Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Comprehensive Risk Assessment For Construction Site Managers In Kosovo: A Mixed-Method Approach, Muhamet Ahmeti, Besian Sinani

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study developed and validated a hybrid ISO 31000:2018 Kosovo-compliant risk assessment framework tailored for construction site managers operating within transitional economies. The research employed audits of 20 ISO-certified contractors in Pristina, Kosovo, along with field observations, interviews, and quantitative risk matrices. The findings indicate a critical concentration of risk, with 70% of firms classified as "High" or “Very High” risk. The most prevalent hazards identified were working at height without collective protection, unprotected electrical systems, and manual handling of heavy materials. Regression analysis revealed that firms with a designated safety champion achieved significantly lower risk scores, whereas those with …

Behaviour Of Internally Strengthening Hollow Stainless-Steel Hot-Rolled Circular Columns Filled With Crumb Rubber And Recycled Aggregate Concrete, Wadhah M. Tawfeeq, Mohammed M. Rasheed, Mithaq Kohees, Ahmed W. Al Zandd, Saif Al-Balushi, Hamed Al Abdul Salam

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Stainless-steel sections are increasingly being utilised in favour of their higher durability. Simultaneously, the use of recycled materials in concrete is aligned with the global concern to encourage sustainable and environmentally friendly construction. The paper examined the behaviour of stainless-steel columns filled with concrete with crumb rubber (CR) and recycled aggregate (RA). It analysed the effect of different percentages of CR (0, 15, and 30) and RA (0, 15, and 50) on the compressive strength of the concrete and the performance of the columns using stainless-steel hollow sections. 20 specimens were manufactured, 18 of which were cast with concrete containing …

Piezoelectric Concrete: A Smart Material Approach For Energy-Harvesting Structural Technologies, Dianah Mazlan, Vynotdni Rathinasamy, Naveen Kumar, Liu Chunpeng, Elango Elango

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The rapid growth of urban infrastructure demands innovative materials that not only support structural performance but also contribute to sustainability through energy harvesting. Piezoelectric concrete, which integrates ceramics, polymers, nanomaterials, and bio-based fillers into cementitious matrices, has emerged as a promising solution. This review systematically explores the fundamentals of piezoelectricity in concrete, highlighting how stress-induced electromechanical coupling enables both energy harvesting and structural health monitoring. The paper critically evaluates major material systems including PZT ceramics, PVDF polymers, hybrid nanocomposites, and emerging bio-based materials, alongside their integration strategies such as embedded and surface-mounted approaches. Applications across pavements, bridges, and smart buildings …

Recreating Fiber Recruitment With Fiber Recruitment Using Additive Manufacturing, Natalia D. Mciver

Biomedical Engineering ETDs

Injured ligaments are often repaired with tendon grafts which may over or under constrain the joint; there is a need for an artificial graft option with the mechanical properties of a native ligament. Crimped fibers within ligaments allow for recruitment which means the viscoelastic properties of stress relaxation and creep are not inversely related. A feasibility study using ACLs and large-scale crimp models to study viscoelasticity, led to an in-depth analysis of the scapholunate interosseous ligament. Using the Modified Kelvin spring-dashpot model, for describing viscoelasticity with a variable stiffness property (time dependent fiber recruitment), we defined the relationship between creep …

Optimal Control Of Human Exercise Using An Individualized Physiological Three-Tank Model And Dynamic Programming, Asal Lotfi

All Theses

This thesis develops a physiologically inspired three-tank model of human bioenergetics to describe and optimize fatigue and recovery during exercise. The aerobic, phosphagen, and glycogen systems are modeled as coupled reservoirs whose states constrain instantaneous power output. Building on this representation, dynamic programming is used to compute pacing strategies that respect physiological limits while maximizing task-specific goals such as peak power or total work over a fixed duration, enabling individualized, goal-driven exercise prescriptions. The three-tank dynamics are formulated in continuous time and then discretized under a zero-order-hold assumption for simulation and optimal control. Model parameters are linked to standard field …

Reproducibility In Modeling Of Knee Joint Mechanics, Maryam Nazem

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Computational modeling of knee joint biomechanics can provide valuable insights into joint function, injury mechanisms, and patient outcomes, and can support surgical planning and informed clinical decision-making. However, achieving consistent and repeatable results, or reproducibility, is a significant challenge that affects the credibility of these models. This thesis addresses reproducibility through two studies related to the KneeHub Project, which is a multi-institutional collaboration designed to investigate reproducibility in finite-element modeling of the knee.

The first study involved model benchmarking, where predicted results of the calibrated models were compared with the experimental data to evaluate model reproducibility. While all models replicated …

Scientific Characterization Of Historic Mortars Dating From The 15th-Century Of A Historical Building In Algeria: A Case Study, M. E. Belgacem, N. Rabahi-Touloum, R. Neves, Y. Ouldkhaoua

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This research investigates the historic mortars (Aggregate/Binder (A/B) ratio) of a historical patrimony building, dating from the 15th century, in Algeria, for restoration purposes. It is well known that thorough characterization is essential for successful restoration. To this end, several techniques, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), optical microscope were used to characterize the historic mortars. A mechanical test was used to characterize the compressive strength of a historic mortar. For a comprehensive characterization, A/B ratios were estimated using both Digital Image Analyses (DIA) and chemical analyses. The results obtained provided clear information on …

Enhancing 6g Network Security With Quantum Key Distribution: A Comprehensive Review, Bassma M. Kamil

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

With the considerable progress of sixth-generation (6G) networks further on the horizon, security has attracted much attention in the face of increasingly sophisticated threats, especially from quantum computing. Classical cryptographic schemes based on computational hardness are becoming more and more brittle, as they can easily be attacked with a quantum computer. Quantum Key Distribution (QKD) arises as a promising tool for information-theoretic security through quantum mechanics to obtain an unbreakable key by exchanging unknown bit sequences. In this paper, we provide an extensive survey on the integration of QKD both in the envisioned 6G architecture, including current implementations, technical feasibility, …

Protection The Nfv Net-Work Using The Random Forest Classification, Mustafa H. Taha, Ibtesam Jomaa Hawi, Wafaa Waheeb Abdullah Ali

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

A misuse attack is the most common and dangerous type of attack that could target NFV (Network Function Virtualization). In a misuse attack, the attacker attempts to consume the NVF environment’s resources by sending a large amount of traffic. To protect the NFV environment, an early and accurate misuse attack detection system has been proposed based on NFV and Random Forest Classifier. The proposed model starts with importing the dataset and analyzing it then pre-processing and feature selection using a PSO (particle swarm optimization) Test algorithm, classification is based on the most common and efficient machine learning technique, which is …

Design Of A Hybrid System For Powering Wireless Communication Units, Samer Rabih, Ahed Alboody

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Wireless and optical communication units are becoming more widespread nowadays, especially in rural areas. Therefore, feeding electricity has become essential for the continuity of services. As a result of economic and social development, there has been an urgent need to supply electrical power for the basic requirements of wired and wireless telecommunications equipment. This is linked to public safety, long life, and connection to uninterruptible power systems to ensure continuous power supply, whether from renewable energy sources or traditional diesel systems. This research studies and designs a renewable energy (solar) power system to power telecommunications equipment. The proposed power system …

Dynamic Ris-Enabled Massive Mimo Noma Systems Power Allocation Optimization For 6g Using Machin Learning Approach, Mohamed Hassan, Khalid Hamid, Salah Hagahmoodi, Elmuntaser Hassan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study examines spectral efficiency (SE) and throughput throughout a spectrum of user densities (from 50 to 1000 users), user mobility speeds (0 to 350 km/h), latency, packet loss, and fairness index, within a wide range of signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). The analysis includes a number of different situations, such as (i) cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) with massive multiple-input multiple-output (mMIMO), (ii) mMIMO cooperative NOMA integrated with cognitive radio (CR), and (iii) CR-assisted mMIMO cooperative NOMA enhanced with reconfigurable intelligent surfaces (RIS). All of these are part of 6G millimeter-wave (mmWave) networks. The study investigates the enhancement of latency, packet …

Harnessing Waste Heat From Solar Cells Using Advanced Energy Storage Systems, Hayder Ibrahim Ismael

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Renewable energy is largely produced by photovoltaic (PV) solar cells, but such a process is greatly impacted with thermal buildup as the solar cells work. Redundant heat not only lowers the level of electrical production, but also hastens deterioration and decreases the life-time of PV modules. In this study, we suggest a hybrid system which combines high-performance energy storage devices, namely, super-capacitors, and PV modules coupled with the use of waste heat as a source of useful energy and which increases efficiency of the system in conjunction. In order to estimate the potential amount of thermal energy recovery, as well …

Empirical Research Of A Greenhouse Monitoring And Controlling System Using Zigbee Protocol, Mohammed Hijazeh, Salah Hagahmoodi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Greenhouses are of great importance in the agricultural field as they provide the appropriate and important environment for the growth and production of various plants regardless of the surrounding environmental conditions. Monitoring and controlling these houses are considered necessary and important in order to provide the required environment and obtain the best production. Therefore, the aim of this project is to study the monitoring and control of these houses using wireless sensor networks, which are considered modern and simple methods due to the accuracy of work and little effort they provide, and thus better production. The study will be for …

Designing An Efficient Deduplication Algorithm For Audio Files In Cloud Storage, Ammar Zakzouk, Alaa Al Sebae, Hasan Hasan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Data duplication is a significant challenge in large-scale data storage systems, as it consumes storage space and impacts data organization, management, and processing. An optimal storage system effectively utilizes available storage space. To solve this problem, hash algorithms are employed to generate hash keys for files. Matching files have the same hash key. However, the hash key for two different files in the data may match, and this is what we refer to as a collision. The collision issue is related to the length of the hash key. As the length of the hash key increases, the probability of a …

The Future Of Al-Driven Cybersecurity For Advanced Iot, Estqlal Hammad Dhahi, Sanaa Hammad Dhahi, Ohood Fadil Alwan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Internet of Things technologies experience rapid advancement because of 5G networks and upcoming 6G technologies, which resulted in transformational changes to security dynamics. This study examines the functionality of artificial intelligence through platforms developed to secure Internet of Things systems. The demand for improved security capabilities has become essential because IoT devices generate new assault channels, and their market penetration speed is escalating. Machine learning algorithms, together with deep learning and natural language processing methods, are investigated in this paper for enhancing the security protocols of IoT systems through studies found in academic literature. The paper explores upcoming developments and …

Foundations Of Artificial Intelligence In Healthcare Diagnostics: A Systematic Survey, Raghad Tariq Al-Hassani

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming the cornerstone of the future of healthcare diagnostics, that has to ability to change the healthcare diagnostic landscape in terms of diagnostic accuracy, speed, and availability. This systematic review investigates the basic methods, tools, applications, and challenges involved in the integration of AI in diagnostic medicine. It emphasizes the using of machine learning models, deep learning networks (e.g., CNNs), NLP for clinical documentation, and smart computing infrastructures, such as edge device and IoMT. They are making possible real-time, data-driven decision making that is already at human-expert-level performance or, in some cases, even better (in the …

Secure Gif Files Based On Zuc Stream Cipher And Present Algorithm, Suhad Fakhri Hussein

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Some important security needs include authentication, confidentiality, integrity, non-repudiation, and user privacy. Many security systems include these required protections for information transmission. The encryption process is one of the most important security measures. Many secure encryption algorithms are based on different keys and key lengths to ensure a high degree of security. GIF file format is common file format that is used in several application, securing these files through transmission is imperative. In this paper, an efficient method for encryption GIF file is proposed based on using modified present algorithm, modified ZUC stream cipher, and an efficient method for key …

Advanced Strategies And Solutions Towards More Secure And Effective Two-Factor Authentication In Networking, Zahraa Sameer Jawad

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

With the rapid increase in cybersecurity threats targeting network systems, traditional two-factor authentication (2FA) methods are insufficient to address advanced attacks. Vulnerabilities such as phishing, SIM-swapping, and social engineering exploit the limitations of SMS-based and email-based 2FA. This paper examines advanced strategies and solutions for securing networked environments through robust 2FA mechanisms, focusing on approaches like elliptic curve cryptography (ECC), digital certificates, and biometric verification. This article offers a comparative review of various strategies about their effectiveness in enhancing security, while also highlighting their capacity to optimize user-friendliness and adaptability to emerging threats. Research findings promote an effective countermeasure strategy …

Advancements In Ultrasound Technology And Iot Security: A Physics-Based Approach To Enhanced Imaging With Lightweight Encryption Algorithms, Noor Fawzi Shafiq

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The rapid advancements in ultrasound technology, coupled with the growing significance of IoT security, present a unique opportunity to enhance imaging systems while ensuring data integrity. This study explores the integration of physics-based principles in ultrasound imaging, focusing on how lightweight encryption algorithms can secure data transmitted from IoT devices.Ultrasound technology has evolved significantly, benefiting from improved imaging techniques and the incorporation of IoT devices. As these devices proliferate across various applications, including healthcare and industrial monitoring, the need for secure data transmission becomes paramount. This paper proposes a framework that combines advanced ultrasound imaging with robust lightweight encryption methods …

Artificial Intelligence Approaches To Mitigating Network Congestion In Iot Systems, Aysar Hadi Oleiwi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The unprecedented explosion of Internet of Things (IOT) devices has elevated the requirements of the network infrastructures to unprecedented levels, causing severe congestion problems, especially in applications which demand low latency, high throughput, and real-time feedback. Static routing protocols, AQM, and TCP variants are some of the traditional mechanisms for congestion control that are unable to perform efficiently in dynamic and diverse IoT environments as they are reactive-based and inflexible. To this end, in this paper, we explore the promising ability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) methods such as Machine Learning (ML), Deep Learning (DL), Reinforcement Learning (RL), and their combination …

Groundwater Quality Analyses For Irrigation Purposes In Salah Al-Din, Iraq: A Review, Noor A. Radhi, Dawood E. Sachit, Abdul-Sahib T. Al-Madhhachi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The focus of this study is the effect of the physical and chemical characteristics of groundwaters on plants and agricultural crops, following the last studies on this matter. The results underscore the necessity for groundwater treatment before its utilization in irrigation for sustainable agricultural farming. It is also possible to identify which crop type can be grown in well-watered land, according to the characteristics of irrigation water and the yield of each crop. The study also introduces some ideas about irrigation water quality parameters such as Electrical conductivity (EC), Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, Chloride (Cl^–), Sodium (Na …

Examining Iot-Enhanced For Current Developments In Face Image Authentication (Fia) Methods And Their Drawbacks, Marwa Jamal Hadi, Emaan Ouudha Oraby

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The quick development of IoT and facial image manipulation (FIM) algorithms, as well as the growth of their user-friendly applications, highlight the pressing need for manipulation detection methods. These techniques need to demonstrate how face photos have been altered and validate their legitimacy. The scientific community has recently taken notice of the phrase “DeepFakes” and methods for detecting them. Take note of the latest methods for identifying watermark-based face image modification as well. The important thing to remember is that every one of these methods has its own set of drawbacks. This study provides a brief introduction to face image …

Impulse, Fall 2025, Jill Fier, Sierra Brown, Jerome J. Lohr College Of Engineering

Impulse (Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Publication)

2 | Faculty News
3 | SDSU Vet Hua to Head Civil Engineering
6 | Ad Lunam — To the Moon
10 | Building A Safety Culture
11 | Department News
12 | Surface Mount Technology Kickoff
14 | Construction Management Student, Volleyball Player Building Success Piece by Piece
16 | Student Awards, Honors
18 | Student Competition Results
20 | NASA Win Opens Doors for New Product Development Order
22 | SDSU Engineering Student Tabbed as Noblereach Fellow
26 | Knabach Award Recipient from Apprentice Lineman to Company President
28 | Metzger Create Faculty Endowment for SDSU Engineering
30 …

A Biomimetic Fe Model Of The Human Foot For Kinematic And Footwear Analysis, Brady K. Nakamura

College of Engineering Summer Undergraduate Research Program

The idea of the present proposal is to develop a biomimetic foot model and validate the model accuracy in predicting plantar stresses on the foot, using insole pressure sensors. The incidences of foot pain can often be coupled with uncomfortable footwear and prolonged usage of a shoe may be associated with long-term musculoskeletal disorders in the lower limb. While multiple studies have tracked the progression of knee osteoarthritis (OA) or midfoot OA and have studied the effect of orthotic treatment on the foot pain across individuals [1], there are few biomimetic models of the foot that can study and associate …

Characterization Of The Fatigue Threshold Behavior Of Uhmwpe, Bethany B. Smith, Anurag Roy, Robert O. Ritchie, Lisa A. Pruitt

Faculty Journal Articles

Ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE) has been the material of choice for bearings in total joint replacements (TJRs) for decades as a result of its excellent wear resistance, chemical inertness, energetic toughness, low friction, and biocompatibility. Utilization of this polymer in orthopedic devices requires oxidation, wear, and fatigue resistance. Balancing these important properties by tailoring processing techniques and modulating microstructural features has been an ongoing endeavor in the field. Research into the clinical applications of UHMWPE has primarily focused on the challenges of wear and oxidation while studies into the realm of fatigue have been more limited. Literature gaps exist in fully understanding …

Comparison Of Peening Effect Between Additive Manufacutred And Drawing Titanium Alloy, Hitoshi Soyama

15th International Conference on Shot Peening

Although additively manufactured (AM) metals are attractive materials, their remarkable weak fatigue properties are an obstacle to their practical application. Thus, post-processing to improve their fatigue properties is required. In the present study, powder bed fusion using laser sintering titanium alloy, i.e., PBF-LS/Ti6Al4V was treated by shot peening (SP), submerged laser peening (SLP), cavitation peening (CP), and fine particle bombarding (FPB), then the fatigue properties were investigated by a torsional fatigue test, comparing with drawing Ti6Al4V. It was revealed that the fatigue strength at 10⁷ was 446 ± 5 MPa for PBF-LS/Ti6Al4V treated by FPB+CP, 359 ± 9 MPa …

Nonlinear Analytical Models Of The Seismically Isolated ``Frame-Boiler'' System With Cantilever-Type Hysteresis Dampers, Aleksandr Mikhailovich Anushchenko, Dmitrii Evgenievich Bondarev, Aleksandr Yurievich Schukin

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study shows results of development of the ``frame-boiler'' system with hysteresis dampers analytical model. Hysteresis dampers are used as boiler antiseismic bracing. It is noted that simplified analytical models are necessary at the stage of preliminary iterative calculations, when a CAE-modeling is impractical due to significant time costs. The authors have proposed 2 options of analytical models: 2-mass model and 3-mass model. The differential equations of motion for each model are written below. The results of the calculation for seismic impacts are compared with the finite element model. It is shown that 3-mass model gives good match of results …

Advancing Sustainable Structural Solutions: Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Hfrp) Reinforcement Bars For Concrete Applications Through Material Selection, Simulation, And Pathways For Future Development, Thomas Cadenazzi, Busra Keles

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This paper investigates innovative Hemp Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (HFRP) rebars as a sustainable alternative to conventional Carbon Steel (CS) and Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) rebars used as reinforcement in concrete structures. The feasibility of HFRP rebars is assessed, focusing on mechanical properties and sustainability advantages. A virtual tensile test on a modeled M19 HFRP rebar, conducted using Autodesk's Fusion 360, demonstrates tensile strength comparable to CS 235 and greater environmental sustainability than GFRP, despite a slight reduction in stiffness. The study also considers the potential of graphene fiber integration to enhance mechanical properties, underscoring HFRP's adaptability. Findings suggest that HFRP rebars, …

Comparative Analysis Of Life Cycle Assessment Of Traditional And Contemporary Timber Buildings, Sadık Akşar, Gökçe Tuna

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

Wood has long been used as a primary building material, but with the Industrial Revolution and the spread of multi-story structures, its structural limitations became evident. In the 21st century, engineered timber products have reintroduced wood as a sustainable alternative, offering advantages such as lightness, rapid assembly, and recyclability. At the same time, buildings are responsible for significant environmental impacts, making assessment methods essential. Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) is one of the most widely used tools for evaluating these impacts across all stages of a building’s life cycle. This study applies LCA to timber construction systems, focusing on both traditional …

Sustainable Paving Block Development: Utilizing Rejected Coal As Filler And Assessing Its Impact On Paving Block’S Properties, Siti Nikmatin, Allen Kurniawan, Heriansyah Putra, Rima Fitria Adiati, Riawan Ma’Ruf, Dwi Arso Yedi Irwanto

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

This study investigated the potential use of rejected coal as a fine aggregate filler in paving block production. Comprehensive characterization of the rejected coal was conducted, including toxicity, physical, chemical, and mineralogical analyses of the coal. The results showed that the rejected coal met environmental safety standards (TCLP) and had suitable properties as an aggregate. Paving blocks were produced by incorporating different proportions of rejected coal fillers and were tested for compressive strength, water absorption, and density. The optimal mix with 35% rejected coal filler as a replacement of stone ash achieved a compressive strength of 14.61 MPa, water absorption …