Engineering Commons^™

Development And Characterisation Of A Bath-Based Vertical Blackbody Cavity Calibration Source For The Range −30 °C To 150 °C, Sam Boles, Igor Pušnik, Dubhaltach Mac Lochlainn, David Fleming, Izabela Naydenova, Suzanne Martin

Articles

Industrial use of Radiation Thermometers (RTs) is becoming increasingly common due to the perceived advantages and wide market availability. Blackbody Cavity Radiation Sources (BCRSs) are typically used for calibration of these instruments, and these cavities are oriented horizontally in most cases. For BCRSs based in thermal baths, this necessitates the use of custom-built baths with side openings. This paper presents a unique design of vertical bath-based BCRS that may be immersed in conventional calibration baths without modifications to the baths. The method, results, and analysis of an international comparison comparing this vertical BCRS, standard horizontal BCRSs, and a previous iteration …

The Electrochemical Deposition Of Zn-Mn Coating From Choline Choloride-Urea Deep Eutectic Solvent, Mihael Bucko, David Culliton, Tony Betts, Jelena Bajat

Articles

Electrochemical and microscopic techniques were used for characterization of Zn˗Mn coatings electrodeposited from choline chloride˗urea deep eutectic solvent. Cyclic voltammograms show that there was no discernible Mn reduction peak when only Mn2+ was present in DES solution. The distinct Mn peak developed only upon addition of Zn2+ to the solution, probably due to previous Zn nucleation on the steel substrate. It was found that 22-27 wt.% Mn, was deposited at current densities of 3-8 mA cm-2, amounts significantly higher than in aqueous electrolytes. Since higher deposition current densities resulted in the formation of a porous surface consisting of clusters of …

Grid Voltage Sensorless Single-Phase Half-Bridge Active Filter And Dc Bus Voltage Regulation, Samet Biricik

Articles

In this paper, a method is presented for the control of grid voltage sensorless single-phase half-bridge shunt active power filter to reduce the grid current harmonics of low-power single-phase non-linear loads. The proposed system forces the grid current to be sinusoidal without sensing and processing the grid voltage on the line. For this reason, instead of grid voltage the load current is processed by using self-tuning filter to generate reference grid current to eliminate current harmonic distortions. In order to design a low-cost system, a half-bridge voltage source converter is used to reduce driver circuits. In addition, the switching losses …

Back Diffusion Of Electrons In Argon Subjected To Uniform Time Invariant Orthogonal Electric And Magnetic Fields, M.S. Dincer, Samet Biricik, S.S. Tezcan, S. Bektas

Articles

In this study, the processes of back diffusion in Ar subjected to crossed fields are analyzed by using the Monte Carlo simulation method in the E/N range of 50 to 500 Td (1 Td = 1 × 10^–17 V cm²) for 0 < B/N < 25 × 10⁻¹⁹ T cm³. At a given constant E/N, escape factors decrease with an increasing crossed, reduced magnetic field B/N. This reduction in the escape factor is more pronounced in the lower E/N range. Furthermore, the mean number of collisions of back scattered electrons is quite large, and at a given E/N, the mean …

Photoluminescence Of Lead Sulfide Quantum Dots Of Different Sizes In A Nanoporous Silicate Glass Matrix, Aleksandr P. Litvin, Anton Babaev, Peter Parfenov, Elena Ushakova, Mikhail Baranov, Olga Andreeva, Kevin Berwick, Anatoly Fedorov, Alexander Baranov

Articles

The optical properties of lead sulfide quantum dots (QDs) of different sizes embedded in a nanoporous silicate glass matrix (NSM) are investigated by steady-state and transient photoluminescence spectroscopy. The use of this matrix allows the fabrication of samples with reproducible optical characteristics, for both isolated and close-packed QDs. Low-temperature PL analysis of isolated QDs with sizes of 3.7 and 4.5 nm shows that the coefficient of temperature shift of the PL position changes sign with reducing QD size because of size-dependent contributions from thermal expansion, mechanical strain, and electron–phonon coupling. The PL intensity is determined by size-dependent splitting of the …

Hybrid Graphene–Copper Uwb Array Sensor For Brain Tumor Detection Via Scattering Parameters In Microwave Detection System, Mohd Aminudin Jamlos, Abdul Hafiizh Ismail, Mohd Faizal Jamlos, Adam Narbudowicz

Articles

Hybrid graphene–copper ultra-wideband array sensor applied to microwave imaging technique is successfully used in detecting and visualizing tumor inside human brain. The sensor made of graphene coated film for the patch while copper for both the transmission line and parasitic element. The hybrid sensor performance is better than fully copper sensor. Hybrid sensor recorded wider bandwidth of 2.0–10.1 GHz compared with fully copper sensor operated from 2.5 to 10.1 GHz. Higher gain of 3.8–8.5 dB is presented by hybrid sensor, while fully copper sensor stated lower gain ranging from 2.6 to 6.7 dB. Both sensors recorded excellent total efficiency averaged …

Time-Varying And Constant Switching Frequency-Based Sliding-Mode Control Methods For Transformerless Dvr Employing Half-Bridge Vsi, Hasan Komurcugil, Samet Biricik

Articles

This paper presents time-varying and constant switching frequency based sliding-mode control (SMC) methods for three-phase transformerless dynamic voltage restorers (TDVRs) which employ half-bridge voltage source inverter. An equation is derived for the time-varying switching frequency. However, since the time-varying switching frequency is not desired in practice, a smoothing operation is applied to the sliding surface function within a narrow boundary layer with the aim of eliminating the chattering effect and achieving a constant switching frequency operation. The control signal obtained from the smoothing operation is compared with a triangular carrier signal to produce the pulse width modulation signals. The feasibility …

A Fast Linear Electro-Optical Effect In A Non-Chiral Bent-Core Liquid Crystal, Yuri Panarin, S.P. Sreenilayam, J.K. Vij, A. Lehmann, C. Tschierske

Articles

We report the observation of an electro-optical effect for a linear rotation of the optical axis as function of the electric field in an achiral tilted bent-core liquid crystalline compound, in which 4-cyanoresorcinol bisbenzoate core is symmetrically terminated by long linear alkyl chains (n =16) on both ends. The linear electro-optic effect observed in this material is similar to the deformed helical ferroelectric liquid crystal (DHFLC) effect reported previously in a FLC material except that dimensions of the helical pitch differ by two orders of magnitude. In the chiral systems, the helical pitch usually lies on the scale of sub-optical …

Wind Turbine Noise And Wind Speed Prediction, Tyler H. Blanchard

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

In order to meet the US Department of Energy projected target of 35% of US energy coming from wind by 2050, there is a strong need to study the management and development of wind turbine technology and its impact on human health, wildlife and environment. The prediction of wind turbine noise and its propagation is very critical to study the impacts of wind turbine noise for long term adoption and acceptance by neighboring communities. The prediction of wind speed is critical in the assessment of feasibility of a potential wind turbine site. This work presents a study on prediction of …

Advancing Intersection Management By Utilizing Cost Effective Intelligent Vehicle Concepts And Vehicle-To-Infrastructure Communication Techniques, Bernard O. Ibru

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS) is a growing field of research which focuses on the alleviation of traffic congestion and road accidents caused by miscommunication or confusion of human drivers. Intelligent Intersection Management is a subdivision of ITS which focuses on the seamless management of vehicles arriving at, traversing and exiting intersections to prevent congestion and collision within or around the intersection. This research sought to develop a cost effective method of implementing wireless Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) communication based Intelligent Intersection Management, by employing the use of 1:4.5 scale version autonomous vehicle prototypes, on a similarly scaled four-way intersection. This was accomplished …

Solar Irradiance Forecasting And Implications For Domestic Electric Water Heating, Christopher Nutter

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

As the effects of burning fossil fuels continues to present its prevalence, the interests in alternative forms of energy is expanding. Within the home, the domestic electrical water heater accounts for approximately 17% of its energy consumption. Reducing the amount of energy required to produce hot water from this thermal system alone can have a significant effect on reducing its carbon footprint. In this presented work, a modeled domestic electrical water heater was supplied photovoltaic and on-grid electrical power to increase its energy efficiency. As photovoltaic (PV) energy is directly related to solar irradiation, it is important to receive accurate …

Careers In Engineering Lesson Plan, Lindsay Snowden

ENgaging Educators in Renewable enerGY (ENERGY): Lesson Plans & Slideshows (2017-2019)

Careers in Engineering Lesson Plan. The activity is to create a version of a robotic hand with the supplies provided,

Module 2: Solar Powered Cricket Lab & Engineering Guest Speaker, Lindsay Snowden

ENgaging Educators in Renewable enerGY (ENERGY): Lesson Plans & Slideshows (2017-2019)

Students will participate in a Solar Panel Cricket lab to determine which environmental condition would allow for the solar panel to produce the most power. The three conditions are inside, inside with a flashlight, or outside in the sun. The students will complete a correlating lab worksheet. Students will also ask questions and hold discussions with the guest speaker. Students will actively participate while the guest speaker is presenting.

Power House Sustainable Energy Education, Rachael Grillo, Molly Hopper, Laura Mills

ENgaging Educators in Renewable enerGY (ENERGY): Lesson Plans & Slideshows (2017-2019)

No abstract provided.

Renewable Energy, Keith Bazemore

ENgaging Educators in Renewable enerGY (ENERGY): Lesson Plans & Slideshows (2017-2019)

Lesson Plan for Renewable Energy- Environmental Science.

Nsf Energy - Pico-Grid Smart Homes Power Management System, Aaron Specht, Shaina Neal

ENgaging Educators in Renewable enerGY (ENERGY): Lesson Plans & Slideshows (2017-2019)

No abstract provided.

Survey And Data Analysis Of Weak Gel Treatments In Injection Wells, Zhuxing Chen

Masters Theses

"Excessive water production is a major concern in mature reservoirs. Weak gels have been applied in injection wells for in-depth profile modification. However, the data range and distribution of each parameter that affects performance of weak gels have not been studied thoroughly.

China has the largest amount of chemical-based conformance control treatments. This paper presents a summary of comprehensive data ranges and distributions for weak gel treatments based on the laboratory experiments and field applications in China from 2001 to 2010. The data set includes 76 cases compiled from China Academic Journals papers. In this study, reservoir properties, gel properties …

The Use Of Ceramic Water Filters Under Pressure In An In-Line Water Pumping System, Travis Dean Gardner

Masters Theses

"Ceramic pot filters (CPFs) have proven an effective point of use (POU) filter due to their relative low cost, ease to manufacture, and effectiveness at treating contaminated water. These filters are used by individual homes, and sometimes multiple filters are needed for each home in order to produce enough water for the family's household. If these filters could be used in-line with a pumping system or elevated storage tank, water could be filtered and used on demand for a community in an economically feasible way. However, CPFs are too fragile to use under pressure due to the weak points where …

Underground Structures, Rock Structures And Rock Mechanics From Ancient Era To The Modern Age, Ebru Akiş, Özgür Satici

Geosciences and Geological and Petroleum Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Usage of underground space is an old habit for human beings since ancient era. Our ancestors have used caves as a shelter for protection from the wildlife and nature, and they excavated caves to extract valuable minerals. They also used them as sanctuaries, tombs or for storage of goods. In addition, they built tunnels to be used as assault systems or to underpass fortifications during ancient warfare. Later on, tunnels were driven to supply water to the towns or to protect the towns from floods. They also built them for communication purposes. Though not knowing the exact time when they …

Inspire Newsletter Winter 2017, Missouri University Of Science And Technology. Inspire - University Transportation Center

INSPIRE Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Engineering Icephobic Coatings: Surface Characterization Of Pt Cured Silicones, Sithara Shylaja Nair

Theses and Dissertations

Ice buildup on structures leads to problems that include reduced performance, structural damage and power outages. It is therefore important to limit the energy required for removal of ice from substrates to minimize buildup. Understanding the mechanism of ice adhesion and its dependence on variables like coating thickness, stiffness, surface free energy and morphology is critical for minimizing adhesion. Despite several developments in “icephobic” coatings, which are those that have low ice adhesion, it is important to understand adhesion on the fundamental level to make way for advanced coatings. To do so, a study has been carried out that explores …

Development Of An Electrospun And 3d Printed Cellular Delivery Device For Dermal Wound Healing, Ryan M. Clohessy

Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research was to develop a system of individualized medicine that could be applied to dermal wounds serving as a wound dressing and synthetic extracellular matrix while delivering stem cells to the wound bed. First, fabrication parameters for electrospinning polymer fibers were determined. This involved evaluating fiber morphology with respect to polymer selection and solution concentration. Next, construct fabrication was examined to produce an integrated void space, or cargo area, suitable to maintain stem cells. In vitro studies to ensure stem cell viability and phenotype were conducted, and results supported the notion that cells could be administered …

Rock And Fluid Flow Characterization On Unconventional Reservoir Using Confocal-Laser-Microscopy And Micromodels, Songyuan Liu

Doctoral Dissertations

"Unconventional oil reservoirs have become significant sources of petroleum production and have even better potential in the future. Many unconventional oil systems consist of nanoscale pore throats, sub-micro-scale pores and micro-scale fractures that are significantly smaller than those from conventional reservoirs. To understand fluid flow behavior in unconventional reservoir, lab approaches were conducted using lab-on-chip method for the direct visualization of the water/oil flow in sub-micro-scale channels and the flow behavior with influence of surfactant and fractures.

In this work, tight sandstone thin slice was characterized using confocal-laser-microscope. Using designed micromodels, microscopic study of interface and residual oil distribution as …

The Effects Of Carboxylic Acids In Aluminum Anodizing, Abby E. Koczera

Honors Theses and Capstones

Hard-anodized alumina coatings were formed in sulfuric acid at low temperature and high current density in the presence of carboxylic acid additives. Citric acid, trimesic acid, mellitic acid and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) were utilized in varying concentrations. The additives were chosen for their capacity to form complexes with tri-valent aluminum and hence impart chemical stability to the coatings. The coatings were sealed in boiling water, and corrosion resistance was observed in a high pH solution of potassium hydroxide. The coatings were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to assess coating thickness and pore dimensions. Thicker coatings were produced when the …

Enzyme-Catalyzed Reactions Using Enzymes Immobilized On Non-Spherical Particles, Alexander D. Redfearn

Honors Theses and Capstones

Modern and industrial chemical reactions often utilize enzyme-catalyzed reactions to increase product yields. Given the high cost of enzymes it is desirable to preserve the activity of the enzymes and reuse them several times. In this study, I explored the possibility of immobilizing enzymes on custom-made non-spherical SU-8 microparticles to conduct enzyme-catalyzed reactions in flow reactors. The decomposition of hydrogen peroxide using bovine liver catalase was studied due to its well-understood enzyme kinetics. Soft lithography techniques were used to synthesize prismatic SU-8 microparticles. I will discuss the progress that has been made in immobilizing the enzyme on the particle surface …

Bioremediation Of Lead Using Spore Surface Displayed Proteins, Sofia M. Diaco

Honors Theses and Capstones

Lead is a toxic pollutant very harmful to human health since it accumulates in the body and affects the brain, liver, kidney, and bones. Fetuses can be exposed to lead during pregnancy, which can cause problems with learning later on in the baby’s life. The purpose of this project is to display a lead binding protein on bacterial spore surface for the bioremediation of lead from water. Spores from Bacillus subtilis are very robust and resistant to various harsh environments. Genetically fused to a spore surface protein, the displayed proteins demonstrate enhanced robustness and can be easily produced through sporulation …

Sensor Characterization And Signal Fusion For Instanteye, Wyman T. Smith

Honors Theses and Capstones

The practicality and effectiveness of using a TerraRanger Duo—a parallel sonar and infrared time-of-flight distance sensor—payload for obstacle detection is investigated for use with Physical Science Inc.’s InstantEye drone. A Python program was developed to interface with the serial data output before comparing the sensor’s empirical performance against its data sheet. The two signals from the distinct sensor modules, each with their characterized strengths and weaknesses, were then fused with a Kalman filter. This was further refined by imposing conditional weighting based on the known sensor characteristics. The filter output, with conditional corrections, was able to accurately track a single …

Reliability Of Micro Mechanical Low Frequency Energy Harvesters For Implanted Cardiac Pacemakers, Sunny Jay

Theses

The aim of this project was to develop methods to assess the suitability and reliability of silicon-based piezoelectric micro-electro-mechanicai systems (MEMS) energy harvesters to capture the kinetic energy of the heartbeat in an implanted cardiac pacemaker. The major challenges of the work were that harvesters for vibration frequencies below 100 Hz have not been widely reported and the system requires reliable operation over a long lifetime. In this work device modelling was used for harvester design assessment. Experimental test methods and equipment were developed to produce data to validate the device models and to assess device reliability. A 2D analytical …

The Impact Of Drone Technology In Surveying In Ireland: An Examination Of The Accuracy Level Of Drones., Eleni Zintiridou

Theses

Abstract The society that we are living in could unquestionably be characterised as a community of technology. One of the most recent technological inventions is the drone, of which the usage is expected to triple by 2020, worldwide. Through the development and increasing popularity of the drones, the ability of latter to affect the surveying industry in Ireland has become a contemporary subject of study in the field of surveying, which is, however, in its infant stage. The presented dissertation is dealing with the ability of drones to impact the way that surveys are being conducted in Ireland, and also …

Development Of A Novel Kalman Filter Bank Predictor To Optimally Schedule The Renewable Energy Contribution Within A Micro-Grid, Conor Lynch

Theses

This PhD thesis presents a novel Kalman Filter Bank (KFB) methodology. The novel KFB is applied to predict and optimally schedule the operation of micro-grid energy resources with a public fixed-grid connection and an auxiliary battery storage backup facility. This methodology relies on a sliding single time step forecast projection to accurately acquire the anticipated schedule for a range of time dependent parameters, stochastic by nature, that have inherent embedded cyclical patterns. The innovative feature here consists of a novel bank of hourly adjacent Kalman Filter estimators, which operate in synchronism, for accurate parameter prediction over a selected time horizon. …