Engineering Commons^™

Sm3+ Ions Doped Zinc Barium Tellurite Oxyfluoride Glasses For Laser Materials, Yaowalak Yamsuk, Patarawagee Yasaka, Jakrapong Kaewkhao, Narong Sangwaranatee

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The Sm3+ ions were doped tellurite glasses with composition (55-x) TeO2-10ZnF2- 35BaO-xSm2O3 (where x = 0.00, 0.05, 0.10, 0.50, 1.00 and 1.50 in mol%) to investigate the physical, the optical, the luminescence and structural properties. The functional groups can be identified using FT-IR spectra of Sm3+ in the glasses. The most intense peak from emission spectra is at 600 nm (4G5/26H7/2) corresponding to reddish-orange color. The oscillator strengths were resolved from the absorption spectra and then used to calculate the Judd - Ofelt (J - O) intensity parameters. The radiative properties were calculated by J - O intensity parameters for …

The Water Permeability Properties Of Re-Vibrated Lightweight Concrete, Muayad Mohammed Kassim

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Re-vibration of sequential layers of relatively deep structural members after a particular time harms the strength and water permeability properties of the concrete. The harmful effects can be observed in lightweight concrete due to the floating tendency of lightweight aggregate. In this experimental study, the influence of adding retarder plasticizer and silica fume on water permeability properties of re-vibrated lightweight concrete was investigated. The effects of re-vibration at different time lags on compressive strength and permeable voids ratio were studied. Absorption, sorptivity, and water penetration depth under pressure were also studied. Results show that the addition of a retarder increased …

Physical Property And Compressive Strength Of Fired Clay Bricks Incorporated With Paper Waste, Anuwat Srisuwan, Nonthaphong Phonphuak

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This research is intended to evaluate the effects of paper waste addition on the physical properties and strength of fired clay bricks. Paper waste was mixed with clay in the ratios of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10 wt%. Green bricks were fired with different variations of temperature from 900-1100C for1 h in air. Fired bricks were then analyzed for physical and mechanical properties. Porosity was increased with higher paper waste content. An increase in porosity relatedly created lower density and higher shrinkage values. Additionally, porous content in fired clay bricks correlated to the deterioration of the compressive strength, due to …

Structural Studies Of Natural Zeolites And Optimizations For Water Hardness Softening Media, Tesfamariam Teklu Gebretsadik, Teklit Kidane Gebremedhin

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

This study was aimed at investigating the mineralogical composition and structural features of natural zeolites using XRF, XRD, TGA, FT-IR and SEM. Natural zeolites were subjected to acid-activation and subsequently with NaCl salt to enhance surface area for water hardness softening applications. Peaks around 3560 and 1650 cm-1 belongs to O - H stretching and O - H bending vibrations which confirmed the presence of moisture within zeolite structures. This result was further supported by evolution of moisture above 108°C from thermogravimetric analysis. Fibrous structures which are full of rough texture were examined by SEM. The XRD pattern confirmed Stellerite …

Defense Contractor Profit, Clayton S. Eilert

Theses and Dissertations

This research seeks to achieve two objectives: 1) to provide a comprehensive survey of research related to defense contractor profitability, and 2) to conduct an updated analysis of such profitability. No previous comprehensive survey of the topic was found in the academic literature. Therefore, the provision of such a survey may significantly benefit future researchers. A paucity of recent defense contractor profit research related was identified; only one published study analyzed data after 2000 and none used data more recent than 2010. This research reconciles the gap in recent defense contractor profit studies via objective two. Panel data analysis is …

Biomimetic Metal-Organic Nanoparticles Prepared With A 3d-Printed Microfluidic Device As A Novel Formulation For Disulfiram-Based Therapy Against Breast Cancer, Ya Chang, Jizong Jiang, Wu Chen, Wen Yang, Lili Chen, Pengyu Chen, Jianzhong Shen, Shizhi Qian, Teng Zhou, Linfeng Wu, Liang Hong, Yongzhuo Huang, Feng Li

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Disulfiram (DSF) is currently tested in several clinical trials for cancer treatment in combination with cop-per (Cu) ions. Usually, DSF and Cu are administered in two separate formulations. In the body, DSF andCu ions form diethyldithiocarbamate copper complex [Cu(DDC)₂] which has potent antitumor activities.However, the “two formulation” approach often achieved low Cu(DDC)₂ concentration at tumor regions and resulted in compromised anticancer efficacy. Therefore, preformed Cu(DDC)₂ complex administered in a single formulation will have better anticancer efficacy. However, the poor aqueous solubility of Cu(DDC)₂ is a significant challenge for its clinical use. In this work, a …

Developing A Baseline For Customer Satisfaction In The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet's Department Of Vehicle Regulation, Steven Andrew Martin, Christopher W. Van Dyke, Jennifer R. Walton, Jeeyen Koo, Valerie Keathley Helil, Brian K. Howell

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Among the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s (KYTC) business units, the Department of Vehicle Regulation (DVR) has the most interactions with members of the public and other government agencies. Given its high profile and public visibility, it is critical for the department to provide high-quality customer service. Lacking data on customer perceptions of DVR’s level of service, the department commissioned researchers at the Kentucky Transportation Center (KTC) to conduct a baseline and rebaseline customer satisfaction surveys. Along with administering surveys to external customers, KTC’s research team also polled DVR staff to gauge employee morale and identify areas which could be improved. Approximately …

Guidelines For Using Streetlight Data For Planning Tasks, Hong Yang, Mecit Cetin, Qingyu Ma

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Faculty Publications

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) has purchased a subscription to the StreetLight (SL) Data products that mainly offer origin-destination (OD) related metrics through crowdsourcing data. Users can manipulate a data source like this to quickly estimate origin-destination trip tables. Nonetheless, the SL metrics heavily rely on the data points sampled from smartphone applications and global positioning services (GPS) devices, which may be subject to potential bias and coverage issues. In particular, the quality of the SL metrics in relation to meeting the needs of various VDOT work tasks is not clear. Guidelines on the use of the SL metrics …

Dynamic Procedural Music Generation From Npc Attributes, Megan E. Washburn

Master's Theses

Procedural content generation for video games (PCGG) has seen a steep increase in the past decade, aiming to foster emergent gameplay as well as to address the challenge of producing large amounts of engaging content quickly. Most work in PCGG has been focused on generating art and assets such as levels, textures, and models, or on narrative design to generate storylines and progression paths. Given the difficulty of generating harmonically pleasing and interesting music, procedural music generation for games (PMGG) has not seen as much attention during this time.

Music in video games is essential for establishing developers' intended mood …

Solostand, Hau Nhat Doan, Sydney Gray, Celina Dioso

Biomedical Engineering

The purpose of this scope of work is to highlight the progress and development of SoloStand sponsored by Derek Herrera, chief technical officer and founder of SpinalSingularity. SoloStand is an attachment to a wheelchair that will benefit paraplegics that use wheelchairs. A portable and customizable attachment to a wheelchair will allow the user to do everyday tasks without transferring into a separate standing wheelchair and travel more easily. This document outlines everything that has been done in fulfillment of our senior project requirements.

Total Knee Arthroplasty Gap Balancer, Christina Grigorian, Andrew Beckley, Alexandra Rockett

Biomedical Engineering

California Polytechnic State University’s Biomedical Engineering Department worked in conjunction with local San Luis Obispo orthopedic surgeon Dr. Dimitri Delagrammaticas. The goal of the project was to create a surgical tool that assists a surgeon in measuring knee gap distance and balancing collateral ligament tension during a total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. The final product of this project was completed in five months and initially began with understanding our sponsor’s expectations for the device. A portion of time was devoted to conducting research to understand the process of a knee replacement surgery, the requirements of the device, and the limitations …

Room Management Web Application And Movement And Temperature Sensors, Visalbotr Chan, Huy Anh Duong

Computer Engineering

There are three main parts of this system: micro-controller, database, and website. Micro-controller detects motion of people walking in and out and It also measures room temperature and humidity in a confined space then updates collected data to the database. Our system’s database contains 6 main columns: room number, room capacity, number of students, temperature in Celsius, humidity in percent and date created. Finally, this database is queried by the website to display the information on the webpage. Users could also navigate on our site to check the most and least occupy rooms, and they can also search for a …

Finding Patterns In Subsurface Using Bayesian Machine Learning Approach, Wang Hui

Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering Mechanics Faculty Publications

Stochastic simulation approaches and uncertainty quantification are usually adopted for gaining insight into variability in soil stratigraphy configurations. Previous investigations at geotechnical site characterization and interpretation can be broadly categorized into geostatistics- and process-based methods. On the other hand, modern site exploration techniques provide high-quality, dense datasets in physical spaces with high resolution, either directly from sensors (for example, cone penetration testing data) or indirectly from geophysical inversion (such as seismic inversion, electromagnetic induction inversion, and ground penetrating radar). In this work, anisotropy and heterogeneity are considered as possible patterns that inherently exist in the observations, and these are inferred …

Numerical Study Of 4h-Sic Umosfets With Split-Gate And P+ Shielding, Jheng Yi Jiang, Tian Li Wu, Feng Zhao, Chih Fang Huang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this paper, performances of a 4H-SiC UMOSFET with split gate and P+ shielding in different configurations are simulated and compared, with an emphasis on the switching characteristics and short circuit capability. A novel structure with the split gate in touch with the P+ shielding is proposed. The key design issues for 4H-SiC UMOSFETs are trench gate dielectric protection and reverse transfer capacitance Crss reduction. Based on simulation results, it is concluded that a UMOSFET with a gate structure combining split gate grounded to the trench bottom protection P+ shielding layer and a current spreading layer is achieved to yield …

An Integrated Computational Materials Engineering-Anchored Closed-Loop Method For Design Of Aluminum Alloys For Additive Manufacturing, Saket Thapliyal, Mageshwari Komarasamy, Shivakant Shukla, Le Zhou, Holden Hyer, Sharon Park, Yongho Sohn, Rajiv S. Mishra

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

A closed-loop approach based on integrated computational material engineering was used to design, fabricate and characterize an Al–1.5Cu–0.8Sc–0.4Zr (wt%) alloy for laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing (AM). Finalization of composition and prediction of solidification behavior and mechanical properties were done using calculation of phase diagrams (CALPHAD) and analytical tools. The microstructure of the printed alloy in as-built condition consisted of crack-free regions with fine-equiaxed grains which was consistent with CALPHAD results. Yield strength (YS) of ~349 ± 8 MPa was also in more than 90% agreement with predicted YS. The findings demonstrate an efficient methodology for application-based alloy design …

Multifidelity Modeling By Polynomial Chaos-Based Cokriging To Enable Efficient Model-Based Reliability Analysis Of Ndt Systems, Xiaosong Du, Leifur Leifsson

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work proposes a novel multifidelity metamodeling approach, the polynomial chaos-based Cokriging (PC-Cokriging). The proposed approach is used for fast uncertainty propagation in a reliability analysis of nondestructive testing systems using model-assisted probability of detection (MAPOD). In particular, PC-Cokriging is a multivariate version of polynomial chaos-based Kriging (PC-Kriging), which aims at combining the advantages of the regression-based polynomial chaos expansions and the interpolation-based Kriging metamodeling methods. Following a similar process as Cokriging, the PC-Cokriging advances PC-Kriging by enabling the incorporation of multifidelity physics information. The proposed PC-Cokriging is demonstrated on two analytical functions and three ultrasonic testing MAPOD cases. The …

A Molecular Dynamics Study Of Transient Evaporation And Condensation, Zhi Liang, Anirban Chandra, Eric Bird, Pawel Keblinski

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We Use Molecular Dynamics (MD) Simulations to Study the Transient Evaporation and Condensation of a Pure Fluid Ar in a Nanochannel. in the MD Model, the Evaporation and Condensation of Fluid Ar is Initiated by a Sudden Increase of the Temperature or Periodically Varying the Temperature in the Solid Substrate on One Side of the Nanochannel. in Both Cases, We Find the Transient Evaporation and Condensation Rates Obtained Directly from MD Simulations Are in Good Agreement with the Predictions from the Schrage Relationships. Furthermore, Our Analyses Show that the Kinetics of the Transient Heat and Mass Transfer between the Evaporating …

Pilot Acceptance Of Personal, Wearable Fatigue Monitoring Technology: An Application Of The Extended Technology Acceptance Model, Rachelle Lynne Strong

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

The research problem of pilot fatigue has been referenced as a causal factor for aircraft accidents in many United States National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) accident reports; however, the United States Code of Federal Regulations 14 CFR Part 117, Flight and Duty Limitations and Rest Requirements for Flight Crew Members, does not provide a tangible means of measuring fatigue for aircraft crew members. This problem is relevant to the airline industry and the travelling public because pilot fatigue is preventable as a causal factor in aviation accidents, and pilots need an accurate way to measure it. Adoption of a …

Does The Age Of An It Executive Impact Adoption Levels Of Cloud Computing Services?, Marcus L. Smith

Faculty Publications

This author researched previously the personal decision factors considered by information technology (IT) executives when making the cloud computing services adoptionchoice. The conclusions in that work (Smith, Jr., 2016) supported four hypotheses, namely, (a) advancement, recognition and satisfaction from accomplishments, (b) top management support, (c) diminishment of personal image, and (d) a pattern of technology readiness have a positive influence on business intentions to adopt cloud computing services. Interestingly, a fifth hypothesis, diminishment of personal image, was found to have a negative influence on business intentions. The relationship between age of the survey respondents and adoption levels was highlighted in …

Internal Combustion Engine, Philippe D. Habets, Sam S. Flood, Paing Htet Lin, Jason Wu, Ricardo Cuevas

Mechanical Engineering

The goal of this project is to modify a Honda GX35 engine to improve its fuel efficiency and maximize its competitiveness in the Shell Eco-marathon competitions. This competition has tight restrictions on the type of fuel used to power the engine, but otherwise has very few rules limiting the type of modifications which may be made. Our primary goals are to maximize volumetric efficiency and maintain an efficient operating temperature. Future work might pursue more advanced technologies such as pseudo-atkinson cycle operation.

Simulation And Design Tool For Supermileage Vehicle (Smv) Club Final Design Report, Kimberly Kodama, Sung Ho An, Justice Aragon

Mechanical Engineering

The purpose of this project is to create a sensitivities tool and start an optimization tool to assist the Cal Poly SMV Team in designing their vehicle, developing a driving strategy for competition, and becoming a contender in endurance events. The development of a user-friendly vehicle simulation and design tool was proposed by Professor Joseph Mello who is the club’s advisor. The SMV Team competes in endurance events such as the Supermileage competition or the Shell Eco-marathon with the goal of achieving the best mileage possible.

This report will present the research that has been conducted to understand and define …

Improvement Of Low Traffic Volume Gravel Roads In Nebraska, Richard L. Wood, Yong-Rak Kim, Yijun Liao, Mohammad E. Mohammadi

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

In the state of Nebraska, over one-third of roadways are unpaved, and consequently require a significant amount of financial and operational resources to maintain their operation. Undesired behavior of surface gravel aggregates and the road surfaces can include rutting, corrugation, and ponding that may lead to reduced driving safety, speed or network efficiency, and fuel economy. This study evaluates the parameters that characterize the performance and condition of gravel roads overtime period related to various aggregate mix designs. The parameters, including width, slope, and crown profiles, are examples of performance criteria. As remote sensing technologies have advanced in the recent …

Synthesis Of Repair Practices Of Damaged Precast/Prestressed Concrete Girders, George Morcous, Richard L. Wood, Antony Mohsen Kamal Masoud Kodsy

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

Bridge girders are constantly subjected to various types of damage during their service life. There is currently limited knowledge or guidelines provided by the NDOT Bridge Office Policies and Procedures (BOPP) regarding the assessment and repair procedures of damaged precast/prestressed concrete girders. This report aims to develop a comprehensive repair manual for precast/prestressed concrete girders subjected to damage caused by over-height vehicular collision and damage located at the girder ends. Over-height vehicular collision damage typically occurs at the middle portion of the exterior girders and the primary concerns are focused on flexural deficiencies. Girder end damage can occur due to …

Development Of Sr/Cao Catalyst Derived From Cuttlebone (Sepia Officinalis) For Biodiesel Production, Napat Tomano, Apisit Prokaew, Supakorn Boonyuen, Sarute Ummartyotin

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Cuttlebone (Sepia officinalis) was used as a source of calcium oxide for biodiesel catalyst. The objective of this work is to present the bio-based catalyst prepared from cuttlebone. 1, 3, 5 and 10 %wt of strontium was loaded into calcium oxide powder derived from cuttlebone. Structural properties of Sr/CaO catalyst were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared and X-ray diffraction, respectively. There is no change on morphological properties of catalyst between Sr/CaO and pristine CaO. The homogeneous distribution of strontium was confirmed by EDX mapping technique. The specific surface area of powder was estimated to be 10-30 m2 ·g-1. The thermal …

Investigation Of Crosslink Structure Of Natural Rubber During Vulcanization Using X-Ray Absorption Near Edge Spectroscopy, Kanoktip Boonkerd, Wanwisa Limphirat

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

The X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy technique (XANES) has been applied to determine the crosslinking structure of natural rubber (NR) during sulfur vulcanization process. The NR samples were prepared using DCBS as an accelerator at different sulfur to DCBS ratios (from 0.26 to 6.67). The results showed that with increasing cure time from tc50 to tc70, tc90 and tc100 the position of sulfur peak shifted to higher energy. This implied that the amount of polysulfidic crosslink gradually decreased with increasing cure time. This result supported the crosslinking mechanism proposed in the literature at which the polysulfidic crosslink is dominating at …

Influence Of Poly(Butylene Terephthalate) And Wollastonite On Properties Of Recycled Poly(Ethylene Terephthalate) Preforms, Phasawat Chaiwutthinan, Thaksaporn Riyaphan, Athapon Simpraditpan, Amnouy Larpkasemsuk

Journal of Metals, Materials and Minerals

Influence of poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and wollastonite (WLN) on properties of recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (RPET) was investigated. RPET was first melt-mixed with PBT at five loadings (10-50 wt%) on a twin screw extruder, and then injection molded. Scanning electron micrographs showed the immiscible blends. The blends at 10-40 wt% PBT displayed droplet-matrix morphology, while the blend at 50 wt% PBT showed a matrix inversion. All blends showed a PBT-dosedependent increase in impact strength and Young's modulus with an expense of tensile strength and elongation at break. Among five RPET/PBT blends, the one at 40 wt% PBT exhibited the good balanced …

Me-Em Enewsbrief, March 2020, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Supermileage Vehicle Drivetrain Design, Griffin M. Kraemer, Kai Meter, Arya Mahdavian

Mechanical Engineering

The current Cal Poly Supermileage team has faced issues regarding the efficiency and durability of their SMV vehicle’s drivetrain. After conducting research to solve their current issues, we developed a final drivetrain configuration that will improve the performance and life of the vehicle. This report outlines some of the completed research including: a table of designs used by other teams, a table of patents that can be applied to our design, and a list of technical literature we can use to better our design. It also summarizes our goals and objectives, including a table of the engineering specifications of the …

Performance Of Us Concrete Highway Bridge Decks Characterized By Random Parameters Binary Logistic Regression, Omar Ghonima, Jason C. Anderson, Thomas Schumacher, Avinash Unnikrishnan

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

This study employs a random parameters binary logistic regression (LR) to characterize the impact of environmental and structural parameters on concrete highway bridge deck deterioration nationwide. Two specific gaps in the literature are addressed: (1) the use of a nationwide dataset for analysis, and (2) the implementation of a methodology to account for unobserved heterogeneity. A total of 3,262 bridge deck deterioration observations derived from the authors’ nationwide concrete highway bridge deck performance inventory (NCBDPI) database were used in this study. The deterioration rate (DR) was computed as the decrease in the concrete bridge deck condition rating ( …

Left Atrial Appendage Printing Process, Areli Reyes, Brandon James Mukai, Mia Noelle Von Knorring

Biomedical Engineering

The left atrial appendage senior design team aims to assist in closing off the left atrial appendage that is susceptible to coagulation due to non-valvular atrial fibrillation. Coagulation in the left atrial appendage (LAA) can be life threatening as it can lead to a stroke. Dr. Chris Porterfield performs a procedure that uses the Boston Scientific Watchman to close the appendage. He finds that sizing the Watchman properly is difficult with limited visuals from live CT scans. He proposed converting the CT scans into a 3D printed model of the left atrial appendage and left atrium so he can visually …