Engineering Commons^™

Energy Efficiency Optimization In Integrated Sensing And Communication Networks, Arianna M. Santamaria Penafiel

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

In the emerging landscape of Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) networks, achieving energy efficiency while concurrently performing sensing and communication tasks remains challenging. This paper introduces a new framework, a novel solution that empowers User Equipment (UEs) to make informed decisions regarding their transmission power allocation, optimizing the energy efficiency of sensing, communication, and data reporting to the gNB (gNodeB) functions. Initially, a novel ISAC network paradigm is proposed, where the gNB employs rewards, such as monetary incentives, to motivate UEs to engage in sensing, data collection, and reporting within its coverage area based on the principles of Contract Theory. …

Documents In The Age Of Non-Human Agency, Bernt Ivar Olsen-Kristiansen Dr, Niels W. Lund

Proceedings from the Document Academy

As documents are inherently tied to humans and their expressions (Lund 2024), facilitating communication across time and space, we might have historically reflected on the implications of inserting a computer or information system between humans. If we envision the human as a handyman engaged in technical engineering, we can comprehend the development of AI, Artificial Intelligence, as part of a much longer history of creating instruments and machines to support human endeavors. These include the printing press, musical instruments, steam engines, typewriters, microphones, and progressing to digital musical instruments that create their own music.

Yet, it remains humans who craft …

Development Of Sensing Capabilities For Agricultural Robotics, Carter Noh

Theses and Dissertations

Agricultural robotics is a rapidly growing industry with the possibility to revolutionize food production. Agricultural robots often require custom sensing solutions to perform specific tasks. Developing the appropriate sensing capabilities for an application is therefore an important step in the automation process. In this thesis I present two case studies in developing sensing capabilities for agricultural robotics applications. First, I introduce a sensor that can provide simultaneous measurements of force and position. The sensor was developed to enable high-throughput measurement of maize stalk stiffness on a robot platform. It uses multiple sets of strain gauges on a cantilever beam to …

Extracting Speech Content From High-Amplitude Background Machine Noise, Curtis L. Garner

Theses and Dissertations

The research presented in this dissertation aims to address the need for improved communication between heavy machinery operators and external personnel, aiming to improve safety and efficiency by overcoming the communication barriers posed by equipment noise and cab insulation. The primary purpose of this research was to develop a hands-free communication system that allows the operator to hear speech from outside the cab without requiring any personal communication devices like radios or headsets. Key objectives included effective speech extraction from ambient noise and accurate estimation of the location of the speaker. Operating without active user control, the system emphasizes clarity …

Surface Chemistry And Adsorption Mechanism Of Orfom® D8 For Cu Depression In Cu-Mo Flotation, Patrick Jeff Mensah

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

In traditional chalcopyrite-molybdenite (Cu-Mo) flotation separation systems, inorganic depressants such as NaSH and NaCN are used to selectively depress chalcopyrite making it more hydrophilic so molybdenite can be floated and recovered. NaSH and NaCN are highly toxic, have high explosion potential, strong odor, and readily oxidize in air resulting in a high consumption rates. To control oxidation, nitrogen gas, and Nokes reagent are both necessary, making the process even more expensive. In addressing these challenges, attention is fast shifting to disodium carboxymethyl trithiocarbonate (Orfom® D8), a novel organic depressant designed to replace conventional inorganic depressants because it does not easily …

Lignin Cationization For The Removal Of Phosphates And Nitrates From Effluents Of Wastewater Treatment Plants, Fannyuy V. Kewir

LSU Master's Theses

The removal of phosphates and nitrates from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) effluents is important for preventing pollution of receiving waters. In this study, we chemically modified alkaline lignin (aLN) with quaternary ammonium groups to obtain biodegradable cationic lignin (cLN). We characterized the cLN and tested its efficacy for removing phosphates and nitrates in a lab setting and on field-collected WWTP samples. Adsorption isotherm and kinetic studies were performed in aqueous media, and the effects of several variables (contact time, pH, initial concentration, and adsorbent dose) were investigated. The Langmuir isotherm described phosphate and nitrate adsorption well, with R2 values of …

Applications Of Phosphorus Geochemistry To Utah Lake, Jacob Barry Taggart

Theses and Dissertations

This compilation of studies provides an examination of phosphorus dynamics in the suspended solids, water column, and lakebed sediments of Utah Lake, a large, shallow, and phosphorus-rich water body. The first study introduces a novel phosphorus microfractionation (P-MF) method designed for small samples of suspended solids and sediments. This method reveals that suspended solids in Utah Lake can have a significantly higher phosphorus content across most fractions compared to lakebed sediments, highlighting the importance of considering suspended solids in nutrient management strategies. The second study analyzes historical phosphorus mass and concentrations, demonstrating that water column phosphorus levels have remained stable …

Identifying Opportunities For Nature-Based Solutions With Geospatialized Life Cycle Assessments And Fine-Scale Socioecological Data, Gabriela Shirkey, Annick Anctil, Ranjeet John, Venkatesh Kolluru, Leah Mungai, Herve Kashongwe, Lauren T. Cooper, Ilke Celik, Joshua B. Fisher, Jiquan Chen

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

As we increasingly understand the impact that land management intensification has on local and global climate, the call for nature-based solutions (NbS) in agroecosystems has expanded. Moreover, the pressing need to determine when and where NbS should be used raises challenges to socioecological data integration as we overcome spatiotemporal resolutions. Natural and working lands is an effort promoting NbS, particularly emissions reduction and carbon stock maintenance in forests. To overcome the spatiotemporal limitation, we integrated life cycle assessments (LCA), an ecological carbon stock model, and a land cover land use change model to synthesize rates of global warming potential (GWP) …

Numerical Simulations On Rayleigh Taylor Instability For Co2 Sequestration In Saline Aquifers, Bhargavi Vandadu

Mechanical Engineering Theses

The density-driven convection appears promise for CO₂ storage, precise prediction on a reservoir size is problematic due to limited data availability. Changes in permeability impact flow patterns and the effectiveness of mixing processes. Permeability differences influence the sorts of density-driven mixing phenomena such as fingering and stable mixing. Improving CO₂ storage models is challenging due to the unpredictable nature of these processes. The study looks at the flow phenomena in which carbon dioxide with a lower viscosity displaces on heavier fluid water. Causes instability by producing finger-like structures at the gas-liquid interface. This study uses the species transport technique to …

Decision Making And Performance Optimization In Distributed Cyber Physical Networks, Md Sahabul Hossain

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

Cyber-Physical Systems (CPSs) integrate computation, networking, and physical processes, while Cyber-Physical Networks (CPNs) enable communication and coordination among components. With advances in IoT and smart devices, CPSs are increasingly vital for applications such as smart grids, industrial automation, and autonomous vehicles. This dissertation explores decision making and performance optimization in Distributed Cyber-Physical Networks (DCPNs), focusing on efficiency, reliability, decentralization, and security. Using network economic theories (e.g., game theory, contract theory) and machine learning (e.g., Reinforcement Learning, Federated Learning), it addresses key problems: 1) a cost-effective positioning system with Reconfigurable Intelligent Surfaces (RISs) and RL, 2) energy-efficient task offloading in Multi-access …

How Will Ai Impact Knowledge Sharing Within Construction Clustering? Bringing Back The Conversation On Social Contagion Within Construction Clusters, Oluwasegun O. Seriki, Mark Mulville, Ruairi Hayden

Conference Papers

Construction clusters and innovation systems play a crucial role in enhancing competitiveness and fostering sustainable development in the construction sector. These clusters facilitate knowledge sharing, interactive learning, and collaborative innovation among firms, institutions, and other stakeholders. The success of construction clusters depends on numerous factors, including firm size, economic climate, and attitudes towards innovation. While some clusters transform into innovation systems by becoming tacit-knowledge intensive, there is not much data or investigation into how they may adapt to changing demands spurred by advances in artificial intelligence (AI). There is some preliminary research highlighting the lack of dispersed innovation networks within …

Crystal Plasticity Modeling To Capture Microstructural Variations In Cold-Sprayed Materials, Aulora Gail Williams

Theses and Dissertations

The high-velocity impact of powder particles in cold-spray additively manufactured (CSAM) parts creates intersplat boundaries with regions of high dislocation densities and sub-grain structures. Upon microstructure and mechanical characterization, CSAM Aluminum 6061 showed non-uniformity, with spatial variation in the microstructure and mechanical properties affecting the overall response of the additively manufactured parts. Post-processing treatments are conducted in as-printed samples to improve particle bonding, relieve residual stresses, and improve mechanical properties. In this work, we attempt to implement the effects of grain size and distribution of smaller grains along the intersplat boundaries using the grain size distribution function and powder size …

Development Of Robotic Sampling Method For Rees In Gps-Denied And Hazardous Environments, Alan Arthur

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

In recent times, the demand for rare earth elements (REEs) has been fueled by industry shifts towards energy efficiency and climate neutrality, as well as the great potential for the use of REEs in all sectors of our daily lives. Currently, China accounts for over 75% of global REE production (Dal, 2024). Various REE producers are gearing up to produce significant amounts of REEs to solve the issue of global supply and break China’s monopoly. A spike in REE prices of nearly tenfold in 2011 provided the impetus for accelerating over 400 REE exploration projects around the world (Barakos, 2017). …

Critical Mineral Recovery From Metals-Laden Mine Water, Matthew Ingersoll

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

The importance of critical mineral possession has increasingly risen as the transition to clean energy becomes more viable. Critical minerals play many roles in national security, energy independence, environmental well-being, and economic growth. Given that many companies and certain countries have goals to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, and reaching zero emissions by 2050, critical minerals have become a paramount resource and a focus in many research fields. Acid mine drainage and other mine wastewaters have been found to be viable sources of critical minerals with potential for recovery. This critical mineral recovery research focuses on zinc and manganese …

Experimental And Numerical Investigation Of Phase Change Material Melting Cycle In Microgravity, Ethan Michael Schuetzle

Theses and Dissertations

Efficient thermal management of spacecraft systems is crucial to overcome the extreme thermal conditions in space. Phase change materials (PCMs) offer significant advantages in thermal energy storage (TES) systems due to their high latent heat of fusion, the amount of energy stored or released during phase transitions. However, PCMs face limitations due to low thermal conductivity, especially in microgravity where heat transfer is primarily through conduction. This research addresses this issue by incorporating a 3D-printed aluminum lattice structure to enhance heat transfer to PCMs. Experimental data from sub-orbital flight tests and ground-based experiments, coupled with numerical simulations, are used to …

Predicting Vegetation Override Force For Off-Road Autonomy, Marc Nicholas Moore

Theses and Dissertations

Vegetation override is an important aspect of off-road ground vehicle mobility. An autonomous ground vehicle’s (AGV) perception system must distinguish between vegetation that can be easily driven through from vegetation that cannot. Predicting the resistance of vegetation could allow path- planning systems to make this distinction. However, despite its importance, direct measurement of vegetation resistance is rare, as most studies use indirect proprioceptive data, such as inertial measurements, as proxies for override force. Notably, there is a lack of empirical data on the override resistance of small stems (< 2.5 cm) and clusters of vegetation on medium-sized (approx. 1000kg) vehicles. To address this gap, a comprehensive dataset of override measurements was collected for clumps of small vegetation relevant to intermediate-sized AGVs navigating off-road terrain. This dataset includes over 70 recordings using the Robot Operating System (ROS) during controlled driving experiments through small trees, grasses, and bushes. The collected data includes light detection and ranging (LiDAR) scans, imagery, force measurements from integrated load cells, and simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM) information. A key contribution of this research is the development and calibration of a custom push bar system equipped with load cells to directly measure override forces. These measurements are compared to empirical models previously developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for larger single-stem vegetation. A preprocessing pipeline was developed to automatically extract and label LiDAR and camera data according to these force measurements. This self-labeled dataset was then used to train machine learning models that predict override resistance of vegetation from LiDAR and camera scans alone. This research characterizes the relationship between override forces and the observable features of vegetation as measured by LiDAR and camera sensors. Deep learning models were developed and trained to predict override forces based on different input modalities and features derived from point clouds and images. The performance of these models was compared across various input features to investigate how deep learning can create a generalizable and accurate force prediction system.

Training Machine Learning Algorithms For The Transient Startup Of A Long-Life Modular Microreactor, Ahmad N. Shaheen

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

There is an increasing interest in developing and deploying small modular nuclear reactors (SMRs) and micro modular reactors (MMRs). They could be operated with minimal on-site personnel or remotely with a high degree of autonomy. This can be enabled through the use and application of Artificial Intelligence (AL) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms and methods. The objective of the present work is to train machine learning algorithms for remote control mimicking the transient startup of the Very-Small, Long-LIfe, Modular (VSLLIM) microreactor. This walk-away safe microreactor design and a fully integrated transient model have been developed at the University of New …

Enhanced Intellectual Property Protection Mechanisms Towards Collaborative Data Sharing In Metal-Based Additive Manufacturing, Durant Hayes Fullington

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation aims to develop effective methodologies towards enhanced intellectual property protections for data sharing frameworks in metal-based additive manufacturing (AM). Currently, many small-to-medium sized manufacturers face data availability challenges due to the prohibitive high cost to collect, process, and analyze large amounts of process-related data for AM. Because these manufactures rely heavily on small-scale data, it can be difficult for them to effectively train complex machine learning (ML) algorithms, which are commonly used for AM process monitoring. One popular solution is to develop collaborative data sharing frameworks, where multiple independent AM users can share their data to increase the …

Assessing Plate Load Testing And Modulus Of Subgrade Reaction Determination For Pavements, Jami Lynn Rushing

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis aims to: 1) determine the effect of plate size on the modulus of subgrade reaction (k), 2) investigate the differences between the ASTM D1196-21 and CRD-C 655-95 plate load test methods, and 3) develop new effective k curves. 150 plate load tests were executed on three subgrade materials under varying base course thicknesses. Plate load testing was designed to evaluate various plate sizes and testing standards (e.g., the military standard – CRD-C 655-96 and the ASTM standard – ASTM D1196-21). By performing plate load tests on varying base course thicknesses, newly developed effective k curves were developed from …

The Plastics Crisis: Responsible Recycling In Civil Engineering And Infrastructure, Jason Howell Stewart

Theses and Dissertations

A global plastics crisis exists with around 400 million metric tons (MMT) of plastics production and 350 MMT of plastics waste generated annually around the globe. Plastics are durable and essentially non-biodegradable, so they accumulate in both terrestrial and marine environments as pollution and within landfills without breaking down over time. Plastics are ubiquitous in 21st-century society and culture, comprising essential elements in most industries including packaging, transportation, electrical/electronics, and building/construction. The role of civil engineering and infrastructure in addressing the plastics crisis was specifically explored. Responsible plastics recycling yields products with improved engineering properties, performance characteristics, marketability, and/or manufacturing …

A Case Against Exclusive Reliance On Volumetric Mixture Characterization For Future Asphalt Pavements And The Advancement Of A Viable Alternative, Jonathan Randy Easterling

Theses and Dissertations

Volumetric properties have been the cornerstone of asphalt mixture design and control dating back to the early 20th century. However, social and economic drivers have caused the asphalt industry to make changes in materials and processes used to produce mixtures that have stretched the limits of volumetric centric methodologies. The primary objectives of this dissertation were to present an extensive case on how volumetrics is limited in their ability to characterize asphalt mixtures and to advance the body of knowledge of a viable alternative. State agency specifications were examined and found that Departments of Transportation (DOTs) were using asphalt volumetric …

Physics-Based And Data-Driven Constitutive Modeling Of Unsaturated Soils Under Multi-Physics Loading Conditions, Mohsen Ajdari

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the behavior of unsaturated soils under multi-physics loading is crucial for addressing several challenges related to emerging geo-energy technologies, climate change, and geohazard mitigation. The main objective of this research is to enhance the state of the art for modeling unsaturated soils under multi-physics loading conditions through physics-based and data-driven approaches. Toward this objective, this dissertation is divided into two distinct yet interrelated parts. In the first part (Chapters 2, 3, and 4), thermodynamic principles are employed to develop new constitutive functions to describe soil suction and stress-dilatancy of unsaturated soils under temperature-dependent conditions. Building upon the insights gained …

On Topological Measures And Network Vulnerability Patterns: A Review And Comparative Analysis, Saviz Saei

Theses and Dissertations

Despite much hope for climate change to slow down or even reverse, younger generations face a future overshadowed by extreme events. The indisputable reality is that unless the United Nations establishes comprehensive and sustained climate justice policies, children today will experience five times more extreme events than those that took place a century ago. On Monday, July 3rd of 2023, an unprecedented peak in global temperatures was documented, marking the highest global temperature ever recorded, as the U.S. National Centers for Environmental Prediction reported. These increasing temperatures indicate the ongoing and intensifying phenomenon of climate change, which amplifies the frequency …

Investigation Of Coupled Fluid-Structure Interactions In Supersonic Flows, Seshendra Palakurthy

Theses and Dissertations

The skin panels used in high-speed flights are exposed to various types of loads, such as inertial, elastic, and aerodynamic loads. In addition, oblique shock impingement can cause flow separation and unsteady aerodynamic loading, which can reduce vehicle performance and result in acoustic noise and viscous heating. These loads, when combined, can result in a complex dynamic response, such as flutter. Flutter is characterized by sustained unsteadiness or structural vibrations. Although flutter might not be immediately harmful, it can lead to fatigue failure of the structural components. A vast amount of literature already exists on the panel flutter induced by …

Discrete Particle Dynamics Models: Computational Aspects And Applications, Yuxuan Wu

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Particle dynamics considers discrete particles as Newtonian point masses in diverse domains such as, pedestrian particles in pedestrian movement modeling and molecules in material science modeling. These dynamic modeling approaches share a commonality in computational approach where a series of ordinary differential equations are solved for the particle’s motion and equilibrium under active interactions and boundary conditions. In general, particle dynamics approaches are computationally intensive and address problems that require a vast parameter design space. In this dissertation, a computational paradigm is developed for large-scale particle dynamics modeling and demonstrated by three process design applications, (a) infection risk modeling for …

Utilizing Pupper, A Social Robot Dog, To Increase Happiness And Improve Mood In Pediatric Patients Of A Cardiac Step-Down Unit, Angela Feng Wu

Master's Projects and Capstones

Objective The usage of social robots in pediatrics is an emerging field of study. Preliminary research shows that they are effective at improving the psychosocial well-being of pediatric patients. This quality improvement project focuses on Pupper, a newly developed quadruped social robot dog, and its ability in improving mood and happiness in pediatric patients of a cardiac step-down unit. Aim The aim of this project is to increase average mood scores of pediatric cardiac patients aged 3-25 years by 50% from their baseline of 3.75 to 5.63 on a six-point scale within a one-month time frame. Methods Before intervention and …

Study The Effects Of Temperature On Laser Cladding Process With Two Different Geometries Using Comsol Multiphysics, Luban Hamdy Hameed Al-Qudsy

AUIQ Technical Engineering Science

Due to the advancement of laser material processing and the high-demand of high-quality processing, COMSOL Multiphyiscs emerges as a powerful solution to the problem, offering multiple simulation in virtual environment with both 2D and 3D geometries. In this work, we aim to study the effects of thermal properties on the laser cladding using both 2D and 3D geometries with Nickle and Copper as promising candidates for rapid processing of materials. The work was done on a personal computer using commercially-available package of COMSOL Multiphysics 5.0. Results shows a notable increment of heat affected zone when the laser power increased. Additionally, …

Disturbance Observer-Based Control Schemes For Off-Grid Renewable Energy-Based Distributed Generation Systems Feeding Unbalanced And Nonlinear Loads, Samantha Sasi Stephen

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

This thesis addresses two critical issues in Renewable Energy-based Distributed Generation (REDG) systems that operate autonomously to supply unbalanced and nonlinear loads. The first issue concerns voltage regulation in grid-forming three-phase Pulse Width Modulation Voltage Source Inverters (PWM VSIs), which convert DC power generated by Distributed Generators (DGs) into three-phase AC power. These inverters often face challenges when feeding unbalanced and nonlinear loads, leading to poor voltage quality. To address this, a voltage controller was developed for grid-forming three-phase PWM VSIs to deliver symmetrical and high-quality voltage to such loads. The proposed controller integrates a Disturbance Observer (DO) into a …

Jovial Family Farm Facilitates Intergenerational Learning Opportunities Through Urban Farming, Maera Williams

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Maera Williams is a sophomore in Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. She joined the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Urban Farming team as a freshman and now serves as project manager of ten undergraduate students collaborating with Jovial Family Farm to design and develop three indoor hydroponics systems for a laboratory space on their property in Broad Ripple, IN. Jovial Family Farm is a nonprofit organization founded by Drs. Bobbie and Brian Jellison with the mission to provide senior citizens, their families, and their communities with meaningful engagement opportunities on an intergenerational scale through urban agricultural activities. …

Predictive Modeling And Sustainability Assessment Of Hydrothermal Liquefaction Of Seaweeds: A Techno-Economic And Life Cycle Analysis Approach, Micheal O. Asama

Mechanical Engineering Theses

This study presents comprehensive predictive models and an economic and environmental assessment of HTL for converting macroalgae into biofuels and valuable co-products. Predictive models were developed based on experimental kinetic data to simulate batch HTL of brown seaweed, capturing the yields of biocrude, gas, biochar, and water-soluble compounds as functions of key process variables, including temperature, time, pressure, and water-to-biomass ratio. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) confirmed that temperature and residence time significantly affect biocrude yield, with an optimal yield of 23% achieved at 283°C, 200 bar, 54 minutes, and a 10:1 water-to-biomass ratio. The model’s predictive accuracy was validated with …