Engineering Commons^™

Comparative Life Cycle Assessment Of Recycling Processes For Perovskite Solar Cells, Juan P. Herrera, Jules Freeman, Achyuth Ravilla, Ilke Celik

Student Research Symposium

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have emerged as a promising option for solar energy generation. However, it is essential to consider the environmental impact of these innovative photovoltaic (PV) technologies as the industry moves towards commercialization. Researchers are currently exploring ways to recycle PSCs to recover valuable materials and reduce their environmental impact at the end of their life. To ensure the sustainability of PSCs, this study evaluates and compares the environmental impacts of five recently developed recycling approaches. The Tool for Reduction and Assessment of Chemicals (TRACI) method was utilized to measure environmental impacts in categories such as acidification (kg …

Revitalizing Turtle Creek Park, Michael Hardyway, Ethan Harm, Abbey Jacoby, Casey Stephenson

Final Reports in ENST 411: Environmental Community Projects

We current ENST 411 students, Abbey Jacoby, Michael Hardyway, Ethan Harm, and Casey Stephenson have chosen to work with Jim Knight, East Buffalo Township, the Merrill Linn Land and Waterways Conservancy, and many others in an attempt to revitalize Turtle Creek Park for a plethora of reasons. Three of us are majoring in biology, and two are majoring in environmental science, which makes much of the information and techniques relevant in Turtle Creek applicable to our courses of study. This project included heavy hands on work which allowed us students to leave a memorable and impactful influence on the Lewisburg …

Chiroptical Second-Harmonic Tyndall Scattering From Silicon Nanohelices, Ben J. Olohan, Emilija Petronijevic, Ufuk Kilic, Shawn Wimer, Matthew Hilfiker, Mathias Schubert, Christos Argyropoulos, Eva Schubert, Samuel R. Clowes, G. Dan Pantoş, David L. Andrews, Ventsislav K. Valev

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Chirality is omnipresent in the living world. As biomimetic nanotechnology and self-assembly advance, they too need chirality. Accordingly, there is a pressing need to develop general methods to characterize chiral building blocks at the nanoscale in liquids such as water-the medium of life. Here, we demonstrate the chiroptical second-harmonic Tyndall scattering effect. The effect was observed in Si nanohelices, an example of a high-refractive-index dielectric nanomaterial. For three wavelengths of illumination, we observe a clear difference in the second-harmonic scattered light that depends on the chirality of the nanohelices and the handedness of circularly polarized light. Importantly, we provide a …

Effects Of Magnetite Particle Morphology On Adsorption Of Copper Ions From Aqueous Solutions, Alisa Hashley

Graduate Theses & Non-Theses

Adsorptive processes can be used for metal contaminant removal. This work addresses magnetite, a magnetic iron oxide, as the adsorbent for use in an adsorptive removal system, known as the continuous flow material recovery system (CFMR), developed by Leitzke et al. [1]. Though the system is effective in removing contaminants from aqueous solution, efforts to further improve efficiency are being made. One way to improve the efficiency of the CFMR is to analyze the magnetite particles being used and investigate how the particle properties effect adsorption. The author’s research is presented and discussed here to describe the effects magnetite particle …

Potential Impact Of Proposed Medical Device On Hospital Acquired Anemia, Sam Menzie

Masters Theses

Evacuated tubes are the industry standard for drawing blood and have improved phlebotomist and patient safety as well as paved the way for laboratory automation. Current practices using evacuated tubes do not allow caregivers to control the volume of blood drawn, leading to blood waste in hospital settings. This overdrawing of blood has led to the prevalence of iatrogenic anemia, or hospital acquired anemia (HAA). HAA represents a significant risk to patients, leading to increased adverse conditions, and a higher consumption of hospital resources. This study seeks to model the efficacy of a potential new medical device. The proposed device …

Development Of Protocol To Evaluate The Effectiveness Of The Labor Assist Device, Samantha M. Spurr

Masters Theses

The Labor Assist Device (LAD) was designed to reduce the muscle fatigue experienced by women during childbirth to decrease the number of unnecessary cesarean deliveries and injuries to nurses. The purpose of this thesis is to develop a protocol for a future study to assess the effectiveness of the LAD at reducing muscle fatigue. While multiple parameters were investigated in this pilot study, the major parameter needed to develop the future protocol is the muscle fatigue rate in women contracting their muscles to simulate pushing during labor. The muscle fatigue rates are estimated in this study using a surface electromyography …

Liquid-Phase Adsorption Of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate On Poly(Ether Imide) And Its Metal Hydroxide-Integrated Composites, Sukanta K. Mondal, Peter O. Aina, Ali A. Rownaghi, Fateme Rezaei

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Understanding the Adsorption Behavior of Dimethyl Methylphosphonate (DMMP), a Key Simulant for Some Nerve Agents, is Crucial for Developing Effective Protective Measures and Ensuring Environmental Safety Against Harmful Chemical Warfare Agents. This Study Systematically Explores the Liquid-Phase Adsorption of DMMP over Branched Poly (Ether Imide) (Ultem) and its Ce (OH)4/Zr (OH)4 Metal Hydroxide Composites. Utilizing UV-Visible (UV-Vis) Spectroscopy, the Adsorption Process Was Monitored over Time to Analyze the Interplay between Various Ultem-Based Composites and DMMP Molecules. Nonreactive Ultem Materials Were Experimentally Identified as Suitable Adsorbents for Liquid-Phase DMMP Capture, Providing a Novel Avenue for Protective Filtration Technologies. It Was Found …

Pso Scoring Instruction Guide, Adrian Gentry, Tiantian Li, Eric Holloway, Kerrie A. Douglas, Julie P. Martin

School of Engineering Education Working Papers

This document is a scoring guide to assist higher-education administrators, faculty, and researchers who wish to use the Professional Skills Opportunities instrument (PSO). There are four aspects, or factors, that the PSO is intended to measure relative to engineering undergraduate students’ opportunities to practice professional skills and an overall PSO score. Detailed scoring instructions are provided. The PSO was developed to assess students’ opportunities to develop and practice a range of professional skills. Utilizing a rigorous instrument development process, the PSO was shown to be a tool that can reliably and validly be used to assess engineering undergraduate students' professional …

Evaluating The Effect Of Noise On Secure Quantum Networks, Karthick Anbalagan

Master's Theses

This thesis focuses on examining the resilience of secure quantum networks to environmental noise. Specifically, we evaluate the effectiveness of two well-known quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols: the Coherent One-Way (COW) protocol and Kak’s Three-Stage protocol (Kak06). The thesis systematically evaluates these protocols in terms of their efficiency, operational feasibility, and resistance to noise, thereby contributing to the progress of secure quantum communications. Using simulations, this study evaluates the protocols in realistic scenarios that include factors such as noise and decoherence. The results illustrate each protocol’s relative benefits and limitations, highlighting the three-stage protocol’s superior security characteristics, resistance to interference, …

Influence Of Four Veterinary Antibiotics On Constructed Treatment Wetland Nitrogen Transformation, Matthew V. Russell, Tiffany L. Messer, Deborah A. Repert, Richard L. Smith, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, Daniel D. Snow, Ariel P. Reed

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

The use of wetlands as a treatment approach for nitrogen in runoff is a common practice in agroecosystems. However, nitrate is not the sole constituent present in agricultural runoff and other biologically active contaminants have the potential to affect nitrate removal efficiency. In this study, the impacts of the combined effects of four common veterinary antibiotics (chlortetracycline, sulfamethazine, lincomycin, monensin) on nitrate-N treatment efficiency in saturated sediments and wetlands were evaluated in a coupled microcosm/mesocosm scale experiment. Veterinary antibiotics were hypothesized to significantly impact nitrogen speciation (e.g., nitrate and ammonium) and nitrogen uptake and transformation processes (e.g., plant uptake and …

Structured Light Radial-View Endoscope Imaging Development For Evaluation Of Human Tissue, Xiyan Li

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In this thesis, we improved an existing structured light methodology to more accurately estimate tissue optical properties imaged in a single snapshot. The developed approach is a major enhancement of the traditional three-phase spatial frequency domain imaging system: It greatly simplifies the operational procedure while also maintaining high accuracy in optical property measurements .

Leveraging this improved approach, we have developed a low-cost, compact, and radial-view endoscope prototype. This prototype combines affordability with high functionality and a user-friendly design. To assess the performance and reliability of our endoscope, we conducted comprehensive evaluations involving tissue-mimicking phantoms, as well as ex vivo …

Fabrication Of Two-Dimensional Material-Based Nano-Capacitors Using Bismuth Selenite (Bi2seo5) To Study Its Dielectric Properties, Major Kc

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, the demand for high-performance micro and nanodevices has surged, necessitating the exploration of novel dielectric materials to replace conventional silicon dioxide. Following the continuation of the Moorse law, as device dimensions reduce to nanoscale levels, the properties of silicon dioxide can degrade, leading to issues such as increased leakage current and reduced gate control. Materials with superior electrical properties, such as higher dielectric constant, lower leakage current, and better thermal stability allowing for the development of faster, more efficient, and more reliable devices are in higher demand than ever. Two-dimensional layered semiconductor nanomaterials represented by compounds such …

Robustness Of Trajectory Prediction Neural Network Models, Guocheng He

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The application of autonomous vehicles in real life relies on trajectory prediction models based on perception and observation of the surrounding scene. The deep neural network model has been widely proven to provide relatively stable and excellent performance in various scenarios. Many formal approaches are used as verification of the prediction results of DNN models, where Conformal Prediction is one which can provide statistical safety guarantee region for DNN models. However, so far, no research has shown that conformal prediction possesses satisfactory robustness in dealing with purposed adversarial attacks. In this paper, we propose an adversarial attack approach against trajectory …

Evaluating Neuroimaging Modalities In The A/T/N Framework: Single And Combined Fdg-Pet And T1-Weighted Mri For Alzheimer’S Diagnosis, Peiwang Liu

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

With the escalating prevalence of dementia, particularly Alzheimer's Disease (AD), the need for early and precise diagnostic techniques is rising. This study delves into the comparative efficacy of Fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography (FDG-PET) and T1-weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) in diagnosing AD, where the integration of multimodal models is becoming a trend. Leveraging data from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI), we employed linear Support Vector Machines (SVM) to assess the diagnostic potential of these modalities, both individually and in combination, within the AD continuum. Our analysis, under the A/T/N framework's 'N' category, reveals that FDG-PET consistently outperforms T1w-MRI across …

Integrating Implantable Bci Devices Within Bci2000 Using A Unified Framework And Toolchain For In-Vivo Research, Dhruva Mehta

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

The field of neurotechnology research has a bright and promising future as more devices are created. However, there are still many gaps in the field as the potential for neuromodulation grows. Devices such as the Micro-Leads StimZ system and the Ripple Grapevine/Summit system help bridge that gap by allowing for a broader variety of closed-loop neuromodulation experiments to be implemented thanks to their portability and versatility. Despite these devices being on the market, however, there needs to be a method to collaborate and interact with them across multiple research institutions. BCI2000 helps to address that by creating a standardized working …

Enhancing Fpga Synthesis For Space Applications: Performance Evaluation Of Scalehls In The Adapt Project, Ruoxi Wang

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

This thesis investigates the application of ScaleHLS, a high-level synthesis (HLS) tool, to enhance Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) synthesis for space applications, with a focus on the Antarctic Demonstrator Advanced Particle-astrophysics Telescope (ADAPT) project. The study explores how ScaleHLS optimizes the transformation of C code into FPGA-compatible designs to improve computational efficiency and resource utilization.

The research details the process of adapting ADAPT's computational algorithms for FPGA using ScaleHLS, emphasizing the tool's effectiveness in streamlining the code-to-hardware translation. A performance evaluation highlights significant improvements in resource management and operational speed, demonstrating the tool's impact on FPGA synthesis.

These findings illustrate …

Quality Assurance And Quality Control For Reinforced Concrete Inspections, Calvin O. Walters Jr.

Publications and Research

Ensuring the safety and longevity of structures is paramount in concrete construction projects. Cases like the Big Dig ceiling collapse, which occurred on July 10, 2006, when a concrete ceiling panel measuring 20' x 40' and debris weighing 26 short tons (52,000 lb) fell within Boston's Fort Point Channel Tunnel, underscore this importance (Wald, M. L., 2007). Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are crucial in mitigating such risks. QA ensures that materials and methods meet predetermined performance, design, and reliability standards specified in contracts and customer arrangements. On the other hand, QC is a strategic process businesses use …

Bibliometric Review Of The Landscape And Thematic Structure Of Research On Sustainable Mining In Asean, 1942–2022, Nathatai Janjirawatna, Sirisuhk Rakthin, Philip Hallinger

Journal of Sustainable Mining

This bibliometric review addressed the lack of consolidated information on the current state of sustainable mining in the ASEAN region. The review analyzed bibliographic data associated with 539 Scopus-indexed documents on sustainable mining in ASEAN nations published through the end of 2022. Descriptive statistics identified a great disparity in the scope of research on sustainable mining practices across the ASEAN countries. Surprisingly, a significant portion of the extant research on sustainable mining in the region has been authored by scholars from outside of ASEAN. Keyword analyses highlighted several emerging research topics including life cycle assessment, conservation of natural resources, climate …

Ultra‐Fast Finite Element Analysis Of Coreless Axial Flux Permanent Magnet Synchronous Machines, Yaser Chulaee, Dan Ionel

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

Large‐scale design optimisation techniques enable the design of high‐performance electric machines. Electromagnetic 3D finite element analysis (FEA) is typically employed in optimisation studies for accurate analysis of axial flux permanent magnet(AFPM) machines, which require extensive computational resources. To reduce the computational burden, a FEA‐based mathematical method relying on the geometric and magnetic symmetry of coreless AFPM machines is proposed to estimate the machine performance indicators using the least number of FEA solutions, thereby significantly lowering the running time. This method is generally applicable to AFPM machines with low saturation effects and cogging torque as exemplified for a printed circuit board …

Nodes For Modes: Nodal Honeycomb Metamaterial Enables A Soft Robot With Multimodal Locomotion, Yusuf Dikici, Kathryn Daltorio, Ozan Akkus

Faculty Scholarship

Soft-bodied animals, such as worms and snakes, use many muscles in different ways to traverse unstructured environments and inspire tools for accessing confined spaces. They demonstrate versatility of locomotion which is essential for adaptation to changing terrain conditions. However, replicating such versatility in untethered soft-bodied robots with multimodal locomotion capabilities have been challenging due to complex fabrication processes and limitations of soft body structures to accommodate hardware such as actuators, batteries and circuit boards. Here, we present MetaCrawler, a 3D printed metamaterial soft robot designed for multimodal and omnidirectional locomotion. Our design approach facilitated an easy fabrication process through a …

Mechanical And Deformation Characteristics Of Piles In Coastal Soft Soil Areas Considering Softening Effect, Wang Fei, Yan Yu, Jiao Lidong, Shen Fengqi, Chen Lu, Liu Jianhua

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to discuss the mechanical and deformation behavior of piles in coastal soft soil areas under horizontal load，the corresponding simplified mechanical model was established according to the loading characteristics of piles in coastal soft soil areas.Secondly，the softening effect of coastal soft soil was considered to modify the existing p-y curve model.On this basis，the differential equation of pile deflection in coastal soft soil areas was derived，and its internal force and displacement were solved by the transfer matrix method.A nonlinear calculation method of piles in coastal soft soil areas considering the softening effect was obtained.Finally，the influence of softening parameters，pile diameter，and elastic …

Research On Road Performance Of Carbonaceous Shale Subgrade Filler, Zhang Mengjin, Huang Yafei, Wu Qian, Mao Xuesong, Zhang Jianxun, Chen Xinyi, Wang Yueyue

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The application of carbonaceous shale for subgrade filling not only alleviates the shortage of subgrade filler in carbonaceous shale distribution areas but also meets the strategic requirements of “resource conservation and saving ” and “green development ” for infrastructure construction in China.However，such rocks are weak and susceptible to weathering and disintegration，and they exhibit significant strength deterioration when exposed to water.To fully apply them，their performance must be comprehensively understood.In this paper，the basic properties of the carbonaceous shale were studied，and filler gradation was designed.The tests on compaction characteristics of the filler and particle crushing characteristics after compaction，RCBR （California bearing ratio ） variation …

Test And Analysis On Stress And Deformation Of Assembled Geocell Retaining Wall, Kong Yongbo, Li Hao, Zhang Jianwei, Li Junjie, Yang Xiaohua

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The variable cross-section geocell retaining wall of the Chengdu –Yibin Expressway test road in Sichuan Province of China was studied.First，the construction method of the new-type assembled geocell retaining wall was introduced，and the new-type glass fiber reinforced plastic lightweight panel was used to effectively solve the problem that the panel of the retaining wall is not neat and easy to be damaged.Secondly，the supporting effect of the retaining wall was analyzed by field monitoring.The field monitoring results show that the earth pressure at different parts of the retaining wall is nonlinearly distributed along the height of the retaining wall.The earth pressure at …

Structure And Material Of Rigid‑Flexible Composite Pavements And Development, Liu Zhaohui, Huang You, Yu Shiqing, Liu Jingyu, Li Sheng, Liu Li, Pan Yu

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The rigid-flexible composite pavement，as a kind of durable pavement structure，has been widely used for heavy-duty traffic，special geological conditions，bridge tunnel paving，etc.In order to promote the application of durable rigid-flexible composite pavements and clarify the key research issues and development directions，relevant research progress of rigid-flexible composite pavements in China and abroad was reviewed.Based on the structure design theory and construction technology of rigid-flexible composite pavements，the structural mechanical behavior characteristics of rigid-flexible composite pavements were described，and the stress induced by load and temperature of asphalt surface layer and rigid base layer，as well as their interactions were analyzed.The asphalt surface layer on the rigid …

Reasearch On Fatigue Failure Law In Tension‑Shear Zone Behind Wheel In Rigid And Flexible Composite Pavement, Cheng Xiaoliang, Deng Fuhao, Wang Yang, Han Leilei, Zhou Wujun

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to study the slippage mechanism of asphalt concrete overlay on continuous reinforced concrete composite pavement （CRCP），the structure of the composite pavement was modeled using the elastic layered system，and the interlayer bonding state of the model was calibrated by the measured data of the road.In the analysis of interlayer mechanical behavior，it was found that when the horizontal force coefficient was 1，there existed a tension-shear zone behind the wheel，which may lead to the failure of this zone prior to the position of the maximum interlayer shear stress.Relevant test data analysis shows that when the horizontal force coefficient is 1，under the …

Multi-Region Plane Fitting Algorithm For Texture Depth Of Asphalt Pavements, Zhu Feng, Feng Xingle, Wu Chuan, Lin Xiaoyong

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The existing calculation methods for texture depth of asphalt pavements are easily affected by external and human factors.Therefore，a multi-region plane fitting algorithm for the texture depth based on three-dimensional （3D） linear laser data was proposed.The algorithm preprocessed the collected 3D height data matrix of the pavement and derived a slope-based adaptive filtering algorithm for point cloud data.Then, the 3D height matrix was divided into multiple regions，and the local extremum of the center point was determined.Finally，with the three-point and one-surface plane fitting algorithm as the core，the texture depth of asphalt pavements was calculated.The experimental results show that the correlation between this …

Influence Of Warm‑Mixed Flame Retardant Technology On Construction Environment Of Asphalt Pavement In Long Tunnel, Xian Jianglin, Li Yanxiang, Yang Qingyang

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

With the long tunnel as the research object，the variation of volatile organic compound （VOC） volume fraction，CO volume fraction，and illuminance in the construction area of the middle of the tunnel under the conditions of hot mix technology and warm-mixed flame retardant technology was tested respectively，and the influence of warm-mixed flame retardant technology on the construction environment of asphalt pavement in long tunnels was analyzed and evaluated.The results show that when the pavement of a long tunnel adopts hot mix technology，the mass concentration of asphalt fume in the whole operation area is relatively high，and that in some areas exceeds the threshold value.The …

Evaluation Of Long‑Term Water Stability Of Acidic Diorite Asphalt Mixtures In Different Environments, Cao Zhonglu, Chen Ping, Liu Xuewen, Tan Bo

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

The short-term water stability of acidic diorite asphalt mixtures with acid-alkaline composite aggregates mixed with cement （2% cement instead of mineral powder ），slaked lime （30% slaked lime water for stone immersion ），and anti-spalling agent （modified asphalt with 0.3% anti-spalling agent ） was evaluated by Marshall test of immersion，freeze-thaw splitting test，and rutting test.Then，by repeated freeze-thaw splitting test，repeated freeze-thaw and baking splitting test，and repeated acid-etching freeze-thaw splitting test，the long-term water stability of the treated acidic diorite asphalt mixtures in different environments was tested.The results show that the physical and mechanical properties of acidic diorite meet the specification requirements；the short-term water stability of …

Experimental Study On Fracture Performance Of Emulsified Asphalt Cold Recycled Mixture, Chu Chenfeng, Deng Jun, Zhou Chen, Wang Zi ’Ang, Kuang Ao, Liu Hongfu

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

Cracking in emulsified asphalt cold recycled pavements is one of the main constraints on their large-scale application in road engineering.To study the fracture performance indicators of cold recycled asphalt mixture and the improvement measures of crack resistance performance，this study investigated three types of mixtures：ordinary emulsified asphalt，basalt fiber，and styrene-butadiene rubber （SBR） modified emulsified asphalt.This study conducted a four-point bending strength test on notched beams，and acoustic emission tests of the beam with prefabricated cracks were carried out to evaluate the fracture performance of three different emulsified asphalt cold recycled mixtures in road engineering.The evaluation criteria included strain energy release rate，stress intensity factor，energy …

Experiment On Strength And Deformation Characteristics Of Marine Silt Cement Soil And Their Relationship, Deng Wu, Liu Weizheng, Chen Tie, Ge Mengyuan

Journal of China & Foreign Highway

In order to study the compre ssive，flexural，and shear strength and deformation characteristics of marine silt cement soil，a series of laboratory mix ratio tests were carried out，so as to test the changes in unconfined compressive strength fcu，flexural strength ff，normalized shear strength τqg，normalized principal stress difference （σ1‒σ3）/σ3，and compression modulus Es under different dosage of curing agents，curing ages，and cement-to-lime ratios.In addition，the correlation between different parameters was investigated.The results show that the performance of the improved samples with cement and lime is 2%‒17% higher than that with cement alone under the same dosage.The strength of cement soil is proportional to the dosage and age …