Engineering Commons^™

A Singular Paradigm For Understanding The Necessary Skills, Mindsets, And Attitudes Of Effective Schools, Leaders, And Educators In The New Normal Of Today, Jessica Bogunovich, Kimberly Greene, Carlos V. Guzman

School of Education Faculty and Staff Scholarship

It was thus that a Spring Faculty Retreat became a collaborative meeting-of-the minds where experts and expert practitioners in credentialing, mastery practitionership, and leadership examined, deconstructed, and juxtaposed relevant research, expert opinion, and theory. This resulting work culminated in presentations to the entire faculty on recommendations for crucial skills, aptitudes, attitudes, and actions, for Brandman SOE faculty and students (mostly P-12 teachers and administrators) and the greater educational community across the United States. Upon further examination, what emerged was the unexpected identification of a corresponding concept: Reciprocal Altruism (Trivers, 1971). Further exploration of this construct led to the creation of …

Implementation Of An Open-Source Digital Image Correlation Software For Structural Testing, Nicole V. Buck

Master's Theses

This thesis investigates the appropriateness of a simplified, open-source digital image correlation (DIC) software for use in quasi-static, structural testing utilizing two-dimensional (2D) DIC measurements. DIC is a non-contact optical measurement technique that uses computer vision to track unique attributes on the surface of an object. For structural testing, traditional instrumentation such as displacement sensors and strain gages are impractical for full field measurements due their limited ability to capture large amounts of data. However, over the past decade, DIC has proven a successful method for full-field kinematics measurements, making it an appealing tool for collecting high densities of accurate …

Characteristics Of Effective Metropolitan Areawide Public Transit: A Comparison Of European, Canadian, And Australian Case Studies, Michelle Derobertis, Christopher E. Ferrell, Richard W. Lee, John M. Eells

Mineta Transportation Institute

This research project investigates the replicable characteristics, policies, and practices of successful metropolitan areawide public transportation networks that contribute to high usage and make transit an effective competitor to the private motor vehicle. The research method involves the qualitative and quantitative analysis of ten international (non-U.S.) case studies. The principal methods employed were web-based research and data collection, as well as telephone interviews with transit agency staff or regional planners as needed. The case studies were limited to developed western countries with similar metropolitan conditions to those in the United States.

This research focuses on key characteristics of highly effective …

Inkjet-Printed Graphene-Based 1 × 2 Phased Array Antenna, Mahmuda Akter Monne, Peter Mack Grubb, Harold Stern, Harish Subbaraman, Ray T. Chen, Maggie Yihong Chen

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Low-cost and conformal phased array antennas (PAAs) on flexible substrates are of particular interest in many applications. The major deterrents to developing flexible PAA systems are the difficulty in integrating antenna and electronics circuits on the flexible surface, as well as the bendability and oxidation rate of radiating elements and electronics circuits. In this research, graphene ink was developed from graphene flakes and used to inkjet print the radiating element and the active channel of field effect transistors (FETs). Bending and oxidation tests were carried out to validate the application of printed flexible graphene thin films in flexible electronics. An …

A Cathode Support Structure For Use In A Magnetron Oscillator Experiment, Daylon Black, Ryan Harper, Patrick Ward, Jacob Davlin, Omar Bentancourt, Donald Plumlee, Jim Browning

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A Low Temperature Cofired Ceramic (LTCC) material system has been used to develop a protype field emission cathode structure for use in an experimental magnetron oscillator. The structure is designed for used with 30 Gated Field Emission Array (GFEA) die electrically connected through silver metal traces and electrical vias. To approximate a cylinder, the cathode structure (48 mm long and 13.7 mm in diameter) is comprised of 10 faceted plates which cover the GFEA dies. Slits in the facet plates allow electron injection. The GFEA die (3 mm x 8 mm) are placed in axial columns of 3 and spaced …

Fault Diagnosis Of Reverse Osmosis Water Desalination Based On Optimized Support Vector Machine, Zhang Biao, Jianfeng Xing, Zhicheng Ji

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: According to the reverse osmosis membrane fault problems in reverse osmosis water desalination system, a fault diagnosis method based on support vector machine (SVM) was introduced for fault diagnoses. To solve the problem of parameter optimization in SVM, an improved chaos particle swarm algorithm was proposed. The introduction of Chaos theory to particle swarm optimization algorithm may not only enhance the diversity of the population and particle global search ability, but also improve the convergence speed and accuracy of the particle swarm algorithm. The optimized SVM model was applied to the fault diagnosis of reverse osmosis water desalination system. …

Research On Modelica-Based Training Simulation System Of Tamper Operations, Xiaobo Peng, Cheng Tao, Feng Ping, Jianming Du

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Tamping operations are trivial and must comply with operation specifications, which requires the training simulation system of tamper operations (TSSTO) have ability to manage its operation process. For this requirement, a TSSTO based on Modelica was developed. The multi-domain physical model of the tamper system, which is responsible for the simulation calculation of the system, was constructed by Modelica. The status model, which manages the operation process, was configured according to operation specifications. The interactive simulation was accomplished through a pipe that operations drive the status model then the status model drives the physical model. The algorithm of interactive …

Lessons Learned From Six Different Structural Health Monitoring Systems On Highway Bridges, Abheetha Peiris, Charlie Sun, Issam E. Harik

Kentucky Transportation Center Faculty and Researcher Publications

Structural health monitoring has been utilized in numerous ways to investigate the performance and integrity of highway bridges. This paper highlights the use of six structural health monitoring systems, which were deployed to monitor distinct behaviors on six bridges in Kentucky. The structural health monitoring systems are as follows: (1) Over-height truck impact detection and monitoring on the I-64 over US 60 bridge, (2) Barge impact detection and monitoring on northbound US 41 over the Ohio River, (3) effectiveness of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer retrofit evaluation based on prestressed concrete I-girder crack movement on the I-65 elevated expressway in Louisville, (4) …

Research Method For Integrating Subjective And Objective Information In Evaluating Quality Level Of Journals, Zhang Quan, Wen Xin, Liping Yu, Jia Wei

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The evaluation of the quality level of academic journals was investigated. In order to overcome the drawbacks of current methods which made uses of only the subjective evaluation information or the objective information on the journals, a comprehensive evaluation method was proposed for integrating both the decision makers' subjective information and the objective information. The decision makers' subjective evaluation information was expressed in some grade, grade interval, or a fuzzy set over a grade evaluation set. The objective information of journals was reflected by the numerical attributes, such as, the total citation frequency, impact factor and immediacy …

Emerging Gene-Editing Modalities For Osteoarthritis, Alekya S. Tanikella, Makenna J. Hardy, Stephanie M. Frahs, Aidan G. Cormier, Kalin D. Gibbons, Clare K. Fitzpatrick, Julia Thom Oxford

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a pathological degenerative condition of the joints that is widely prevalent worldwide, resulting in significant pain, disability, and impaired quality of life. The diverse etiology and pathogenesis of OA can explain the paucity of viable preventive and disease-modifying strategies to counter it. Advances in genome-editing techniques may improve disease-modifying solutions by addressing inherited predisposing risk factors and the activity of inflammatory modulators. Recent progress on technologies such as CRISPR/Cas9 and cell-based genome-editing therapies targeting the genetic and epigenetic alternations in OA offer promising avenues for early diagnosis and the development of personalized therapies. The purpose of this …

Sharing And Organizing Research Products As R Packages, Matti Vuorre, Matthew J. C. Crump

Publications and Research

A consensus on the importance of open data and reproducible code is emerging. How should data and code be shared to maximize the key desiderata of reproducibility, permanence, and accessibility? Research assets should be stored persistently in formats that are not software restrictive, and documented so that others can reproduce and extend the required computations. The sharing method should be easy to adopt by already busy researchers. We suggest the R package standard as a solution for creating, curating, and communicating research assets. The R package standard, with extensions discussed herein, provides a format for assets and metadata that satisfies …

Nonlinear Optical Measurements Of Cdsip2 At Near And Mid-Infrared Wavelengths, Manuel R. Ferdinandus, Jamie J. Gengler, Kent L. Averett, Kevin T. Zawilski, Peter G. Schunemann, Carl M. Liebig

Faculty Publications

We measure the birefringence of the nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of cadmium silicon phosphide via the Z-scan technique at near and mid-infrared wavelengths. We discuss the implications of the NLO properties on optical parametric amplifier performance. We find that the nonlinear absorption does reduce the conversion efficiency, while the nonlinear refraction has a negligible effect.

Cost Analysis Of Optimized Islanded Energy Systems In A Dispersed Air Base Conflict, Jay F. Pearson, Torrey J. Wagner, Justin D. Delorit

Faculty Publications

The United States Air Force has implemented a dispersed air base strategy to enhance mission effectiveness for near-peer conflicts. Asset dispersal places many smaller bases across a wide geographic area, which increases resupply requirements and logistical complexity. Hybrid energy systems reduce resupply requirements through sustainable, off-grid energy production. This paper presents a novel hybrid energy renewable delivery system (HERDS) model capable of (1) selecting the optimal hybrid energy system design that meets demand at the lowest net present cost and (2) optimizing the delivery of the selected system using existing Air Force cargo aircraft. The novelty of the model’s capabilities …

Gradient-Based Optimization Of Solar-Regenerative High-Altitude Long-Endurance Aircraft, Taylor Mcdonnell, Andrew Ning

Faculty Publications

This paper uses gradient-based optimization to minimize the mass of a solar-regenerative high-altitude long-endurance (SR-HALE) flying-wing aircraft while accounting for nonlinear aeroelastic effects. The aircraft is designed to fly year round at 35° latitude at 18 km above sea level and subjected to energy capture, energy storage, material failure, local buckling, stall, longitudinal stability, and coupled flight and aeroelastic stability constraints. The optimized aircraft has an aspect ratio of 54.52, a surface area of 73.56 m2 , a mass of 349.5 kg, exhibits little aeroelastic deflection at the design airspeed, and is primarily stability constrained. Several parameter sweeps are performed …

Identifying Challenges To Project Outcomes From A Transportation Project Owner Perspective, Evan D. Bingham, Clifton B. Farnsworth, Rebecca O. Warr, James P. Smith

The Professional Constructor

Transportation project owners are often concerned with the risks associated with construction, because these challenges can directly affect project outcomes and often lead to increased time and cost for projects. It is, therefore, vital to identify challenges early within the project life cycle. Transportation project delivery has evolved to strengthen the influence that the owner has upon the project, transitioning away from the exclusive use of traditional Design-Bid-Build to the more innovative and involved approaches of Design-Build and Construction Manager / General Contractor. Unfortunately, this has resulted in increased owner risk. In this research, transportation project owners were asked to …

A Culture-Based Analysis Of Construction Management Students’ Conflict Management Styles, David W. Martin

The Professional Constructor

The use of collaborative project delivery systems in the construction industry requires cooperation and shared management of the construction process to achieve success. This growth in collaborative systems requires project representatives to effectively manage conflict. Project failures utilizing collaborative methods are frequently attributed to an inability of project representatives to collaboratively resolve conflict. Research suggests that minorities are prone to use a collaborative conflict management style and the inclusion of minorities in construction management (CM) roles can reduce negative conflict. The growing evidence that increasing workforce diversity in CM is beneficial to the industry indicates that there is value in …

Role Of Infrastructure In The Success Of Residential Developments In Michigan, Aditi Hardekar, M.G. Matt Syal

The Professional Constructor

Infrastructure systems are critical for the success of a residential development. These systems include the infrastructure within and around the development as well as facilities and amenities in the surrounding area. Most of the residential development literature tend to focus on the planning, layout, social aspects, and the residential units itself, but lack emphasis on the infrastructure systems. This paper identified supporting infrastructure for residential developments based on the review of research and industry literature, and several case studies nationwide. The availability and absence of infrastructure systems were investigated in each case study. The review led to the identification of …

Analyzing The Safety Effects Of Edge Lane Roads For All Road Users, Marcial F. Lamera

Master's Theses

This thesis acts as one of the first studies that analyzes the safety effects of Edge Lane Roads (ELR) for all road users. This is important since ELRs can be a solution to many issues, such as alleviating congestion, increasing multimodality along roadways, and reducing maintenance costs. ELRs in both North America and Australia were observed. Starting with the North American ELRs, the following study designs were employed to estimate the safety of ELRs: (a) yoked comparison where each ELR installation was matched with at least two comparable 2-lane roads to serve as comparison sites and (b) an Empirical Bayes …

Exploration And Comparison Of Image-Based Techniques For Strawberry Detection, Yongxin Liu

Master's Theses

Strawberry is an important cash crop in California, and its supply accounts for 80% of the US market [2]. However, in current practice, strawberries are picked manually, which is very labor-intensive and time-consuming. In addition, the farmers need to hire an appropriate number of laborers to harvest the berries based on the estimated volume. When overestimating the yield, it will cause a waste of human resources, while underestimating the yield will cause the loss of the strawberry harvest [3]. Therefore, accurately estimating harvest volume in the field is important to farmers. This paper focuses on an image-based solution to detect …

Crash Data Analysis Tool: Research Report + User Guide, Eric R. Green, Paul Ross

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This manual describes the Crash Data Analysis Tool (CDAT), which can be used by KYTC staff and the agency’s work partners to securely access crash datasets. CDAT users can query and download data using flags stored during post-processing. Unlike KyOPS, however, CDAT’s location data are validated using geographic coordinates and several of county, route, and milepoint fields to ensure crashes are properly geocoded. CDAT grants access to data and information that can be used in conjunction with KYTC’s Data Driven Safety Analysis (DDSA) Implementation Guide to conduct highway safety analysis numerous KYTC processes. Historically, the Cabinet’s Division of Traffic Operations …

Dairy Manure Flushwater Treatment By Algae Raceway Ponds And Aerated Biofilm Reactors, Darin Son

Master's Theses

Nitrogen removal technologies can help dairy industries meet their nutrient management needs. This thesis investigated two separate treatment technologies for total ammonia nitrogen (TAN) removal: algae raceway ponds and aerated biofilm reactors. Six 1000- liter algae raceway ponds and four 1000-liter tote tanks, each equipped with 10 sheets of nonwoven geotextile (i.e., thermally bonded or needle-punched) biofilm substrate, were used to treat the effluent from a flush dairy in central coastal California (TAN = 251 mg/L, cBOD5 = 204 mg/L). For the algae raceway ponds (TAN loading rate = 7 - 35 g/m³-day among 7-, 10- and 14-day hydraulic residence …

Development Of Zeolitic Imidazolate Frameworks For Enhancing Post-Combustion Co2 Capture, Dustin Lee

Master's Theses

Post-combustion CO₂ capture is a promising approach for complementing other strategies to mitigate climate change. Liquid absorption is currently used to capture CO₂ from post-combustion flue gases. However, the high energy cost required to regenerate the liquid absorbents is a major drawback for this process. As a result, solid sorbents have been investigated extensively in recent years as alternative media to capture CO₂ from flue gases. For example, metal organic frameworks (MOFs) are nanoporous materials that have high surface areas, large pore volumes, and flexible designs. A large number of MOFs, however, suffer from 1) low CO …

Biomanufacturing Organized Collagen-Based Microfibers As A Tissue Engineered Device (Tend) For Tendon Regeneration, Yas Maghdouri-White, Nardos Sori, Stella Petrova, Hilary Wriggers, Nathan Kemper, Amrita Dasgupta, Kelly Coughenour, Seth Polk, Nick Thayer, Mario Rodriguez, Bill Simon, Anna Bulysheva, Kevin Bonner,, Steven Arnoczky, Samuel Adams, Michael Francis

Bioelectrics Publications

Approximately 800,000 surgical repairs are performed annually in the U.S. for debilitating injuries to ligaments and tendons of the foot, ankle, knee, wrist, elbow and shoulder, presenting a significant healthcare burden. To overcome current treatment shortcomings and advance the treatment of tendon and ligament injuries, we have developed a novel electrospun Tissue ENgineered Device (TEND), comprised of type I collagen and poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) solubilized in a benign solvent, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). TEND fiber alignment, diameter and porosity were engineered to enhance cell infiltration leading to promote tissue integration and functional remodeling while providing biomechanical stability. TEND rapidly adsorbs …

The Effect Of High Efficiency Building Technologies And Pv Generation On The Energy Profiles For Typical Us Residences, Evan S. Jones, Rosemary E. Alden, Huangjie Gong, Andrew G. Frye, Donald G. Colliver, Dan M. Ionel

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

The penetrations of high efficiency technologies and photovoltaic (PV) generation are increasing in the residential sector. Technologies such as improved insulation and efficient HVAC systems significantly affect the energy profile of a house. This effect varies due to climate characteristics, i.e. temperature, solar radiation, relative humidity, and wind speeds. The effect of other technologies, such as efficient water heaters, lighting, or kitchen appliances, is mainly governed by human behavior, which may be represented by a schedule. This paper studies the performance of both climate-influenced and scheduled household devices among different levels of efficiency through combined computational and experimental methods. Three …

On The Feasibility Of Electrification For Large Mobile Cranes, Donovin Lewis, Damien Lawhorn, Dan M. Ionel

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

Trends towards vehicle electrification to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and increase drive train efficiency have led vehicle manufacturers to seek out paths towards gradual hybridization. For heavy duty construction vehicles, electrification consists of two principle components: electric hybridization of the vehicle carrier and the vehicle's auxiliary function. Economic and physical feasibility for the transition to electrical replacements for critical system components is important for the gradual development of electrified systems. In this paper, we present an investigation into multiple pathways for the hybridization of mobile cranes paired with simulations that analyze the feasibility of system electrification. ADVISOR was used …

Trainer Appropriation And Transfer Of A New Prevention Approach In Material Handling Based On Action Principles, Denys Denis, Maud Gonella, Marie Comeau, Martin Lauzier

Rapports de recherche scientifique

Mise en contexte et objectif

Prenant acte du constat d’échec des formations à la manutention axées sur l’enseignement exclusif de la technique sécuritaire « dos droit – genoux fléchis », une nouvelle approche d’intervention dite « stratégie intégrée de prévention en manutention » (SIPM) a été proposée en 2011. Son originalité repose, entre autres, sur l’utilisation de neuf principes d’action permettant de comprendre et de commenter la richesse des techniques de manutention utilisées naturellement par les manutentionnaires dans leur milieu de travail. L’étude a pour objectif central d’évaluer l’appropriation et le transfert de la SIPM par un groupe d’intervenants formés …

Developing An Open-Source Lightweight Game Engine With Dnn Support, Haechan Park, Nakhoon Baek

Faculty Publications

With the growth of artificial intelligence and deep learning technology, we have many active research works to apply the related techniques in various fields. To test and apply the latest machine learning techniques in gaming, it will be very useful to have a light-weight game engine for quick prototyping. Our game engine is implemented in a cost-effective way, in comparison to well-known commercial proprietary game engines, by utilizing open source products. Due to its simple internal architecture, our game engine is especially beneficial for modifying and reviewing the new functions through quick and repetitive tests. In addition, the game engine …

Longer Service Life Bridge Coatings, Danny Wells, Theodore Hopwood, Bobby Meade, Sudhir Palle

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) has maintenance oversight responsibilities for approximately 1,100 steel bridges; it also helps local governments and other entities with maintenance painting on other steel bridges. Because maintaining steel bridges is costly, Cabinet officials asked Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) researchers to identify materials and methods that will prolong their service lives. Steel bridges are uniquely vulnerable to deterioration resulting from exposure to atmospheric conditions (e.g. moisture, ultraviolet rays) and chlorides, the latter due to the application of deicing materials. This study examines two strategies for extending service lives. First, it appraises a novel method of hot dip …

Review On The Suppression Of Zn Dendrite For High Performance Of Zn Ion Battery, Jufni Abdulla, Jin Cao, Panyawat Wangyao, Jiaqian Qin

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Researchers are paying more attention to the environmentally friendly and low-cost energy storage devices, due to the environmental issues and energy crisis caused by current commercial energy storage technologies. Zinc ion battery (ZIB) is one of the new, environment-friendly and low-cost energy storage technologies, which is the most promising alternative technology to replace the lithium ion battery applications. However, one of the challenges-dendrite growths during cycling of Zn anode is still limited its practical applications. In this review, the recent progress on suppression of Zn dendrite in various electrode design, electrolyte additives, and separator modifications for ZIBs is summarized.

Influence Of Cnts Addition On Structural And Superconducting Properties Of Mechanically Alloyed Mgb2, Sigitdwi Yudanto, Yulia Puspa Dewi, Perdamean Sebayang, Septian Adichandra, Agung Imaduddin, Budhy Kurniawan, Azwar Manaf

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The result of adding carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to the lattice parameters, critical temperature and electrical resistivity of the MgB2 superconductors is reported.Structurally, the addition of CNTs was found to decrease the a-lattice from 3.086 Å of CNTs free sample to 3.078 Å and 3.074 Å of 5% and 10% CNTs added samples due to a substitution of C at the B site which presence in the form of Mg(B1-xCx)2 main phase. The doping level x of CNTs added samples were 2.25 at% and 3.75 at% respectively. The unreacted CNTs presence as the second phase and further acting as the suppression …