Other Materials Science and Engineering Commons^™

Entrepreneurially Minded Learning (Eml) Micromoment Activities Generated Using Students' Experiences In A Fluid Flow And Heat Transfer Course, Erick Salvador Vasquez, Megan Morin

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The Entrepreneurially Minded Learning (EML) Framework involves the 3 C's: curiosity, connections, and creating value. Several design courses, open-ended assignments, and laboratory experiences can successfully lead to EML implementations. However, these implementations require extensive class time and instructor feedback, limiting their use in core engineering courses. Developing EML activities that are active, engaging, and rapid to deploy in a classroom setting can promote the sustained growth of an entrepreneurial mindset (EM). EML micromoment activities are emerging as a practical tool to facilitate the incorporation of the 3 Cs through rapid activity implementations that only last 2 – 30 minutes. These …

Shrinkage Study In Photopolymerisable Hybrid Sol-Gel Through Holographic Patterning, Jamshed Aftab, Izabela Naydenova, Tatsiana Mikulchyk

Articles

Photopolymerisation induced shrinkage of holographic materials is one of the main factors which needs to be considered for designing holographic optical elements (HOEs) with high accuracy in light redirection with maximum efficiency. This work studies the shrinkage in photopolymerisable hybrid sol-gel (PHSG) by examining the properties of volume transmission gratings recorded in PHSG layers. It explores both the dependence of shrinkage on the holographic grating parameters (thickness, spatial frequency, slant angle) and the effect of material aging. By using the fringe-plane rotation model, shrinkage is found to have the maximum value of 1.37 % at 765 lines/mm (19.36° slant angle) …

Student-Led Video Podcasting In A Chemical Behavior Of Materials Course, Erick Salvador Vasquez

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Video podcasts, or vodcasts, are a form of podcasting that combines video and audio to deliver various types of educational content effectively. To our knowledge, very few studies have focused on student-produced podcasting for learning technical engineering concepts. This study explores using student-created technical videos in a course on the chemical behavior of materials through three separate assignments. The first assignment centered on sustainability aspects. Students, divided into groups of three, were tasked to review two influential journal articles on plastic waste input into the ocean and metal recycling. Each group had to prepare and deliver a technical script about …

In-Situ Defect Detection In Selective Laser Melting Using Convolutional Neural Networks, Ethan Gaigalas

Master's Theses

This thesis develops and trains a convolutional neural network (CNN) to classify defects in metal parts produced by selective laser melting (SLM) using acoustic emission (AE) data. The model successfully identified porosity and standard build layers with high accuracy but consistently struggled to classify lack of fusion (LOF) defects, regardless of input type, normalization, or class count. These results suggest that while AE signals contain distinguishable features for certain defect types, LOF signals may be too subtle or inconsistent for reliable detection. The study addresses the ongoing challenge of in-situ quality monitoring in metal additive manufacturing, where defects like cracks, …

Energy Conversion Materials: Computational Design Of Electrocatalysts Toward Sustainable Energy Applications, Courtney M. Brea

Dissertations, Theses, and Capstone Projects

As the global-scale need for sustainable energy technologies emerges due to anthropogenic climate change, electrocatalysis plays a crucial role in facilitating many sustainable processes. Several heterogenous cathode materials can perform different electrochemical activities using water, oxygen, hydrogen, carbon dioxide to deliver renewable electricity and value-added chemicals. By using the density functional theory method, it is possible to explore the structural and electronic properties that govern a catalysts’ activity and selectivity. In this thesis, we start by exploring 48 reconstructed transition metal dichalcogenides edges (MX₂, M = Mo, W; X = S, Se, Te) for carbon dioxide reduction reaction …

3d Printed Fixed Wing Aircraft Competition, Sidney E. Long, Mitchell Heise, Jack Bride, Daniel Salinas

Mechanical Engineering

Cal State LA and Arlington University, Texas are hosting the same 3D printed, fixed wing aircraft competition for 2025. Cal Poly requires a competitive plane that can adhere to each rule and be piloted remotely to achieve the longest time in the air. The plane must utilize solely 3D printing technology for the wings, body, and all other structures. The only off-the-shelf components can be the motor and electronics, as well as mechanical devices such as hinges.

Thermal Modeling Techniques For Additively Manufactured Porous Metals, Lucas D. Rambo

Master's Theses

Advances in additive manufacturing have enabled the creation of metallic components with tailored porosity, offering design flexibility for thermal, structural, and fluid transport applications. This thesis investigates the effective thermal conductivity (ETC) of porous Inconel 625 (IN625) and Inconel-ceramic composites (IN625-RAM2) fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) using Elementum 3D’s PermiAM technology. Experimental measurements of thermal conductivity using the laser flash method are compared to numerical models built from micro-computed tomography data. Simulations were performed using both finite element (FE) and finite volume (FV) methods to evaluate thermal transport in real microstructures. The study investigates the effects of micro- …

Using Predictive Analytics To Reduce Small Business Cost Estimation Error, Diana Solt

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

Small and medium packaging companies generally employ the use of custom-developed quoting programs to bid goods and services. Custom bid programs (e.g. Excel) are used to capture the company-specific costs of production. The inputs of variable costs, such as machine rate and scrap rate, are critical to get correct; however, companies often rely on educated guesses and industry expertise to quote packaging products to end-users. Due to the guesswork involved there can be a financial difference between the quoted costs and actual costs. This variance is often the cause of significant lost dollars. Price, if not determined correctly, could negatively …

Low-Field Magnetoresistance In Nanocomposites Of La₀.₇Sr₀.₃Mno₃ And Metal Oxides, Nicholas K. Thiel-Hudson

University Scholar Projects

Pure La_0.7Sr_0.3MnO₃ (LSMO) exhibits colossal magnetoresistance (CMR) with large applied magnetic field over a narrow temperature range (intrinsic behavior), limiting its application to narrow temperature ranges. In contrast, the extrinsic CMR effect originates from inhomogeneities at larger length scales, such as grain boundaries and phase separation, where the structural features act as tunneling barriers, leading to a low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR) response, thereby expanding the application of LSMO into the low-field regime over a broader temperature range. In this work, the magnetotransport behavior of pure LSMO thin film is compared to the composite layered heterostructures of …

Flexible Microelectrode-Based Impedance Immunosensor For Rapid Detection Of E. Coli O157:H7, Sonatan Kumar Biswas

Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Abstract Food contamination poses a significant threat to public health, the economy, and human health worldwide, occurring at any stage of the food supply chain, from farm to fork. Escherichia coli 0157:H7, recognized as one of the principal causes of foodborne illness, poses a considerable risk to food safety. The primary objective of this investigation is to devise a flexible microelectrode-based immunosensor capable of swiftly identifying E. coli O157:H7 cells without the need for incubation in a pure culture environment. In the development of the biosensor, the gold electrode (composed of 50% Au) underwent an initial coating process involving 2-aminoethanethiol/cysteamine, …

Ultrafast Laser Surface Structuring For Wettability Control On Copper, Akshay Arvind Nagvenkar

All Theses

Wettability is a crucial surface property influencing various phenomena, including heat transfer, cell adhesion, and corrosion. Engineering devices can achieve superior performance by precisely manipulating surface wettability. As a result, extensive research has focused on developing surfaces that exhibit either extreme water attraction (superhydrophilic) or strong water repellency (superhydrophobic). Tailoring surface wettability paves the way for numerous applications, such as drag reduction in marine vessels, controlled drug delivery, efficient water collection, advanced liquid transport systems, oil-water separation, anti-corrosion coatings, friction reduction, and self-cleaning materials. Ultrafast laser surface structuring is a promising approach for engineering multifunctional surfaces, effectively modifying material properties …

Binary Solid/Liquid Equilibrium Of Mixtures Of Thermally Robust Salts And Molecular Compounds For Use As Heat Transfer Fluids, Jared Ridge Mathews

Honors Theses

Fossil fuels, contributors to climate change that may bear catastrophic consequences, power the entire world. The human species is almost entirely dependent on fossil fuels for energy, but other sources of renewable and environmentally friendly energy must be developed. Concentrated solar power (CSP) is a promising source of renewable energy with hampered potential—better heat transfer fluids (HTFs) are needed for it to be economically feasible. Currently, the HTFs in industrial use are predominantly either synthetic oils or nitrate-based molten salts. Synthetic oils are only stable up to 400 °C, and molten salts often have high melting temperatures, making them prone …

Thermal Characterization Of 3d Printing Materials For Increasing Insulation Potential And Practicality, Jackson H. Minnick

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This study served as an exploration into the possible existence of a correlation between the infill lattice structure of a 3D printed wall section and the thermal performance of that sample as characterized by thermal conductivity measured in units of Watts per meter Kelvin. With the continual increase in the practicality, fidelity, and applicable fields of additive manufacturing, namely FDM 3D printing, research on specific print characteristics and their effects on the material and thermal characteristics of the part in question is steadily becoming more commonplace. Although the thermal conductivity of 3D printed wall sections as a function of infill …

Characteristics Of Carbonaceous Materials Synthesized From Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunch Waste Using Ferrocene Catalyst, Ahmad Nabil Shahab, Adinda Izzatul Islam, Afif Wardana, Ilham Nur Dimas Yahya, Ary Yanuar Tri Amalia, Nofrijon Sofyan, Donanta Dhaneswara

Journal of Materials Exploration and Findings

The synthesis of carbonaceous materials for reduced graphene oxide (rGO) precursors using oil palm empty fruit bunches waste as a carbon source offers a sustainable solution for waste management in the palm oil industry while delivering high-performance materials. The oil palm empty fruit bunches were carbonized, followed by acid washing, pyrolysis with ferrocene (8%, 12%, and 16% variations), and ultrasonication to produce rGO. The structural, electronic, and morphological properties of the rGO were analyzed using various characterization techniques. The band gap values decreased with increasing ferrocene concentration, from 1.14 eV (8%) to 1.06 (16%), indicating enhanced electronic conductivity. XRD analysis …

Carbon Club Carrier: A Lightweight Motorized Golf Pushcart, Tanner J. Conniff, Eric M. Courneya, Alex Hilo, Max R. Kauphusman, Luis M. Rodriguez

Research & Creative Achievement Day

The Carbon Club Carrier is a lightweight, motorized golf pushcart designed to enhance convenience and ease of use for golfers. Traditional golf push carts can be cumbersome and require significant effort to maneuver across varying terrain. Our design integrates a carbon fiber frame for durability and weight reduction, coupled with an electric push-assist motor to reduce strain on the user. The use of carbon fiber composite materials ensures a strong yet lightweight structure, optimizing portability and performance. The push-assist motor system is designed to provide variable-speed assistance, allowing golfers to move their clubs effortlessly across the course. The carrier is …

Impact Of Repeated Washing Cycles On Surface Integrity And Mechanical Properties Of Glass Bottles, Siwat Patamakam Mr., Thitisilp Kijchavengkul, Siriyupa Netramai, Gong Yaijam

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

Glass bottles are a top choice in the global beverage industry, but their inherent brittleness poses challenges in maintaining durability. This study focused on investigating the impact of numbers of washing processes from reusing on the surface quality and mechanical properties of glass bottles after each washing cycle. Contact angle technique was used to determine surface quality of glass bottles. It was found that mechanical integrity, as reflected in internal pressure resistance values, and surface quality of glass bottles exhibited an exponential decline with each washing cycle. Furthermore, a predictive model (R² = 0.8882) was developed to estimate its …

A High-Temperature Lithium-Aluminum Alloy/Oxygen Or Air Fuel Cell, Sarwan S. Sandhu

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper is in support of our current effort in the development of an experimental hybrid (lithium- aluminum alloy/electrolyte/oxygen or air) fuel cell for the acquisition of the experimental data required to characterize its performance behavior. The literature-based assembled formulation provided in this paper can be used to predict the cell open-circuit electric potential, lithium amount in the cell anode alloy, and g-atom ratio of lithium to aluminum in the cell anode as a function of time at any cell discharge current level. The ohmic voltage losses can also be computed in the cell cathode, anode, and two electrolytes at …

Understanding Firn Dynamics: Modeling And Microstructure From East Antarctica, Ilyse Horlings

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Glacier ice is formed from the accumulation of snow and its compaction through a transitional material called firn. Firn dynamics are fundamentally influenced by climatic factors, such as temperature and snow accumulation rate, and so are crucial for understanding a number of cryospheric applications. For example, ice-sheet mass loss contributions to sea-level rise from repeat satellite-altimetry observations depend on calculating firn density and its evolution. Past atmospheric gases in ice core bubbles are often younger than the surrounding ice, and their exact age depends on how firn closes off interconnected pores to become impermeable. Models often estimate bulk properties, such …

Scalable Mxene-Based Textile Supercapacitors, Abaigeal Aydt

Honors Program: Senior Projects (Public)

The demand for flexible and wearable energy storage devices for portable applications has led to the exploration of textile-based supercapacitors (TSCs). TSCs will allow for the creation of a new class of energy harvesting and storing technology directly into our clothing and will require using non-toxic and/or biocompatible materials. This will result in a greener and more sustainable path to address the challenges at the nexus of energy, mobility, and sustainability. To fabricate a TSC, a yarn made of fibers, such as wool or cotton, is coated with MXene flakes; MXenes are composed of transition metal carbides, nitrides, or carbonitrides …

Enhancing Road Performance With Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane, Tim Zahrn, Todd Thomas, Randy Miller

Purdue Road School

This presentation will discuss how using the technology of a Void Reducing Asphalt membrane can improve performance of our Asphalt Pavements by creating a more durable asphalt surface that resists cracking and reduces permeability. Void Reducing Asphalt Membrane (VRAM) Specifications: VRAM reduces voids in longitudinal joints, which improves the longevity of a quality road surface. INDOT has already required VRAM on certain road designs. We will review the current specifications for VRAM and outline specifications that may update with the technology. We will also discuss the Impact of Rumble Strips on Longitudinal Joint Performance. The session will also highlight how …

Analytical Electrochemistry Of Nickel, Platinum, And Platinum-Nickel Electrodepositions, Kyle James Troche

Nanoscience and Microsystems ETDs

Nickel and platinum electrodeposits have numerous applications in corrosion and wear-resistant coatings, electronic connectors, heat resistance, metal finishings, and catalysts. The addition of additives can vastly change the morphology of the deposition. Electrokinetic parameters can be calculated by conducting rotating disk electrode (RDE) experiments along with Koutecky-Levich analysis. Significant challenges need to be addressed to deposit uniform films of Pt-Ni alloys from a single co-deposition bath. The main challenge is platinum’s catalytic property to reduce the overpotential for the hydrogen generation reaction. An Investigation into methanol and carbon monoxide’s hydrogen generation reaction suppression was conducted. Electrodeposition of nickel, platinum, and …

Effect Of Niobium Dopant On Zno Thin Films Prepared Via The Sol–Gel Spin Coating Method, Kevin Alvin Eswar, Nur Fairuz Rostan, Maryam Mohamad, Rabiatuladawiyah Md Akhir, Rosfayanti Rasmidi, Muliyadi Guliling, Najwa Ezira Azhar, Irmaizatussyehdany Buniyamin, Mohd Firdaus Malek, Mohamad Rusop Mahmood, Husairi Fadzilah Suhaimi, Saifollah Abdullah

Makara Journal of Science

Thin films of zinc oxide (ZnO) and niobium (Nb)-doped ZnO were deposited on a glass substrate using the sol–gel spin coating method. Diethanolamine, isopropyl alcohol, and zinc acetate served as the stabilizers, solvent, and starting ma-terial, respectively. Niobium pentachloride was employed as the dopant source. Energy-dispersive X-ray analysis con-firmed Nb incorporation. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and ultravio-let–visible spectroscopy (UV–Vis) analyses characterized the morphology, structure, and optics of the films, respective-ly. Both films, comprising nanoparticles, were visible in FESEM. Nb doping reduced the particle size from 44.2 nm to 35.8 nm. The XRD peaks at 31.23°, …

Development Of Planetary Drive System For Formula Sae Electric Race Car, Brian Wong, Bradley Maruoka, Joshua Charles Fine, Madison Kai

Mechanical Engineering

Hub motors are compact electric motors mounted directly on each outboard wheel hub. Utilized in Formula SAE and Formula Student vehicles, this configuration offers several advantages over traditional drivetrains, including packaging optimization within the chassis, vehicle traction, and improved efficiency. Although hub motors are not yet common in 4WD vehicles, they are being explored for use in EVs and may become more common in the future. Every year, Cal Poly Racing FSAE designs and builds a formula-style race car. To improve drivetrain performance, the team is investigating the achievability of a hub motor 4WD drivetrain, requiring extensive research, development, and …

Fatigue Behaviour Of Al 6063 Alloy In Heat Treated, Deep Cryogenic Treated And Equal Channel Angular Pressing (Ecap) Processed Conditions, Sreearravind M

Theses and Dissertations

This research focuses on improving the Low Cycle Fatigue (LCF) life of Al6063 using three different processing techniques – Heat Treatment (HT), Deep Cryogenic Treatment (DCT), and Equal Channel Angular Pressing (ECAP). Al 6063, widely used in structural applications, has limited fatigue performance, necessitating the exploration of advanced processing techniques to enhance its LCF life.

In HT phase, Al 6063 T5 samples were subjected to solid solution HT followed by air and water quenching. The air-quenched (T6A) and water-quenched (T6W) samples were subjected to precipitation hardening. The Ultimate Tensile Strength (UTS) of the T6A sample increased to 188 MPa from …

A Comparative Mathematical Analysis Of Ice Modulation Measurement Techniques: Unifying Thermal Hysteresis, Freezing Point Depression, And Colligative Effects, Hayden Calvert Barry

Engineering Undergraduate Senior Theses

Thermal hysteresis (TH) measurement techniques for ice binding proteins (IBPs) have historically lacked standardization, making cross-study comparisons challenging and potentially impeding development of these materials for practical applications. This study provides a comprehensive comparison of three measurement techniques: differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), microlitre osmometry, and cryostage microscopy. Through systematic experimentation with Wild Type III Antifreeze Protein (AFP) at varying concentrations (10μM, 100μM, 1mM), along with cell lysate AFP and Pseudomonas syringe ice nucleating protein (INP), mathematical relationships were established between measurement techniques, and cryostage microscopy was identified as the most reproducible and reliable method. Regression analysis revealed strong relationships between …

Biobased Acrylate Composites With Enhanced Strength For Additive Manufacturing, Nicole Wagner, Joseph Mcwherter

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

With the expanding use of polymers in additive manufacturing, sustainable resins for use in vat photopolymerization are required to reduce their environmental impact. One promising approach to achieve this is to incorporate biobased fillers that replace the acrylates in photopolymer resins as ‘green’ alternatives. In this study, photopolymer composites consisting of a methacrylate resin with varying calcium carbonate powder content between 0 and 50 wt.% were investigated. A digital light processing technique was used to fabricate tensile test specimens for mechanical testing. Good printability, dimensional accuracy, and good interlayer adhesion were observed for composite resin formulations that incorporated calcium carbonate …

Novel Approach For The Micro Cracks Detection Of Solar Wafers And Cells, Mohd Israil, Arvind Kumar Sharma, Ekta Gupta

Al-Bahir

This paper deals with the review of various existing technique for the microcracks detection in silicon solar cell and wafer. In addition to this, we proposed a novel approach for the machine learning technique for the inspection of the cracks those are existed in the solar cell and wafer and not able to detect by the naked eyes. There are many techniques have been developed by the various researchers around the world to inspect solar cells for defect. All the techniques discussed in this article having some features and some weakness too. This paper present here gives the two-fold solution …

Sustainable Clay Brick Manufacturing: A Review Of Mechanical Properties, Firing Technologies, Emissions, And Control Strategies, I. S. Eldeeb, Ayman Bakry, Ahmed M. Nasr, E. A. Showaib

Journal of Engineering Research

The clay brick industry, a cornerstone of global construction, faces increasing pressure to mitigate its substantial environmental footprint and improve the sustainability of its practices. The energy-intensive firing process, often reliant on coal combustion, generates significant atmospheric emissions, contributing to climate change and local air pollution. Furthermore, achieving desired mechanical properties in the final product is essential for ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of buildings. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the chemical and thermodynamic processes governing clay brick firing, exploring their influence on both emissions and the final product's mechanical strength, durability, and water absorption. We examine …

Synthesis And Application Of Cu-Based Ultrasmall Nanoparticles For Targeted Glioblastoma Treatment, Ryan T. Hart

Material Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Glioblastoma (GBM) is a highly malignant form of brain cancer with a bleak prognosis. Current maximal treatment involves surgical resection followed by chemo-or radiotherapy. Two critical barriers make treating GBM a formidable challenge. First, the tumor's tendril-like proliferation throughout healthy brain tissue often makes complete surgical removal and conventional radiation insufficient. Second, the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which protects the brain, unfortunately also shields GBM from life-saving anti-cancer drugs. Here, we develop a radioactive nanoparticle-based therapy that directly confronts these limitations, offering a new strategy for GBM treatment.

Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) is a promising target for glioblastoma (GBM) treatment because …

Phase-Field Modeling Of A Protective Layer For The Suppression Of Dendrites In Metallic Anode-Based Rechargeable Batteries, Bharat R. Pant

Material Science and Engineering Dissertations - Archive

Metallic anodes, such as Lithium (Li) and Zinc (Zn), offer promise for the development of high-capacity rechargeable batteries. However, metallic anode-based batteries suffer from severe dendrite growth during the plating process, which poses safety hazards and accelerates capacity degradation. Experimental studies suggest that using a protective coating on the anode surface could potentially mitigate dendrite growth and prolong the battery’s life. However, there are limited theoretical studies on the inhibition effect of a protective layer on dendrite growth. Herein, we developed a phase-field model to simulate the impact of a protective layer on the plating and stripping cycle for Li …