Mechanics of Materials Commons^™

Restoration And Instrumentation Of A Cantilever Beam Model Using Strain Gauge Measurement, Ana Paula Guevara

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

This project aims to restore and modernize an instructional cantilever beam model with a C‑shaped cross‑section used in Aerospace Structures courses, addressing the need for updated, hands‑on teaching tools that connect theoretical stress–strain concepts to real experimental data. The existing model, previously limited to qualitative demonstrations, is being rehabilitated and instrumented with a bonded strain gauge capable of detecting resistance changes under applied bending loads. These signals are processed through an Arduino‑based data acquisition system, which converts electrical resistance into strain values and displays them in real time on an LCD interface. The project’s objectives are to return the beam …

Additive Manufacturing Of Metals: Mechanical Properties And Their Implications, Sean Chih

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Additive manufacturing of metals is a relatively new and groundbreaking approach to manufacturing high-performance components. However, variability in mechanical properties from the process creates a barrier before this manufacturing technique can be widely applied. Understanding when and where to use this manufacturing is also important to create components with efficiency and without harmful defects. The objective of this research is to evaluate the effects of build orientation, printing parameters, internal defects, thermal history, and residual stresses, post-processing heat treatments, and fatigue behavior on additively manufactured components. Literature-based research is conducted on commonly used metals for additive manufacturing, such as stainless …

Influence Of Infill Geometry On The Vibrational Behavior Of 3d-Printed Cantilever Beams, Owen Maute

Discovery Day - Daytona Beach

Vibration and damping are important considerations in many engineering structures, especially as additive manufacturing becomes more widely used in functional mechanical components. This project investigates how the internal structure of 3D-printed parts affects their vibrational behavior. A series of cantilever beams with identical outer dimensions will be designed and manufactured using a 3D printer with PLA filament, since PLA is one of the most commonly used materials in consumer and prototyping-level additive manufacturing. The study will examine five different infill patterns at three different infill densities, producing multiple beam configurations that vary only in their internal geometry. In addition to …

Microstructural Shielding And Advanced Fatigue Crack Analysis In The Presence Of Deformation Twinning, Seyed Ali Asli

All Dissertations

Design methods to mitigate fatigue failures have remained relatively stagnant, as engineers have relied on existing continuum-level models and adhered to the damage tolerance design methodology. Although damage-tolerant design has led to increased safety, extended component in-service life, and better life predictions, it still relies on maintenance routines to identify dangerous cracks. This research aims to test the hypothesis that bundles of deformation twin boundaries will increase the resistance to fatigue crack growth (FCG). Slip and twinning are two dominant mechanisms of plastic deformation in metals. Slip is more common in materials with face-centered cubic (FCC) crystal structures at room …

Dlc Thin Films For Semiconductor Applications, Balam Arturo Sotelo

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The growing need for resilient semiconductor supply chains has increased the interest in developing local and accessible materials fabrication strategies. Since large-scale semiconductor manufacturing is complex to establish quickly, simpler deposition techniques may provide a practical route to start developing semiconductors materials. Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a promising candidate in this context because its properties can be tailored through substrate selection and processing parameters.

This thesis establishes an initial framework for the study and fabrication of diamond-like carbon (DLC) materials in the Department of Physics at The University of Texas at El Paso. DLC thin films were deposited by magnetron …

Emergent De Sitter Expansion And Closed Topology From The Cosmic Fabric Model As An Open Thermodynamic System: Resolving The Negative Bulk Modulus Paradox, T G. Tenev, C B. Ward, T F. Tenev, M F. Horstemeyer

Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Cosmic Fabric Model establishes a continuum-mechanics isomorphism to General Relativity by representing physical space as an elastic three-dimensional hyperplate embedded in a four-dimensional spatial bulk. Reproducing vacuum kinematics requires a vanishing P-wave modulus, which in turn implies a negative bulk modulus—an apparent thermodynamic instability in a closed system. This paradox is resolved by recasting the framework as an open system: the instability is not pathological but instead drives cosmic expansion. In this interpretation, the observable universe is a lower-energy solid formed through continuous solidification from a higher-dimensional precursor fluid. Using multiplicative kinematics from finite-growth mechanics, the model shows that …

Magnetic Field-Induced Transformation In Polycrystalline Ni2mnal Heusler Type Magnetic Shape Memory Alloy, Choji J. Daches, Joseph W. Newkirk, Mario Buchely, Laura N. Bartlett

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The martensitic and magnetic transformations, as well as the mechanical properties, of Ni₂MnAl alloys in as-cast (AC) and heat-treated (HT) conditions were investigated. Magnetic-field-induced strain was evaluated via magnetostriction, with reversible strains of 0.14% and 0.2% achieved in the martensitic phase at 2 K for the AC and HT alloys, respectively. Transformation temperatures and Curie temperatures were determined under constant applied magnetic field, revealing that γ-phase inclusions in the AC microstructure suppress antiferromagnetic domain response, yielding a lower magnetization (∼8.4 emu g⁻¹) compared to the HT alloy (∼13.4 emu g⁻¹). Both alloys exhibited hysteretic behavior in the martensitic state and …

Lafe0.925ti0.075o3 Perovskite Coated With Ethyl Cellulose: A High-Stability, Low-Hysteresis Platform For Advanced Humidity Sensing, Akhmad Futukhillah Fataba Alaih, Djoko Triyono, Rifqi Almusawi Rafsanjani

Makara Journal of Science

Humidity sensors are pivotal in numerous sectors, such as environmental monitoring, industrial automation, and health-care. This study presents the fabrication and detailed evaluation of an advanced humidity sensor using ethyl cellulose (EC)-coated LaFe_0.925Ti_0.075O₃ (LFTO) perovskite nanoparticles synthesized via the sol-gel method. The LFTO nanopar-ticles exhibited a mesoporous structure with an enhanced surface area, which significantly improved their moisture adsorption capabilities. The innovative application of EC coating addresses critical substrate adhesion issues, enhancing mechanical stability without compromising sensor sensitivity. Comprehensive performance evaluations revealed minimal hysteresis (

Cal Poly Fluid Powered Vehicle Challenge 2025/2026, Ethan Malachi Nejame Zeiset, Christian Anthony Cuamani, Daniel Chacon-Bizarro, Marcus Minera, Bradley Hansell

Mechanical Engineering

In this Final Design Report, the Cal Poly Fluid Power Vehicle Challenge Contending Team competed in Sun Hydraulics’ 2026 Fluid Powered Vehicle Challenge. The objective of the competition is to expose college students to the fluid power sector, the “hidden giant” of the engineering industry. Specifically, student teams are tasked with the development of a human-powered, fluid-driven vehicle for use in various competitive settings. The team prioritized the optimization of an existing prototype for simplicity, ease of maintenance, and reliability during the competition. The existing prototype exhibited issues related to the main frame’s deflection under load, a lack of gear …

Electropulse Annealing: Phase Composition Of Tial6v4, Vaughn Eckhardt, Ethan Croke, Ian Baker, Russ Taylor

Wetterhahn Science Symposium Posters

Titanium alloy TiAl6V4 is the most ubiquitous titanium alloy used for dental care, aerospace manufacturing, and for high performance vehicles. The material typically undergoes a thermal heat  treatment, but electropulse annealing is another process that involves sending current through the material to heat it up at a quicker rate. The rate of post-annealing cooling is high, and around the material's critical point, its two components, alpha and beta phase, change in relative concentration. After testing multiple current densities and temperatures, in general, as the current density that the sample received during electropulse annealing decreased, both the alpha and beta phases …

Additive Manufacturing Of Spatially Variant Actuating Structures From Shape Memory Polymers., Katia Lizbeth Delgado Ramos

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This dissertation studies the structure-processing-function relationships of additively manufactured shape memory polymer blends, with emphasis on mechanical anisotropy. Chemical exposure, thermally activated recovery, self-healing behavior, and 4D printed functional response. Two polyester-based blends were studied: a binary blend composed of polycaprolactone and thermoplastic polyurethane (PCL/TPU) blend, and a ternary blend composed of polycaprolactone/thermoplastic polyurethane/ polylactic acid (PCL/TPU/PLA) blend. The materials were melt-compounded using a twin-extruder to produce filament for fused filament fabrication (FFF). Specimens were fabricated using four different raster orientations, 0°,90°, 0/90°, and 45°, to investigate the influence of processing architecture and composition on the mechanical performance, recovery behavior, …

An Approach To Incorporate Skid Resistance Into Balanced Asphalt Mix Design Framework, Sandeep Reddy Gottam

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

The Balanced Mix Design (BMD) process aims to achieve an economical blend of aggregates, binder, and additives for satisfactory performance against rutting and cracking-related distresses, compared to volumetric design methods. Although the BMD process improves the structural performance of pavements, functional performance is essential for the comfort and safety of road users. Road user comfort is influenced by pavement distresses, while road user safety is largely determined by the skid resistance (frictional resistance) of the pavement. The aim of this dissertation was to incorporate skid resistance into the BMD framework through an approach. To develop an approach that integrates with …

Influence Of Nickel Content On Microstructural Evolution And Densification Of Tungsten Fabricated Via Vat Photopolymerization, Jose Miguel Gonzalez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

Hybrid additive manufacturing of tungsten-nickel alloys, combining vat photopolymerization (VPP) for patterning with custom thermo-hydrogen post-processing for reduction and densification, has emerged as a promising route for fabricating complex, high-resolution tungsten architectures. However, fabrication of tungsten via this hybrid AM technique remains challenging due to poor densification and significant defect formation during debinding and sintering. In this work, these limitations were addressed using nickel as a sintering aid in combination with controlled thermal processing conditions. Existing studies on activated sintering of tungsten typically focus on a single composition or sintering condition, limiting understanding of the combined effects of composition and …

First-Principles Study Of Uranium Mononitride, Roy Noe Herrera Navarro

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This thesis presents a first-principles investigation of uranium mononitride (UN), withemphasis on the connection between uranium 5f electron correlation and defect stability. Electronic-structure calculations were performed within density functional theory using the Vienna Ab initio Simulation Package. Exchange-correlation effects were treated within the generalized gradient approximation, and a Hubbard correction was applied to the uranium 5f manifold. The adopted Hubbard parameter was motivated by first-principles linear-response analysis and considered in the broader context of DFT+DMFT descriptions of correlated uranium systems, including recent interpretations of UN as a Hund-metal system. Bulk UN was studied in unit-cell and 2 x 2 x …

Additively Manufactured Grx-810 Alloy: The Influence Of Build Interruptions Onmicrostructure, Tensile Strength And Fatigue Life., Javier Eduardo Lares Monarrez

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates the influence of build interruption on the microstructure, microhardness, tensile behavior, and fatigue performance of laser powder-bed fusion (LP-BF) specimens in both the as-built and heat-treated conditions using the GRX-810 alloy. The heat treated condition incorporated Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), and both interrupted and uninterrupted samples were evaluated to isolate the effects of processing variables. Results indicate that build interruption did not produce significant changes in yield strength, ultimate tensile strength, or ductility, suggesting that the LP-BF process is robust enough to tolerate controlled interruptions without compromising bulk mechanical integrity. Microhardness measurements and microstructural observations further supported …

Additive Manufacturing Of Roman Concrete-Inspired Self-Healing Polyvinyl Alcohol-Polylactic Acid Blends: Influence Of Composition, Processing Temperature, And Raster Pattern On Print Quality And Mechanical Performance, Stephanie Moreno

Open Access Theses & Dissertations

This study investigates development of Roman concrete-inspired self-healing polymer blends based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polylactic acid (PLA) for the additive manufacturing (AM) process of fused filament fabrication (FFF). The motivation for this work stems from the need to enhance durability and functionality of biodegradable polymers while addressing environmental concerns associated with plastic waste. Inspired by the multifunctional and hierarchical architecture of Roman concrete. PVA is integrated as a hydrophilic, sacrificial phase similar to lime clasts, embedded inside a PLA-rich structural matrix to promote physical interaction and water-activated self-healing behavior. Binary PVA:PLA blends with ratios of 5:95, 10:90, 20:80 …

Creation Of The 2-Way Cross Laminated Timber Subroutine For Computing Dynamic Analysis Parameters, Joseph Freitas

Architectural Engineering

This document will describe the inputs, methodology, and outputs for the CLT 2-way subroutine for cases with and without openings recently added to a proprietary structural analysis software. For the sake of simplicity, most of the discussion will be focused on cases without openings from here on out, as the verification process for a novel method for cases with openings is still in progress. The CLT 2-way module calculates multi-point resistance functions for panels without openings by automating the procedure outlined in an industry-standard structural design manual. The subroutine also finds the appropriate dynamic response factors, kinetic load multipliers, mass, …

Mechanical Characterization And Modeling Of Rat Myocardia Under The Influence Of Epirubicin, Abdallah Mahmoud Alkhaiyat

Theses and Dissertations

Cancer remains a predominant health challenge that is responsible for a significant portion of global morbidity and mortality. Epirubicin (EPI), a chemotherapeutic anti-cancer drug, has shown remarkable efficacy in combating various malignancies. However, it is known to have undesirable side effects on the heart, collectively referred to as cardiotoxicity. This research investigates the adverse effects of chemotherapy on cardiac contractility through an in vitro examination of the mechanics of healthy and infarcted animal heart tissues. Electrically stimulated slices of rat ventricular tissue were tested using an isometric force measurement tissue bath. The tissue slices were subjected to uniaxial stretching, allowing …

Critical Parameters Controlling Oxide Scale Formation And Hydro-Descaling Efficiency During Steelmaking, Tochukwu Princewill Ojiako

Doctoral Dissertations

In modern steelmaking, cast slabs are exposed to high-temperature oxidizing environments during secondary cooling, reheating, and hot rolling, resulting in the formation of multilayer oxide scales on the steel surface. These scales interact with mold-flux residues originating from the casting process (CC). The morphology, chemistry, and adhesion of oxide scale strongly influence its removability during high-pressure hydraulic descaling and ultimately determine the surface quality of hot-rolled products. However, the mechanistic relationship between oxide scale evolution, scale-steel interfacial structure, and hydraulic descaling performance remains poorly understood.

This dissertation investigates oxide scale formation, modification, and removal in low-carbon thin-slab steels produced by …

Thermal Transformations And Mechanical Properties Of All-D-Metal Mn2fecu Heusler-Type Shape Memory Alloy, Choji J. Daches, Joseph W. Newkirk, Mario Buchely

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

All-d-metal Heusler alloys are emerging functional materials in which magnetic ordering, lattice distortion, and mechanical behavior are strongly coupled through d–d electronic interactions. This study systematically investigates the structural, thermal, magnetic, and mechanical properties of Mn₂FeCu synthesized within a Heusler-type compositional framework. SEM/EDS revealed a dual-phase FCC-based microstructure consisting of Mn–Fe–rich and Mn–Cu–rich domains, while XRD confirmed FCC symmetry with compositional partitioning rather than full L2₁ ordering. Differential scanning calorimetry identified partial melting of the Cu-rich phase near ~ 900 °C. Dilatometry showed a thermoelastic FCC → FCT transformation at ~ 770–780 °C with a recoverable strain of ~ 0.067%. …

The Effects Of Mold Flux Contamination On Oxide Scale Formation And Hydro-Descaling Efficiency During Steel Processing, Tochukwu Princewill Ojiako, Richard Osei, Mario Buchely, Haiming Wen, Simon Lekakh, Ronald O'Malley

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Oxide scale formation during thin-slab continuous casting has a complex structure, which is influenced by mold flux contamination, that modifies interfacial reactions during solidification, subsequent reheating, and descaling. While individual aspects of the oxidation behavior of carbon steel have been previously examined, the synergetic effects of mold flux contamination during continuous casting and subsequent reheating on scale modification and the efficiency of hydraulic descaling remain inadequately studied. This study quantitatively examines the effect of flux composition on oxide scale evolution, adhesion, and hydraulic removal in low-carbon steel under simulated industrial conditions. Slab samples with as-cast, cleaned, and flux-coated surfaces were …

The Efficacy Of Hybrid Manufacturing For High Stress Automotive Parts, Logan Trimmer

Harrisburg University Other Works

Presentation covering the broad strokes of the project. The goal was to prove the viability of hybrid/additive manufacturing for high stress automotive applications. This project focused on recreating a piston from an old engine to examine if hybrid manufacturing could be used for such applications. On a small scale, hybrid manufacturing was able to be more cost effective if the costs of the equipment and electricity were ignored. The decision to ignore those costs came from the inability to find accurate prices for industrial casting.

Effect Of Complex Alloying Elements On Oxide Scale Formation And Water-Jet Descaling Performance On Continuously Cast Low-Carbon Steels, Tochukwu P. Ojiako, Tsvetkov Dmitry, Mario Buchely, Haiming Wen, Simon N. Lekakh, Ronald J. O'Malley

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The formation and evolution of oxide scale in contact with mold flux during continuous casting, subsequent reheating, and hydraulic descaling are strongly governed by steel chemistry. To elucidate the effect of complex alloying elements (Si, Mn, and Cr), two industrially produced continuously cast low-carbon steel grades for manufacturing stamped parts (a base and alloyed steel grade) were investigated. The objective was to determine how alloying elements influence oxidation behavior, scale morphology, interfacial adhesion, and water-jet descaling efficiency. Continuously cast slab specimens were subjected to controlled thermal and atmospheric oxidation cycles simulating multistage industrial practice. Three initial surface conditions (industrial as-cast, …

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 …

Akron Soap Box Derby Super Kids Car, Alexis Schultz, Cooper Sites, Sean Stevenson

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to redesign the All-American Soap Box Derby Super Kids vehicle to enhance safety, accessibility, and performance while maintaining full compliance with official regulations. The Super Kids program enables children with physical and cognitive disabilities to race alongside a co-pilot, but the current vehicle design presents challenges in stability, entry/exit accessibility, and control—especially following recent regulation changes that increased vehicle speed. The redesigned car will focus on improved ergonomics, lightweight construction, and structural integrity within a $1,000 budget and a 165 lb weight limit.

An iterative engineering design process will guide the project through research, CAD modeling, FEA …

The Efficacy Of Hybrid Manufacturing For High Stress Automotive Components, Logan Trimmer

Harrisburg University Other Works

The goal of this research was to establish the viability of using hybrid manufacturing for automotive applications. By verifying that high-stress components can be created, it can be assumed that any other lower stress part could be made to match the strength requirements. A limiting factor of adoption for hybrid manufacturing is how new the technology is. Studies on time and cost were performed allowing for comparisons with traditional manufacturing technologies (casting, forging, milling) used in automotive applications. This research utilized a Haas Automation UMC750 5-axis CNC mill with a Meltio laser wire direct energy deposition attachment. Fusion 360 was …

Modeling Of Transformation Temperatures In Cast Martensitic Stainless Steels-Ca6nm: Effects Of Composition, Heating Rate, And Grain Size, Ugochukwu Agbedo, Mario Buchely, Laura Bartlett, Caelan Kennedy

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accurate prediction of the critical transformation temperatures Ac1 and Ac3 is one of the essential factors in the heat treatment of CA6NM cast martensitic stainless steel. In this study, the influence of alloy composition, heating rate, and prior austenite grain size on the critical temperatures was quantified using dilatometric measurements and statistical modeling. Six heat treatment conditions produced prior austenite grain sizes ranging from ~75 to 247 µm. Experimental results showed that grain size variations produced only minor changes in Ac1 and Ac3, indicating a weak dependence of transformation temperatures on prior austenite grain size within the investigated range. In …

Multiphysics Simulation And Experimental Validation Of Phase Transformation And Hardness In Jominy End-Quenched Low-Alloy Steels, J. S. Alabi, E. Heidari, M. F. Buchely, K. Chandrashekhara, S. N. Lekakh, R. J. O'Malley, V. A. Athavale, A. Kumar

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

High-volume industrial continuous hot-rolled steel heat treatment processes involve sophisticated multi-phase modeling. The performance of a given process can be optimized by coupling phase transformation kinetics with the cooling conditions of the process. This study develops a multiphysics model to simulate an intensive quenching process for steel, which is inherently transient and highly dependent on numerous parameters. The simulated object was a Jominy end-quenched specimen geometry using two commercial steels, AISI 4130 and AISI 4140, with the goal of transferring a verified methodology to the heat treatment process for industrial heavy-section products (bars, slabs). The simulation employs thermal, mechanical, and …

Castrip Process Technology: Non-Grain Oriented (Ngo) Si Steels Extension And Carbide-Free Bainitic (Cfb) For Flat Products, Naram Naidu Meesala

Masters Theses

"This research explores the development of advanced steel grades manufactured through Castrip® twin-roll thin strip casting technology, with particular attention to non-grain-oriented electrical Si-Steels (NGOES) and carbide-free bainitic (CFB) steels. The Castrip® process offers a near-net-shape route for producing thin steel strips, which greatly decreases the number of processing stages, lowers energy demand, and reduces carbon dioxide emissions when compared with traditional steel production methods.

In the NGOES part of the study, several industrial Fe–Si steel compositions were cold rolled to final thicknesses ranging from 0.35 mm to 0.15 mm. These materials were then exposed to short-duration continuous annealing at …

Discrete Element Modeling Of Granular Soils: Critical State Behavior Applied To Impact Pile Driving, Esteban Patino Marin

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

This thesis investigates the use of the Discrete Element Method (DEM) to study two complementary aspects of granular soil mechanics: critical state behavior of granular materials and dynamic response of driven piles in sand, both of which are governed by the same particle-scale mechanisms of dilation, contraction, and fabric evolution.

The first examines the critical state behavior and fabric anisotropy of granular soils through DEM simulations of direct shear, direct simple shear, and true triaxial tests. Sphere-cluster particles representative of a uniform sand are used in two assemblages of approximately twenty-five thousand and one hundred twenty-five thousand spheres to evaluate …