Engineering Commons^™

Modeling Flood Risks For Small-Scale Coastal Watershed Across Shared Socioeconomic Pathway Scenarios, Sebastian Loschner

Graduate Theses and Dissertations (2019 - present)

Coastal flooding, driven by the mixture of natural processes and human activities such as precipitation, waves, sea level rise, and urbanization, remains a growing concern. While recent flood-risk studies use IPCC's Shared Socioeconomic Pathways with climate projections to assess future flood exposure, smaller coastal watersheds, < 120,000 acres, remain insufficiently studied. Projected sea level rise is expected to intensify these impacts in smaller systems, potentially causing more severe flooding than reported for larger watersheds. To address this gap, this study used the SRH-2D model integrated with Aquaveo's Surface-water Modeling System to simulate flooding in the lower Fish River basin, Alabama. A coastal watershed sensitive to both riverine and tidal influences. Simulations tested different sea levels based on SSP scenarios corresponding to low, moderate, and high emissions for the years 2050 and 2100. Results indicate that the midcentury scenarios remained even in inundation extent and volume, between 9.9-10.4% compared to the 2020 baseline, the latter scenarios had a wider range in results of between 25.9-50.3% compared to the same baseline. Across scenarios, the most vulnerable and inundated areas of the smaller coastal watershed were the narrow points where upstream flow convene with downstream backwater. These findings highlight the need for futuristic location-specific flood mitigation strategies.

Learning To Accelerate Tightening Of Convex Relaxations Of The Ac Optimal Power Flow Problem, Faith Cengil, Harsha Nagarajan, Russell Bent, Sandra Eksioglu, Burak Eksioglu

Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

We propose a novel machine learning (ML)-based approach to significantly reduce the run times of the optimality-based bound tightening (OBBT) algorithm for strengthening the convex relaxations of the non-convex Alternating Current Optimal Power Flow (AC-OPF) problem. While OBBT can yield near-global solutions via tight convex relaxations, its runtime remains a critical bottleneck on large-scale power grids. Our key contribution is a dynamic policy that selects smaller subsets of voltage magnitude and phase-angle difference variables for sequential bound tightening at every iteration of the OBBT algorithm. This ensures that the bound-tightening process remains adaptive, thereby circumventing the stalling in the optimality …

Wearable Triboelectric Nanogenerators Based Sensors For Human Cardiovascular Monitoring: Progress And Perspectives, Mashrufa Akther, Andrea K. Quezada, Md. Arafat Hossain, Julia I. Salas, Md. Mahmud Alam, Mohammed Jasim Uddin

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Cardiovascular conditions remain the leading cause of death worldwide, driving a critical need for non-invasive, continuous, and dependable health monitoring results. Triboelectric nanogenerators have emerged as a groundbreaking technology enabling self-powered wearable sensors that convert natural biomechanical energy, such as heartbeat, pulse wave, and body motion, into electrical signals. The paper reviews the recent progress and development in TENG-based wearable sensors for cardiovascular monitoring, with a focus on monitoring particular and clinical healthcare. The working principles, advanced materials, structural designs, and integration with wireless data transmission, machine literacy, and bio-signal processing technologies are explored in this article. Operations, including heart …

Favorability Mapping For Hydrothermal Power Resource Assessments Of The Great Basin, Usa, Stanley P. Mordensky, Erick R. Burns, John Lipor, Jacob Deangelo

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Highlights

• • The new approach to predict hydrothermal resource favorability for the U.S. Great Basin is a synthesis of modern data-driven machine learning improvements from the last several years and predicts 85 % of power-producing systems with operating power plants in the most favorable 10 % of the total area with over half of the power-producing systems (10 of the 19 exposed power-producing systems and 5 of the 9 hidden power-producing systems) in the 99th percentile.
• • The new hydrothermal favorability map predicts both hidden and exposed power-producing hydrothermal systems equally well.
• • The new hydrothermal favorability map preferentially predicts …

Realization Of Deterministic Quantum Circuits For Non-Deterministic Or Incompletely Specified Quantum State Machines, Manjith Kumar, Marek Perkowski

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In classical logic design, there are machine learning methods based on converting a set of input-output traces to non-deterministic automata that are then converted to deterministic automata and synthesized using logic gates. This approach has not yet been extended to quantum automata. In this paper, we present a method to convert a set of input-output traces to a non-deterministic automaton, which is then converted to an incompletely specified multi-output Boolean function. The existing logic synthesis approaches for designing quantum circuits are insufficient to handle incompletely specified functions. So, we present a novel algorithm to synthesize logic functions with don’t cares …

Experimental Study On Stability, Rheology, And Co2 Storage Capacity Of Polymer-Enhanced Foams In Carbonates, Muhammad Mushtaq, Mudassar Mumtaz, Emad W. Al-Shalabi, Waleed Alameri, Georgios N. Karanikolos, Stefan Iglauer

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Polymer-enhanced CO2 foam (PEF) is an emerging technology that improves gas mobility control in chemical enhanced oil recovery applications. It also has significant potential for storing CO2 in geological formations, which can help mitigate anthropogenic emissions. Traditional surfactant-based foams are often weak and unstable, particularly under the high-salinity and high-temperature conditions commonly found in Middle Eastern carbonate reservoirs. However, adding a small amount of stable polymer to these foams can enhance their stability, rendering them more suitable for harsh environments. This study focuses on designing and thoroughly evaluating a PEF formulation under supercritical CO2 conditions at 95 °C temperature, 1500 …

Machine Learning Assisted Quality Control In Metal Additive Manufacturing: A Review, Zeqi Hu, Changlin Huang, Lechun Xie, Lin Hua, Yujie Yuan, Lai Chang Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Additive manufacturing (AM) promotes the production of metallic parts with significant design flexibility, yet its use in critical applications is hindered by challenges in ensuring consistent quality and performance. Process variability often leads to defects, insufficient geometric accuracy and inadequate material properties, which are difficult to effectively manage due to limitations of traditional quality control methods in modeling high-dimensional nonlinear relationships and enabling adaptive control. Machine learning (ML) offers a transformative approach to model intricate process-structure-property relationships by leveraging the rich data environment of AM. The study presents a comprehensive examination of ML-driven quality assurance implementations in metallic AM. First, …

Process Intensification Of Essential Oils Extraction Using Instantaneous Controlled Pressure Drop Technology, Muhammad Hassnain, Mohammed Ilyas Khaledi, Muhammad Rizwan Azhar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Essential oils (EOs) are volatile, hydrophobic compounds derived from plants, widely used in food, cosmetic, pharmaceutical, and fragrance industries for their bioactive potential and associated health benefits. Traditional EO extraction methods are limited by low yields, long processing times, and thermal degradation of sensitive bioactive compounds. Instantaneous Controlled Pressure Drop (CID) technology is an advanced intensification method to overcome these challenges by applying compression-decompression cycles and modifying plant structure to enhance heat and mass transfer. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of CID technology and outlines its mechanism and principles. It compiles global research on CID applied to different plants …

Design Of Tertiary Z-Scheme Cuo–Zno@Mxene Photocatalyst With Superior Visible-Light Activity For Decomposition Of Nanoplastics, Ahmad Najafidoust, Javad Farahbakhsh, Roham Ghanbari, Mohadeseh Najafi, Alireza Keshavarz, Stefan Iglauer, Masoumeh Zargar

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Plastic pollution has resulted in the widespread accumulation of nanoplastics (NPs) in aquatic environments, highlighting the need for innovative remediation strategies. In this study, a tertiary z-scheme CuO–ZnO/MXene nanocomposite was developed for the visible-light-assisted degradation of polyethylene-based NPs. ZnO particles were doped with 8 % CuO to form a p-n type heterojunction, and the resulting CuO–ZnO nanoparticles were anchored onto two-dimensional MXene sheets through a sono-precipitation dispersion method, forming a ternary z-scheme photocatalyst with enhanced surface area. The composite exhibited a low electron-hole recombination rate and a tunable band gap (~2.55 eV), enabling efficient visible-light absorption. Under visible light irradiation, …

Design Of A Novel Robust Adaptive Fractional-Order Model Predictive Controller For Boost Converter Using Grey Wolf Optimization Algorithm, Chao Peng, Seyyed Morteza [email protected] Ghamari, Hasan Mollaee, Omid Rezaei

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Boost converters play a crucial role in power electronics but present control challenges due to their non-minimum phase behavior and nonlinear dynamics at high switching frequencies. To address these issues, this work proposes a Fractional-order adaptive Model Predictive Control (FO-MPC) framework incorporating Exponential Regressive Least Squares (ERLS) for system identification. Traditional MPC frameworks often rely on accurate mathematical models, which are difficult to obtain in real-world scenarios. This adaptive modelling approach based on ERLS identification method eliminates the need for precise system models, improving robustness and adaptability under parameter variations. Additionally, a FO derivative term enhances damping, stability, and noise …

Enhancing Grid Integration Of High-Power Loads Through Modular Unfolding-Based Power Conversion With Decentralized Control, Sanat R. Poddar

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The transition to electric vehicles (EVs) is a critical step toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions and creating a cleaner, more sustainable transportation sector. However, many drivers — particularly those operating larger vehicles such as trucks and buses — face significant challenges, including limited driving range and lengthy charging times. High-power, fast-charging stations, which can rapidly replenish EV batteries, are therefore essential for mitigating these barriers and making electric transportation practical across all vehicle classes.

Despite the promise of electric vehicles, deploying high-power fast-charging stations presents significant challenges. They require large amounts of electricity, making them expensive to install, operate, and …

Quicklime-Based Self-Healing Concrete For Bridge Deck Applications, Mehrnoosh Nazari

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Concrete is one of the most widely used construction materials in the world. However, over time, it can crack and deteriorate, especially on roads and bridges exposed to harsh weather and deicing salts. Inspired by the long-lasting durability of ancient Roman concrete, this study explores the self-healing capabilities of concrete incorporating quicklime (calcium oxide) aggregates to extend the service life of bridge decks. For this purpose, three concrete mixtures were developed using local materials: one without quicklime (C-Q 0%) and two with 2% (C-Q 2%) and 4% quicklime (C-Q 4%). These mixtures were tested for fresh properties, strength, durability, and …

Design, Control, And Optimization Of Unfolding-Based Ac-Dc Topologies With Three-Port Resonant Converters For Electric Vehicle Battery Charging Applications, Aditya Zade

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

The global effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reliance on fossil fuels has made electric mobility a cornerstone of sustainable transportation. This transition is driving demand for advanced charging infrastructure and more efficient power conversion systems. Power converters play a central role, not only in enabling reliable EV charging but also in integrating renewable energy sources with the grid. Because of the large amount of power involved, these converters must operate efficiently, reliably, and at low cost. Conventional high-power chargers often use two stages of conversion, which are effective but limited by size and energy losses. To overcome these …

Reconstruction And Texturing Of 3d Surfaces From Fused Low-Cost Aerial Lidar And Optical Imagery, Samuel Kiguthi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Drones equipped with laser scanners (LiDAR) and cameras capture detailed 3D scenes. Combining the laser points with photos builds realistic, photo-textured 3D maps used in surveying, agriculture, and infrastructure planning. Conventional methods to create these maps often misrepresent inward shapes such as doorways, overhangs, and outcrops. These shapes are misrepresented because drones mainly view top surfaces and do not collect significant data on vertical or hidden areas.

This study introduces a surface-reconstruction method that groups LiDAR points into clusters, reconstructs smooth surfaces for each cluster, and uses information from recorded camera poses to stitch clusters together. Tests on real drone …

Lace Network Firmware: A Polarfire Fpga Network For Data Routing And Command Interfacing In Space Applications, Kade C. Howes

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Modern small spacecraft rely on powerful yet efficient onboard compute devices to process data from sensors in real-time due to tight power and volume constraints. This work explores a new compute device system built from PolarFire Field-Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), which are power-efficient, reprogrammable chips well-suited for space applications. The system connects via a central controller FPGA with one or multiple companion processing FPGAs, allowing sensor data to be quickly received and shared across the network. Standardized data formats and interfaces increase compatibility with spacecraft computers. By simplifying data handling and using high-speed communication links, this architecture makes it easier …

Unveiling The Interactions Between The Antibiotic Resistome And Microplastics Influenced By Trace Elements And Ppcps In Wastewater Treatment Plants, Tahira Tasneem Rahman

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern, and wastewater treatment plants play a critical role in controlling its spread. These facilities process water containing microplastics (small plastic particles), trace elements like copper and zinc, and chemicals from everyday products like pharmaceuticals and personal care products. Together, these pollutants may contribute to the survival and spread of bacteria containing antibiotic resistance genes, but their combined effects are not fully understood. This study investigated how these pollutants behave and interact in wastewater treatment plants using two approaches: direct monitoring of real treatment plants and controlled lab experiments using synthetic wastewater. Results showed …

Breaking Through The Strength-Ductility Trade-Off Of Lpbf-Produced Ti-Xnb Alloys From Mixed Powders Via Ω-Phase Induced Heterostructure, Jian Bo Jin, Shengfeng Zhou, Huan Yang, Junjie Yang, Zhiguo Zhang, Baisong Guo, Lai Chang Zhang

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

Highlights Powder-mixed Ti-35Nb alloy produced by LPBF breaks through the strength-ductility trade-off. The ultimate strength, uniform elongation and Young’s modulus of heterostructured Ti-35Nb alloy are (806 ± 7) MPa, (18.0 ± 1.1)%, and (68 ± 6) GPa, respectively. In-situ laser re-melting improves elemental distribution uniformity in LPBF-produced powder-mixed Ti-xNb alloys. Optimized Nb content induces the phase transformation of β + α′ → β + ω in Ti-xNb alloy. Heterostructured β + ω/β enhances the strength-ductility synergy of Ti-35Nb alloy.

Analysis On Modifications To An Outdoor Field-Scale Rotating Algal Biofilm Reactor With A Focus On Biomass Productivity And Power Usage, Davis R. Haag

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

A rotating algal biofilm reactor (RABR) was operated outdoors for one calendar year to see how the microalgae grown were affected. The algae are grown in wastewater that contains nitrogen and phosphorous, which are elements found in fertilizer. The design used was modified from a previous design, and this project tested the modifications to see if they improved how much microalgae were grown. In February 2025, the objectives of the field study were updated to focus on growing as much microalgae as possible instead of removing as much nitrogen and phosphorous as possible. This updated design increased the fluid flow …

Feasibility And Potential Of Electric Air Taxis For Long Distance Airport Access/Egress Trips, Atul Subedi

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Getting to the airport is often one of the most stressful parts of a trip, especially for people who live far from the airport. In the United States, many travelers live more than an hour’s drive from a major airport, and their choices such as driving, using public transit, or paying for ride-hailing can be time-consuming, expensive, and inconvenient. A new technology, Electric Air Taxis (EATs), is being developed as a potential solution. These small, battery-powered aircraft could offer faster, cleaner, and more direct connections to airports. However, the success of EATs depends not only on the technology itself but …

Cognitive Dynamics In Undergraduate Engineering Education: Effects Of Need For Cognitive Closure And Achievement Goal Orientation On Cognitive Engagement, Zain Ul Abideen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Cognitive and motivational factors play an important role in students’ engagement during problem-solving, which can lead to academic and professional success. Among these factors, Need for cognitive closure (NFCC) and achievement goal orientation (AGO) have been studied extensively individually, but their interaction and impact on engineering students’ problem-solving is still not explored. NFCC refers to the person’s desire for quick answers, and AGO is the student’s approach to learning and success. This research investigated the impact of NFCC on gender and engineering major, and the relation between NFCC (five facets) and AGO (Mastery, Performance) at their different levels. Additionally, this …

Enabling Scalable Camera-Based Streamflow Monitoring With Serverless Cloud Computing, Sajan Neupane

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

This thesis introduces a modern and automated method for monitoring rivers and streams using cameras and cloud-based software tools. Traditional monitoring methods often rely on sensors placed directly in the water, which can be expensive, hard to install, and difficult to maintain, especially in remote or rough terrain. In contrast, this approach uses cameras to observe water flow from a distance, offering a safer and more cost-effective alternative. However, camera systems come with their own challenges, such as collecting large amounts of image data, transferring it reliably from the field, and analyzing it quickly enough to be useful. This research …

Utilizing Diatoms In Wastewater Treatment For Pollutant Removal, Ceaira D. Howard

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Wastewater treatment systems are increasingly challenged by a complex mix of pollutants including excess nutrients, organic dyes, and persistent chemicals like per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Conventional treatment technologies often struggle to effectively and affordably remove these contaminants. This study explores the use of two diatom species, Phaeodactylum tricornutum and Navicula cryptocephala var. veneta, both single-celled microalgae with silica-based cell walls, as an environmentally sustainable approach to tertiary wastewater treatment. Diatoms offer dual functionality through surface adsorption properties and metabolic flexibilities, making them promising candidates for integrated treatment strategies.

To test the trophic flexibilities of diatoms, P. tricornutum was …

Evaluating Use Of Multiple Hydrologic Storage Indicators To Enhance Streamflow Forecasting, Reza Morovati

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

Accurate seasonal streamflow forecasts are essential for managing water resources in the western United States, where much of the water supply depends on snow accumulation and melt. Water managers, farmers, and communities rely on these forecasts to plan for water use, prepare for droughts, and protect the environment. However, traditional forecasting methods often do not fully use all the available information about how water is stored in the landscape, such as in snowpacks, soil moisture, and groundwater. This can limit the accuracy of predictions and make water management more difficult.

This study aimed to improve streamflow forecasts by explicitly including …

The Road To Regulation: A Literature Review Of The Influences On The Updated Silica Standards, Skye M. Medcraft

Capstone Experience: Master of Public Health

Silica is a hazardous compound that poses a risk to human health resulting from dust creating activities across various industries. Several agencies, including OSHA (Occupational Health and Safety Administration) and MSHA (Mine Safety and Health Administration) have adopted regulatory oversight of silica exposure in the workplace. As more research has been conducted on silica exposure, the health effects are becoming better described, which has led to the creation and updating of exposure regulations to protect worker health. The objective of this literature study is to review the data presented to the Department of Labor and discuss how the factors that …

Nanao/Organocatalyat Sio2/4-(2-Aminoethyl)-Morpholine As A New, Reusable, And Efficacious Catalyst For The Synthesis Of Polyhydroquinolines Derivatives And Antibacterially Active Evaluation, Leila Amiri-Zirtol, Zahra Karimi, Javad Farahbakhsh, Ahmad Gholami, Seyedeh Narjes Abootalebi

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

In this study, a new nanocomposite comprising 4-(2-Aminoethyl)-morpholine, an organic catalyst, was prepared on the surface of silica. The absence of metal in the catalyst structure contributes to its environmental friendliness. This novel nanocatalyst was used for multi-component reactions (MCRs). Having a nano size for the composite enhances the contact between the raw materials and the catalytic surface, leading to significant advancement in the reaction. The synthesized composite was identified and evaluated using FT-IR, EDX, EDX-Mapping, TGA, XRD, BET, TEM, and FE-SEM analysis. The characteristic analysis confirmed the synthesis of both nano-silica/4-(2-Aminoethyl)-morpholine catalyst and polyhydroquinoline. The composite’s catalytic properties for …

Optimizing Pv Solar Array Design By Analysis Of The Industrial And Training Assessment Center (Itac) Database, Angel Samuel Fernandez

Theses and Dissertations

Since 2017, the Industrial Training and Assessment Center (ITAC) at UTRGV has included photovoltaic (PV) system evaluations in its industrial energy assessments. A review of these reports showed inconsistencies in PV system design, including variations in sizing methods, performance assumptions, and application of NEC requirements. To address these issues, this thesis develops a standardized and NEC-compliant methodology for designing PV systems, incorporating demand-based sizing, solar-geometry principles, and electrical calculations guided by NEC Articles 690 and 705.

This thesis focuses on demand-based PV system sizing and incorporates NEC-guided electrical design to ensure technical compliance and safety. System performance is evaluated using …

Performance Assessment Of Reconditioned Freight Rail Bearings Using Eddy Current Array For Enhanced Nondestructive Inspection, Eduardo Miranda

Theses and Dissertations

In North America, freight bearings removed from service must undergo a reconditioning process in accordance with Association of American Railroads recommended guidelines before reuse, with approximately 80% having been reconditioned at least once. This process includes bearing inspection, where repairable defects may be refurbished and returned to service with an extended performance range of 50,000 to 250,000 miles. Motivated by this extensive range in performance, researchers at the University Transportation Center for Railway Safety, in collaboration with MxV Rail, utilized a nondestructive evaluation method to enhance the reconditioning inspection process. An Eddy Current Array (ECA) was applied to bearing cup …

Examining The Relationship Between Title 14 Code Of Federal Regulations (Cfr) Part 147 Maintenance School Aviation Maintenance Technician (Amt) Instructor Experience And Instructor Pass Rates For Airmen Certification Standards (Acs) Element Subject Areas, Richard Lyman Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This quantitative, correlational study examined the relationship between Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) instructor experience and student pass rates in 14 CFR Part 147 maintenance schools. Data were collected from February to August 2025 using purposive and snowball sampling, which yielded 67 complete responses. Instructor experience, measured in months of A&P-rated maintenance work prior to teaching, ranged from 1 to 684 months (M = 253.54, SD = 197.97). Student pass rates, defined as the proportion of students passing ACS element subject area courses, ranged from .52 to 1.00 (M = .95, SD = .07). Most instructors were male, White, over 50 …

Reinforcement Learning Based Intelligent Optimisation For Bin Packing Problems: A Review, Nadia Dahmani, Amril Nazir, Ikbal Taleb, Syed M.Salman Bukhari

All Works

The convergence of Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Bin Packing Problems (BPP) is a critical field of study that has profound ramifications in logistics, manufacturing, computer, and retail industries. This paper thoroughly examines the progression from simple rule-based tactics to advanced Deep Reinforcement Learning (DRL) techniques in solving BPPs. By conducting a thorough review of 231 papers conducted between 2019 and 2024, we address and provide answers to important research inquiries, such as “To what extent has academic research explored the use of RL for BPP during this time frame?” and “Which specific areas of application and methodologies have been predominantly …

Artificial Intelligence In Waste Management Systems: Applications, Challenges, And Prospects, Imane Belyamani

All Works

Despite global recognition of the climate crisis, greenhouse gas emissions are projected to rise by 8.8 % by 2030, primarily due to inadequate planning, poor implementation, and insufficient financial support. While international initiatives such as the ’Waste to Zero’ coalition launched at the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UNFCCC (COP 28) highlight the urgency of advancing decarbonization and the circularity of waste systems, this review focuses on how artificial intelligence (AI) can accelerate that transformation. It systematically explores the role of AI in advancing waste management practices, with a focus on predictive analytics, route optimization, and machine learning-based …