Engineering Commons^™

Hydrogen From Food Waste: Energy Potential, Economic Feasibility, And Environmental Impact For Sustainable Valorization, Md Sanowar Hossain, Fairuz Wasima, Md Sharul I. K. Shawon, Barun K. Das, Pronob Das, Sanjay Paul

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Globally, inefficient management of municipal solid waste, composed primarily of food waste poses concern for human and environmental well-being. Food waste can be converted into hydrogen gas, which can be utilized to generate power without emitting any harmful pollutants. This solution would also help with the issue of disposing of food waste. The conversion of food waste into hydrogen is a practical energy source with potential financial benefits. This study explores the transformative potential of converting food waste into renewable energy through hydrogen production, focusing on Bangladesh from 2023 to 2042. Notably, the study forecasts a surge in food waste …

Recent Innovations In Laser Additive Manufacturing Of Titanium Alloys, Jinlong Su, Fulin Jiang, Jie Teng, Lequn Chen, Ming Yan, Guillermo Requena, Lai-Chang Zhang, Y. Morris Wang, Ilya V. Okulov, Hongmei Zhu, Chaolin Tan

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Titanium (Ti) alloys are widely used in high-tech fields like aerospace and biomedical engineering. Laser additive manufacturing (LAM), as an innovative technology, is the key driver for the development of Ti alloys. Despite the significant advancements in LAM of Ti alloys, there remain challenges that need further research and development efforts. To recap the potential of LAM high-performance Ti alloy, this article systematically reviews LAM Ti alloys with up-to-date information on process, materials, and properties. Several feasible solutions to advance LAM Ti alloys are reviewed, including intelligent process parameters optimization, LAM process innovation with auxiliary fields and novel Ti alloys …

The Effect Of Atomic Oxygen On Additively Manufactured Materials, Ryan Grogan

Master's Theses

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a rapidly developing manufacturing method utilized in fields such as the aerospace industry. In-space AM is a technology of interest for the future of spaceflight, including on-orbit manufacturing. However, AM materials are subject to defects that may impact their performance in space-based applications. How these defects change the material’s reaction to the space environment, specifically atomic oxygen (AO), has only recently been explored. AO is a highly corrosive, dominant constituent in low Earth orbit that causes continuous erosion of spacecraft surfaces. The effect of AO on various AM materials is investigated in this thesis. Stainless steel, …

Aerobic Exercise Improves Depressive Symptoms In The Unilateral 6-Ohda-Lesioned Rat Model Of Parkinson's Disease, Hannah Loughlin, Jacob Jackson, Chloe Looman, Alayna Starll, Jeremy Goldman, Zhiying Shan, Chunxiu Yu

Michigan Tech Publications

Aerobic exercise has been shown to have established benefits on motor function in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the impact of exercise on depressive symptoms in PD remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of regular exercise, specifically using a forced running wheel, on both motor performance and the prevalence of depression in a unilateral 6-OHDA-lesioned rat model of PD. The behavioral outcomes of exercise were assessed through the rotarod test (RT), forelimb adjusting step test (FAST), sucrose consumption test (SCT), and novelty sucrose splash test (NSST). Our data revealed evident depressive symptoms in the PD animals, characterized by …

Accommodating Innovative Uses Of Public Right Of Way, Travis Thompson, David Moses, Candice Wallace, Pam Clay-Young, Arlen Sandlin

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

State departments of transportation (DOTs) are embracing the use of clean energy and connectivity (CEC) applications along publicly owned right of way (ROW). Applications such as wind and solar power installations, broadband lines, small cell wireless equipment, electric vehicle charging stations, and technologies related to connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) hold considerable promise for conferring environmental benefits, energy savings, and generating much-needed revenue for DOTs. This report explores innovative uses of state-owned ROW that the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) could implement. Although Kentucky may not be currently situated for all clean energy applications, opportunities in solar do currently exist and …

In Situ And 2d And 3d In Silico Redox Cycling Studies For Design Optimization Of Coplanar Arrays Of Microband Electrodes In A 70 Μm × 100 Μm Electroactive Footprint, Miguel Angel Abrego Tello, Mahsa Lotfi Marchoubeh, Ingrid Fritsch

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

Optimization of redox-cycling currents was performed by adjusting the height (sidewalls, h), width (w), and length (l) of band electrodes and their spacing (w_gap) in coplanar arrays restricted to a small-electroactive window of 70 × 100 μm. These arrays can function in μL-volumes for chemical analysis (e.g., in-vivo dopamine detection using probes). Experiments were conducted with an array of five electrodes (NE = 5), w = 4.3 μm, w_gap = 3.7 μm, h = 0.150 μm, and l = 99.2 μm. Reasons for …

Modeling Charging Current Dynamics At Microelectrodes And Their Interfaces With Electrolyte And Insulators With A Focus On Microfabricated Gold Microband Electrodes On An Su-8 Substrate, Miguel Angel Abrego Tello, Mahsa Lotfi Marchoubeh, Ingrid Fritsch

Chemistry & Biochemistry Faculty Publications and Presentations

The suitability of electrochemical methods for quantitative measurements at microdevices is influenced by the relatively large electrode-insulator interface-to-electrode area ratio, greatly impacting charging dynamics due to interactions among electrolyte, conductor material, and insulator layers. The resulting charging current can overwhelm the faradaic current from redox chemistry. The device studied here features a 70 μm × 100 μm electroactive window, hosts gold coplanar microband electrodes, and is insulated by SU-8, which serves as both overlayer and substrate. The overlayer defines the electroactive length and isolates the leads of the electrodes from the sample solution. Cyclic voltammetry in 0.10 M …

Railroad Track And Wheel Defect Detection With Onboard Condition Monitoring System, Jeffery Pams, Constantine Tarawneh, Joe Montoya, Brent Wilson, Lee Cantu, Hashem Alkhaldi

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

In the railroad industry, it was estimated by the Federal Railroad Administration’s (FRA) Office of Safety Analysis that over 1,000 train derailments occur every year in the United States, with a significant amount being caused by mechanical failures such as defects within the wheels and tracks. The use of wireless onboard health monitoring technologies as opposed to wayside detection systems has been receiving a lot of attention considering recent catastrophic derailments. Through research, development, and implementation of onboard condition monitoring systems by the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety (UTCRS) and HUM Industrial Technology, Inc., a promising method to detect …

Building 21 Courtyard Barbecue Pit Demolition, Will Riviere

Construction Management

This project intended to demonstrate the process of a full-scope demolition project at a manageable scale. Almost sixteen yards of concrete were to be demolished, including all reinforcing structures within the barbecue. The purpose of this project was to clear space for the impending renovation of Building 21’s courtyard and remove the unsafe barbecue from the busy pedestrian pathway. Sledgehammers were used in conjunction with electric jackhammers to perform the demolition. Rebar from demolition was separated from the concrete and recycled separately from any cementitious materials. Careful attention was given to protecting existing brick beneath the structure, the surrounding area, …

The Effects Of Lead, Copper, And Iron Corrosion Products On Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria And Antibiotic Resistance Genes, Veronika Folvarska, San Marie Thomson, Zihao Lu, Maya Adelgren, Adam Schmidt, Ryan J. Newton, Yin Wang, Patrick J. Mcnamara

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Antibiotic resistance is a public health crisis. Antibiotic resistant bacteria (ARB) and antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) are present in drinking water distribution systems. Metals are known selective pressures for antibiotic resistance, and metallic corrosion products are found within drinking water distribution systems due to the corrosion of metal pipes. While corrosion products are a source of metals, the impact of specific corrosion products on antibiotic resistance has not been investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the impact of six corrosion products—CuO, Cu₂O, Pb₅(PO₄)₃OH, β-PbO₂, Fe₃O …

Global-To-Local Dependencies In Phosphorus Mass Flows And Markets: Pathways To Improving System Resiliency In Response To Exogenous Shocks, Justin Baker, Nathan Schunk, Matt Scholz, Ashton Merck, Rebecca Logsdon Muenich, Paul Westerhoff, James J. Elser, Owen W. Duckworth, Luke Gatiboni, Minhazul Islam, Anna-Maria Marshall, Rosangela Sozzani, Brooke K. Mayer

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Uneven global distribution of phosphate rock deposits and the supply chains to transport phosphorus (P) make P fertilizers vulnerable to exogenous shocks, including commodity market shocks; extreme weather events or natural disasters; and geopolitical instability, such as trade disputes, disruption of shipping routes, and war. Understanding bidirectional risk transmission (global-to-local and local-to-global) in P supply and consumption chains is thus essential. Ignoring P system interdependencies and associated risks could have major impacts on critical infrastructure operations and increase the vulnerability of global food systems. We highlight recent unanticipated events and cascading effects that have impacted P markets globally. We discuss …

Developing A Lean Spacecraft Test And Evaluation Architecture For A Contested Space Domain, Stephen K. Tullino

Theses and Dissertations

The US Space Force (USSF) is currently investigating possible opportunities to improve the testing paradigm of spacecraft in order to get assets on-orbit faster, while maintaining suitable quality to meet mission needs in a contested space environment. To support this goal, USSF’s approach to test and evaluation (T&E) is centered around the concept of integrated test. In this research, the space text lexicon is defined, addressing the ambiguities on exactly what integrated test is with respect to spacecraft systems development and on-orbit mission assurance. This research considered any statistical trends in categorical discrepancies (i.e., anomalies) during prelaunch integration and test …

Recommendation Of Minimal Distal Tibial Length For Long Axis Coordinate System Definitions, Erika P. Muhlrad, Andrew C. Peterson, Abigail M. Anderson, Katelyn C. Aragon, Rich J. Lisonbee, Bruce A. Macwilliams, Karen M. Kruger, Amy L. Lenz

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Accurate anatomical coordinate systems for the foot and ankle are critical for interpreting their complex biomechanics. The tibial superior-inferior axis is crucial for analyzing joint kinematics, influencing bone motion analysis during gait using CT imaging and biplane fluoroscopy. However, the lack of consensus on how to define the tibial axis has led to variability in research, hindering generalizability. Even as advanced imaging techniques evolve, including biplane fluoroscopy and weightbearing CT, there exist limitations to imaging the entire foot together with the full length of the tibia. These limitations highlight the need to refine axis definitions. This study investigated various superior-inferior …

Design And Characteristics Of A Single-Storey Hybrid Wood–Soil Structure, Mohamed Darwish, Mohamed Adham, Hassan Allam, Khaled Yousri, Tamer Hassan

Faculty Journal Articles

The need to reduce the effects of climate change has been increasing. One of the pathways to answer such a need is green construction. Hybrid wood–soil (HWS) structures are eco-friendly in addition to being cost-effective. Within this study, a single-storey building has been architecturally and structurally designed and tested. A conventional reinforced concrete (RC) structural system was designed and considered as a control case to be compared to the design at hand, which is an HWS system incorporating locally cultivated Casuarina Glauca wood and an in situ earth-based mixture. The two design alternatives are compared in terms of cost and …

Evaluating The Performance Of Class F Fly Ash Compared To Class G Cement For Hydrocarbon Wells Cementing: An Experimental Investigation, Youssef Helmy, Sherif Fakher

Faculty Journal Articles

The following study presents the results of research in the field of the performance of geopolymers consisting of Class F fly ash with an alkaline activator solution consisting only of sodium metasilicate (Na2SiO3) and water. The performances of this geopolymer are compared to the those of American Petroleum Institute (API) Class G cement. This comparison is to evaluate the potential of the geopolymer as an alternative to cement in cementing hydrocarbon wells in the oil and gas industry. The gap in the research is determining the performance properties that restrict the use of fly ash in the oil and gas …

Prototyping Low-Cost Tribometer With Block On Ring Configuration For The Optimization Of Metal-Forming Applications, Immanuel A. Edinbarough, Jaime Taha-Tijerina

Informatics and Engineering Systems Faculty Publications

Applications in the metal-mechanic industry require the analysis and support of tribo-evaluations in their manufacturing processes. Experimentation with various metals and components could be performed under controlled conditions, including the ability to apply testing with a fluid or lubricant media or in dry conditions. The aim of this work is to design and fabricate a working block for a ring tribometer at low cost. Present and future stakeholders will have the ability to analyze material properties in friction, wear, and displacement while saving the university over 500% in costs of an industrial tribometer. The integrity of the machine must adhere …

Cervical Spinal Cord Angiography And Vessel-Selective Perfusion Imaging In The Rat, Seongtaek Lee, Brian Schmit, Shekar N. Kurpad, Matthew D. Budde

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) has been widely used to evaluate arterial blood and perfusion dynamics, particularly in the brain, but its application to the spinal cord has been limited. The purpose of this study was to optimize vessel-selective pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (pCASL) for angiographic and perfusion imaging of the rat cervical spinal cord. A pCASL preparation module was combined with a train of gradient echoes for dynamic angiography. The effects of the echo train flip angle, label duration, and a Cartesian or radial readout were compared to examine their effects on visualizing the segmental arteries and anterior spinal artery …

Intervisit Reproducibility Of Foveal Cone Density Metrics, Iniya Adhan, Emma Warr, Jenna Grieshop, Joseph Kreis, Danica Nikezic, Ashleigh Walesa, Katherine Hemsworth, Robert F. Cooper, Joseph Carroll

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Purpose: To assess longitudinal reproducibility of metrics of foveal density (peak cone density [PCD], cone density centroid [CDC], and 80th percentile centroid area) in participants with normal vision.

Methods: Participants (n = 19; five male and 14 female) were imaged at two time points (average interval of 3.2 years) using an adaptive optics scanning light ophthalmoscope (AOSLO). Foveally centered regions of interest (ROIs) were extracted from AOSLO montages. Cone coordinate matrices were semiautomatically derived for each ROI, and cone mosaic metrics were calculated.

Results: On average, there were no significant changes in cone mosaic metrics between visits. The average …

Drone Swarm Search And Rescue, Rushabh Shah, Christopher Short, Anderson Macmillan, Wyatt Colburn

Electrical Engineering

Drone swarms offer the potential to drastically reduce search times and improve the effectiveness of search and rescue operations. This senior project explores the development of a drone swarm system for search and rescue missions, focusing on two key challenges: (1) precise localization of each drone within the swarm relative to one another and (2) accurate localization of a target beacon relative to the drones. The project utilizes Real Time Kinematic (RTK) processing to enhance the accuracy of drone localization, achieving centimeter-level precision. Target localization is achieved through a triangulation-based approach using Received Signal Strength Indication (RSSI) data from a …

A 4-Switch Buck-Boost Dc/Dc Converter For Electric Vehicle Applications, Andrew Hudak, Ashley Schiller

Electrical Engineering

In this project, we develop a four switch buck-boost DC/DC converter that is to be integrated into a microgrid-inspired power distribution architecture for electric vehicles. The overall architecture includes DC/DC and DC/AC converters for bi-directional energy transfer between the DC and AC ports along with a communications port to control each energy interface. There is also the onboard battery and the internal combustion engine power exchange being done with DC/DC converters and AC/DC inverters to connect to the centralized DC bus. Hardware prototypes using an Arduino and Raspberry Pi for the 500 W DC/DC and DC/AC converters have been previously …

The Challenges Of Building A Mass Timber Single-Family Home: A Case Study, Avery Emma Onan

Construction Management

This case study explores the various challenges faced by those involved in the pre-construction and construction of a mass timber, single-family home in Central Texas. Using semi-structured interviews, a subcontractor, an owner, a manufacturer, and two construction managers were questioned about their specific challenges with the build. These challenges were solely related to the use of mass timber on the project. In recent years in the United States, mass timber has become an increasingly desired building material to use in a commercial and multi-family residential context. Due to limited information and builder inexperience using mass timber in a single-family homebuilding …

Designing, Estimating, And Building A Deck And Overhang For The Paso Robles Police Department Shooting Range, Nicklaus Amil Zenner, Benjamin Henry Gallagher

Construction Management

This paper covers the design, estimating, and construction process by a team of students from Cal Poly to provide a deck and overhang for the Paso Robles Police Department Shooting Range. The project, initiated in the winter of 2024, aimed to provide a durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing deck and overhang suitable for a barbecue and lounge area. The paper focuses on the design and estimation phases, as well as material procurement and construction. Through meetings with the client, the team developed a design that met the police department's criteria for functionality, durability, and cost. The design process involved collaboration …

Gateway Decathlon: Cost Estimation Of An Offsite Residential Construction Unit, Bradley Craig Blakemore Jr

Construction Management

This senior project focused on the cost of the materials used for the shell and structure of the Gateway Decathlon modular residential unit. Collectively, the group on the Gateway Decathlon project decided to design and build the structure using mass timber. A material takeoff of the building was performed, allowing for an accurate measurement of structural materials. After material selection, a final cost estimate was by multiplying the selected materials unit price by the total quantity of the material. The material cost estimate calculations were performed on the current Revit Model allowing for a full-scale analysis of the offsite building. …

A Case Study: Impacts Of A Building Retrofit On Employee Efficiency And Productivity, Rigo Zepeda

Construction Management

This case study explores the effects of retrofitting building systems on operational efficiency and employee productivity in the contemporary office environment. As concerns over sustainability and the well-being of employees are now at the forefront of modern workplace design, the retrofitting of outmoded building systems has been seen as an option to enhance energy efficiency and occupant satisfaction. This research paper focuses on the recently retrofitted Performance Contracting office building in Benicia, California. As heating and ventilation systems, and lighting are two big contributors to energy consumption in buildings and comfort, analyzing these systems provided insight into its building performance. …

Skip The Grid: Solar Energy Concepts In Navajo Nation Schools, Dana M. Craighead

Construction Management

Skip the Grid is a non-profit initiative with a goal of providing solar power to homes with school-aged children in the Navajo Nation. California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) partners with SOLV energy, and Heart of America (HOA) to provide approximately 30 homes each year with Goal Zero solar panels, and educate students in the surrounding areas about how solar energy can help power communities. This year, a group of 20 students from departments including Construction Management, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Management and Protection, Mechanical Engineering, and Graphic Communication joined the initiative and traveled to Shiprock, New Mexico …

Assessment Of Musculoskeletal Disorders (Msds) Risk During The Framing Of A 6' X 8' Wooden Shed Using Traditional Hammers, Maxwell R. Helfman

Construction Management

Wood-framed construction will almost always use nails as a connector whether it be for different pieces of wall sections or connecting wall sections to the structure. Nails also act in Shear Walls in different nailing patterns to prevent the panel from splitting. Houses in modern times are usually nailed with nail guns, either with a cord or cordless, which reduces their exposure to Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, smaller jobs may opt to use traditional hammers instead of nail guns. This study aims to numerically quantify the forces and flexions one puts on the body when performing nailing tasks using a …

Skip The Grid: Pv System Installations In The Navajo Nation, Samuel Varney

Construction Management

The Skip the Grid initiative is a collaborative effort between interdisciplinary California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo students, SOLV Energy, and the non-profit organization Heart of America aiming to strengthen the quality of life for Navajo Nation families. Many of the Navajo Nation’s residents are not connected to the power grid and don’t have access to sustainable alternatives, and this project aims to combat this by installing photovoltaic energy panel systems with lights and a battery storage system in their homes. With the help and guidance of the Consolidated School District near Farmington New Mexico, the project team was …

Iron Filings Impact On The Compressive Strength Of Concrete, Dominic Daniel Aceves

Construction Management

In this study, compression tests were performed on three different mix designs of concrete to evaluate the effects of iron filings as an admixture to concrete. The first mix design served as the control mix, being the variable that the other two mixes will be based off. The second mix design was the same as the first mix design, but with an added 12 ounces of iron filings. The third mix design was, again, the same as the first mix design, but with an added 24 ounces of iron filings doubling that of the second mix design. The objective of …

Exploring The Role Of Construction Technology Copilots, James S. Thielmann Jr.

Construction Management

In the rapidly evolving construction industry, the adoption of software solutions is essential for enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and ensuring timely project delivery. This paper assesses the effectiveness and usefulness of existing construction software solutions, focusing on their functionalities, strengths, and limitations. Among the prominent solutions gaining traction are Trunk.Tools, Constructable.ai, and ProjectEngineer.ai. The construction industry, although historically slower to adopt new technologies, stands to gain a great deal from these tools in terms of project management and performance. This research includes a thorough examination of ProjectEngineer.ai's reach in the market, feature development, and growing uptake among experts in the …

Consumption And Waste For Hydrating Workers With Single Use Plastic Bottles, James Colnett

Construction Management

The construction industry significantly contributes to environmental waste, notably through the extensive use of plastic water bottles for hydrating field personnel. This case study investigates the hydration practices of a midsize construction company in the Bay Area, focusing on the volume of plastic waste generated and potential sustainable alternatives. Data were collected via surveys sent to 15 employees, revealing that approximately 130,416 plastic bottles are used annually across 11 project sites. Despite the convenience and compliance with OSHA regulations, the reliance on single-use plastic bottles presents severe environmental and health concerns, such as resource depletion and microplastic pollution. Survey results …