaging, tailored for application in the recently upgraded Missouri S& T supersonic wind tunnel. The developed technique will enable the student to quantify turbulent …

Analysis Of 1,4 Dioxane In Plants, Briannah Spisak

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Missouri S& T collaborates with University of Iowa on projects to identify the presence of 1,4 Dioxane in tree core samples. The research group will replicate the situation in smaller reactors on campus. The following materials will be used: conetainers, willow cuttings, biochar, and perlite. The plants will be dosed with 1,4-Dioxane and analyzed with Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry (GCMS). Plant growth and health will be monitored and related to growth conditions and pollutant exposure. Larger mesocosms will be dosed over the summer and will have in-planta analysis as well. To replicate the field site, exact biochar and perlite from the …

Floating Treatment Wetlands For Zinc Phytoremediation, Grace Duong

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Stormwater pollution from urban and mining areas can pose challenges to downstream waters because of zinc contamination. Floating treatment wetlands (FTWs) have demonstrated the ability to mitigate nutrient and metal contamination. To investigate the effectiveness of native Missouri plants in FTWs, fourteen 10-liter mesocosms were constructed, dosed with nutrients, and placed in a greenhouse. Four mesocosms acted as controls, five contained pickerelweed, and five contained palm sedge. After one week of acclimation, mesocosms were dosed with ZnCl2 in concentrations of 0, 5, and 10 mg/L of zinc. Objectives of this study include characterizing zinc immobilization and assessing both pickerelweed and …

Using Virtual Reality Technologies In Built Environment Education, Rebekah Floyd, Kayla Walters, Stuart Werner Baur

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Virtual reality (VR) offers transformative potential in built environment education, including human-made surroundings like buildings and infrastructure. This review explores VR's benefits, challenges, and trends in this field. VR fosters immersive learning, allowing students to explore architectural designs and urban planning scenarios. It provides hands-on experiences, enhancing spatial understanding and critical thinking. Simulations enable safe experimentation with design ideas and construction techniques without the real-life limitations or risk holding students back. However, challenges include high costs, technical limitations, and the need for educator training. Ensuring accessibility for all students is crucial. Despite challenges, VR's potential to revolutionize built environment education …

Fea Analysis On S& T Student Designed Satellite, Joseph Nguyen

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The Missouri Rolla and Missouri Rolla Second Satellite (MR & MRS) is a paired satellite developed by the Missouri S& T Satellite Reseach Team (M-SAT) designed to test new technologies in support of missions involving proximity operations. The M-SAT team won first place in the Nanosatellite Competition hosted by Air Force Research Laboratory in 2015 and obtained funding to proceed with design development. The MR & MRS satellite today will undergo extensive revisions to meet new design requirements and changing technological advancements. The alterations planned for MR & MRS will not only change the structure but directly affect the thermal …

Analyzing The Viability Of Novel Reactor Technology, Auston Obsuth

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This study explores an innovative anaerobic digestion reactor technology aimed at improving the sustainability and efficiency of organic waste management. By employing a system without mechanical parts, it seeks to significantly enhance energy conversion from waste, tackling waste accumulation and the need for renewable energy sources. The project will use a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating economics, engineering management, and environmental science, to thoroughly evaluate the reactor's performance in terms of gas production, stability, and efficiency. Additionally, it will assess the economic viability and environmental impact, emphasizing advantages such as waste reduction and decreased greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, preliminary market analysis and …

Iron Doped Zeolitic Materials For Propane Dehydrogenation Catalyst, Emily Cahill, Amitava Choudhury

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This research describes the synthesis of iron-doped zeolitic catalysts for the transformation of propane to propylene. The goal of this research is to develop a dehydrogenation catalyst to convert shale-gas derived cheap propane feedstock to economically valuable propylene, while at the same time making this catalyst sustainable and non-toxic to the environment. Fedoped zeolitic frameworks have shown promising activity in percentage of conversion and in selectivity. In our study we analyzed zeolites ZSM-5 and AIP0-5. These were chosen because they have differences in pore structure , channel sizes, and connectivity between channels. Most importantly the differences in the chemistry as …

Feasibility Of Using Hemp Fiber Reinforcement In 3d Printing Cementitious Composites, Zachary Baldwin, Ali Fasihi, Nicolas Ali Libre

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

This research is aimed at investigating the f~asibility of implementing natural fibers, such as hemp fibers, in lieu of synthetic fibers as sustainable and environmentally friendly resources in concrete production. In the first stage of this study, a surface treatment was applied to hemp fibers 12 mm± 2 mm in length using a 5 wt% sodium hydroxide (NaOH) solution to determine the effect treated hemp fibers have on cementitious composites. Additionally, three cement mortars were made with different fiber ratios (0.75%, 1.5%, 3%) to determine the optimal hemp fiber content of the mortars. Concrete samples were cast also concrete filaments …

New Testing Capabilities Of The Missouri University Of Science And Technology Supersonic Wind Tunnel, Joshua Gary, Davide Vigano

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The development of non-intrusive, laser-based diagnostic techniques has significantly enhanced supersonic experimental aerodynamics, enabling the measurement of many parameters in complex flow fields. Among these techniques, Tomographic Particle Image Velocimetry, capable of measuring 3 components of velocity in 3-dimensional volumes, is now available at the Aerodynamics Research Laboratory of the Missouri University of Science and Technology. To integrate this new system into the university's supersonic wind tunnel, a redesigned nozzle, test section, and diffuser have been implemented. The upgraded modular test section features 4 large ports which can be configured with windows for optical diagnostics or lead plates for model …

The Deconstructed 555 Timer And Application Circuits For Interactive Educational Experience, Preston Carroll, Benjamin Cuebas, Justin Fausto, Rohit Dua

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

The Deconstructed 555 Timer and Application Circuits for Interactive Educational Experience offers interactional implementation of three fully discrete 555 Timer example circuits. The research project goal was to gain knowledge of the 555 Timer by deconstructing the device down to the component level. Three independent example application circuits, which showcase the application versatility of the 555 Timer in different modes, include Monostable, Astable, and Bistable circuits. Each mode has a hardware interface that can be used to adjust the operation of the 555 Timer allowing for a full interactive experience. The user can observe the differences in the internal working …

Amendments For Enhanced Remediation Of 1.4 Dioxane And Advances In Application Of Phytoforensics, Kaylee Denbo, Briannah Spisak, Joel Gerard Burken

Undergraduate Research Conference at Missouri S&T

Missouri S& T collaborates with University of Iowa on projects to identify the presence of 1,4 Dioxane in tree core samples. The research group will replicate the situation in smaller reactors on campus. The following materials will be used: conetainers, willow cuttings, biochar, and perlite. The plants will be dosed with 1,4-Dioxane and analyzed with Gas ChromatographyMass Spectrometry (GCMS). Plant growth and health will be monitored and related to growth conditions and pollutant exposure. Larger mesocosms will be dosed over the summer and will have in-planta analysis as well. To replicate the field site, exact biochar and perlite from the …