Engineering Commons^™

Building A New System To Advance Vortex-Induced Vibration Energy Harvesting, Jacob Sherman , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

When a cylindrical object is placed in a moving fluid of sufficiently high Reynolds number, vortices will form and be shed in the wake of the object. Vortex-Induced Vibrations (VIV) will occur on the cylinder when the frequency at which vortices are shed approached the natural frequency of the structure. Harvesting energy on a small scale from VIV is a promising new method of generating electricity from fluid motion, but more data is needed to investigate the parameter space for such a system [4]. The goal of this E90 project was to design and implement a robust system that could …

Silenttalk Final Report, Yihui Wu , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

SilentTalk is a noninvasive communication system that uses ultrasound technology to detect and interpret silent speech by analyzing lip and facial movements. This E90 project presents the design, construction, and experimental evaluation of a speaker–microphone device capable of emitting and capturing ultrasonic waves in the 20–55 kHz range. Data wereadS collected under five distinct conditions, including various static mouth gestures, and analyzed using Root Mean Square (RMS) smoothing and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) techniques. The results show that the distinct features in the time and frequency domains correspond to different mouth shapes, supporting the feasibility of silent gesture classification. A …

Jigsaw Puzzle Solving Robot, Jeffrey Zhang , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

Jigsaw puzzles are an exciting activity that people of all ages love to do. This project seeks to develop a robot capable of solving jigsaw puzzles. To do so, I took a preexisting CNC mill and assembled the mill except the spindle. The mill ran using G-code, a programming language I learned. From here I created a program that can move the arm of the mill to any point chosen, and can move up and down, as a proof of concept for the robot. On the puzzle solving side, I started by first taking high resolution scans of the backs …

Closing The Loop: Solar-Powered Vermicomposter, Isabela Ibrahim , '25, Lindsey Turner , '25

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

Organic waste is oftentimes poorly managed and directed to landfill and incineration, as more sustainable alternatives such as traditional composting are not always accessible. Swarthmore College has a robust composting partnership offsite, however, it does not leverage avenues for waste stream circularity on campus to its full potential. Vermicomposting, composting that incorporates earthworms (Eisenia fetida), consists of a method to achieve small-scale and accessible composting. The goal of this project was to create an on-campus, low-maintenance, replicable, and sustainable vermicomposter to efficiently repurpose food waste from Swarthmore’s dining hall into nutrient-rich soil amendments for the adjacent Our Food Garden. …

Josephson Junctions: Fabrication And Applications For The Axion Dark Matter Experiment, Jonah M. Sachs

Senior Honors Papers / Undergraduate Theses

The observation of axions could revolutionize the world of physics. Through microwave frequency cavity readout of the photons associated with these axions, the ADMX project at WashU utilizes multiple different forms of the Josephson junction (JJ), a superconductive circuit element. The physics behind the JJ are essential to understanding its operation for resonant cavity readout in addition to parametric amplification. Parametric amplifiers produced using JJs can approach the signal-to-noise ratio set by quantum mechanics, and prove essential for the amplification chain used by the ADMX experiment for axionic detection. The limits of these amplifiers are set by the noise tuning …

Design And Characterization Of Radiation-Hardened Gaas Hbt-Based Optical Transceivers, Collin Burt

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Optical transceivers are desirable for their galvanic isolation and natural immunity to electromagnetic interference compared with direct electrical connections. This is true in normal operating environments as well as radiation environments. This work realizes and characterizes GaAs HBT-based optical transceivers across temperature and a range of radiation environments including high dose rate, total ionizing dose, neutron, and heavy ion. The transceiver designs are discussed and specific environmental design considerations are highlighted. Final results for each environment are provided and compared with existing transceivers.

Experimental Investigation Of External Flow Condensation Heat Transfer In Horizontal Tube-In-Tube Configuration, Jiayuan Li, Jayachandran K. Narayanan, Chirag R. Kharangate

Faculty Scholarship

Flow condensation is an important process used to achieve heat rejection across thermal power and energy systems. Studies on tube condensation have concentrated on the condensing fluid flowing in the inner tube. However, common heat exchanger configurations like the shell-and-tube types see the condensing fluid on the outer surface of the tubes. To address this gap, in this study, we investigate the local and channel-averaged heat transfer characteristics of flow condensation happening on the exterior of a horizontal tube in the tube-in-tube configuration. An external flow condensation module is developed and tested to obtain heat transfer and flow visualization data, …

Distribution Comparisons Of Eac Cost Growth For Aircraft Work Breakdown Structure Elements, Kyle P. Marquis, Edward D. White, Brandon M. Lucas, Robert D. Fass, Jonathan D. Ritschel, Shawn M. Valentine

Faculty Publications

This article analyzes and investigates the distribution of cost growth of the Estimate at Completion (EAC) for the Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) elements of approximately 60 historical United States Acquisition Category I Research, Development, Test and Evaluation aircraft programs. Using the method of maximum likelihood in conjunction with the Akaike Information Criterion, the authors suggest that both the lognormal and Weibull distributions provide relatively good fit to EAC cost growth, with the lognormal slightly edging out the Weibull. As a summarized finding, the authors present their empirical results for the mean, coefficient of variation (CV), the 15th and 85th percentiles …

Evaluation Of Long-Term Performance Of Transportation Earthworks Prone To Weather-Driven Deterioration Under Changing Climate, Amr Morsy, Emma Varela

Mineta Transportation Institute

Embankments are key transportation infrastructure features providing essential support for long, linear stretches of transportation infrastructure, including highways and railways, in California and globally. Clay embankments are susceptible to weather-related deterioration processes that can gradually compromise their stability and, in some cases, lead to unexpected failures. Climate change, along with the associated shifts in weather patterns, is projected to adversely impact weather-related deterioration processes, leading to exacerbated failures and/or shorter service life. This study evaluated the impact of climate change on the rate of weather-driven deterioration of embankments in two locations in California: Los Angeles and Sacramento. Specifically, a multi-phase …

Techniques For Enabling Advanced Adas Features: Operation In Inclement Weather And Use Of Infrastructure Information, Parth Kadav

Dissertations

Modern vehicles have undergone a transformation with the widespread integration of Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) technology becoming the new standard and are set to be mandated by the by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for all passenger vehicles and light trucks. ADAS features have proven to prevent or mitigate crashes by either alerting or assisting the driver. ADAS typically utilizes a forward-facing camera, which comes standard in modern vehicles to provide limited automation features such as Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Lane Centering Assist (LCA) to improve driver safety. These systems rely on the assumption that vehicle …

Emission Behavior At The Single Emitter Scale From A Porous Media Ionic Liquid Ion Source, Thomas Victor Kerber

Dissertations

Ionic liquid ion sources (ILIS) are being developed as one solution to fill a technology gap in low power, high efficiency, high specific impulse space propulsion systems. With a sufficiently intense electric field applied between an emitter electrode and an extractor electrode, charged particles are extracted from the fluid surface and accelerated out of the thruster. In this work, three experimental campaigns examine emission behavior of a single emitter ILIS made of porous material that allows passive propellant feed via capillary action of the ionic liquid 1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (EMI-BF₄).

Repeated measurements of the emitter and extractor current as …

I-280 Wildlife Culvert, Gunner Craig, Tate Reese

Civil, Environmental and Sustainable Engineering Senior Theses

Interstate 280 (I-280) serves as one of two (2) main arteries between San Francisco and the peninsula and south Bay Area. Being situated through various nature reserves at the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, I-280 creates a barrier between said mountains and surrounding areas, disrupting migratory patterns. The heavy usage of this road, along with natural migratory patterns of large and medium sized mammals in the area results in high amounts of wildlife vehicle collisions (WVC’s). In order to provide remedial efforts, the team explored various methods to alleviate WVC’s. Ultimately the final proposed design consisted of a cast …

Women Overcoming Barriers In Stem: How Mentors, Allies, And Sponsors Assist Career Trajectories In Higher Education, Leila Marie Romeo

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This study focused on the personal narratives of women in STEM in both public and private higher education institutions within various roles. Specifically, the researcher aimed to determine the following: (a) if mentors/allies influence the career trajectories of women in STEM in higher education institutions and (b) if mentors/allies aid in the support of women in STEM in higher education institutions. The researcher used semistructured interviews with a narrative analysis to determine areas of struggle for the sample within their careers and how mentors, allies, and sponsors were present throughout their careers to help the women overcome these challenges. Data …

Utilization Of Paper Sludge Ash In Geotechnical Engineering – Review, Kyungwon Lee, Hoyoung Lee, Junwoo Shin, Byounghooi Choi, Jinwoo An, Jiannan Chen, Boo Hyun Nam

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

The pulp and paper industry has grown and created tremendous volumes of byproducts (e.g., fly ash) via combustion process. Unfortunately, most of them are being landfilled; in the meantime, environmental regulations restrict the disposal in landfill because of high disposal cost and reduced land due to urbanization. Therefore, the pulp and paper industries urgently seek for its beneficial reuse and one of the most cost-effective applications is a building and construction sector, particularly its reuse as geomaterials such as stabilizing soils. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the beneficial use of the paper sludge ash (PSA) in geotechnical engineering …

Experimental Investigation On Metakaolin/Coal Fly Ash-Based Porous Geopolymer Grouting Material For Geotechnical Applications, Karla Sierra, Philip Park, Chu-Lin Cheng, Yong Je Kim, Jae-Hoon Hwang, Bubryur Kim, Boo Hyun Nam, Jinwoo An

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

This research investigates the development of a porous geopolymer cement grout for soil grouting applications, aiming to reduce carbon emissions associated with Portland cement while maintaining critical performance characteristics such as strength and permeability. Class F fly ash and metakaolin were used as aluminosilicate precursors, activated by sodium silicate and sodium hydroxide solutions. The addition of hydrogen peroxide served as a foaming agent to introduce porosity. Compressive strength and porosity were evaluated, with results showing that metakaolin significantly increased compressive strength due to its smaller particle size and higher reactivity. A higher molarity of sodium silicate enhanced strength by reducing …

Nanosecond Pulsed Electric Field And Plasma Jets For Cancer Therapy, Edwin Ayobami Oshin

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Nanosecond pulsed electric field (nsPEF) employs nanosecond-duration, high voltage pulses to induce oxidative stress, leading to temporary or permanent damage to cells or tissue (also known as reversible and irreversible electroporation), and has been considered a promising approach for cancer therapy. In parallel to this, nanosecond pulsed atmospheric pressure plasma jets (ns-APPJs) have also shown to be effective in inactivating cancer cells or increasing sensitivity of cells to electric fields. ns-APPJs are known to generate reactive chemical agents, including reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) which induces oxidative stress resulting in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and necrosis. In this dissertation, a …

Development Of Highly Sensitive & Selective Sensor, Megha Shinde

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This work presents the development of innovative electrochemical sensors for selective and sensitive dopamine (DA) detection using flexible laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes modified with advanced nanocomposites. An LIG electrode synthesized from pyralux film was functionalized with Nb₄C₃Tx MXene and silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), significantly enhancing its electrochemical performance. The modified electrode exhibited a peak anodic current increase from 150 μA to 330.4 μA and demonstrated a wide linear detection range (100 nM to 10 μM) with a low detection limit of 1 nM and high sensitivity (160.96 μA/nM cm ^-2). It also displayed excellent selectivity against …

Development Of Laser-Induced Graphene-Based Bioanode Incorporating Thylakoid For Harvesting Energy, Amit Sarode

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Thylakoid-Based Biofuel Cells (TBFCs) present significant potential as renewable power sources; however, their development is impeded by challenges including delicate thylakoid membranes, limited electron transport efficiency, stability and dependence on expensive mediators. This study aimed to address these challenges by fabricating a novel photo-driven bioanode through the integration of Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG), Nb₄C₃T_x MXene, and thylakoid membranes. The fabrication process involved laser engraving to generate porous LIG electrodes, followed by MXene drop casting and thylakoid immobilization to enhance electrochemical performance and surface area. Morphological characterization supported that MXene incorporation increased active sites and surface roughness, …

Development Of Flexible Lactate-Specific Molecularly Imprinted Polymers Based On Laser-Induced Graphene Electrochemical Biosensors For Disease Diagnosis, Christopher Animashaun

Biomedical Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Lactate is a critical biomarker linked to conditions such as sepsis, ischemia, cancer, and heart failure. Current lactate detection methods remain invasive, costly, and unsuitable for real-time, continuous monitoring. This study presents the development of a flexible, non-enzymatic electrochemical biosensor based on laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes modified with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) for highly selective and sensitive lactate measurement. The integration of AuNPs enhanced surface conductivity and provided nanoscale heterogeneity, facilitating superior signal amplification. The optimized LIG/AuNP/MIP sensor achieved an extensive dynamic detection range from 0.1 μM to 1000 μM, with an outstanding detection limit of …

Justification Of Permissible Discharges Of Water Users Into Water Bodies, Mariia S. Stroganova, Ivan V. Antonov, Andrey V. Epifanov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this work is developing an algorithm for ecological and technological rationing of the permissible load on water bodies using geoinformation systems. The algorithm takes into account the self-purification of aquatic ecosystems using a three-component model. Initially, the article provides an overview of methods for determining the permissible discharge masses of pollutants for developing new approaches to rationing. The algorithm of ecological and technological rationing of the load on water bodies and geoinformation systems for its implementation is proposed. The main models used to assess the ecological state of an aquatic ecosystem are considered. A three-component model of …

Separation Of Fatty Acids From Horse Fat And Their Analysis, Sherzod Y. Rakhmanov, Madina O. Khamidovа, Dilshod P. Rakhimov, Rashidah Sokur, Nuriddin T. Kenjaev

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

A distinctive feature of horse fat from other animal fats is the presence of amino acids and keratin in its composition, which are not found in other oils, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, proteins, microelements, vitamins A, E, PP, B. The aim of this work is to separate fatty acids from horse fat and analyze them. The process of separating fatty acids included the stages of saponification with sodium hydroxide, decomposition of the resulting soaps in the presence of concentrated sulfuric acid. The study of the composition of the separated fatty acids by the chromatograph mass spectrometric method of analysis established …

Synthesis, Crystal Structure And Some Physicochemical Properties Of Cerium Complexes Containing Beta-Diketonate Ligands, Feruza F. Fayzullayeva, Salmon M. Mukhammadiev, Gulbeka Yu. Mamatova, Shahlo Sh. Daminova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The objective of this study is to synthesize and characterize novel Ce(III) coordination compounds utilizing the β-diketonate ligand (1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-dione). The structures of the resulting complexes were determined through single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD). In these complexes, the oxygen atoms of the ligand form bidentate bonds with the metal ion. The geometry surrounding the cerium ion is described as distorted square antiprismatic, influenced by the flexibility and steric hindrance of the dibenzoylmethane (dbm) ligand. Additional characterization of the newly synthesized complex was performed using IR spectroscopy, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Synthesis Of Acetylene Diols In The Catalytic System Of Cu(Otf)2/Thf/Tbabr, Abduvakhаb Ikramov, Lochinbek Q. Ablakulov, Odiljon E. Ziyadullayev, Sardor M. Rakhmatov, Mirjalol E. Ziyadullayev

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of the work was the synthesis of acetylenediols in the Cu(OTf)₂/THF/TBABr catalytic system. The synthesis of acetylenic diols based on the alkynylation process of aliphatic and heterocyclic ketones containing two carbonyl groups in their molecules in the presence of alkyne hydrocarbons was studied for the first time using the Cu(OTf)₂/THF/TBABr catalytic system. The effects of temperature, reaction time, nature of solvent and catalyst, and molar amount of starting materials on the synthesis of acetylenic alcohols in the selected system were studied, and based on the results obtained, alternative conditions for the process were found.

Synthesis And Study Of New Complex Compounds Of Copper(Ii) And (5-Methyl-1,3,4-Thiadiazole-2-Ylsulfanil)-Acetic Acid, Ekaterina V. Kinshakova, Aziz K. Atashov, Batirbay S. Torambetov, Shakhnoza A. Kadirova

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The purpose of this study is to synthesize new copper (II) coordination compounds with a heterocyclic polydentate ligand (5-methyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole-2-ylsulfanyl) -acetic acid and to study their structure. The structure of the complexes was established by the method of X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) of single crystals, it was shown that the complexes have a polymer structure and a coordination polyhedron of the square pyramid type, however, one of them is mono-nuclear composition (C₁₀H₁₄CuN₄O₆S₄*2H₂O)_n, and the second is bi-nuclear composition of cluster type (C₂₀H₂₀Cu_{2 …}

Synthesis Of Acetylene-Based Hetarene Derivatives In The Presence Of Catalysts, Abdulla T. Umrzokov, Abduvaxаb Ikramov, Khusnitdin M. Vapoev, Yusuf K. Zhumanov, Sardor M. Kodirov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of the study is to synthesize hetaren derivatives of acetylene amination reactions using local natural raw materials as catalyst carriers. Various grades of Oltintag and Angren kaolins, various grades of Navbakhor bentonite, as well as the opaque rock of the Karmaninsky deposit were used as catalyst carriers. Thermal, acidic and hydrothermal treatment was carried out on the appropriate sorbents, with the production of catalysts of various modifications from sorbents and active components. The processes of catalytic condensation of acetylene with ammonia were studied using modified catalysts. The effect of the reaction temperature, the active components of the catalyst, …

Bismuth Cuprates Produced By Solar Energy Showing Anomalous Resistance, Dilbara Dj. Gulamova, Sirojiddin Z. Mirzaev, Sirojiddin Kh. Bobokulov, Timur I. Gulamov

CHEMISTRY AND CHEMICAL ENGINEERING

The aim of the study is to obtain bismuth superconducting cuprates with higher superconducting properties. The advantages of superconducting materials in power engineering, disadvantages of synthesis based on solid-phase and melt principles, and the prospect of using nontrivial methods to obtain high critical parameters are presented. The advantages of synthesis under the influence of concentrated solar energy are shown. In order to obtain a superconductor with high critical properties, a massive, long-term stable bismuth cuprate was synthesized using solar technology. It pushes out an external magnetic field and has a nanostructured layered microstructure with caverns containing submicron-sized particles. The phase …

Predicting Battery Efficiency: A Theoretical Approach, Haiti Schafers

SACAD: Scholarly Activities

The Kansas ElectroRally Races continuously demand faster electric vehicles (EV). When designing a vehicle one of the most important components is the battery. This study was designed to find the following; What is the optimal throttle percentage to run a 36V 20Ah (768Wh) LiFePO4 Rechargeable Battery Pack[1].

The optimal throttle percentage was found with methods detailed in a different section. Based on the performance of the older cars this study choose to focus on 50% and 70%, while obtaining other relevant data to further that inference.

The Role Of Chitosan In Increasing The Mechanical And Antibacterial Properties Of Paper, Khurshid Khamidulla Ugli Khaydullaev, Jaloliddin Faxriddin Ugli Ungarov, Munavvar Umar Kizi Iskandarova, Yorqinjon Tulqin Ugli Ergashev, Guzal Yusupovna Akmalova, Elmurod Abduqodirovich Egamberdiev

Technical science and innovation

Chitosan is also widely used in the paper industry to improve paper production and paper properties. Indeed, the molecular structure of chitosan is similar to cellulose, which contributes to the formation of a strong compound. Due to the presence of chitin (-NHCOCH₃) functional groups in chitosan (-NH₂), these groups are insoluble in water, but soluble in a solution of chitosan acid with deacetylation levels above 60%. On the contrary, chitin does not dissolve. Chitin and chitosan are insoluble in alkaline and organic solutions under normal conditions. In general, a high percentage of the amine (NH_{2 …}

Design Features Of Ion Exchange Plant For Wastewater Treatment, Tatyana Vladimirovna Drabkova, Sadritdin Makhamatdinovich Turabdzhanov, Fayzulla Nigmatullaevich Rakhmatullaev, Ulughukha Nusratullaevich Rakhmatov, Aziza Alimdzhanovna Shokhakimova

Technical science and innovation

This study presents an ion exchange unit designed for selective and comprehensive wastewater treatment. The unit includes all technological processes: solution filtration, ion exchanger loosening, sorbent regeneration and washing, which is a significant advantage of the proposed technology and eliminates the need for additional devices. This significantly increases the overall efficiency of the cleaning process, reducing costs and simplifying the operation of the system. Experimental studies have confirmed the high efficiency and feasibility of using ion exchange units in modern operating conditions, which makes them universal in application for various industries, including metallurgy and chemistry. The main idea of the …

Approach Formula To Increase Energy Efficiency Of Internal Combustion Engines In The “Green Economy” And Impact On The Natural Ecosystem, Zakirjon Ergashevich Musabekov, Hilola Zokir Qizi Uralova, Sayyodbek Ilxomjon O‘G‘Li Abdullajonov

Technical science and innovation

This article discusses, analyzes, and proposes solutions for the role of internal combustion engines in forming a "green economy", as well as ways to replace or modernize them. The relationship between internal combustion engines and the "green economy," as well as their energy efficiency and impact on natural ecosystems, is a crucial and urgent issue. These engines primarily generate energy through the combustion of petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel. However, this process releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental degradation. The green economy is an economic model designed to protect the environment, ensure the efficient management …