Engineering Commons^™

Evaluation Of Salt-Free Electrodialysis Metathesis For High Recovery Inland Desalination Brine Management, Tayia Oddonetto

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Salt-Free Electrodialysis Metathesis (SF-EDM) is an emerging electro-driven membrane technology designed to minimize brine discharge while enabling selective ion separation and resource recovery. This dissertation presents an evaluation of SF-EDM, spanning bench-scale studies with synthetic brine from the Brackish Groundwater National Desalination Research Facility in Alamogordo, NM, real reverse osmosis (RO) brines from the Kay Bailey Hutchinson Desalination Plant in El Paso, TX, and finally a weeklong pilot demonstration at the Yuma Desalting Plant in Yuma, AZ. Bench-scale experiments established process feasibility and performance trends, while pilot results revealed the value of pre-treatment and system configuration. SF-EDM demonstrated high hydraulic …

Effects Of Environmental Stressors On Human Tissue-On-A-Chip Platforms, Andie Padilla

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

As space exploration begins to extend beyond low earth orbit, it has become increasingly critical to understand the interaction of the extreme environment of space flight with human systems. While it is known that space-travel induces a vast array of complications to cardiac, neural, musculoskeletal, and immune systems, the mechanisms by which these complications occur are poorly understood. Current research to study the effects of microgravity and radiation are limited to ground simulations, which rarely account for the multifactorial stressors experienced during spaceflight, or long duration studies aboard the International Space Station. Similarly, traditional two-dimensional (2D) models lack the ability …

A Digital Engineering Framework For Ai-Driven Trade-Off Evaluation And Predictive Component Classification, Alejandro Silva Au

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis introduces a digital engineering tool designed to help engineers make smarter decisions when choosing actuators. At its core, the system brings together machine learning (specifically XGBoost) and a decision-making method called Multi-Utility Attribute Theory (MUAT). The goal is to support engineers in picking components based on what really matters for their designs, whether that's speed, cost, durability, or any other performance factor. What makes this tool stand out is its user-friendly interface that lets people interact with the system directly. It takes a set of actuator performance data, classifies each one into a relevant use category, and then …

Model-Based Systems Engineering For Aerospace Applications: Strategic Requirements Prioritization In Complex Adaptive Systems And Digital Integration, Iqtiar Md Siddique

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Ineffective systems engineering practices continue to jeopardize aerospace missions, resulting in multi-billion-dollar losses, delays, and fragmented development outcomes. As complexity intensifies and timelines shrink, conventional document-based methods increasingly fail to support early validation, cross-domain traceability, and synchronized tool usage. This research presents an integrated approach that addresses three critical gaps: synchronizing executable and traceable MBSE models across structural, behavioral, and requirements domains; applying scalable requirements prioritization techniques tailored for Complex Adaptive Systems; and establishing automated simulation feedback loops through digital toolchain integration. Central to this strategy is the Digital Trinity, which connects system models, simulations, and lifecycle data through a …

Laser Scan Path Design For Controlled Microstructure In Additive Manufacturing With Integrated Reduced-Order Phase-Field Modeling And Deep Reinforcement Learning, Augustine Twumasi

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) is a well-established additive manufacturing technique for fabricating intricate metal components with exceptional precision. A significant challenge in L-PBF is the formation of complex microstructures that influence final material properties. We propose a physics-guided, machine learning-aided approach to optimize scan paths for desired microstructure outcomes, such as equiaxed grains. We employed a phase-field method (PFM) to model the evolution of the crystalline grain structure. To reduce computational costs, we trained a surrogate machine learning model, a 3D U-Net convolutional neural network, using single-track phase-field simulations with varying laser powers to predict crystalline grain orientations based …

Multi-Material Cell Clipping On The Gpu, Melanie Cassidy Walsmith

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The process of clipping a multi-material cell finds diverse applications across fields such as numerical simulations and computer graphics visualization. Computational fluid dynamics problem often combines multiple materials with different physical properties. The interfaces between those materials may be a part of the solution and evolve in time and can be non-aligned with the mesh. When volume conservation is crucial, interface reconstruction methods are used to approximate such material interfaces. They involve multiple steps, one of which is the process known as clipping. Clipping consists of intersecting and cutting a given cell with a material interface (represented by a line …

Enhancing Microgrid Protection Through Adaptive Decentralized Relay Coordination: A Solution To Blinding And Sympathetic Tripping, Sujatha Balasubramanian, J. Preetha Roselyn, Prabha Sundaravadivel

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Integrating Distributed Energy Resources into microgrids modifies the network’s system parameters and causes it to exhibit behaviour, particularly during fault conditions. This is due to the greater variations in current direction and magnitude. When a microgrid runs in autonomous mode, Distributed Generators result in a reduced short circuit current compared to a system working in grid-connected mode. Microgrid protection issues, namely, blinding of protection, sympathetic tripping, and bidirectional power flow, occur in the power network under such circumstances. The impact of microgrid protection issues and changes in fault current leads to variations of overcurrent relay settings, their operating time and …

Building A Sustainable Home On The Central Coast: An Owner’S Perspective, Austin Chase Anderson

Construction Management

As awareness and technology increase, sustainability as a focus in home construction is also increasing. This case study based research project seeks to understand the process of building a home on California’s Central Coast with sustainability in mind. An interview was conducted with an owner who built their home in Templeton in 2019. The interview was in a semi-structured format which included specific qualitative questions but mostly focused on an open-ended discussion which allowed the owner to share their own experience. The key challenges learned from this interview were that the owner believed price to be the main factor that …

Inter-Cellular Forces Modulate Cell-Ecm Traction Forces, Zaria Booth

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Epithelial cells are among the most abundant cell types in the human body, making up sheets of epithelial tissues that cover the linings of organs and body cavities. Cellular adhesion and force transmission across epithelial tissues are crucial in maintaining tissue integrity and ensuring proper tissue regeneration. Defects in cellular force transmission have been found in various diseases, including cancer. Force transmission at cell-cell and cell-ECM junctions drive cell survival and development. It has been previously shown that changes in cell-ECM traction directly modulates forces at cell-cell contacts. In this study, we aim to determine the effects of perturbations in …

Towards Improving Computational Modeling Of The Lumbar Spine - Impact Of Material Properties And Laminotomy On Spinal Biomechanics, Isaac K. Kumi

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Spinal ligaments play a crucial role in maintaining the mechanical stability of the lumbar spine. These dense, collagenous tissues not only resist excessive motion but also distribute loads between spinal components to protect neural structures. Traditionally, the mechanical response of ligaments has been modeled using linear elastic assumptions, which treat the tissue as having a constant stiffness regardless of loading history. While this simplifies analysis, it fails to capture the time-dependent behaviors, such as creep, stress relaxation, and hysteresis, that are characteristic of biological tissues.

Viscoelastic modeling may provide a more physiologically accurate representation by incorporating both elastic and viscous …

Human Activity Recognition And Identification Driven Automated Deep Learning For Time-Series Classification, Justin Alan Gamble

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The growing emphasis on Digital Engineering (DE) within the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) demands advanced methods for leveraging vast time-series data generated by sensor-rich environments. Deep learning models offer promising solutions for complex timeseries classification tasks, however their design and optimization remain highly resource intensive, requiring specialized expertise. This dissertation addresses this challenge by developing and evaluating an Automated Machine Learning (AutoML) framework specifically tailored for the time-series classification task of Human Activity Recognition and Identification (HARI).

A systematic investigation was conducted using the Design Science Research Methodology (DSRM) comparing traditional search strategies of grid search and random search …

Advanced Analytical Biosensing For Cancer Detection And Neural Diagnostics Using Tapered Optical Fiber (Tof), Protonic, And High Throughput Microplate –Based Technologie, Bayan Hassan Alharbi

Chemistry & Biochemistry Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation investigates the development and application of advanced biosensing technologies to enhance early disease detection, neurological diagnostics, and bioactive compound evaluation. The research spans four key areas. First, it introduces tapered optical fiber (TOF)-based plasmonic biosensors for the non-invasive detection of prostate cancer, demonstrating high sensitivity and specificity compared to conventional diagnostic methods.

Second, it explores the use of fluorescent biosensors to test the Transmembrane Electrostatically Localized Proton (TELP) theory, shedding light on the role of localized protons in neuronal signaling and energy transfer. Third, the work presents a high-throughput, microplate-based biosensing platform for analyzing mitochondrial function under nanosecond …

Examining Shock Wave Flow Past The Brim Of A Helmet Using Schlieren Imaging, Cody Thomas, Catherine E. Johnson

Mining Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Increasing the protection a helmet provides the user from shock waves can help reduce the prevalence of blast induced traumatic brain injury (bTBI). Previous research has shown that air enters and gets trapped in the helmet-head cavity and can increase the overpressure experienced by the wearer. The brim design of the helmet has yet to be studied to understand how shock waves flow into the helmet. By studying a variety of brims, it is possible that the design can be modified to minimize shock wave flow into the helmet. This paper investigated a shock wave impacting interior and exterior facing …

Mathematical Modeling Of Effects Of Tumor Location On Lung Function., Lamargaret Temukisa Johnson

Master of Engineering Theses

Lung cancer has the highest rates of incidence and mortality of all cancers. Most lung cancer tumors are Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC). NSCLC patients with lesions in the upper lobes are found to have better prognosis compared to those with lesions in the middle and lower lobes. Previous studies have suggested various causes for this discrepancy at both the organ-scale and tissue-scale. To model NSCLC growth in different locations within the lung, an organ scale lung model and tissue scale tumor model were coupled through the tissue pressure, and oxygen and carbon dioxide partial pressures. The coupling was used …

Low-Level Memory Attacks On Edge Assisted Robotic Applications, William Arnold

Master of Engineering Theses

This thesis investigates how low-level memory faults can undermine edge-assisted robotic systems that rely on memory optimization. As robots are utilized in real world applications, the ability to operate safely and successfully in mission critical deployment becomes important. To help achieve these goals, developers are increasingly starting to place computation nodes at network edges to meet latency and reliability requirements. Edge nodes, however, are resource-constrained and resources conservation techniques such as Kernel Same-page Merging (KSM) are enabled to deduplicate identical pages across processes or virtual machines. This thesis shows that this optimization technique quietly widens the attack surface and can …

Feasibility Study On Using Blue Clay As A Supplementary Cementitious Material (Scm)., Clark Lemon

Master of Engineering Theses

An effective strategy for reducing CO₂ emissions in the global cement industry is replacing a percentage of cement with supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). As the availability of conventional SCMs such as fly ash and slag is decreasing, alternative SCMs such as calcined clays have been studied for their use as effective pozzolans. The present work investigates the feasibility of using a waste product from the quarrying industry known as blue clay as a viable SCM. It is composed of multiple clay minerals, predominantly muscovite. Raw and calcined at four temperatures (500, 650, 800, and 950°C), blue clay was analyzed …

Internet Of Things And Modern Digital Evidence Collection, Muhammad T. Haider

Student Theses

The ever-evolving landscape of technology and its innovations are populating our houses, streets and all kinds of industries. The use of smart devices is booming from most developed nations to underdeveloped countries. The complications which come with the use of the Internet of Things has been an active discussion for the past many years. If we look around in a room of 30 people, we will most likely find double the amount of IoT devices than the people in that room. All of those devices are connected to the Internet, and are communicating with data servers across the world. The …

Low-Power Hardware-Based Real-Time Cervical Spine Localization Via Image Processing, Patricia Angela R. Abu, Chao-Shin Liu, Sung-Hsin Tsai, Po Lin Huang, Hong-Kai Wang, Shih Wei Chung, Chiung-An Chen, Shih-Lun Chen, Sze-Teng Liong, Tsung-Yi Chen

Department of Information Systems & Computer Science Faculty Publications

With the growing prevalence of cervical spine degeneration in the aging population, there is an urgent need for accurate and real-time cervical image analysis to assist in preliminary evaluations during neurosurgical outpatient visits. This study suggests a hard-ware-based real-time cervical spine localization system that uses image preprocessing algorithms to address this need. The system can quickly finish image enhancement and greatly speed up the localization process by turning preprocessing steps like median filtering and binarization into hardware modules. With a power consumption as low as 4.859 mW, the proposed hardware-based median filter demonstrates over 60% reduction in power and 35% …

Shape Memory Behavior In Medium To High Entropy Shape Memory Alloys: Design, Prediction, And Experimental Analysis, Hatim Raji

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation provides a data-driven system integrating synthetic data generation and machine learning (ML) techniques to create multicomponent SMA compositions with specific transformation temperatures (TTs). Models were trained to represent the nonlinear dependencies influencing martensitic transformation behavior by using elemental, thermodynamic, and process-related aspects. The capacity of the ML models on medium entropy NiTiHfPd and high entropy NiTiHfZrCu systems accuracy was confirmed by experimental validation showing TTs closely matched with model outputs.

Bilateral Leading Edges With Tubercle Modifications: An Experimental Study, Roberto Sanchez

Theses and Dissertations

The increasing demand for better performance and maneuverability from airfoils to sustain superior performance over a wide range of platforms, including vehicles, propellers, and wing designs, continues to grow. Researchers have drawn inspiration from nature, looking at birds of prey, dragonflies, and humpback whales for aerodynamic improvements. Among these, tubercle airfoils, inspired by the humpback whale’s flipper, have gained increasing interest. This experimental study presents the results of bilateral tubercle leading-edge airfoils based on a modified NACA 0018 design with a chord length of 1.82 inches, a span width of 7.5 inches, and an amplitude of 6.3c%. Five configurations were …

Development Of A Wearable Biosensor For Cortisol Detection In Human Sweat Utilizing Pani/Peo Polymer Blend And Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots, Cesar Sanchez

Theses and Dissertations

Since the development of the first biosensor in 1962, the evolution of commercially available wearable biosensors has been driven by an increasing consumer interest in real-time health tracking. However, challenges related to sensor sensitivity and cost have hindered progress. Deploying a novel approach, the biosensor integrates a blend of Polyaniline (PANi) and Polyethylene Oxide (PEO) along with Nitrogen-doped Graphene Quantum Dots (N-GQDs) to enhance sensitivity and electroactivity, crucial for cortisol detection. To optimize performance, three distinct synthesis methods for N-GQDs; hydrothermal, microwave, and hot plate synthesis were compared employing a bottom-up approach utilizing citric acid (CA) as the primary reactant …

Primary And Parametric Resonances Of Angled Mems And Nems Cantilever Resonators, Benjamin Matthew Huerta

Theses and Dissertations

This work investigates the resonances of electrostatically actuated micro- and nano-electromechanical systems (MEMS/NEMS) uniform cantilever resonators positioned at an angle relative to a ground plate. The resonances considered in this work include primary and parametric resonance. For each resonance, the amplitude-frequency and amplitude-voltage responses are presented. The model is constructed using Euler-Bernoulli beam theory. Results are obtained by construction of a Reduced Order Model considering up to the first five modes of vibration. The Method of Multiple Scales is used when considering only the first mode shape, and the software AUTO 07p is used for higher terms. Two models are …

Low-Dimensional Learning For Remaining Useful Life Prediction Of Batteries Operating Under Various Environments, Rodrigo Benavides

Theses and Dissertations

In reliability, we typically define the standard operating conditions under which a component operates. However, the differences in battery operating conditions cause variability in the degradation patterns of identically manufactured batteries, rendering remaining useful life prediction a major challenge. To aid this task, several sensors are utilized to monitor battery state-of-health. However, traditional prognostics algorithms do not scale well to the volume of data generated. Furthermore, several authors do not explicitly consider operating environments in their prediction models. Therefore, we present a high-dimensional data analytics framework that integrates operating environment information for battery prognostics. This framework combines Multilinear Principal Component …

Computational And Experimental Analysis Of Knee Kinematics And Gait Variability: The Effects Of Load, Speed, And Fatigue On Human Motion, Alfirio Trejo Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis investigates the biomechanical behavior of the human knee under varying conditions of motion, load, and fatigue, with a focus on clinical angle analysis and gait stability. Four studies were conducted using motion capture data and a modified Grood and Suntay Joint Coordinate System (JCS) to evaluate knee joint kinematics—specifically flexion-extension, abduction-adduction, and internal-external rotation. The first study examined the effects of incremental weight loads during isolated knee extension exercises, revealing dose-dependent increases in abduction and internal rotation that may contribute to joint stress. The second study assessed the impact of walking speed and asymmetric loading on gait, showing …

Interdigitated Gear-Shaped Screen-Printed Electrode Using G-Pani Ink For Sensitive Electrochemical Detection Of Stress Related Hormones Dopamine And Cortisol, Pritu Parna Sarkar

Theses and Dissertations

This research introduces a novel interdigitated gear-shaped graphene-based electrochemical biosensor for the simultaneous detection of dopamine (DA) and cortisol. Modified with graphene–polyaniline (G–PANI) conductive ink, the sensor increased active surface area—94.52% and 57% higher than Metrohm DropSens 110 and circular printed sensors, respectively. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were employed for physicochemical characterization. The sensor detects dopamine and cortisol over a linear range of 0.1–100 µM, with limits of detection of 0.043 µM (R² = 0.98) and 0.0577 µg/mL (R² = 0.976), respectively, in phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) using redox probe. Electrochemical performance …

3d Printing Of Short Fiber Reinforced Polypropylene: Novel Lattice Architecture And Material Characterization, Mohammad Ghazi Alshneeqat

Theses

This study explores the enhanced compressive behavior of 3D-printed single and double gyroid solid-networks lattices. Where the double gyroids are constructed from two intertwined single gyroid structures. These structures were designed by nTop implicit modeling tool and then fabricated by material extrusion additive manufacturing method at optimized printing parameters, including optimized nozzle temperature and raster angle. The main objective of this study is to reveal the compressive behavior of the novel double gyroid lattice structure and then to tailor its response through variable gyroid heights. Standard polymer tests were performed, considering thermogravimetric analysis, to confirm the thermal stability of the …

Succinctness Meets Transparency A Linking Framework Combining Hyrax And Kzg, And Its Applications, Argha Sardar

Master’s Dissertations

The thesis begins by introducing the concept of zero knowledge and exploring its various paradigms. It then focuses on a interesting problem: the construction of linking proofs. Chap- ter 2 addresses the challenge of binding two distinct polynomial commitment schemes so that they are consistent at a common evaluation point. The chapter further introduces a method for equating two different polynomials with different domains using an affine line construction. By applying certain optimizations to the bulletproofs protocol, the work achieves a reduction in both the prover’s time and the number of rounds required for proving a large committed inner product. …

Pressure Recovery Analysis Downstream Of Valves And Meters: An Experimental And Numerical Investigation, Stephen J. Sanders

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Fall 2023 to Present

In pressurized water systems, flow control devices such as valves and meters cause pressure losses that can affect energy efficiency and measurement accuracy. Industry standards assume that all devices recover within the same distance downstream, but this may not be true for all device types. In this study we used laboratory testing and computer modeling to determine how far downstream pressure stabilizes after flowing through various valves and meters. Devices like Venturi meters recovered pressure quickly, while orifice plates required longer distances and resulted in greater permanent energy loss. In most cases, pressure recovered within four to six pipe diameters. …

Building Services Engineering July/August 2025

Building Services Engineering

No abstract provided.

Impact Of Cysteine And Tyrosine Dipeptides On Cho Cell Performance In A Perfusion Mimic, Corrin L. Pruitt

All Theses

Perfusion cell cultures typically achieve higher cell densities and generate higher volumetric productivities than fed-batch cultures due to continuous nutrient supply and spent media removal. Despite these advantages, perfusion cell cultures remain underutilized for licensed product manufacturing, primarily due to the lack of small-scale perfusion models for high-throughput process development and the complexities involved in media formulation capable of supporting high cell densities during long-term continuous operation. To avoid nutrient limitation at high cell densities, current perfusion processes rely on using higher perfusion rates, which results in significant media wastage and downstream product dilution. Therefore, there has been an effort …