Engineering Science and Materials Commons^™

Automated Workflow For Redox Potentials And Acidity Constants Calculations From Machine Learning Molecular Dynamics, Feng Wang, Jun Cheng

Journal of Electrochemistry

Redox potentials and acidity constants are key properties for evaluating the performance of energy materials. To achieve computational design of new generation of energy materials with higher performances, computing redox potentials and acidity constants with computational chemistry have attracted lots of attention. However, many works are done by using implicit solvation models, which is difficult to be applied to complex solvation environments due to hard parameterization. Recently, ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) has been applied to investigate real electrolytes with complex solvation. Furthermore, AIMD based free energy calculation methods have been established to calculate these physical chemical properties accurately. However, …

Properties Of Portland Cement Concrete Incorporating Basalt-Based Pozzolanic Cement, Rana Khalil

Theses and Dissertations

Over the last decade, the world's population has increased dramatically. Due to this growth, the demand for concrete and Portland cement, in return, have increased. Manufacturing of Portland cement is an energy-intensive process that, alone, contributes to about 8% of global CO2. For decades, efforts have been exerted to reduce the harmful environmental impacts of Portland cement by reducing its use in concrete as well as considering alternate binders that may fully or partially replace it. This study aims to assess the properties of concrete incorporating a novel basalt-based pozzolanic cement. To meet this objective, four sets of concrete mixtures …

The Behavior Of ½⟨111⟩ Screw Dislocations In W–Mo Alloys Analyzed Through Atomistic Simulations, Lucas A. Heaton, Kevin Chu, Adib J. Samin

Faculty Publications

Analyzing plastic flow in refractory alloys is relevant to many different commercial and technological applications. In this study, screw dislocation statics and dynamics were studied for various compositions of the body-centered cubic binary alloy tungsten–molybdenum (W–Mo). The core structure did not appear to change for different alloy compositions, consistent with the literature. The pure tungsten and pure molybdenum samples had the lowest plastic flow, while the highest dislocation velocities were observed for equiatomic, W_0.5Mo_0.5 alloys. In general, dislocation velocities were found to largely align with a well-established dislocation mobility phenomenological model supporting two discrete dislocation mobility regimes, …

A Study On High-Frequency Bending Fatigue, Microhardness, Tensile Strength, And Microstructure Of Parts Made Using Atomic Diffusion Additive Manufacturing (Adam) And Additive Friction Stir Deposition (Afsd), Hamed Ghadimi

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation reports the findings of several studies on the mechanical and microstructural properties of parts made using atomic diffusion additive manufacturing (ADAM) and additive friction stir deposition (AFSD). The design of a small-sized bending-fatigue test specimen for an ultrasonic fatigue testing system is reported in Chapter 1. The design was optimized based on the finite element analysis and analytical solution. The stress–life (S–N) curve is obtained for Inconel alloy 718. Chapter 2 presents the findings of ultrasonic bending-fatigue and tensile tests carried out on the ADAM test specimens. The S-N curves were created in the very high-cycle fatigue regime. …

Residual Stress Generation In Additive Manufacturing Of Complex Lattice Geometries, Katie Bruggeman, Nathan Klingbeil, Anthony N. Palazotto

Faculty Publications

Residual stresses developed during additive manufacturing (AM) can influence the mechanical performance of structural components in their intended applications. In this study, thermomechanical residual stress simulations of the laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) process are conducted for both simplified (plate and cube-shaped) geometries as well as five complex lattice geometries fabricated with Inconel 718. These simulations are conducted with the commercial software package Simufact Additive©, which uses a nonlinear finite element analysis and layer-by-layer averaging approach in determining residual stresses. To verify the efficacy of the Simufact Additive© simulations, numerical results for the plate and cube-shape geometries are analyzed for …

Modeling At The Nanometric Scale Of Interfacial Defects Of A Semiconductor Heterostructure In The Isotropic And Anisotropic Cases For The Study Of The Influence Of Stresses, Ahmed Boussaha, Rafik Makhloufi, Rachid Benbouta, Mourad Brioua

Emirates Journal for Engineering Research

This work aims to determine the effect of stresses caused by dislocation networks placed at the interface of a semiconductor heterostructure of the thin GaAs/Si system. In this case, we use a mathematical modeling by Fourier series expansion to numerically simulate the stresses for the two cases of isotropic and anisotropic elasticity in order to predict the mechanical behavior of the heterostructure in the presence of interfacial dislocations while respecting well-defined stress boundary conditions. The elastic stress relaxation is reached for a layer thickness threshold of the GaAs deposit on the Si substrate not exceeding 5 nm.

Copper−Cystine Biohybrid-Embedded Nanofiber Aerogels Show Antibacterial And Angiogenic Properties, Anik Karan, Navatha S. Polavaram, Margarita Darder, Yajuan Su, Syed Muntazir Andrabi, S M Shatil Shahriar, Johnson V. John, Zeyu Luo, Mark A. Decoster, Yu Shrike Zhang, Jingwei Xie

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Copper−cystine-based high aspect ratio structures (CuHARS) possess exceptional physical and chemical properties and exhibit remarkable biodegradability in human physiological conditions. Extensive testing has confirmed the biocompatibility and biodegradability of CuHARS under diverse biological conditions, making them a viable source of essential Cu²⁺. These ions are vital for catalyzing the production of nitric oxide (NO) from the decomposition of Snitrosothiols (RSNOs) found in human blood. The ability of CuHARS to act as a Cu²⁺ donor under specific concentrations has been demonstrated in this study, resulting in the generation of elevated levels of NO. Consequently, this dual function makes …

Using Spatio-Temporal Graph Neural Networks To Estimate Fleet-Wide Photovoltaic Performance Degradation Patterns, Yangxin Fan, Raymond Wieser, Xuanji Yu, Yinghui Wu, Laura S. Bruckman, Roger H. French

Faculty Scholarship

Accurate estimation of photovoltaic (PV) system performance is crucial for determining its feasibility as a power generation technology and financial asset. PV-based energy solutions offer a viable alternative to traditional energy resources due to their superior Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE). A significant challenge in assessing the LCOE of PV systems lies in understanding the Performance Loss Rate (PLR) for large fleets of PV systems. Estimating the PLR of PV systems becomes increasingly important in the rapidly growing PV industry. Precise PLR estimation benefits PV users by providing real-time monitoring of PV module performance, while explainable PLR estimation assists PV …

Mechanical And Electromagnetic Properties Of Incorporating Graphene Oxide In Cementitious Mixtures, Cherif Khalil

Theses and Dissertations

This multidisciplinary study aimed at investigating the impact of incorporating graphene oxide (GO) on the mechanical properties and electromagnetic (EM) shielding effectiveness of cementitious mixtures, as well as critically examining the mechanism with which GO affects their microstructure properties. Analysis of the literature review showed that there are discrepancies in reporting the impact of GO on the mortar mix. Consequently, this study focuses on exploring the cause for such discrepancies and identifies three main factors which are thoroughly investigated. The factors were the different sonication energies applied to the GO (Shear Mixing, 1.5 kJ/ml, 3 kJ/ml and 6 kJ/ml), the …

Hygrothermal Risk Assessment Of External Wall Insulation Retrofit To Non-Traditional Wall Types In An Irish Context, Using The Glaser Method And A Heat, Air And Moisture Transient Model, Gareth Mcdonnell, Joseph Little

Articles

The Climate Action Plan 2019 targets the low-energy retrofit of 500,000 existing Irish homes before 2030.1 Up to 80 per cent of building failures can be attributed to moisture risks.2 The literature indicated that external wall insulation (EWI, ETICS) failures are mostly due to moisture ingress at junctions and interfaces. A hygrothermal risk assessment of EWI on three walls with rendered concrete/concrete blockwork/cavity walls in Dublin, Belfast and Belmullet was undertaken using transient numerical simulation and the Glaser method. The guidance, common practice indicates a preference for Glaser. The initial simulation results were compared to assess the appropriateness of Glaser. …

Rational Design Of Heterostructured Nanomaterials For Accelerating Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution Reaction Kinetics In Alkaline Media, Hai-Bin Ma, Xiao-Yan Zhou, Jia-Yi Li, Hong-Fei Cheng, Ji-Wei Ma

Journal of Electrochemistry

Owing to the merits of high energy density, as well as clean and sustainable properties, hydrogen has been deemed to be a prominent alternative energy to traditional fossil fuels. Electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) has been considered to be mostly promising for achieving green hydrogen production, and has been widely studied in acidic and alkaline solutions. In particular, HER in alkaline media has high potential to achieve large-scale hydrogen production because of the increased durability of electrode materials. However, for the currently most prominent catalyst Pt, its HER kinetics in an alkaline solution is generally 2–3 orders lower than that …

Stability Of A Solid Oxide Cell Stack Under Direct Internal-Reforming Of Hydrogen-Blended Methane, Ya-Fei Tang, An-Qi Wu, Bei-Bei Han, Hua Liu, Shan-Jun Bao, Wang-Lin Lin, Ming Chen, Wan-Bing Guan, Subhash C. Singhal

Journal of Electrochemistry

In this work, the long-term stability and degradation mechanism of a direct internal-reforming solid oxide fuel cell stack (IR-SOFC stack) using hydrogen-blended methane steam reforming were investigated. An overall degradation rate of 2.3%·kh^–1 was found after the stack was operated for 3000 hours, indicating a good long-term stability. However, the voltages of the two cells in the stack were increased at the rates of 3.38 mV·kh^–1 and 3.78 mV·kh^–1, while the area specific resistances of the three metal interconnects in the stack were increased to 0.276 Ω·cm², 0.254 Ω·cm² and 0.249 Ω·cm^{2 …}

Implantation Of A Capsular Tension Ring During Cataract Surgery Attenuates Predicted Remodeling Of The Post-Surgical Lens Capsule Along The Visual Axis, Kurt A. Ameku, Caleb C. Berggren, Ryan M. Pedrigi

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Introduction: Cataract surgery permanently alters the mechanical environment of the lens capsule by placing a hole in the anterior portion and implanting an intraocular lens (IOL) that has a very different geometry from the native lens. We hypothesized that implant configuration and mechanical interactions with the post-surgical lens capsule play a key role in determining long-term fibrotic remodeling.

Methods: We developed the first finite element-growth and remodeling (FE-G&R) model of the post-surgical lens capsule to evaluate how implantation of an IOL with and without a capsular tension ring (CTR) impacted evolving lens capsule mechanics and associated fibrosis over …

Engineering Neurotoxin-Functionalized Exosomes For Targeted Delivery To The Peripheral Nervous System, Mena Asha Krishnan, Olawale A. Alimi, Tianshu Pan, Mitchell Kuss, Zeljka Korade, Guoku Hu, Bo Liu, Bin Duan

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

The administration of therapeutics to peripheral nerve tissue is challenging due to the complexities of peripheral neuroanatomy and the limitations imposed by the blood–nerve barrier (BNB). Therefore, there is a pressing need to enhance delivery effectiveness and implement targeted delivery methods. Recently, erythrocyte-derived exosomes (Exos) have gained widespread attention as biocompatible vehicles for therapeutics in clinical applications. However, engineering targeted Exos for the peripheral nervous system (PNS) is still challenging. This study aims to develop a targeted Exo delivery system specifically designed for presynaptic terminals of peripheral nerve tissue. The clostridium neurotoxin, tetanus toxin-C fragment (TTC), was tethered to the …

Yap Mechanotransduction Under Cyclic Mechanical Stretch Loading For Mesenchymal Stem Cell Osteogenesis Is Regulated By Rock, Eunju Kim, Brandon D. Riehl, Tasneem Bouzid, Ruiguo Yang, Bin Duan, Henry J. Donahue, Jung Yul Lim

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

While yes-associated protein (YAP) is now recognized as a potent mechanosensitive transcriptional regulator to affect cell growth and differentiation including the osteogenic transcription of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), most studies have reported the YAP mechanosensing of static mechanophysical cues such as substrate stiffness. We tested MSC response to dynamic loading, i.e., cyclic mechanical stretching, and assessed YAP mechanosensing and resultant MSC osteogenesis. We showed that cyclic stretching at 10% strain and 1 Hz frequency triggered YAP nuclear import in MSCs. YAP phosphorylation at S127 and S397, which is required for YAP cytoplasmic retention, was suppressed by cyclic stretch. We also …

Me-Em 2022-23 Annual Report, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• Research Updates
• Curriculum and Instruction
• Facilities
• New Faculty
• Research, Machine Learning
• Research, Ana Dyreson
• In Memoriam
• Student Success
• Alumni Profile and Activity
• Graduates
• Faculty Awards and Honors
• Patents and Publications
• Donors
• Grants and Contracts

Balsa Bridge, Caleb T. Lovett

All Undergraduate Projects

The problem presented throughout this report was to create a small-scale bridge made entirely out of balsa wood and glue, that could withstand substantial force, as well as perform a lifting/lowering cycle. Other requirements associated with the bridge were properties of weight, deflection, size, and shape. This problem presented a challenge that tested the mathematical side of engineering, being strongly reliant on statics, mechanics of materials, and mechanical design analyses.

To approach this problem, the first step was to complete in depth calculations of the chosen design. With this done, manufacturing and assembly was able to be completed. With a …

Tough Monolayer Silver Nanowire-Reinforced Double-Layer Graphene, Yanxiao Li, Congjie Wei, Steven E. Kooi, David Veysset, Chuanrui Guo, Yuxiang Gan, Ying Zhuo, Genda Chen, Mohammad Naraghi, Keith A. Nelson, Chenglin Wu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mixed-dimensional nanomaterials composed of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials, such as graphene-silver nanowire (AgNW) composite sandwiched structures, are promising candidates as building blocks for multifunctional structures and materials. However, their mechanical behavior and failure mechanism have not yet been fully understood. In this work, we have performed integrated experimental, theoretical, and numerical studies to explore the performance and failure modes of graphene-AgNW composite under tensile and impact loading conditions. In situ tensile tests using a nano indenter, implemented with a push-to-pull device and a laser-induced projectile impact test system, are used to shed light on load-bearing mechanisms in graphene-AgNW …

Production Of Cerium Oxide And Zinc Sulfide Composites, Ted Autore

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Zinc sulfide has an infrared cutoff in the LWIR, but its low hardness makes it susceptible to rain erosion and abrasion. A composite of cerium oxide and zinc sulfide that retains an infrared cutoff in the LWIR, and with hardness higher than pure zinc sulfide is a potential solution to the rain erosion and abrasion issue. Several different processes were undertaken in this project to produce such a composite. The different reactions between ZnS and CeO2 were researched, along with the effects of different processing parameters. Composite samples were made that had a better hardness than zinc sulfide but did …

Deep Learning Based Optical Flow Analysis Of High-Speed Flows, Daniel H. Zhang, Zifeng Yang

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Two-dimensional Rayleigh scattering imaging is utilized to quantify the high-speed flow velocity by employing deep learning based optical flow analysis, along with density fields from Rayleigh scattering intensity profiles.

Long-Term Simulation Of Stem Cell Mechanobiology, Manoochehr Rabiei

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations - Archive

An accurate representation of cellular mechanobiology necessitates the inclusion of subcellular elements characterized by minute masses and dimensions. These minute objects yield multiscale dynamic models with disproportionate terms, which require inordinate amounts of computational time to simulate. The computational requirements limit the time span of the simulation to time histories shorter than one second, even when employing supercomputers. This work presents a high-speed approach to simulating the mechanobiology of stem cells. The proposed approach separates the computational time from the size, and distribution, of masses of the subcellular elements, enabling the simulation of weeks-long cellular processes within hours on a …

Experimental And Finite Element Investigation Of Shear Transfer Mechanisms And Capacity Of Continuous Post-Tensioned Concrete Beams In One-Way Slab Buildings, Suman Rijal

Civil Engineering Theses - Archive

This study investigates the shear behavior and resistance mechanisms of continuous post-tensioned beams commonly used in one-way slab buildings. Combining experimental and analytical methods, the research focuses on the targeted failure regions of prestressed and non-prestressed continuous beams to gain deeper insights into their shear behavior. The large-scale specimens used in this study featured realistic parabolic tendon profiles and an average prestress level comparable to that used in actual construction. The experimental program includes three test series, with beam designs and setups refined for each series based on observations of shear crack development and progression in the preceding series. This …

Generating Blood Analog For Laser Induced Fluorescent Particle Image Velocimetry, Chungyiu Ma, Jared Chong, Hang Yi, Zifeng Yang, Luke Bramlage, Bryan Ludwig

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

To mimic blood non-Newtonian viscosity features under designated temperatures from 305 to 315 K, transparent blood analogs were generated by the mixture of xanthan gum and deionized water with fluorescent particles for laser induced fluorescent particle image velocimetry.

Dueling Robot, Abigail Coy

All Undergraduate Projects

This project was undertaken as a personal challenge to combine a Mechanical Engineering Technology degree and an Electrical Engineering Technology degree into a single final project showing the cumulative knowledge gained. It was determined that a robot to participate in Western Allied Robotics would be designed and manufactured for the 3 lb. weight class.

A two-part power system was designed to provide more power to the weapon arm. This design combined a compressive spring’s kinetic energy with the torque from the electric motor. Research determined all of the purchased components required and analysis were performed to determine the geometry and …

3d Flow Field Quantification In An Artery Model Using Optical Flow Method Based On Simulated Multi-Angle Angiography, Zifeng Yang, Hang Yi, Luke Bramlage, Bryan Ludwig

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

3D flow field in a numerically simulated arterial model is quantified using the three-dimensional optical flow method based on simulated simultaneous multi-angle X-ray angiography of the blood flow with contrast agent perfusions.

Fabricating And Analyzing Liquid And Polymer Electrolytes For Sodium Ion Batteries, Kekule Augustine

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

The abundance and the cost-effectiveness of sodium resources have made sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) viable alternatives to lithium-ion batteries. Developing low-cost and high-performance electrolytes is one of the key areas for the advancement of SIB technology. The highly conductive liquid or solid electrolytes have the potential for practical sodium-ion battery applications. Long-term stability, alternative polymers, and full-cell integrations are other avenues that need further research to improve scalability and performance for SIBs. This research covers preparing and evaluating liquid and polymer electrolytes, with a focus on ionic conductivities. Liquid electrolytes were prepared by the dissolution of different sodium salts including NaCl, …

Silence Is Not Golden: Exploring The Trade-Offs Between Transparency And Burden In Dirs Reporting, Katie Nelson

Murray State Theses and Dissertations

This study explores the United States federal government's Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), which is an instrument that is used during emergencies to gather information on what five communication avenues are not actively working at the time of the emergency or during the recovery process. The synthesis provides a framework for characteristics that cite the necessities for this study on DIRS. Examining DIRS will help us understand its strengths, limitations, and potential improvements. Evaluating the details of historical and global research on emergency communications are gathered. The analysis provides insights into DIRS's past, present, and future. Bring to light future …

Mechanics Of Pure Bending And Eccentric Buckling In High-Strain Composite Structures, Jimesh D. Bhagatji, Oleksandr G. Kravchenko, Sharanabasaweshwara Asundi

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

To maximize the capabilities of nano- and micro-class satellites, which are limited by their size, weight, and power, advancements in deployable mechanisms with a high deployable surface area to packaging volume ratio are necessary. Without progress in understanding the mechanics of high-strain materials and structures, the development of compact deployable mechanisms for this class of satellites would be difficult. This paper presents fabrication, experimental testing, and progressive failure modeling to study the deformation of an ultra-thin composite beam. The research study examines the deformation modes of a post-deployed boom under repetitive pure bending loads using a four-point bending setup and …

Insights Into The Characterization And Degradation Of Electrospun Polycaprolactone Scaffolds For Tissue Engineering Applications, Caleb B. Wells

Theses and Dissertations

Electrospun polymeric biodegradable scaffolds are essential in tissue engineering, particularly for Engineered Tissue Vascular Grafts (ETVGs), which promise advancements in treating coronary artery disease, peripheral arterial disease, congenital cardiovascular defects, and renal disease. These scaffolds present a solution to issues with autologous graft availability and durability. While large-diameter grafts in low-pressure environments have seen success, small-diameter grafts in high-flow scenarios remain challenging. Understanding polymeric scaffold degradation and behavior during incubation, especially under dynamic mechanical loading, is vital for clinical translation of small-caliber ETVGs.

This research focuses on characterizing the mechanical and microstructural properties of electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds and their …

Progress Of Lisap-Mse: A Concept Of Producing Aluminum In-Situ On The Moon Through Molten Salt Electrolysis, Jacob N. Ortega, David Bayless, Daniel Stutts, Daoru Han, Todd P. Sander, Jeffrey Smith, Fateme Rezaei, William Schonberg

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents a concept of producing aluminum in-situ on the lunar surface, namely, the Lunar In-Situ Aluminum Production through Molten Salt Electrolysis (LISAP-MSE) method developed at Missouri University of Science and Technology. This paper aims to demonstrate the use of electro-deoxidation to reduce aluminum oxide (i.e., alumina) into aluminum and oxygen gas via electrolysis in a molten salt bath for the production of aluminum on the Moon. It is shown that with a steady supply of hydrogen chloride, this in-situ resource utilization (ISRU) method could supply several necessary materials consumed in the electro-deoxidation process except hydrogen chloride to produce …