Engineering Commons^™

Optimizing Compression Efficiency With Adaptive Quantization Bit Depths, Carson Sisk

All Theses

Large-scale scientific instruments and applications generate massive amounts of data, lead- ing to significant challenges in data transfer and storage for analysis. This constitutes a major

bottleneck to workflow efficiency and scientific throughput. Lossy compression offers a solution to

these storage challenges in increasingly complex systems and services. Error-bounded lossy compression allows users to limit the error introduced during the compression process according to a user-defined metric and achieves significantly higher compression ratios than lossless compression for floating-point data. However, certain data types and compression configurations hinder the attainment of large compression ratios. To address the need for improved compression …

Application Of Lossy And Lossless Compression To Dicom Files, Yizhe Yang

All Theses

The Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) standard is widely utilized for the management, storage, and transfer of medical images. However, the substantial file sizes associated with DICOM data present challenges in terms of storage and data transmission. Data reduction techniques help address these challenges by minimizing the size of the data while preserving its integrity. This thesis examines various compression methods aimed at reducing the size of DICOM files. We evaluate five lossless compressors and four lossy compressors on DICOM data to compare and assess their performance. Through an analysis of each compressor’s compression efficiency and resulting image …

Life Cycle Assessment Approach For Energy Usage In Animal Rendering Plants, Abel Binoy Mathew

All Theses

The animal rendering industry plays a crucial role in transforming waste products from livestock production and meat processing facilities into valuable and economically beneficial products, promoting both resource efficiency and sustainability. This study uses a life cycle assessment (LCA) approach to evaluate energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions in animal rendering plants, focusing on electricity and natural gas as the main energy inputs for plant operation. This research examines three distinct rendering facilities, each processing different raw materials, to quantify the environmental impacts of rendering operations. Site visits, data collection, and real-time monitoring were used to capture energy use across …

Field Evaluation Of Transverse Post-Tensioning And Latex Modified Concrete On Bridge Load Distribution, Paige Waters

All Theses

The Airport Road Bridge (ARB) over Rocky Creek in Greenwood, SC is one of 377 channel bridges in South Carolina currently load-posted, limiting vehicle weight and potentially restricting access to vital services. The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) seeks a cost-effective method to strengthen these bridges and enhance their load-sharing capacity.

Through live load field testing, this research seeks to use two retrofitting techniques – transverse post-tensioning (PT) and latex modified concrete (LMC) overlay – to determine whether or not channel bridges can be improved. Direct tension testing was also performed to evaluate the substrate-overlay bond of the LMC …

Landslide Inventory And Unstable Slope Monitoring Along Highways In Eastern Tennessee, Robert Mcsweeney

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research introduces an unstable slope management program (USMP) for Tennessee based on federal slope management standards, along with improved methods for landslide monitoring with unmanned aerial systems (UAS) lidar and photogrammetry. In mountainous regions, monitoring slope hazards is a critical function of transportation management. A mobile field assessment form created with Survey123 was used to collect 22 unstable slope ratings in eastern Tennessee. Location points were appended with photographs, notes, and site information. Landslide scores ranged from 325 (Fair) to 1005 (Poor). UAS monitoring of a slow-moving soil landslide along I-40 near Rockwood, TN, produced high-resolution lidar and photogrammetry …

Microbial-Chemical Degradation Of Styrene In Co-Mingled Plumes With Ethylbenzene, Benzene, And Carbon Tetrachloride, Marcela C. Flórez-García

All Theses

Industrial sites contaminated with a complex matrix of chemicals represent a problem for the ecosystem and a high risk for the health of all individuals. That is why remediation strategies are needed to mitigate this environmental impact. The latex zone, located at the Corteva industrial site in San Lorenzo, Argentina, is the subject of this research. The environmental impacts in this area are a consequence of petrochemical operations carried out for many years.

Monoaromatic hydrocarbons such as styrene, ethylbenzene, and benzene, and chlorinated methanes like carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, dichloromethane, and chloromethane are among the contaminants identified at the site that …

Higher Order Bessel Beams Integrated In Time (Hobbit) With Engineered Light Frequencies And Applications In Computational Imaging, Tyler Cramer

All Theses

This thesis presents an adaptive optical system which leverages the frequency shifts from an acousto-optic deflector (AOD) form an array of uniformly spaced frequency diverse beamlets. These beamlets are then spatially transformed (wrapped) into a circular array forming a non-diffracting ring with an unprecedented orbital angular momentum (OAM) mode switching rate of 50Mhz with an OAM range of ±64. Along with frequency diversity, the non-diffracting range of the beams are analyzed 6 Rayleigh ranges of an equivalently sized gaussian beam. Inherent in the frequencies superposed on the AOD are associated relative phases which can be controlled to form sets of …

The Effect Of Pressure Gradients On Perceived Discomfort, Zachary Bush

All Theses

Introduction:

A pressure gradient is where high and low pressure meet. It is responsible for displacement and irritation of the skin commonly caused by tight bandages, bracelets, or socks. The irritation is at the edge where the skin is displaced by the high and low pressure. An analysis of the effect pressure gradients have on discomfort would have significant medical relevance for any device, fixture, or clothing pressed against the skin at high pressure. This primarily includes prosthetic and orthotic devices.

The bottom surface of the heel provides a naturally circular, uniform pressure profile. This makes it the optimal testing …

Growing Industry-University Partnerships: Virtual Workshop On Industry Sponsored Research, Mark Stone, Santosh K. Pitla

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

The Department of Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) hosted a virtual workshop on developing capacity for industry-sponsored research (ISR). This dynamic event brought together faculty, researchers, industry leaders, and students to explore innovative strategies for advancing ISR.

The workshop addressed four key themes: (1) fostering sustainable industry-academic partnerships; (2) tackling intellectual property (IP) challenges; (3) building institutional and individual capacity for ISR, and (4) empowering students as critical contributors to industry research. Through expert-led presentations, an engaging panel discussion, and interactive brainstorming sessions, participants identified actionable steps and articulated a vision for the future of …

On Neutrosophic Pδs-Irresolute Functions In Neutrosophic Topological Spaces, Bishnupada Debnath, Anjan Mukherjee

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

In general topology the notion of pds-irresolute and aδs-irresolute functions were introduced by Beceren and Noiri. In the present paper, these concepts of pδs-irresolute (briefly, Npδs-irresolute) and aδs-irresolute (briefly, Naδs-irresolute) functions are explored for the first time in neutrosophic topological spaces (NTS) as generalized version. We proved that every Naδs-irresolute function is Npδs-irresolute function but not conversely. Some characterizations, counter examples, and fundamental features are also presented. By neutrosophic pre-open, neutrosophic δ-open, and neutrosophic δ-semi-open sets, some new fundamental properties of such functions are provided. Furthermore, under Npδs-irresolute functions, the behavior of neutrosophic semi-connected, neutrosophic pre-connected, neutrosophic pre-T2, neutrosophic δ-semi-T2, …

Comparative Analysis Of Multi-Criteria Techniques In Neutrosophic Environment And Their Applications To Economic Condition Assessment, Asmaa Elsayed, Mai Mohamed

Neutrosophic Systems with Applications

In economic decision-making, the challenge of evaluating multiple, often conflicting criteria necessitates advanced Multi-Criteria Decision-Making (MCDM) techniques. Traditional methods can struggle with the inherent uncertainty, ambiguity, and imprecision of real-world data. This paper addresses these challenges by investigating the effectiveness of various MCDM techniques within neutrosophic environments, with a particular focus on the Criteria-wise Alternatives Ranking and Correlation Analysis for Composite Scoring (CARCACS) method. Neutrosophic sets, which incorporate truth, falsity, and indeterminacy, provide a robust framework for addressing the vagueness and inconsistencies found in economic indicators such as GDP growth, employment levels, inflation rates, trade balances, investment activity, and government …

2024 Summer-Fall Graduate Recognition Program, Propulsion Research Center, Robert Frederick

PRC Graduate Recognition

This program includes the graduate recognition program for summer and fall 2024. Includes photographs, upcoming events, recent publications, and student profiles.

Fast Neutron & Gamma-Ray Scintillation And Broadband Photoluminescence From Gallium Nitride & Gallium Oxide: Developing Radiation-Hard Diagnostic Platforms, Daniel Jesus Valdes

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

Integrated scintillation and electronics processing materials are of critical importance in environments exposed to high levels of radiation, such as nuclear fusion diagnostics and space missions. This dissertation focuses on the radiation detection capabilities of gallium oxide (Ga2O3) and gallium nitride (GaN), exploring their responses to fast neutrons and gamma rays. Using high-energy neutron beam facilities at Los Alamos Neutron Science Center (LANSCE) Flight Path 4FP60R, we exposed both Ga2O3 and GaN crystals to neutron irradiation spanning an energy spectrum ranging from 1 to 400 MeV. A Pi-Max 4 fast-gated Intensified CCD (ICCD) camera captured the transient scintillation responses for …

Synthesis, Characterization And Testing Of Graphene-Based Materials For Proton-Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Catalysts, Hassan Shirzadi Jahromi

Dissertations

The requirement for low cost and efficient catalysts for fuel cells motivated the proposed research on Nitrogen-doped reduced graphene oxide (N-rGO) integrated with transition metal zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (ZIFs). Synthesis, characterization and performance evaluation of the newly synthesized nitrogen-doped graphene oxide-based catalysts for Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (PEMFCs) constitutes the main objective of this thesis.

The synthesis of N-rGO combined with cobalt, nickel, or iron ZIFs was carried out using wet chemical methods followed by one step pyrolysis at 900°C, resulting in catalysts with highly porous structures and uniform metal nanoparticle distribution. These were characterized for structure, microstructure, composition …

Greek Key-Inspired Fractal Metamaterials With Enhanced Flexibility And Energy Absorption., Zhennan Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Architected materials with intricate three-dimensional (3D) geometries offer unique properties and functionalities but face challenges in manufacturing costs and complexity. This research explores the integration of simple 2D Greek Key-inspired lattices into fractal designs to achieve exceptional mechanical performance. Using 3D printing and kerfing, these fractal structures demonstrate enhanced flexibility and energy absorption capabilities. Through three-point bending and in-plane tensile tests, the 2D fractal lattices exhibited a 600-fold reduction in bending force and a tensile stretch capacity of up to 520%, significantly outperforming brittle parent materials. Out-of-plane compression tests revealed a five-fold increase in energy absorption compared to honeycomb structures, …

Analysis Of The Robustness And Sensitivity Of Deep Learning Models For Automatic Target Recognition., Wael Bouchaala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Automatic Target Recognition (ATR) is an essential technology in various domains such as security, autonomous vehicles, and military applications. ATR systems are designed to detect, recognize, and classify objects of interest using sensor data, typically infrared imagery, to ensure reliable real-time operations under varying environmental conditions. However, the robustness and accuracy of ATR systems are often challenged by factors such as target occlusion, varying distances, and environmental perturbations. This thesis investigates the application of state-of-the-art deep learning techniques to enhance the performance and robustness of ATR systems. Specifically, we explore the use of Vision Transformers (ViT), Swin Transformer, and a …

Spectrum Optimization For Advanced Air Mobility Communications Using Deep Reinforcement Learning., Rafael D. Apaza

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As aviation operations expand and new participants enter the National Airspace System (NAS), the demand for aeronautical communications will experience a significant rise. This surge is propelled by increased air travel and the emergence of Urban Air Mobility (UAM) operations, a subset of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). UAM aims to facilitate intra-city transportation of people and cargo utilizing remotely piloted aircraft capable of electric vertical takeoff and landing operations. The growing dependence on efficient wireless communication systems underscores the critical importance of intelligent spectrum allocation and effective airspace management to ensure safe, seamless, and technologically advanced air operations. However, the …

Ai-Driven Approach For Diagnosis Of Renal Transplant Rejection Based On Biomarkers Identification And Integration., Israa Sharaby

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

They kidney is a vital organ for which humans are fortunate to find a spare through transplantation to sustain critical body functions, offering a hope to those struggling with renal failure. Kidney transplant procedure is the optimal treatment for people who suffer from end-stage renal failure. However, there are posed challenges due to the risk of immune rejection and the limited availability of donors. Early detection of renal rejection can provide timely intervention and accurate diagnosis that are critical to improve the transplant outcomes. This study explores the innovative approaches for addressing the current challenges through biomarkers identification, imaging techniques, …

Synthesis And Doping Effects In Highly Conductive Chalcogenide Solid Electrolytes., Selim Halacoglu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lithium and sodium ion batteries have been a vital component in the growth of small, portable electronic devices and EVs over the past 30 years. For future energy needs, changes to battery chemistry and composition will be necessary for two primary reasons: safer and higher energy batteries. Metal anodes have not seen widespread commercialization because of their propensity to react aggressively with the flammable liquid electrolytes commonly used in modern batteries. Non-flammable solid-state batteries (SSB) with solid electrolytes can safely be used with metal anodes, potentially providing a solution to both problems. The future perspective of safer battery is that …

Development Of A Square Wave Voltage Field-Oriented Controller For A Linear Vapor Compressor., Thomas Everson

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis, a novel control strategy for an inverter-driven linear compressor system is proposed in which the overall electrical losses of a coupled inverter-linear motor system are reduced through the use of a modified square wave inverter modulation scheme to minimize inverter switching losses at the expense of a modest increase in conduction losses. The controller is based on a single-phase field-oriented control strategy, and to achieve the FOC control objectives, the fundamental and dc components of the applied square wave voltage are matched to the corresponding values requested by the current controller. To validate the efficiency improvements offered …

Nickel Electrocatalysts On Carbon Supports For The Hydrogen Evolution Reaction., Mohan Paudel

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Hydrogen is an important energy storage alternative to fossil fuels due to its high energy density. Currently, most hydrogen is produced through petroleum feedstocks, which produce large amounts of carbon dioxide. However, a more eco-friendly method is the electrocatalytic splitting of water into hydrogen and oxygen. Efficient catalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) are typically platinum group metals, which are rare and expensive. There is growing interest in developing HER electrocatalysts with earth-abundant metals for water electrolysis. Nickel, which lies in the same group in the periodic table as Pt and has similar chemical properties, is explored extensively for …

Co-Emulation Of Robotics And Software-Defined Radio Based 5g Wireless Communications., Bhaskara Venkata Raju Garuda

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The convergence of robotics and 5G wireless communication technologies has opened new avenues for real-time, dynamic robotic applications. This dissertation introduces a novel framework that integrates the Robot Operating System (ROS), Software-Defined Radios (SDRs), and 5G wireless networks to achieve seamless coemulation of robotic systems. The research emphasizes the unique features of 5G, such as ultra-low latency and high throughput, which enable critical applications like remote surgery, industrial automation, and autonomous vehicles. The methodology combines ROS for robotic control, SDRs for programmable communication channels, and 5G testbeds for high-speed, reliable data transmission. The experimental evaluation focuses on both position-based and …

Modeling And Understanding Of Additive Manufacturing Periodic Cellular Structures With Heterogeneity: Property, Quality And Design Strategy., Naresh Koju

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Lightweight cellular structures with their higher per mass performance capability, multifunctional designability and property tolerability are gaining much wider adaptation in many engineering applications ranging from aerospace, defense, biomedical, automotive to sports. However, to achieve the desired performance levels careful design must be carried out. The experimental-based empirical design often involves high manufacturing cost, and there are also certain information/knowledges about the cellular deigns that could not be easily obtained experimentally, such as the deformation local fracture initiation. Similarly, numerical modeling-based design approach commonly suffers from high computation cost and the lack of inverse designability. In addition, numerical models often …

High Energy Density Lithium-Ion Battery Materials., Rachel Dewees

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Growth of the EV industry has created an increased demand for Li-ion battery electrode materials, and support of a robust lithium-ion battery supply chain is a national imperative. For mainstream acceptance in the American market, the range of EVs must be improved, i.e., the energy density of the battery must be increased. Increasing the specific capacity of the electrode materials is the most direct strategy for increasing the energy density of the battery. Silicon anode materials have a theoretical capacity of over 3700 mAh·g^-1 - an order of magnitude beyond that of the graphitic materials which are currently implemented. …

Open-Source Cubesat Flight Board, Braydon M. Burkhardt

Electrical Engineering

The Helmsman Flight Board is an open-source main flight computer and electrical power system for educational and entry-level CubeSats. The board incorporates commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) components in conjunction with simplified monitoring and management circuitry, supporting easy adoption, modifiability, and affordability while crucially enabling the emerging aerospace industry’s rapid ‘design-build-test’ methodology in student satellite teams. Its design includes essential CubeSat subsystems such as battery management, command and data handling, attitude determination, on-board processing, and is built to support real-time embedded operating systems. Key features include an Arm Cortex-M7 based STM32, radiation-resistant memory for OS storage, bulk Flash memory, real-time clock, two …

The Design And Implementation Of A Modular Tissue Engineering Test Bed To Pursue An Alternate Pathway Of Cell Culture Based Research, Ryley Patrick Griffin

Theses and Dissertations

The development of a Modular Automated Tissue Engineering Test Bed (MATETB) is the next step in the development of cheap and easily available in vitro cell regulatory systems for both academic and industrial purposes. This project outlined the framework and requirements for a device that could automatically regulate and collect data on a cell culture through the manipulation of its liquid environment. From this framework, a prototype was built. The device would fulfill cell culture needs while collecting data automatically and allowing for live viewing and imaging of cells. The device was comprised of a mechanical skeleton (MS), an environmental …

End-To-End Learning For A Low-Cost Robotics Arm, Abhishek Chothani

Theses and Dissertations

Robotic manipulation is a cornerstone of automation, with the ultimate goal of developing versatile systems capable of executing a wide range of real-world tasks autonomously. Traditional robotics approaches, while reliable and widely adopted in industrial settings, often struggle with adaptability, perception, and dynamic task execution. This thesis explores the evolution from classical robotics techniques to modern learning-based approaches, leveraging advancements in artificial intelligence to overcome these limitations.

Initially, the thesis presents a pick-and-place pipeline built using the Drake robotics framework and the KUKA iiwa robotic arm. This system employs a pseudoinverse controller for inverse kinematics to perform structured tasks like …

Learning-Based Feature Identification For Rendezvous And Capture Of Non-Cooperative Space Objects, Trupti Mahendrakar

Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, On-Orbit Servicing (OOS) and Active Debris Removal (ADR) have attracted increasing interest due to growing concerns about space debris. This debris poses a significant risk to spacecraft, as collisions can catastrophically end missions and potentially trigger a cascading chain reaction of more debris. Space debris ranges from tiny paint chips to large non-functional spacecraft and even launch vehicle components. One way to mitigate the formation of additional space debris is to reduce the total number of large non-cooperative resident space objects present in operational orbits. This can be achieved through two approaches: de-orbiting these objects as part …

Demonstrating Feasibility Of Ultrasound-Sensitive Microbubbles Delivery To Treat Disruptions In The Blood Brain Barrier Endothelium, Rubens Jourdain

Theses and Dissertations

Vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) is one of the main causes of dementia. VCID is caused by age and other genetic factors that lead to disruptions in the blood brain barrier (BBB) and allow blood components to enter the brain. The currently available treatments of VCID include opening the BBB with high-frequency-ultrasound to deliver drugs to the brain. However, this only treats the already developed disease. Consequently, we developed a new drug delivery system whose goal is to restore the brain capillary endothelial cells (BCEC) lining the blood vessel. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the feasibility …

Advancing Biofabrication Methodologies To Develop Biomimetic Tissue Scaffolds For Musculoskeletal Applications, Nashaita Yezdi Patrawalla

Theses and Dissertations

Musculoskeletal injuries impose a significant global burden, affecting millions and generating an economic toll exceeding $14 billion. Tissue engineering has gained traction as a promising strategy offering potential for functional restoration of damaged musculoskeletal tissues. This research aims to advance biofabrication techniques for generation of biomimetic tissue scaffolds, by optimizing scaffold design and modulating fabrication process parameters to generate scaffolds for musculoskeletal regeneration with application-specific tailored properties. In this realm, collagen-based biomaterials have been extensively investigated for tendon and ligamentous applications, and in combination with bioceramics incorporated into the collagen framework to produce composite scaffolds that better recapitulate the native …