Engineering Commons^™

Potenciali I Prodhimit Të Energjisë Së Ripërtërishme Me Erë, Andrian Shatri

Theses and Dissertations

Në ditët e sotme bota po ballafaqohet me një virus i cili ka shkaktuar probleme të mëdha dhe po merrë shumë jetë njerëzish. Populli i planetit tonë mendjen e tyre kryesisht e ka të fokusuar tek ky virus i cili na ka bërë të harrojmë që virusi kryesor në këtë planet është ngrohja globale e cila kryesisht shkaktohet nga gabimet e qenieve njerëzore të cilët me arrogancën dhe padijeninë e tyre janë duke e shkatërruar natyrën (tokat,malet,shtresat e ajrit). Pandemia që është shkaktuar nga ky virus bëri që të mbyllen shumë industri të ndryshme, qytete nga e gjithë bota janë …

Valorization Of Secondary Agriculture Residues, Narendra Kumar

Doctoral Dissertations

Secondary agriculture residues have the potential to be major contributors as resources for energy and sustainably sourced materials production. Separating secondary agricultural residues, which have already been transported to processing centers, into individual biomass components could convert these wastes into bioproducts. Many types of pretreatments to achieve this separation involve chemicals that are hazardous for the environment. Several deep eutectic solvents (DES) that are biocompatible have been investigated for their ability to deconstruct rice hulls and sugarcane bagasse. Mass yield, enzymatic hydrolysis of the pretreated biomass, fiber analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy have confirmed that the DES formic acid:choline …

Multi-Scale Computational Modeling Of Metal/Ceramic Interfaces, Abu Shama Mohammad Miraz

Doctoral Dissertations

Multi-scale atomistic calculations were carried out to understand the interfacial features that dictate the mechanical integrity of the metal/ceramic nanolaminates. As such, first principles density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed to understand the electronic and atomistic factors governing adhesion and resistance to shear for simple metal/ceramic interfaces, whereas molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed to observe the impact of interfacial structures, such as misfit dislocation network geometries and orientation relationships, on interfacial mechanical properties.

For the DFT investigation, we choose metals with different crystal structures, namely - Cu (fcc), Cr (bcc) and Ti (hcp) along with a variety of …

Locating Drone Battery Supply Stations To Facilitate The Delivery Of Medical Supplies In Low And Middle-Income Countries, Madeline Suellentrop

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

In the sub-Saharan region of Africa, the inability to perform emergency blood transfusions due to an inadequate blood supply has led to high fatality rates, especially among women and children. The prevalence of disease in this region limits the supply of local blood donations and, if blood is imported, then the region’s poor infrastructure inhibits fast distribution. There is a need for a technological update in the current process that overcomes the limitations of regional transportation, and drones present one promising solution for delivering small, lightweight items such as blood units. The current focus of this new delivery method is …

Decision Making Within An Nfl Context Using Multiple Objective Decision Analysis, Lawson Porter

Industrial Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

The National Football League (NFL) is the most popular sports league in the world, with millions of viewers every game and billions of dollars generated every season. Statistics are an important part of an NFL team’s business operating model and contribute greatly towards their decision making. Every season, general managers try to sign players that give the team the highest probability of winning games throughout the year. There are many factors that go into this decision, including the amount of money the team has to spend and the value that available players can bring to a team. Teams must abide …

Evaluation Of Recycled Plastic Pins As Shear Keys In Mse Wall Base, Prabesh Bhandari

Civil Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Mechanically Stabilized Earth (MSE) walls have been widely used as retaining structures due to their flexible nature, a better tolerance against differential settlement, and many other factors. However, external stability problems of MSE walls have been an issue in North Texas over decades. Lateral displacement of the wall occurs, giving rise to sliding failure, when there is insufficient shear strength at the wall base to produce adequate frictional resistance. Such failures can cause significant maintenance, repair, and cost implications for the state department of transportation. Furthermore, MSE walls also undergo global failure due to weak soil conditions along with high …

Analysis And Control Of Parallel And Series Connected Modular Battery Systems, Mohamed Kamel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology plays a major role in modern power applications. However, intrinsic technology limitations require a battery management system (BMS) to ensure all Li-ion cells’ safety. Moreover, high-power and high-voltage applications utilize several parallel, and series connected cells, forming a large battery pack that results in unavoidable cell mismatches. Therefore, large battery packs employ cell balancing circuits, where the BMS controls their operation. Furthermore, a central power electronics converter interfaces the battery pack to the high-voltage DC rail, reducing the system’s reliability. A battery power module (BPM) has emerged as an individual battery cell connected across a low-power …

Development Of A Variable Extensometer Method For Measuring Ductility Scaling Parameters, Adam J. Smith

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Ductility is the measure of how much a material can stretch before separation. It is usually measured in percent elongation, which is the amount a material stretches divided by its original length before stretching. This is an important property to understand for both the design for performance and safety. A material’s ductility can be influenced by several factors including heat treatment, machining, temperature, and radiation dose. Materials used in nuclear energy facilities are often exposed to all these factors, and it is important to be able to understand ductility at each possible combination.

Ductility is usually characterized through tension tests …

In Vivo Analysis Of A Proprietary Glass-Based Adhesive For Sternal Fixation And Stabilization Using Rabbit And Sheep Models, Cina Mehrvar, Emily Deignan, Mark Hurtig, Gideon Cohen, Paul Zalzal, Oleg Safir, Adel Alhalawani, Marcello Papini, Mark R. Towler

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Wire cerclage remains the standard method of care for sternal fixation, following median sternotomy, despite being beset with complications. An emerging treatment option has been to augment the wires with an adhesive. A patented ionomeric glass (mole fraction: SiO₂:0.48, ZnO:0.36, CaO:0.12, SrO:0.04) has been used to formulate GPC+, a glass polyalkenoate cement (GPC), by mixing it with poly(acrylic) acid (PAA) and de-ionized water. In a human cadaver study, this material, when applied with wire cerclage, was able to significantly reduce sternal instability. However, the material has yet to be tested in pertinent animal models. Here, after a series …

Dynamics In Drops As Confined Systems Containing Nanoparticles: Reformation Of Nanoparticles And Evaporation Of Water, Vijitha Mohan, Xianjie Qiu, Partho Neogi

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Brine is used to displace crude oil in a reservoir and its performance improves when brine contains nanoparticles. It is the presence of nanoparticles in confinements, such as at dynamic contact lines and in thin films, which is of importance. The investigators here have determined a fast way to obtain confined systems by evaporating a small drop of water containing nanoparticles. Water droplets containing nanoparticles of alumina or silica were evaporated on surfaces of polyethylene terephthalate sheets, which are partially wet by water, and glass which is fully wet. After the liquid in the drops evaporated, the residues were examined …

Heavy Oil And Vapex Process: A Brief Review, Vijitha Mohan, Parthasakha Neogi, Baojun Bai

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Heavy oil recovery requires either heat or solvent assistance to reduce its high viscosity first and then the less viscous oil can be recovered. Processes that use vapor assisted petroleum extraction (VAPEX) utilize vaporized solvent. Solvent vapors are introduced through a top injection well to induce viscosity reduction and the less viscous oil is collected at the bottom production well. It is noteworthy, that the solvent itself when recovered, can be seen as an integral part of oil. Exact molecular weight and chemistry of heavy oil is uncertain making analysis of thermodynamic properties difficult, however this is overcome by making …

Involvement Of The Ino80 Chromatin Remodeling Complex In Cell Division And Genomic Stability, Ethan Chen

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Cell division is a vital biological process for growth and development in both single and multi-cellular organisms—whereby the cell must duplicate its organelles and genome in entirety and appropriately distribute the copied contents to the daughter cells. Cells undergo a cycle of two distinct phases: interphase and mitosis. During interphase, the cell replicates its genomic DNA (in the form of chromosomes) located within the nucleus. DNA replication is carried out in a euchromatin state, where the chromosome structure is loose and easily accessible by DNA polymerase and other replication enzymes. Upon the completion of replication, chromatin is condensed into highly …

Quantification Of Superoxide Production In Cells Treated With L-Buthionine Sulfoximine, Rebekah Townsley

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hydroxyl radicals, superoxides, and hydrogen peroxides are common reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are produced by the mitochondria during cellular respiration [1]. Signal transduction pathways in the mitochondria are used to maintain the balance of ROS. However, when these mechanisms fail to regulate ROS properly, it causes oxidative damage and can lead to the development of various diseases such as cancer, respiratory, neurodegenerative, and cardiovascular diseases. L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) has been used previously to induce oxidative stress by inhibiting the γ-GCS enzyme used to synthesize glutathione, an antioxidant used to convert ROS to water [3]. BSO reduces glutathione production, thus …

New Force Transducer For Mitral Valve Chordae Tendinea, Joseph Berryman

Biomedical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

In order to inform the future of mitral valve repair and replacement, more investigation into the mechanics of the sub-valvular structure is needed. Understanding the roles of each chord during valve closure requires a sensor capable of detecting these small forces with enough sensitivity to determine the characteristics of each of the chordal types. The focus of the cantilever force transducer is to maximize this sensitivity while also minimizing the invasiveness of the sensor on the overall function of the chord. The design utilizes flexible yet strong 3D printed resin and cantilever arms to improve the strain exerted on a …

Automation, Annunciation, And Emergency Safety Shutdown Of A Laboratory Microgrid Using A Real-Time Automation Controller (Rtac), Do Vo

Master's Theses

Over the last decade, microgrid deployments throughout the world have increased. In 2019, a record number of 546 microgrids were installed in the United States [1]. This trend continues upward to combat extreme weather conditions and power shortages throughout the country. To better equip students with the necessary skillsets and knowledge to advance in the microgrid field, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's Electrical Engineering Department and the Power Energy Institute have invested resources to develop a laboratory microgrid.

This thesis sets to improve the laboratory microgrid's existing automation using the Schweitzer Engineering Laboratory SEL-3530 Real-time Automation Controller (RTAC). The improved …

Potential Improvements For Underwater Sound Speed Measurement Devices, Matthieu Bernier

Honors Scholar Theses

Modern sonar systems rely on fast and accurate measurements of the speed of sound in water. Plenty of measurement devices currently exist which are used to gather sound speed measurements in water. They specifically require accurate temperature measurements, as temperature is the most influential factor which affects sound wave speed. Previous research on sound speed properties, a few different examples of sound speed measurement devices, and examples of different types of temperature measurement devices was used along with new research on salinity equations and properties of sound, ocean water, and various existing measurement devices to suggest possible improvements for sound …

Meta-Network Analysis Of Complex Construction Systems: Improving Project Efficiency Using Novel Computer-Based Analytic Methodology, Ethan Cummiskey

Honors Scholar Theses

The objective of this study is to build upon the framework of a meta-network approach to assessing vulnerabilities in construction projects. By viewing these complex environments as configurations of various nodes and links, it is possible to show the relationship between each entity in the project and the overall completion that is achieved from these connections. To expand upon previous studies, the vulnerabilities measured from this approach will be used to optimize the current network to eliminate any shortcoming in the project model. By investigating the congruence of different agents on the project, resources and informational nodes can be supplied …

Spatial Coherence Of Low-Frequency Unsteadiness Associated With A Normal Shock Wave, Matthew Cox, Phillip M. Ligrani, Kyle Goethals

PRC-Affiliated Research

The present data illustrate a unique analysis approach to explore the physics of shock-wave-flow interactions, based upon correlation and spectral analysis of digitized shadowgraph visualization time-sequence data. As such, demonstration is provided of the use of high resolution, flow visualization data for quantitative correlation and spectral analysis. A shadowgraph system is employed to visualize time-varying, shock wave flow features within the test section of one leg of the transonic/supersonic wind tunnel (which is also referred to as the SS/TS/WT or SuperSonic/TranSonic/WindTunnel), located within the Propulsion Research Center of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Of interest is a flow field …

Spatial Coherence Of Low-Frequency Unsteadiness Associated With A Normal Shock Wave, Matthew Cox, Phillip M. Ligrani, Kyle Goethals

PRC-Affiliated Research

The present data illustrate a unique analysis approach to explore the physics of shock-wave-flow interactions, based upon correlation and spectral analysis of digitized shadowgraph visualization time-sequence data. As such, demonstration is provided of the use of high resolution, flow visualization data for quantitative correlation and spectral analysis. A shadowgraph system is employed to visualize time-varying, shock wave flow features within the test section of one leg of the transonic/supersonic wind tunnel (which is also referred to as the SS/TS/WT or SuperSonic/TranSonic/WindTunnel), located within the Propulsion Research Center of the University of Alabama in Huntsville. Of interest is a flow field …

Integrated Ac To Ac Converters For Single-Phase Input To Two-Phase Output Motor Drives, Yibin Zhang, Damien L. Lawhorn, Peng Han, Dan M. Ionel

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

The single-phase to two-phase converters have become attractive for low-power motor drives due to the full electromagnetic isolation between phases of two-phase motors. One of the commonly used topologies is the ac/dc/ac pulse width modulation (PWM) converter which contains twelve active power semiconductor switches and a common dc link. To minimize the system cost and size for low power applications, an integrated ac/ac converter with a single-phase input and a two-phase output which reduces the switch count to six is proposed in this paper. Additionally, modulation scheme and filters for the proposed converter are developed and modeled in details. In …

Integrated Modular Motor Drives Based On Multiphase Axial-Flux Pm Machines With Fractional-Slot Concentrated Windings, Peng Han, Greg Heins, Yibin Zhang, Dan M. Ionel

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

The integrated motor drive (IMD) concept with possible modularization has attracted much attention in a broad spectrum of applications ranging from low-power general-purpose industrial drives to high-power electric propulsion. This paper presents the feasibility study and performance evaluation of using common axial-flux permanent-magnet (AFPM) machines with fractional-slot concentrated windings in IMDs, with the same diameter and a minimum increase in its axial length. Different winding configurations are compared in terms of the torque/power capability and fault tolerance without changing the winding current rating. The possibility of further torque improvement is discussed from the perspective of making full use of the …

On The Computational Efficiency Of Les And Hybrid Rans-Les Models In Building Aerodynamics, Aly Mousaad Aly, Faiaz Khaled

Faculty Publications

Large-eddy simulation (LES) has proven to offer superior accuracy in regards to predicting surface pressures compared to the Reynolds-averaged Navier Stokes (RANS) models. However, the primary impediment is the high computational cost associated with LES. The authors attempt to investigate the computational cost and accuracy by employing different sub-grid scale (SGS) models in LES and hybrid RANS-LES models. One of the prerequisites of accurate pressure estimations is to ensure a horizontally homogeneous empty computational domain. This study aims to compare the computational competence qualitatively and quantitatively using an empty domain in regards to the ability to maintain horizontal homogeneity. The …

Analysis, Modeling, And Simulation (Ams) Case Studies Of Connected And Automated Vehicle (Cav) Implementations Specific To The South Central Region, Christopher Melson, Jiaqi Ma

Data

Connected and automated vehicles (CAVs) offer potentially transformative and far-reaching impacts to the transportation system. However, realized benefits will be directly tied to how well agencies prepare for these technologies. This report documents efforts that support CAV preparatory actions in Louisiana and includes: (1) conducting a stakeholder survey to inform engagement activities to develop strategic partnerships in CAV deployment and (2) conducting crash analyses for deployment scenarios of CAV-based queue warning systems (QWSs).

An electronic survey was developed and disseminated to 273 Louisiana organizations. The purpose of the survey was to engage these organizations under the context of CAV planning …

Simulation Of Transient Conditions In Vehicle-To-Grid Systems Fed From Plug-In Electric Vehicles, Olapade Oludolapo Olagbemi

Masters Theses

The increasing adoption of plug-in electric vehicles for commercial and consumer needs, coupled with government targets and incentives for use of renewable energy sources and reduction of greenhouse gases [1, pp. 44-45], has led to their consideration as power sources. Such vehicle-to-grid (V2G) systems seek to take advantage of the aggregate energy available within fleets of electric vehicles connected to power grids through bi-directional charging stations, by using them as distributed power sources for load leveling and peak shaving on the power grids [2]. Unfortunately, V2G systems can introduce power quality issues, such as harmonics, with associated transients that pose …

Economic And Ecosystem Impacts Of Gm Maize In South Africa, Kristiina Ala-Kokko

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

White maize in South Africa is the only staple crop produced on a widespread commercial basis for direct human consumption using genetically modified (GM) cultivars. Using a combined economic and environmental approach, we estimate the total welfare benefits attributable to GM white maize in South Africa for 2001-2018 are $694.7 million. Food security benefits attributable to GM white maize in South Africa also manifest through an average of 4.6 million additional white maize rations annually. To achieve these additional annual rations using conventional hybrid maize, the additional land required would range from 1,088 hectares in 2001 to 217,788 hectares in …

Evaluation Of Flared Approach Guardrail Transitions And Mash 2270p Ram Vehicle Model Improvements, Ryan F. Bickhaus

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

The objective of this research study was to use computer simulation to identify the critical flare rate for flaring approach guardrail transitions (AGTs) away from the primary roadway. AGTs installed with a flared configuration result in a length of need (LON) reduction as well as an increase in the clear zone area in front of the barrier, which would reduce both installation cost and crash frequency. The research focused on the determination of the maximum allowable flare rate that could safely be utilized with 31-in. (787-mm) tall thrie-beam AGTs without concrete curbs that utilize the Midwest Guardrail System (MGS) upstream …

Risk And Safety Associated With Hazardous Materials Transport In Rural And Native American Communities: A Case Study Of Thurston County, Nebraska, Sydney James

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Rural counties and Native American Reservations often lack the resources and planning to respond to a hazardous material release which can cause catastrophic results. Many rural counties and Native American Reservations do not have close access to a fire department or medical facility, which would increase response times during a time of crisis. Jurisdiction issues further complicate the matter since Native American Reservations are sovereign nations,.

Thurston County, home to two Native American Reservations, served as a case study to perform a safety analysis for vehicles transporting hazardous material. Stakeholders within the county from tribal, county, and state levels were …

The Health Benefits Of Video Games, Zachary Shanks

Emerging Writers

This paper seeks to evaluate if video games are useful as more than just entertainment.  The research shows that they can be utilized in the educational, medical, and business fields. Video Games have been shown to benefit the physical, emotional, and mental health of players, as well as create more efficient learning and working environments. The article argues that video games are no longer just a source of entertainment, as they are now becoming useful tools in society.

The Future Of Artificial Intelligence, Alex Guerra

Emerging Writers

Whether we like it or not Artificial Intelligence (AI) is coming, and we are not ready for it. AI has unimaginable potential and will revolutionize the world over the next few decades, but with this great potential we are faced with choices that could prove detrimental to humanity. This article examines the challenges AI presents and explores possible solutions to make AI align with human interests.

Use Of 3d-Printed Surgical Spoons Compared To Other Cystotomy Methods In Dogs, Davina D'Angelo

Animal Science Undergraduate Honors Theses

Bladder stones, also known as uroliths, are not an uncommon condition in domestic dogs. To remove these uroliths, which occur in various sizes, shapes, and compositions, veterinarians will perform a surgical procedure called a cystotomy. A cystotomy consists of creating a small incision into the lumen of the urinary bladder and the utilization of various methods to extract the uroliths. For general veterinary practitioners, the laparoscopic-assisted technique is unavailable. As a result, the methods available for urolith extraction are often limited to flushing the stones out by inserting a urinary catheter through the urinary tract and the use of off-label …