Engineering Commons^™

A Hybrid Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvester, Wei Yang, Shahrzad Towfighian

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Scholarship

Vibration energy harvesting converts mechanical energy from ambient sources to electricity to power remote sensors. Compared to linear resonators that have poor performance away from their natural frequency, nonlinear vibration energy harvesters perform better because they use vibration energy over a broader spectrum. We present a hybrid nonlinear energy harvester that combines bi-stability with internal resonance to increase the frequency bandwidth. A two-fold increase in the frequency bandwidth can be obtained compared to a bi-stable system with fixed magnets. The harvester consists of a piezoelectric cantilever beam carrying a movable magnet facing a fixed magnet. A spring allows the magnet …

Scientific Programming Towards A Smart World, Wenbing Zhao, Xiong Luo, Huaping Liu, Kun Hua, Chaomin Luo

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

No abstract provided.

A Study Of Acoustic Reflections To Determine The Location, Size, Shape, And Orientation Of Reflecting Objects, Brandon M. Heller

Masters Theses

This study was conducted to examine the properties of sound in relation to echolocation, specifically in relation to its use by humans. Through my thesis, objects of varying shape and size were subjected to a sound wave to determine details about the object from the reflected sound. The shapes' comparisons were conducted at varying distances, measuring the intensity of the returning sound wave at several frequencies. The results demonstrated a correlation between the intensity of the sound in regards to distances, area of the reflector, and the shape of the reflector.

Thermal And Waveguide Optimization Of Broad Area Quantum Cascade Laser Performance, Matthew Suttinger

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Quantum Cascade Lasers are a novel source of coherent infrared light, unique in their tunability over the mid-infrared and terahertz range of frequencies. Advances in bandgap engineering and semiconductor processing techniques in recent years have led to the development of highly efficient quantum cascade lasers capable of room temperature operation. Recent work has demonstrated power scaling with broad area quantum cascade lasers by increasing active region width beyond the standard ~10 ?m. Taking into account thermal effects caused by driving a device with electrical power, an experimentally fitted model is developed to predict the optical power output in both pulsed …

System For Metal Coated Fiber Fabrication, Da Zhang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

For many specific applications, such as sensors, aerospace, chemical industry, deep-well oil-field industry, metal-coated fiber shows strong abilities to satisfy people's requirement. With in-line coating technology, we are able to coat Aluminum on the fibers. Using electromagnetic induction, we can easily heat an electrically conducting thing such as a metal with the eddy current. This process is defined as Induction heating. And we will melt the Aluminum by this induction heating during drawing the fibers on the tower. Introduce the fiber tower system. The drawing process of in-line technology is formed of the following steps: Position, Melting, Forming into fibers, …

Picosecond Yb-Doped Fiber Amplifier, Weibin Zhu

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Due to its versatility, rare earth doped fiber amplifier (RDFA) has attracted a lot of researchers worldwide in recent years. Depends on different kinds of rare earth ion, RDFA can be categorized into neodymium doped fiber amplifier (NDFA), erbium doped fiber amplifier (EDFA), thulium doped fiber amplifier (TDFA), and so forth. Among many kinds of RDFA, the ytterbium doped fiber amplifier (YDFA) has received even more interest, especially in high power application, mainly because of its broad gain bandwidth and high conversion efficiency which are due to its relatively simple electronic structure. The purpose of this research is to study …

Photothermal Lensing In Mid-Infrared Materials, Justin Cook

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

A thorough understanding of laser-materials interactions is crucial when designing and building optical systems. An ideal test method would probe both the thermal and optical properties simultaneously for materials under large optical loads where detrimental thermal effects emerge. An interesting class of materials are those used for infrared wavelengths due to their wide spectral transmission windows and large optical nonlinearities. Since coherent sources spanning the mid-wave and long-wave infrared wavelength regions have only become widely available in the past decade, data regarding their thermal and optical responses is lacking in literature. Photothermal Lensing (PTL) technique is an attractive method for …

Filament Wavefront Evolution, Daniel Thul

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Filamentation is a complex process that gives rise to many nonlinear interactions. However, the fundamentals of filament formation and propagation can be explained in terms of two dominant mechanisms: Kerr self-focusing and plasma defocusing. The first to occur, self-focusing, is responsible for an increase in irradiance through beam collapse. This process requires sufficient initial peak power, on the order of gigawatts for near infrared beams in air. Plasma defocusing then arrests the collapse process once the irradiance reaches the ionization threshold of the medium. These two processes balance each other in an extended plasma channel known as a filament. A …

Novel Photonic Resonance Arrangements Using Non-Hermitian Exceptional Points, Hossein Hodaei

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In recent years, non-Hermitian degeneracies also known as exceptional points (EPs) have emerged as a new paradigm for engineering the response of optical systems. EPs can appear in a wide class of open non-Hermitian configurations. Among different types of non-conservative photonic systems, parity-time (PT) symmetric arrangements are of particular interest since they provide an excellent platform to explore the physics of exceptional points. In this work, the intriguing properties of exceptional points are utilized to address two of the long standing challenges in the field of integrated photonics- enforcing single mode lasing in intrinsically multimode cavities and enhancing the sensitivity …

Generation Of High-Flux Attosecond Pulses And Towards Attosecond-Attosecond Pump-Probe Experiments, Yang Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

At present, the energy of a single isolated attosecond pulse is limited to nanojoule levels. As a result, an intense femtosecond pulse has always been used in combination with a weak attosecond pulse in time-resolved experiments. To reach the goal of conducting true attosecond pump-attosecond probe experiments, a high flux laser source has been developed that can potentially deliver microjoule level isolated attosecond pulses in the 50 eV range, and a unique experimental end station has been fabricated and implemented that can provide precision control of the attosecond-attosecond pump-probe pulses. In order to scale up the attosecond flux, a unique …

An Evaluation Of Flipped Courses In Electrical Engineering Technology Using Course Learning Outcomes And Student Course Assessments, M. Turner, Rustin Webster

School of Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

This paper describes the results of flipping two courses in an electrical engineering technology program with the objective of increasing student achievement and enthusiasm. Both an electromagnetics and electric power course were re-designed to utilize pre-class on-line videos in replace of live “chalk and talk” lectures, with a variety of active learning strategies implemented during class time, including discussion based learning, peer instruction, and group work. To evaluate the efficacy of the approach, assessment metrics tied to course learning outcomes from each class were compared under traditional and flipped conditions, as were student provided end of semester course evaluations. Additionally, …

Biochemical And Histological Differences Between Costal And Articular Cartilages, Michael W. Stacey

Bioelectrics Publications

Biologically, costal cartilage is an understudied tissue type and much is yet to be learned regarding underlying mechanisms related to form and function, and how these relate to disease states, specifically chest wall deformity. Chest wall deformities have a component of inheritance, implying underlying genetic causes; however the complexity of inheritance suggests multiple genetic components. At our Centre investigations were performed on gene expression of key select genes from costal cartilage removed at surgery of patients with chest wall deformity to show high expression of decorin, a key player in collagen fiber formation and growth. Also, the degree of tissue …

Human Behavior Recognition Ssing Brain Lfp Signal In The Presence Of The Stimulation Pulse, Hosein M. Golshan, Adam O. Hebb, Sara J. Hanrahan, Joshua Nedrud, Mohammad H. Mahoor

Electrical and Computer Engineering: Graduate Student Scholarship

Design and Methodology

This study concentrates on human behavior classification task using local field potential (LFP) signals recorded from three subjects with Parkinson’s disease (PD). Existing approaches mainly employ the LFP signals acquired under the stimulation/off condition. In practical situations, however, it is necessary to design a classification method capable of recognizing different human activities under the stimulation/on condition, where the classification task is more complicated due to the artifacts imposed by the high amplitude stimulation pulse (~1-3volts). We utilize the time-frequency representation of the acquired LFPs in the Beta frequency range (~10-30Hz) to develop a feature space based on …

A Scalable Solution For Interactive Video Streaming, Kamal Kayed Nayfeh

Wayne State University Dissertations

This dissertation presents an overall solution for interactive Near Video On Demand (NVOD) systems, where limited server and network resources prevent the system from servicing all customers’ requests. The interactive nature of recent workloads complicates matters further. Interactive requests require additional resources to be handled. This dissertation analyzes the system performance under a realistic workload using different stream merging techniques and scheduling policies. It considers a wide range of system

parameters and studies their impact on the waiting and blocking metrics. In order to improve waiting customers experience, we propose a new scheduling policy for waiting customers that is fairer …

Actuation Of Droplets Using Transparent Graphene Electrodes For Tunable Lenses And Biomedical Applications, Ali Shahini

Wayne State University Dissertations

Variable focal length liquid microlenses are the next candidate for a wide variety of applications. Driving mechanism of the liquid lenses can be categorized into mechanical and electrical actuation. Among different actuation mechanisms, EWOD is the most common tool for actuation of the liquid lenses. In this dissertation, we have demonstrated versatile and low-cost miniature liquid lenses with graphene as electrodes. Tunable focal length is achieved by changing both curvature of the droplet using electrowetting on dielectric (EWOD) and applied pressure. Ionic liquid and KCl solution are utilized as lens liquid on the top of a flexible Teflon-coated PDMS/parylene membrane. …

Cascaded Converters For Integration And Management Of Grid Level Energy Storage Systems, Zuhair Muhammed Alaas

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABSTRACT

CASCADED CONVERTERS FOR INTEGRATION AND MANAGEMENT OF GRID-LEVEL ENERGY STORAGE SYSTEMS

by

ZUHAIR ALAAS

December 2017

Advisor: Dr. Caisheng Wang

Major: ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING

Degree: Doctor of Philosophy

This research work proposes two cascaded multilevel inverter structures for BESS. The gating and switching control of switching devices in both inverter typologies are done by using a phase-shifted PWM scheme. The first proposed isolated multilevel inverter is made up of three-phase six-switch inverter blocks with a reduced number of power components compared with traditional isolated CHB. The suggested isolated converter has only one battery string for three-phase system that can be …

Toward Human-Like Automated Driving: Learning Spacing Profiles From Human Driving Data, Syed Ali

Wayne State University Dissertations

For automated driving vehicles to be accepted by their users and safely integrate with traffic involving human drivers, they need to act and behave like human drivers. This not only involves understanding how the human driver or occupant in the automated vehicle expects their vehicle to operate, but also involves how other road users perceive the automated vehicle’s intentions. This research aimed at learning how drivers space themselves while driving around other vehicles. It is shown that an optimized lane change maneuver does create a solution that is much different than what a human would do. There is a need …

On The Design Of Low-Complexity High-Speed Arithmetic Circuits In Quantum-Dot Cellular Automata Nanotechnology, Amjad Almatrood

Wayne State University Dissertations

For the last four decades, the implementation of very large-scale integrated systems has largely based on complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technology. However, this technology has reached its physical limitations. Emerging nanoscale technologies such as quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA), single electron tunneling (SET), and tunneling phase logic (TPL) are major candidate for possible replacements of CMOS. These nanotechnologies use majority and/or minority logic and inverters as circuit primitives. In this dissertation, a comprehensive methodology for majority/minority logic networks synthesis is developed. This method is capable of processing any arbitrary multi-output Boolean function to nd its equivalent optimal majority logic network targeting …

Pet Imaging Of Early Therapeutic Response In Solid Tumors, Stephanie J. Blocker

Wayne State University Dissertations

An important pillar of precision medicine for oncology is the ability to identify patients who respond to treatment early into their therapy. Positron emission tomography (PET) allows physicians and researchers to measure changes in tumor behavior prior to noticeable differences in morphology.

Objective: Determine the utility of multiple tracers for PET in assessing early changes in tumor activity that result from treatment.

Methods: Two tracers for PET were studied. 64Cu-labeled liposomes were used to assess changes in liposome delivery two solid colon tumors early into treatment with bevacizumab (Bev). 18F-FMAU thymidine analog (1-(2'-deoxy-2'-fluoro-beta-D-arabinofuranosyl)thymine), was utilized to detect early response to …

Strain Rate Dependence And Impact Behavior Of Abs (Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene) Amorphous Thermoplastic, Mehmet Akif Dundar

Wayne State University Dissertations

ABS (acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) is an extensively utilized amorphous thermoplastic in numerous engineering applications, such as marine, aerospace, automotive, electronic enclosures and housings because it offers many distinctive material properties, including good impact resistance, high toughness, high stiffness and high compressive strength. The most considerable material quality of ABS is its excellent impact resistance compared to other amorphous thermoplastics and this distinguished material ability makes the ABS very appealing for such unique engineering applications where a good impact resistance is highly needed. Nevertheless, the material behavior of ABS under impact loads is highly complex due to chaotically arranged chain macromolecules and randomly …

Enhancing Ductility Of Wwr Slabs, Mohamed Shwani, Taylor J. Sorensen, Ethan Pickett, Parker Syndergaard, Marc Maguire

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

A series of research studies have recently identified an issue called strain localization in welded wire reinforced (WWR) members. This phenomenon reportedly concentrates strains at welded cross wire locations and severely limit ductility. Those that identified the phenomenon used it to imply that WWR is unsafe because it does not warn of failure. This research program is investigating details to mitigate the strain localization effect and demonstrate the WWR can be used safely. Sixteen beams have been constructed using WWR and rebar with various cross wire spacing, using a realistic design. The strain localization phenomenon was not demonstrated, but WWR …

Nutrient Processes At The Stream-Lake Interface For A Channelized Versus Unmodified Stream Mouth, Richard G. Niswonger, Ramon C. Naranjo, David R. Smith, Jim E. Constantz, Kip K. Allander, Donald O. Rosenberry, Bethany T. Neilson, Michael R. Rosen, David A. Stonestrom

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Inorganic forms of nitrogen and phosphorous impact freshwater lakes by stimulating primary production and affecting water quality and ecosystem health. Communities around the world are motivated to sustain and restore freshwater resources and are interested in processes controlling nutrient inputs. We studied the environment where streams flow into lakes, referred to as the stream-lake interface (SLI), for a channelized and unmodified stream outlet. Channelization is done to protect infrastructure or recreational beach areas. We collected hydraulic and nutrient data for surface water and shallow groundwater in two SLIs to develop conceptual models that describe characteristics that are representative of these …

Developing A General Methodology For Evaluating Composite Action In Insulated Wall Panels, Jaiden Olsen, Salam Al-Rubaye, Taylor J. Sorensen, Marc Maguire

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Precast concrete sandwich wall panels(PCSWPs) have been in use for over 60 years. They provide a very efficient building envelope for many buildings. Characteristic PCSWPs comprise an outer and inner layer (or wythe) of concrete separated by an insulating material. To use all of the material as efficiently as possible, the layers are attached by connectors which penetrate through the insulating layer and are embedded in either concrete wythe. These connectors make it possible for both layers of the wall to work together when resisting loads. The connectors are made out of plastic, or FRP, to prevent heat transfer from …

Investigating Composite Action At Ultimate For Commercial Sandwich Panel Composite Connectors, Salam Al-Rubaye, Taylor J. Sorensen, Marc Maguire

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

To achieve full or partial-composite action in prestressed concrete sandwich panel walls, the engineer must obtain a percent composite action from a connector manufacturer, making some engineers uncomfortable. Engineers are dependent upon the recommendations given by the connector manufacturers to establish their designs. This project tested six full-scale sandwich panel walls to evaluate the percent composite action of various connectors and compare the results to those provided by the composite connector manufacturers. This study concluded that the reported degrees of composite action from each manufacturer are considered conservative in all instances for the connectors tested in this paper. Additionally, the …

Tightening The Loop On The Circular Economy: Distributed Plastic Recycling With An Open Source Recyclebot, Shan Zhong

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Following the goals of a circular economy, the growth of both plastic consumption and prosumer 3-D printing are driving an interest in producing 3-D printer filament from waste plastic. However, traditional recycling can have a significant environmental impact as it demands the collection and transportation of relatively low-density waste plastics to collection centers and reclamation facilities for separation and reconstruction. Compared to the traditional recycling, distributed recycling (where consumers directly recycle their own waste) has the potential to reduce energy consumption because it can save the energy for transportation needed in conventional recycling. A promising method of such distributed plastic …

Mse Annual Report 2017, Department Of Materials Science And Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Materials Science and Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• Faculty and Staff News
• Faculty Research
• Student News
• Senior Design Teams
• Graduate Student News
• Outreach
• Alumni News
• By the Numbers
• Scholarships

2016-2017 Che Newsletter, Department Of Chemical Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Chemical Engineering Newsletters

Table of Contents

• Department
• Convocation
• Student News
• Faculty
• Alumni & Friends

Electrical And Computer Engineering Annual Report 2017, Department Of Electrical And Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Annual Reports

• Early Career Awards
• Faculty Directory
• Faculty Highlights
• Special Report: Mobility at Michigan Tech
• Faculty Publications
• Staff Profile & Directory
• Graduate Student Research
• Accelerated Master's Degree
• Graduate Student Awards & Degrees
• Undergraduate Highlights
• Senior Design
• Enterprise
• Undergraduate Student Awards & Advisory
• Grants & Contracts
• Departmental Statistics
• A Pioneer's Story

The Circuit, Spring 2017, Department Of Electrical And Computer Engineering, Michigan Technological University

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Newsletters

Table of Contents:

• Early Career Awards
• Spotlighting: Leonard Bohman
• Visiting Faculty
• Bridging Past and Future Through Automation
• Robotics Systems Enterprise
• Inspiring the Next Generation
• Tech Team Wins Team Tech
• Ramping Up Automotive Controls
• Bucheger Moves Senior Design Forward
• Student News
• Alumni News

Hydroshare Gis: Visualizing Spatial Data In The Cloud, Shawn Crawley, Daniel P. Ames, Zhiyu Li, David G. Tarboton

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Cloud-based data management systems are more conducive to collaborative efforts when they are integrated with cloud-computing tools that interact with their stored data. HydroShare, a web based data management system for climate and water data, has implemented an Application Programming Interface and a web application platform deployed using Tethys Platform to encourage the development of apps that interact with its data. HydroShare GIS is the result of one such development effort to provide cloud-based visualization of spatial data stored in HydroShare. It functions by accessing the spatial metadata contained within the HydroShare resource data model and overlaying datasets as layers …