Engineering Commons^™

Monitoring Of Transportation System Assets Using Synthetic Aperture Radar (Sar) Satellite Data, Anand Puppala, Nripojyoti Biswas, Amit Gajurel

Data

This research harnessed both high and medium resolution Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data to delve into infrastructure health assessment. High resolution SAR analyses capable of identifying differences between asphalt and concrete pavement surfaces. Particularly, it was found that Normalized Radar Cross Section (NRCS) values can deftly distinguish pavement types and detect surface anomalies such as alligator cracks in asphalt ahead of conventional methods. On the other hand, Time-Series Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) insights, extracted from medium resolution SAR, established a direct linkage between environmental factors and ground deformations. Such findings were corroborated by optical images collected during May 2017 …

Eco-Driving Of Connected And Autonomous Vehicles Approaching And Departing Signalized Intersections, Xiangyu Meng, Tonmoy Sarkar

Data

Eco-driving is a driving strategy that focuses on reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and improving passenger comfort through the implementation of safe and anticipatory driving strategies. One method to improve eco-driving in autonomous vehicles is the optimal control approach, which utilizes ‘Signal Phase and Time’ (SPaT) information to determine an energy-efficient trajectory for vehicles approaching and departing signalized intersections. Camera-based vision systems and deep learning techniques can be implemented to recognize the traffic signal head and its phase information, further enabling the vehicle to adapt its driving patterns for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This report reviews advancements in …

A New Generation Of Multi-Functional Asphalt Mixtures With Superhydrophobic And Luminescent Properties, Mostafa Elseifi, Md. T. A. Sarkar

Data

Every year, the United States invests billions of dollars in maintaining its roads and enhancing road safety, especially during severe weather conditions. Challenges such as flooding, snow, ice formation, and low visibility significantly affect road infrastructure and safety. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to create a new generation of multifunctional asphalt surfaces with enhanced water repellency and luminescent properties. To achieve this objective, two types of asphalt emulsions (BC-1HT and CSS-1H), one type of superhydrophobic nanomaterial (PTFE), and one SMA mix design were evaluated through various laboratory tests. These tests included scanning electron microscopy …

Investigating The Efficacy Of Natural And Nature-Based Features To Increase The Service Life Of Coastal Roadways, Navid Jafari, Mohammad O. Hassan

Data

Wetlands serve as essential natural barriers, protecting coastal regions against the increasing threats from hurricane-induced storm surges, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns. Understanding their structural resilience is crucial, particularly the shear strength of the wetland soil-root matrix, which contributes significantly to stability under extreme weather events. However, evaluating this shear strength is challenging due to the complex nature of root systems and the varying amounts of live biomass and necromass at different soil depths. This study utilized a Large-scale Direct Shear Apparatus (LDSA) to address this gap by assessing the shear strength of root biomass in a horizontal …

Investigating The Efficacy Of Natural And Nature-Based Features To Increase The Service Life Of Coastal Roadways, Navid Jafari, Mohammad O. Hassan

Publications

Wetlands serve as essential natural barriers, protecting coastal regions against the increasing threats from hurricane-induced storm surges, rising sea levels, and changing weather patterns. Understanding their structural resilience is crucial, particularly the shear strength of the wetland soil-root matrix, which contributes significantly to stability under extreme weather events. However, evaluating this shear strength is challenging due to the complex nature of root systems and the varying amounts of live biomass and necromass at different soil depths. This study utilized a Large-scale Direct Shear Apparatus (LDSA) to address this gap by assessing the shear strength of root biomass in a horizontal …

Characterization Of Regular Concrete And Low-Cost Engineered Cementitious Composites With Incorporation Of Cellulose Nanocrystals And Cost-Effective Ingredients, Hassan Noorvand, Marwa Hassan, Andrea Gavilanes

Publications

This study evaluated the effects of incorporating cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) into Engineered Cementitious Composites (ECC) and regular concrete materials, focusing on mechanical properties and the use of cost-effective ingredients. CNC, synthesized from rice husk, was characterized by a crystallinity index of 55%. Four concentrations of CNC were investigated: 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0 wt.% of cement. Three types of mixtures were developed: M-0, without sugarcane bagasse ash (SCBA) as a sand replacement; M-50, with 50% SCBA as a sand replacement; and regular concrete. The M-0 and M-50 composites underwent compressive strength and uniaxial tensile strength (UTT) testing, with their morphology …

A New Generation Of Multi-Functional Asphalt Mixtures With Superhydrophobic And Luminescent Properties, Mostafa Elseifi, Md. T. A. Sarkar

Publications

Every year, the United States invests billions of dollars in maintaining its roads and enhancing road safety, especially during severe weather conditions. Challenges such as flooding, snow, ice formation, and low visibility significantly affect road infrastructure and safety. The aim of this study was to develop a novel approach to create a new generation of multifunctional asphalt surfaces with enhanced water repellency and luminescent properties. To achieve this objective, two types of asphalt emulsions (BC-1HT and CSS-1H), one type of superhydrophobic nanomaterial (PTFE), and one SMA mix design were evaluated through various laboratory tests. These tests included scanning electron microscopy …

Exploring Older Adults’ Mobility Challenges And Preferences Before And After Experiencing Covid-19 Pandemic, Hany Hassan, Bernard Boakye

Publications

The US Census Bureau reports that the number of seniors (65+ years old) in the US is predicted to increase from 16.5% in 2019 to 22% by 2050. However, seniors have reduced mobility as they age due to their declining health and the limited travel options available. Therefore, it is crucial to solve their transportation needs during pandemics like COVID-19 when they are most disadvantaged. This study involved an online national survey that collected 1507 responses from seniors in all the 50 US states to examine their travel behavior and challenges and their willingness to adopt Autonomous Vehicles before and …

Eco-Driving Of Connected And Autonomous Vehicles Approaching And Departing Signalized Intersections, Xiangyu Meng, Tonmoy Sarkar

Publications

Eco-driving is a driving strategy that focuses on reducing fuel consumption, carbon emissions, and improving passenger comfort through the implementation of safe and anticipatory driving strategies. One method to improve eco-driving in autonomous vehicles is the optimal control approach, which utilizes ‘Signal Phase and Time’ (SPaT) information to determine an energy-efficient trajectory for vehicles approaching and departing signalized intersections. Camera-based vision systems and deep learning techniques can be implemented to recognize the traffic signal head and its phase information, further enabling the vehicle to adapt its driving patterns for improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. This report reviews advancements in …

Decoding The Tapestry Of Road Safety: A Comprehensive Exploration Of Safety Restraints, Seat Positions, And Collision Type Interactions Using Traditional And Random Parameter Modeling, Muthumari Anbumani, Srinivas S. Pulugurtha

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

No abstract provided.

Pipeline For Fast Digital Twin Development And Integration In Driving Simulation, Zhanqian Wu, Luying Zhang, Jaime Hernandez, Chase Leibowitz, Helen Loeb, Xiaoxia Dong, Erick Guerra, Rahul Mangharam

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

The use of digital mapping with precise GPS coordinates has allowed intelligent navigation, which is now ubiquitous in vehicles. The flat 2D imagery provided by Google maps was recently enhanced by the introduction of dynamic 3D representations of the Earth. Unity3D and Unreal Games Engines now offer Application Programming Interfaces that can be leveraged for geospatial applications. This technology, which offers visually compelling results for flight simulation and drone applications, opens new opportunities for driving simulation.This paper presents an innovative approach for developing a drivable Digital Twin of Philadelphia’s Roosevelt Boulevard to enhance urban planning and traffic management using advanced …

Leveraging Technology For Safer Roads For Vulnerable Road Users In South Africa, Ntombifuthi Ngobeni, Busisiwe Marole, Koketso Bosilong, Hlulani Nkuna

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

This research aims to enhance road safety, particularly for Vulnerable Road Users (VRUs) such as pedestrians and cyclists, through the use of both cutting-edge technologies and consideration of conventional engineering methods and solutions. The study focuses on innovative solutions related to the road environment and their impact on VRU safety, piloted at selected sites in South Africa. The research investigates the use of technologies such as video cameras, video analysis software, artificial intelligence and machine learning to conduct route risk assessments. These assessments inform the selection and implementation of effective safety measures tailored to enhance VRU safety. By understanding the …

Development Of Innovative Flocculation Technologies For Agricultural Water Treatment, Noor Haleem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The development of innovative flocculation technologies is essential for addressing the challenges of agricultural water treatment. These technologies play a crucial role in removing contaminants such as suspended solids and nutrients, thereby ensuring safer water for irrigation and livestock consumption. By enhancing water quality and wastewater management, they contribute significantly to environmental sustainability and public health in agricultural communities. This comprehensive thesis extensively explores various dimensions of flocculation, with a focused effort on methodologies and resources aimed at strengthening sustainability and efficiency. A pivotal aspect of the research involves synthesizing cationic starch (CS), a flocculant derived from an underutilized resource, …

Advancing Biological Applications Through Microfluidic-Based Tool Development, K.M. Taufiqur Rahman

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This research undertook an interdisciplinary approach, integrating bioengineering, microbiology, molecular biology, and systems biology to investigate bacterial dynamics behavior. Specifically, it delved into the development of microfluidic devices for biological applications such as bacterial cell counts, real-time observation of plant roots (here, specialized lectin-coated microbeads are used that mimic root characteristics), and soil microbe interactions. Furthermore, Next-Generation Sequencing and systems biology methodologies were employed to explore the intricate, multifaceted survival mechanisms of Escherichia coli persister population. Studying and quantifying persisters or testing for the existence of VBNC (viable but nonculturable) is challenging. These experiments require precise counts. It has been …

Parametric Study Of Protodune - I And Protodune - Ii Single-Phase Neutrino Detectors Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Sahil Sharma

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models of two designs of ProtoDUNE single-phase neutrino detectors were developed, refined, and analyzed. These detectors are prototypes for the full-sized far detectors that are part of the Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE), an international research collaboration aimed at better understanding of neutrinos and the role they play in our universe. Representative simplified models of the complex geometries of the prototype detectors were created using commercial modeling software, Dassault System’s SolidWorks, and these simplified models were imported to the commercial CFD program SimCenter Star-CCM+®. The baseline parameters including inlet temperatures, ambient temperature, electronic heat load, liquid …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Simulation Of Battery Thermal Management System At The Pack Level In Electric Vehicles, Yifan Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Electric vehicles (EVs) rely heavily on lithium batteries due to their high energy density, despite their tendency to generate excess heat during operation. Managing this heat is crucial for safety and performance. Battery Thermal Management Systems (BTMS) are essential for maintaining optimal battery temperature and mitigating risks like short circuits. This article examines various cooling methods for BTMS, including air and liquid cooling, and discusses the selection of cooling media and layout configurations within battery packs (BPs). It also highlights the importance of combining multiple cooling methods for efficient heat dissipation. Emerging technologies like Phase Change Materials (PCMs) show promise …

Elevato-Cdr: Speech Enhancement In Large Delay And Reverberant Assisted Living Scenarios, Swarnadeep Bagchi, Ruairí De Fréin

Conference papers

Speech enhancement algorithms are needed for Assisted Living (AL) environments, which are characterized by large inter-microphone spacings, significant phase-wraparound, and high reverberation times (T60). We contribute Elevato- CDR, which addresses the task of enhancing speech given the large relative delays and high levels of reverberation, which are characteristic of AL scenarios. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate Elevato-CDR’s performance and compare it with benchmark reverberation schemes, using speech mixtures which experience reverberation and background noise. Our findings indicate that Elevato-CDR successfully outperforms classical dereverberation algorithms in terms of subjective (MARS, PESQ) and objective (SDR, SRR) performance measures in …

Underwater Nitrate Monitoring With Wireless Flexible Sensor Networks, Shah Zayed Riam

Electrical Engineering Theses

This study introduces a sophisticated sensor array engineered for comprehensive monitoring of water quality, thereby addressing the pressing need for effective environmental conservation and water resource management. The array encompasses sensors for nitrate, pH, and temperature, seamlessly integrated into a unified flexible platform capable of wireless data transmission for real-time monitoring applications. Employing potentiometric detection methods, the nitrate and pH sensors offer robust analytical capabilities, while the temperature sensor operates on resistive principles.

The nitrate sensor, constructed using a novel nanocomposite comprising poly(3-octyl-thiophene) (PoT) and molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), exhibits a sensitivity of -50 mV against every decade change …

Trends And Opportunities For Material Information Sharing: Applying Bim To Support Supply Chain Management In Construction Projects, Seog Jae Choi, Fernanda Leite

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Due to dynamic organizations and unexpected conditions on project sites, the construction industry has suffered from schedule and cost overruns. Researchers have applied building information modeling (BIM) and supply chain management (SCM) concepts to integrate diverse stakeholders, and further, improve efficiency in construction projects. BIM can support supply chain integration (SCI) by providing reliable up-to-date information on a project, which reduces resource waste and completes the project as planned. Specifically, sharing updated material information, including the state of material fabrication, current location, each material's due date on site, and site inventory status, is crucial for successful project execution because such …

Characterizing Human Schwann Cell Behavior Using Hyaluronic Acid Material Properties, Christine Hampton

Wayne State University Theses

Schwann cells are the principal glia in the peripheral nervous system, supporting normal peripheral nerve function, particularly in the myelination of motor and sensory axons of the peripheral nerves. Disruptions in normal Schwann cell function such as injury and disease can lead to decreased motor function, sensory capability, and neuropathic pain. Efforts to treat this do not always have consistent or favorable outcomes, so there has been an increased interest in developing tissue engineering solutions to address these problems. Studies have been conducted on various cell types to characterize the cellular response to material properties such as topography and material …

Lead Bioaccessibility And Commonly Measured Soil Characteristics (Detroit, Mi, Usa) – Phase 1, Sabrina R. Good, Allison R. Harris, Patrick Crouch, Conor T. Gowan, William D. Shuster, Shawn P. Mcelmurry

Open Data at Wayne State

Contaminated urban soil is one of the major contributors to child Pb exposure. To gain a better understanding of Pb risk in urban areas, composite samples were collected from 142 residential, privately owned, parcels in Detroit, Hamtramck, and Highland Park, Michigan, with approval from the property owners. The proximity of soil sampling and former smelter locations were also reported. Sample were collected from areas covered with turf grass. Four samples were collected, one from each cardinal direction (north, south, east, and west), 20 cm from an aluminum tent stake driven into the center of the sampling site. Soils were collected …

Scenario Analysis Of Drinking Water Infrastructure Rightsizing In Flint, Michigan: Model Pipe Conditions, Richard Casey Sadler, Hyun Jeong Koo, Basheer Allamy, Shawn P. Mcelmurry

Open Data at Wayne State

Sustainable urban systems require appropriately sized infrastructure. However, when cities face economic and population decline, hardened infrastructure - such as drinking water distribution systems – is difficult and costly to modify. This dataset provides the results of a modeling exercise performed using EPANET (Version 2.2) to examine potential scenarios for rightsizing water infrastructure in a shrinking city. The modeling was performed utilizing a full-scale, calibrated hydraulic model of the drinking water distribution system in Flint, Michigan obtained through a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Flint and Wayne State University.

For this analysis, in addition to a base model, …

Scenario Analysis Of Drinking Water Infrastructure Rightsizing In Flint, Michigan: Model Census Tract Results, Richard Casey Sadler, Hyun Jeong Koo, Basheer Allamy, Shawn P. Mcelmurry

Open Data at Wayne State

Sustainable urban systems require appropriately sized infrastructure. However, when cities face economic and population decline, hardened infrastructure - such as drinking water distribution systems – is difficult and costly to modify. This dataset provides the results of a modeling exercise performed using EPANET (Version 2.2) to examine potential scenarios for rightsizing water infrastructure in a shrinking city. The modeling was performed utilizing a full-scale, calibrated hydraulic model of the drinking water distribution system in Flint, Michigan obtained through a Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Flint and Wayne State University.

For this analysis, in addition to a base model, …

Silk Fibroin - Hyaluronic Acid Nanofibers For Peripheral Nerve Regeneration, Madeline Rose Badrak

Wayne State University Theses

Peripheral neuropathy is common and is a major source of pain that can lead to debilitating loss of function. Healing often requires medical intervention through autologous nerve grafts. However, autografting is not always successful and can lead to increased debilitation through donor site morbidity. Tissue engineering seeks to improve nerve injury treatment though the use of nerve conduits. Conduits made from functional biomaterials can be implanted into a nerve injury site encouraging and controlling axonal regrowth without causing additional harm to the patient. Both silk fibroin (SF) and hyaluronic acid (HA) have proven successful in the field of neural tissue …

Material Fatigue And Fracture, Mohammad Amjadi

ATU Faculty OER Books and Materials

No abstract provided.

Outdoor Navigation Support Using Machine Learning For People With Visual Impairment, Fatmaelzahraa Eltaher

Doctoral

Navigating urban environments is challenging for People with Visual Impairments (PVI). Many PVI opt to use navigation systems, such as Google Maps. However, current navigation systems often lack information crucial for PVI, such as the presence of traffic lights or roadworks. Knowing these features would enable PVI to understand their surroundings better and choose routes that suit their preferences. For instance, 79.6\% of PVI surveyed in this thesis prefer road junctions (termed intersections) controlled by traffic lights.

This research contributes to advancing navigation support for PVI in urban environments by focusing on annotating maps with useful environmental information. It proposes …

The Effect Of Phase-Separated Microstructures On Cell Migration In 3d Dextran Hydrogels, Jenifer Sidhwa

Honors Theses and Capstones

No abstract provided.

Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Analysis And Discovery, Payton Summer Maddaloni

Honors Theses and Capstones

This poster encompasses yearlong literary research into floating offshore wind turbines. Limitations created by society are discussed, these have prohibited large leaps to get the turbines out of the design phase. Traditional platform designs are displayed to show the potential the industry has to offer as the next renewable energy source. The maintenance phase seeks optimization. A case study by the University of Cincinnati used production losses as a consideration to lower the total cost of traditionally expensive maintenance. Finally, the end-of-life scenarios are currently being overlooked by developers. This opens the door to multiple options for disposal. Mimicking the …

Modelling The Behaviour Of Rammed Earth Walls Using Finite Element Analysis, Eoghan Healy, Juan Pablo Osorio

Conference papers

Up to one in three people on Earth live in earthen buildings, with rammed earth being the most common form of earthen construction. Rammed earth is one of the oldest construction materials in the world. Rammed earth is coming into fashion in first-world countries due to its pleasant aesthetic and sustainable construction. In contrast, it can be a necessary form of construction in the global south as there may be no other choice. However, these homes are often constructed without technical advice or expertise, leading to dangerous situations for the inhabitants of these structures.

Nanocellulose Synthesized From Sugarcane Bagasse (S. Officinarum) Via Alkaline-Mechanical Process And Its Characterization, Wafiqah Daim, Hiroshi Uyama, Syazana Abdullah Lim

ASEAN Journal on Science and Technology for Development

Nanocellulose is one of many promising materials that have garnered the attention of researchers and industries. In this study, sugarcane bagasse (S. officinarum) was used to synthesize cellulose nanofiber (SB-CNF) via an alkaline-mechanical process. A comprehensive characterization of SB-CNF was conducted to explore its morphology via scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic force microscopy (DFM), assess its functional groups using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), analyze its thermal properties through thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and lastly, evaluate light absorbance and transmittance using a UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Our findings revealed that SB-CNF resulted in a highly intertwined nanofiber structure within a nano-scale dimension. …