Engineering Commons^™

Turbulence Modulation In Particle-Laden Stationary Homogeneous Isotropic Turbulence Using One-Dimensional Turbulence, Marco Fistler, Alan Kerstein, David O. Lignell, Michael Oevermann

Faculty Publications

Turbulence modulation in particle-laden stationary homogeneous isotropic turbulence is investigated using one-dimensional turbulence (ODT), a low-dimensional stochastic flow simulation model. For this purpose, ODT is extended in two ways. First, a forcing scheme that maintains statistical stationarity is introduced. Unlike direct numerical simulation (DNS) of forced turbulence, the ODT framework accommodates forcing that is not directly coupled to the momentum equation. For given forcing the ODT energy dissipation rate is therefore the same in particle-laden cases as in the corresponding single-phase reference case. Second, previously implemented one-way-coupled particle phenomenology is extended to two-way coupling using the general ODT methodology for …

Evaluation And Update Of Mash Test Vehicles, Kellon B. Ronspies

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

The Manual for Assessing Safety Hardware (MASH) requires full-scale crash testing of roadside features using worst practical impact conditions. Vehicle selection for full-scale crash testing is intended to be representative of the contemporary passenger vehicle fleet. Researchers at the Midwest Roadside Safety Facility (MwRSF) investigated attributes of passenger vehicle sales to determine if the vehicle selection criteria shown in MASH should be revised to accommodate changes in the vehicle fleet. A methodology was considered to affordably re-analyze the vehicle fleet when necessary to ensure MASH vehicle selection criteria are reflective of vehicles currently on roadways.

Representative vehicles were documented using …

Direct Carbon Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Jiang Liu, Xiao-Min Yan

Journal of Electrochemistry

Carbon is richly reserved in coal, biomasses, and many other nature resources. It is usually used as an energy source through oxygen oxidation reaction. The oxidation is generally realized through combustion which causes serious air pollution. Besides, the conversion efficiency of generating electricity through the combustion process is limited by Carnot efficiency. A direct carbon solid oxide fuel cell (DC-SOFC) is a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) directly operated with solid carbon as the fuel. It can convert the chemical energy of carbon into electricity with high efficiency. The concentration of produced CO₂ from a DC-SOFC is so high …

Research Progress In Ethane Dehydrogenation To Cogenerate Power And Value-Added Chemicals In Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Yun Fan, Qi Wang, Jun Li, Jing-Li Luo, Xian-Zhu Fu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Increasing supplies of methane/shale gas have promoted global development of higher value chemicals such as ethylene production by ethane, which dramatically changes the markets of petrochemical industry. Clean and efficient transformation of ethane into higher value chemicals has far-reaching significance. Ethylene production through ethane steam cracking is a relatively matured technology for industrial production. However, the process consumes large amounts of energy and the presence of carbon deposition becomes a serious problem which is difficult to be solved. The cogenerated energy-chemicals solid oxide fuel cells have been widely studied because fuel gas can be converted into high-value chemicals via spontaneous …

Development Status And Prospects Of Hydrogen Production By High Temperature Solid Oxide Electrolysis, Wen-Qiang Zhang, Bo Yu

Journal of Electrochemistry

Solid oxide electrolysis cell is an advanced energy conversion device with high efficiency, simplicity, flexibility, and environmental friendliness. It is currently a research hotspot in the international energy field. This paper introduces and analyzes the basic principles, key materials, system components and developments of solid oxidation electrolysis cells. Furthermore, the recent research progresses, challenges and future development directions in solid oxidation electrolysis cells in the field of high-efficiency hydrogen production are summarized and outlined.

Materials, Micro-Stacks And Related Applications Of Single-Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Zhe Lv, Bo Wei, Zhi-Hong Wang, Yan-Ting Tian

Journal of Electrochemistry

Single-chamber solid oxide fuel cell (SC-SOFC) is a special type of fuel cells, in which both an anode and a cathode are placed in one chamber. Its working principle relies on the selective catalytic activity of the electrodes towards fuel and oxidant in a gas mixture, leading to the generation of an electromotive force. Because of its unique principle and structure, SC-SOFC has many advantages such as sealing-free, easy stacking, quick start-up and no carbon deposition, thus, it possesses large potential in application. Herein, the principles and characteristics of SC-SOFC are introduced. Furthermore, the SC-SOFC materials, micro-stack design, degeneration mechanisms …

Recent Advances Of Co2 Electrochemical Reduction In Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cells, Yi-Hang Li, Chang-Rong Xia

Journal of Electrochemistry

Solid oxide electrolysis cells (SOECs) have stimulated wide interests for their promising application in the reduction of CO₂ emissions and the storage of renewable energy. Here, the advances made in the development of cathode materials including cermets and perovskite oxides in our research group, are summarized, along with the design of cell configurations. The electrochemical kinetics and performances of cathodes and cells are discussed and analyzed. It is expected that this brief review offers critical insights and useful guidelines for developing superior electrodes and SOECs in the future.

Electrochemical Performance Improvement Of Li2Mno3 Cathode Materials By Mgf2 Coating, Du-Dan Wang, Fei Wang, Huan-Huan Zhai, Yu-Peng Li, Na-Chuan Yang, Kang-Hua Chen

Journal of Electrochemistry

Cathode material Li₂MnO₃ has received more and more attention owing to its high theoretical capacity (459 mAh·g ^-1). However, the low initial coulombic efficiency and the poor cycle stability hamper its practical application in lithium-ion batteries. Herein, we investigated the crystal structure and electrochemical performance of Li₂MnO₃ by introducing MgF₂ coating layer. The results indicated that the conversion of partial layer Li₂MnO₃ to spinel phase induced by MgF₂ coating could reduce the initial irreversible capacity and improve the first cycle efficiency. The initial coulombic efficiencies of the 0.5wt.%, …

Nio@Rgo Supported Palladium And Silver Nanoparticles As Electrocatalysts For Oxygen Reduction Reaction, Shuo Yao, Tai-Zhong Huang, Rizwan Haider, Heng-Yi Fang, Jie-Mei Yu, Zhan-Kun Jiang, Dong Liang, Yue Sun, Xian-Xia Yuan

Journal of Electrochemistry

For pervasive applications of fuel cells, highly efficient and economical materials are required to replace Pt-based catalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). In this study, the NiO@rGO, Pd-NiO@rGO and Ag-NiO@rGO nanoparticles were synthesized, and their catalytic performances toward ORR were investigated. The results revealed that all the three materials were capable of catalyzing ORR, but both the Pd-NiO@rGO and Ag-NiO@rGO showed the better performances compared with the NiO@rGO in terms of the reaction pathway being 4-electron process, the increases of the onset potential and the intermediate yielding rate, as well as the extended stability. Moreover, the effect of Pd modification …

Modeling And Simulation Of Stochastic Neutron And Cumulative Deposited Fission Energy Distributions, Patrick O'Rourke

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

Methods of stochastic neutron transport are investigated and applied to novel formulations for the neutron number distribution and the cumulative fission energy deposition distribution. We utilize two Monte Carlo algorithms: the event-based Monte Carlo (EBMC) method and the Stochastic Simulation Algorithm (SSA) to benchmark and analyze systems. We show that the SSA outperforms the EBMC for the parameter space we are interested in. We then utilize the SSA to analyze systems composed of multiple spherical regions with fast and thermal neutrons with time-dependent reactivity insertions and determine whether group-dependent number distributions approach a gamma distribution. We develop two methods for …

Evaluation Of Low-Cost Depth Cameras For Agricultural Applications, Isabella C.F.S. Condotta, Tami M. Brown-Bandl, Santosh Pitla, John P. Stinn, Késia O. Silva-Miranda

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Low-cost depth-cameras have been used in many agricultural applications with reported advantages of low cost, reliability and speed of measurement. However, some problems were also reported and seem to be technology related, so understanding the limitations of each type of depth camera technology could provide a basis for technology selection and the development of research involving its use. The cameras use one or a combination of two of the three available technologies: structured light, time-of-flight (ToF), and stereoscopy. The objectives were to evaluate these different technologies for depth sensing, including measuring accuracy and repeatability of distance data and measurements at …

Honoring The Class Of 2020, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

You’ve accomplished something extraordinary. By persevering through years of challenging work and training, you have earned one of the most versatile and valuable college degrees. In the last few months, you have shown tremendous agility in navigating an unprecedented public health crisis while completing a rigorous academic program and senior capstone requirements. You overcame this difficult hurdle, demonstrating the highest level of dedication and professionalism and accomplishing what no other class has done before. With your education and skillset from the College of Engineering, you are uniquely qualified to take on what comes next. You will enter an engineering workforce …

Ensemble Malware Classification System Using Deep Neural Networks, Barath Narayanan Narayanan, Venkata Salini Priyamvada Davuluru

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

With the advancement of technology, there is a growing need of classifying malware programs that could potentially harm any computer system and/or smaller devices. In this research, an ensemble classification system comprising convolutional and recurrent neural networks is proposed to distinguish malware programs. Microsoft's Malware Classification Challenge (BIG 2015) dataset with nine distinct classes is utilized for this study. This dataset contains an assembly file and a compiled file for each malware program. Compiled files are visualized as images and are classified using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). Assembly files consist of machine language opcodes that are distinguished among classes using …

Reliability-Calibrated Ann-Based Load And Resistance Factor Load Rating For Steel Girder Bridges, Francisco Garcia

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

This research aimed to develop a supplemental ANN-based tool to support the Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT) in optimizing bridge management investments when choosing between refined modeling, field testing, retrofitting, or bridge replacement. ANNs require an initial investment to collect data and train a network, but offer future benefits of speed and accessibility to engineers utilizing the trained ANN in the future. As the population of rural bridges in the Midwest approaching the end of their design service lives increases, Departments of Transportation are under mounting pressure to balance safety of the traveling public with fiscal constraints. While it is …

Change Of Exposure Time Mid-Test In High Temperature Dic Measurement, Thinh Quang Thai, Adam J. Smith, Robert J. Rowley, Paul R. Gradl, Ryan B. Berke

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Performing digital image correlation (DIC) at extreme temperatures has been greatly challenging due to the radiation which saturates the camera sensor. At such high temperatures, the light intensity emitted from an object is occasionally so powerful that the acquired images are overwhelmingly saturated. This induces data loss, potentially ruining the test, thus requiring the user to restart the test. For this reason, selection of an appropriate camera sensitivity plays a crucial role prior to beginning the test. Exposure time is a factor contributing to camera sensitivity and it is the easiest setting to manipulate during the test since it introduces …

Designing An Adjustable And Transportable Staircase, Allison Currey

Undergraduate Honors Thesis Projects

People climb stairs every day, whether it is at work, a store, or at home; however, there are populations such as people who are elderly, with pathologies, with Parkinson’s disease, or have suffered from a stroke that see climbing the stairs as a challenging task and it decreases their mobility and quality of life. Factors such as muscle weakness, strategy, and balance have been previously investigated in these populations during stair climbing. However, few studies have researched how stair climb ability, balance, and perception of difficulty are influenced by step height. The objective of this thesis is to design a …

Applications Of The Negatively-Charged Silicon Vacancy Color Center In Diamond, Forrest A. Hubert

Optical Science and Engineering ETDs

The spatial resolution and fluorescence signal amplitude in stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy is limited by the photostability of available fluorophores. Here, we show that negatively-charged silicon vacancy (SiV) centers in diamond are promising fluorophores for STED microscopy, owing to their photostable, near-infrared emission and favorable photophysical properties. A home-built pulsed STED microscope was used to image shallow implanted SiV centers in bulk diamond at room temperature. We performed STED microscopy on isolated SiV centers and observed a lateral full-width-at-half-maximum spot size of 89 ± 2 nm, limited by the low available STED laser pulse energy (0.4 nJ). For a …

Characterization Of Uranium Foil Irradiations At The Wsu Triga Reactor Using A New Reactor Model In Scale, Kimberly A. Hinrichs

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

A new reactor model of the Washington State University TRIGA was developed in the SCALE neutron transport code, and its fidelity was verified by comparison to MCNP and available data for several reactor parameters. The model was used to characterize irradiations designed to produce the short-lived actinides ²³⁷U and ²³⁹U, two key isotopes for nuclear forensics. These short-lived actinides, their decay daughters ²³⁷Np and ²³⁹Pu, and total fissions (via ⁹⁹Mo) were measured in irradiated foils at Los Alamos National Laboratory and other labs with good agreement among parent/daughter pairs and among labs. The laboratory-measured isotope …

Key Technology For Rapidly Drilling Large Diameter Destressing-Drillhole In Rockburst Coal Seam, Wei Hongchao, Wang Yi, Wang Bo

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to improve the hole forming rate and construction efficiency of large diameter destressing-drillhole in rockburst mine, based on the analysis of the stress characteristics of coal rock in rockburst coal mine, the dynamic instability characteristics of destressing-drillhole and the construction features, the key points for drilling large diameter destressing-drillhole, the efficient discharge of cuttings and fast drilling/lifting were proposed. Combining with the discharge of cuttings method by dual-power, the technology and equipment for rapidly drilling large diameter destressing-drillhole in rockburst coal seam were formed finally after the design and optimization of key equipment, drilling tools, technology and drilling …

Foam Drilling Technology And Application For Broken Soft Coal Seam In Underground Coal Mine, Ji Qianhui, Dong Mengmeng, Liu Jianlin, Shi Lei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Aiming at the limitation of middle pressure air drilling for gas drainage in soft and broken coal seam, such as limited drill cutting removal capacity, and dust pollution, foam drilling technique research in underground coal mines was carried out. CFD simulation of the flow field during the drilling process was conducted to obtain the optimized drilling tool structure parameters for efficient drill cutting transportation. Optimal structural parameters of wide-blade milled auger drill rod with the number of heads 3, the groove width 26 mm, and the pitch 110 mm were determined. A foam perfusion system suitable for underground coal mining …

Distribution And Resource Prospect Of Metal Ore Spots(Deposits) In Coal Of Different Coal-Forming Ages In Northern China, Ning Shuzheng, Huang Shaoqing, Zhang Li, Huang Wenhui, Cao Daiyong, Yuan Jianjiang, Zhang Jianqiang, Zhu Shifei, Yan Deyu, Liu Kang

Coal Geology & Exploration

In some cases, metals such as germanium, gallium, lithium and rare earth elements can be enriched in coal, which is an important potential source of these metals. There are abundant coal resources in northern China, and a large number of coal-metal ore spots(deposits) have been found, and the distribution of these ore spots(deposits) shows certain temporal and spatial characteristics: Metals in Permo-Carboniferous coal occur mainly as gallium and lithium-enriched ore spots, mainly are distributed in the northern coalfields of North China coal bearing regions and mining areas such as Pingshuo and Jincheng in Shanxi Province; the metal enrichment in Early-Middle …

Causes Of Anomaly Of Rare Earth Elements Of Seam 2 Of Yan’An Formation In The Northern Margin Of Ordos Basin And Its Geological Significance, Yang Yi, Lyu Dawei, Zhang Jianqiang, Wu Dun

Coal Geology & Exploration

The cause of rare earth elements(REE) anomalies in No.2 coal seam of the Yan’an Formation in the northern margin of the Ordos basin has been controversial. This paper takes Dahaize coal mine, Yulin area with well developed No.2 coal as an example to analyze REE, mineralogical characteristics of coal and partings, and to reveal the causes of anomaly of REE by Inductive Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry(ICP-MS) and Scanning Electron Microscopy(SEM). The results show that the total rare earth element(∑REE) concentration in the coal samples ranges from 3.71 to 46.21 μg/g. Light rare earths elements(LREE, La-Eu) are more abundant than heavy …

Influencing Factors Of The Dynamic Permeability Of Cbm Reservoir And Cbm Well Drainage Control Measures, Wang Qing, Yang Fei, Gong Weicheng, Xu Tianxin, Li Yichao

Coal Geology & Exploration

The drainage and production control method has significant impact on the permeability of coalbed methane reservoir. Based on the main control factors of the permeability at different stages of drainage and production of coalbed methane wells, this paper puts forward targeted drainage and production countermeasures with the goal of improving the permeability. When the bottom-hole flow pressure was greater than the original reservoir pressure, the step-down velocity was between 0.08 and 0.1 MPa/d to reduce fracturing fluid and velocity-sensitive damage. When the bottom hole flow pressure was between reservoir pressure and desorption pressure, the pressure could be reduced at a …

Dynamic Evolution Law Of Water Accumulation Range In Coal Mining Subsidence Area With High-Level Groundwater, Chen Xiaoxie, Zhang Wentao, Zhu Xiaojun, Liu Hui, Zhang Min, Sun Aiguo, Yang Xiaoyu

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to study the dynamic evolution law of the water accumulation range with high-level groundwater, the working face 1031 of Wugou coal mine was taken as the research area. Based on Landsat-8 remote sensing data, the evolution law of water accumulation range above working face 1031 during 2013-2017 was summarized and the influence of factors such as net rainfall, groundwater depth and working surface propulsion distance on the evolution of water accumulation range was analyzed. The concept of the boundary angle of the water accumulation range was proposed, and the functional relationship between the angle and the mining time …

Preparation Of Underwater Quick-Set And Expansion Polyurethane Grouting Material And Its Properties, Yang Zhu, Xue Ren, Wang Jun, Lan Zhili

Coal Geology & Exploration

Quick plugging and dynamic grouting technology under complex geologic conditions in mines is a technical problem in the field of grouting and one of the effective solutions is to develop new chemical grouting materials. Based on the reaction principle of polyurethane materials, we carried out the research and development on production formula of polyurethane grouting materials. By analyzing the polyurethane synthesis reaction temperature and the way of adding reagents as well as conducting contrast experiments on various auxiliaries and additives the best formula for the material was determined. It was found that the grouting material prepared by 4% nano silica …

Classification Of Hidden Faults In Coal Seam Floor And Measures For Water Inrush Prevention, Liu Zewei, Liu Qisheng, Liu Yang

Coal Geology & Exploration

The floor hidden faults with mine water bursting coefficient between 0.06 and 0.1 MPa/m have not been classified scientifically in combination with mining. Based on the characteristics of hidden faults in coal seam floor and the vertical relationship between the location of the top interface of the hidden fault and the " Three Underlying Belts", the hidden faults in coal seam floor are classified into three types: high, middle, and low from the perspective of mine water prevention of the floor. Through theoretical analysis and case analysis of water inrush, it is pointed out that the high hidden fault with …

Application Of Mjs Construction Method In Gravel Layer And Pile Forming Difference, Zhang Yan, Tian Zenglin, Cao Haidong, Dang Yakun, Wang Hai, Li Heping, Han Qiang

Coal Geology & Exploration

During the construction of water cutoff curtain in an open-pit coal mine in China, parts of the grouting groove couldnot be constructed due to many obstacles such as overhead high-voltage wire, buried optical cable and buried drainage pipe, and MJS construction method was chosen instead to build the cutoff curtain. The results of MJS pile tests show that the quality of piles formed by this method was obviously different in the construction area of gravel layer on the east and west sides. By the methods of geological exploration, gravity penetration test and pumping test, this paper makes a comparative analysis …

Mineralogical Characteristics And Genesis Of The Illite In Jurassic Coal Of The Jingxi Coalfield, North China, Huang Bo, Zheng Qiming, Shi Songlin

Coal Geology & Exploration

In order to study the indicating effect of illite for coalification and sedimentary environments, the Jurassic coal seam gangue in Jingxi coalfield of North China was taken as the research object. X-ray diffraction(XRD) and X-ray fluorescence(XRF) were used to determine the mineral composition and chemical composition of the gangue sandwiched in the coal seam gangue. The mineralogical characteristics and genesis of illite in the gangue were studied. The results indicated that the intra-seam partings are mainly composed of illite, chlorite and quartz, followed by small amount of calcite and albite. The illite has an average proportion of 62.92%. According to …

Changes Of Petrographic Characteristics And Quality Of Contact-Metamorphosed Coals In The Datong Coalfield, Ma Hongtao, Song Xiaoxia, Li Kaijie, Zhao Jingui, Zhang Tianguang, Liu Jianping

Coal Geology & Exploration

Igneous intrusions in the Datong coalfield caused a considerable amount of contact metamorphosed coal, reducing the industrial value of coal. The effect of a dike in roadway 5222 in Tashan coal mine was determined from analysis of 16 samples collected near the intrusive body. Microscopic and macroscopic observation, proximate and ultimate analysis were used to determine the petrographic characteristics. The results demonstrate that contact-metamorphosed coal experienced significant thermal alteration during intrusive event. Microscopically, various natural coke microstructures, such as mosaic structure, flow structure and pyrolytic carbon were formed under excess heat; instant heating for coals resulted in the elevation of …

Creep Acoustic Emission And Fractal Characteristics Of Coal Rock Under High Temperature Pre-Damage, Shi Hongcai

Coal Geology & Exploration

The thermal damage and triaxial creep acoustic emission experiments of coal samples at different temperatures were carried out to investigate and analyze the mechanical characteristics of coal and rock after high temperature pre-damage. The results show that the thermal damage of coal and rock increases exponentially with the increase of temperature; the brittle-ductile failure characteristics of coal and rock appear at lower temperature(≤200℃) and the accelerated creep characteristics are not obvious; the brittle-brittle failure characteristics of coal and rock appear at higher temperature(＞200℃) and the accelerated creep characteristics are more obvious; the value of steady creep rate is between pre-damage …