Engineering Commons^™

Analyzing The Supply Chain Operation Of A Fast-Food Restaurant Using Simulation Modeling And Developing A Cost Estimation Optimization Model In The Disruption Period, Amit Kumar Saha

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Supply chain operation performance is a much-discussed topic over the last decade which will lead to optimizing the resources required to provide the necessary level of customer service to a specific segment and improve customer service through increased product availability and reduced order cycle time. During disruption in supply chain, performance parameter changes, and the overall supply chain cost at each stage increases. External factors such as labor shortages, delayed and costly supplies, and decreased demand also contribute to this cost. This thesis work presents a research-focused analysis of a small pizza shop, under circumstances that include the loss of …

Supporting Us Army Next-Generation Ground Vehicle Simulation Modeling Using An Integrated Ontology Suite, Edward Louis

All Theses

The development of the US Army’s next-generation of ground vehicle systems is supported by simulations that predict vehicle performance and inform engineering design choices in the design and acquisition process. In this paper, we describe the development of an Integrated Ontology Suite to support modeling and simulation of next generation military ground vehicles. The ontology suite is intended to address model reuse challenges and increase the shared understanding of ground vehicle system simulations. It is intended to function in a Model Library structure that stores, documents, assembles, and executes vehicle simulations. The ontology suite consists of four domain ontologies: Vehicle …

Essays On Perioperative Services Problems In Healthcare, Amogh S. Bhosekar

All Dissertations

One of the critical challenges in healthcare operations management is to efficiently utilize the expensive resources needed while maintaining the quality of care provided. Simulation and optimization methods can be effectively used to provide better healthcare services. This can be achieved by developing models to minimize patient waiting times, minimize healthcare supply chain and logistics costs, and maximize access. In this proposal, we study some of the important problems in healthcare operations management. More specifically, we focus on perioperative services and study scheduling of operating rooms (ORs) and management of necessary resources such as staff, equipment, and surgical instruments. We …

Numerical Investigation Of Heat Generation And Accumulation Contributing To Elevated Temperature In Msw Landfills, Alborz Fathinezhad

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Landfills are complex geostructures which contains organic and inorganic municipal, and in some cases industrial, wastes and are expected to remain operational for long times. Due to the complex nature of physical, chemical, biological, and thermal reactions that carry on within the depths of a landfill, unexpected incidents such as elevated temperatures could become inevitable. While uncommon to happen, elevated temperatures cause health and environmental issues such as odors, rapid settlements, slope instabilities. In addition, elevated temperatures can negatively impact engineered components in composite bottom liners, cover systems, leachate collection, and gas extraction and recovery systems.

Air intrusion into municipal …

Using Strategic Options Development And Analysis (Soda) To Understand The Simulation Accessibility Problem, Andrew J. Collins, Ying Thaviphoke, Antuela A. Tako

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

Simulation modelling is applied to a wide range of problems, including defense and healthcare. However, there is a concern within the simulation community that there is a limited use and implementation of simulation studies in practice. This suggests that despite its benefits, simulation may not be reaching its potential in making a real-world impact. The main reason for this could be that simulation tools are not widely accessible in industry. In this paper, we investigate the issues that affect simulation modelling accessibility through a workshop with simulation practitioners. We use Strategic Options Development and Analysis (SODA), a problem-structuring approach that …

Simulation Of A Rapid Compression Machine For Evaluation Of Ignition Chemistry And Soot Formation Using Gasoline/Ethanol Blends, Musharrat Chowdhury

Master's Theses (2009 -)

With the projected decline of demand for gasoline in light duty engines and the advent of ethanol as a green fuel, the use of gasoline-ethanol blend fuels in heavy duty applications are being investigated where the primary mode of combustion is mixing controlled combustion. In mixing controlled combustion, a wide range of mixture conditions (equivalence ratio) exist inside the engine cylinder. The sooting tendencies of light fuels at richer conditions are not well understood. The goal of this research is to model the particulate matter emissions for gasoline/ethanol fuel blends, especially at fuel rich conditions. The computational models can then …

Closed Form Implicitly Integrated Models For Computationally Efficient Simulation Of Power Electronics, Andrew Wunderlich

Theses and Dissertations

This work describes novel closed-form, implicitly integrated (CF-implicit) models of switched-mode power converters which feature implicit integration but require no iterative numerical solving algorithm for evaluation because they are explicitly solved prior to model execution. The derived models capture the large-signal dynamic behavior of the power converters, so their use and accuracy are not limited to any one set of operating conditions. These models can be implemented in any computational environment, including directly on an existing embedded controller as a digital twin. Since no iterative solver is required, the models are highly computationally efficient and have a very predictable worst-case …

Mathematical Model For Sei Growth Under Open-Circuit Conditions, Shiv Krishna Madi Reddy, Wei Shang, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) growth model is developed in a mixed mode that contains solvent diffusion through the SEI layer and corresponding solvent reduction kinetics at the SEI/electrode interface. The governing equations are solved by the Landau transformation, which makes the moving layer fixed to predict the open circuit potential, SEI layer thickness, and capacity loss. The estimated parameters fitted with experimental data from the literature are computed using COMSOL and MATLAB. Results show that the mixed mode model predicts lower capacity loss and thinner SEI layer due to its growth under open circuit conditions than previously reported by …

Computation Of Risk Measures In Finance And Parallel Real-Time Scheduling, Yajuan Li

Dissertations

Many application areas employ various risk measures, such as a quantile, to assess risks. For example, in finance, risk managers employ a quantile to help determine appropriate levels of capital needed to be able to absorb (with high probability) large unexpected losses in credit portfolios comprising loans, bonds, and other financial instruments subject to default. This dissertation discusses the computation of risk measures in finance and parallel real-time scheduling.

Firstly, two estimation approaches are compared for one risk measure, a quantile, via randomized quasi-Monte Carlo (RQMC) in an asymptotic setting where the number of randomizations for RQMC grows large, but …

Reality Analagous Synthetic Dataset Generation With Daylight Variance For Deep Learning Classification, Thomas Lee, Susan Mckeever, Jane Courtney

Conference papers

For the implementation of Autonomously navigating Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAV) in the real world, it must be shown that safe navigation is possible in all real world scenarios. In the case of UAVs powered by Deep Learning algorithms, this is a difficult task to achieve, as the weak point of any trained network is the reduction in predictive capacity when presented with unfamiliar input data. It is possible to train for more use cases, however more data is required for this, requiring time and manpower to acquire. In this work, a potential solution to the manpower issues of exponentially scaling …

Design And Implementation Of Uav Swarm Self-Organizing Search Model, Kan Li, Yunpeng Li, Jiangbo Zhao

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The UAV swarm self-organizing search for moving target under the urban threat is an important implement of UAV swarm. Though Agent-based complex system modeling and simulation tools, the framework of UAV swarm search simulation model is constructed, and the self-organizing search model of UAV swarm is designed. Under the possible threats to the operational use of UAVs, the concept of self-organizing search for UAV swarm is preliminarily realized and demonstrated, and the solution of autonomous decision making for UAV swarm based on the probability-based finite state machine model is explored, which is analyzed and verified by a case. …

The Optimization Of Failure Risk Estimation On The Uniform Corrosion Rate With A Non-Linear Function, Fernanda Hartoyo, Jaka Fajar Fatriansyah, Imam Abdillah Mas'ud, Farhan Rama Digita, Hanna Ovelia, D. Rizal Asral

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

Failures in the oil and gas pipeline system are conditions that must be avoided and anticipated because the losses due to the failures can occur at a very high level. Internal corrosion is one of the significant causes of the failures in pipeline systems. In addition, this type of corrosion is due to the high content of carbon dioxide and other corrosive substances in crude oil and natural gas. Therefore, an optimal inspection scheduling system is required to prevent the possibility of pipeline failures due to corrosion and to avoid any overspending on the budget due to excessive inspection scheduling. …

Strain And Strain Rate In Friction Extrusion, Xiao Li, Md Reza-E- Rabby, Anthony Guzman, Glenn Grant, Suveen Mathaudhu, Michah Hinton, Anthony P. Reynolds

Faculty Publications

Friction extrusion is a metal forming process that generates large plastic strains and deformation-induced heating through friction between a rotating die and the material to be extruded. The final deformation state in friction extruded wire has been visualized in previous studies but the distribution and evolution of strain and strain rate inside the solid material have yet to be elucidated. This paper develops an approach that reveals the deformation during the process by visualizing the shape change of the pre-embedded markers in the remnant billet. For the first time, the distribution of steady-state strain and strain rate in friction extrusion …

Validating And Testing An Agent-Based Model For The Spread Of Covid-19 In Ireland, Elizabeth Hunter, John D. Kelleher

Articles

Agent-based models can be used to better understand the impacts of lifting restrictions or implementing interventions during a pandemic. However, agent-based models are computationally expensive, and running a model of a large population can result in a simulation taking too long to run for the model to be a useful analysis tool during a public health crisis. To reduce computing time and power while running a detailed agent-based model for the spread of COVID-19 in the Republic of Ireland, we introduce a scaling factor that equates 1 agent to 100 people in the population. We present the results from model …

A Hybrid Systems Model For Emergency Department Boarding Management, Eniola Oluwasola Suley

Industrial, Manufacturing, and Systems Engineering Dissertations - Archive

The purpose of this research is to examine methods for minimizing the influence of boarding on emergency department (ED) crowding outcomes. To accomplish this purpose, this research uses a hybrid systems model framework by combining agent-based simulation, predictive and optimization models to improve ED outcomes such as length-of-stay and left-without-being-seen rates. For the research, different types of simulation models were examined (discrete event and agent-based/discrete event combination) to identify the most parsimonious for studying ED boarding. Predictive models using simulation output were developed to understand the factors that influence future boarding levels as well as generate predictions. Research has previously …

Modeling Pattern Formation And Morphology Development In Polymer Networks, Yao Xiong

All Dissertations

Topography and morphology have considerable impacts on the functionalities of soft materials in an entire range of applications from smart optics to tissue engineering. Adapting theoretical and computational approaches, we focus on the dynamics of pattern formation and morphology development in polymer networks. This dissertation starts with studying the dynamical control of pattern formation in confined thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAAm) gel films. The patterns are formed due to mechanical instabilities. We perform a linear stability analysis and identify the limits of this analysis in predicting pattern formation in gels. We then study the restructuring between patterns and hysteresis phenomena …

Designing Harvesting And Hauling Cost Models For Energy Cane Production For Biorefineries, Prabodh Illukpitiya, Firuz Yuldashev, Kabirat Nasiru

Agricultural and Environmental Sciences Faculty Research

The harvesting and hauling operations of bioenergy feedstock is an important area in biofuel production. Production costs can be minimized by maintaining optimal machinery units for these operations. The objective of this study is to design an optimal harvesting unit for bioenergy refinery and estimate harvesting and hauling costs of energy cane. A biorefinery with the annual capacity of processing twenty-five million imp. gallons of ethanol were considered. Given the efficiency of harvesting, a two-row soldier system was considered. Considering the year-round supply of energy cane to the refinery, the optimal machinery unit was designed, and the combined operation costs …

Simulation And Localization Of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Leveraging Lie Group Structure, Easton Robert Potokar

Theses and Dissertations

Autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) have the potential to dramatically improve safety, quality of life and general scientific knowledge. Our coasts, lakes and rivers are filled with various forms of marine infrastructure including dams, bridges, ship hulls, communication lines, and oil rigs. Each of these structures requires regular inspection, and current methods utilize divers, which is dangerous, expensive, and time consuming. AUVs have the potential to alleviate these difficulties and enable more regular inspection of these structures. Furthermore, there are significant scientific discoveries in the fields of geology, marine biology and medicine that AUV exploration of our oceans will enable. Since …

A Monte Carlo Framework For Incremental Improvement Of Simulation Fidelity, Damian M. Lyons, James Finocchiaro, Misha Novitzky, Chris Korpela

Faculty Publications

Robot software developed in simulation often does not be- have as expected when deployed because the simulation does not sufficiently represent reality - this is sometimes called the `reality gap' problem. We propose a novel algorithm to address the reality gap by injecting real-world experience into the simulation. It is assumed that the robot program (control policy) is developed using simulation, but subsequently deployed on a real system, and that the program includes a performance objective monitor procedure with scalar output. The proposed approach collects simulation and real world observations and builds conditional probability functions. These are used to generate …

A Monte Carlo Framework For Incremental Improvement Of Simulation Fidelity, Damian Lyons, James Finocchiaro, Misha Novitsky, Chris Korpela

Faculty Publications

Robot software developed in simulation often does not be- have as expected when deployed because the simulation does not sufficiently represent reality - this is sometimes called the `reality gap' problem. We propose a novel algorithm to address the reality gap by injecting real-world experience into the simulation. It is assumed that the robot program (control policy) is developed using simulation, but subsequently deployed on a real system, and that the program includes a performance objective monitor procedure with scalar output. The proposed approach collects simulation and real world observations and builds conditional probability functions. These are used to generate …

An Improved Polynomial Chaos Expansion Based Response Surface Method And Its Applications On Frame And Spring Engineering Based Structures, Mhd A. Hafez

ETD Archive

In engineering fields, computational models provide a tool that can simulate a real world response and enhance our understanding of physical phenomenas. However, such models are often computationally expensive with multiple sources of uncertainty related to the model’s input/assumptions. For example, the literature indicates that ligament’s material properties and its insertion site locations have a significant effect on the performance of knee joint models, which makes addressing uncertainty related to them a crucial step to make the computational model more representative of reality. However, previous sensitivity studies were limited due to the computational expense of the models. The high computational …

Applications Of Agent-Based Modeling (Abm) In Enhancing Facility Operation And Management, Ali Khodabandelu, Jee Woong Park

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

Agent-based modeling (ABM), as a relatively new simulation technique, has recently gained in popularity in the civil engineering domain due to its uniquely advantageous features. Among many civil engineering applications, ABM has been applied to facility operation and management, such as energy consumption management, as well as the enhancement of maintenance and repair processes. The former studies used ABM to manage energy consumption through simulating human energy-related behaviors and their interactions with facilities, as well as electrical, heating, and cooling systems and appliances, while the latter used ABM to enhance maintenance process through facilitating coordination, negotiation, and decision making between …

An Agent-Based Framework For Investigating Safety-Productivity Tradeoff Of Construction Laborers Considering Risk-Taking Behavioral Heterogeneity, Ali Khodabandelu, Jee Woong Park, Seyedmohsen Kheyrandish

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Construction Faculty Research

Construction laborers and crews play a critical role in achieving a safe and productive construction site. Many past research studies used top-down approaches/perspectives for studying the impact of laborers' performance on overall construction site outputs with limited flexibility in accounting for laborers' various characteristics. However, the recent reap in computational advances allowed applications of bottom-up architectures, which can potentially incorporate heterogeneous characteristics of laborers' individual behavioral and decision-making features effectively. Accordingly, agent-based modeling (ABM), as a tool to leverage a bottom-up methodological approach, has been widely adopted by recent research. Existing literature investigated the influence of changes in laborers' behaviors …

Improvement Of The Training Paddle For A Swimmer With Unilateral Transradial Deficiency, Motomu Nakashima, Yohei Chida

International Sports Engineering Association – Engineering of Sport

No abstract provided.

Generating Reality-Analogous Datasets For Autonomous Uav Navigation Using Digital Twin Areas, Thomas Lee, Susan Mckeever, Jane Courtney

Conference papers

In order for autonomously navigating Unmanned Air Vehicles(UAVs) to be implemented in day-to-day life, proof of safe operation will be necessary for all realistic navigation scenarios. For Deep Learning powered navigation protocols, this requirement is challenging to fulfil as the performance of a network is impacted by how much the test case deviates from data that the network was trained on. Though networks can generalise to manage multiple scenarios in the same task, they require additional data representing those cases which can be costly to gather. In this work, a solution to this data acquisition problem is suggested by way …

The Potential Of Co-Simulation In Sports Engineering - A Review On Spine Simulations, Kati Nispel

International Sports Engineering Association – Engineering of Sport

No abstract provided.

Comparison Of Three-Dimensional Dynamic Models For Golf Clubhead-Ball Impacts, Adam Caldwell, John Mcphee

International Sports Engineering Association – Engineering of Sport

No abstract provided.

Therapeutic Mechanical Horse, Cade M. Liberty, Aleya Dolorfino, Peter Philips, Zuzanna Dominik, Luke Watts

Mechanical Engineering

Jack's Helping Hand and its hippotherapy participants required a device to serve as an alternative to a live horseback riding experience that could also increase the range of riders. This would provide more clients with equine-assisted therapy that has proven to better the lives of people with both physical and mental disabilities. Horses can be unpredictable, tall, and sometimes anxiety-inducing, especially for new riders. Our group’s aim was to develop a mechanical horse that will be able to reduce these issues for equine therapy centers and the riders they help. When a rider gets to practice sitting on the horse …

Eagle Medical Tray Denesting & Debris Removal Process, Nicholas Allen Ungefug, Noah Chavez, Susana Shu-Lin Okhuysen, Michael Augustine Pennington

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Eagle Medical Incorporated is a contract medical device packaging and sterilization company. The company purchases thermoformed medical packaging trays, which maintain the sterility of medical devices, from various manufacturers. To ensure packaging quality and to prevent cleanroom contamination, Eagle Medical inspects and sterilizes each blister tray that they order. This process is an essential non-value-added activity that creates a bottleneck. Cleanroom employees must stop packaging medical devices and attend to the processing of blister trays and packaging solutions. The blister trays arrive at Eagle’s facility in nested stacks. Vibration and movement during shipping further compresses the stacks, which makes separation …

Designing The Electrode Geometry And Electrolyte To Enhance The Product Selectivity And Activity In Carbon Dioxide Electroreduction, Samaneh Sharifi Golru

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

Excessive utilization of the fossil fuels due to the rapid growth of the global population has resulted in a dramatic increase in the carbon dioxide (CO₂) level in the atmosphere which is the main reason for global warming and climate change. Therefore, green technologies are in high demand to develop carbon-neutral energy cycles. In this regard, CO₂ electroreduction (CO2ER) has been proposed as a promising approach for CO₂ utilization. CO2ER can mitigate the CO₂ level in the atmosphere as well as produce value-added chemicals and fuels at ambient conditions. Despite the benefits of CO_{2 …}