Engineering Commons^™

Routing Opportunities For Commercial Crossings Between El Paso And Juarez, Marek Musil

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis explores the topic of commercial movements between the El Paso and Ciudad Juarez road networks and the implications of the possible changes in their routing. This area houses several ports of entry, which present one of the busiest commercial and personal border crossings in the whole nation. The primary focus was to evaluate the recently proposed reconstruction scenario of removing trucks from the Bridge of the Americas and study the impacts on the flows throughout the other ports. The chosen tool to support the analysis is a mesoscopic simulation software called DynusT, which is capable of modeling the …

Energy Optimization In Pneumatic Systems Using Ens-200 Energy Saving Trainer, Maha Guru Shankar Perumal

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Various industries such as manufacturing and assembly, the automotive sector, printing and paper handling, packaging, aerospace, etc., widely use pneumatic systems for a variety of operations. Enterprises use pneumatic systems for cost-effectiveness, reliability, and simplicity. However, they also have certain inefficiencies, leading to high operating costs and reduced efficiency in various applications. The focus of this research is on energy optimization in pneumatic systems to improve efficiency in industrial applications, minimize energy waste, and reduce operational costs. The best practices for enhancing energy efficiency in pneumatic systems were proper system design, pressure regulation, leak detection and repair, energy-efficient components, and …

Understanding The Limits Of Deep Packet Inspection For Network Traffic Classification, Herman Ramey

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

We present our human network application labeling system that contributes a new level of distinction between the network traffic that should be labeled from the network traffic that should not be labeled. This distinction improves the label accuracy of the training data set produced from the human labeled data and will subsequently improve the performance of supervised machine learning classifiers used for network traffic classification. This system also allows for the human network user to label traffic, with little effort, in a manner consistent with normal network usage, i.e., no need for a contrived experiment. Lastly, we use human supplied …

Prediction Modeling Of Foreign Object Impact Debris On Aircraft Through Digital Engineering, Luis Eduardo Rodriguez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The contribution of the research made is derived into two sections. The first topic discusses the prediction modeling of Foreign Object debris (FOd) impact on aircraft structures through the use of digital engineering. The program used in this project is Ansys Explicit Dynamics to evaluate the stress and strain caused by the initial conditions of flight trajectory and impact created from FOd found inside of aircraft structures. The prediction modeling consists of creating a repetition of simulations with different FOds to evaluate the damage created to subsystems of the wing bay such as the fuel system and internal structures. The …

Mav Localization In Gps-Denied Environments And Synthetic Data Collection In Challenging Simulated Conditions, Julio A. Reyes Munoz

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The development of unmanned aerial systems presents an opportunity for conducting industrial inspections in environments where traditional navigation systems, such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), are compromised. This dissertation investigates the implementation of a micro aerial vehicle (MAV) capable of autonomous data acquisition in complex, GNSS-degraded industrial settings. The primary challenge addressed is the robust localization of MAVs, a critical aspect in ensuring reliable operation under varying and uncertain environmental conditions.

The work is divided into two main parts. The first part focuses on the design and integration of a MAV system specifically for power plant inspections in …

Smart Public Transportation And Mobility Hub Design In El Paso, Jiri Vojtisek

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis explores the potential of a Smart Public Transportation concept and mobility hub design as tools to mitigate the growing trend of transportation issues, such as traffic congestion, reliance on privately owned vehicles, or unattractive public transportation. Consequently, residentsâ?? lives are negatively affected by excessive noise, air pollution, and travel delays, leading to increased safety risks, lost productivity, and a lower quality of life. Considering these challenges, the study begins by analyzing the current state of public transportation in El Paso. Next, it introduces a toolkit from the Smart City concept, followed by case studies of best practices of …

Bcl2 Mediated Targeted Drug Delivery For The Treatment Of Kidney Fibrosis And Stomach Cancer, Humayra Afrin

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Apoptosis, the programmed death of cells, is primarily regulated by a delicate balance between pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic signals. The Bcl-2 (B-cell lymphoma 2) family of proteins acts as anti-apoptotic agents, promoting cell survival. Dysregulation of these proteins is a common occurrence in conditions such as cancer and fibrosis, where overexpression of anti-apoptotic members can foster tumor cell survival and fibroblast activation. In this study, our aim was to explore the therapeutic potential of Bcl-2 inhibitors, both as a small molecule (specifically Navitoclax (Navi)), inhibitor and as Bcl-2 siRNA, for targeted treatment. Intravenous administration of Navi often leads to thrombocytopenia, necessitating …

A Methodology For Determining Optimal Milling Parameters For Low-Taper Microtensile Sample Production, Zachary Wayne Barker

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Femtosecond lasers are beginning to see an increase in interest for industrial and high throughput microsample milling applications. Despite this, much of the literature regarding removal rate studies for ultrashort pulse laser milling continues to focus on single-pulse or similar experiments that have a very small time on target. The material volume removal rates of femtosecond milling can vary wildly depending on parameters like laser scan speed, hatch spacing, z-axis step size, and pulses on the material. Currently, there is no established methodology for determining the optimal values of these parameters for micromilling applications. This methodology was developed in this …

Effect Of The Microstructure On The Corrosion Behavior Of Alcunimn And Alcunimnsi High Entropy Alloys In A 3.5wt% Nacl Solution, Celine Chiong

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

In this study, the AlCuNiMn and AlCuNiMnSi high entropy alloys (HEAs) are investigated to characterize the effect of Si addition and subsequent annealing treatments on the corrosion behavior in a 3.5wt% NaCl solution at room temperature. The microstructure evolution from the as-received condition and after annealing at 600°C, 800°C, and 1000°C for 24 hours in air is examined. The microstructural transformation of HEAs is extensively reported in the literature. However, its impact on the corrosion resistance of HEAs has not received the same attention. In this study, an increase in the annealing temperature of the base AlCuNiMn alloy improved the …

Using Genetic Algorithm And Geographic Information System For Equity-Driven Transportation Planning And Analysis, Emiliano Del Rio Reyes

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Efforts to address equitable access in public transit planning have gained momentum, spurred by incentives for Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) and State Departments of Transportation (DOTs). However, traditional strategies often fall short of meeting the needs of disadvantaged communities, particularly in underserved areas. This study presents a pioneering methodology leveraging Genetic Algorithms (GA) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimize bus stop placement, aiming to enhance equitable access in public transit systems. Focusing on Route 16 of Sun Metro in El Paso, Texasâ??a critical feeder route linking the Westside Transit Center to Upper Valley neighborhoodsâ??the research commences with a comprehensive …

Final Design Of Legion Hall Revitalization In Potter, Nebraska, Madison Brennfoerder

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

This project was conducted to renovate and revitalize the Legion Hall community center in the Village of Potter located in western Nebraska north of the Interstate. The work completed for this project can be separated into five disciplines: Hydrologic & Hydraulic Design, Geotechnical Analysis, Structural Analysis, Environmental Analysis, and Transportation Design. Legion Hall is a historical building within The Village of Potter which was built in 1917. The Village of Potter has recently acquired the rights to the hall and is seeking to revitalize the historical community center to increase tourism in the village.

Geometric Multi-Resolution Analysis Across Signals, Images, And Networks, Felicia Schenkelberg

Dartmouth College Master’s Theses

This research delves into the transformative potential of Geometric Multi-Resolution Analysis (GMRA) as a robust tool for dimensionality reduction and data analysis in the context of high-dimensional graphs. Statistical techniques for classification have historically been tailored for scenarios wherein the number of observations significantly exceeds the number of features, a paradigm characteristic of low-dimensional datasets. However, recent advancements in technologies have ushered in a transformative era in data collection practices across diverse domains, resulting in the acquisition of extensive feature measurements. As a result of this shift, datasets have transitioned into a high-dimensional realm wherein the number of features significantly …

Developing Anisotropic Soft Matter As Functional Materials To Interface With Biological Systems, Homa Ghaiedi

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Liquid crystals (LCs) constitute a subset of soft matter possessing hybrid characteristics from both liquid and crystalline phases. In this state, the center of masses remains uncorrelated similar to an isotropic phase, while the long axis of molecules aligns in parallel, resulting in molecules exhibiting orientational and positional order, either individually or concurrently. The directional alignment inherent in LCs arises from the asymmetrical shape and structure of the constituent molecules, causing a spontaneous self-assembly into ordered phases. This cooperative molecular behavior manifests distinctive optical features when subjected to cross polarizers. The remarkable sensitivity of LCs to external stimuli, including temperature, …

Yeast Surface Display Of Multiple Heterologous Proteins Via Molecular And Biochemical Processing Techniques, Shadrach Ibinola

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The arming of yeast cell wall, also known as yeast surface display, is an effective technology for expressing target proteins extracellularly. It has been shown to provide bioengineered yeast with qualities that are not known to native yeast such as the ability to survive harsh conditions including high pH and temperature, for example. Furthermore, this technique has been implemented for various applications which include, protein engineering, bioethanol production, bioremediation, vaccine construction, and antibody development. The major mechanisms of yeast surface display exploit agglutination, flocculation, or proteins with internal repeats as the means by which a target (protein) is covalently attached …

Numerical Simulations Of Supersonic/ Hypersonic Flows In Compression Corners And A Hypersonic Flow Study Of Atmospheric Entry Of Mars Science Laboratory Capsule, Dexter Allen

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

This thesis consists of two related parts. The first part is the study of supersonic/hypersonic flow in compression corners. The compression corners are simple geometries but rich in flow-features that can be challenging for accurate prediction of their flow fields in high-speed compressible flow using the Reynold-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations in conjunction with a turbulence model. At higher degrees of corner angles, there exists a shock-boundary layer interaction region which includes a significant recirculation zone in the corner. In this thesis, experimentally available test cases for compression corner at Mach 3, 8, and 11 at various corner angles are modeled …

Challenges That Impact The Development Of A Multi-Generational Low-Carbon Passive House In A Small City, Hanan Wehbi, Tahar Messadi

Architecture Faculty Publications and Presentations

The impact of the building and construction sector on climate change is becoming more important and recognized. Multiple initiatives around the globe have been utilized to design and develop residential structures, aiming to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions; yet, there are several barriers to effective construction processes. This research outlines the gaps and barriers encountered by key stakeholders that were engaged during the preconstruction phase of a three-story multi-generational low-impact Passive House in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Through direct observation and open-ended interviews, the primary data are collected, and secondary data from a comprehensive literature review are detailed to capture the …

Bottling Automation System, Dylanie Tippit

Honors College Theses

This report details the complete design of an automated bottling system. Each bottle is 5.97 centimeters tall and has an outer diameter of 3.81 centimeters. The goal of the project is to successfully fill and cap twelve bottles in under three and a half minutes. The system will have two conveyors in series, a water dispenser, an electrolyte dispenser, capping station, Human Machine Interface (HMI) and Allen Bradley programmable logic controller (PLC). The water and electrolyte dispenser will have two ball valves in series, with the desired amount of volume to dispense the designated liquid. The capping station will be …

Culvert Design And Roadway Restoration Of Cavett Road At Damon Creek, Kevin Harvey

Honors College Theses

Cavett Road is a small, two lane rural road located in Kirksey, Kentucky. This road faces the issue of flooding during light-to-moderate rain, posing risk to those who use the road, especially those living along Cavett Road. This flooding is also capable of washing away the surface of Cavett Road and the adjacent banks and soil wall of the creek, creating a risk of erosion and soil subsidence. To reduce the risk of flooding and erosion and improve roadway function, this project outlines a potential solution using newly-installed reinforced concrete box culverts and soil fill above them to improve the …

High-Altitude Ballooning And Payload Design, Matthew Smith

Honors College Theses

The Icarus project began in 2017 where a team performs high-altitude balloon (HAB) launches to conduct atmospheric and payload design research. The project involves sending a data-collecting payload containing recording equipment to high altitudes (~100,000 feet). This paper outlines the Icarus project as well as the efforts to design a payload that will remain stable throughout flight while also protecting the equipment housed within the payload shell. SOLIDWORKS computer-aided design (CAD) software was used to design a unique payload system. The payload parts were manufactured with PLA filament using a Prusa MK4 3D printer. The secondary goal of this thesis …

Development Of Advanced Simulator-Based Metrics For Suturing Skills Assessment And Feedback, Simar Singh

All Dissertations

Vascular surgery demands highly skilled suturing to manipulate and connect delicate vasculature. However, inadequate methods for open suturing skills training necessitate efficient and objective methods to develop skills. To address this need, medical training simulators for objective surgical skills training are gaining popularity for their formative assessment.

This research details the development of a system to classify suturing performance and provide feedback on a suturing skills measurement and feedback platform (called the SutureCoach). The SutureCoach simulator offers a comprehensive assessment of skill through sensors measuring needle driver motions, membrane forces and torques, subcutaneous suture needle movement, and hand motions. We …

Crystalline Colloidal Arrays: Exploring Light-Matter Interactions, Haley W. Jones

All Dissertations

Understanding and manipulating quantum light-matter interactions, especially in the context of nanostructured environments, is highly critical for technological progress and inventive solutions in the fields of telecommunications, energy-efficient lighting, and cutting-edge quantum computing technologies. The fundamental interactions of photons with a surrounding environment directly impact the performance and efficiency of devices such as lasers, light-emitting diodes (LEDs), and quantum computing elements, which leverage the unique properties of confined structured environments. Since the late 1980s, the connection between a structured environment and the decay kinetics of an embedded fluorophore has been a highly debated and unresolved topic in the literature. More …

Development Of Earthquake Hazard Prediction Software For South Carolina And Its Applications, Vishnu Saketh Jella

All Dissertations

This dissertation presents the development of earthquake hazard generation software, CarolinaShake and CarolinaADRS, for the state of South Carolina and its applications in the field of earthquake engineering. South Carolina is a seismically active state in the eastern United States, and there is a need to accurately quantify the earthquake hazard and incorporate it into the design of infrastructure systems. To achieve this objective, the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) is actively supporting the initiatives to update its seismic design policies and procedures of civil infrastructure systems. As part of those initiatives, first, CarolinaShake, a Windows-based graphical user interface …

Identifying Temporomandibular Disorder Morphological Risk Factors Via Explainable Deep Learning And Multiscale Biomechanical Modeling, Shuchun Sun

All Dissertations

Clarifying multifactorial musculoskeletal disorder etiologies supports risk analysis and development of targeted prevention and treatment modalities. Deep learning enables comprehensive risk factor identification through systematic analysis of disease datasets but does not provide sufficient context for mechanistic understanding, limiting clinical applicability for etiological investigations. Conversely, multiscale biomechanical modeling can evaluate mechanistic etiology within the relevant biomechanical and physiological context. We propose a hybrid approach combining 3D explainable deep learning and multiscale biomechanical modeling; we applied this approach to investigate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorder etiology by systematically identifying risk factors and elucidating mechanistic relationships between risk factors and TMJ biomechanics and …

Novel Nucleus Pulposus Biomaterial Development And Low Field Mri Assessment For Intervertebral Disc Degeneration, Mario Krussig

All Dissertations

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) is a prominent pathology in the modern world that causes debilitating pain for many patients. The onset of IVDD occurs in the nucleus pulposus (NP). NP biomaterials will play a vital role in mitigating the progression of IVDD. Within this work, we sought to synthesize a solubilized extracellular matrix (ECM)-based NP biomaterial. Utilizing pepsin or urea extraction, bovine NP ECM was successfully solubilized (SBNPs). SBNP formulations were characterized biochemically, evaluated for cytotoxicity, and down-selected for front-running formulations. Leading candidate SBNPs were incorporated into an alginate bead biomaterial model to determine the potential bioactivity with human adipose-derived …

Design, Fabrication, And Characterization Of Advanced High-Power Single-Mode 9xxnm Semiconductor Lasers, Xiaolei Zhao

All Dissertations

This thesis presents the comprehensive design, fabrication, and demonstration of advanced high-power, high-efficiency single-mode semiconductor lasers operating at a wavelength of 9xxnm. We begin with the design of the laser epitaxial structure, serving as the cornerstone for achieving high-power high-efficiency lasers. Our methodology integrates a semi-analytical calculation model, which accounts for Longitudinal Spatial Hole Burning (LSHB) and Two-Photon Absorption (TPA) effects, facilitating a thorough exploration of how design parameters influence output power and conversion efficiency. This approach offers an effective and time-efficient epitaxial structure optimization strategy compared to conventional full 3D simulation models.

Subsequently, we demonstrate high-power, high-efficiency ridge waveguide …

Development And Application Of Discrete Element Models For Granular Materials - From Rigid Spheres To Complex-Shaped Flexible Particles With Breakage, Zakia Tasnim

All Dissertations

Granular materials, which can range from nanometers to centimeters, are widely encountered as particles or powders in nature and in engineered systems. Some examples of granular materials include sands, gravels, biomass feedstocks, rice grains, pharmaceutical pills, glass beads, and lunar or martian regolith simulants. The attributes of and the interactions between constituent particles dictate the bulk mechanical properties and behavior of granular materials. The discrete element method (DEM), a particle-based modeling technique, has become a useful numerical tool for modeling the bulk behavior (such as mechanical, flow, and breakage behavior) of granular materials, where interactions between the granular materials' individual …

Engineering Multifunctional Silicon Nanostructures From Biorenewable Cellulose Nanocrystals, Nancy Chen

All Dissertations

The imperative search for alternative materials to address the pressing demand for advance energy storage is underscored by the escalating environmental predicaments. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with graphite anodes have become the benchmark in energy storage; however, they are approaching a saturation point in terms of energy density. Silicon emerges as a promising contender to supplant graphite, owing to its profuse availability, cost-effectiveness, and impressive specific capacity of 4200 mAh g^-1. By integrating silicon anodes, LIBs stand to undergo a radical transformation, markedly diminishing in weight and size, thus heralding a novel wave of compact, lightweight energy storage systems. …

Process-Structure-Property-Performance Modeling For Semicrystalline Thermoplastics And Composites, Tatiana Stepanova

All Dissertations

With a growing focus on reducing the adverse effects of transportation on the environment, industries are seeking fuel-efficient and sustainable solutions. Fuel efficiency can be improved in several ways, but structural lightweighting has demonstrated overall effectiveness. In this regard, thermoplastic composites and additive manufacturing (AM) thermoplastics have become viable candidates for use in the automotive industry, given the need for weight reduction and efficiency improvement.

The advantages of AM include simplifying supply chains, simplifying part geometry, and enabling mass customization. In order to design high-performance AM structures, extensive modeling and simulation are required. AM thermoplastics are similar to conventional manufacturing …

A Manufacturing-To-Response Pathway For Manufacturing Optimization Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composite Structures, Madhura Limaye

All Dissertations

Over the past decade, there has been an increased adoption of thermoplastic and thermoset based continuous carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites for structural applications in several industries. Among the different manufacturing methods, thermoforming process for thermoplastic based continuous CFRP’s offer a major advantage in reducing cycle times for large scale productions. Similarly, out-of-autoclave curing process for thermoset based continuous CFRP’s using heated tooling enables production of large composite structures. However, these manufacturing processes can have a significant impact on the structural performance of parts by inducing undesirable effects. These effects include inhomogeneous fiber orientations, thickness variations, and residual stresses …

Oscillations Of Capillary Surfaces With Volume And Edge Effects, Dingqian Ding

All Dissertations

Capillary surfaces are defined by an interface endowed with surface tension that is partially supported by a solid substrate and are susceptible to oscillations reflecting a balance between fluid inertia and the restorative force of surface tension. The wave dynamics strongly depend upon volume change within the domain and edge effects through the boundary conditions applied at the contact-line formed at the liquid-gas-solid interface, while the spatial wave structure conforms to the geometry of the capillary surface. This dissertation develops mathematical models to address these effects for several canonical capillary surfaces, which are organized into two parts that are focused …