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Full-Text Articles in Chemical Engineering

Evaluating Square Gradient Theory For Correlation And Prediction Of Surface Tension, J. Richard Elliot Apr 2026

Evaluating Square Gradient Theory For Correlation And Prediction Of Surface Tension, J. Richard Elliot

University Research

The ESD EOS [Elliott, Suresh, and Dohohue, IECR 1990, 29, 1476] is incorporated into the open-source Square Gradient Theory (SGT) library published by Mejia et al. [Mejia, Müller, and Chaparro-Maldonado, J. Chem. Inf. Model. 2021, 61, 1244]. The combined formalism is evaluated for accuracy compared to experimental measurements and empirical correlation methods. Earlier evaluations of the ESD EOS have shown it to provide accuracy like other EOSs for vapor pressure, vapor–liquid, liquid–liquid, and solid–liquid equilibria where the databases covered roughly 500 compounds and 100–200 mixtures each. For surface tension, a database of measured values for roughly 1000 compounds has been …


Potential And Chloride Concentration As Thresholds For Crevice Corrosion Initiation In Ss 316l, Y Shorrab, R S. Lillard Mar 2026

Potential And Chloride Concentration As Thresholds For Crevice Corrosion Initiation In Ss 316l, Y Shorrab, R S. Lillard

University Research

This work investigated the relationship between crevice chloride concentration ([Cl−]) and the potential necessary for initiation in stainless steel 316L (SS 316L). Real-time fluorescence measurements were used to measure [Cl−] inside SS 316L crevice assemblies as a function of bulk [Cl−] and potential. Crevice initiation at potentials slightly less than or equal to the bulk repassivation potential was associated with chloride transport, owing to passive dissolution, and an increase in the crevice [Cl−]. Once the [Cl−] within the crevice increased to the concentration necessary to initiate SS 316L pitting at the applied potential, crevice corrosion was initiated. For example, in …


Molecular Origins Of Non-Frozen Water In Polyelectrolyte Brushes, Ali Dhinojwala, Saveen Jayaweera, Md Golam Kibria, George Mallinos Mar 2026

Molecular Origins Of Non-Frozen Water In Polyelectrolyte Brushes, Ali Dhinojwala, Saveen Jayaweera, Md Golam Kibria, George Mallinos

University Research

Polyelectrolyte brushes (PEBs) are promising coatings for reducing ice adhesion and regulating water freezing at interfaces, yet direct measurements of nonfrozen water retention at subzero temperatures remain scarce. Here, we investigate the freezing behavior of water confined in poly([2-(methacryloyloxy)ethyl]trimethylammonium) (PMETA) brushes with chloride, iodide, and sulfate counterions using a custom-built low-temperature attenuated total reflectance infrared spectroscopy system. Furthermore, we quantify the fraction of water that was present within the brush that does not freeze as well as the changes in polymer volume fraction within the brush as a function of temperature. Spectroscopic analysis of water vibrational modes reveals that PMETA …


Design And Tissue Engineering Applications Of Microporous Annealed Particle (Map) Scaffolds, Nic D. Leipzig, Oluwaseyi Shofolawe-Bakare Mar 2026

Design And Tissue Engineering Applications Of Microporous Annealed Particle (Map) Scaffolds, Nic D. Leipzig, Oluwaseyi Shofolawe-Bakare

University Research

Microporous annealed particle (MAP) scaffolds are emerging as a facile, yet sophisticated biomaterial platform with tremendous potential for tissue regenerative applications. These scaffolds are fabricated in situ through interparticle crosslinking of microgels using a variety of covalent or non-covalent techniques and possess excellent tunability and biocompatibility. The microporous structure of MAP scaffolds allows cellular infiltration and vascularization independent of degradation rate, making them more advantageous than traditional nanoporous bulk hydrogels. Moreover, the incorporation of in situ crosslinking allows MAP scaffolds to retain the key advantages of traditional microgel-based scaffolds—such as injectability and modularity—while providing the added benefit of a fixed …


Ice-Templated Zwitterionic Sponge Hydrogels For Stable And Efficient Solar Desalination In High-Salinity Brines, Louis D. Zhang, Yanhui Zhang, Peng Xiao, Chang Zhang Feb 2026

Ice-Templated Zwitterionic Sponge Hydrogels For Stable And Efficient Solar Desalination In High-Salinity Brines, Louis D. Zhang, Yanhui Zhang, Peng Xiao, Chang Zhang

University Research

Solar-driven steam generation (SSG) offers a sustainable pathway for desalination, yet achieving temperature-regulated control over macroporous structures in salt-tolerant hydrogels remains a critical challenge. Here, we report a carbon black-coated PDMAPS sponge hydrogel (PDMAPS-CB-SH) fabricated via an ice-templated polymerization strategy, where the pore size and connectivity are tuned by regulating ice-crystal growth at different prefreezing temperatures. The optimized PDMAPS-CB-SH integrates abundant interconnected pores with the intrinsic antipolyelectrolyte effect of zwitterionic networks, enabling rapid water transport and stable swelling in brines up to 10 wt % NaCl. Upon incorporation of carbon black nanoparticles, the hydrogel evaporator achieves a high evaporation rate …


Transient Grating Spectroscopy Nondestructively Characterizes The Mechanics Of Rubbery Polymers And Soft Gels, Christopher W. Barney, Angela A. Pitenis, Bolin Liao, Allison L. Chau Jan 2026

Transient Grating Spectroscopy Nondestructively Characterizes The Mechanics Of Rubbery Polymers And Soft Gels, Christopher W. Barney, Angela A. Pitenis, Bolin Liao, Allison L. Chau

University Research

Designing efficient mechanisms for moving mechanical assemblies requires the use of materials with well-defined mechanical responses. Appropriate methods are needed to characterize these mechanical responses. Mechanical characterization of soft materials is critical in the high strain rate regime where intuition from manipulating a material at low rates fails to translate to applications including impact protection, tire traction, and sound damping. Here, transient grating spectroscopy (TGS) is used to measure wave propagation for soft elastomers and hydrogels. TGS is a non-destructive and non-contact optoacoustic technique that enables high strain rate measurements of the bulk modulus, a measure of a material's resistance …


The Role Of Side-Chain Length And Counterion Mediation On Dimerization Of Rigid Sphere-Rod Amphiphiles: A Molecular Dynamics Investigation, Mesfin Tsige, Tianbo Liu, Javad Tamnanloo, Abdol Hadi Mokarizadeh Jan 2026

The Role Of Side-Chain Length And Counterion Mediation On Dimerization Of Rigid Sphere-Rod Amphiphiles: A Molecular Dynamics Investigation, Mesfin Tsige, Tianbo Liu, Javad Tamnanloo, Abdol Hadi Mokarizadeh

University Research

Rigid sphere-rod amphiphiles (RSRAs) comprising a Keggin polyoxometalate (POM) headgroup and an oligofluorene rod with different side chain lengths (C2, C6, C10, C16, are the number of carbon atoms per side chain) were probed by all-atom molecular dynamics in THF/water mixtures (15 and 33 vol % THF) with tetrabutylammonium (TBA+) counterions to elucidate the molecular origins of dimerization. Despite strong Keggin-Keggin electrostatic repulsion, stable dimers form through a synergy of (i) hydrophobic rod/side-chain interaction that strengthens with side-chain length and (ii) counterion-mediated attraction by TBA+, which localizes near the Keggins to screen electrostatic repulsion. Packing evolves from near-parallel rods for …


Made On Mars: Design And Manufacturing Of Structural Polymer-Regolith Composites, Pailey M. Vitale Jan 2026

Made On Mars: Design And Manufacturing Of Structural Polymer-Regolith Composites, Pailey M. Vitale

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Human exploration of Mars is constrained by harsh environmental conditions and the prohibitive cost of transporting materials from Earth. Long-term sustainability requires the local production of mechanical and structural components using resources available on Mars, thereby minimizing payload mass. This project investigates polymer–regolith composites derived from atmospheric CO₂ and mineral-rich regolith as a pathway toward in-situ manufacturing. These composites, when compatible with additive manufacturing, could replace imported plastics, enable on-demand fabrication, and support closed-loop recycling systems. The objective is to design and evaluate polymer–regolith composites that maintain mechanical integrity and environmental resistance under Martian conditions, including extreme temperature swings, radiation …


Energy Efficient Windows Using Pvme, James S. Bronstrup Jan 2026

Energy Efficient Windows Using Pvme, James S. Bronstrup

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This Honors Project aims to improve window energy efficiency using the thermoplastic polymer PVME (polyvinyl methyl ether), which displays temperature-dependent transparency that can be adjusted by mixing it with water and salt to reduce heat transfer through a window. The objective is to determine the optimal PVME water-salt ratios for placement inside a windowpane, evaluate energy savings compared to a traditional argon-filled window, and compare estimated costs. A small-scale model will test different concentrations for various climates, with heat transfer measured by temperature indicators via a LabQuest. Building on research by Yang Zhou at Nanyang Technological University, who used a …


Microscopic Insights On Shear Rheology Of Polyampholyte Ionomers Via Molecular Simulations, Kyle Vonscio Jan 2026

Microscopic Insights On Shear Rheology Of Polyampholyte Ionomers Via Molecular Simulations, Kyle Vonscio

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Ionomers are polymers that contain a small fraction of charged groups. The ionic attraction of charged groups allows ionomers to act similarly to crosslinked polymers. Depending on the strength of electrostatic interactions and structure of the ionomers, different dynamics and rheological responses can be observed. With moderate attraction between ions, these noncovalent crosslinks can be broken when heated, allowing ionomers to flow and show the strength of a crosslinked network at low temperatures. Nonequilibrium molecular dynamics (NEMD) simulations will be performed under shear in the xy-plane and the macroscopic rheology and conformation of the polyampholyte ionomer will be determined. The …


Determining Critical Micelle Concentrations Of Standard Surfactants And Rhamnolipids, Kathryn E. Kunz Jan 2026

Determining Critical Micelle Concentrations Of Standard Surfactants And Rhamnolipids, Kathryn E. Kunz

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

My proposed project will study the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of rhamnolipids using the pendant-drop and drop-weight methods. First, the critical micelle concentrations of ionic and nonionic common surfactants will be tested. Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate (SDS) will be used as an ionic surfactant and Tween 20 will be used as a nonionic surfactant. The critical micelle concentrations will be determined using the pendant-drop and drop-weight methods. The experimental results from the standard surfactants compared to their accepted values will be tested to assist with determining a more suitable approach. Completing the tests will provide a better understanding of critical micelle …


Analyzing The Effect Of Network Properties On Self-Assembly Of Polymer Grafted Nanoparticles In Vitrimer Nanocomposites, Tyler Eakin Jan 2026

Analyzing The Effect Of Network Properties On Self-Assembly Of Polymer Grafted Nanoparticles In Vitrimer Nanocomposites, Tyler Eakin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to show the how polymer grafted nanoparticles behave in a vitrimer composite network. The effect of varying the network parameters such as the grafting density, the volume fraction of nanoparticles, and the ratio of polymer chain length : graft chain length will be studied. The assemblies formed by the polymer grafted nanoparticles will be visually analyzed and assigned one of 5 possible conformations. A phase diagram of grafting density vs network chain length / graft length will be constructed. The phase diagram will provide valuable insight into how nanoparticle self-assembly can be manipulated through changing network parameters


Effects Of Hofmeister Ions On Lower Critical Solution Temperatures Of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) And Poly(Vinyl Methyl Ether), Joseph Joaquin Jan 2026

Effects Of Hofmeister Ions On Lower Critical Solution Temperatures Of Poly(N-Isopropylacrylamide) And Poly(Vinyl Methyl Ether), Joseph Joaquin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this study is to compare how four different Hofmeister anions (Cl-, SCN-, F-, and I-) affect the Lower Critical Solution temperature (LCST) on two thermo-responsive polymers: poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAM) and poly(vinyl methyl ether) (PVME). pNIPAAm is commonly used in the environmental applications such as monitoring, oil-water separations, or antifouling materials, and in medical industry from drug delivery to tissue engineering. When pNIPAAM or PVME reaches a temperature above their LCST, they become hydrophobic, and the polymer chains coiled, leading to their aqueous solutions turn opaque. PVME exhibits a similar LCST as that of pNIPAAM, so it can be …


Analysis Of Sessile Drop And Captive Bubble Contact Angle Measurements On Metallic And Hydrophobic Surfaces, Jack H. Darnell Jan 2026

Analysis Of Sessile Drop And Captive Bubble Contact Angle Measurements On Metallic And Hydrophobic Surfaces, Jack H. Darnell

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Contact angle measurements are widely used to characterize surface wettability and determine changes in surface energy, yet the choice of measurement technique can significantly influence the results. This study compares the sessile drop and captive bubble methods for measuring contact angles of sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) solutions on carbon steel, stainless steel, and a hydrophobic wafer. Additionally, the time‑dependent wetting behavior of water, SDS, polysorbate 20 (commercial name Tween 20), and rhamnolipids on a hydrophobic wafer was evaluated over a five‑minute period. Results show that the sessile drop method consistently produced higher contact angles than the captive bubble method on …


Surface Immobilization Of Stimuli-Responsive Polymers Using A Network Of Aminopropyltriethoxysilane, Walter Bungard, Ryan Nixon Jan 2026

Surface Immobilization Of Stimuli-Responsive Polymers Using A Network Of Aminopropyltriethoxysilane, Walter Bungard, Ryan Nixon

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this honors project is to develop a cost-effective and accessible method for entrapping stimuli-responsive polymers onto solid substrates using aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES). The entrapment network process will first be replicated on glass or silicon using APTES and poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), involving spin coating and thermal annealing to chemically bond the polymer to the substrate. Once validated, the method will be applied to other stimuli-responsive polymers, including thermo-responsive, electroactive, and pH-sensitive types, with APTES as a control. For each sample, film stability, responsiveness, and surface behavior will be evaluated using contact angles, optical microscopy, and spectroscopic analysis, followed by statistical evaluation. …


Effects Of Coupling Agents On An Epoxy Coating And Consequent Corrosion Resistance Of Carbon Steel, Breck A. Mooney Jan 2026

Effects Of Coupling Agents On An Epoxy Coating And Consequent Corrosion Resistance Of Carbon Steel, Breck A. Mooney

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will include the determination of how coupling agents affect corrosion resistance on select carbon steel when combined with a polymer coating. This research will explore 2 different silane coupling agents: 3-aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTES) and 3-glycidoxypropyl-trimethoxysilane (GPTMS). 1 polymer coating, Bispenol A diglicidyl ether (BADGE), will be explored as well. These coatings will be applied to select carbon steels in various ratios to determine their effects on corrosion.


Development Of A Signature Model For Predicting Normal Boiling Point Using Machine Learning, Mackenzie Karabin Jan 2026

Development Of A Signature Model For Predicting Normal Boiling Point Using Machine Learning, Mackenzie Karabin

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project was to utilize the Signature molecular descriptor to construct a predictive model for computing the normal boiling point using a 4856-compound dataset. The final model intends to be applied to screening compounds whose experimental normal boiling point values are not readily available. Compounds were deconstructed into their height-1 atomic Signatures, resulting in 225 unique descriptors for the dataset, which were used as independent variables for creating the model. Machine learning (ML) techniques were employed to evaluate the applicability and accuracy of different ML models for predicting normal boiling point using the Regression Learner App in …


Computer-Aided Molecular Design To Identify More Environmentally Friendly Pfas, Melvin M. Keita Jan 2026

Computer-Aided Molecular Design To Identify More Environmentally Friendly Pfas, Melvin M. Keita

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this project is to inversely design alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) using Computer-Aided Molecular Design (CAMD). PFAS, also described as “forever chemicals”, have been used in industry and consumer products since the 1940s. PFAS can be found in drinking water, food, food packaging, waste sites, and other sources. Exposure to different PFAS can lead to increased risks of some cancers, immune effects, and reproductive effects. Pulling from existing data, this project will use quantitative structure-property relationships (QSPRs) to design PFAS alternatives that possess optimal properties to prevent adsorption into drinking water and other potential sources …


C. Difficile Detection Method For First Responder Glove Application, Alli N. Senedak Jan 2026

C. Difficile Detection Method For First Responder Glove Application, Alli N. Senedak

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Clostridioides Difficile (C. diff) is a Anaerobic Gram-positive bacillus that is capable of spore formation, making it difficult to control its spread and duration in clinical environments. This phenomenon can provide danger to first responders, healthcare workers, and patients. The goal of this project is to create a biosensor capable of detecting C. diff in a clinical setting that can be applied to a glove apparatus. The project will involve the use of C. diff aptamers activated on the surface of an electrode. Once surface activation has been verified via surface analysis, the electrodes will be exposed to C. diff …


Brrbox, Shawn J. Myers, Lane Cline, Michael Davis, Christian Secrest Jan 2026

Brrbox, Shawn J. Myers, Lane Cline, Michael Davis, Christian Secrest

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report details the project known as “The BRRBOX”, a reusable, insulated thermoelectric cooler developed to keep internal temperatures at refrigeration levels or cooler for at least 48 hours. The cooler will track its internal temperature during this period and be able to give the data at the end of its delivery cycle to keep up with food and pharmaceutical standards during delivery. The BRRBOX uses Peltier-based cooling alongside vacuum insulation panels and fans to achieve efficient thermal control. An onboard microcontroller will monitor temperature, record the data, and adjust the cooling output to minimize power consumption. The box will …


Damage Behavior In Unidirectional Cfrp Laminates With Ply Discontinuity, M.J. Mohammad Fikry, K. T. Tan, Yutaro Arai, Ryo Inoue Mar 2025

Damage Behavior In Unidirectional Cfrp Laminates With Ply Discontinuity, M.J. Mohammad Fikry, K. T. Tan, Yutaro Arai, Ryo Inoue

University Research

This study presents a comprehensive quantitative investigation into the material properties and damage behavior of unidirectional carbon fiber reinforced plastic laminates with ply discontinuities. Laminates with varying resin gap lengths were evaluated. In situ edge observations and X-ray computed tomography were employed to assess the damage processes in the area of the ply discontinuity. These methods examined initially occurring cracks, secondary cracks, and delamination. Some unexpected cracking behavior was observed in this study. For instance, initial cracks were observed to form not at the interface but at a distance from the resin–ply interface, likely due to a constraint condition caused …


Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production From Plastic Waste On Bifunctional Catalysts, Kamryn Culp Jan 2025

Sustainable Aviation Fuel Production From Plastic Waste On Bifunctional Catalysts, Kamryn Culp

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Catalytic hydrocracking was studied as a chemical recycling method for converting mixed plastic polypropylene (PP) and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) waste into sustainable aviation fuel-range hydrocarbons. Addressing both plastic pollution and aviation-related CO₂ emissions, bifunctional Ni- and Pt-based catalysts supported on Al₂O₃ and TiO₂ were evaluated under 30 bar hydrogen pressure at 250 °C. The inclusion of PVC, often regarded as a catalyst poison due to chlorine content, was examined at 1 wt% and 5 wt% to assess catalyst tolerance to it and resulted performance. Reaction rates and product selectivity were analyzed using gas chromatography. Results show that Ni/TiO₂ outperformed other …


Examining Correlations Between Inhibition Efficiency And Compound Properties For Corrosion Inhibitors On Carbon Steel Rebar In Concrete, Nicole Langenfeld Jan 2025

Examining Correlations Between Inhibition Efficiency And Compound Properties For Corrosion Inhibitors On Carbon Steel Rebar In Concrete, Nicole Langenfeld

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will look to determine if correlations exist between the inhibition efficiency and particular chemical properties of different corrosion inhibitors for carbon steel rebar in concrete affected with chlorides. Examining the inhibition efficiency of different corrosion inhibitors and attempting to find correlations or a general rule of thumb for what denotes a better corrosion inhibitor would be valuable. This similar concept has been seen with Lipinski's rule of 5 where he created a general guide to predict if compounds were orally active in humans. Since little information is readily available and no known correlations exist for corrosion inhibitors on …


Rhamnolipid As An Effective Srb Biocide – Determining A Solution To Replicate Anticipated Conditions, Elizabeth Zimmerer Jan 2025

Rhamnolipid As An Effective Srb Biocide – Determining A Solution To Replicate Anticipated Conditions, Elizabeth Zimmerer

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aimed to develop a laboratory-scale solution that replicates produced water conditions (CO2 + brine) found in crude pipelines, with the added requirement of promoting the growth of sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB). A previously successful study was used as a reference, which employed a hybrid salt solution containing essential nutrients and environmental factors. The proposed solution included 10 g sodium chloride, 1 g sodium pyruvate, 0.2 g ammonium chloride, and 0.8 g sodium sulfate per liter of deionized water. Electrochemical testing (Linear Polarization Resistance and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy) was performed on solutions with and without rhamnolipid. Results from the …


Effects Of Chain Length, Saturation, And Bases On Saponification, Sarah Fenik Jan 2025

Effects Of Chain Length, Saturation, And Bases On Saponification, Sarah Fenik

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project will analyze the effects of chain length and saturation of fatty acids on saponification processes, as well as the effects of the base used in the reaction. Stearic acid, lauric acid, and oleic acid will be used for the fatty acid comparisons, and sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide will be used for the base comparisons. Stearic acid is considered a long chain fatty acid, while lauric acid is considered a short chain fatty acid. Oleic acid is a monounsaturated fatty acid. Five soap products are be made: sodium stearate, sodium laurate, sodium oleate, potassium stearate, and potassium oleate. …


Anti-Icing Properties Of 3d-Printed Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Nathan Kling Jan 2025

Anti-Icing Properties Of 3d-Printed Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Nathan Kling

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to investigate how textured microscopic surfaces can reduce ice adhesion, utilizing 3D-printed resin materials. By varying the size and shape of these surface imperfections, the research seeks to identify configurations that minimize ice formation and facilitate easier ice removal. The trapped air between the imperfections is expected to hinder water droplet adhesion, promoting detachment through gravity or motion. The study’s applications could extend to preventing icing on power lines, roads, and aircraft. Methodologically, the project will build on prior research, applying water to textured surfaces under controlled temperature conditions to assess ice formation and removal efficiency. Key …


Corrosion Of Pipes In Soil Under Cathodic Protection, Ashley Chow Jan 2025

Corrosion Of Pipes In Soil Under Cathodic Protection, Ashley Chow

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This research project focuses on understanding how various soil properties affect the corrosion of buried pipelines that are protected by cathodic protection (CP) systems. Specifically, the study seeks to evaluate key soil characteristics, including resistivity, moisture content, and pH levels to determine their influence on the efficiency of CP systems in mitigating corrosion. Through controlled laboratory experiments, carbon steel specimens were exposed to a range of simulated soil conditions to mimic real-world environments. Corrosion rates were assessed using advanced electrochemical techniques, such as linear polarization resistance (LPR) and Tafel slopes, along with traditional mass loss methods. The primary objectives of …


Prediction Of Glass Transition Temperature Of Polymers Using Structure-Based Models, Nicholas Wolfe Jan 2025

Prediction Of Glass Transition Temperature Of Polymers Using Structure-Based Models, Nicholas Wolfe

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The focus for this study is prediction of glass transition temperatures of polymers using machine learning models. The preprocessing of the data included the generation of descriptors, the scaling of the data, the principal component analysis for dimensionality reduction, and the clustering of the data. Three methods of property predictions were utilized including Linear Regression, Random Forest, and a Feedforward Neural Network. The dataset consisted of over 7000 polymers each with their respective glass transition temperatures. This study found that the Random Forest model returned the best results followed by the Feedforward Neural Network then the Linear Regression model. Each …


Qualitative Analysis Of Surface Modification On Wiffleball Aerodynamics, Cole Lanni Jan 2025

Qualitative Analysis Of Surface Modification On Wiffleball Aerodynamics, Cole Lanni

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project investigated how surface modifications to a Wiffleball affect its aerodynamic behavior, particularly its vertical and horizontal movement when thrown. The study tested the hypothesis that altering surface texture through cutting or sanding would influence airflow and pressure differentials, thereby changing the ball's movement. Six ball conditions: including unmodified, sanded, and various cut patterns were tested using a pitching machine in a controlled indoor environment. Each variation was pitched ten times, and movement was analyzed through measurements of contact points on posterboards and performing statistical testing, specifically ANOVA with Post Hoc analysis. Results indicated that surface modifications significantly increased …


Urotropine As A Corrosion Inhibitor In Steel Rebar: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Tyler Zadrozny Jan 2025

Urotropine As A Corrosion Inhibitor In Steel Rebar: A Molecular Dynamics Study, Tyler Zadrozny

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project investigates the behavior of corrosion in rebar, a critical component in infrastructure such as roads and skyscrapers. Corrosion of rebar can lead to structural instability, visible as cracks or pitting on the surface. The primary focus is on the potential of urotropine as a corrosion inhibitor. Urotropine, known for its ability to inhibit corrosion in mild steel in acidic environments, is hypothesized to be effective in preventing corrosion on rebar. To explore this, molecular dynamics simulations using LAMMPS were conducted, modeling urotropine molecules in an acidic solution (PH = 1) interacting with iron atoms, mimicking rebar. Simulations were …