Engineering Commons^™

On The Use Of The Local Reflection Coefficient To Assess The Diffuse Field Sound Absorption Coefficient Of A Porous Material, Franck Sgard, Noureddine Atalla, Olivier Robin

Études primaires

The diffuse field sound absorption coefficient (SAC) of a sound absorber can be obtained from an average over the incidence angles of the oblique incidence plane wave SAC. The plane wave SAC can be derived from the plane wave complex-valued reflection coefficient defined as the ratio of the reflected sound pressure at a given point on the material surface to the incident sound pressure at the same point. In practice, the material is excited by a monopole, and the reflection coefficient becomes a local quantity which is a function of the source height and the radial distance from the source. …

Training Practitioners For Real-Time Product Development Using Generative Artificial Intelligence, Antoine J. Jetter, Ameeta Agrawal, Dahm Mongkol Hongchai, Charles Weber, Yufei Tao

Engineering and Technology Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

A workshop to train practitioners in real-time new product development (NPD) using generative artificial intelligence (AI) was conducted. Three teams of graduate students in Engineering and Technology Management (many with work experience as managers and engineers) were given minimalist instructions to develop a product concept and a preliminary marketing plan for a product of their choosing within six hours using ChatGPT, search engines, and other Internet-based tools. The product was to be novel, and the plan was to include customer identification, market analysis, generating personas, and a 15-minute presentation at the end of the workshop. The goal was to 'inspire …

Developing An Assessment Model For Entrepreneurship Ecosystems Using Hierarchical Decision Model, Mustafa Almuzel, Tugrul U. Daim, Birol Yesilada, Marina Dabic, Gulin Idil Bolatan

Engineering and Technology Management Faculty Publications and Presentations

Entrepreneurship is a crucial driver of economic growth, necessitating the development of effective entrepreneurial ecosystems. However, there are significant gaps in the literature regarding the structured assessment of these ecosystems. This study addresses three main research gaps: the lack of structured evaluation methods, the need for a comprehensive analysis of ecosystem challenges from various perspectives, and the identification of critical factors essential for ecosystem growth. To bridge these gaps, the research introduces the Hierarchical Decision Model (HDM) as a universal assessment framework that can be adapted to different cities for creating effective entrepreneurial environments. The research methodology involved formulating perspectives …

Cleaning And Characterization Of Chemical Vapor Deposited Graphene For Nanoelectronic Device Development, Sakib Ishraq

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Nanoelectronic devices based on graphene are a promising technology that combines the sensitivity and specificity of ion and element recognition with the accuracy and precision of electronics. The detection principle is based on the interaction of the target molecules with the nanodevice surface, which generates a measurable electrical signal. In the current study, graphene and its derivatives, synthesis and fabrication of high quality, good uniformity, and low defects graphene have been investigated as they are critical for high-performance and highly sensitive devices. Among many synthesis methods, chemical vapor deposition (CVD), have been used that needs to be transferred from the …

Enhancing Pipeline Simulations Through Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning: A Smart Proxy Modelling Approach, Afeez Shittu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

ABSTRACT

Enhancing pipeline simulations is essential for improving operational efficiencies and effectively managing risks in the oil and gas industry. Traditional pipeline simulators, relying heavily on mathematical modeling assumptions, often face limitations due to their high energy and computational demands. This thesis addresses these challenges by introducing an innovative approach that integrates artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) through a smart proxy model, offering a more efficient, cost-effective, and flexible alternative to conventional full-physics models used in pipeline simulation software.

The primary aim of this research is to develop and implement a smart proxy model capable of accurately predicting …

Enhancing Reservoir Modeling And Simulation Through Artificial Intelligence And Machine Learning: A Smart Proxy Modeling Approach, Andrew Timothy Jenkins

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The application of numerical reservoir simulation (NRS) has been a common approach within the oil and gas industry for decades, providing a means to model and forecast dynamic subsurface interactions, as a basis for reservoir management and development decisions. These techniques have expanded to application within carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) projects as domestic and global policy shift towards reducing carbon emissions while maintaining the energy needs of our modern society. NRS techniques have become a core process for permitting approval in Class VI (large-scale geological sequestration) wells due to the fundamental similarity of these types of subsurface processes. …

Implementation Of Bayesian Statistics To Answer Diverse Engineering Questions: Applications In Cancer Immunology And Engineering Education, Anika C. Pirkey

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Quantitative Systems Pharmacology (QSP) refers to a mechanistic modeling approach used for assessing potential therapeutics by linking the molecular and cellular level mechanisms of the disease and therapeutic to the system-wide dynamics and clinical endpoints relevant to the disease. Although the field of QSP is still in its relative infancy, the mathematical methodology employed to predict the kinetics of these systems are not new and can be applied to a wide variety of systems. For instance, similar to QSP’s goal of guiding the development of novel therapeutics for various disease states, there exists a need to develop novel interventions in …

Inherently Porous Metal Structures With Sufficient Mechanical Properties Through Direct Writing Of Bio-Based Inks, Havva Eda Aysal

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

There is currently a burgeoning interest in developing 3D printed metal structures with inherent porosity and sufficient mechanical properties for mass customization in the biomedical field. Current approaches for 3D printing of biocompatible metals rely on powder-bed fusion methods which are energy intensive and utilize large amounts of metal powder that is challenging to recycle. In addition, such methods aim on producing dense parts and porosity generation, within the printed part, is challenging due to the complex physics of the melting pool. Here, a relatively new and promising approach is undertaken to study the 3D printing of inherently porous structures …

On Uncertainty For Ill-Posed Robot Decision Problems, Jared Joseph Beard

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As robots adopt more real world responsibilities, they will be expected to solve more complicated problems. In some cases limited prior knowledge will result in unmodelled environmental conditions; in others, multiple users may have competing perspectives on how to frame a decision problem. Many existing frameworks, namely Markov decision processes (MDP) presuppose users have identified a specific problem with models sufficient to solve or learn a problem. If we wish to extend MDPs to novel problems or those heavily dependent on user feedback, autonomous decision makers must be able to identify limitations in how a given problem is framed and …

Dynamic Load Identification Using Optimal Sensor Placement And Dynamic Condensation Methods, Iole Pecora

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Knowledge of excitation loads that structures experience during their service life is pivotal in different engineering fields, not only from a structural design optimization point of view but also as prevention of possible damages to the structures themselves. However, in case of dynamic events such as tornadoes, structures subjected to impulsive load due to their vicinity of explosions, the excitation load cannot be directly determined through direct measurements. In these scenarios, the inverse problem is used, and it is called load identification. This type of problem tries to determine the excitation load knowing the system response through a series of …

An Investigation Of The Performance Of A 140 Kw Solar Panel In West Virginia, Rumana Subnom

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Solar panels are recognized as a viable technology for producing electricity from sunlight. The performance of a solar panel is influenced by factors such as solar irradiance, tilt angle, orientation, shading, panel age, degradation, and various environmental conditions including ambient air temperature, humidity, dust, soil, and snow.

In this research, a mobile solar panel testing system consisting of a mobile cart, a solar panel, and a portable power station was designed and fabricated to evaluate the performance of a solar panel. The battery is equipped with a thermal management system controlling its temperature and charging and discharging system. The current …

Changes In Psychiatric Diagnosis Associated With Sars-Cov-2 Infection And Predicting The Development Of New Psychiatric Illness In Covid Patients By Using Machine Learning Approach: A Study Using The Us National Covid Cohort Collaborative (N3c), Asif Rahman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The enduring impact of COVID-19 extends beyond acute illness, with potential long-term psychiatric consequences raising significant concern among healthcare professionals and researchers alike. Emerging evidence suggests a multifaceted relationship between COVID-19 and the development of different psychiatric illnesses like Schizophrenia Spectrum and Psychotic Disorders (SSPD), Depression, Bipolar disorder, Personality disorder, Trauma, and a range of other mental health conditions. Considering these emerging connections, our study endeavors to rigorously assess the associations between COVID-19 and various psychiatric illnesses while simultaneously employing machine learning techniques to predict the development of new psychiatric disorders in individuals affected by the virus. Leveraging the extensive …

A Domain Adaptation Approach For Morphology-Independent Cell Instance Segmentation, Voke Rotimi Brume

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In recent years, there has been an upward trend of utilizing deep learning to automate cell segmentation processes. As global storage capacities grow exponentially, so have microscopy data collections become larger and more frequent. To benefit from them, accurate and precise quantitative analysis tools like cell instance segmentation have become necessary. However, the highly variable nature of these data collections necessitates retraining segmentation models to maintain high accuracy on new data collections. This process is time-consuming and labor-intensive since a user must annotate much of the new data, usually under the supervision of a medical professional. The problem is further …

Investigation Of Space Charge Effects On Co2 Electrocatalytic Reduction On Gd-Doped Ceria Via Scanning Kelvin Probe And Model-Based Bayesian Analysis, Alejandro Mejia

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

In studying novel energy conversion and storage systems, such as high-temperature electrolysis, numerous underlying fundamental physical processes remain unclear or inadequately understood. Among these, the modeling and comprehension of surface reaction mechanisms, coupled with the intricate effects of space‑charge interfaces, remains an unclear and challenging area of research.

The work of this dissertation involves the development of a 2D finite element analysis model, leveraging the robust MOOSE framework from INL. This model, featuring inhomogeneous defect thermodynamics for near-surface chemistry, formulated through Poisson‑Cahn variational theory, has been exploited for studying the electrocatalytic reduction of CO₂ on gadolinia doped ceria. The …

Triggered Online System Re-Identification Applied To Model Predictive Control Using Gaussian Processes, Daniel Augusto Kestering

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Safety, product quality, enhanced performance, and increased profit all depend on the control of chemical and energy processes. However, operational issues can lead to control challenges, especially when processes are subject to disturbances during their operation. Process control methods work best when processes operate close to their designed operat- ing conditions, but lack of performance or other issues may occur when the process is far from such conditions. To overcome these challenges, in this dissertation, online model re- identification is proposed for Model Predictive Control (MPC). This involves reassessing the predictive model of an advanced controller, namely MPC, when re-identification …

Dough Rheology And Its Influence On Sheeting Behavior, Najat Albarakati

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Dough is the starting material for a large number of baked products, including cookies, crackers and bread. In commercial food processing operations, it is desired to obtain the same product and with the same dimensions in a reproducible manner in order to minimize waste. In the case of dough, the flour used, and the nature and amount of ingredients employed depend on the specific product and the market served. This research was aimed at relating cracker dough rheology to sheeting behavior between two counter-rotating rollers. The sheet that is formed is used to punch out the crackers that are then …

Development Of Dynamic Modeling And Estimation Techniques For Condition Monitoring Of Advanced Energy Systems, Vivek Saini

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The integration of renewable energy sources into the electric grid requires the current fleet of fossil-fired power plants to operate more flexibly, leading to frequent load changes that stress critical high temperature boiler components that were primarily designed for base load operations. The more complex operating scenarios can modify component damage, compromising reliability and increasing operational costs. To ensure efficient plant operations, adaptive condition monitoring tools generalizable for different plant configurations are essential for recognizing the impacts of load-following, improving safety, and preventing outages. This dissertation work is primarily focused on the development of advanced modeling and estimation techniques frameworks …

Performance And Field Testing Of Geotextiles For Dewatering Rare Earth Element Hydraulic Preconcentrate From Hardrock Amd, Ian R. Bird

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

As part of ongoing efforts to develop a domestic Rare Earth Elements (REE) supply chain the Hydraulic Preconcentrate (HPC) produced at the Horseshoe bend treatment plant (HsB) was manufactured and evaluated as a potential source for feedstock. After the existing clarifiers on the site were flipped to the desired pH set points, HPC was manufactured and pumped to 24 geobags. The geobags were then passively dewatered to increase the total solids percentage. The geobags evaluated were comprised of: Woven geotextiles, composite (woven and non- woven), and geobags augmented with Capillary Channel Fiber (CCF). Column Filtration Tests (CFTs) were performed onsite …

Fingerphoto Deblurring Using Wavelet Style Transfer, David Connard Keaton

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This work focuses on a deblurring network designed specifically for the task of deblurring contactless fingerprints, a.k.a fingerphotos. This network takes the general idea of style transfer, and applies it to the realm of deblurring. The standard use case for style transfer networks is artistic style transfer, which is used for recreational purposes. For this work, though, style transfer is used in the context of deblurring. Since style transfer can transfer artistic styles from one image to another, who's to say it can’t transfer clarity and sharpness as well? This is the focus of this work; taking a blurry fingerphoto, …

Static Response Of Frp Structural Systems – Piles, Platforms, And Poles, Manish Adhikari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

This study addresses the static response of three Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) structural systems (piles, platforms, and poles) under static loads. This research aims to improve safety and sustainability in modern infrastructure by bridging the knowledge gap currently that exists between the experimental behavior and theoretical predictions.

FRP round piles (18-inch in diameter) were tested under axial compression, shear, four-point bending and fatigue. Both the load-deflection and stress-strain responses were analyzed. Coupon tests were conducted and related to the outcomes of full-scale test data. Two major differences were observed in the response of the bending test specimens with modulus of …

1d Geo-Mechanical Model Analysis Of The Mip 1s And Drilling Process Optimization In The Deep Appalachian Basin, Georges Brown Liwuitekong Dongho

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The proposed paper assesses the geological and geomechanical characteristics of the geothermal deep direct-use MIP 1S well in the Appalachian basin. The assessment utilizes a comprehensive suite of well logs, sidewall core analysis, and well injection tests to determine continuous elastic and rock strength properties. Stress and pore pressure profiling are conducted, and a validated 1D-geomechanical model is developed. This model undergoes analysis through wellbore stability assessments and comparisons with drilling events. The 1D-geomechanical model demonstrates a high degree of agreement with wellbore observations, revealing suboptimal execution of drilling practices, particularly utilizing mist air drilling up to 8868 feet. This …

Benchmarking The Global Warming Potential Of Asphalt Pavements In West Virginia, Md Reasad Samrat

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

With the rising focus on sustainable infrastructure, interest in environmentally friendly paving practices has grown significantly. This thesis investigates the environmental impacts of asphalt mixtures in West Virginia from a sustainable asphalt mix design perspective, with a particular emphasis on the utilization of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA). The research aligns with the U.S. Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Climate Challenge, which aims to encourage state Departments of Transportation (DOTs) to implement low-carbon materials and consider the ecological effects of their paving activities. This study establishes the initial benchmark values for greenhouse gas emissions associated with asphalt pavements in West Virginia. The …

A Multimodal Physical Fatigue Assessment Method Using A Biomarker And Accelerometer-Embedded Wearable Wristband, Md Hadisur Rahman

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Physically demanding tasks pose significant challenges to worker health, safety, and productivity across various industrial sectors in the United States. The construction industry is particularly affected due to the labor-intensive nature of its tasks and harsh environmental conditions. The industry suffers from unsatisfactory occupational health and safety records, with physical fatigue being a major contributor. Physical fatigue not only affects individual well-being and workplace safety but also influences productivity and the United States’ economy. Given the high incidence of injuries and accidents in the construction industry, assessing physical fatigue has become critical for improving worker safety and productivity. To address …

Machine Learning Based Intrusion Detection Framework For Can Bus Vulnerabilities In Modern Vehicles, Obinna C. Agbo

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

The Controller Area Network (CAN) bus is a crucial communication backbone in modern vehicles, connecting various Electronic Control Units (ECUs). However, inherent design weaknesses such as the lack of encryption and authentication make CAN networks vulnerable to cyber-attacks, including spoofing, Denial of Service (DoS), and fuzzing attacks. This thesis thoroughly evaluates these vulnerabilities and the limitations of existing security frameworks like Message Authentication Codes (MACs) and encryption, advocating for the adoption of Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) as a more practical solution for CAN bus security. The proposed IDS leverages advanced machine learning techniques to accurately detect intrusions, even under complex …

Recovery Of Natural Gas Equipment Emissions Into Gas Compression Engines For The Reduction Of Potential Greenhouse Gas Emissions, John Eric Casto

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Since the turn of the millennium, the United States (U.S.) oil and natural gas (ONG) industry has nearly doubled its natural gas production rate. As a result, the ONG industry has recently come under increasing scrutiny for its contributions to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Consequently, various solutions to this problem have been proposed and formulated to reduce the impacts of GHG emissions on the environment. West Virginia University (WVU) have found it important to research the impacts of recovering vented gas streams into prime-mover engines. The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL) have granted WVU …

Groundwater Movement In Boiling Spring, Onyx Spring, Yelton Spring, Wilkins Spring, Hudgens Spring And Natural Bridge Spring, Katherin Roxana Montes Chamorro

Masters Theses

"Onyx Spring, Boiling Spring, Yelton Spring, Wilkins Spring, Hudgens Spring, and Natural Spring are located on public land in Pulaski and Phelps County, Missouri. They were selected randomly to determine groundwater movement and compare water chemistry from the springs that are connected.

Using a dye tracing method, we were able to determine the direction of groundwater flow and a water multiparameter sonde was used to characterize the water chemistry at each point of the springs. As a result, from the six springs studied only three springs are connected which are Yelton, Onyx and Boiling Spring. Regarding to water chemistry this …

Theoretical Modeling And Experimental Investigation Of Phase Selection During Rapid Solidification Of Alloys, Azeez Aremu Akinbo

Masters Theses

"A novel model, rooted in time-dependent nucleation theory, has been created to explore how rapid solidification affects the extended solubility in metal alloys. This model was used to forecast solubility concerning undercooling in multiple binary aluminum (Al) alloys, and its predictions for both eutectic and peritectic systems closely match experimental data. It was demonstrated that this developed model surpasses the T0 line method, which does not consider the kinetic aspects of nucleation. Furthermore, the model can be extended to ternary and multicomponent phases by assuming that the scarcest element or the slowest diffusing component restricts nucleation. Al-Cu and Al-Cr, vital …

Zips Baja Zb25 Frame, Elijah Shelhart

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report outlines the design and validation of a new frame for the University of Akron Zips Baja team’s 2025 competition vehicle. This project represents the first comprehensive redesign of the frame in over a decade, addressing critical issues such as weight and manufacturability identified in previous designs. Utilizing SolidWorks for 3D modeling and Ansys for static simulations, the frame was iteratively improved to ensure structural integrity and compliance with SAE competition rules. The final design achieved a weight reduction of approximately 10 pounds compared to the previous frame while maintaining required safety factors in frontal, rear, rollover, and torsional …

Enhancing Pricing Practices Of Subcontractors: A Comparative Analysis Using Simulation Modeling, Muaz O. Ahmed, Islam H. El-Adaway, Kalyn T. Coatney

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The construction industry often relies on subcontracting, where subcontractors bid for portions of a project before general contractors bid for the entire project in a process referred to as multi-stage bidding (MSG). MSG can be complex, and winning bidders may be burdened with underestimating their bids and encountering the winner's curse. Despite various studies investigating this issue, further research is necessary to examine bidding strategies for subcontractors. This paper addresses this research need by exploring and comparing how bidding strategies based on reinforcement learning and game theory could aid subcontractors in mitigating the winner's curse in MSG. The authors used …

Fabrication And Analysis Of A Gas Sensor Utilizing A Fabry-Perot Interferometer With Varied Thicknesses Of Zif-8 Coating On End-Faced Single-Mode Optical Fiber, Nahideh Salehifar, Rex E. Gerald, Jie Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This research investigates the potential of integrating optical fiber and sensitive thin film coating materials to develop diverse chemical sensing platforms. We utilized a layer-by-layer synthesis technique, along with specific pre- post treatment methods, to create highly effective nonporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), specifically ZIF-8, ranging from the nanometer scale to the micrometer scale (800 nm to 110 μm). Additionally, we successfully cultivated ZIF-8 on both sides of a single-mode fiber (SMF) with thicknesses of 25 μm and 50 μm. In a separate experiment, we successfully grew ZIF-8 on one side of an optical fiber, achieving a thickness of 10 μm. …