Engineering Commons^™

Fire Fossils: Biomineral Infrastructures In Untangling Climates, Tanmayee More

Masters Theses

Diatoms drift, sediments sink, wildfires generate their own weather. Lightning strikes can blast sand into glass, and microscopic organisms do the same in the cold recesses of the ocean. What alchemies and metabolisms catalyze space, time, and energy? What are the thermodynamics of infrastructure in Climate Change?

Places, materials, and beings are afterimages. Through alchemical experiments, and multi-scalar imaging, I develop simulations of wildfires, and their profound, reverberating effects. In this thesis, a glass-meets-landscape experimental process enters these obscured conditions and renders new material relations for the built environment.

Designing Between Worlds, Levon Kostandyan

Masters Theses

This thesis reimagines design as a means of cultural continuity—an act of memory, resistance, and transformation. Rooted in the diasporic Armenian experience, it explores how identity is carried not only through storytelling, but through materials, rituals, and objects that evolve across time and place. Through the transformation of pomegranate skin from waste into a meaningful design material, the project navigates the space between symbolism and substance, honoring both the fruit’s ancestral weight and its potential as a living material language.


The work moves between personal narrative, historical research, and material experimentation, engaging with themes of displacement, hybridity, and embedded knowledge. …

Building Ecologies: Maintaining Land, Working With Wood, Taylor Jais

Masters Theses

This thesis critiques contemporary architecture and building practices for their fundamentally unsustainable and place-less assemblies that rely on extracting finite resources that generate significant emissions while simultaneously neglecting to consider the needs and existence of humans and non-human species with in the built environment. Through experimental material research that diverts “wood” waste streams and integrates land and multispecies care, this work demonstrates how maintenance-based approaches to construction can transform built assemblies into ecological systems. By deconstructing wood to its cellular components and recombining these elements in novel ways, this research reveals possibilities for collaborative, materials-driven, place-based building practices. This thesis …

Interfacial Phenomena Of Plastics: From Surface Modifications To Environmental Impacts, Kennedy Guillot

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Plastic is a ubiquitous part of everyday life since its introduction in the previous century. Global production continues to exponentially increase, establishing plastics as one of the most dominant materials in modern manufacturing. Within the scope of academia, plastic is essential due to its low cost and sterility, particularly for minimizing contamination. Beyond the laboratory, plastic use spans numerous industries, and its use and disposal has since raised many environmental concerns. Once valued for its durability, plastics now pollute the environment in landfills and natural ecosystems. In recent decades, the consequences of this pollution have been investigated, yet the full …

Influencing Factors Of Angle-Of-Arrival Estimator Based On Deep Learning, Guohao Pang

Dissertations and Theses

Deep learning (DL)-based angle-of-arrival (AoA) estimation offers significant advantages over traditional signal processing methods, especially in complex and high-noise environments. However, situational complexity and differences in hardware can significantly impact the estimator's performance. It is therefore of interest to investigate the relationship between the performance of deep learning models and the variation of physical parameters such as the number of signal sources, the number of receiving antennas, and the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). In this study, we investigate the impact of these variations on deep learning-based AoA estimation by systematically analyzing how the variations in the characteristics of the received signal …

Price-Signal-Based Control Strategy For Heat Pump Water Heaters In Demand Response Applications, Othman A. Murad

Dissertations and Theses

This work presents a price-signal-based control strategy for residential Heat Pump Water Heaters (HPWHs) aimed at reducing electricity costs and shifting load away from high-price periods. By integrating the California Load Flexibility Research and Development Hub (CalFlexHub) prototype price signals, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA-2045-B) communication protocol, and the Object-oriented, Controllable, High-resolution Residential Energy (OCHRE) simulation framework, a rule-based controller was developed to align HPWH operation with dynamic electricity pricing while maintaining hot water availability.

The control strategy was evaluated through two case studies: one using a fixed water draw profile under varying levels of price signal foresight, and another …

Codelympics: An Educational Game, Shreyas Raghunath, Riley Guioguio

Computer Science and Engineering Senior Theses

This thesis addresses the growth of Computer Science and the increasing demand for resources that educate people about programming. The central problem is that existing resources either fall short in engaging the user, or are ineffective at communicating the basics of programming. Through a year of development and testing, we developed an application to serve as a bridge between games and educational content, making programming skills fun and accessible for younger students with no prior experience.

This thesis details the development of Codelympics, an educational game designed to teach the basics of computer programming, including control flow, functions, variables, and …

Axiomatic Aggregation Data, Carl D. Sorensen, Christopher A. Mattson, Michael L. Anderson, Thomas J. Ashworth

ScholarsArchive Data

This data set includes the ideation results of an experiment in ideation effectiveness, along with tools for analyzing the quality of the ideation.

All ideas generated by 15 teams of BYU students are included in the database. The ideas have been placed into an OPED genealogy tree format. The quality of all the ideas has been evaluated. The novelty of one team's ideas has been evaluated.

Instructions for performing the OPED organization, evaluating quality, and evaluating novelty are included in the data workbook.

Software tools to aggregate the individual evaluations into team scores and to display the results of the …

Understanding The Morphology And Mass Transport Resistance Of Mesoporous Carbon-Supported Pemfc Based On Modeling Analysis, Hao Deng, Jia Liu, Zhong-Jun Hou

Journal of Electrochemistry

Mesoporous carbon supports mitigate Pt sulfonic poisoning through nanopore-confined Pt deposition, yet their morphological impacts on oxygen transport remain unclear. This study integrates carbon support morphology simulation with an enhanced agglomerate model to establish a mathematical framework elucidating pore evolution, Pt utilization, and oxygen transport in catalyst layers. Results demonstrate dominant local mass transport resistance governed by three factors: (1) active site density dictating oxygen flux; (2) ionomer film thickness defining shortest transport path; (3) ionomer-to-Pt surface area ratio modulating practical pathway length. At low ionomer-to-carbon (I/C) ratios, limited active sites elevate resistance (Factor 1 dominant). Higher I/C ratios improve …

Preparation And Modification Of Mxene Composites For Application In Electrochemical Energy Storage, Zhang-Hai You, Ding-Ze Lu, Kiran Kumar Kondamareddy, Wen-Ju Gu, Peng-Fei Cheng, Jing-Xuan Yang, Rui Zheng, Hong-Mei Wang

Journal of Electrochemistry

With the acceleration of advanced industrialization and urbanization, the environment is deteriorating rapidly, and non-renewable energy resources are depleted. The gradual advent of potential clean energy storage technologies is particularly urgent. Electrochemical energy storage technologies have been widely used in multiple fields, especially supercapacitors and rechargeable batteries, as vital elements of storing renewable energy. In recent years, two-dimensional material MXene has shown great potential in energy and multiple application fields thanks to its excellent electrical properties, large specific surface area, and tunability. Based on the layered materials of MXene, researchers have successfully achieved the dual functions of energy storage and …

Comprehensive Risk Assessment Of Power Grids Using Fuzzy Bayesian Networks Through Expert Elicitation: A Technical Analysis, Yasir Mahmood, Nof Yasir, Nita Yodo, Ying Huang, Di Wu, Roy A. Mccann

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

Power grid infrastructures, essential to modern societies for electricity distribution, are prone to vulnerabilities due to their numerous sensitive components, necessitating a comprehensive risk assessment. Uncertainty in historical failure data often compromises accurate risk quantification, leading to the integration of expert elicitation as a solution. This study develops a Bayesian network (BN) risk assessment model integrated with fuzzy set theory (FST), referred to as the fuzzy Bayesian network (FBN). By incorporating expert insights, this model quantifies internal and external risk variables more comprehensively. Crisp probabilities (CPr), derived from regional transmission operator (RTO) failure incident data, are complemented by fuzzy probabilities …

Attitude Determination & Control Algorithms, Utah State University Space Dynamics Laboratory

Space Dynamics Laboratory Publications

Purpose

• Quick-look overview of all elements of ADCS (e.g. this control loop)
• Give references and terminology but not the complete "how-to"

Theoretical Insights Into The Atomic And Electronic Structures Of Polyperyleneimide: On The Origin Of Photocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Activity, Yi-Qing Wang, Zhi Lin, Ming-Tao Li, Shao-Hua Shen

Journal of Electrochemistry

Polymeric perylene diimide (PDI) has been evidenced as a good candidate for photocatalytic water oxidation, yet the origin of the photocatalytic oxygen evolution activity remains unclear and needs further exploration. Herein, with crystal and atomic structures of the self-assembled PDI revealed from the X-ray diffraction pattern, the electronic structure is theoretically illustrated by the first-principles density functional theory calculations, suggesting the suitable band structure and the direct electronic transition for efficient photocatalytic oxygen evolution over PDI. It is confirmed that the carbonyl O atoms on the conjugation structure serve as the active sites for oxygen evolution reaction by the crystal …

Three-Dimensional Melamine Carbon Sponge/Nai As Cathode Materials For Sodium-Ion Batteries, Qian-Ying Huang, Yue Liu, Zi-Xin Lin, Shu-Yi Zheng, Ting-Ting Mei, Yu-Ting Tang, Ying-He Zhang, Jun Liu

Journal of Electrochemistry

The sodium-iodine (Na-I) battery exhibits significant potential as an alternative energy storage device to the lithium-ion battery. However, its development is hindered by inadequate electrical and thermal stability, as well as the dissolution and shuttling of polyiodide. In this study, we report a preparation method for melamine carbon sponge (MC) via carbonizing a commercially available kitchen sponge. It was revealed that the as-prepared MC, composed of unique self-growing carbon nanotubes, could provide both physical and chemical adsorption capabilities for intermediate polyiodides to improve the electrochemical performance of NaI. Consequently, the NaI/MC electrode effectively minimized polyiodide dissolution and reduced the electrochemical …

Optimization Of Renewable Energy Systems: Comparative Analysis Of Advanced Algorithms And Photovoltaic-Electrolyzer Performance For Cost Reduction And Efficiency Enhancement, Mohamed-Amine Babay, Mustapha Adar, Ahmed Chebak, Mustapha Mabroukia

Journal of Electrochemistry

The increasing demand for cost-effective and efficient renewable energy solutions presents significant optimization challenges in hybrid energy systems. This paper addresses these challenges by conducting a comparative analysis of three advanced optimization algorithms—Lévy Flight Optimization (LFO), Archimedean Optimization (AO), and Quantum Gorilla Optimization (QGO)—to minimize the Total Net Present Cost (TNPC) and Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE) in hybrid renewable energy systems. The study integrates critical cost parameters such as Capital Expenditure (CAPEX), Operational Expenditure (OPEX), replacement costs, and salvage values into an advanced optimization framework. Three system configurations are evaluated: Wind Turbines and Fuel Cells (WT/FC), Photovoltaic Systems and …

Integrating A Stakeholder-Centric Approach Into Dynamic Adaptation Policy Pathways For Equitable Coastal Flood Risk Management In East Boston, Shailee M. Desai

Graduate Doctoral Dissertations

This research aims to illustrate a methodology incorporating diverse stakeholder values in adaptation planning to promote equitable outcomes using a hypothetical case study of the Lower Border Street area in East Boston, using the Dynamic Adaptive Policy Pathways (DAPP) framework for managing coastal flood risk. It offers three significant contributions to the field of adaptation planning: (i) It demonstrates how to integrate a stakeholder-specific assessment within the DAPP framework and illustrates individual impacts to a variety of stakeholders, including high- and low-income residents, commercial actors, government actors, and coastal landowners hoping that the planning process remains transparent and motivates local …

Disturbance Observer In Grid-Side Controller For Wave Energy Converters, Moath Jamal Saleh

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

A typical Permanent Magnet Linear Generator (PMLG)-based ocean wave energy system consists of an electrical generator, a Machine-Side Converter (MSC), a Grid-Side Converter (GSC), a DC-link capacitor, and a passive filter—such as an L filter or LCL filter—to connect the GSC to the grid. The main objective of this work is to control the GSC using a disturbance observer-based control technique to inject constant power and balanced current into the grid under both balanced and unbalanced grid conditions.
This thesis presents a controller for the converter that integrates a state-feedback controller with a disturbance observer. The feedback controller stabilizes the …

Optimizing Concrete Strength: How Nanomaterials And Ai Redefine Mix Design, Dan Huang, Guangshuai Han, Ziyang Tang

Physics and Engineering Science

Nanomaterials and supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) are typically used together in efforts to enhance the performance of concrete and mitigate the environmental impact of concrete construction. However, the complex interactions between nanomaterials, SCMs, and cement make concrete mix design a challenging, iterative, and labor-intensive process, often relying on trial-and-error experimentation. Machine learning (ML) offers an opportunity to better understand the influence of input parameters and to accelerate the optimization of mix designs through data-driven insights. This study proposes an open-source and easy-to-access framework, Canopy, to support the concrete research community in optimizing mix design. Using a dataset collected from the …

Restricted Nonlinear Simulations Of Flow Over Riblets: Characterizing Drag Reduction And Its Breakdown, Xiaowei Zhu, Bianca Fontanin Viggiano, Benjamin A. Minnick, Dennice Gayme

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The restricted nonlinear (RNL) model is employed as low-order representation of turbulent flow over riblets at 𝑅𝑒𝜏 ≈ 395. Comparisons with direct numerical simulations (DNS) verify the ability of the model to accurately capture low-order statistics, as well as trends in drag-alteration and secondary motion as a function of riblet geometry and spacing. We demonstrate the ability of the RNL model to reproduce additional flow features by decomposing the roughness function to isolate contributions from the total stress and comparing its predictions to DNS data. An analysis of the spectra of Reynolds shear stress shows that the RNL model captures …

Are Cycles Of Neural Activity The Algorithm Of The Brain?, Edwin Omondi Onyango

Computer Science Senior Theses

We propose that precisely timed neural activity cycles can serve as structural primitives for memory and computation in a system that exhibits associative learning like the brain. Inspired by biologically grounded mechanisms such as calcium-dependent plasticity, spike-timing-dependent learning, and phase-sensitive excitability, we construct a spiking neural network model in which repeated temporal coincidences drive the formation of self-sustaining activity loops. These cycles, once formed, persist as dynamic memory traces: not stored as static weights, but as reverberating patterns that replay in time when these loops are restarted. We show that noise alone fails to induce stable structure, but even sparse, …

Surface Resistivity Correlation To Nano-Defects In Laser Powder Bed Fused Molybdenum (Mo)-Silicon Carbide (Sic) Alloys, Andrew Mason, Larry W. Burggraf, Ryan A. Kemnitz, Nate Ellsworth

Faculty Publications

The integration of Silicon Carbide (SiC) nanoparticles into Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LB-PBF) Molybdenum (Mo) printing represents a significant advancement in refractory metal additive manufacturing. Our investigation examined how varying SiC nanoparticle sizes affect the microstructural and electrical properties of LB-PBF-printed molybdenum components while maintaining a 0.01 mass fraction of Mo. At an Linear Energy Densities (LED) of 1.8 J/mm, the addition of 80 nm SiC particles achieved a 46% reduction in porosity, while sheet resistance decreased by 6% at LED of 2.0 J/mm with 80 nm SiC particles. These performance improvements stem from several mechanisms: SiC particles serve as …

Modeling Rice Leaf Area Index And Canopy Height In The Us Mid-South Region, Ellie J. Kuhn, Beatriz Moreno-Garcia, Michele Reba, Kusum Naithani, Benjamin R. Runkle

Biological and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Crop growth modeling plays a critical role in addressing the global challenges of food scarcity, carbon cycling, and water management. By simulating crop development from environmental factors, these models help predict harvest yield and carbon or water cycle terms and thus can inform policy and investment decisions. However, for some agricultural regions, such as the US Mid-South, there is a lack of comprehensive data specific to rice (Oryza sativa) cultivars and their growing conditions. Here, we use 30 field seasons of observational data to predict leaf area index (LAI) and canopy height (Hcan), key inputs for crop growth models, for …

A Phase Transition-Induced Fracturing Permeability Enhancement Technology Using Carbon Dioxide Capsules For Low-Permeability Coal Seams And Its Application, Li Mao, Fan Xinchuan, Fu Hui

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods To address engineering challenges like high gas content, high pressure, and low drainage efficiency in the mining of low-permeability coal seams, this study developed a phase transition-induced fracturing and permeability enhancement technology using carbon dioxide (CO₂) capsules for low-permeability coal seams. This technology leverages the feature that CO₂ transitions into the supercritical state under high pressure. A capsule encapsulating critical CO₂ is placed into a conduit, which is then placed within a coal seam. Subsequently, phase transition-induced blasting is triggered using a heating blasting start device. Consequently, liquid CO₂ vaporizes rapidly and …

Characteristics And Control Modes Of Geothermal Fields In Deep Coal Reservoirs In The Linxing-Shenfu Block, Xu Lifu, Bai Yuhu, Xu Bingxiang, Hu Weiqiang, Chen Jianqi, Li Yong

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective Geothermal fields serve as a crucial geological condition controlling the phases and seepage of deep coalbed methane (CBM). Investigating geothermal fields facilitates the assessment and efficient development of deep CBM resources.Methods This study explored the Nos. 8 and 9 coal seams in the Linxing-Shenfu block using data from drilling, well logging, well tests, and experiments. Specifically, this study summarized the regional distribution patterns of geothermal fields in deep coal reservoirs in the block, analyzed the impacts of the geothermal fields on the gas-bearing and physical properties of the reservoirs, and revealed the controlling factors and mechanisms of the …

Dynamic Evolutionary Patterns Of High-Temperature Steam Seepage And Thermal Strains Of Coals During Heat Injection, Li Zhiqiang, Zhang Ningchao, Chen Jinsheng, Chen Liwei, Feng Wenxiang, Liu Longwei, Wang Yungang

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Thermal stimulation of coal seams using high-temperature steam is recognized as a highly promising technology used to increase gas production. Steam permeability serves as a critical parameter for characterizing the injection capacity of thermal fluids. However, the seepage patterns and evolutionary mechanism of steam in coals remain unclear, and exploring these issues holds critical scientific significance for gas production enhancement via heat injection. Methods Through experiments on the seepage and thermal strains of coals during the injection of high-temperature steam performed using the steady-state method, this study investigated the dynamic time variation patterns of the steam permeability and thermal …

Assessing The Potential And Suitability Of Geothermal Resources Using Monte Carlo Simulation And Game-Based Combination Weighting Method, He Yixiang, Ding Pengpeng, Liu Shaohua, Wang Mingzhu, Zhu Lei

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background Geothermal energy in porous sandstone reservoirs is recognized as stable, efficient clean energy. However, these reservoirs feature heterogeneity and exploration uncertainty, posing serious challenges to probabilistic resource assessment and the identification of suitability for resource development.Methods This study investigated the geothermal resources in the Guantao Formation within the northwest Shandong plain. Using the volumetric method and Monte Carlo simulation, this study assessed the uncertainty of the resource potential. Then, considering the characteristics of geothermal resources, the attributes of geological structures, and the social economy, this study developed a multi-dimensional evaluation index system for the suitability of sandstone geothermal …

Levels Of The Nicotine Analog 6-Methyl Nicotine As A Naturally Formed Tobacco Alkaloid In Tobacco And Tobacco Products, James F. Pankow, Wentai Luo, Kevin J. Mcwhirter, Mohana Sengupta, Robert M. Strongin

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

S-6-methyl nicotine (S-6MN) has appeared as a nicotine substitute in commercial electronic e-cigarette products and pouches, including with the claim that such use is not regulated under current U.S. law. This work describes an analytical chemistry based search for the natural S/R presence of 6MN and three other MN compounds in additive-free cured leaf tobaccos and in multiple commercial tobacco products. The samples were extracted using 5 N NaOH, then methyl t-butyl ether. The extracts were analyzed using gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometric (MS) detection, and liquid chromatography (LC) with high resolution MS/MS detection. GC peaks with the correct …

Table Of Contents, The Editors

Coal Geology & Exploration

No abstract provided.

Sedimentary Patterns And Exploitation Practices Of Tight-Sand Gas Reservoirs In Coal Measure Strata: A Case Study Of The 3rd Submember Of The Second Member Of The Permian Shanxi Formation In The Daning-Jixian Block, Zhang Lei, Huang Li, Zhao Longmei, Wang Feng, Zhang Yixin, Shi Shi, Zhang Wen, Zhao Haoyang, Chen Tong, Tong Jiangnan

Coal Geology & Exploration

Background The third submember of the second member of the Permian Shanxi Formation (also referred to as the Shan 2³ submember) in the Daning-Jixian block along the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin is identified as a primary target layer for tight-sand gas production in the block. In the early stage of the block development, play fairways were initially identified through fundamental studies on provenance areas and sedimentary systems. Accordingly, a gas field with an annual production of 10 × 10⁸ m³ was constructed in the block. However, further exploitation reveals that the sandstones in the Shan …

Application Of A Uav-Borne Gpr System In The Detection Of Water Bodies And Cavities, Wang Ying, Sun Chenchen, Zhang Lu, Chen Yifei, Lu Song, Zhou Feng

Coal Geology & Exploration

Objective and Methods The unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)-borne ground-penetrating radar (GPR) system, enjoying the advantages of high resolution and non-contact detection, is applicable to the detection of water accumulation in coal seams and goaves in mines. Therefore, this study proposed a rapid detection method based on a UAV-borne air-coupled GPR system to enhance the exploration efficiency of mining areas and reduce the time and risks of manual explorations. Given the limitations of the test scenarios in actual coal mines, this study investigated the water body of the Fanxiong reservoir in Ezhou City and surrounding drainage culverts for equivalent validation, aiming …