Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Treating Ground Water For Agricultural And Individual Consumption, Gabby Miller, Bronson Scott, Michael Clawson

Biomedical Engineering

This project, conducted in collaboration with Cal Poly seniors and Da Vinci High School students, aims to develop a solar-powered groundwater purification system. This system is designed to provide clean water for agricultural use and individual consumption, addressing the growing concerns of groundwater contamination and accessibility needs. The final prototype integrates a gravity filtration system combined with chemical purification, utilizing aluminum sulfate and chlorine to remove particulates, bacteria, and organic compounds.

The research phase involved an extensive review of groundwater contamination issues, existing filtration technologies, and market analysis. Key design constraints included cost-effectiveness, ease of maintenance, and minimal energy consumption, …

Trpv4 Dominates High Shear-Induced Initial Traction Response And Long-Term Relaxation Over Piezo1, Mohanish Chandurkar, Manli Yang, Majid Rostami, Sangyoon J. Han

Michigan Tech Publications

Modulation of endothelial traction is critical for the responses of endothelial cells to fluid shear stress (FSS), which has profound implications for vascular health and atherosclerosis. Previously, we demonstrated that under high FSS, endothelial cells rapidly increase traction forces, followed by relaxation, with traction aligning in the flow direction. In contrast, low shear preconditioning induces a modest short-term increase in traction (min), followed by a secondary long-term (>14 hr) rise, with traction/cells aligning perpendicular to the flow. The upstream mechanosensors driving these responses, however, remain unknown. Here, we sought the roles of Piezo1 and TRPV4 ion channels in shear-induced …

Hemodynamics Of Slip Surfaces For Thrombosis Control In Implanted Cardiovascular Devices, Kieun Choi, Weiguang Yang, On Shun Pak, Jongmin Seo

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Percutaneous medical devices are preferred for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases due to their minimal intervention compared to surgery. However, complications such as thrombosis remain significant challenges. This study aims to investigate the hemodynamic effects of slip surfaces on pacemaker leads and coronary stents using computational fluid dynamics under physiological conditions. Two computational models were developed: a venous anatomical model with a pacemaker lead and a coronary artery model with a stent. Slip boundary conditions were applied to these devices, and we quantitatively analyzed critical hemodynamic parameters, including wall shear stress (WSS) and residence time (RT), which are associated with …

High Shear Stress Reduces Erg Causing Endothelial-Mesenchymal Transition And Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Tsutomu Shinohara, Jan-Renier Moonen, Yoon Hong Chun, Yannick C. Lee-Yow, Kenichi Okamura, Jason M. Szafron, Jordan Kaplan, Aiqin Cao, Lingli Wang, Weiguang Yang

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Background: Computational modeling indicated that pathological high shear stress (HSS; 100 dyn/cm2) is generated in pulmonary arteries (PAs; 100-500 µm) in congenital heart defects causing PA hypertension (PAH) and in idiopathic PAH with occlusive vascular remodeling. Endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) is a feature of PAH. We hypothesize that HSS induces EndMT, contributing to the initiation and progression of PAH.

Methods: We used the Ibidi perfusion system to determine whether HSS applied to human PA endothelial cells (ECs) induces EndMT when compared with physiological laminar shear stress (15 dyn/cm2). The mechanism was investigated and targeted to prevent PAH in a mouse with …

Advancing Prosthetic Technology: 3d-Printed Robotic Arm With Micro Linear Actuators, Vu Tran, Nathan Reed, Mahdi Yazdanpour

Posters-at-the-Capitol

The increasing demand for affordable and accessible prosthetic solutions has driven innovation in the field of robotics. In this project, we present the design and development of a 3D-printed robotic prosthetic arm aimed at addressing the challenges faced by individuals with upper limb amputations. Our prosthetic arm utilizes five micro linear actuators to achieve precise and naturalistic movement. The design of the prosthetic arm prioritizes affordability and accessibility, with a focus on leveraging 3D printing technology to reduce manufacturing costs and enable customization. The use of micro linear actuators offers advantages in terms of compactness, lightweight construction, and efficient power …

Enhancing The Mechanical Properties Of Sla 3d-Printed Bio-Resin From Linseed Oil Using Cellulose And Lignin Biopolymers, Chukwunonso A. Ikedionu

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Abstract

This research explores the development of bio resin from linseed oil by the process of epoxidation and acrylation to produce acrylated epoxidized linseed oil (AELO). Lignin and cellulose biopolymers were added as reinforcement at varying weight fractions of 1 wt.%, 2.5 wt.%, and 5 wt.%, and their mechanical performance was compared against pure AELO. The formulations were printed using an Elegoo SLA 3D printer to create standardized test specimens like tensile bars, compression cylinders, and hardness blocks, which were all prepared according to the ASTM testing standard.

The results indicate that reinforcement effects depend on both filler type and …

Viscoelastic Property Analysis Of A Magnetorheological Elastomer Micropump For Insulin Delivery In Type 1 Diabetes, Victor Buitimea

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Over two decades, there has been a significant rise in awareness regarding Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), leading to a deeper comprehension of numerous variables, including hereditary factors, patterns of occurrence, and health challenges. According to the Type 1 Diabetic Index, around 8.7 million people worldwide are affected by this chronic autoimmune illness marked by a lack of insulin and hyperglycemia. The introduction of artificial pancreas systems could save more than half a million patients by 2040. Despite the availability of various insulin delivery technologies that are offered to diabetic patients, many still are skeptical of this modern system. The issues …

The Design Of A Bioinspired Impact Mitigation System Towards The Prevention Of Brain Injuries, Bryce H. Reimer

Master’s Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), remain a major concern across contact sports, military operations, and transportation. Despite advancements in protective equipment, current strategies often fall short in preventing the mechanical conditions that contribute to long-term neurological damage. This thesis presents the design and validation of a bioinspired impact mitigation system modeled after bighorn sheep horn structures, which have evolved to endure high-energy collisions without apparent brain injury.

Using biomimetic principles, the research integrates experimental and computational methods to evaluate how horn-like geometries reduce impact-induced accelerations. A custom drop tower was built to test dynamic …

Simplified Molecular Diagnostics Methods For Environmental Testing Of Pathogens And Other Applications, Mohammad Dehghan Banadaki

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Environmental Surveillance (ES) has emerged as a powerful tool to monitor the emergence and persistence of a pathogen within a facility or community using wastewater/water analysis. Over the past four years, implementation of ES has experienced an explosive acceleration, driven by efforts to monitor the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which has made ES a routinely used public health tool in many locations. We can now use ES to measure the emergence/presence/abundance of different viruses (e.g., SARS-CoV-2, influenza, mpox), bacteria (e.g., E. coli, V. cholerae, antibiotic-resistant strains), fungi (e.g., C. auris), and other biological markers indicative of infectious diseases. However, its broad …

Direct Numerical Simulation Of Pulsating Flow In Curved Pipes: Insights Into Aortic Dissection In Humans, Gokul Anugrah Gopakumar

Theses and Dissertations--Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

This dissertation investigates the hemodynamics of pulsating blood flow in curved vessels through direct numerical simulations (DNS), with the overarching aim of uncovering fluid dynamic mechanisms linked to the onset and progression of aortic dissection in humans. The work is structured in two parts: (i) fundamental studies in idealized geometries and (ii) preliminary investigations in patient-specific anatomies. In the first part, curved pipe models representing the aortic arch are used to isolate the effects of pulsation frequency, amplitude ratio, and curvature ratio on transitional and turbulent flow dynamics. The simulations reveal that curvature-driven centrifugal forces shift the peak velocity toward …

Integrated Compliant Structure For A Hand Exoskeleton, Tristan R. Koopman

Honors Undergraduate Theses

This thesis presents the design and prototyping of a wearable hand exoskeleton that integrates a flexible structural framework to assist with hand movement while maintaining comfort and anatomical conformity. The goal was to create a device that supports tendon-driven actuation through a compliant structure, combining elements of rigidity and flexibility to match the natural geometry and motion of the human hand. Traditional hand exoskeletons often trade off motion for structure or vice versa. This project aims to bridge that gap with a hybrid compliant design that balances flexibility and support. The design process followed an iterative approach involving rapid prototyping …

Application-Driven Materials Development Of Solid-State Conductive Composites Of Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene, Peder Solberg

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) is a linear long chain homopolymer valued for its toughness, wear resistance, and chemical inertness. In the medical field, these properties make it the material of choice for bearing surfaces despite recognized tradeoffs between wear resistance, toughness, and oxidation resistance. Electrically conductive composites of UHMWPE show promise to enable new types of smart and active load-bearing implants in a future of personalized medicine, if beneficial properties can be maintained with the addition of solid-state additives.

Clinical need-finding conducted through Dartmouth’s Training Program in Surgical Innovation revealed several potential applications for conductive, load-bearing polymers. These include: …

Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring Using Ppg, Ai, And Iot-Driven Mobile Integration For Real-Time Diabetes Management, Mostafa Abdelaziz, Amr Refaie

Mechanical Engineering

Diabetes mellitus patients must regularly monitor their blood glucose levels to manage glycaemia, typically requiring capillary tests at least three times daily and laboratory tests one to two times per month. These conventional methods involve finger pricking, causing significant discomfort and stress. This study introduces an innovative non-invasive glucose monitoring approach by integrating photoplethysmography (PPG) technology with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm, complemented by a mobile application using Flutter, IoT systems, and Firebase cloud for real-time data access. Among the AI models tested, polynomial regression demonstrated superior accuracy in glucose prediction, achieving a Mean Squared Error (MSE) of 14.76 and …

Online Parameter Adaptation Of Lqr Controllers Via Rls For Prosthetic Joint Control: Experimental Validation On A Quanser Qube-Servo 2 Platform, Cynthia Lopez-Jordan

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops and experimentally validates an online adaptive Linear Quadratic Regulator (LQR) control method for prosthetic joint systems using Recursive Least Squares (RLS)-based real-time parameter estimation on the Quanser QUBE-Servo 2 platform. Traditional LQR controllers assume a fxed system model, which limits adaptability and results in reduced tracking accuracy, poor robustness, and loss of optimal performance when applied to dynamically changing prosthetic joints, infuenced by load variations, user gait changes, and mechanical wear. Limited experimental validation exists for combining RLS with online LQR adaptation in prosthetic-like systems.

To address these limitations, an RLS-driven Adaptive LQR framework was implemented to …

Design And Control Of A Stroke Therapy Device, Hugh Elliott

Open Access Master's Theses

Stroke is a leading cause of physical disability around the world, and the likelihood of stroke increases as people live longer. The current number of physiotherapists is insufficient to meet the increasing demand for their services. As a result, there has been a focus on developing robotic devices that function similarly to traditional therapy, enabling multiple patients to be seen simultaneously. While many devices have been created and tested, most are expensive, complex, and require trained personnel for supervision, thereby limiting their outreach. This thesis presents the design and control of a low-cost stroke therapy device designed to promote upper …

Cochlear Electrode Insertion Training Model, Sarah Powell, Kaelyn E. Kraley, Nathan J. Smith

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Cochlear implant surgery is a delicate procedure performed by Otolaryngologists (ENTs) to implant an electronic device into the inner ear to provide a sense of sound for people who are profoundly deaf or hard of hearing. The current practices of training involve cadavers and 3D-printed models. Cadavers are commonly used but are expensive, single-use, and do not provide visual and haptic feedback, which are essential for medical students. 3D printed models are less commonly used and are hard to fabricate and not as realistic. If medical students are not properly trained for this delicate procedure, then risks are significantly increased …

Effects Of Changes In Strouhal And Reynolds Numbers On Beetle Wing Aerodynamics, Keith L. Thiha

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Insect flight has long been a subject of interest across the scientific community, largely due to the exceptional aerodynamic performance insects demonstrate relative to their size. Insects tend to have very high aerodynamic performance characteristics like thrust and lift generation compared to their size. This has many potential applications in improving aircraft performance, however the flow phenomena concerning insect wing aerodynamics is still an area of ongoing research. This study aims to investigate how variations in key nondimensional flow parameters—specifically the Reynolds number and Strouhal number—affect the aerodynamic performance of beetle wings. Strouhal numbers ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 were …

Investigation Using Single Point Incremental Forming (Spif) To Fabricate Patient-Specific, Titanium Orbital Floor Implants, Elizabeth M. Mamros, Lauren E. Blaha Md, Christian A. Kauffman Md

Faculty Conference Papers and Presentations

The floor of the human orbit is composed of thin bone that is prone to traumatic fracture. This leads to a loss of support for the eye, which can cause vision changes. Therefore, fractures may need surgical reconstruction using a thin, sheet-like implant. Titanium implants are available off-the-shelf in standard sizes, but fitting to each patient’s unique anatomy requires surgeons to cut, file, and bend these plates. This can be time-consuming and imprecise. To both save time and ensure a perfect fit for the patient, a custom plate can be created prior to surgery. This investigation focuses on single-point incremental …

Finite Element Modeling And Experimental Characterization Of Overmolded Gold-Palladium Composite Leads And Their Mechanical Behavior Under Cyclic Fatigue For Long-Term Implant Applications, Tanner Davis

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports (ETD)

Auditory Nerve Interface (ANI) devices, currently in developmental stages, represent an emerging neuroprosthetic approach to restore hearing in severe sensorineural loss patients by directly stimulating the auditory nerve via the Utah Slanted Electrode Array (USEA). Conventional implant leads are comprised of multiple wires made from materials such as platinum-iridium and MP35N stainless steel that are overmolded in an insulative material. These materials are not possible to bond with to electrode array used in the ANI device, necessitating the evaluation of a new material like Au-Pd to ensure its functionality and durability under cyclic stresses. This gap necessitates characterization of alternative …

Identification Of Fiducial Points In Seismocardiographic Cycles Using Manual And Automated Annotation Methods, Jasmine-Vy T. Truong

Honors Undergraduate Theses

There is currently a need for complementary methods for non-invasive cardiac monitoring. Seismocardiography (SCG), the measurement of cardiac-induced vibrations at the chest surface, has shown potential clinical utility. Improving the reliability of detecting fiducial points of electrocardiography (ECG) and SCG, which collectively capture the electro-mechanical cardiac activities, could expand ECG/SCG utility as a low-cost, accessible tool for clinical assessment. This study identifies commonly accepted criteria for fiducial point detection in SCG and ECG through an extensive literature review and signal processing techniques. The previous criteria were evaluated to identify their strengths and weaknesses. Based on the findings, an improved set …

Energy-Efficient Technologies For Drying Mulberry Silkworm Cocoons Using Infrared Radiation, Doston Ishmukhammat Ugli Samandarov

Technical science and innovation

The article presents the results of theoretical and experimental studies on drying of mulberry silkworm cocoons. Based on the analysis of drying efficiency and silk quality, the use of infrared radiation (IR) at a temperature of 70 °C was found to be optimal. The experimental data were tested on six mathematical models, among which the Midilli model most accurately described the drying process. The effective moisture diffusion coefficient was found to vary in the range of 1.847×10^-⁹-4.339×10^-⁹ m²/s, and the drying rate was found to be 0.32-0.79 kg of water/hour. IR radiation promotes accelerated evaporation of …

Energy Saving Technology For Drying Garlic (Allium Sativum), Jasur Esirgapovich Safarov, Shakhnoza Abduvaxitovna Sultanova, А M. Mirkomilov

Technical science and innovation

Food drying is a widely used preservation method aimed at reducing water content to extend shelf life, decrease weight, and enhance storage efficiency. This process, particularly in garlic, involves rapid initial moisture loss followed by a slower phase due to the increasing difficulty of extracting residual water. Drying methods include natural solar drying and advanced mechanical techniques such as hot air and vacuum drying, each influencing product quality, drying efficiency, and economic feasibility. Dehydrated garlic exhibits specific sensory, physico-chemical, and microbiological characteristics, making it suitable for various applications, including powder production. Advanced drying equipment optimizes air volume, temperature, and material …

Capacity Of Self Compact Concrete Walls Using Attapulgite As A Partial Replacement Of Cement Under One Way And Two Way Action Restriction, Wissam Kadhim Alsaraj, Luma Abdul Ghani Zghair, Akhlas Hashem Mohammed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This investigation about the structural performance of sustainable self-compact concrete walls exposed to eccentric axial regularly dispersed loading, including the effect of aspect ratio (AR) and slenderness ratio (λ) by one-way and two-way action. The experimental program includes testing ten wall panels, the eccentricity of the loading system equivalent to one-sixth of depth. These wall panels are separated into four groups, each one consisting of three specimens. first and second groups clarify the aspect ratio (H/L) effect. The results indicated for decreasing AR from (0.75 to 0.625), (0.625 to 0.5), and (0.75 to 0.5), the increase of final load is …

Exploring The Benefits Of Feature Selection Based On Bat Algorithm And Deep Learning In Brain Cancer Diagnosis, Noor Fawzi Shafiq

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Brain cancer is considered one of the most dangerous types that must be treated as soon as possible. Therefore, it is necessary to detect brain cancer in its early stages to enhance the diagnosis of the condition. This study proposes to combine the bat algorithm (BA) with deep learning methods to identify and classify brain tumors in medical images accurately.

In this paper, the bat algorithm was used to select distinctive features from the input brain images. The Bat Algorithm (BA) is a metaheuristic optimization algorithm that mimics the echolocation behavior of bats. It efficiently explores the feature space to …

Unveiling The Hidden Threat: How Wireless Networks Fuel Serious Cyber Attacks, Ibtesam Jomaa Hawi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The spread of wireless networks has led to an increase in serious cyber attacks due to their weak architecture. This article focuses on reevaluating cybersecurity in wireless network technology by integrating statistical information detection methods and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. To construct a wireless networking scenario that accurately reflects real-life conditions, we created a data fabrication that included four pre-existing anomalies as well as four newly introduced anomalies. The synthetic dataset created from these generation processes contains 20 thousand distinguishable values, which are later divided into training and validation sets. Using the strategy described before, we began to analyze the …

A Study On Improving The Accuracy And Effectiveness Of Similarity Detection Processes In Text Files Using Nlp Techniques, Noor Abdulmuttaleb Jaafar

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The rapid expansion of the Internet has revolutionized access to information, especially in the area of unstructured data, most of which consists of textual content. While instant access to information brings many advantages, it has also given rise to a prevalent problem – plagiarism. Copying and reusing materials without proper permission poses a significant threat to academic integrity and integrity. Rates of plagiarism, especially in academic and scientific publications, have risen with the advent of the Internet, reaching alarming levels, such as 60% in student projects. This study examines the proposed model that includes computation of similarity using cosine coefficients, …

An Intelligent System Using Deep Learning For Healthcare Monitoring In Light Of The Covid-19 And Future Pandemics Based On Iot, Sara Salman Qasim, Rajaa J. Khanjar, Jamal Nasir Hasoon, Baesher Abdullateff Abad, Ali Hussein Fadil, Shajan.M. Alsowaidi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Recently, the Internet of Things has become a compelling research field as a new topic of research in various disciplines, particularly in the field of healthcare, because the Internet of Things is rebuilding modern healthcare systems by integrating technology, economics, and social perspectives. The development of healthcare systems from traditional to more personalized systems in which patients can be easily diagnosed, monitored and treated and many people can be helped. People are treated and cared for remotely and this is what some people need in the crisis the world has been through like COVID-19. This epidemic is caused by the …

Speech Coding Based On A Hybrid Approach: Dct, Huffman And Run-Length Coding, Sundos Abdulameer Alazawi, Esraa Jaffar Baker, Shahbaa Mohammed Abdulmaged

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The exponential expansion of data in the digital world necessitates the development of effective methods for data transmission and storage. Data compression (DC) strategies are suggested to reduce the quantity of data stored or conveyed due to constrained resources. As a result of DC ideas' ability to efficiently use existing storage space and transmission capacity, different methods have been developed in various areas. Speech coding is a lossy method of coding; therefore, the output signal differs slightly from the input signal. Speech coding is useful for message encryption, communication over long distances and speech quality. In the fields of digital …

The Evolution Of The University Of Al-Anbar Urban Planning Based On The Mental Picture's Diversity And The Contemporary Planning Spaces Filling, Ali Abdulsamea Hameed

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This research concentrated on the role of environmental graphic design (EGD) and the place-making idea in the interior environment of Al-Anbar University. To develop an identity being visual for the University of Al-Anbar internal environment (IE) is this goal of project. The search sought to create and enhance the shape of the internal University of Al-Anbar vacuum by reviving the idea of place building. In order to build and filling the internal emptiness of the campus, the identity being visual must also be strengthened. The descriptive analytical approach was chosen since it was best suited to achieve the goal of …

Jovial Family Farm Facilitates Intergenerational Learning Opportunities Through Urban Farming, Maera Williams

Purdue Journal of Service-Learning and International Engagement

Maera Williams is a sophomore in Environmental and Ecological Engineering at Purdue University. She joined the Engineering Projects in Community Service (EPICS) Urban Farming team as a freshman and now serves as project manager of ten undergraduate students collaborating with Jovial Family Farm to design and develop three indoor hydroponics systems for a laboratory space on their property in Broad Ripple, IN. Jovial Family Farm is a nonprofit organization founded by Drs. Bobbie and Brian Jellison with the mission to provide senior citizens, their families, and their communities with meaningful engagement opportunities on an intergenerational scale through urban agricultural activities. …