Engineering Commons^™

Adaptive Sampling And Ghost Multi-Scale Fusion For Lightweight Weld Defect Detection, Bin Lu, Xuan Yang, Zhenyu Yang, Xiaotian Gao

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To improve the accuracy and speed of welding defect detection and achieve lightweight models, a lightweight weld defect detection network based on YOLOv8, named light adaptive-weight sampling-YOLO (LAW-YOLO), was proposed. A lightweight adaptive weight sampling LAWS module was designed. It constructed an adaptive weight attention feature map by learning the interacting features within the receptive field. An optimized efficient weighted bidirectional feature pyramid network was adopted as the feature extraction backbone in LAW-YOLO. Furthermore, a ghost multi-scale sampling module was designed, and a hybrid attention mechanism was introduced to enhance the detection capability for small-scale defect targets. Experimental results …

Optimization Of Product Oil Distribution With Multiple Trips And Multiple Due Dates Under Dynamic Demand, Yong Xie, Hailong Gao, Yutao Chen, Huanjiang Wang

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In the case of dynamic demand, considering the order due date, vehicle transportation time window, and other factors, this paper developed an optimization model of periodic product oil distribution with multiple trips and multiple due dates to maximize the distribution revenue. The paper also designed a reinforcement learning-based large neighborhood search algorithm to solve the problem. The initial solution was constructed based on the forward insertion heuristic algorithm. Then, a deep reinforcement learning model for neighborhood operator selection was designed. By fitting the action value function through the double deep Q network, the optimal neighborhood operator was selected, and …

Resource Allocation Method For Virus Spreading Control Based On Multi-Granularity Cooperative Coevolution, Xuanli Shi, Weineng Chen, An Song, Tianfang Zhao

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: According to the principle of simplifying a complex problem into sub-problems for solution, a resource allocation method for virus spreading control based on multi-granularity cooperative coevolution (MGCC) was proposed. According to the characteristics of human's social network structures, MGCC decomposed the network into sub-networks with different scales according to different decomposition granularities. A contribution-based decomposition granularity selection strategy was proposed. Historical archives were used to record the contribution of different decomposition granularities to optimization, and the appropriate decomposition granularity was selected according to the optimization status. A projection-based constraint repairing strategy was designed to ensure the feasibility of solutions. …

Research On Simulation Technology Of Fire Extinguishing In Engine Compartment Of Special Vehicle, Jianmin Niu, Yue Zhong, Feng Xu, Jindun Ma

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: In view of the difficulty of measuring the detection response time and evaluating fire extinguishing abilities of the fire extinguishing system after a fire accident in the engine compartment, the turbulence model was adopted, and numerical modeling of the fire propagation and the diffusion process of Halon fire extinguishing agent during the firefighting process was carried out. The development of fire and the fire extinguishing process at the corner and the middle position of the vehicle compartment was simulated, and the temperature changes during the occurrence and extinguishing of fires in different environments were collected, so as to obtain …

Study On Semi-Physical Simulation Method Of Air Turbo Rocket Engine In Startup Process, Xuesen Yang, Wei Zhao, Binglong Zhang, Sanqun Ren, Xiaorong Xiang, Qingjun Zhao

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To satisfy the requirements for validating the control law of air turbo rocket (ATR) engines, a semi-physical simulation approach was proposed based on serial communication. This platform integrated a rapid prototype system, a supply system, a measurement and control system, a signal simulator, a fault injection system, and a real-time computer. A digital model of the engine was developed based on cross-compilation technology, enabling the coupling and semi-physical simulation of the engine control system and the supply system. A semi-physical simulation of the ATR engine in the startup process was carried out, and the fault handling strategy of the …

Trajectory Planning And Tracking For Multi-Quadcopter In Dynamic Obstacle Environments, Haosheng Jiang, Fangfang Wu, Zexian Huang, Ziyue Ma, Chunyun Dong, Xubin Ping

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: Multi-quadrotor UAV systems face challenges when performing complex tasks in dynamic obstacle environments. Therefore, a comprehensive particle swarm optimization-based task allocation method, a trajectory planning integrating the traditional Informed-RRT* and A* algorithms, and a trajectory tracking method based on model predictive control were designed. The multi-quadrotor task allocation problem was constructed as a classical multiple traveling salesman problem, and then, the particle swarm optimization was used to assign the task to multi-quadrotor UAVs. A fusion algorithm that combined the advantages of traditional Informed-RRT* and A* algorithms for quadrotor UAV trajectory planning was designed, so as to ensure that a …

Multi-Robot Hierarchical Collaborative K-Robust Path Planning For Path Interference, Kaixiang Zhang, Jianlin Mao, Niya Wang, Zhihao Xu

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To plan collision-free paths for multiple robots in interference environments, based on the multi-robot k-robust path planning, this paper designed a multi-robot hierarchical collaborative k-robust path planning framework. In the priority optimization layer, in response to the starting predicament caused by the solution sequence, the multi-robot path solving sequence was determined based on the closure factor. In the multi-robot robust coordination layer, with the goal of improving solution efficiency, a safety interval was introduced as the basis for the design of k-robustness and collision-free avoidance. A collision-free path constraint for multiple robots in the sense of k-robustness was given. …

Research On Non-Singular Fast Integral Terminal Sliding Mode Trajectory Tracking Control Of Six-Axis Robotic Arm, Tao Chen, Lizhong Wang, Xiangjun Zou, Xiaojuan Li

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: To address the trajectory tracking control challenges caused by modeling parameter inaccuracies and disturbance uncertainties in robotic arms, a non-singular fast integral terminal sliding mode control scheme was developed. A new type of non-singular fast integral terminal sliding mode controller was designed. The non-singular fast terminal sliding mode ensured the rapid convergence of the system while avoiding the singularity during convergence. The integral term was used to enhance the suppression ability of disturbances and ensure the rapid response of the controller to errors. Lyapunov stability theory was applied to analyze the controller's convergence. The simulation results show that the …

Lightweight Driver Face Object Detection Algorithm Based On Yolov8-Df, Mingyu Li, Jiaquan Lin

Journal of System Simulation

Abstract: The YOLOv8n detection algorithm has a large amount of computation and parameters in the driving environment. To address this issue, a lightweight driver facial object detection algorithm YOLOv8-DF was proposed. A lightweight multi-scale convolution module (LMCM) was proposed to replace the Conv module in the network, and the dual-channel design could reduce the computation and parameter quantity of the algorithm; the multi-scale design could enrich the feature information inside the network. The lightweight convolutional GhostConv, Fasterblock module, and C2f module were fused, and a dual-channel lightweight convolution module (DLCM) was fused with the SPPF module. The experimental results show …

Improving High Frequency Absorptive Filters For Quantum Computing, Christopher B. Sutton

Graduate Masters Theses

Coaxial transmission lines in superconducting quantum circuits are subject to infrared radiation (IR) leakage as signals travel from room temperature (≈ 300 K) to low temperature (≈ 10 mK). Current experimental configurations typically include an epoxy based filter on all cables connecting classical devices (pulse generators, VNA, etc.) to the quantum circuit. The epoxy is characterized by its dielectric properties per unit length and acts as an absorber, attenuating IR noise. Historically, such IR filters have been fabricated by the experimentalists who require them, more recently they have become commercially available. This work investigates the performance of filters which were …

Defending Nato’S Northern Flank: Power Projecting And Military Operations, Nate Ostdiek

Space and Defense

This review evaluates Defending NATO’s Northern Flank: Power Projection and Military Operations, edited by Lon Strauss and Njord Wegge. The volume offers a comprehensive assessment of NATO’s evolving Arctic posture, combining doctrinal analysis, historical context, and alliance dynamics. Contributions examine Russia’s military strategy, U.S. Arctic policy, and intra-alliance complexities involving Denmark, Greenland, and the Faroe Islands. While the anthology provides valuable insights into NATO’s strategic challenges, it notably underrepresents Canada’s role. Overall, it stands as a timely and rigorous contribution to understanding Arctic security and NATO’s internal decision-making amid rising geopolitical competition.

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Modeling Nato Joint Warfighting Through Space Combat Simulations, Grant Nehls, Apoorva Somani

Space and Defense

This article investigates NATO’s dependence on space systems in joint warfighting and explores the use of simulation to quantify degradation effects. Using a custom-built AFSIM model of a NATO Arctic operation, the study demonstrates how GNSS spoofing and crosslink jamming undermine data integrity, commander trust, and strike execution—even without kinetic losses. Results show that partial degradations can cause mission failure through decision paralysis. By moving beyond binary modeling, this research highlights the need for nuanced simulations to prepare NATO for contested space environments and the challenges of great power competition.

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From The Last Frontier To The Final Frontier: The Polar Regions And Space Security, Michael Lynch

Space and Defense

This article examines the intersection of Arctic geopolitics and space security amid intensifying U.S., Russian, and Chinese competition. Melting ice has opened access to resources and new sea routes, elevating the Arctic’s strategic value while increasing reliance on space-based communications, navigation, and surveillance. Yet, vulnerabilities in polar orbits, aging ground infrastructure, and dual-use facilities expose critical systems to environmental hazards and geopolitical risks. The analysis highlights modernization efforts—including SHIELD and Golden Dome—as well as enduring cooperation and rivalries, underscoring the Arctic’s role as both a frontier of opportunity and a potential flashpoint in space-enabled security.

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Same But Different: The Survivability Of Arctic-Based Russian Second-Strike Capability, July Decarpentrie

Space and Defense

This article analyzes the survivability of Russia’s second-strike capability in the Arctic through the lens of classical nuclear deterrence theory. Despite heavy commitments in Ukraine, Moscow continues to modernize its Northern Fleet and reinforce bastion defenses, underscoring the Arctic’s role as the cornerstone of its retaliatory deterrent. While these strategies mirror Cold War practices, they face unprecedented challenges from NATO expansion, multipolar competition, and advances in anti-submarine detection technologies. The study concludes that safeguarding Russia’s second-strike capability not only shapes regional security dynamics but also has broader implications for global strategic stability.

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Atomic Offsets: Nuclear Policy Shifts For Arctic States In The Wake Of Moscow’S Special Military Operation, Molly Wise, Lillian Hussong

Space and Defense

This article examines how Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine has intensified nuclear reliance among Arctic states. Applying a new framework of “conventional-nuclear vulnerability,” it analyzes the nuclear policy shifts of Sweden, Finland, and Russia. The findings show that Finland and Sweden pursued NATO membership to secure nuclear guarantees, while Russia adopted riskier nuclear signaling and lowered thresholds for nuclear use. These developments highlight the growing centrality of nuclear deterrence in Arctic security, underscoring the challenges for U.S. and NATO policymakers in balancing assurance and deterrence in a volatile regional environment.

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Russian Strategic Culture And Deterrence In The Arctic, Lana Obradovic, Bethany Vailliant

Space and Defense

This study analyzes Russia’s evolving strategic culture to assess its implications for deterrence in the Arctic. It argues that Western deterrence frameworks insufficiently account for Russia’s integration of military, economic, informational, and political tools into a holistic strategy. Rooted in a siege mentality and aspirations for great power status, Russia perceives the Arctic as central to its security, economic modernization, and geopolitical influence. By situating Arctic policy within this cultural framework, the analysis highlights the need for U.S. and NATO practitioners to reassess assumptions and develop more culturally attuned deterrence strategies.

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Table Of Contents Vol. 16 No. 1, Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

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Front Matter, Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

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Space And Defense Vol. 16 No. 1 Summer 2025 Special Issue On Arctic Security (Whole Issue), Editors Space And Defense

Space and Defense

Articles that cover issues on Artic Security.

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U.S News & World Report 2025 Graduate Program Rankings, Unlv & Unr, Dre Boyd-Weatherly, Caitlin J. Saladino, William E. Brown Jr.

Higher Education

This fact sheet presents 2025 graduate program rankings for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) and for the University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) based on the data published in spring 2025 by U.S. News & World Report. The graduate program categories reported include business, education, engineering, fine arts, law, medicine and health care, sciences and mathematics, and social sciences and humanities.

Re-Engaging Driver Attention Using Chatgpt: A Multimodal Study On Stress Impact And Driving Performance, Alaa Zaki Elfiqi

Theses and Dissertations

Driving is considered a complex task that requires continuous focus and attention from the driver. Driving performance can also be impacted by changes in the driver’s stress level. However, limited research explores methods to address this challenge. With the current advances in Large Language Models (LLMs) and their ability to engage in human-like interaction, this study investigates the potential of using ChatGPT, designed to speak Egyptian Arabic, in re-engaging driver attention under different driving scenarios for low-stress and high-stress conditions within a virtual reality (VR) environment driving simulator. Drivers were asked to follow a leading car into two scenarios with …

Depaul Digest

DePaul Magazine

College of Communication faculty Matthew Ragas and Ron Culp mentor students on gaining access to executive-level administration. News briefs on exciting developments at DePaul University’s 10 colleges and schools, from nursing students studying public health protocols in Prague to a new DePaul-hosted conference exploring AI in filmmaking. DePaul alumni volunteers share their experiences spreading the Vincentian mission nationwide.

Analyzing The Impact Of Passive Techniques On Aircraft Wing Hysteresis: An Experimental And Numerical Study, Brendan Worton

Masters Theses

This study investigates the effects of passive flow control techniques on aerodynamic hysteresis primarily in NACA 2412 (cambered) and 0012 (symmetric) wings. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) was used to design and evaluate three passive techniques, including outward-facing dimples, leading-edge tubercles, and rectangular vortex generators, prior to experimental validation. These techniques demonstrated improvements in aerodynamic performance in CFD simulations and were therefore selected for wind tunnel testing to analyze their aerodynamic performance and influence on hysteresis behavior. A custom, cost-effective experimental setup was designed and developed to facilitate efficient angle-of-attack control and data acquisition. It incorporates a three-axis force sensor, stepper …

Investigation Of A Divergent Triangle Construct For Internal Fixation Of Vertical Femoral Neck Fractures Using Experimental And Finite Element Analysis Methods, Hannah Rainey

Masters Theses

Hip fractures are a significant public health issue as they are a commonly encountered problem and have a high rate of mortality. The fracture of the femoral neck is difficult to treat due to the geometry of the proximal femur and the weight-bearing capacity that the structure must comply with. Internal fixation of the femoral neck is often accomplished with three screws inserted along the axis of the femoral neck. The optimal configuration and number of these screws is not agreed upon in the literature. The purpose of this study was to conduct a pilot investigation on the biomechanical performance …

Early Detection Of Oak Wilt Using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (Uav) & Computer Vision, Muttaki I. Bismoy

Masters Theses

Forests are critical ecosystems, delivering services such as biodiversity conservation, climate regulation, timber production, and recreation. However, they face increasing threats from pathogens like Bretziella fagacearum, which causes Oak Wilt, a lethal disease that disrupts water transport in oak trees, leading to canopy dieback and eventual death. Traditional detection methods rely on manual ground surveys, which are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to error, particularly in early disease stages.

This research presents an automated, scalable, high-precision Oak Wilt detection system using Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) combined with deep learning-based computer vision. Expanding on earlier work with a lightweight CNN achieving an …

Planning And Policy For Safer Roads With Autonomous Vehicles: Moral Decision Making Behavior In Dilemma-Inducing Situations, Fatemeh Nazari, Mohamadhossein Noruzoliaee

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

This study develops a Dynamic Bayesian Network (DBN) framework to examine how public confidence in autonomous vehicle (AV) safety and willingness-to-ride respond to policy interventions in crash-imminent pedestrian–passenger prioritization scenarios. Using stated preferences survey data from San Francisco (SF) and San Antonio (SA), the model integrates baseline attitudes, socio-demographic factors, and policy conditions to simulate both intra-slice and inter-slice dependencies. Results from empirical-mix simulations indicate that SF respondents, despite having higher baseline confidence and willingness-to-ride, exhibit greater sensitivity to policies prioritizing pedestrians, with significant declines across all scenarios. By contrast, SA respondents show comparatively stable and modestly positive shifts, particularly …

Ceramic Waste As Sustainable Material In Self-Compacting Concrete: Experimental Study And Ann Predictive Modeling, Abderrezak Bouziane, Houssam Slimanou, Mohamed Amin Bouzidi, Nedjima Bouzidi

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Recycling of ceramic waste in the construction sector is a promising option for reducing the environmental impacts of the concrete industry. The main objective of this study is the elaboration of a solid predictive model for ceramic waste based self-compacting (SCC) concrete properties, using artificial neural networks (ANN). This further, reduces its environmental impact without compromising satisfactory performance. An experimental approach was adopted with different substitution ratios: 0 to 30 wt% and particle sizes ranging from 3-8 mm and 8-15 mm. Tested properties of modified SCC as compressive strength at 7 and 28 days (fc7, fc28), spread (L), sieve stability …

Comparative Study On The Performance Of Ggbs, Uggbs, And Rha-Incorporated Cement Mortar Mixes, Devansh Goel, Sudarshan D. Kore

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The environmental footprint of cement production has accelerated the pursuit of sustainable alternatives in the construction industry. Supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs), particularly those derived from industrial and agricultural waste, offer a promising approach to reducing cement consumption while maintaining performance. This study evaluates the fresh and mechanical behavior of binary, ternary, and quaternary cementitious mortar blends incorporating ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), ultrafine GGBS (UGGBS), and rice husk ash (RHA) as partial replacements for cement. A total of 32 mortar mixes were designed with water-to-binder (w/b) ratios ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 and varied replacement levels of RHA (0-20%), GGBS …

Correlations Between Hemodynamics And Radiomic Features In Thrombosed Intracranial Aneurysms, Zonghan Lyu, Andres Gudino, Navami Shenoy, Carlos Dier, Elena Sagues, Jingfeng Jiang, Edgar A. Samaniego

Michigan Tech Publications

Purpose: Evaluating intracranial aneurysm (IA) rupture risk is essential for guiding management. Although intrasaccular thrombosis (IST) is less common, it can contribute to aneurysm growth, mass effect, and rupture. Aneurysm wall enhancement (AWE) on high-resolution MRI (HR-MRI) offers valuable insight into IST and IA progression. Using radiomics, we extracted spatial information of the aneurysm wall to characterize AWE. This study aimed to explore correlations between radiomics-based AWE profiles and gross hemodynamic parameters, integrating imaging and flow dynamics to better understand IST. Methods: Radiomic analysis was conducted on a cohort of 3T HR-MRI scans from IA with IST. Three-dimensional vascular reconstructions …

Development Of Turbulence Models For Prediction Of Hypersonic Flows Using Compressibility Corrections And Uncertainty Quantification With Emphasis On The Wray-Agarwal Model, Aidan Robert Murphy

McKelvey School of Engineering Graduate Student Theses & Dissertations

Accurate prediction of high-speed compressible turbulent flows remains one of the most significant challenges in Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), especially in the realm of hypersonic vehicle design. These flow regimes involve significant aerodynamic heating and shock-wave boundary layer interactions (SBLI) which remain a significant challenge for the current CFD prediction capabilities. While Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) and Large-Eddy Simulation (LES) provide high-fidelity solutions, their computational demands limit their usability, making the Reynolds-Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations an efficient alternative for many industrial aerodynamic applications. Traditional RANS techniques, while computationally efficient, often provide limited accuracy in high-speed flows due to the presence …