Engineering Commons^™

Thermal Infrared Earth Resource Monitoring Instrument (Thermi) Swap Reduction, Trent Newswander, Scott Hansen, Jed Hancock, Darrel Williams

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on THERMI SWaP reduction

Arctic Over-The-Horizon-Radar Ontic (Arothron): A Model Definition For The Support Of Radio Frequency Radars, J. Vincent Eccles, John Retterer, Jeffrey M. Holmes

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

The high-latitude and subauroral ionosphere regions are organized and disorganized by a number of competing processes of ionization, convective transport, and plasma instabilities. The complexity makes it difficult for physics-based models or data-assimilation methodologies to specify the ionosphere with sufficient resolution and accuracy to adequately support radio signal technologies during space weather disturbance events. External drivers of ionospheric ionization include solar EUV and X-ray irradiance, medium and energetic particle precipitation, and solar proton events. External drivers of plasma transport include convective electric fields for high density plasma at mid-latitudes (e.g., storm enhanced densities or SEDs) and parallel plasma motion driven …

Demonstration Of Coherent Optical Phase-Shift Keying With A Tapered-Diode Laser Amplifier For Free-Space Optical Communication, Charlotte K. Duda, Aaron Cross, Chadwick Lindstrom, Julie Smith

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL presentation on Coherent Optical Phase-Shift Keying

Optical Coating Characterization System (Occs), Scott Hansen, Kendall Johnson, Dean Wada, Alan Thurgood

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

SDL Presentation on OCCS

Acoustic-Gravity Wave Evolutions And Layered Observables In The Mlt, Jonathan B. Snively

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

ERAU Presentation on the Model for Acoustic & Gravity Wave Interactions and Coupling (MAGIC)

Calibration And Systems Engineering Collaboration, John Wilson

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Introduction – Why Am I Here?

• I am a systems engineer with nearly 40 years experience in the DoD world.

• Opinions offered during tabletop discussions at CalCon 2024 showed a lack of coordination between calibration engineering and system engineering.

•Sorry, where this happens systems engineers are to blame.

• Calibration: “Calibration is configuring and verifying a measuring instrument's accuracy to ensure its readings match a known standard.” (What Is Calibration?, n.d.)

•Is this really what y’all do? I am here to learn!

• Systems Engineering: “SE is an integrative approach to help teams collaborate to understand and manage …

Preventing Mission-Ending Failure: Lessons From And Changes To The Iris Radio, Tom Russell, Dana Sorensen, Tim Nielsen

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Iris Radio (v2)

– Full-duplex, X-band deep space radio

– Build for the harsh environments of deep space

• High radiation tolerance
• Cislunar/solar/Martian orbits
• Planetary surface assets

– Highly configurable

• Communications
• Ranging
• Timing
• Encryption
• Upgradeable

– Almost every delivered radio has included custom features

Space 101 (Eps Electrical Power System), Shane Topham

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Introduction

• Power Storage (Battery)
• Power Generation (Solar Arrays)
• Power Regulation & Distribution
• Other EPS functions

Improving Torque Distribution Of The Baja Car's Drive Shaft, Natalie E. Falerios

Senior Honors Theses and Projects

This honors thesis analyzes torque variation in the drive shaft system of the Baja SAE vehicle, with a focus on the effects of universal joint (U-joint) geometry and phasing in an inherited and new drive shaft design. The original drivetrain was inherited from a previous team and affected the seat placement that did not comply with the Baja SAE rules. This resulted in a redesign of the drive shaft and evaluation of both the inherited and redesigned configurations’ performance. An initial experiment was created and attempted to analyze the torque variation in the drive shaft, however, there were time constraints …

Integrating Satellite-Based Precipitation Analysis: A Case Study In Norfolk, Virginia, Imiya M. Chathuranika, Dalya Ismael

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

In many developing cities, the scarcity of adequate observed precipitation stations, due to constraints such as limited space, urban growth, and maintenance challenges, compromises data reliability. This study explores the use of satellite-based precipitation products (SbPPs) as a solution to supplement missing data over the long term, thereby enabling more accurate environmental analysis and decision-making. Specifically, the effectiveness of SbPPs in Norfolk, Virginia, is assessed by comparing them with observed precipitation data from Norfolk International Airport (NIA) using common bias adjustment methods. The study applies three different methods to correct biases caused by sensor limitations and calibration discrepancies and then …

A Review Of Infrared Thermography Applications For Civil Infrastructure, Prabal Shrestha, Onur Avci, Sahabeddin Rifai, Feras Abla, Michael Seek, Karl Barth, Udaya Halabe

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Civil infrastructure is continuously subject to aging and deterioration due to multiple factors, which lead to a decline in performance and impact structural health. Accumulated damage on structures increases operational costs and poses significant risks to public safety. Effective maintenance, repair, and rehabilitation strategies are needed to ensure civil infrastructure’s overall safety and reliability. Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE) methods are utilized to assess latent damage and provide decision-makers with real-time information for mitigating hazards. Within the last decade, there has been a significant increase in the research and development of innovative NDE techniques to improve data processing and promote efficient and …

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Stay-In-Place Forms To Improve The Tosional Stability Of Box Beam Bridges During Erection, Karl E. Barth, Michael W. Seek, Gregory K. Michaelson, Dimitra Pyrialakou, Brook T. Woldegabriel

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Cold-formed tub girders provide an effective steel solution for short-span bridges. The girders are often delivered with an open top with stay-in-place forms installed on site. Walkways may be installed to the side of the girder that can induce significant torsion rotations in the open cross section. Full scale tests on girder specimens have shown that installing one or two panels of stay in place forms at the ends of the girder can significantly reduce the torsion rotation of the girder by providing warping resistance. Cantilever tests on the stay in place forms are performed to investigate the influence of …

A Comprehensive Academic And Industrial Survey Of Blockchain Technology For The Energy Sector Using Fuzzy Einstein Decision-Making, Umit Cali, Annabelle Lee, Barry Hayes, Claudio Lima, D. Jonathan Sebastian-Cardenas, David Flynn, Emre Kantar, Farrokh Rahimi, Kaung Si Thu, Marco Pasetti, Marthe Fogstad Dynge, Merlinda Andoni, Muhammet Deveci, Murat Kuzlu, Raquel Alanso, Kim-Kwang Raymond Choo, Sambeet Mishra, Shammya Shananda Saha, Sonam Norbu, Srinikhil Gourisetti, Ugur Halden, Vahid Hosseinezhad, Valentin Robu

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The global energy sector is undergoing a significant transformation driven by decarbonization and digitalization, leading to the emergence of Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT) — particularly blockchain — as a promising tool for enhancing transparency, security, and efficiency in modern power systems. This study aims to provide a comprehensive academic and industrial survey of blockchain applications in the energy sector and develop a robust decision-making framework to identify and prioritize the most promising real-world use cases based on multidisciplinary criteria. A three-stage methodology was adopted: (i) a literature and market review encompassing over 300 academic publications and commercial blockchain initiatives in …

Integrating Sustainable Practices Into Lean Engineering: Applying The Engineering For One Planet Framework In Manufacturing Engineering Technology Education, Dalya Ismael, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Murat Kuzlu, Charles Lowe, Lisa Bosman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

A growing number of manufacturers are recognizing significant financial and environmental benefits from adopting sustainable business practices. Sustainable manufacturing refers to the production of goods through processes that are economically sound, minimize environmental impact, and conserve energy and natural resources. Lean engineering, a comprehensive approach to decision-making and leadership within manufacturing organizations, has proven effective in driving sustainable practices. Key strategies include waste elimination, value identification, value stream mapping, flow creation, pull system establishment, and continuous improvement. Both lean manufacturing and sustainability share a common focus on minimizing waste. Lean principles address seven types of waste: transport, inventory, motion, waiting, …

Using Quanser Platform To Introduce Engineering Technology Students To Autonomous Vehicles, Otilia Popescu, Logan Beaver, Murat Kuzlu, Krishnanand Kaipa

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The area of autonomous vehicles is not new, but the latest advances in various technologies gave it a new boost in the last decade and it keeps growing in interest. However, undergraduate curricula rarely include courses specific to this area, which is considered mostly an interdisciplinary graduate field. While various programs introduce students to the background needed to understand and approach the field, specific work on autonomous vehicle projects is left for extra curriculum activities or student clubs, and eventually for senior (capstone) projects. This paper presents the work of a team of electrical engineering technology students on an autonomous …

5g-Enabled Iot Gateway For Educational Purposes, Murat Kuzlu

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The project aims to develop and implement a 5G-IoT gateway for efficient management and interconnection of IoT devices through advanced sensing and communication technologies. Sensing technologies encompass modern approaches for detecting and measuring physical properties with high accuracy across manufacturing, smart grids, healthcare, smart cities, and other domains. Communication technologies represent the latest developments in high-speed data transmission, offering enhanced reliability and network capacity. This 5G-IoT gateway functions as an educational platform, providing students and educators with hands-on experience in emerging technologies. The system creates opportunities for practical learning and research in telecommunication technologies by enabling direct engagement with 5G …

Advancing Sustainability In Civil Engineering Technology Through The Engineering For One Planet Framework, Dalya Ismael, Vukica M. Jovanovic, Murat Kuzlu, Charles Lowe, Lisa Bosman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

As global environmental challenges intensify, integrating sustainability into engineering technology education is increasingly critical. Yet, many programs lack comprehensive methods to embed sustainability principles, leaving graduates underprepared to address real-world environmental issues. Courses on sustainability often approach it in isolated or superficial contexts, unable to capture its complexity. The purpose of this study is to showcase one approach for embedding the Engineering for One Planet (EOP) framework into the Sustainable Building Practices course within the Civil Engineering Technology Department. The newly developed curriculum integrated learning outcomes from three EOP topics: Environmental Impact Assessment, Materials Selection, and Systems Thinking. Students were …

Flipped Classroom Techniques In A Thermodynamics Course In Engineering Technology, Nathan Luetke, Orlando Ayala, Vukica Jovanovic

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Teaching undergraduate thermodynamics presents numerous challenges to educators due to its inherently complex and abstract nature. The vast array of applications in engineering requires educators to strike a balance between theoretical principles and practical examples, thereby creating a meaningful and applicable learning experience. This paper presents an approach to teaching an undergraduate thermodynamics course in engineering technology developed over four consecutive semesters blending traditional lecture-based teaching with flipped classroom techniques. The teaching methods used, and modifications made each semester are presented along with student performance.

Differential Equations' Coverage In Circuits And Heat Transfer Courses In An Engineering Technology Curricula, Otilia Popescu, Orlando Ayala

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Differential equations are at the core of any undergraduate engineering as well as of science programs. While a course in differential equations is required by any engineering degree, it is not a requirement for engineering technology programs, which usually require mathematics up to calculus I. This paper discusses the undergraduate engineering technology curricula, focusing on how differential equations are taught to engineering technology students and how they are covered in the programs. In particular, the paper will discuss the treatment of differential equations in electrical circuits and heat transfer courses.

Internally Stowed, Radially Deployed Radiator Panels For Passive Cubesat Thermal Control, Josh R. Cannon, Kyle N. Havey, Noah S. Housley, Rydge B. Mulford, Brian D. Iverson

Faculty Publications

CubeSats experience significant thermal loads due to solar irradiation and the dissipation from electrical components. The high heat dissipation per unit volume can lead to mission failure if not properly managed. Deployable radiators that are externally stowed and passively actuated in response to changes in CubeSat temperature have been explored as a viable solution. This work describes a radially deployed fin array that is stowed within the CubeSat body when the required heat dissipation is low and passively deploys when the required heat dissipation is high. Internal stowage improves thermal transport to the deployable fins and minimizes heat loss when …

Waveforms For Next Generation Non-Stationary Channels, Zhibin Zou

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Waveform design aims to achieve orthogonality among data signals/symbols across all available Degrees of Freedom (DoF) to avoid interference while transmitted over the channel. Precoding involves the decomposition of the channel matrix into orthogonal components for the purpose of constructing a precoding matrix that is then combined with the data signal to achieve orthogonality in the spatial dimension. On the other hand, modulation uses orthogonal carriers in a certain signal space to carry data symbols with minimal interference from other symbols. However, it is widely evident that next Generation (xG) wireless systems will experience very high mobility, density and time-varying …

Secured Communication And Coexistence For Efficient Spectrum Utilization, Xue Wei

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Over the years, the demand for wireless communications has grown exponentially, resulting in a scarcity of available spectrum. This scarcity leads to the need for efficient spectrum utilization, a key factor in ensuring reliable and uninterrupted communications. One of the key challenges in achieving reliable communication is ensuring secure transmissions to protect the privacy and integrity of data for active users. Wireless communications are vulnerable to eavesdropping, interception, and unauthorized access, which can compromise the confidentiality and integrity of transmitted data. The coexistence of multiple wireless communication systems is another challenge to be addressed for passiver users. In many cases, …

Development Of Group Iii-V Quantum Confinement-Enabled Detectors: Bias-Tunable Quantum Well Infrared Photodetector (Qwip) And Quantum Dot Scintillation Detector (Qdsd), Gyana R. Biswal

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This dissertation discloses the physics, fabrication, characterization, and analysis of two novel types of group III-V semiconductor detectors relying on quantum confinement of carriers, namely voltage-tunable quantum well infrared photodetectors (QWIP) and a high-yield ultrafast quantum dot scintillation detector (QDSD). Both QWIP and QDSD heterostructures presented here were grown on 3” GaAs (001) substrates using molecular beam epitaxy (MBE).

A major part of the dissertation focuses on development of the voltage-tunable QWIPs targeting detection in the mid-wave infrared region (MWIR) (3μm -5μm) and long-wave infrared region (LWIR) (8μm -12μm) with control of sensitivity by the applied bias. The QWIPs utilize …

Interfacing Neural Models: Biocompatibility And Fabrication Of A Flexible, Self-Folding Microelectrode Array, Fernando A. Pesantez Torres

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

Neurodegenerative diseases pose a formidable challenge in modern medicine, necessitating the development of advanced research tools that can elucidate their complex pathophysiology. Recent advancements in neurodegenerative disease research have led to the development of three-dimensional (3D) neurodegenerative organoids using human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). These organoids closely mimic human brain architecture and functionality, providing a valuable tool for understanding complex diseases. Additionally, the ability to generate and study brain organoids consistently and in large quantities holds potential for a controlled in vitro setting and high-throughput drug screening. However, these models are complex systems requiring specialized maintenance, analysis, and manipulation …

Advancing 4h-Silicon Carbide Power Mosfets Through Three-Dimensional Technology Computer Aided Design Optimization, Skylar A. Deboer

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

This research contributes to the advancement of 1.2 kV 4H-Silicon Carbide (SiC) Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor Field-Effect Transistors (MOSFETs) through the development and implementation of sophisticated three-dimensional Technology Computer-Aided Design (3D TCAD) methodologies. These advanced simulation techniques enable comprehensive evaluation of innovative unit cell architectures that remain inaccessible to conventional two-dimensional (2D) TCAD approaches. By leveraging these 3D simulation capabilities, this work facilitates significant improvements in both the performance and reliability of next-generation wide-bandgap power devices.

Power devices convert electrical energy between different forms throughout the power grid making them essential in applications ranging from personal electronics, electric vehicles, renewable energy systems, industrial …

New Insights Into Fertilisation With Animal Manure For Annual Double-Cropping Systems In Nitrate-Vulnerable Zones Of Northeastern Spain, Dolores Quilez, Monica Guillen, Marta Valles, Arturo Dauden, Beatriz Moreno-Garcia

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Maize double-cropping production systems in Mediterranean areas have a great nitrogen extraction capacity and high nitrogen (N) requirements. This study aims to assess whether in these farming systems, animal manure can be applied, using adequate management practices, at levels exceeding the maximum annual amount of livestock manure established in the European Nitrate Directive for vulnerable zones (170 kg N ha-1) without increasing the risk of water nitrate contamination. We compare the risk of nitrate leaching under two fertilisation strategies, one with synthetic fertilisers and the second with a maximised application of pig slurry, exceeding the limits of the EU Nitrate …

Mill Power Consumption And Fuel Particle Size Distribution While Co-Milling Bituminous Coal With Steam-Exploded Woody Biomass In A Conventional Bowl Mill, Brian Schoof, Rajarshi Roy, Regan Kuttler, Parker Latour, Scott Montgomery, Jacob Tuttle, Gwendolyn Bennett Bennett, Brian D. Iverson, Andrew Fry

Faculty Publications

The mill behavior of a 312 Combustion Engineering Raymond Bowl Mill was studied with five blends of Utah bituminous coal and steam-exploded woody biomass, ranging from 100 % coal to 100 % biomass. Mill power consumption increased with biomass content, peaking at 187 % of the power required for 100 % coal before the mill faulted at 100 % biomass. After repositioning the rollers, power consumption for 100 % biomass decreased by 13 % compared to 100 % coal. SEM images revealed that milled biomass particles were non-spherical, indicating some fibrous structure remained post steam-explosion. The particle size distribution (PSD) …

Advancing 4h-Silicon Carbide Power Device Technology Through Improved Device Design, Performance And Reliability, Stephen A. Mancini

Electronic Theses & Dissertations (2024 - present)

The work presented in this document focuses on advancing the overall design, performance, and reliability of 4H-SiC power devices through various design architectures and processing strategies. Power devices serve as an efficient way to control the flow of power and thus are utilized throughout a vast number of different systems. These systems accommodate various current and voltage ratings to support applications such as personal electronics, electric vehicle components, fast chargers, renewable energy solutions, and energy storage systems. As the demand for these applications grows alongside global electrification and sustainability efforts, minimizing power losses becomes increasingly important. Therefore, developing efficient and …

Enhancing Ai-Driven Automation For Object Detection And Computer Vision, Nafeeul Alam Walee

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, AI-driven automation has revolutionized the field of object detection and computer vision, enabling sophisticated and efficient solutions across various industries. This research explores the latest advances and techniques in improving AI-driven automation for object detection and computer vision applications. We examine state-of-the-art deep learning models and frameworks that have contributed to significant improvements in accuracy and speed and highlight the generative results. The focus is on exploring the real-time processing capabilities that have expanded the applicability of these technologies in real-world scenarios. Furthermore, we investigate image integration and video data to improve precision detection and contextual understanding. …

Ease Of Product Disassembly Through A Systematic Structured Time-Based Design For Disassembly Methodology, Emeka S. Igwe

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This research introduces a systematic time-based design for disassembly (DfD) framework aimed at optimizing product disassembly by addressing important features like liaisons between components in product, component accessibility and the overall modularity of the product. This study specifically covers electromechanical and mechatronic systems in both household and industrial setup, identifying their disassembly challenges and high value pointers for improvement. The methodology involves using a design for disassembly framework called LeanDfD in carrying out a holistic disassembly process and evaluating quantitative metrics like disassembly time and complexity and suggesting further redesign strategies to minimize disassembly time and cost. Adopting this systematic …