Engineering Commons^™

The Dynamic Response And Damage Evolution Of High-Strength Concrete, Mohamed Abbas

Mechanical Engineering Research Theses and Dissertations

Concrete stands as the most extensively used construction material in both military and civil structural applications, attributed to its excellent durability and high impact resistance. Over the years, high-strength concrete (HSC) has evolved to withstand higher compressive strengths, making it a viable substitute for conventional concrete (CC) in many applications. Hence, HSC is commonly used for structures and structural elements that are exposed to extreme loading conditions such as hurricanes, wave impacts, ship-bridge collisions, explosions, earthquake loads, etc. The mechanical response of concrete subjected to dynamic loading conditions differs dramatically from its response under quasi-static conditions due to its inherent …

Redesign Of Robotic Walking Training Device To Involve Zero Gravity Capabilities And Daily Activities, Chad Ballard

Mechanical Engineering Theses

Many patients struggle with disabilities that hinder their ability to walk. This project aimed to create a leg assembly capable of variable gravity so that it could be combined with a Robotic Walking Training Device, and lead to better rehabilitation options for patients. This was accomplished by deriving equations of joint torque, creating circuit diagrams for Arduino systems, modeling leg assemblies in CAD, and finally combining it to create a working small-scale prototype. The result of the prototype testing showed accurate movement on each joint, especially the ankle and knee segments, to create virtual zero gravity. In addition to this, …

Removable Equipment Climate Canopy, Jessica Perez, Sabine Heid, Zil Panchal, Anali Salazar

Mechanical Engineering

The Climate Canopy Project has developed an improved solution for creating an adjustable shade mechanism tailored specifically for users of pull walkers. Through extensive research, goal setting, and a comprehensive framework our project has examined the challenges faced by individuals who rely on walkers for mobility. Our stakeholder requires a product that is lightweight, removable, and compact. This study dissected the designs of previous products on the market and aimed to build a product that aligns with our sponsor’s desires.

This report presents the main goals for the design and manufacturing process, along with key design features utilized to produce …

Modeling, Characterization, And Machine Learning Algorithm For Rectangular Choke Horn Antennas, Ibrahim N. Alquaydheb, Saleh A. Alfawaz, Amirreza Ghadimi Avval, Sara Ghayouraneh, Samir M. El-Ghazaly

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this work, we present the design and modeling of a new type of choke horn antenna. It incorporates a rectangular waveguide and a rectangular choke acting as a parasitic element. The four-sided geometry of the antenna is applicable to systems that utilize rectangular waveguides. Also, it can overcome the need for rectangular-to-circular transition of transmission line or mode conversion. The main objective of this paper is to develop a model that calculates the far field radiation characteristics of the proposed antenna (analytical part) and to incorporate a finite element method (FEM) solver that adds to the theoretical solution (empirical …

Automated Fabrication Workcell, Kira Hofelmann, Amy Kiyama, Alexander Torres, Cameron Mcginnis, Samuel Lim

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

There is a rise of automation in the workplace, everywhere from automated manufacturing to biomedical fields, and more. These technologies are becoming increasingly accessible for customers to use and explore. Going into this project, we were curious to see if automation could be brought into our University, and applied to the Maker space. Furthermore, as these technologies are becoming more readily available, they remain fairly costly. Thus, we have created a functioning, small-scale workcell that produces a variety of small products in large batches while remaining low cost, reliable, and accessible to those who want to learn more and create …

Assistive Mobile Manipulator For People With Limited Mobility, Matthew Tognotti

Electrical and Computer Engineering Senior Theses

This project develops a robotic system that allows a mobile manipulator to help individuals with mobility limitations perform daily tasks. The primary goal is to enhance independence by enabling users to retrieve items necessary for daily routines, such as preparing for work or school. The system allows users to interact with the robot using structured voice commands and uses a rule-based approach so that the robot can learn tasks to be repeated in future interactions. An experimental setup is developed to evaluate the proposed system in a pilot study of 10 adult participants. The preliminary results from the pilot study …

Safety Evaluation Of Hawaii Dot Modified Type A-1 Flared Buried In Backslope Guardrail End Terminal, Sina Changizian

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

The Hawaii Department of Transportation (HDOT) desired to evaluate the crashworthiness of a guardrail end terminal design in which the upstream guardrail anchorage was connected to a block partially buried in a cut slope, known as a “Buried in Backslope” or BIB design. The HDOT BIB system used an upper W-beam with 8-in. deep blockouts attached to W6x9 steel posts and a lower W-beam rubrail located 3 in. below the upper rail. The system used two horizontal flares: 7.4:1 near the upstream anchor block and a 13:1 flare through the ditch.

Critical impact points (CIPs) were identified and recommended for …

Cyber Attacks Against Industrial Control Systems, Adam Kardorff

LSU Master's Theses

Industrial Control Systems (ICS) are the foundation of our critical infrastructure, and allow for the manufacturing of the products we need. These systems monitor and control power plants, water treatment plants, manufacturing plants, and much more. The security of these systems is crucial to our everyday lives and to the safety of those working with ICS. In this thesis we examined how an attacker can take control of these systems using a power plant simulator in the Applied Cybersecurity Lab at LSU. Running experiments on a live environment can be costly and dangerous, so using a simulated environment is the …

Mechanistic Empirical Design Of Flexible Pavements For Biopolymer Treated Soils, Vishweshwaran M

Theses and Dissertations

Cognizing the contamination effects of chemical soil modifiers on soil and groundwater, the assessment of the ability of biopolymers to improve the engineering properties of soils has gained attention in the last decade. As a soil additive, biopolymers have the potential to solve the trilemma of sustainability, price and soil suitability. Two polysaccharides and two protein biopolymers have been adopted in this study to enhance the geotechnical properties of fine-grained soils.

Design thickness catalogues were developed for a three-layered flexible pavement using 3D finite element analysis (FEA) and layered elastic analysis. The catalogue aims to provide structurally reliable thickness values …

First-Principles Calculations Of Lattice Thermal Conductivity In Tl,3Vse4: Uncertainties From Different Approaches Of Force Constants, Zhi Li, Yi Xia, Chris Wolverton

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Accurate and reliable first-principles simulations of lattice thermal conductivity (κL) of highly anharmonic crystals have long been challenging in condensed matter and materials physics. With recent theoretical advances, the calculation of κL has evolved into a sophisticated process requiring the consideration of higher levels of refinements, such as high-order phonon-phonon scattering, anharmonic phonon renormalization, and heat transport beyond the phonon gas picture. Interatomic force constants (IFCs), however, as a shared pillar of the above concepts, are sometimes ambiguously implemented in this process, resulting in non-negligible uncertainties among different studies. Here, we revisit the ultralow κL of Tl3VSe4 and make a …

Editorial For Special Issue “Design, Modeling, Optimization And Control Of Flotation Process”, Fardis Nakhaei, Ahmad Hassanzadeh, Luis A. Cisternas

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Editorial For Special Issue “Design, Modeling, Optimization And Control Of Flotation Process”, Fardis Nakhaei, Ahmad Hassanzadeh, Luis A. Cisternas

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Cosolvent Incorporation Modulates The Thermal And Structural Response Of Pnipam/Silyl Methacrylate Copolymers, Jason D. Linn, Fabian A. Rodriguez, Michelle A. Calabrese

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Polymers functionalized with inorganic silane groups have been used in wide-ranging applications due to the silane reactivity, which enables formation of covalently-crosslinked polymeric structures. Utilizing stimuli-responsive polymers in these hybrid systems can lead to smart and tunable behavior for sensing, drug delivery, and optical coatings. Previously, the thermoresponsive polymer poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAM) functionalized with 3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl methacrylate (TMA) has demonstrated unique aqueous self-assembly and optical responses following temperature elevation. Here, we investigate how cosolvent addition, particularly ethanol and N,N-dimethyl formamide (DMF), impacts these transition temperatures, optical clouding, and structure formation in NIPAM/TMA copolymers. Versus purely aqueous …

Experimental, Computational, And Machine Learning Methods For Prediction Of Residual Stresses In Laser Additive Manufacturing: A Critical Review, Sung Heng Wu, Usman Tariq, Ranjit Joy, Todd Sparks, Aaron Flood, Frank W. Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In recent decades, laser additive manufacturing has seen rapid development and has been applied to various fields, including the aerospace, automotive, and biomedical industries. However, the residual stresses that form during the manufacturing process can lead to defects in the printed parts, such as distortion and cracking. Therefore, accurately predicting residual stresses is crucial for preventing part failure and ensuring product quality. This critical review covers the fundamental aspects and formation mechanisms of residual stresses. It also extensively discusses the prediction of residual stresses utilizing experimental, computational, and machine learning methods. Finally, the review addresses the challenges and future directions …

Microwave Holography For Emi Source Imaging, Xin Yan, Jiangshuai Li, Wei Zhang, Kaustav Ghosh, Philippe Sochoux, Daryl G. Beetner, Victor Khilkevich

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Emission Source Microscopy Technique Can Be Utilized to Localize the Radiation Sources in Complex and Electrically Large Electronic Systems. in the Two-Dimensional Emission Source Microscopy Algorithm, Both Magnitude and Phase of the Field Need to Be Measured, and a Vector Network Analyzer or an Oscilloscope Has to Be Used as a Receiver, Resulting in Reduced Signal-To-Noise Ratio and Longer Measurement Time Compared to a Spectrum Analyzer (SA). in This Article, a Phase less Electromagnetic Interference Source Imaging Method is Proposed based on Microwave Holography. the Field Produced by the Device under Test is Not Measured Directly, Instead, the Interference Pattern …

The Elements Of Governance And Their Association With Aviation Safety Oversight Effectiveness, João Souza Dias Garcia

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

States and their respective national civil aviation authorities promote the improvement of the global civil aviation system by developing and enforcing safety regulations for aircraft design, operations, personnel training, infrastructure, and air traffic management, among other topics. For many years, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) has driven the continuous improvement of states’ safety oversight functions, supporting them in evaluating the effectiveness of these functions by conducting audits under the Organization’s Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP). While the benefits of these assessments have been broadly recognized, scholarly literature on the factors commonly associated with safety oversight effectiveness across states …

Impacts Of Space Launch Operations On Florida East Coast Airspace Users, Sakurako Kuba

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

With an increasing number of space flight operations in the United States, space flight integration into the National Airspace System (NAS) is a pertinent area of research so safe and efficient operations in NextGen airspace can be achieved. The currently implemented procedure for Florida east coast launches temporarily closes the airspace to keep all air traffic operations out of the launch trajectory and potential hazard areas to maintain the safety of air traffic and space vehicles. This results in the flight deviation from the shortest flight route, leading to extended flight distance, prolonged flight time, and extra fuel burn. This …

Development Of Eagle3d Solver For Wall Modeled Les Of Transonic Flows, Spencer Moore

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Wall modeled Large Eddy Simulation (LES) is an area of interest due to its ability to lower computational costs of LES simulation. Even with the application of wall models, LES still proves to have practicality issues when it comes to use in industry, due to the expertise, time, and computational resources required to get results. A case described by an axisymmetric transonic bump is explored utilizing the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Universities in house unstructured finite volume multi-element CFD code, Eagle3D. Eagle3D, has been brought to the state of the art and validated against current research using this transonic bump case as …

Low Cost Magnetometer Calibration And Distributed Simultaneous Multipoint Ionospheric Measurements From A Sounding Rocket Platform, Joshua W. Milford

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Low-cost and low-size-weight-and-power (SWaP) magnetometers can provide greater accessibility for distributed simultaneous measurements in the ionosphere, either onboard sounding rockets or on CubeSats. The Space and Atmospheric Instrumentation Laboratory (SAIL) at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has launched a multitude of sounding rockets in recent history: one night-time mid-latitude rocket from Wallops Flight Facility in August 2022 and three mid-latitude rockets from White Sands Missile Range during the October 2023 annular solar eclipse. All rockets had a comprehensive suite of instruments for electrodynamics and neutral dynamics measurements. Among this suite was one science-grade three-axis fluxgate magnetometer (Billingsley TFM65VQS / TFM100G2) and up …

Emergent Themes Of Operational Safety At Urban Air Mobility At Vertiports: The Stakeholder Perspective, Tracy Leigh Lamb

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The emerging urban air mobility (UAM) industry is dynamic, complex, and still highly conceptual, as vertiports are not currently an operational reality in the United States. The UAM vertiport is at the epicenter of the emerging advanced aviation ecosystem, representing significant operating costs of approximately $130 million per year and more than that to design, develop, and implement. In addition to setting up and operating capital, there are considerable challenges relating to the safe design, development location, and operation of UAM vertiports, representing the confluence of human and autonomous systems, whose interdependence is not yet fully understood. UAM vertiport stakeholders …

Indentation Protection Of Lithium-Ion Batteries Using Woven Fiber Metal Laminates, Sida Xu

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Lithium-ion batteries are widely used as electric power sources for smartphones, tablets, laptops, e-scooters, unmanned aerial vehicles, aircraft, electric vehicles, airport equipment, and numerous other transportable electronic devices. When these types of batteries get excessively loaded, damage can occur. To study the effects of excessive damage, lithium-ion battery modules with prismatic cells were subjected to destructive quasi-static indentation using a V-shaped stainless steel wedge indenter at different loading orientations, directions, and rates. The modules were discharged to a very low state of charge prior to testing. Force and voltage were measured as a function of displacement to monitor the damaging …

Conceptual Design Methodology For The Fan-In-Wing Vtol Aircraft, Brock Steinfeldt

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The Fan-In-Wing (FIW) aircraft concept is one of the most compelling solutions for missions demanding jet-like cruise speeds and Vertical TakeOff and Landing (VTOL) capability. However, despite years of interest and documented improvements in lift-fan technology, there exists little in the way of an adequate theory for conceptual design of a fan-in-wing aircraft. To address this issue, a general conceptual design methodology has been developed as a source of guidance for the FIW designer. Through this work, the top-level requirements ranking the fan-in-wing concept above other VTOL aircraft have been defined, while a cross-comparison between the FIW concept and conventional …

Synchronized Bionic Hand: Harmonizing Robotics With Rhythm, Deven Ayambem , '24

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

This report explores the therapeutic potential of rhythmic movement to music, focusing specifically on the "wave dance" movements of the human hand. Utilizing a mechanical analog, the study models the hand as a system of five interconnected mass-spring-dampers to simulate the dynamic and kinematic responses of the hand's joints to rhythmic stimuli. Through a combined approach of MATLAB simulation and physical modeling with servo motors controlled by Arduino, the project aims to quantify and visualize the effects of rhythmic movements on joint dynamics. The simulation employs the mass-spring-damper system to represent each joint and uses an impulse response approach to …

Myoelectric Robotic Hand To Play Guitar, Oliver Garcia , '24

Senior Theses, Projects, and Awards

Around 5.6 million people in the US have had an amputation or were born with limb difference. Some of these people find prostheses to be useful devices that allow them to perform desired activities that would otherwise be difficult or impossible to carry out. One form of prosthetic that, as far as I have found, has not been developed, is one for fretting chords on a guitar. Such a prosthetic would require multiple degrees of freedom for each finger, fine motor control, as well as quick actuation and signal interpretation. Most general purpose robotic prostheses today are either far too …

Small Scale Wave Energy Convertor For Remote Applications, Rafael Torres Rodriguez, John Stephenson, Max Mailloux-Beauchemin, Brandon Nguyen, Ryan Chang

Mechanical Engineering Senior Theses

The following thesis showcases the yearlong culmination of a senior design project focused on the development of a small-scale wave energy generator intended to provide consistent and sustainable energy for remote marine environments. This project’s main customers include, but are not limited to, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Atlantic White Shark Conservancy, and scuba diving sites worldwide. Based on these identified customers and their needs, a target power output of 50 watts was determined. Beyond this power requirement, the generator is required to resist corrosion, withstand rough marine conditions, and be modular as well as requiring low maintenance. …

Autonomous Humanoid Soccer Robot With Ml Applications, Zichen Huang, Wesley Tu

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

As the sports industry increasingly incorporates technological advancements, robotics has found a unique application in the field of soccer, traditionally dominated by human players. This transition has sparked significant interest in examining the performance and dynamics of robots in athletic contexts. In this senior design project, we focus on the development of autonomous movement, ball control, and game strategy algorithms for the NAO humanoid to play soccer. Utilizing an array of sensors and actuators, the robot is designed to perform fundamental soccer skills such as dribbling and shooting. The robot is able to identify both the goal and the ball …

Valorization Of The Polymeric Constituents In Plastic Wastes Through Thermo-Chemical Processes By Using Viable Metal Oxides Additives, Labeeb Hamad Ali

Dissertations

The rapid accumulation of different types of plastic waste necessitates the development of effective and economically viable waste management operations. Such a process should ideally not only mitigate associated environmental burdens but also recycle and recover value-added products. Through incineration or pyrolysis, thermal processing has emerged as a mainstream approach to waste management of the ever-increasing loads of different categorized plastic wastes. Throughout the work of the thesis, we have utilized a multitude of complementary techniques spanning material characterizations, catalysis, kinetic modelling, and density functional theory (DFT) to comprehend the complex chemistry that underpins catalytic chemical recycling of plastic wastes. …

Synthesis And Structure-Property Relationships Of Sustainable Nanostructured Materials Towards Energy And Environment Applications, Nizamudeen Cherupurakal

Dissertations

This doctoral research aims to advance clean energy technologies by developing specialized nanostructured materials. The study covers significant research themes, each forming separate sections in the thesis, explaining the important role of nanostructures in enhancing the efficiency and sustainability of energy devices and photocatalytic technologies.

The enduring effort toward stabilizing and improving the efficiency of Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs) has stirred the solar research community to follow innovative approaches. The primary objective of the research is centered on electrode materials design, which improves photoanodes' Light-Harvesting Efficiency (LHE). To improve the Photoanode of DSSCs, a Metal-Organic Framework (MOF) derived porous photoanodes …

Disturbance Observer-Based Control For Pmsg-Based Wind Turbiner Considering Unbalanced Grid Conditions, Moayad Alanani Maher

Theses

A typical Permanent Magnet Synchronous Generator (PMSG)-based wind turbine system consists of an electrical generator, Machine-Side Converter (MSC), Grid-Side Converter (GSC), dc-link capacitor, and a passive filter such as L filter or LCL filter to connect the GSC to the host grid. When the wind turbine operates under unbalanced grid voltages, a negative sequence component is introduced to the system. This negative sequence voltage can pose challenges for classical controllers to ensure an efficient control of the PMSG-based wind turbine system. On one hand, when the control objective is to ensure injecting sinusoidal and balanced three-phase currents to the grid, …

Shorting At Long Duration: Impact Of Extended Discharge Capacity On Battery Solid Electrolytes, Ryan C. Hill, Amanda S. Peretti, Leo J. Small, Erik D. Spoerke, Yang-Tse Cheng

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Long-duration energy storage (LDES) is critical to a stable, resilient, and decarbonized electric grid. While batteries are emerging as important LDES devices, extended, high-power discharges necessary for cost-competitive LDES present new materials challenges. Focusing on a new generation of low-temperature molten sodium batteries, we explore here unique phenomena related to long-duration discharge through a well-known solid electrolyte, NaSICON. Specifically, molten sodium symmetric cells at 110 ° C were cycled at 0.1 A cm−2 for 1–23 h discharges. Longer discharges led to unstable overpotentials, reduced resistances, and decreased electrolyte strength, caused by massive sodium penetration not observed in shorter duration discharges. …