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Articles 3541 - 3570 of 195898

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Microwave Dielectric Properties Of Geopolymer Precursor Powders, Linh T. Duong, Abu Naser Rashid Reza, Kristen M. Donnell, Christopher R. Shearer Mar 2026

Microwave Dielectric Properties Of Geopolymer Precursor Powders, Linh T. Duong, Abu Naser Rashid Reza, Kristen M. Donnell, Christopher R. Shearer

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Geopolymers are sustainable structural materials with properties similar to ordinary Portland cement concrete. To better understand the fundamental reaction mechanisms of geopolymers, a microwave materials characterization approach is used. In this research work, the dielectric properties (permittivity and loss factor) of common precursor powders used to make geopolymers (GPPs)—fly ash, lime, metakaolin, silica fume, slag, and zeolite—are measured over the S- and X-band frequency ranges (i.e., 2.0–4.0 GHz and 8.2–12.4 GHz, respectively). The physical characteristics, elemental composition, mineralogical properties, and phase characterization of the GPPs are then correlated to dielectric properties. Permittivity of GPP, classified as pozzolanic or latent hydraulic, …

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Feedback In Digital Game-Based Learning: A Taxonomy And The Design And Empirical Evaluation Of A Feedback System In A Mathematics Serious Game, André Almo Mar 2026

Feedback In Digital Game-Based Learning: A Taxonomy And The Design And Empirical Evaluation Of A Feedback System In A Mathematics Serious Game, André Almo

Dissertations

Digital Game-Based Learning (DGBL) is an active, student-centred pedagogical approach in which feedback plays a central role by informing learners’ actions, guiding decision-making and shaping motivation and engagement. Despite its importance, feedback in serious games is often described inconsistently and insufficiently in research, limiting comparability across studies and the accumulation of design knowledge, particularly for children. This thesis addresses these gaps through two complementary contributions: the development of a taxonomy for feedback design in digital serious games and the empirical evaluation of a taxonomy-informed feedback system in a mathematics game for primary school students. First, this work introduces the Taxonomy …

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Autonomous Vehicle Adoption Behavior And Safety Concern: A Study Of Public Perception, Fatemeh Nazari, Mohamadhossein Noruzoliaee, Abolfazl (Kouros) Mohammadian Mar 2026

Autonomous Vehicle Adoption Behavior And Safety Concern: A Study Of Public Perception, Fatemeh Nazari, Mohamadhossein Noruzoliaee, Abolfazl (Kouros) Mohammadian

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Realizing the economic and societal benefits of autonomous vehicles (AVs) hinges on widespread public acceptance. However, existing research offers limited insights into two key behavioral factors shaping AV acceptance, namely, perceived AV safety concern and travel behavior, the latter reflecting how heterogenous mobility patterns influence the AV acceptance. These factors are often treated as exogenous, limiting insight into their true behavioral interdependencies with AV acceptance and their distinct behavioral roots. This study addresses these gaps by introducing a recursive trivariate econometric model that jointly estimates AV acceptance, perceived safety concern, and current travel behavior (proxied by annual vehicle-miles traveled or …

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Evaluating The Impact Of Aggregate Size And Reinforcement On Alkali-Silica Reaction In Concrete Through Nondestructive Testing Techniques, Li Ai, David Bianco, Vafa Soltangharaei, Rafal Anay, Mahmoud Bayat, Paul Ziehl Mar 2026

Evaluating The Impact Of Aggregate Size And Reinforcement On Alkali-Silica Reaction In Concrete Through Nondestructive Testing Techniques, Li Ai, David Bianco, Vafa Soltangharaei, Rafal Anay, Mahmoud Bayat, Paul Ziehl

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

This research investigates different nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods to assess concrete under alkali-silica reaction (ASR) development. Four methods including acoustic emission (AE), ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV), crack width measurement, and strain measurement were applied to reactive and control specimens under accelerated ASR conditioning. The innovation lies in using NDE methods to monitor concrete with varying aggregate sizes, quantifying method sensitivity through measured indices, and highlighting the effectiveness of each method to capture ASR development. The results indicate that the unconfined reactive fine-aggregate sample exhibited isotropic expansion, while coarse-aggregate specimens showed around 50 % greater longitudinal expansion and AE cumulative signal …

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Explainable Machine Learning And Life Cycle Assessment For Sustainable Design Of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete, Xiao Tan, Jianglei Xing, Soroush Mahjoubi, Pengwei Guo, Ziyao Wei, Yuan Wang, Jie Ren, Li Ai, Weina Meng, Yi Bao Mar 2026

Explainable Machine Learning And Life Cycle Assessment For Sustainable Design Of Fiber-Reinforced Asphalt Concrete, Xiao Tan, Jianglei Xing, Soroush Mahjoubi, Pengwei Guo, Ziyao Wei, Yuan Wang, Jie Ren, Li Ai, Weina Meng, Yi Bao

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Conventional asphalt concrete has a limited lifespan due to cracking, deformation, and environmental degradation, driving the development of fiber-reinforced asphalt concrete (FRAC). However, key gaps remain in current data-driven FRAC studies due to small and homogeneous datasets, “black-box” machine learning models, and trade-offs between mechanical-sustainable performance, failing to provide a transparent understanding of features governing FRAC behaviors. This paper proposes a framework integrating explainable artificial intelligence and life cycle assessment (LCA) to advance mechanical and sustainable design of FRAC. A dataset of 2490 laboratory samples covers 15 input features and 3 mechanical outputs. Eight machine learning models, along with a …

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Evaluation Of Existing Wwtp Using Gps-X Modelling And Simulation Software, Mohamed Hussein Hegazy, Mohamed Ibrahim Sobhy, Mohamed Nouh Meshref, Marwan Ahmed Elghonimy Mar 2026

Evaluation Of Existing Wwtp Using Gps-X Modelling And Simulation Software, Mohamed Hussein Hegazy, Mohamed Ibrahim Sobhy, Mohamed Nouh Meshref, Marwan Ahmed Elghonimy

Civil Engineering

Research on ways to make WasteWater Treatment Plants (WWTPs) work better is still limited. In this study, GPS-X simulation was used to predict how a WWTP behaves under different operating conditions and to suggest ideas for future improvement. GPS-X version 8.5 was applied for dynamic modelling and simulation to check the performance of the Arab Abo Saed Wastewater Treatment Plant in Helwan, Egypt. Two operating cases were studied: one with the highest water flow and the lowest pollutant levels, and another with the lowest water flow and the highest pollutant levels. Real data from two years (2022–2023) was used for …

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Creation Of The 2-Way Cross Laminated Timber Subroutine For Computing Dynamic Analysis Parameters, Joseph Freitas Mar 2026

Creation Of The 2-Way Cross Laminated Timber Subroutine For Computing Dynamic Analysis Parameters, Joseph Freitas

Architectural Engineering

This document will describe the inputs, methodology, and outputs for the CLT 2-way subroutine for cases with and without openings recently added to a proprietary structural analysis software. For the sake of simplicity, most of the discussion will be focused on cases without openings from here on out, as the verification process for a novel method for cases with openings is still in progress. The CLT 2-way module calculates multi-point resistance functions for panels without openings by automating the procedure outlined in an industry-standard structural design manual. The subroutine also finds the appropriate dynamic response factors, kinetic load multipliers, mass, …

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Magnetically Driven Engineering Of Magnetic Hydroxyapatite/Ca Ro Membranes: Enhancing Surface Physicochemical Properties For High-Performance Water Desalination, Fariba Oulad, Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh, Sirus Zinadini, Amir Razmjou, Sara Eavani Mar 2026

Magnetically Driven Engineering Of Magnetic Hydroxyapatite/Ca Ro Membranes: Enhancing Surface Physicochemical Properties For High-Performance Water Desalination, Fariba Oulad, Ali Akbar Zinatizadeh, Sirus Zinadini, Amir Razmjou, Sara Eavani

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

This research focuses on the development of innovative hydrophilic reverse osmosis (RO) hydroxyapatite/cellulose acetate (HAP/CA) and magnetic-hydroxyapatite (M-HAP)/CA membranes, utilizing a phase-inversion technique with varying nanoparticles (NPs) concentration. The positioning of magneto-responsive M-HAP NPs within the advanced M-HAP/CA membranes was adeptly controlled using magnetic guidance during immersion- precipitation process in a coagulation bath. This precise control enabled a densely organized arrangement of M-HAP NPs, shifting from the membrane's core to its upper separation layer. Consequently, the barrier properties, mechanical integrity, and surface characteristics of the advanced M-HAP/CA membranes saw significant enhancement due to the uniform distribution of hydrophilic porous NPs …

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Cvj Torque Loss Dynamometer, Malaika Sriram, Coleman Brown, Zachary Norris, Logan Mast, Chris Mattis Mar 2026

Cvj Torque Loss Dynamometer, Malaika Sriram, Coleman Brown, Zachary Norris, Logan Mast, Chris Mattis

Mechanical Engineering

This report details the design and results of a dynamometer testing rig built to measure torque losses in constant velocity joints (CVJs) for Cal Poly Racing's Baja SAE team. The rig spins a flywheel connected to articulable CVJs up to 800 RPM using a motor, then decouples it and measures the spin-down rate from 800 to 100 RPM to calculate angular acceleration and torque loss. The data collected from this dyno will be used to inform freewheel packaging for future Baja car development.

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Design And Tissue Engineering Applications Of Microporous Annealed Particle (Map) Scaffolds, Nic D. Leipzig, Oluwaseyi Shofolawe-Bakare Mar 2026

Design And Tissue Engineering Applications Of Microporous Annealed Particle (Map) Scaffolds, Nic D. Leipzig, Oluwaseyi Shofolawe-Bakare

University Research

Microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds are emerging as a facile, yet sophisticated biomaterial platform with tremendous potential for tissue regenerative applications. These scaffolds are fabricated in situ through interparticle crosslinking of microgels using a variety of covalent or non-covalent techniques and possess excellent tunability and biocompatibility. The microporous structure of MAP scaffolds allows cellular infiltration and vascularization independent of degradation rate, making them more advantageous than traditional nanoporous bulk hydrogels. Moreover, the incorporation of in situ crosslinking allows MAP scaffolds to retain the key advantages of traditional microgel-based scaffolds—such as injectability and modularity—while providing the added benefit of a fixed …

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Cancerseg-Xa: Medical Histopathology Segmentation System Based On Xception Backbone And Attention Mechanisms, Alaa Youssef, Wessam H. El-Behaidy, Aliaa Youssif Mar 2026

Cancerseg-Xa: Medical Histopathology Segmentation System Based On Xception Backbone And Attention Mechanisms, Alaa Youssef, Wessam H. El-Behaidy, Aliaa Youssif

Computer Science

Accurate segmentation of histopathological images is essential to support early diagnosis and effective treatment planning in cancer care. This study presents CancerSeg-XA, a deep learning-based histopathology segmentation system designed to deliver robust performance across diverse tissue types and imaging sources. Built upon the DeepLabV3+ framework, CancerSeg-XA incorporates architectural enhancements to strengthen feature representation and improve model stability. The system was evaluated on three widely recognized datasets—BCSS, PanNuke, and PUMA—each presenting distinct structural and clinical challenges. Across all datasets, CancerSeg-XA consistently outperformed the baseline DeepLabV3+ in terms of segmentation accuracy, recall, and F1-score. Specifically, it achieved accuracy improvements of 4.78%, 4.31%, …

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Slo Botanical Garden Lean-To Carport, Saul Gracian, Sergio Gonzalez Mar 2026

Slo Botanical Garden Lean-To Carport, Saul Gracian, Sergio Gonzalez

Construction Management

This paper documents the planning, design, funding, and construction of a lean-to carport for the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, completed as a student-led Construction Management senior project by Saul Gracian and Sergio Gonzalez. The purpose of the project was to provide a functional storage structure for garden equipment while applying construction management principles in a real-world, nonprofit setting. The project methodology included site evaluation, collaborative design development, cost estimating, funding acquisition, regulatory review, and hands-on construction. Design decisions were informed by site constraints, county code requirements, budget limitations, and stakeholder input, resulting in a final 10’ x 12’ structure …

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Residential Boundary Fence Installation In Oceano, Ca, Ulysses Beas Mar 2026

Residential Boundary Fence Installation In Oceano, Ca, Ulysses Beas

Construction Management

This Senior Project focuses on the planning and execution of a residential boundary wooden fence for an elderly homeowner located in Oceano, California, alongside a partial front yard renovation that was an appreciation gift from her grandson. Prior to construction, the front yard was divided by a small ornamental iron fence, which provided very little privacy. This fence installation was designed to improve privacy, security and overall safety while working alongside hired concrete laborers. Not only was the goal to improve safety but also the aesthetics of the home. This Project includes a project scope statement, site measurements, fence layout, …

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The Effect Of Reduction Of Input-Parameters On Data-Driven Prediction Of Critical Heat Flux In Rod Bundles Using Extended Parameters For Reactor Thermal–Hydraulic Safety, Rehan Zubair Khalid, Atif Khan, Farooq Ahmad, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan, Atta Ullah Mar 2026

The Effect Of Reduction Of Input-Parameters On Data-Driven Prediction Of Critical Heat Flux In Rod Bundles Using Extended Parameters For Reactor Thermal–Hydraulic Safety, Rehan Zubair Khalid, Atif Khan, Farooq Ahmad, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan, Atta Ullah

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accurate prediction of the critical heat flux (CHF) is a key pillar for ensuring both the safety and economic performance of nuclear reactors. While machine learning (ML)-based methodologies have demonstrated considerable success in predicting CHF, most existing studies have been confined to simplified geometries, such as single tubes. Conversely, limited attention has been devoted to CHF prediction in realistic reactor environments, particularly within rod bundle configurations, where complex multiphase flow and heat transfer phenomena prevail. In this work we develop different AI models based on large dataset operating conditions as well as the complex geometric features of rod bundles. The …

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Sustainable Pathways For Fish Waste Oil Valorization Into Biofuel: Process Synthesis And Case Study, Hany A. Elazab, Radhi H. Alazmi, Abdelrahman El-Bagalaty, Hossam Tammam, Mahmoud El-Sayed, Mohamed Omar, Fathi Shokry, Mamdouh A. Gadalla, Fatma H. Ashour, Thokozani Majozi Mar 2026

Sustainable Pathways For Fish Waste Oil Valorization Into Biofuel: Process Synthesis And Case Study, Hany A. Elazab, Radhi H. Alazmi, Abdelrahman El-Bagalaty, Hossam Tammam, Mahmoud El-Sayed, Mohamed Omar, Fathi Shokry, Mamdouh A. Gadalla, Fatma H. Ashour, Thokozani Majozi

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Biodiesel is a promising, sustainable alternative to fossil fuels such as petrol and diesel. Currently, biodiesel can be produced from edible plant oils and non-edible sources and wastes. Notably, fish waste oil is a sustainable resource for transesterification reactions to produce biodiesel. This research proposes a general process design methodology to investigate the potential of biodiesel production from fish waste oil as a pathway for waste-to-energy. The methodology integrates Pinch Analysis principles and process simulation to optimize the energy efficiency of a process design. Real data are collected on fish waste from fish industries in Egypt, focusing on three regions …

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Slo Garden Guy: Applying Construction Management Principles To A Residential Woodworking Business, Carson Smith Mar 2026

Slo Garden Guy: Applying Construction Management Principles To A Residential Woodworking Business, Carson Smith

Construction Management

This senior project applies construction management principles to evaluate the launch, performance, and future direction of SLO Garden Guy, a small-scale residential woodworking venture operating in San Luis Obispo. The project implemented structured estimating, standardized workflows, financial tracking, and risk analysis to assess real market demand, operational efficiency, and long-term scalability. Over the course of operation, the business completed numerous customer orders and demonstrated consistent seasonal demand patterns, particularly during peak gardening months. Analysis of production capacity, cost structure, and regulatory considerations provided insight into both the strengths and limitations of a niche, product-based service model. While the operation proved …

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From Concept To Construction: A Carport For The Slo Botanical Garden, Trent A. Denholm Mar 2026

From Concept To Construction: A Carport For The Slo Botanical Garden, Trent A. Denholm

Construction Management

This paper documents the design, budgeting, procurement and construction of a timber framed carport with architectural shingle roofing at the San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden (SLOBG). The Botanical Garden, a nonprofit organization dependent on community support and volunteer labor, identified the need for covered storage and a dedicated charging station for its golf cart, a vehicle central to daily operations across the property. Without permanent shelter, the cart was exposed to the elements year-round, which contributed to equipment wear and reduced operational efficiency. Working simultaneously as project manager and lead builder, Trent coordinated stakeholder relationships, developed a project budget, secured …

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Impact Of Regional Heat Differences On Construction Productivity: A Comparative Study Of California’S Central Valley And Central Coast, Berthalidia Acosta Mar 2026

Impact Of Regional Heat Differences On Construction Productivity: A Comparative Study Of California’S Central Valley And Central Coast, Berthalidia Acosta

Construction Management

Construction productivity is influenced by many environmental conditions, particularly extremely high temperatures. In regions where high temperatures are normal, workers experience increased fatigue, require additional safety controls, and can even lead to scheduling conflicts. This senior project evaluates how heat differences in two parts of California affect productivity by comparing two projects managed by the same general contractor: one located in California’s Central Valley (Sacramento) and one located on the Central Coast (San Luis Obispo). Throughout the study, there will be two data sources seen: weekly labor recap reports focusing on a particular task (Concrete) and semi-structured interviews with industry …

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Life Cycle Assessment And Cost Analysis Of Exterior, Electrical, And Appliance Systems In A Prefabricated Mass Timber Residential Unit, Ella Rohrbough Mar 2026

Life Cycle Assessment And Cost Analysis Of Exterior, Electrical, And Appliance Systems In A Prefabricated Mass Timber Residential Unit, Ella Rohrbough

Construction Management

This study presents a detailed process-based life cycle assessment and life cycle cost analysis of selected building systems within a prefabricated mass timber residential unit constructed through an interdisciplinary design build project at California Polytechnic State University. The research focuses specifically on exterior envelope systems electrical infrastructure and major appliances. Material quantities were derived from a comprehensive construction material takeoff and modeled in OpenLCA using the ecoinvent database. A cradle to site system boundary including modules A1 through A5 was applied to quantify embodied environmental impacts such as global warming potential acidification fossil fuel depletion and human toxicity. Results indicate …

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Applying Two-Stage Risk-Based Market Structures For Energy Hub-Based Plug-In Electric Vehicles Using Information Decision Gap Theory And A Hybrid Recurrent Convolutional Network, A. Heidari, R. C. Bansal, R. Bo Mar 2026

Applying Two-Stage Risk-Based Market Structures For Energy Hub-Based Plug-In Electric Vehicles Using Information Decision Gap Theory And A Hybrid Recurrent Convolutional Network, A. Heidari, R. C. Bansal, R. Bo

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper investigates the optimal operation of an energy hub engaged in both day-ahead and real-time trading. A two-stage optimization framework Information Gap Decision Theory (IGDT) for day-ahead bidding and stochastic programming with Monte Carlo scenarios for real-time recourse is applied. Risk-neutral, risk-averse, and risk-taking strategies are considered to capture different risk preferences. The hub integrates combined heat and power, renewable energy, plug-in electric vehicles, and vehicle-to-grid and grid-to-vehicle technologies. Price and load forecasts are generated using a hybrid recurrent convolutional network (HRCN). Results highlight the trade-off between risk management and economic performance: costs are 16.5 % higher in the …

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Case Study: The Benefits Implementing Azure 3d Printed Homes Onto Dignitymoves Project In San Luis Obispo, Lucy E. Heimer Mar 2026

Case Study: The Benefits Implementing Azure 3d Printed Homes Onto Dignitymoves Project In San Luis Obispo, Lucy E. Heimer

Construction Management

California is actively addressing the challenges of housing shortages and climate change. These challenges have shifted the construction industry, steering the market into finding more sustainable means of construction. This case study evaluates the sustainable benefits of modular construction fabricated by Azure Homes. The focused project is a DignityMoves project in San Luis Obispo where modular units are factory built in El Segundo, CA and set on site. DignityMoves is a nonprofit organization that aims to provide housing for unhoused individuals throughout California. Thus far, DignityMoves has opted to use prefabricated modular units as their primary means of construction on …

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Drainage And Pedestrian Access Improvements At City Farms Slo, Benjamin Marc Kocher, Jacob Anthony Booker Mar 2026

Drainage And Pedestrian Access Improvements At City Farms Slo, Benjamin Marc Kocher, Jacob Anthony Booker

Construction Management

This senior project focused on planning, designing, and constructing drainage and pedestrian access improvements at City Farms SLO, a nonprofit in San Luis Obispo that promotes sustainable agriculture and youth education. Prior to construction, the site experienced significant stormwater pooling and erosion in a central area of the farm, making daily operations and visitor access difficult during wet weather. The team excavated an 80-foot trench drain with appropriate slopes, installed a 15-foot corrugated HDPE culvert with proper bedding and backfill, built a seven-foot pedestrian bridge over the trench, and created a 17-foot gravel pathway connecting the bridge to an existing …

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A Knowledge Transfer-Based Membrane Evolutionary Algorithm For Solving Large-Scale Sorted Waste Collection Problem With Timeliness, Wenxue Zhang, Boquan Gao, Aldy Gunawan, Yunyun Niu, Jianhua Xiao Mar 2026

A Knowledge Transfer-Based Membrane Evolutionary Algorithm For Solving Large-Scale Sorted Waste Collection Problem With Timeliness, Wenxue Zhang, Boquan Gao, Aldy Gunawan, Yunyun Niu, Jianhua Xiao

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

The sorted collection of municipal solid waste has emerged as an effective waste management strategy due to varying timeliness requirements across different waste types, giving rise to the critical research challenge of timeliness-based waste collection. While existing algorithms primarily focus on small-scale versions of this problem, solving large-scale timeliness-based waste collection problems remains particularly challenging. To tackle this issue, this paper proposes a knowledge transfer-based membrane evolutionary algorithm. Specifically, the original problem and simplified problem are constructed in different membranes respectively, and the knowledge transfer learning mechanism is incorporated into the membrane evolutionary algorithm, enabling effective information exchange between the …

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Plm-Effector: Unleashing The Potential Of Protein Language Models For Bacterial Secreted Protein Prediction, Dandan Zheng, Lihong Chen, Guansong Pang, Jian Yang Mar 2026

Plm-Effector: Unleashing The Potential Of Protein Language Models For Bacterial Secreted Protein Prediction, Dandan Zheng, Lihong Chen, Guansong Pang, Jian Yang

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Bacterial secreted proteins, particularly effectors delivered by specialized secretion systems, are key mediators of virulence and host-pathogen interactions. However, accurate computational identification remains challenging, as many existing methods rely heavily on sequence similarity or handcrafted features, and often focus on a single secretion system. Recent studies have reported that some bacterial effectors may be associated with more than one secretion system, highlighting the complexity of secretion system annotation and motivating the development of system-aware computational prediction approaches. Here, we present PLM-Effector, a hybrid deep learning framework that integrates modern protein language models (PLMs) with multiple neural architectures via a two-layer …

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Sustainabake, Kevin Kunta Swanson Ii Mar 2026

Sustainabake, Kevin Kunta Swanson Ii

Electrical Engineering

This senior project outlines the development of an oven that utilizes renewable energy to operate safely and effectively. It aims to test building an oven using mostly basic hardware students acquired during their time at Cal Poly and provide a starting point for those interested in creating a solar-powered oven. As our society continues to innovate and increasingly relies on electricity, it is important to place more emphasis on how we can make our lives sustainable to take care of our environment without introducing excessive pollutants. Food preparation is a daily activity that typically involves significant energy consumption, making this …

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Bridging 2d And 3d Computational Modeling Of Vacuum Arc Remelting: Capturing Rotating Arc Dynamics In Axisymmetric Simulations, Zilong Zhang, Elaheh Dorari, Ramesh Minisandram, Shakarjee Krishnamoorthi, Lang Yuan Mar 2026

Bridging 2d And 3d Computational Modeling Of Vacuum Arc Remelting: Capturing Rotating Arc Dynamics In Axisymmetric Simulations, Zilong Zhang, Elaheh Dorari, Ramesh Minisandram, Shakarjee Krishnamoorthi, Lang Yuan

Faculty Publications

Computational modeling of the Vacuum Arc Remelting (VAR) process has been developed to provide a deeper physical and metallurgical understanding and assist in the manufacture of defect-free ingots. While fully 3D, time-resolved arc models capture arc–melt interactions with high fidelity, their high computational cost makes 2D steady arc models still the preferred option in industrial applications. In this study, a multi-physics VAR model, which accounts for magnetohydrodynamics, heat transfer, fluid dynamics, and melting/solidification, was established in ANSYS Fluent for Alloy 718 in 3D with a rotating arc. It was validated against measured melt pool morphology. A new 2D axisymmetric oscillating …

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Analysis Of Construction Trends On California’S Central Coast, Erik G. Asplund Mar 2026

Analysis Of Construction Trends On California’S Central Coast, Erik G. Asplund

Construction Management

The California Central Coast experiences sustained housing demand and infrastructure pressure, yet it lacks the visible concentration of construction firms found in larger markets. This study examines why construction activity in the region appears limited despite a strong demand. Using a qualitative, interview-based approach, four construction companies who operate across Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, and Ventura Counties were interviewed to identify recurring themes related to labor, environmental regulation, housing feasibility, technology adoption, and future outlooks. The study concludes that structural constraints rather than lack of opportunity limit the scalability of construction on the Central Coast.

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Pollinators Exhibit For Paso Robles Children’S Museum, Isabelle Moll, Matthew Moore, Joseph Hovanesian, Evan Stock, Matthew Wiecking Mar 2026

Pollinators Exhibit For Paso Robles Children’S Museum, Isabelle Moll, Matthew Moore, Joseph Hovanesian, Evan Stock, Matthew Wiecking

Mechanical Engineering

This report documents the design and development of an interactive pollination exhibit created for the Paso Robles Children’s Museum as part of the Mechanical Engineering Senior Project program. The goal of the project was to design a durable, safe, and engaging educational exhibit that introduces children to the role of pollinators in local ecosystems and agriculture through hands-on play. The final design features a triple-track system with rolling bee elements and a central pollen ball pathway that demonstrates how pollinators move between flowers and return resources to the hive. The exhibit incorporates visual feedback and locally inspired design elements to …

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Baja Sae Gear Testing, Selina Bayles, Lucia Giacalone, Claire Cornelsen, Sarah Talbert Mar 2026

Baja Sae Gear Testing, Selina Bayles, Lucia Giacalone, Claire Cornelsen, Sarah Talbert

Mechanical Engineering

The Baja SAE Gear Testing project outlined a test stand and procedure to update the S-N curve currently used by the Baja SAE team. Currently the Cal Poly Baja SAE geartrain team uses a S-N curve to design custom gears, but this S-N curve does not accurately reflect the gears uses and their fatigue life. This project outlines the exploration of a dyno set up to allow for future testing of different categories of short life cycle gears to collect data and generate a new S-N curve and, ultimately, update the design of the gears. This team created a dyno …

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3d Bouldering Project, Joseph Robison Mar 2026

3d Bouldering Project, Joseph Robison

Liberal Arts and Engineering Studies

Many indoor rock climbers struggle to make the transition from indoor to outdoor bouldering due to differences in route visualization. This project applies photogrammetry to create 3D scans of outdoor holds with accurate measurements and textures to improve climber visualization. The measurements were then mapped onto a Tension Board 1 simulation. Six climbers were divided into control and simulation groups to test effectiveness. Results showed that confidence and perception of outdoor ability were increased in the simulation group. Performance outcomes were approximately equal between both groups. These findings suggest that visualization tools can enhance mental preparation for outdoor climbing.

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