Engineering Commons^™

Adaptive Deep Learning In Physical Layer Applications, Ali Owfi

All Dissertations

Traditionally, signal processing models in communication systems have been designed based on solid foundations in statistics and information theory, often assuming linearity and optimizing for simplified models. However, real-world communication systems exhibit numerous imperfections and non-linearities that traditional linear models struggle to capture accurately. Deep Learning (DL)-based approaches, unconstrained by rigid mathematical models, have shown promise in optimizing system performance by accommodating specific hardware configurations and dynamic channel conditions as an alternative to the traditional methods. Despite all the recent research efforts on DL-based methods for physical layer applications, DL models have still not been widely applied to physical layer …

Friction And Texture Evaluation Of Asphalt-Based Binders As Alternatives To Epoxy-Based High-Friction Surface Treatments, Alireza Roshan, Magdy Abdelrahman

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High-friction surface treatment (HFST) is a safety-focused pavement treatment that restores and maintains pavement friction to reduce road accidents. Traditional epoxy-based HFSTs, while widely used, face challenges such as high costs, potential compatibility issues with the substrate pavement, and long-term durability under specific conditions. This study investigates asphalt-based alternative HFST, which is compatible with various pavement types and cost-effective and versatile solutions for a wider range of pavement applications. Performance and friction testing, including the British pendulum test, British wheel test, and dynamic friction test, were performed to examine the coefficient of friction (COF) before and after polishing with a …

Using Noninvasive Calibrated Cuff Plethysmography To Observe The Effects Of Lifestyle Habits On Arterial Compliance, Joshua M. Whitaker

Master's Theses

Cardiovascular disease remains as a leading cause of death for both sexes and across all racial backgrounds. Continuing to research causes, early predictors, and preventative actions are paramount to ensuring that cardiovascular disease starts to decrease in its activity. Endothelial dysfunction is the earliest known predictor of cardiovascular disease, therefore investigating early detection methods of endothelial dysfunction can improve health outcomes. This study revolves around a non-invasive calibrated cuff device that uses the principles of segmental plethysmography and oscilliometry to measure arterial compliance of baseline and induced hyperemic conditions in human subjects to determine how well arteries vasodilate in response …

Investigating The Correlation And Synergy Of Artificial Intelligence Techniques, Construction Technologies, And Their Key Benefits, Fareed Salih, Islam H. El-Adaway

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Despite its reputation as one of the least digitized sectors, the construction industry increasingly adopts artificial intelligence (AI) and construction technologies. However, previous research has not adequately explored the benefits of AI techniques and construction technologies nor the correlations between them. This study aims to fill this knowledge gap. To this end, the authors used a multistep research methodology. First, a systematic literature review of studies published between 1985 and 2022 was conducted to identify AI techniques and construction technologies. Second, content and frequency analysis were performed to determine the benefits associated with AI and technology adoption. Finally, a survey …

Draft Genome Sequences Of Four Phosphate-Solubilizing Microbes Of The Family Burkholderiaceae Isolated From Tailings From The Former Pea Ridge Mine In Washington County, Mo, Usa, Prince Oppong Amoh, Abiodun E. Idowu, Elizabeth R. Grube, Melanie R. Mormile, Hunter W. Schroer

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

We present draft genome sequences of four Gram-negative phosphate-solubilizing microbes isolated from Pea Ridge Mine tailings in Missouri, USA. Belonging to the family Burkholderiaceae, these isolates exhibit a phosphate-mineral-dissolving phenotype in liquid and solid cultures. Genome sizes span 5.6–9.7 Mb, with GC contents of 61.6%–67.0%.

Mechanics Post-Tavr For Trileaflet Vs Bicuspid Aortic Valves: Insights From Computational Simulation, Breandan B. Yeats, Aniket Venkatesh, Sri Krishna Sivakumar, Hoda Hatoum, Milad Samaee, Venkateshwar Polsani, Et. Al.

Michigan Tech Publications

Background: Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) disease is the most common congenital heart defect and is associated with elliptical openings and excess calcification. Limited data are available on long-term efficacy of transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) for BAV patients.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to compare simulated mechanical metrics post-TAVR between BAV and trileaflet patients with calcific aortic stenosis.

Methods: Pre-TAVR computed tomography scans of trileaflet (n = 22) and BAV (n = 25) were used to segment the aortic valve. Simulated balloon-expandable stent deployment was performed from a previously developed protocol. The bioprosthetic leaflets were then pressurized under …

Evaluating The Preparedness Of Local Zoning Regulations For Flood Risk Reduction In The Most Affected Local Jurisdictions In Nebraska, Md Asaduzzaman Noor

Community and Regional Planning Program: Theses

Flooding has profound social, economic, and environmental impacts on local communities, and zoning plays a critical role in mitigating these risks. The 2019 Nebraska floods, among the most severe in the state’s history, highlighted the urgent need to strengthen local preparedness and mitigation strategies. This study assesses the extent to which local zoning regulations in Nebraska’s most affected jurisdiction, including rural areas, address flood risk reduction. A systematic review of 117 zoning ordinances from counties, cities, towns, and villages, we applied a structured analytical framework encompassing regulatory and permitting policies, voluntary and incentive-based measures, and nature-based solutions. The results show …

Platforming For Circuit Education, Grady Oliver Schneider

Computer Engineering

The purpose of this project was to provide an alternative for students being introduced to resistive circuits. As a freshman in electrical engineering (transferred to computer engineering), I saw the struggles of other freshman to grasp the conceptual basics of circuits. While there’s lots of guides to circuit education, I think many of them fall short of being both engaging and teaching the intuition behind circuits. A lot of the more advanced concepts in circuits depends on the basic intuition of KCL, KVL, and Ohm’s Law. While there’s several basic techniques (such as voltage divider, current divider, and mesh current …

Digital Solutions For Bridging Language Barriers: Designing And Testing An App For Construction Spanish Safety Communication On Construction Jobsites, Adrian Cappella

All Theses

Language barriers between English-speaking supervisors and Spanish-speaking workers create safety risks on U.S. construction jobsites. Hispanic workers face higher injury and fatality rates, with miscommunication being a major contributing factor. Existing translation tools lack the accuracy, cultural context, and jobsite relevance needed for effective safety communication.

In this study a mobile application with construction-specific safety phrases in English and Spanish was designed and field tested. The research included a literature review, phrase collection and validation with industry experts, application development and design with a computer science collaborator, and usability testing with supervisors and workers. Surveys and field trials measured navigation, …

Capillary Imbibition Of Shear-Thinning Xanthan Gum Solutions, Aimee Sayster

All Theses

Capillary rise in confined geometries plays a critical role in numerous natural and industrial processes. While classical models such as the Lucas–Washburn equation accurately describe the dynamics of Newtonian fluids, they fail to capture the complex behavior of shear-thinning, non- Newtonian fluids whose viscosity varies with shear rate. This research investigates the capillary rise dynamics of shear-thinning xanthan gum polymer solutions in capillary tubes. The rheological behavior of each fluid is characterized using the Ellis model, which accounts for shear-thinning effects through three key parameters: zero-shear viscosity μ0, characteristic shear stress τ1/2 and viscosity index α. Experimental data was collected …

Dendrimer Gel Nanoparticles With Dual-Targeting Of Upar And Ribonucleotide Reductase R2 Influence Necrosis, Apoptosis, And Cell Cycle Arrest In Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, Hsin Yin Chuang, Yue-Wern Huang, Hu Yang

Biological Sciences Faculty Research & Creative Works

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options due to the absence of estrogen (ER), progesterone (PR), and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) receptors. We previously developed highly adaptable polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer-based gel nanoparticles (GDP-uPA/GTI) with dual-targeting capabilities against urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) and ribonucleotide reductase R2 (R2) to achieve selective antitumor effects. In this study, we investigated the underlying mechanisms of GDP-uPA/GTI-induced tumor inhibition. In vivo, GDP-uPA/GTI significantly downregulated R2 expression and activated caspase 8 and caspase 3, indicating caspase-dependent apoptosis. Histological evaluation of major organs revealed no observable toxicity. …

Elucidating Differences In Constitutionally Isomeric Diamine- And Bisphenol-Based Polybenzoxazine Networks, Benjamin L. G. Morasch

Dissertations

This dissertation aims to expand the fundamental understanding of diamine-based benzoxazine chemistry by examining how synthesis influences the network properties of 4,4’-ddm and phenol-based (P-ddm) benzoxazine, compared to the constitutionally isomeric bisphenol-F and aniline-based (BF-a) benzoxazine. While bisphenol-based benzoxazines such as BF-a have been studied more extensively, diamine-based benzoxazines are still relatively unexplored due to the competition with the formation of 1,3,5-hexahydrotriazine intermediates and the inconsistent thermal and mechanical properties reported in the literature. These inconsistencies stem from factors including synthetic methods, curing conditions, and degradation during polymerization that have been overlooked.

To address these issues, this dissertation is organized …

Upcycling Commodity Polymers To Advanced Materials For Energy And Environmental Sustainability, Anthony Griffin-Espinoza

Dissertations

Synthetic polymers play an essential role in nearly every aspect of our lives. Extending beyond single-use packaging, polymeric material design has progressed to attain tailorable architectures granting exceptional performance across advanced applications, including carbon-fiber reinforced polymer composites for aerospace, conductive materials for soft electronics, and drug carriers for biomedicine. While highly promising, intricately designed polymers needed to achieve excellent performance often have limited processability, complex synthetic methods, and expensive precursors. Furthermore, due to a lack of recyclability, commodity polymer waste streams result in both environmental impacts and a substantial loss of economic value. This dissertation focuses on developing robust strategies …

Privacy Preserving-Based Artificial Intelligence For Precision Agriculture, Partha P. Sengupta

Dissertations

The research work finds a solution to precision agriculture of cotton cultivation using artificial intelligence (AI) models. Two sets of model performance based on the application are selected namely a low resource and a high resource setting. This is because using drone surveys to capture images identifying the classes of stressed and unstressed cotton plantation requires limited model architecture and CPU based computation. Thus, traditional AI models were selected for low resource settings. Again, for high computation intensive models like transfer learning-convolution neural network (CNN) based architectures were grouped into high resource settings. There was another issue of class imbalance …

Understanding Crystallization Behaviors Of Polyethylene-Derived Vitrimers, Sara Valdez

Dissertations

Polyolefins (POs), particularly polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), are among the most widely utilized polymers globally, valued for their low production costs and favorable mechanical properties stemming from their semicrystalline microstructure. However, their extensive use and improper disposal have raised serious environmental and human health concerns. In response, PO-derived covalent adaptable networks (CANs) have emerged, integrating dynamic chemistries to enable recyclability and sustainable end-of-life strategies. While existing literature has largely focused on novel CAN systems, structure–property relationships, and network rearrangement in relation to thermal transitions (e.g., topological freezing temperature), the influence of network formation on crystallinity and crystallization kinetics remains …

Steel-Concrete Composite Girder Experiments To Isolate Interface Load Transfer Effects On Stud Fatigue Life, Marc Crespi Hromcova

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Metal fatigue resulting from repeated loading is a primary limit state that affects the quantity of headed shear studs required in the composite design of steel bridge girders. While concrete-deck-to-steel-superstructure load transfer is only considered through stud bearing in the American Association of State Highway Transportation Officials (AASHTO) design standards, friction and interface interlocking effects may also contribute. This study aims to experimentally quantify the effect of interface conditions on the fatigue life of headed studs within composite girders. In this study, two full-scale composite girder specimens having the same geometry and material properties are tested with two interface conditions. …

Optimizing Indigenous Timber Short-Gap Crossing Designs By Minimizing Wood Moisture Content, Robert Greenwood

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Reducing moisture content increases wood strength and reduces the weight of timber members. An accurate and efficient method for measuring moisture content is important for the design and construction of indigenous timber short-gap crossings. This study evaluates different methods for measuring moisture content in timber, describes a methodology for developing a representative moisture content value for a timber log, and approaches for quickly drying large timber logs. The results of this thesis will support activities in developing a representative moisture content of a log for structural design purposes and reducing weight for constructability purposes. The approaches discussed were developed considering …

Toward A Better Understanding Of Friction, Adhesion, And Stud Bearing Shear Transfer At The Steel-Concrete Interface Of Composite Bridge Girders, Callie Grace James

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Following curing of the concrete deck, load transfer between the concrete and steel components in a composite bridge girder is possible through three mechanisms: 1) mechanical contact (bearing) between the embedded shear connectors and surrounding cured concrete, 2) adhesion between the cured concrete and steel-section top flange, and 3) friction between the contacting materials Understanding the mechanisms of bearing, adhesion, and friction shear transfer at the steel-concrete interface of composite bridge girders is necessary for efficient proportioning of headed shear connectors (or studs) in design. To better understand the roles that stud bearing, adhesion, and friction play in composite girder …

Computational Fluid Dynamics Based Optimization Method Applied To Hydrokinetic Turbine Devices, Stuart Glenn Fletcher

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents a computational investigation of optimal kinematic operating parameters governing various hydrokinetic turbines (HKT) systems for the use of power generation within river and tidal environments. Two separate studies are performed. The first study investigates optimal cycle parameters for simple and complex kinematic modes governing the motion of oscillating foil energy harvesters (OFEH). An iterative gradient-ascent optimization method is used to search for local efficiency optima based on an initial set of kinematic parameters. To search the operational space for up to eight degrees of freedom (DOF), a maximin space filling condition was implemented to efficiently compute initial …

Validation Studies Of A Dynamic Hybrid Rans-Les Turbulence Modeling Strategy For Cfd Simulation Of Gas Turbine Component Film Cooling, Cole Simmonds

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Computational prediction of the flow physics associated with gas turbine film cooling is important for ensuring effective heat transfer design. These flow fields are highly turbulent and anisotropic, making the accuracy and efficiency of the chosen turbulence model an important aspect of performing high quality computational fluid dynamics (CFD) based analysis. Current industry standard Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) turbulence models such as RANS k-ω SST, while computationally efficient, are subject to relatively high levels of uncertainty in their ability to predict these turbulent flow fields. In contrast, high fidelity methods such as Large Eddy Simulation (LES) are computationally very expensive, while …

Optimal Control Of Human Exercise Using An Individualized Physiological Three-Tank Model And Dynamic Programming, Asal Lotfi

All Theses

This thesis develops a physiologically inspired three-tank model of human bioenergetics to describe and optimize fatigue and recovery during exercise. The aerobic, phosphagen, and glycogen systems are modeled as coupled reservoirs whose states constrain instantaneous power output. Building on this representation, dynamic programming is used to compute pacing strategies that respect physiological limits while maximizing task-specific goals such as peak power or total work over a fixed duration, enabling individualized, goal-driven exercise prescriptions. The three-tank dynamics are formulated in continuous time and then discretized under a zero-order-hold assumption for simulation and optimal control. Model parameters are linked to standard field …

Dynamic Modeling And Simulation Of A Power Generation Steam Rankine Cycle For A Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactor Nuclear Power Plant, William R. Ton

Master's Theses

Nuclear Fluoride Salt-Cooled High-Temperature Reactors (FHRs) have the potential to greatly improve nuclear technology in terms of safety and cost. By combining molten salt coolant technology from the Molten Salt Reactor (MSR) and TRISO fuel technology from the Very High Temperature Gas Reactor (VHTR), FHRs may operate at significantly lower pressures than Light Water Reactors (LWRs) and with a more robust fuel source that is excellent at containing fission products. However, as no FHR has been built, there are still many design questions to address. This thesis uses transient computer modeling and simulation to investigate how an FHR could potentially …

Reverse Design Of Solid Rocket Grain Geometry, Yechan Kang

Master's Theses

The reverse design of solid rocket motors remains a challenging process due to the nonlinear relationship between the grain geometry and the internal ballistics. The reverse design process involves obtaining an optimal grain geometry given a target performance curve set by mission requirements, which is the inverse problem of the forward design. The purpose of this study is to assess the validity and implementation of neural network and simulated annealing algorithms to perform the reverse design process. A modified phase field model of the eikonal equation is derived to simulate the evolution of combustion surfaces over time, enabling burn back …

Using Scenario-Based Design Activities To Explore Sociotechnical Thinking In Engineering Professionals, James M. Whealan

Master's Theses

Sociotechnical thinking is the ability to recognize the interconnectedness of both technical and non-technical dimensions such as environmental, economic, social, cultural, and political factors. Although traditional engineering curriculum often emphasizes technical knowledge and skills, research suggests that engineering work is inherently sociotechnical. While sociotechnical thinking is a critical engineering skill, relatively little is understood about the nature of it or the different aspects comprised within it. To that end, this study addresses the following research question: What sociotechnical factors do engineering professionals consider in a collaborative scenario-based design activity? To answer this question, we conducted a qualitative study of engineering …

Hallucination Techniques For Self-Supervised Synthetic Datasets For Mobile Robots, Wyatt D. Colburn

Master's Theses

Classical techniques in autonomous navigation struggle in tightly constrained spaces. Machine learning has been shown to perform better in these difficult environments but most techniques require large amounts of navigation experience for training. Using a new machine learning paradigm learning from hallucination (LfH), training data can be collected in a safe environment and not require supervision. Data is collected in real time while an agent performs a random walk in free space, supervision is not required as there are no obstacles for the robot to run into. After a random walk a post processing pipeline will hallucinate a safety corridor …

Time-Domain Symmetrical Components For Detection And Analysis Of Unbalanced Faults In Three-Phase Systems, Ryan Pospichal

Master's Theses

Unbalanced faults in three-phase power systems degrade performance, increase losses, and threaten equipment reliability. Traditional frequency-domain approaches using phasor analysis and symmetrical components offer valuable steady-state insights but respond too slowly for transient or rapidly changing conditions. This thesis investigates time-domain symmetrical components (ISCs) as a faster, physically interpretable method for detecting and analyzing unbalanced faults directly from instantaneous voltages and currents. Two ISC computation techniques were developed and compared: a polar-form method, applying one-third and two-thirds cycle time delays, and a rectangular-form method, which achieves equivalent phase shifts using only a quarter-cycle delay. Simulations in Microsoft Excel verified both …

Development Of A Kytc Highway Geometric Design Workshop, Jill Asher, Jeff Jasper, Travis Thompson, Chris Van Dyke

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In-depth knowledge of geometric design principles is a prerequisite for delivering road projects that provide safe and efficient multimodal mobility for all users. Historically, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) early-career design staff arrived at the agency with little design experience. The agency has relied on a combination of short courses and mentorship provided by experienced personnel to bring early-career design staff up to speed on design best practices. However, this approach to training carries limitations. Employee turnover and imposing workloads make it challenging for early- and even mid-career design professionals to receive guidance from seasoned designers who have long tenures at …

The Importance Of Leader-Member Exchange And Psychological Contracts In Highly Qualified Researchers, Robin L. Ingerick Dba

Theses & Dissertations

This study examined the significance of the relationship between leader-member exchange (LMX) and psychological contracts in United States-based research organizations. When the organization-manager-employee relationship deteriorates, psychological contract breaches can occur, negatively affecting employee outcomes and the organization's financial success and stability. Existing knowledge highlights several factors that influence relationships, including reciprocated treatment, work behaviors and reactions, trust, professional respect, affect, mutual interaction, work autonomy, communication, job satisfaction, and fulfillment. The study sought to determine to what extent is there a predictive relationship between LMX and psychological contracts (employee obligations, employer obligations, fulfillment, and contract transitions) of highly qualified United States-based …

Effects Of Wc Additions On The Phase Formation Of (Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)C-(Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)B2 High Entropy Dual Phase Ceramics, Rubia Hassan, William G. Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High entropy dual phase (Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)C-(Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)B2 ultra-high temperature ceramics were produced from powders synthesized by boro-carbothermal reduction. Systematic additions of 2.5 wt%, 5 wt%, and 10 wt% WC were incorporated after powder synthesis. Additions of 2.5 wt% and 5 wt% WC dissolved into the host ceramics, resulting in complete solid solution formation and nearly full densification. In contrast, a secondary monoboride phase evolved for the composition with 10 wt% WC, in addition to the main high entropy carbide and diboride phases. Thermodynamic analysis revealed that WB formation was favorable for WC additions in the presence of metal diborides at the sintering …

Thermal Properties Of High Entropy Dual Phase (Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr,)C-(Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)B2 Ceramics: Comparison With The High Entropy Single-Phase Ceramics And The Effect Of Wc Additions, Rubia Hassan, William G. Fahrenholtz, Gregory E. Hilmas

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The heat capacity, thermal diffusivity and thermal conductivity of (Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)C-(Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)B₂ high entropy dual phase ceramics were evaluated from room temperature to 1800 °C and compared with the constituent high entropy single phase ceramics of the same nominal compositions. Thermal conductivity of the (Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)C-(Hf,Nb,Ta,Ti,Zr)B₂ dual phase ceramic increased from 17.7 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at room temperature to 54 W m⁻¹ K⁻¹ at 1800 °C. The addition of WC to the dual phase ceramic reduced its thermal conductivity. For the addition of 5 wt% WC, room temperature thermal conductivity was 16.8 W m⁻¹ K^{−1 …}