Engineering Commons^™

Impact Of The New Context Functional Classifications For Kytc, Arlen Sandlin, Jill Asher, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Jeff Jasper, Rachel Catchings, Chris Van Dyke

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

State transportation agencies are adopting an expanded context classification system to inform project development and delivery. This system classifies roadways into one of five categories based on factors such as level of development, building densities and setbacks, multimodal user patterns and requirements, network permeability, and speed. Compared to functional classification, context classification better captures the types of mobility, travel patterns, and user mixes observed in specific contexts. The expanded context classification system is found in AASHTO’s A Policy on Geometric Design of Highways and Streets (7^th Edition). The forthcoming 8^th edition will deepen integration of context classification throughout …

Insen 2023 Yearly Updates, Walid Metwally, Matteo Gerlini, Cristen Ford, João Claudio Batista Fiel J.C.B.F., Dr. Alpana Goel

International Journal of Nuclear Security

The International Nuclear Security Education Network (INSEN) is the primary international network for nuclear security educational initiatives. INSEN plays a central role in fostering collaboration and knowledge-sharing among nuclear security education experts worldwide. In the wake of the global pandemic, INSEN remained committed to strengthening nuclear security education and resumed in-person activities. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) confirmed its continued dedication and support to the network’s mission and presented new activities aimed at elevating global nuclear security efforts.

Throughout the year and during the annual and leadership meetings, working groups showcased their vibrant work and presented innovative ideas, invigorating …

Optimization Of Factors Affecting The Performance Of A Fluidized Bed Dryer, Soner Celen, Sultan Pektas

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study investigated the theoretical, analytical, and experimental effects of parameters such as bed height, air velocity, and air temperature on drying using a fluidized bed dryer. The objective was to examine how these parameters influence the drying process of salt products in a pilot fluidized bed dryer and establish the foundation for the development of a future full-scale machine. Salt products with an initial moisture content of 3% were used in all experimental trials. The pressure drop was determined by calculating the minimum fluidization rate, Archimedes and Reynolds number. The calculated values were compared with the analyses conducted using …

Design, Fabrication, And Determination Of The Optimum Working Conditions Of A Peanut (Arachis Hypogaea L.) Pneumatic Bagging System, Selcuk Ugurluay, Ali Somay

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

The peanut bagging process is not mechanized, it requires a large amount of human labor. In addition, the shovel or canister used in bagging breaks the peanut shell that causes losses. The purpose of this study is to reduce the required workforce by mechanizing the peanut bagging process, and to determine the optimum working criteria (hose diameter and air velocity) of the prototype machine. A peanut pneumatic bagging machine powered by a tractor power takeoff (PTO) was designed and fabricated to convey peanut pods from the ground and fill the product into the bags. To determine the optimum working conditions …

Effects Of Redrying Methods On The Milling Potential, Crude Protein And Total Phenolic Content, And Antioxidant Activity Of Stored Inorganic And Organically-Grown Paddy, Mary Ann Baradi, Jessica Solero, Clarence Dangcil, Gerome Corpuz, Marissa Romero

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This study sought to determine the effects of redrying techniques (no redrying or Control, 2-h, 4-h, and 6-h redrying with stirring every 30 min, Farmer's Practice or 6-h redrying with one stirring) on grain quality of stored inorganic and organic paddy rice as well as the redrying method that gives the best quality rice. PSB Rc82 rice harvested in October 2016 was used in the experiment conducted in February 2017. Quality parameters evaluated were moisture content, brown rice, total milled rice, crude protein content in percent, total phenolic content, and 2-2 diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity. PSB Rc82 paddy exposed …

Techno-Economic Feasibility Of Polyhydroxybutyrate (Phb) Production From Corn Stover, Jey-R Ventura, Ruby Lynn Ventura

The Philippine Agricultural Scientist

This research evaluated the techno-economic feasibility of polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) production using corn stover as a substrate for the fermentation process. The target PHB plant production was set at 1000 t PHB per yr, with a daily production of about 3 t PHB. The required corn stover biomass was around 12 000 t per yr. The economic analysis of this study suggested that 91.13 M US$ is needed to put up the targeted plant production capacity, with 94% of the total investment to be allotted to the direct fixed capital cost. Annual operating cost was rated at 4.71 M US$ per …

Implementation Of Fluid Viscous Damper For 2023 Eeri Seismic Design Competition, Dalton J. Muck, Payton S. Mcgee, Payton R. Filippin, Tynan Castro

Architectural Engineering

The authors of this report were a part of the 2023 Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI) student chapter for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly). With thirteen other team members, they traveled to San Francisco, CA to compete in the Seismic Design Competition (SDC) hosted by EERI. The team was tasked with preparing a written proposal, design and computer analysis of the structural system, construction of two physical models, as well as creation of a poster and a presentation for a proposed mid-rise building located in the competition host city. The goal of the design of Cal …

Pl 43 Traffic Forecasting Report 2023, Mei Chen, Xu Zhang, Eugene Antwi

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This document is the seventh edition of the Traffic Forecasting Report (TFR) for the state of Kentucky. TFR data are important for multiple engineering applications that involve analyzing temporal and spatial variability in traffic distributions and volumes. Most of the metrics discussed in the report were computed using data from 2019, 2021, and 2022 — excluded from consideration were 2020 data because they exhibited anomalous traffic patterns tied to shutdowns associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Data summarized in this report include average daily traffic, annual average daily truck traffic, travel activity by vehicle type, weekday and weekend hourly volume percentages, …

Designing An Optical Router Based On A Multimode-Interference Silicon-On-Insulator Coupler With Tunable Power Transmittance, Dana S. Akil, Muhammad A. Othman, Sherif M. Sherif, Mohamed A. Swillam

Faculty Journal Articles

The demand on fast and high-bandwidth data transmission is in continuous increase. These demands are highly dependent on optical signal manipulation, including switching, modulation, and routing. We demonstrate a two-port silicon optical router based on the multimode interferometer (MMI) configuration. The same MMI structure was used for both inward and backward waveguiding to reduce the total length of the device. A phase shifter consisting of two ring-like waveguides made of silicon p-n junctions was used to introduce the phase shift needed for optical routing upon voltage application. Two designs for the MMI optical router were studied: Firstly, a conventional MMI …

Continual Online Learning-Based Optimal Tracking Control Of Nonlinear Strict-Feedback Systems: Application To Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Irfan Ganie, Sarangapani Jagannathan

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel optimal trajectory tracking scheme is introduced for nonlinear continuous-time systems in strict feedback form with uncertain dynamics by using neural networks (NNs). The method employs an actor-critic-based NN back-stepping technique for minimizing a discounted value function along with an identifier to approximate unknown system dynamics that are expressed in augmented form. Novel online weight update laws for the actor and critic NNs are derived by using both the NN identifier and Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman residual error. A new continual lifelong learning technique utilizing the Fisher Information Matrix via Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman residual error is introduced to obtain the significance of weights in …

An Impedance-Source-Based Soft-Switched High Step-Up Dc-Dc Converter With An Active Clamp, Saeed Habibi, Ramin Rahimi, Mehdi Ferdowsi, Pourya Shamsi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article proposes a high step-up dc-dc converter based on a trans-inverse impedance-source structure, in which the voltage gain of the converter is increased by using a lower number of turns ratio of the coupled inductors (CI) windings. The proposed converter achieves a very high voltage gain and a very low voltage stress on the switches. An active clamp is incorporated into the topology of the proposed converter, helping to absorb the energy of the leakage inductances of the CI, and to recycle that energy to the output of the converter to further increase the voltage gain. Furthermore, the active …

Toward Smart And Sustainable Cement Manufacturing Process: Analysis And Optimization Of Cement Clinker Quality Using Thermodynamic And Data-Informed Approaches, Jardel P. Gonçalves, Taihao Han, Gaurav Sant, Narayanan Neithalath, Jie Huang, Aditya Kumar

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Cement manufacturing is widely recognized for its harmful impacts on the natural environment. In recent years, efforts have been made to improve the sustainability of cement manufacturing through the use of renewable energy, the capture of CO₂ emissions, and partial replacement of cement with supplementary cementitious materials. To further enhance sustainability, optimizing the cement manufacturing process is essential. This can be achieved through the prediction and optimization of clinker phases in relation to chemical compositions of raw materials and manufacturing conditions. Cement clinkers are produced by heating raw materials in kilns, where both raw material compositions and processing conditions …

Advances In Growth, Doping, And Devices And Applications Of Zinc Oxide, Vishal Saravade, Zhe Chuan Feng, Manika Tun Nafisa, Chuanle Zhou, Na Lu, Benjamin Klein, Ian T. Ferguson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Zinc oxide is a breakthrough multifunctional material of emerging interest applicable in the areas of electronics, computing, energy harvesting, sensing, optoelectronics, and biomedicine. Zno has a direct and wide bandgap and high exciton binding energy. It is nontoxic, earth-abundant, and biocompatible. However, the growth and characterization of high-quality zno has been a challenge and bottleneck in its development. Efforts have been made to synthesize device-quality zinc oxide and unleash its potential for multiple advanced applications. Zno could be grown as thin films, nanostructures, or bulk, and its properties could be optimized by tuning the growth techniques, conditions, and doping. Zinc …

Plc Course Development, Leonard Hernandez, Jacqueline Grace Radding

Electrical Engineering

The goal of this project is to design and construct the first lab experiment for the newly developed EE435 laboratory course. The experiment entails PLC programming to automate LED lighting in a simulated building. Starting with why PLCs are used, how to use the interface of EcoStruxure Control Expert V15.0 and practice using logic to control the dimming of a Light Emitting Diode (LED) to sustain a certain number of lumens consistent in a zone. Through the lab manual developed in this project, students will gain experience of creating logic designs using Function Block Diagram (FBD) and learn the layout …

Improvements Of Hybrid Ac/Dc House Prototype, Arden Abude

Electrical Engineering

This is an iteration from previous designs of the Hybrid AC/DC House with a systematic addition of a portable AC power supply unit. This iteration for the Hybrid AC/DC House is an innovation of independence for sustainable housing solutions. It will serve as an alternative for rural communities needing power to rely on self-sustainable microgrids rather than large-scale AC electric grids. The addition of a portable AC power supply would allow the microgrid to remove its reliance on AC power from the larger grid and would elevate the system to complete energy independence. The microgrid has DC power generated from …

Uncovering The Critical Drivers Of Blockchain Sustainability In Higher Education Using A Deep Learning-Based Hybrid Sem-Ann Approach, Mohammed Alshamsi, Mostafa Al-Emran, Tugrul Daim, Mohammed A. Al-Sharafi, Gulin Idil Sonmezturk Bolatan, Khaled Shaalan

Engineering and Technology Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

The increasing popularity of Blockchain technology has led to its adoption in various sectors, including higher education. However, the sustainability of Blockchain in higher education is yet to be fully understood. Therefore, this research examines the determinants affecting Blockchain sustainability by developing a theoretical model that integrates the protection motivation theory (PMT) and expectation confirmation model (ECM). Based on 374 valid responses collected from university students, the proposed model is evaluated through a deep learning-based hybrid structural equation modeling (SEM) and artificial neural network (ANN) approach. The PLS-SEM results confirmed most of the hypotheses in the proposed model. The sensitivity …

Exhaust Manifold Pressure As Engine Tuning Parameter, Kieran Truth Cunningham, Adam Sullivan Mathews, Connor Richard Smullen

Mechanical Engineering

In this project, the exhaust manifold absolute pressure (EMAP) of a 1986 Toyota Corolla was analyzed across a variety of load cases and was compared with the mass air flow (MAF) of the intake, simultaneously. Correlations were found in the trends of EMAP and MAF sensor readings that may prove helpful in tuning engines that have difficulty in accommodating a MAF sensor. These correlations were found in areas of the powerband where aftermarket tuned engines typically have poor airflow sensing. An equation was developed to spoof MAF input using EMAP and other engine operating parameters.

Biobesoothe, Noah M. Taylor, Jillian Trilevsky, Sam Rosenkranz

Biomedical Engineering

This document details the background, design process, and functional prototype for the BioBesoothe senior project. The project aimed to address difficulties with self-regulation in children with autism. It focused on encouraging even, slow breathing to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which in turn lowers heart rate, blood pressure, and stress levels. The project was guided by research into ways to achieve an appropriate breathing rate. In addition to functionality, emphasis was placed on engagement, ergonomics, and affordability. It was highly important for this product to be engaging to hold the interest of its patients and allow for extended periods of …

Pitot Tube Test Bench, Jesus Perez, Zachary Owen, Adrian Lopez

Mechanical Engineering

This Final Design Review documents the senior design project carried out by a team of Mechanical Engineering students attending California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo for Roger Benham, and his company Leak Control Services Inc. The requirement was to design, build, and validate the performance of a test fixture that quantifies the performance characteristics of flow rate and pressure drop of different pitot tube designs to be used in a chemical dispensing application for Mr. Benham. This document includes relevant background research on the need for the fixture as well as relevant technical research. This document also contains objectives …

Asme Electric-Human Powered Vehicle (Ehpv) Project, George Bernat, Roman Bradley, Casey Pickett, Paul Mansfield

Mechanical Engineering

This report documents the collaborative efforts of the senior design team and the Cal Poly Human Powered Vehicles Club in creating an electric-assisted human powered vehicle tailored for participation in ASME's e-HPV Spring 2024 competition. Delving into a comprehensive account of the project's lifecycle, the report outlines the iterative stages of ideation and design, the manufacturing processes, testing , and subsequent refinements undertaken by the team. Additionally, it provides analysis of the project management strategies employed, as well as an overall appraisal of successes, setbacks, and areas improvement. As a result of the project, the vehicle (shown below) was successfully …

Evaluation Of Ndot’S Sediment Barrier Practices Using Performance Data, Michael A. Perez, Wesley N. Donald, J. Blake Whitman, Brian G. Roche

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

To protect waterways adjacent to construction projects with disturbed land, a 50 ft (15 m) vegetated buffer or equivalent sediment controls are required. However, there is little guidance on the effectiveness of vegetated buffers in removing sediment or how sediment barriers can aid shorter buffers or replace buffers. A modeling methodology was developed and used to determine the performance of 11,664 50 ft (15 m) vegetated buffer configurations with Nebraska conditions; sediment capture averaged 92.6% and ranged from 18.5% to 99.5%. To determine the performance of Nebraska Department of Transportation standard and modified sediment barrier installations, a large-scale testing methodology …

Wavelength-Induced Shedding Frequency Modulation Of Seal Whisker Inspired Cylinders, Trevor Dunt, Kirby S. Heck, Kathleen Lyons, Christin Murphy, Raul Bayoan Cal, Jennifer A. Franck

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The spanwise undulated cylinder geometry inspired by seal whiskers has been shown to alter shedding frequency and reduce fluid forces significantly compared to smooth cylindrical geometry. Undulation wavelength is systematically investigated in order to explore its effect on unsteady lift force and shedding frequency. Prior research has parameterized the whisker-inspired geometry and demonstrated the relevance of geometric variations on force reduction properties. Among the geometric parameters, undulation wavelength was identified as a significant contributor to forcing changes. To analyze the effect of undulation wavelength, a thorough investigation isolating changes in wavelength is performed to expand upon previous research that parameterized …

Local Strain Quantification Of A Porous Carbon Fiber Network Material, Robert N Quammen, Paul F. Rottmann

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

While porous materials’ wide range of attractive functional properties have led to their development for a variety of applications, their intrinsically stochastic microstructures prevent straightforward approaches to predicting their mechanical behavior. This is attributed to the mechanisms that govern the macroscale behavior of these materials operating on multiple microstructure-specific length scales spanning several orders of magnitude. The goal of this work was to experimentally observe these operative deformation mechanisms to better improve the development of mechanism-informed models that more accurately predict the behavior of these materials. In this study compression tests were conducted on a porous carbon fiber network material. …

Characterization Of Microstructural And Mechanical Properties Of 17-4 Ph Stainless Steel By Cold Rolled And Machining Vs. Dmls Additive Manufacturing, Pablo Moreno-Garibaldi, Melvyn Alvarez-Vera, Juan Alfonso Beltrán-Fernández, Rafael Carrera-Espinoza, Héctor Manuel Hdz-García, J. C. Díaz-Guillen, Rita Muñoz-Arroyo, Javier A. Ortega, Paul Molenda

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The 17-4 PH stainless steel is widely used in the aerospace, petrochemical, chemical, food, and general metallurgical industries. The present study was conducted to analyze the mechanical properties of two types of 17-4 PH stainless steel—commercial cold-rolled and direct metal laser sintering (DMLS) manufactured. This study employed linear and nonlinear tensile FEM simulations, combined with various materials characterization techniques such as tensile testing and nanoindentation. Moreover, microstructural analysis was performed using metallographic techniques, optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results on the microstructure for 17-4 PH DMLS stainless steel reveal …

Distributed Solar Generation: Current Knowledge And Future Trends, Gasser G. Ali, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Distributed solar generation (DSG) has been growing over the previous years because of its numerous advantages of being sustainable, flexible, reliable, and increasingly affordable. DSG is a broad and multidisciplinary research field because it relates to various fields in engineering, social sciences, economics, public policy, and others. Developing a holistic understanding of the state of research related to DSG can be difficult. Motivated to provide that understanding, the goal of this paper is to explore current and emerging multidisciplinary research trends associated with DSG. To achieve that, (1) a large data set of approximately 66,000 publications was collected; (2) the …

People With Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy Have Impaired Reactive Balance During Walking, Timothy F. Boerger, Learon Mcginn, Megan Bellman, Marjorie C. Wang, Brian D. Schmit, Allison S. Hyngstrom

Physical Therapy Faculty Research and Publications

Background

People with degenerative cervical myelopathy are known to have impaired standing balance and walking abilities, but less is known about balance responses during walking.

Research question

The aim of this project was to assess reactive balance impairments during walking in people with degenerative cervical myelopothy (PwDCM). We hypothesized that center of mass motion following perturbations would be larger in PwDCM and gluteus medius electromyographic amplitude responses would be decreased in PwDCM.

Methods

Reactive balance responses were quantified during unanticipated lateral pulls to the waist while treadmill walking. Walking biomechanics data were collected from 10 PwDCM (F=6) and 10 non-myelopathic …

Multi-Season Mobile Monitoring Campaign Of On-Road Air Pollution In Bengaluru, India: High-Resolution Mapping Estimation Of Quasi-Emission Factors, Adithi Upadhya, Meenakshi Kushwaha, Pratyush Agrawal, Jonathan D. Gingrich, Jai Asundi, Sreekanth V, Julian Marshall, Joshua Apte

Faculty Work Comprehensive List

Mobile monitoring can supplement regulatory measurements, particularly in low-income countries where stationary monitors’ density is low. Here, we report results from a ~year-long mobile monitoring campaign of on-road black carbon (BC) mass concentration, ultrafine particle (UFP) number concentration, and carbon dioxide (CO2) in Bengaluru, India. The study route included ~150 unique kms covering urban and peri-urban residential neighborhoods and the central business district (CBD); ~22 repeat measurements were made per monitored road-segment, covering most seasons. After cleaning the data for known instrument artifacts and sensitivities, we generated 30 m high-resolution stable ‘data only’ spatial maps of BC, UFP, and CO2 …

Pcor Partnership Atlas, Wesley D. Peck, Kari Suedel, Kyle A. Glazewski, Kevin C. Connors, James A. Sorensen, Charles D. Gorecki, Brian P. Kalk, John A. Harju

EERC Maps and Infographics

The Plains CO₂ Reduction (PCOR) Partnership Atlas provides a profile of CO₂ sources and potential storage locations across the PCOR Partnership region. The revised sixth edition of the Atlas provides an up-to-date look at PCOR Partnership initiative activities, including additional regional characterization and updates on commercial projects. Additional background information on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is included to give a better understanding of how CCUS addresses concerns about climate change while allowing future energy needs to be met.

Effect Of Heavy-Duty Electric Vehicles On Tire–Pavement Contact Forces, Jaime Hernandez, Angeli Jayme, Johann J. Cardenas Huaman, Imad L. Al-Qadi

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Electric vehicles offer higher acceleration than conventional internal combustion engines due to larger engine torque. The design and placement of battery packs in heavy-duty electric vehicles are still being optimized, as they can affect axle load distributions and consequently impact pavement analysis and design. This study presents a finite element model of a dual tire assembly considering varying load and acceleration conditions to investigate the effect of conventional and electric heavy-duty vehicles on tire–pavement contact forces. Three scenarios for battery pack locations were examined, leading to six loading conditions for both internal combustion engines and electric trucks. The resulting 3D …

Reconstruction Of The Neglected: Cal Poly’S Old Powerhouse, Sophie Meier, Morgan Cuthbert, Luke Zamlich

Architectural Engineering

Cal Poly’s Old Powerhouse (BLDG 76) is the only remaining building from the original Polytechnic school left on campus. It was built in 1910 and placed on the national registry in 1993. The Powerhouse used to do exactly what its name implies, provide power to campus. After it retired from its purpose, it was used for many other use cases, particularly as a space for the College of Architecture and Environmental design. Through its time, it was used as a classroom space, pottery/creative space, a workshop, and even once contained a fishpond. The building was then abandoned in 1990, a …