Engineering Commons^™

Accessibility And Usability Of Medical Devices For Users With Disabilities: Insights From A Bibliometric And Thematic Analysis, Karen Daniela Gonzalez Silva

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Advancements In Polymer Synthesis And Ceramic Additive Manufacturing For Energy Applications, Sofia Gabriela Gomez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this work was to create polymer and ceramic materials for integration into energy applications. The first part of this research was to fabricate polymer syntactic foams that exhibited high energy absorption capabilities. The fabrication of polymer syntactic foams was feasible through synthesizing hollow polysiloxane microspheres that were imbedded into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. An array of characterization techniques was used to test the material and physical properties of the syntactic foams. The next step of this research was to fabricate a porous water emulsion foam ink for use in Direct-Ink-Write (DIW) additive manufacturing (AM) technologies. Unlike the …

General Purpose Gpu Benchmarks For Neural Networks, Jose Maria Granados

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Neural networks are a field of computing experiencing a rise in popularity in recent years due to the utilization of graphics processing units as their computational centerpiece. The lack of neural network benchmarks for the open-source Nyuzi architecture, a developing general-purpose processor with graphical processing capabilities, is the focus of this thesis. This work aims to determine whether Nyuziâ??s performance counters and traceable events suffice for performance tuning of neural network implementations. Given the mathematical intensity of neural networks, a strong emphasis is placed on events related to arithmetic instructions. Experimenting with neural network implementations in C and C++, existent …

Cal Poly Gateway Decathlon Deliverable 3: Cost Estimate Development, Ruby Maria Sierra

Construction Management

The Gateway Decathlon is a global competition where university teams design, build, and operate sustainable, energy-efficient, and cost-effective homes using advanced technologies and materials. Teams create homes with renewable energy, energy-efficient systems, and sustainable materials. The competition evaluates design, energy efficiency, sustainability, and market viability. Currently, teams are working on Deliverable 3, which includes technical documentation, architectural plans, energy simulations, and cost analyses to ensure project feasibility. This deliverable bridges the design and construction phases and sets the foundation for building and operating the homes, helping to advance sustainable building practices and energy-efficient solutions.

Estimating The Possible Qpos Of M87* From The Parameters Of A Hairy Kerr Black Hole, Orhan Donmez, Fatih Dogan

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, we study the dynamics of the shock cone formed around a hairy Kerr black hole due to Bondi– Hoyle–Lyttleton (BHL) accretion and investigate the quasi-periodic oscillations (QPO) behaviors resulting from the black hole-cone interaction, aiming to predict the QPO frequencies that may occur around the M87∗ black hole. To achieve this, we use the hairy Kerr black hole parameters consistent with the observed shadow parameters of M87∗ as initial conditions in numerical simulations, revealing the structure of the resulting shock cone and QPOs in a strong gravitational field. Numerical calculations show that the deviation of …

Hafnium Oxide Coating To Improve The Oxidation Behavior Of Zirconium Diboride, Jan E. Förster, William G. Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas, Ravisankar Naraparaju

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Hafnium dioxide (HfO₂) coatings were successfully deposited on zirconium diboride (ZrB₂) using reactive magnetron sputtering. After the oxidation at 1500°C or 1600°C, the mutual dissolution of HfO₂ and thermally grown ZrO₂ was observed which has resulted in the formation of a mixed oxide zone. As the enrichment of the mixed oxide zone by ZrO₂ progresses, monoclinic/tetragonal phase transition temperature of ∼1790°C for nominally pure HfO₂ moves towards ∼1500 °C. Finally, the inevitable phase transition from monoclinic to tetragonal structure results in the development of cracks, pores, and gaps within the mixed oxide …

Machine Learned Interatomic Potentials For Ternary Carbides Trained On The Aflow Database, Josiah Roberts, Biswas Rijal, Simon Divilov, Jon Paul Maria, William G. Fahrenholtz, Douglas E. Wolfe, Donald W. Brenner, Stefano Curtarolo, Eva Zurek

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Large-density functional theory (DFT) databases are a treasure trove of energies, forces, and stresses that can be used to train machine-learned interatomic potentials for atomistic modeling. Herein, we employ structural relaxations from the AFLOW database to train moment tensor potentials (MTPs) for four carbide systems: CHfTa, CHfZr, CMoW, and CTaTi. The resulting MTPs are used to relax ~6300 random symmetric structures and are subsequently improved via active learning to generate robust potentials (RP) that can relax a wide variety of structures, and accurate potentials (AP) designed for the relaxation of low-energy systems. This protocol is shown to yield convex hulls …

Multiphysics Modeling And Experimental Validation Of High-Strength Steel In Laser Powder Bed Fusion Process, M. Rangapuram, S. Babalola, J. W. Newkirk, L. N. Bartlett, F. W. Liou, K. Chandrashekhara, Stephen R. Cluff

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is a subset of the additive manufacturing process in which a laser beam selectively joins the metal powder into a desired part in a sequential layer process. Owing to its complex nature of rapid heating and cooling of the melt pool, there is a need to understand the melt pool behavior and its effects on the final manufactured part. a densely packed powder bed is highly desirable for fabricating a superior part using the LPBF process. in this work, discrete element model was used to generate powder beds with realistic powder properties and various factors …

A General Model For The Ductility Of Intermetallics Applied To Fe-Co Alloys, Wesley Everhart, Joseph Newkirk

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The mechanical properties, specifically ductility, of high performing soft magnets such as Fe-Co alloys are a limiting factor to their broader use in a number of systems. The understanding of the mechanical robustness in these materials is currently insufficient to be able to support the growing interest in applications such as magnetic shielding or electric motors. Fe-Co alloys provide the highest commercially available magnetic saturation and high magnetic permeability but have very poor ductility. The addition of vanadium to these alloys has allowed for significant commercialization and some ductility improvements, but the fundamental reasons for the observed improvements are not …

Operation Webs - Tiny Home On Wheels: Quantity Take-Off, Estimate, And Site Logistics, Brendan Moynahan

Construction Management

The objective of this paper is to highlight and discuss the process of performing quantity take-offs, completing an estimate, and creating a site logistics plan for the Operation WEBS (Women Empowered Build Strong) Tiny Home on Wheels project performed at the Paso Robles State Fair. This project is a part of the interdisciplinary project based senior project completed by California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, College of Architecture and Environmental Design students Brendan Moynahan and Jake Torres. Brendan Moynahan performed the deliverables covered in this paper while Jake Torres completed his own deliverables for another paper. Our individual responsibilities …

Effects Of Concrete With The Implementation Of Spent Coffee Grounds, Nathan Limon

Construction Management

During this study, compression tests were performed on three different concrete mix designs to evaluate the effects of spent coffee grounds as an admixture. The initial mix design was the control mix, composed of a general concrete mix design containing aggregate, cement, and water. The second mixture utilized was high strength concrete; this included aggregate, cement, and water, fly ash. The third mixture tested consisted of aggregate, cement, water, and spent coffee grounds. The purpose of evaluating these three different mixtures is to see whether spent coffee grounds can be implemented into concrete without compromising the compressive strength. Substituting 15% …

The Viability Of Styrofoam Beads In Concrete Mixtures, Colin Edward Sykes

Construction Management

This experiment revolved around the idea that an aggregate replacement in a concrete mixture could not only maintain its structural integrity but increase its sustainability as well. This idea was formulated into the experiment of embedding Styrofoam beads into concrete. The outcome of this experiment showed the compressive strength of the concrete increased the greatest with the substitution of Styrofoam beads for fine aggregate up to 20%. This 20% Styrofoam replacement mixture exhibited an 189% increase in compressive strength when compared to the control group in the third week of testing. In addition to this impressive compressive strength, the weight …

The Use Of Augmented Reality (Ar) Technology In Construction, Luke Zamlich

Construction Management

Building Information Modeling (BIM) has revolutionized construction by replacing traditional paper-based methods with advanced software, improving data management and project workflows. However, as projects become more complex, challenges like communication gaps and design errors persist, often leading to cost overruns. Augmented Reality (AR) is an emerging technology that could address some of these issues by enhancing real-time visualization and collaboration, helping avoid costly rework. Despite its potential, AR remains underutilized in the construction industry. This paper explores the feasibility of integrating AR into modern construction workflows to complement BIM models and improve on-site project management. A literature review highlights AR’s …

Building Safely: How Spanish Specific Safety Can Impact Job Sites, Luis D. Aguilar Montano

Construction Management

This project explores how Spanish Specific Safety Training is being approached in the construction industry, with an attempt to identify some possible issues associated with language barriers and accessibility to these trainings. This research involved data collection through thirty analytical surveys, in addition to conducting three semi-structured interviews with construction workers and supervisors. The focus of the data collection was to gain insights into several key areas, including training accessibility, workplace injuries, language barriers, and worker comfort. The survey results indicated strong support for Spanish-language safety training, with respondents recognizing its potential to improve safety and overall worker comfort. Many …

Caed Shop Entrance Wall Redesign, Theodore Haoran Khuong, Joelle Schalesky, Ellen Elizabeth Untalan, Katherine Evalyn Timbes

Construction Management

This paper details the preconstruction process involving the replacement and redesign of the north wall at the CAED Support Shop at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. Accomplished by an interdisciplinary team of Architectural Engineering and Construction Management students, this project explores the requirements and procedures of generating a project proposal to submit to Cal Poly Facilities Management. The project, initiated in the fall of 2024, aimed to redesign the wall aligned with the adjacent Engineering West building and replace it with a CMU low lift grouted wall. The CAED Support Shop is offered as a resource to all CAED students …

A Comparison Of Mass Timber Perceptions Among Construction Professionals Over Time, Josh A. Higginson

Construction Management

Mass timber is a relatively new construction building material consisting of large-scale engineered wood products such as cross-laminated timber (CLT) and glue-laminated timber (glulam). It is gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to traditional steel and concrete, offering benefits such as reduced carbon emissions and enhanced aesthetic appeal. Despite being used on notable projects recently, it is not yet widely accepted by the industry as a whole. This study investigates the evolving awareness, benefits, and challenges associated with mass timber construction among U.S. construction professionals. Through a survey of over 100 construction practitioners, primarily from Cal Poly’s Construction Management Advisory …

Lab Exercise For Cm 114: Static Bending Of Timber And Its Alternatives, Samuel E. Arreola

Construction Management

This lab exercise investigates the static bending behavior of various structural materials. In this lab, the primary objective is to evaluate and compare the stress, strain, and deflection of 2” x 10” lumber, TJI joists, LVL beams, and steel studs under controlled loading conditions. This lab will require the calculation of cross-sectional properties, applying incremental loads until failure, and recording all corresponding deflection values. Material failure was visually documented using photographs to understand structural performance under the load. By using structural engineering principles and the formulas for stress and strain, the completion of this lab exercise provides a comprehensive analysis …

Biaxial Strain Tuned Upconversion Photoluminescence Of Monolayer Ws2, Shrawan Roy, Xiaodong Yang, Jie Gao

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Monolayer tungsten disulfide (1L-WS₂) is a direct bandgap atomic-layered semiconductor material with strain tunable optical and optoelectronic properties among the monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (1L-TMDs). Here, we demonstrate biaxial strain tuned up conversion photoluminescence (UPL) from exfoliated 1L-WS₂ flakes transferred on a flexible polycarbonate cruciform substrate. When the biaxial strain applied to 1L-WS₂ increases from 0 to 0.51%, it is observed that the UPL peak position is redshifted by up to 60 nm% strain, while the UPL intensity exhibits exponential growth with the up-conversion energy difference varying from − 303 to − 120 meV. The measured …

Reference Dependence In Queue Design And Pricing Strategies, Jian Liu, Yongpin Zhou, Jian Chen, Peng Li

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This research investigates the effect of reference dependence on waiting times in service systems which formerly used a first-in-first-out (FIFO) service but have introduced a priority line with a fee. Our model combines reference-dependent gain-loss utility with standard customer utility, and we posit that customers are pleased with shorter-than-expected waiting times, whereas longer-than-expected times lead to dissatisfaction and an increased likelihood of balking. The study explores two scenarios: a captive customer system (CCS) and a noncaptive customer system (NCCS), with a focus on optimal pricing and segmentation strategies for revenue and social welfare maximization. The results reveal that, in a …

Impact Of Electrical Testing Strategies On The Performance Metrics Of Bio-Organic-Based Resistive Switching Memory, Muhammad Awais, Hao Zhe Leong, Nadras Othman, Mohamad Danial Shafiq, Feng Zhao, Kuan Yew Cheong

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Resistive Random-Access Memory (ReRAM) is considered as one of the most promising non-volatile memory technologies because of its high scalability, fast switching speed, and low power consumption. While many review papers are focused on investigating material types, material properties, device fabrication methods, and device structures, the influence of electrical testing strategies on ReRAM performance has yet been reviewed, particularly for bio-organic-based ReRAM. This review compiled, analyzed, and discussed how compliance current, voltage sweep rate, voltage sweep range, and voltage sweeping direction affect the ON/OFF ratio, read memory window, and both SET and RESET voltages of ReRAM.

Sensitive Grip Mounting Surfaces For Physical Human-Robot Interaction., Branden Shay

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

As the development of robotics becomes ever increasingly present in our society, the need for studying how humans and robots interact with each other becomes more of a necessity to be properly integrated in the changing world around us. In this thesis, we undertake the study and development of how to create a tactile human-robot operator interface to guide a robot perform a physical task. The implementation of tactile interfaces such as SkinCell sensor arrays emulating skin, and of a robotic handlebar fitted with tactile sensors are critical examples of the challenges that come with mounting and packaging such sensors …

Investigating The Contribution Of First-Order Streams To Floods In Downstream Water Bodies On The Central Appalachian Plateau., Luke Ott

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Flash floods are the costliest natural disaster in Appalachia. The goal of this study is to better understand flood response in headwater streams and the role of these systems in the generation of downstream floods. We applied a process-based hydrologic model using data from the Robinson Forest environmental monitoring network to estimate the contribution of headwaters to downstream floods. We then used the model to understand the effects of landscape disturbance in headwaters on downstream floods. Finally, we developed empirical hydrologic models to identify useful data for predicting downstream peak flood discharge. Results indicate that headwaters in our study catchment …

Cutting Mechanisms And Control Systems Required For Precision Cutting With An Autonomous Lettuce Harvester, Aidan V. Fischer

Master's Theses

43% of California’s vast land is consumed for agricultural production to feed the United States and other nations Lettuce production alone brought in over $3 billion in 2022 in California. Most of the lettuce today is still harvested by hand using large groups of seasonal laborers; however, this has become increasingly difficult with an immigrant labor shortage. The objective of this study was to design a low-cost autonomous lettuce harvester prototype and evaluate the performance of the harvester capable of harvesting romaine lettuce preciously on a raised bed.

The harvester is equipped with an electrohydraulic control system that is used …

Factors Influencing Faculty's Adoption Of Engineering Technology: A Qualitative Study, Michelle Jarvie-Eggart, Shari L. Stockero, Alfred Owusu-Ansah

Michigan Tech Publications

With technologies changing faster than ever before, engineering faculty must continuously update the technologies they use and teach to students to meet accreditation requirements and keep up with industry standards. Many do not, however. Additionally, existing models of technology adoption do not account for all variability within intention to use a technology, nor its actual use. Informed by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), this study examined which constructs from prior models apply to engineering faculty's adoption of industry-specific technologies, as well as other factors influencing faculty adoption of these technologies for their teaching or research. …

Populations Digitally Excluded From Education: Issues, Factors, Contributions And Actions For Policy, Practice And Research In A Post-Pandemic Era, Don Passey, Jean Gabin Ntebutse, Manal Yazbak Abu Ahmad, Janet Cochrane, Simon Collin, Asmaa Ganayem, Elizabeth Langran, Sadaqat Mulla, Ma. Mercedes T. Rodrigo, Toshinori Saito, Miri Shonfeld, Saunand Somasi

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

This conceptual paper draws on a wide range of research and policy literature, providing a contemporary view of issues, factors and practices that affect education for digitally excluded populations. Concern for how education for digitally excluded populations can be supported is focal to this paper, with different sections offering key related perspectives. From an analysis of issues, factors and practices, actions for policy, practice and research are identified. Given a key finding that power issues can have major effects on plans, implementation processes and outcomes when addressing needs of education for digitally excluded populations, the paper concludes by offering frameworks …

Fabrication And Performance Of Scalable Bio-Engineered Porous Layers For Efficient Co2 Capture, Mary Sharon Rose Bondugula

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation addresses the critical challenge of mitigating climate change by advancing CO2 capture technologies. As global CO2 emissions continue to rise, effective methods for capturing and separating CO2 from industrial processes are essential to combat climate change. Existing CO2 capture systems, such as Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) and Temperature Swing Adsorption (TSA), often rely on packed bed designs that face limitations, including poor heat and mass transfer, slow gas diffusion, and low thermal conductivity, reducing their efficiency. To overcome these challenges, this dissertation explores innovative solutions by developing advanced adsorbent coatings and scalable bed configurations.

This research begins by …

Heterogeneous Collaborative Robotics: Multi-Robot Navigation In Dynamic Environments, Tyler Nicholas Raettig

Theses and Dissertations

Abstract: The challenges of multi-robot navigation in dynamic environments, focusing on uncertainties in obstacle complexities, partial observation, and the transition of policies from simulations to the real world. The proposed approach utilizes a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) framework enabling a Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)-equipped robot to communicate with a camera-equipped robot to achieve optimal paths despite their different sensors. The key contributions include the development of a cooperative architecture for information exchange between robots, a DRL-based framework for learning navigation policies, and a training mechanism based on dynamic randomization for enhanced real-world adaptability. Experimental validation using Gazebo simulations demonstrates …

Primary And Secondary Resonances Of Fringe Effect Electrostatically Actuated Mems Cantilever Resonators, Miguel Armando Martinez

Theses and Dissertations

The nonlinear dynamics of micro-electromechanical system (MEMS) cantilever resonators actuated by the fringe field at parametric and primary resonances are studied. Three models are used based on different descriptions of the system capacitance. In the fringe and capacitance models, the electrostatic force due to the parallel-plate capacitance is neglected due to a hole in the ground plate (removes overlapping area). The SolidWorks model is based on numerical capacitance simulations performed on SolidWorks using EMS. All three models that approximate the fringe field capacitance are compared with one another. The Method of Multiple Scales (MMS) and Reduced Order Model (ROM) up …

Study Of Temperature Effects Of Glucose And Microwave Dielectric Dispersion Model, Ethan Grant Boone

Theses and Dissertations

In this study, the temperature effect of dielectric properties in various aqueous solutions containing glucose are examined. A design for a new testing chamber is introduced to provide improved conditions for testing to ensure accurate and precise measurements. A N-SMA Adaptor is used when obtaining dielectric characteristics of glucose solutions ranging 100-300mg/dl. Dielectric parameters are obtained adopting a modified Debye dispersion model. MATLAB is used to confirm coaxial dimensions are suitable fabrication designs using fixed dielectric parameters of air and water. Simulations and design models were implemented utilizing ANSYS High Frequency Structure Simulator and 3-D Modeler software to develop the …

3d Bioprinted Coaxial Tubule Optimization For Human Aortic Endothelial Cell Growth, Ilse Gabriela Perez Garcia

Theses and Dissertations

This paper introduces a research study of printing parameter optimization of extruded, cell-laden, 3D bioprinted coaxial tubules, as well as cell interaction observations. Optimization of printing parameters seeks to reduce variability of the tubules’ inner and outer diameters. The tubules were manufactured from a 0.4% Collagen I - 1.6% NaC6H7O6 (Sodium Alginate) bioink, that reaches gelation through interaction with a 3.2% CaCl2 (Calcium Chloride) solution. The bioinks were extruded through a dual syringe pump mechanism connected to a coaxial nozzle, which is mounted on an adapted 3D FDM (Fused Deposition …