Engineering Commons^™

Thermodynamic And Kinetic Investigation Of U(Vi) And As(V) Reactions: Insights For Risk Assessment And Remediation, Maria Isabel Meza

Civil Engineering ETDs

The goal of this dissertation was to investigate the mechanisms of immobilization of uranium (U) and arsenic (As) in waters nearby to Native American Communities for remediation applications. This work sought to identify the physical or chemical processes affecting the complexation, sorption, and precipitation of U and As with calcium (Ca), carbonates (CO3)2-, and phosphate (PO4)3-. The current knowledge about the mechanisms affecting the reaction of metal mixtures such as U, As, and other co-occurring elements in natural waters with minerals such as limestone1-5 and hydroxyapatite for remediation applications is limited. A better understanding of thermodynamics and kinetics affecting the …

Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetics Modeling Of Colloidal Nanoparticles, Anh-Dung Le

Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

Physiologically-based Pharmacokinetics (PBPK) modeling—a mechanistic mathematical tool to predict biodistribution to inform drug development, requires knowledge of the physico-chemical properties of the drug in question as well as the anatomy and physiology of the organism. Unlike with molecular drugs, nanoparticle parameters often need to be estimated by fitting models to time-course data, which can result in large uncertainties in parameter estimates due to a high-dimensional parameter space. Our research addresses this challenge by offering a path to parameter insights using global sensitivity analysis. The first chapter is an overview of the PBPK model structure and mathematical framework used in our …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Carbon Nanotube Metal Matrix Composites For Use In Photovoltaic Gridline Applications, Cayla M. Nelson

Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

Performance reliability is crucial for photovoltaic (PV) cells in both terrestrial and space-based applications. Electrical efficiency losses over time are heavily impacted by electrical losses due to microcracks within the cell structure and metallization failure. Mechanical stresses and thermal cycling of the device can lead to fracture of the current-carrying metal (Ag) lines on the surface of the device, significantly reducing output power. Incorporating carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into PV metal lines as a reinforcement, forming a CNT/Ag metal matrix composite (MMC), enhances the electrical and mechanical performance of the device. In this work the influence of CNT/Ag MMCs were explored …

Expanded-Range Venturi Flow Meter: Development And Testing Of A 3d-Printed Flow Meter And Solid-State Valve Concept, Joseph M. Pomo

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

In this thesis, I document the design, testing and performance of a novel Expanded-Range Venturi Flow Meter (ERVFM) concept. The ERVFM combines two, parallel-configured Venturi Flow Meters (VFM) with a Solid-State Selector Valve (SSSV). The goal was to create a reliable, high-turndown ratio flow meter which directs the fluid to either Venturi tube using the inherent pressure drop of the SSSV, and without moving parts. I constructed a pumped-fluid loop test-setup and quantified the ERVFM’s performance through pressure loss and mass flow rate measurements. In addition, I used python to develop models to assist in prototype design and data-processing. My …

Fiesta And Shock-Driven Flows, Brian E. Romero

Mechanical Engineering ETDs

In this study, the interaction of a shock with various gas and particle interfaces is analyzed through simulations using a new, GPU capable, multi-species flow solver, FIESTA (Fast, Interface Evolution, Shocks, and Transport in the Atmosphere), de- veloped for this research. The cases studied include the interaction between a shock and i) a two-dimensional (2D), circular cloud of a dense gas; ii) a 2D curtain of a dense gas; iii) a three-dimensional (3D) cylinder of a dense gas, and iv) a 3D curtain of solid particles.

In simulations of a 2D gas curtain and a 3D gas column, the curtain …

Aryl Sulfonic Acid Catalysts: Effect Of Pendant Group Structure On Activity In Hydrolysis Of Polyethylene Terephthalate, Hossein Abedsoltan, Maria R. Coleman

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A series of aryl sulfonic acids were tested as catalysts for acid hydrolysis occurring at the surface of poly(ethylene) terephthalate (PET) particles. Specifically, p-toluene sulfonic acid monohydrate (PTSA), 2-naphthalenesulfonic acid (2-NSA), and 1,5-naphthalenedisulfonic acid tetrahydrate (1,5-NDSA) were chosen to provide sulfonic acid active groups and varying hydrophobic functionality. The effect of catalyst concentration and reaction temperature on PET hydrolysis rate was studied. The aryl sulfonic acid catalysts exhibited much higher rates of PET hydrolysis than the mineral acid, H₂SO₄. At 150°C and 4 M catalyst, the time required to achieve more than 90% TPA yield was …

Recovery Of The Recovery Zinc Concentrate In A Weakly Reducing Gas Atmospheric Environment, B T. Berdiyarov, S T. Matkarimov, J B. Ismailov

Technical science and innovation

This article provides information on the formation of substances resulting from the roasting of sulfide-zinc concentrates, which negatively affects the course of subsequent stages. The resulting calcine was sent for reduction roasting in a weakly reducing inert gas atmosphere. Based on this, it can be assumed that the impact on the calcine of "weak" energetic inert gases the reduce minimises or formation of ferrites and zinc silicates. Since the principal primary using agent is gaseous H₂, (hydrogen) in a mixture of gases with a weak reducing environment, all redox reactions occurring in total reduction were studied. The course …

Increase The Nutritional Value Of Pasta With Grains And Pulses, D D. Mirkhodjaeva, E Sh Sanaev

Technical science and innovation

The main goal of this study is to develop a paste formulation containing a mixture of ginger, lemon and mint powder, as well as a combination of legumes and cereals with high nutritional value. This will expand the range of pasta. The task of achieving high quality and economic efficiency is solved by improving a number of technological processes and applying innovative methods. The effectiveness of using innovative methods of freeze-drying and microwave drying is shown in comparison with the process of drying instant pasta by frying them in vegetable oil.

Uzbek Commands Recognition By Processing The Spectrogram Image, M M. Musayev, I Sh Khujayorov, M I. Abdullaeva, M M. Ochilov

Technical science and innovation

This paper describes the most common algorithms with image approach convolutional neural network and two-dimensional DCT with machine learning classification KNN, SVM and RF. These algorithms are evaluated for applicability to the Uzbek language and a comparative analysis on the accuracy and recognition rate. The command words of the Uzbek language were chosen for the experiments. According to the results, it was found that both methods give high rates of recognition accuracy and are 92% (CNN) and 90% (2DDCT+Zigzag+SVM). Also the combinations of 2D-DCT+Zigzag+ KNN and 2D-DCT+Zigzag+ RF with average recognition accuracy of 86% and 85%, respectively, were considered in …

Features Of Filtrationcapacitance Properties Of Complexly Constructed Productive Jurassic Terrigenous Reservoirs Of The Ustyurt Oil And Gas Region, I Kh Khalismatov, Sh E. Shomurodov, R T. Zakirov, R R. Isanova

Technical science and innovation

Based on geological and technological factors, it is necessary to take into account the gas extraction coefficient when calculating reserves for gas and gas condensate fields. The increase in gas reserves should be drained only by recoverable reserves, which most realistically reflect the availability of resources for the oil and gas industry. The purpose of the work. Analysis of the dynamics of the development of the Surgil, East deposits.Berdakh-Uchsay, Urga with the whole determination of the final volume of drained gas reserves, the assessment of the gas recovery coefficient and the development of a recommendation on the methodology for determining …

Joining Of Candidate Materials For Lead-Cooled Fast Reactors, Brandon M. Bohanon

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

The lead-cooled fast reactor (LFR) is a fourth-generation reactor design characterized by high temperatures, neutron dosage, and highly corrosive and erosive environment due to high flow velocities. Therefore, materials testing must be performed to find structural and system components that withstand this harsh environment. These candidate alloys must have high-temperature creep strength, resistance to damage from fast-spectrum neutrons, and must grow protective oxide layers. FeCrAl alloys have been identified as possessing all these qualities, however, there are limitations due to erosion and the joining of these materials. In this work, mechanical and microstructural properties of base and conventionally joined FeCrAl-based …

The Corona-To-Spark Transition And Its Dependence On Electric Field Non-Uniformity, David O. Smith

Electrical and Computer Engineering ETDs

The corona to spark transition is an important part of understanding gaseous breakdown in non-uniform fields. The degree of uniformity in the geometry determines both the onset of corona as well as the eventual spark transition. In a highly non-uniform geometry, the onset of corona precedes the development of a spark. However, in weakly non-uniform fields, corona is unable to form before it transitions into a spark. The degree of non-uniformity at which this transition occurs is known as the corona point.

An experimental setup using the point electrodes allows precise changes in field uniformity, characterizing the corona point in …

Reducing Leakage Current And Enhancing Polarization In Multiferroic 3d Super-Nanocomposites By Microstructure Engineering, Erik Enriquez, Ping Lu, Leigang Li, Bruce Zhang, Haiyan Wang, Quanxi Jia, Aiping Chen

Physics & Astronomy Faculty Publications

Multiferroic materials have generated great interest due to their potential as functional device materials. Nanocomposites have been increasingly used to design and generate new functionalities by pairing dissimilar ferroic materials, though the combination often introduces new complexity and challenges unforeseeable in single-phase counterparts. The recently developed approaches to fabricate 3D super-nanocomposites (3D‐sNC) open new avenues to control and enhance functional properties. In this work, we develop a new 3D‐sNC with CoFe2O4 (CFO) short nanopillar arrays embedded in BaTiO3 (BTO) film matrix via microstructure engineering by alternatively depositing BTO:CFO vertically-aligned nanocomposite layers and single-phase BTO layers. This microstructure engineering method allows …

Machine Learning Approach For Classifying Power Outage In Secondary Electric Distribution Network, Stephan Mgaya, Hellen Maziku

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Power outage is the problem that hinders social and economic development especially for developing countries like Tanzania. Frequent power outages damage electric equipment, and negatively affect the industrial production process. Power outages cannot be completely eradicated due to uncontrolled cause like natural calamities but technical challenges can be managed and hence reducing power outages. The existing manual methods used to locate power outage like customer calls is inefficient and time consuming. On the other hand, modern method like the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) still faces a challenge in effectively classifying power line outage due to the nature of imbalanced datasets. …

Cellular Mechanisms Underlying State-Dependent Neural Inhibition With Magnetic Stimulation, Hui Ye, Vincent Chiun-Fan Chen, Jenna Hendee

Engineering Science Faculty Publications

Novel stimulation protocols for neuromodulation with magnetic fields are explored in clinical and laboratory settings. Recent evidence suggests that the activation state of the nervous system plays a significant role in the outcome of magnetic stimulation, but the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of state-dependency have not been completely investigated. We recently reported that high frequency magnetic stimulation could inhibit neural activity when the neuron was in a low active state. In this paper, we investigate state-dependent neural modulation by applying a magnetic field to single neurons, using the novel micro-coil technology. High frequency magnetic stimulation suppressed single neuron activity …

Big Data Analytics Framework For Effective Higher Education Institutions, George Matto

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

There has been an increased dependency on Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) in undertaking various activities in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) ecosystems. Because of that, huge volumes of data have increasingly been generated. There have been, for instance, considerable amounts of data generated through electronic platforms involved in students’ admission and registration process, students’ academic records management, teaching and learning data, curriculum related data, and several other administrative data. Analysis of data generated from these platforms stands to give students, lecturers, HEIs Management, policy makers and implementers, and other stakeholders useful insights that would help in improving HEIs’ effectiveness. Unfortunately, …

An Iot Based Worker Safety Helmet Using Cloud Computing Technology, Yuthriya Iddi Khamis, Mahmoud Alawi, Waheed Muhammad Sanya

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Miner safety and security is a major challenge around the world due to the exposure to toxic gases that are frequently released in underground mines. Miners' health is adversely affected primarily by toxic gases, which endanger the workers' lives. Furthermore, human sensory abilities do not detect these dangerous gases. As a result, this paper proposes a safety monitoring system that includes a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, and gas sensors to detect harmful gases and alert miners to those harmful gases using the smart helmet they wear. These gases are transmitted to the control station via the cloud using Internet of …

A Stochastic Spectrum Trading And Resource Allocation Framework For Opportunistic Dynamic Spectrum Access Networks, Mohamed Abdelraheem, Mohammad Mahmoud Abdellatif

Electrical Engineering

In this article, the spectrum trading problem between primary users and secondary networks is investigated. The secondary network requests multiple channels with the targeted availability to satisfy its users’ demands. Due to the uncertainty about the channels availability, stochastic optimization techniques are adopted to find the optimal set of channels for each secondary network for the lowest cost. Two different constraints on the secondary demand are defined. The first one is when the throughput has to be fully satisfied for a certain percentage of time, and the second one is when the expected value of the throughput has to exceed …

Etiology Of Breast Development And Asymmetry, Elisabeth N. Adkins, Shaina Anderson, Trevor Mckoy, Nakachi Maduka, Tarun Goswami

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

Etiology of breast development and asymmetry is a fascinating research topic physiologically as well as pathophysiology from a certain condition. The shape, contour, and size of the breast are unique to each female. These factors are influenced by genetics, weight, exercise, menstruation cycles, pregnancy, menopause status, and age. An attempt was made to research the breast development at fetal development and transitioning into adulthood and menopause. Additionally, we compare breast development in males to the developments in females. Although breast asymmetry is experienced by all women, it ranges from grossly undetectable to the need for surgical intervention. It is thought …

Predicting Tensile Strength For Prestressed Reinforced Concrete-Driven Piles, Thuyet N. Nguyen, Thang Pham, Thuy Vu, Adnan A. Malik, Duc N. Dinh

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

Reinforced concrete piles installed by impact hammers have been used as a common solution for deep foundations because they are cost effective and require less time for construction. Driven piles are often used in large volumes for infrastructure and industrial projects in rural areas. Unlike other installation methods, installing piles using impact hammers can generate tensile stress during construction, which can result in pile failures. Induced tensile stress occurs when piles are being driven through a hard soil layer to a softer soil layer, and transverse cracks happen when induced tensile stress exceeds the pile tensile strength. This issue is …

Permeability And Porosity Of Loose Granular Salt, Evan J. Babcock

Civil Engineering ETDs

In this study, permeability and porosity measurements are made and reported for loose granular salt from the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP). Measurements are made on a particularly wide range of particle sizes of this salt in a permeameter constructed large enough to fit and represent mixtures containing salt particles up to 25.4 cm in size. Salt samples with different particle size distributions are constructed and tested at varying levels of consolidation due to induced vibrations. Permeability measurements are made at a varying range of porosities for a given sample. Measurements are also compared with a predictive model for permeability …

Development Of A Programmable, Open-Source, And Cost-Effective Fluidic System For Cell Culture Applications, Charles Montoya

Biomedical Engineering ETDs

Open-source laboratory equipment has become an increasingly popular alternative to commercially available options due to its simple implementation, capability of user-customized modifications, and cost-effectiveness. Presented here is the development of a programmable and open-source fluidic system comprised of three custom-built syringe pumps for cell culture applications. The fluidic system was directly integrated with a multiwell plate on an environmentally controlled microscope platform for live-cell imaging and time-lapse analyses of cellular responses as culture conditions are adjusted using the programmable fluidic system. Proof-of-concept of this system is obtained by controlling autophagic activity in A549 cells by adjustment of nutrient supply. The …

Measured Spectral, Directional Radiative Behavior Of Corrugated Surfaces, Kyle S. Meaker

Theses and Dissertations

Spacecraft thermal control is entirely reliant upon radiative heat transfer for temperature regulation. Current methods are often static in nature and do not provide dynamic control of radiative heat transfer. As a result, modern spacecraft thermal control systems are typically 'cold-biased' with radiators that are larger than necessary for many operating conditions. Deploying a variable radiator as a thermal control technique in which the projected surface area can be adjusted to provide the appropriate heat loss for a given condition can reduce unnecessary heat rejection and reduce power requirements. However, the radiative behavior of the apparent surface representing the expanding/collapsing …

Chemical Toxicants In Water: A Geohealth Perspective In The Context Of Climate Change, Naveen Joseph, Tate Libunao, Elizabeth Herrmann, Shannon L. Bartelt-Hunt, Catherine R. Propper, Jesse E. Bell, Alan S. Kolok

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

The editorial focuses on four major themes contextualized in a virtual GeoHealth workshop that occurred from June 14 to 16, 2021. Topics in that workshop included drinking water and chronic chemical exposure, environmental injustice, public health and drinking water policy, and the fate, transport, and human impact of aqueous contaminants in the context of climate change. The intent of the workshop was to further define the field of GeoHealth. This workshop emphasized on chemical toxicants that drive human health. The major calls for action emerged from the workshop include enhancing community engagement, advocating for equity and justice, and training …

Applications Of Stretching Technique And Time Window Effects On Ultrasonic Velocity Monitoring In Concrete, Bibo Zhong, Jinying Zhu

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Coda wave interferometry (CWI) has been used to measure the relative wave-velocity change (dV/V) caused by small changes in materials. This study uses the stretching processing technique which has been used for CWI analysis to investigate velocity changes of direct longitudinal (P) wave, direct shear (S) wave, and coda wave in concrete by choosing different time windows of ultrasonic signals. It is found that the obtained wave-velocity change depends on the time window position, because the relative contribution of P wave and S wave is different in each signal window. This paper presents three experimental scenarios of velocity …

The Effects Of A Power Iteration-Based K-Eigenvalue Solver For Various Subcritical Parameters And Calculations, Daniel H. Timmons

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

The need to simulate subcritical benchmark parameters quickly and accurately is becoming increasing important. When using Monte Carlo methods this is traditionally done using a fixed-source calculation where a particle and its progeny are tracked until their removal from the system. This method can be slow for near critical systems. The use of a k-eigenvalue solver could reduce the computational footprint and reduce the need to post process data.

This is done for four parameters from the ICSBEP benchmark values: R_1 , R_2 , M_L, and M_eff. These parameters are calculated in two new distinct ways. First, is directly …

The Business Of Moving A Library, Gabriele Hysong

Midwest Business Librarian Summit (MBLS)

No abstract provided.

Octopus-Inspired Adhesive Skins For Intelligent And Rapidly Switchable Underwater Adhesion, Sean T. Frey, A. B. M. Tahidul Haque, Ravi Tutika, Elizabeth V. Krotz, Chanhong Lee, Cole B. Haverkamp, Eric J. Markvicka, Michael D. Bartlett

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

The octopus couples controllable adhesives with intricately embedded sensing, processing, and control to manipulate underwater objects. Current synthetic adhesive–based manipulators are typically manually operated without sensing or control and can be slow to activate and release adhesion, which limits system-level manipulation. Here, we couple switchable, octopus-inspired adhesives with embedded sensing, processing, and control for robust underwater manipulation. Adhesion strength is switched over 450× from the ON to OFF state in <50 ms over many cycles with an actively controlled membrane. Systematic design of adhesive geometry enables adherence to nonideal surfaces with low preload and independent control of adhesive strength and adhesive toughness for strong and reliable attachment and easy release. Our bio-inspired nervous system detects objects and autonomously triggers the switchable adhesives. This is implemented into a wearable glove where an array of adhesives and sensors creates a biomimetic adhesive skin to manipulate diverse underwater objects.

Proper Orthogonal Decomposition Of Reynolds And Dispersive Stresses In Turbulent Boundary Layers Over Multi-Scale Rough Patches, Catherine Virginia Spivey

Dissertations and Theses

Multi-scale rough patches are present in topologies such as urban canopies (cities) and natural landscapes (forests, ocean floors). The flow over such canopies is three-dimensional, with turbulent structures known as secondary flows present in the boundary layer due to the difference in rough surface heterogeneities. Three dimensional instantaneous velocities are analyzed within the roughness sublayer over three generations of multi-scale rough patches at nine vertical planes using particle image velocimetry obtained experimentally. The secondary structures present in the flow are identified in the form of Reynolds and dispersive fluctuations. Proper orthogonal decomposition is employed to characterize the imprint of the …

Optimised Adjoint Sensitivity Analysis Using Adjoint Guided Mesh Adaptivity Applied To Neutron Detector Response Calculations, Andrew G. Buchan, Dan Gabriel Cacuci, Steven Dargaville, Christopher C. Pain

Faculty Publications

This article presents a new approach for the efficient calculation of sensitivities in radiation dose estimates, subject to imprecisely known nuclear material cross-section data. The method is a combined application of adjoint-based models to perform, simultaneously, both the sensitivity calculation together with optimal adaptive mesh refinement. Adjoint-based sensitivity methods are known for their efficiency since they enable sensitivities of all parameters to be formed through only two solutions to the problem. However, the efficient solutions can also be obtained by their computation on optimal meshes, here guided by goal-based adjoint approaches. It is shown that both mesh adaptivity and sensitivity …