Engineering Commons^™

Gold-Catalyzed Conversion Of Lignin To Low Molecular Weight Aromatics, Yang Song, Justin K. Mobley, Ali Hussain Motagamwala, Mark Isaacs, James E. Dumesic, John Ralph, Adam F. Lee, Karen Wilson, Mark Crocker

Chemistry Faculty Publications

A heterogeneous catalyst system, employing Au nanoparticles (NPs) and Li–Al (1 : 2) layered double hydroxide (LDH) as support, showed excellent activity in aerobic oxidation of the benzylic alcohol group in β-O-4 linked lignin model dimers to the corresponding carbonyl products using molecular oxygen under atmospheric pressure. The synergistic effect between Au NPs and the basic Li–Al LDH support induces further reaction of the oxidized model compounds, facilitating facile cleavage of the β-O-4 linkage. Extension to oxidation of γ-valerolactone (GVL) extracted lignin and kraft lignin using Au/Li–Al LDH under similar conditions produced a range of aromatic monomers in high yield. …

How Much Is Too Much? Usu Engineer Develops Online Snow Load Tool, Usu College Of Engineering

College of Engineering News

A Utah State University professor of civil engineering has developed an online tool that estimates snow load requirements for new construction of homes and buildings.

Decoupling Of Multi-Element Mimo Antennas, Min Li, L. (Lijun) J. Jiang

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An efficient decoupling technique for multi-element MIMO antennas is proposed in this paper. A general model of using parasitic decoupling structure (PDS) to satisfy the criterions derived from antenna impedances for perfect isolation is presented. A prototype of three monopole antennas is realized on a Rogers PCB for demonstration purpose. The simulation results show that good impedance matching and high port isolation are achieved simultaneously.

Belt-Driven Open Source Circuit Mill Using Low-Cost 3-D Printer Components, Shane W. Oberloier, Joshua M. Pearce

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Publications

Barriers to inventing electronic devices involve challenges of iterating electronic designs due to long lead times for professional circuit board milling or high costs of commercial milling machines. To overcome these barriers, this study provides open source (OS) designs for a low-cost circuit milling machine. First, design modifications for mechanical and electrical subsystems of the OS Distributed 3-D (D3D) Robotics prototyping system are provided. Next, Copper Carve, an OS custom graphical user interface, is developed to enable circuit board milling by implementing backlash and substrate distortion compensation. The performance of the OS D3D circuit mill is then quantified and validated …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Controlled Nitric Oxide Release From S-Nitroso-N-Acetyl-D-Penicillamine Covalently Linked To Polyvinyl Chloride (Snap-Pvc), Sean Hopkins, Megan C. Frost

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is one of the most widely used polymers in medicine but has very poor biocompatibility when in contact with tissue or blood. To increase biocompatibility, controlled release of nitric oxide (NO) can be utilized to mitigate and reduce the inflammatory response. A synthetic route is described where PVC is aminated to a specified degree and then further modified by covalently linking S-nitroso-N-acetyl-d-penicillamine (SNAP) groups to the free primary amine sites to create a nitric oxide releasing polymer (SNAP-PVC). Controllable release of NO from SNAP-PVC is described using photoinitiation from light emitting diodes (LEDs). Ion-mediated NO release is …

College Of Engineering News, Georgia Southern University

College of Engineering & Computing: News & Publications (2010-2023)

• U.S. Dept. of Education approves all six new programs

Radiation Effects In Metal Oxides And Carbides, Benjamin Jackson Cowen

Nuclear Engineering ETDs

MD simulations of SiO₂, TiO₂, Cr₂O₃, Al₂O₃, MgO, and SiC, are performed to: (a) calculate TDE probability distributions and dependence on crystallographic direction, and (b) determine the number and types of defects formed with low- and high-energy PKAs and projectiles. In addition, a qualitative comparison of the MD simulation results of radiation damage in TiO₂, MgO, and crystalline and amorphous SiC thin films are compared with those of in situ TEM ion beam irradiation experiments at the Sandia National Laboratories’ I³TEM facility.

The TDE …

Economic Advantages Of Dry-Etched Black Silicon In Passivated Emitter Rear Cell (Perc) Photovoltaic Manufacturing, Chiara Modanese, Hannu S. Laine, Toni P. Pasanen, Hele Savin, Joshua M. Pearce

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Publications

Industrial Czochralski silicon (Cz-Si) photovoltaic (PV) efficiencies have routinely reached >20% with the passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) design. Nanostructuring silicon (black-Si) by dry-etching decreases surface reflectance, allows diamond saw wafering, enhances metal gettering, and may prevent power conversion efficiency degradation under light exposure. Black-Si allows a potential for >20% PERC cells using cheaper multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) materials, although dry-etching is widely considered too expensive for industrial application. This study analyzes this economic potential by comparing costs of standard texturized Cz-Si and black mc-Si PERC cells. Manufacturing sequences are divided into steps, and costs per unit power are individually calculated …

Origami-Based Deployable Ballistic Barrier, Kenny Seymour, Dakota Burrow, Alex Avila, Terri Bateman, David C. Morgan, Spencer P. Magleby, Larry L. Howell

Faculty Publications

This paper demonstrates how recent developments in origami crease pattern adaptation, surrogate folds, and thickness accommodation techniques enabled development of an origami-based deployable ballistic barrier. The barrier crease pattern was employed using the membrane-fold technique for surrogate folds and to assist in thickness accommodation. A proof-of-concept barrier was fabricated and tested, demonstrating ballistic resistance, a large deployment ratio, and rapid deployment times.

Rigidly Foldable Origami Flashers Based On Curved-Fold Model, Jacob Badger, Dr. Larry Howell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of my research was to explore the application of curved folding in designing rigid-foldable deployable mechanisms. In recent years, origami fold patterns known as “flashers” have been investigated for their ability to efficiently pack deployable surfaces. While many patterns have been investigated, none are capable of folding surfaces composed of rigid panels that bend only along crease lines. We hoped to identify one such rigid-foldable flasher by basing it on a curved-fold pattern known as a logarithmic spiral flasher.

Creation Of Non-Electric Cooling System For Food Preservation In Peru, Eleanor Ott, Dr. Randy Lewis

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Food preservation is an issue in third-world countries around the world where electricity and monetary means are not present to maintain a modern refrigerator. The short shelf life of unrefrigerated food items creates waste, requires time and energy with frequent trips to buy food, and lowers quality of life. Multiple solutions for this problem have been devised which are principally applicable in Asia and Africa. Implementation of these solutions has increased shelf-life of perishable foods and eliminated the need for daily trips to the market for food. A natural consequence has been increased profits, more educational opportunities for women, and …

Above Knee Prosthetic Socket For Developing Countries, Colton Graham, Dr. Mark Colton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Due to a civil war in Sierra Leone many have been left with amputated limbs. In order to provide the required prosthetic limbs for victims who have above the knee amputations they need a quality custom fit socket. Custom fit sockets are very expensive so we created a universal socket meant to comfortably fit everyone. This socket is also designed to be affordable and able to be manufactured in Sierra Leone. For a functional socket, it is to be custom fitted, durable, affordable, adjustable and comfortable for the amputee. Due to varying changes to the volume of the residual limb, …

Carbon Nanotube Filtration Device: Separating Oil From Fracking Waste, Phillip Ng, Dr. Anton Bowden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Pyrolytic Carbon Infiltration Carbon Nanotubes (CI-CNTs) can isolate water and oil molecules due to its superhydrophobic and oleophilic properties, unique cylindrical nanostructure, and functional groups¹. Because the waste produced from fracking is nonreusable due to the molecular oil droplets contained in it, the waste is typically injected back underground, which pollutes safe drinking water². This can be avoided with an inexpensive and efficient oil and water filter. The mentored research project revolved around a CI-CNT filter used to salvage waste created from fracking.

The design of a CI-CNT device was approached by three main considerations: a …

Gas Detection System For Biomass Cookstove Emissions, Cyra Bishop, Jeffery Smith, Dr. Matthew Jones

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of this research project is to explore Peruvian social and cultural behaviors that typically prevent successful improved cookstove adoption in resource-limited settings as well as suggest ways to educate locals about the benefits of improved cookstoves. This will be done by constructing a cost-effective, easy-to-use gas-detection sensor system capable of measuring concentrations of harmful gases released from biomass cookstoves typically found in Peruvian communities.

2018 Fall Engr333 Project Assignment, Matthew K. Heun

ENGR 333

The Fall 2018 ENGR333 project focused on renewable energy generation.

I asked the students “What is the largest possible reduction in Calvin’s annual energy costs from a $5M investment in renewable energy?”

Customer

The customer for this project was Russell Bray, Director of Calvin’s Physical Plant.

A Comparative Analysis Of Key Elements Of The Strategic Decision-Making Process Across Construction Professional Services Firms: Evidence From The Irish Construction Industry, Oluwasegun O. Seriki, Roisin Murphy Dr

Conference papers

The Irish construction industry is experiencing a well-established growth phase following a prolonged recession. While the economic impact has been well documented, there remains less emphasis on discipline-specific studies pertaining to strategy within construction firms in Ireland. Additionally, evidence regarding strategic management within the construction sector is predominantly concentrated on contracting organisations, with less emphasis on highly knowledge-intensive professional service firms (PSFs). As the construction sector in Ireland continues its sustained growth, there have been increased calls within the industry for further collaboration between key stakeholders. However, exploring collaboration within project-centric firms without understanding the individual strategic decision-making processes within …

Strong And Tough Continuous Nanofibers, Yuris Dzenis

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Amethod of fabricating a continuous nanofiber is described . The method includes preparing a solution of one or more polymers and one or more solvents and electrospinning the solution by discharging the solution through one or more liquid jets into an electric field to yield one or more continuous nanofibers . The electrospinning process ( i ) highly orients one or more polymer chains in the one or more continuous nanofibers along a fiber axis of the one or more continuous nanofibers , and ( ii ) suppresses polymer crystallization in the one or more continuous nanofibers . The one …

The Role Of Digitisation In The Strategic Planning Process Of Irish Quantity Surveying(Qs) Practices, Michael Adesi, Roisin Murphy, Dermot Kehily

Conference papers

Digitisation is important to the transformation of many aspects of the construction industry such as strategic planning process in QS practices. Quantity Surveying (QS) practices largely apply digital technologies in construction project delivery, while neglecting the use of digital technologies in the strategic planning process. The aim of this paper is to investigate the role of digitisation in the strategic planning process of QS practices operating in Ireland. The study adopts a quantitative research methodology which is the first phase of an ongoing research project, by administering survey questionnaires to senior management of QS practices in Ireland. The findings of …

An Efficient Process For Co-Production Of Γ-Aminobutyric Acid And Probiotic Bacillus Subtilis Cells, Hongbo Wang, Jinge Huang, Lei Sun, Fuchao Xu, Wei Zhang, Jixun Zhan

Biological Engineering Faculty Publications

This study was to establish an integrated process for the co-production of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and live probiotics. Six probiotic bacteria were screened and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 6051 showed the highest GABA-producing capacity. The optimal temperature and initial pH value for GABA production in B. subtilis were found to be 30 °C and 8.0, respectively. A variety of carbon and nitrogen sources were tested, and potato starch and peptone were the preferred carbon and nitrogen sources for GABA production, respectively. The concentrations of carbon source, nitrogen source and substrate (sodium L-glutamate) were then optimized using the response surface methodology. The …

Statistically Guided Synthesis Of Mov- Based Mixed Oxide Catalysts For Ethane Partial Oxidation, Juan D. Jimenez, Kathleen Mingle, Teeraya Bureerug, Cun Wen, Jochen Lauterbach

Faculty Publications

The catalytic performance of Mo8V2Nb1-based mixed-oxide catalysts for ethane partial oxidation is highly sensitive to the doping of elements with redox and acid functionality. Specifically, control over product distributions to ethylene and acetic acid can be afforded via the specific pairing of redox elements (Pd, Ni, Ti) and acid elements (K, Cs, Te) and the levels at which these elements are doped. The redox element, acid element, redox/acid ratio, and dopant/host ratio were investigated using a three-level, four-factor factorial screening design to establish relationships between catalyst composition, structure, and product distribution for ethane partial oxidation. Results show that the balance …

Statistically Guided Synthesis Of Mov-Based Mixed-Oxide Catalysts For Ethane Partial Oxidation, Juan D. Jimenez, Kathleen Mingle, Teeraya Bureerug, Cun Wen, Jochen A. Lauterbach

Faculty Publications

The catalytic performance of Mo8V2Nb1-based mixed-oxide catalysts for ethane partial oxidation is highly sensitive to the doping of elements with redox and acid functionality. Specifically, control over product distributions to ethylene and acetic acid can be afforded via the specific pairing of redox elements (Pd, Ni, Ti) and acid elements (K, Cs, Te) and the levels at which these elements are doped. The redox element, acid element, redox/acid ratio, and dopant/host ratio were investigated using a three-level, four-factor factorial screening design to establish relationships between catalyst composition, structure, and product distribution for ethane partial oxidation. Results show that the balance …

Techedsat 7 And 8-Nasa Missions For Earth Observation, Andrew Pham

STAR Program Research Presentations

Big results can come from small satellites, and Technology Educational Satellite 8 or TES-8 is the latest small satellite in the TechEdSat series from NASA Ames Research Center. TechEdSat is a collaborative program, in which advanced university students have a chance to work directly with researchers on NASA Space Projects. Thanks to the assistance of students from several universities around the country every year, TechEdSat has helped NASA develop Nano-satellite technologies and evaluate new ideas for future spacecraft. TES-8 is the eighth satellite of the continuing TechEdSat series. On December 01, 2018 TES-8 followed a Commercial Resupply Service mission to …

Report Of Community Conversations About Gender Roles In Livestock, Mamusha Lemma, Wole Kinati, Annet Mulema, Zekarias Bassa, Abiro Tigabe, Hiwot Desta, Mesfin Mekonnen, Tadious Asfaw

Daugherty Water for Food Global Institute: Faculty Publications

The International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the International Center for Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) gender and animal health teams facilitated community conversations (CCs) about gender roles in livestock husbandry in three districts in the Southern Nations, Nationalities and Peoples Region (SNNPR) and Amhara region from 30 May–07 June 2018. These dictricts were: Doyogena (Hawora Arara and Ancha Sadicha kebeles) of SNNPR from 30 and 31 May; and Menz Gera district (Sine Amba kebele) and Menz Mama district (Key Afer kebele) of Amhara from June 6–7. In Doyogena, the team held the conversations in farmer training centres (FTCs) …

Wave Energy Converter Array Optimization: A Genetic Algorithm Approach And Minimum Separation Distance Study, Chris Sharp, Bryony Dupont

Faculty Publications - Biomedical, Mechanical, and Civil Engineering

With the need to integrate renewable energy sources into the current energy portfolio and the proximity of power consumers to ocean coastlines, it is important to evaluate marine energy systems, specifically wave energy converters (WECs), as potential solutions for meeting electricity needs. The ability to model these systems computationally is vital to their eventual deployment. The power development, economics, grid integration requirements, operations and maintenance requirements, and ecological impacts must be understood before these devices are physically installed. However, the research area of WEC array optimization is young, and the few available results of previously implemented optimization methods are preliminary. …

Exploring The Efficiency And Cost Limits Of Fractional Hp Axial Flux Pm Machine Designs, Narges Taran, Vandana Rallabandi, Greg Heins, Dan M. Ionel

Power and Energy Institute of Kentucky Faculty Publications

Optimizing the design of electric machines is a vital step in ensuring the economical use of active materials. The three-dimensional flux paths in axial flux PM (AFPM) machines necessitate the use of computationally expensive 3D electromagnetic analysis. Furthermore, a large number of design evaluations is required to find the optimum, causing the total computation time to be excessively long. In view of this, a two-level surrogate assisted algorithm capable of handling such expensive optimization problems is introduced, which substantially reduces the number of FEA evaluations. The proposed algorithm is employed to optimally design an AFPM machine within a specified envelope, …

Illuminator, Volume 2, Issue 1, Batten College Of Engineering And Technology, Old Dominion University

College of Engineering & Technology Newsletter

September 2018 issue of Illuminator, a monthly publication of ODU's Batten College of Engineering and Technology.

Benchmarking The Application Of Detached Eddy Simulation Techniques In Data Center Server Flow Modelling Using Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry, Sajad Alimohammadi, Jaakko Mcevody, Yan Delauré, Tim Persoons

Conference Papers

The evolution and new trends in low-cost cloud computing services and growing data analysis loads on data centers keep increasing the power density of the servers as well as the global electricity consumption of data centers. The server component arrangement is mainly bounded by compactness of the device and can be somewhat overlooked. Both optical visualization and computational simulation techniques can be utilized to quantify complex turbulent flow fields inside the servers, and thus optimize thermal flows. The primary stage of a comprehensive research to enhance data center server cooling performance and energy efficiency is reported on here. A full-scale …

Nonprehensile Manipulation Of Deformable Objects: Achievements And Perspectives From The Rodyman Project, Aykut C. Satici

Mechanical and Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The goal of this work is to disseminate the results achieved so far within the RODYMAN project related to planning and control strategies for robotic nonprehensile manipulation. The project aims at advancing the state of the art of nonprehensile dynamic manipulation of rigid and deformable objects to future enhance the possibility of employing robots in anthropic environments. The final demonstrator of the RODYMAN project will be an autonomous pizza maker. This article is a milestone to highlight the lessons learned so far and pave the way towards future research directions and critical discussions.

Comparative Investigation Of Thermal And Structural Behavior In Renewably Sourced Composite Films Of Even-Even Nylons (610 And 1010) With Silk Fibroin, Kayla Calloway, Ye Xue, Vincent Altimari, Guoxiang Jiang, Xiao Hu

College of Science & Mathematics Departmental Research

As the average life expectancy continues to increase, so does the need for resorbable materials designed to treat, augment, or replace components and functions of the body. Naturally occurring biopolymers such as silks are already attractive candidates due to natural abundance and high biocompatibility accompanied by physical properties which are easily modulated through blending with another polymer. In this paper, the authors report on the fabrication of biocomposite materials made from binary blends of Bombyx mori silk fibroin (SF) protein and renewably sourced low molecular weight nylon 610 and high molecular weight nylon 1010. Films were characterized using scanning electron …

Where There Is No Engineer - Designing For Community Resilience, Liam Mccarton, Sean O'Hogain

Books/Book Chapters

Where There Is No Engineer – Designing for Community Resilience” is a design initiative coordinated by the Development Technology in the Community (DTC) Research Group, Technological University Dublin (DIT) and Engineers Without Borders (EWB) Ireland.

The programme is delivered in partnership with various development partners and Engineers Ireland. It provides participants with the opportunity to learn about design, teamwork and communication through real, inspiring, sustainable and crosscultural development projects. By participating in the programme, students and professionals will have the opportunity to design creative solutions to real life development projects. This initiative formed part of the DIT team submission which …