Engineering Commons^™

Retrieval-Augmented Generation For Survival Analysis In Cancers: Methods And Evaluation On The Surveillance, Epidemiology, And End Results Database, Jyothi Vaidyanathan

Master's Projects

Healthcare is one of the most important fields that benefits from advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI). From classic models like linear regression to cuttingedge transformers, AI is applied across various healthcare subdomains, such as drug discovery, predictive analytics, and personalized medicine, to name a few. These techniques enable medical practitioners to make more informed decisions, significantly improving both the speed and accuracy of diagnoses and treatments. Machine learning has played a transformative role in oncology, especially in areas like early detection, diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient monitoring, by analyzing medical images, clinical information, genomic data, sensor information. Our research aims …

Quantifying Deviation Of Elasticity In The Quasi-Elastic Domain Of Granular Soils, Wen Deng, Yufan Jin, Pingxin Xia, Qingqing Fu, Xiong Xia, Xiaoxia Guo

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The absence of purely elastic properties in granular soil is attributed to the reversible sliding that occurs between particles during the loading–unloading cycle, leading to the dissipation of energy through friction. Instead of the strictly elastic domain, we opt for a quasi-elastic domain to examine elastic behavior within the confines of elastic theory. Within this quasi-elastic realm, the response deviates to some extent from the idealized pure elastic behavior posited by the elastic theory. As a result, the elastic constitutive relations applied to granular materials are no longer strictly accurate and may exhibit deviations. With the aim of exploring the …

Extending The Applicability Of Thermal Protection System Ballistic Limit Equations Beyond The Testable Regime, William P. Schonberg, Michael D. Squire

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Spacecraft use thermal insulation in their design, which is usually placed on their exterior. As such, it is susceptible to high-speed impacts by meteoroids and orbital debris, which can damage it to a point where the protection it offers is below acceptable limits. It is important to be able to characterize expected levels of damage stemming from such high-speed impacts. In this paper, we extend the applicability of a previously developed ballistic limit equation (BLE) for one such thermal insulation material using the results of a series of Smooth Particle Hydrodynamics Code (SPHC) impact simulations at velocities in excess of …

Florida Statewide Coastal Restoration Guide, Melinda J. Donnelly, Matthew Martin, Christen Fleming, Kelly Kibler, Linda Walters, Patrick Shearer, Lauren Jennison, Erika Lin, George Zaragoza

Faculty Scholarship and Creative Works

The Statewide Coastal Restoration Guide (SCRG) is a comprehensive planning resource developed through a collaboration between Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP), University of Central Florida (UCF), and Resource Environmental Solutions (RES) to strengthen and unify shoreline restoration efforts across Florida. With over 4,500 miles of estuarine shoreline, Florida’s coasts are vital to the state’s ecological health, economic prosperity, and community resilience. However, they face increasing threats from sea level rise, stronger storms, erosion, habitat degradation, and development. The SCRG responds to these challenges by providing science-based, non-regulatory guidance for implementing resilient, nature-based restoration strategies that protect both ecosystems and …

Conference Report Of Wmu Maritime Affairs Conference 2025 : Transforming A Maritime Future : Digitalization And Decarbonization, World Maritime University

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

Empirical Study Of Far-Field Radio Frequency Wireless Power Transfer Testbed For Underground Mines Based On 1.8 Ghz, Anabi Hilary Kelechi, Samuel Frimpong

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel 1.8 GHz far-field wireless power transfer (WPT) testbed was designed to achieve long-distance energy harvesting in underground mine (UM). Prior experimental studies confirm that underground mines experience 50 dB radio frequency (RF) signal attenuation compared to a typical wireless environment. Due to this severe signal attenuation, the currently proposed radio frequency energy harvesting (RF-EH) testbed cannot be deployed in underground mines. In this study, we proposed, designed and performed an empirical study with a military-grade class A radio frequency wireless power transfer (RF-WPT) testbed. The various digital modulation schemes experimented with included: BPSK, DBPSK, QPSK, OQPSK, Pi4DQPSK, 8PSK, …

Anisotropic And Temperature-Tunable Second-Harmonic Vortex Generation In Ferroelectric Nbocl2 Holograms, Jayanta Deka, Xiaodong Yang, Jie Gao

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Optical vortex beams with helical phase fronts have immense potential to enhance data capacity due to the unbounded values of orbital angular momentum. Chip-scale platforms for producing vortex beams are of paramount importance for a variety of applications. On the other hand, 2D materials with unique optical properties are essential for developing multifunctional ultrathin photonic devices. Here, anisotropic and temperature-tunable second-harmonic vortex beam generation is demonstrated with ultrathin ferroelectric niobium oxide dichloride (NbOCl₂) fork holograms. The polarization-resolved Raman measurements are performed on the NbOCl₂ crystal to understand the anisotropic behavior of the Raman modes. It is demonstrated …

Machine Learning Approach For Defect Prediction In Metal 3d Printing For Aerospace Applications, Yerlik Gabdulla, Md Hazrat Ali, Frank Liou, Essam Shehab

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the aerospace industry by enabling the production of lightweight and high-strength components, such as aerospace engine components and structural elements. The ability to create complex geometries and reduce material waste is particularly beneficial for aerospace applications, where performance and weight reduction are paramount. However, ensuring the quality and reliability of these components remains a challenge, particularly in mass production, which is related to material quality, expensive processes, and longer computational times than conventional manufacturing methods. This paper proposes an approach utilizing a Decision Tree Classification Machine Learning Algorithm to predict the possibility of defect occurrence …

In-Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Investigation Of Grain Size And Temperature Dependent Irradiation Behavior Of 304l Stainless Steel, Anish Ranjan, Matthew Luebbe, Nastaran Motaharinia, Wei Ying Chen, Frank Liou, Haiming Wen

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The influence of grain size, irradiation temperature, and dose on the evolution of irradiation-induced defects in austenitic 304L stainless steel (SS) was systematically investigated. Coarse-grained (CG), ultrafine-grained (UFG), and nanocrystalline (NC) specimens were exposed to irradiation doses up to 10 displacements per atom (dpa) at room temperature (RT), 300°C, and 500°C. Dislocation loop size and density were quantitatively analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, and results showed that the dislocation loop size remained comparable across different grain sizes. However, loop density was strongly dependent on the grain size. The CG specimens exhibited the highest loop density due to a limited fraction …

A Framework For Fair And Trustworthy Multimodal Video Anomaly Detection: Fusion, Dataset Quality Auditing, Explainability, And Fairness, Omeshamisu Judith Anigala

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

St-Hybrid: Dynamic Graph Learning With Multi-Scale Spatio-Temporal Attention For Traffic Forecasting, Dhe Yeong Ewaza Tchalla

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Accurate short-term traffic forecasting is central to modern Intelligent Transportation Systems, supporting route guidance, adaptive signal control, and incident response. Yet producing reliable predictions remains difficult because traffic is highly non-stationary. The relationships among roadway sensors shift during congestion, incidents, weather changes, or fluctuations in demand, and the temporal structure of traffic spans several scales from abrupt minute-level variations to broader daily and weekly rhythms. Models that rely on fixed spatial graphs or a single temporal scale tend to miss these evolving and layered dependencies. This thesis addresses these challenges by developing a graph-learning framework that adapts to changing traffic …

Mid-Scale Rover Gravity Offloader (Mrgo): Design, Implementation, And Experimental Validation, Alexander Schaar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the design, implementation, and validation of the Mid Scale Rover Gravity Offloader (MRGO), a terrestrial testbed developed to simulate partial-gravity conditions for planetary rover testing within a three-dimensional environment. The MRGO enables consistent, user-defined offloading force as a rover drives freely within a 20 by 18 ft test area, while a stepper motor rail gantry autonomously tracks the rover’s motion and maintains overhead alignment. Mounted to the moving gantry is a vertical carriage column that houses the offloading mechanism, which accommodates up to 5 ft of vertical displacement without loss of force accuracy. This configuration allows realistic …

Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Key Parameters On Thermal Properties Of Carbon Nanotube Modified Epoxy Composites, Lida Najmi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The application of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced epoxy matrix composites (CRECs) has attracted extensive attention in various industrial sectors due to the significant improvement of material properties imparted by CNTs. The thermal behavior of these nanocomposites is governed by complex heat transfer mechanisms operating at different scales, resulting in a complex relationship between the effective thermal response and the microstructural characteristics of the composite. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the thermal conductivity of CRECs, focusing on the effects of key parameters such as the length and volume fraction of CNTs, the degree of cross-linking within …

Simulating Positive Ion Distribution In The Protodune Single Phase Detector, Vishnu Pfeiffer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work covers the validation and implementation of a model to solve for argon ion (Ar+) distribution in the ProtoDUNE-SP liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC). ProtoDUNE-SP undergoes a constant flux of cosmic ray muons due to surface operation. The performance of the ProtoDUNE-SP provided valuable insights into single-phase technology, membrane cryostat technology, and calibration of cryogenic instrumentation. Still, challenges in achieving precise measurements persist due to the space charge effect—the distortion of the electric field within the detector due to the accumulation of positive argon ions generated from constant cosmic muon flux. The overarching goal of this thesis is …

Adaptation For Whom? Understanding The Impacts Of Dyke Policies On Small-Scale Farmers In Ca Mau Province Of Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Quang, Nguyen Van Minh, Nguyen Vo Chau Ngan, Martha B. Lerski

Publications and Research

Low-lying deltas worldwide are extremely vulnerable to sea-level rise. As the risks of climate-induced flooding become increasingly clear, the thirst for infrastructure-driven adaptation increases. This highlights a patent need to understand the impacts of engineering adaptation solutions, especially those targeting built structures such as dykes and sluices, on farmers from a bottom-up, farmer-centred perspective. The study addresses this call by examining cases where dyke policies, while successful in some dimensions, have undermined small-scale farmer livelihoods in Ca Mau ― Vietnam’s southernmost rural province. It identifies areas in need of attention and adds empirical data related to this group of farmers. …

Largely Enhanced Out-Of-Plane Electromechanical Coupling Effects In Two-Dimensional Molybdenum-Disulfide/Boron-Nitride Heterostructures, Qiong Liu, Vijay Kumar Choyal, James E. Morris, Timon Rabczuk, Xiaoning Jiang, Xiaoying Zhuang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The electromechanical coupling effects in two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted great interest. However, for 2D TMDs, piezoelectricity is confined to the basal plane, and the flexoelectricity-derived out-of-plane electromechanical response is usually faint, limiting the applications of this material family using the out-of-plane electromechanical effects. Here, this work reports a facile strategy to greatly enhance the out-of-plane electromechanical response of hexagonal molybdenum disulfide (2H-MoS₂) nanoflakes by stacking monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) on 2H-MoS₂ nanoflakes to form MoS₂/BN heterostructures. The d^eff/₃₃ coefficient of MoS₂/BN can reach a value comparable …

Power Saving In Open Ran By Using Advanced Cpu Scheduling Algorithm, Saish Urumkar, Sachin Sharma

Conference papers

Open RAN is an emerging wireless technology that is gaining significant attention for its potential to enable flexi- ble, cost-efficient, and interoperable networks. Reducing power utilization in Open RAN, particularly for 5G base stations (gNodeBs) deployed in remote areas, remains a critical challenge due to limited power availability. In our previous work, we developed a CPU scheduling algorithm that optimized core allocation based on load conditions, reducing power utilization for gNodeB in a virtualized Open RAN environment. Extending our previous work, this paper introduces an advanced CPU scheduling for Open RAN designed to reduce power utilization in real hardware Open …

Effect Of Gluconate Molecules On The Reaction Kinetics Of C-(N)-A-S-H And N-A-S-H Gel Formation, Jiafeng Kong, Chao Sun, Zuhua Zhang, Chenglong Cai, Yubin Cao, Yanru Wang, Hongyan Ma, Xuesen Zeng, Hao Wang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Organic ligands are widely used to regulate setting in cementitious binders, yet their chemistry-selective action in geopolymers (GPs) remains unclear. Here we isolate the role of sodium gluconate (SG) in early reaction kinetics across a Ca-rich GP that forms a calcium-(sodium)-aluminosilicate hydrate (C-(N)-A-S-H) gel and a Ca-poor GP that forms a sodium-aluminosilicate hydrate (N-A-S-H) gel. Four GPs spanning Ca/Si ≈ 1.01 to 0.01 were prepared with identical activator chemistry and dosages of SG up to 5 wt.% of precursors. Setting time, isothermal calorimetry, pore-solution speciation (TOC, ICP-OES, and pH), selective dissolution (reaction extent), low-field¹H NMR, XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS, …

Every Publication Needs An Author Verified Tl;Dr Statement, Sarah Oerther, Daniel B. Oerther

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Surface And Physical Property On Multiphase Flow In Sealed Vessel: Liquid Dropdown Performance, Mehedi Hasan Tusar, Palash K. Bhowmik, Kazuma Kobayashi, Syed Bahauddin Alam, Shoaib Usman

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study explores multi-phase (i.e., liquid-gas) and multi-fluid (i.e., air-water, and water-silicone oil) flow-pattern and flow-blockage physics phenomena for wall wettability conditions ranging from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic cases in sealed vessels utilizing computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation tools and volume-of-fluid (VOF) method with sharp interface modeling. Detailed modeling and simulation (M&S) of such physics phenomena—in which liquid (e.g., water) stands over top of gas (e.g., air or steam) in a closed channel and exhibited flow blockage, flow reversal related challenges—are pivotal for design, analysis, and qualification of component-level (e.g., heat pipes, heat exchangers) to system-level (e.g., emergency core cooling systems …

Nonlinear Dynamics And Control Of An Autonomously Operated Towed System, Brian Allan Carr

Wayne State University Theses

Emergency towing vessels are a vital component of maritime safety. This study works to improve on previous works in the area of automating the towing of disabled ships. In doing so control methods for transient three degree of freedom dynamics of a tug and tow system which is connected with a finite element cable are evaluated. A Heaviside unit step function is inserted to void both the elastic and viscous interaction between the massive elements whenever the distance between two neighboring masses appears to be below the corresponding undeformed distance. This follows the representation of the cable as a one-dimensional …

Investigating The Role Of Knee Damping In Reducing Joint Forces During Walking And Its Implications For Osteoarthritis Patients, Samantha Briggs

Wayne State University Theses

Arthritis is a leading cause of activity limitation and chronic pain worldwide. Particularly in cases of knee osteoarthritis, mobility impairments are largely due to pain at the arthritic joint. During normal gait, forces across the knee joint peak during the weight acceptance and early midstance phases. Hence, providing damping at the knee joint during this period of the gait cycle may be effective in decreasing the joint forces and pain experienced by osteoarthritis patients while walking. To examine the role of knee damping in reducing joint forces, an eddy current braking device was automated to provide targeted resistance at the …

Lead Bioaccessibility And Commonly Measured Soil Characteristics (Detroit, Mi, Usa) Phase Ii, Conor T. Gowan, Sabrina R. Good, Allison R. Harris, Patrick Crouch, Shawn P. Mcelmurry

Open Data at Wayne State

Urban soil contaminated with anthropogenic sources of Pb is a major contributor to child Pb exposure. To assess the Pb risk in urban areas, composite samples were collected from 142 voluntary privately owned 142 residential parcels in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, Michigan. Samples were collected at two time periods, before and after treatment applied for those denoted as treatment sites. Samples were collected from areas covered with turf grass on the parcels from the front, middle and rear sections. Soils were collected with a bulb planter at approximately 10cm depth and were cleaned with a tap water-Liquinox detergent solution …

A Comprehensive Review Of Piezoelectric Pvdf Polymer Fabrications And Characteristics, Nadia Ahbab, Sidra Naz, Tian-Bing Xu, Shihai Zhang

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer films, renowned for their exceptional piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties, offer a versatile platform for the development of cutting-edge micro-scale functional devices, enabling innovative applications ranging from energy harvesting and sensing to medical diagnostics and actuation. This paper presents an in-depth review of the material properties, fabrication methodologies, and characterization of PVDF films. Initially, a comprehensive description of the physical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, and electromechanical properties is provided. The unique combination of piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties, coupled with its excellent chemical resistance and mechanical strength, makes PVDF a highly valuable material for a wide …

Smartphones On Wheels In Southeast Asia: A Crossroads For Data Governance, Attamongkol Tantratian, Gunn Jiravuttipong

Journal of Law and Mobility

While the transformation of automobiles into data-generating “smartphones on wheels” has revolutionized mobility, it has also raised critical concerns over data privacy and sovereignty. Equipped with sensors and connected technologies, smart vehicles collect vast amounts of data, including personal information, driving patterns, and biometric identifiers. While auto-exporting jurisdictions such as the United States, the European Union, and China have introduced regulatory measures to address these challenges, countries importing smart vehicles remain vulnerable due to their limited influence over the auto companies’ integrated technology and data policies.

This Article examines the regulatory and economic challenges faced by developing nations integrating foreign-designed …

Molecular Simulation Studies Of Protein Interactions Associated With Aging, Charlotte Jenna Thomas

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Frozen Commons: Food Security And Food Sovereignty In Rural Alaskan Communities And Tribes, Catey Selby, Weiwei Mo

Honors Theses and Capstones

This project explored the challenges, needs, and potential solutions related to food security and food sovereignty in rural Alaskan communities. These communities have long relied on traditional subsistence practices like fishing, hunting, and foraging, but those practices have been increasingly affected by climate change, regulatory restrictions, and commercial overfishing. Key issues identified included shorter hunting seasons, changes in animal migration, unsafe ice conditions, habitat loss, complex land ownership, and permitting barriers. Large-scale commercial fisheries also put additional pressure on subsistence resources, reducing access to traditional food sources.

The project focused on identifying key stakeholders—such as government agencies, tribal organizations, and …

Optimization Of Small-Scale Bioreactors For Increased Pdna Production And Yield, Laura M. Hills

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Floating Offshore Structures: A Literature Review Of Current Technologies, Dynamic Behavior, And Energy Applications Post-2021, Stephen Michael Nolin

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

The Design Of A Bioinspired Impact Mitigation System Towards The Prevention Of Brain Injuries, Bryce H. Reimer

Master’s Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), remain a major concern across contact sports, military operations, and transportation. Despite advancements in protective equipment, current strategies often fall short in preventing the mechanical conditions that contribute to long-term neurological damage. This thesis presents the design and validation of a bioinspired impact mitigation system modeled after bighorn sheep horn structures, which have evolved to endure high-energy collisions without apparent brain injury.

Using biomimetic principles, the research integrates experimental and computational methods to evaluate how horn-like geometries reduce impact-induced accelerations. A custom drop tower was built to test dynamic …