Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Validating An Electronics Cooler Experiment And Optimizing Its Performance Using Ansys Icepak, Daniel V. Curl

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Researchers at the University of Arkansas' Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Research Departments have designed and built a cold plate and substrate design for a 10 kV SiC MOSFET power module. Many variables define the design of the cold plate and substrate system and have quantifiable effects on the device’s performance. These variables include but are not limited to geometry and material selection of the fins and substrate. Manufacturing many test designs, running experiments, and comparing their performance is a time-consuming and expensive design optimization method that may be effective for some low-cost applications. Still, simulation is often a more cost-effective …

Low Cost Additive Manufacturing Of Segmented Stator Composite Polymer Permanent Magnet Dc Motors, Ben Goldberg, Jordan Bailey, Connor Hawkins, Colin Haskins, Razvan Voicu

Symposium of Student Scholars

This study presents a novel approach to the design, manufacture, and optimization of segmented stators for composite construction axial flux permanent magnet DC motors. Traditional axial flux stator manufacturing is both challenging and expensive, creating a bottleneck in rapid prototyping and innovation. To overcome these limitations, the stator is divided into individually fabricated segments using advanced composite polymer materials and low-cost additive manufacturing techniques. This segmentation not only drastically reduces production complexity and cost but also allows for customized coil geometries that maximize the surface area for improved heat dissipation.

A key innovation of our design is the integration of …

Design And Performance Analysis Of Fiber Bragg Grating Temperature Sensor For Industrial Processes Sensing Applications, Paul Stone Stone Brown Macheso S.B.

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) sensor has become a widespread sensing device because of its small size, passive design, immunity to electromagnetic interference, and direct ability to measure physical properties like temperature and strain. Recently, femtosecond infrared laser processing and regeneration techniques have resulted in the development of stable high-temperature gratings, which are a powerful tool in smart factories, an aspect of the fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and show promise for application in harsh environments like high pressure, high temperature, or ionizing radiation. The development of stable high-temperature gratings that can withstand harsh environmental factors like high temperatures, pressures, and …

Clustering Mini-Grids To Enhance Power Systems Reliability In Distributed Generation, Santos Kihwele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

This study investigates the effectiveness of clustering mini-grids as a method to improve the reliability and operational stability of distributed generation systems in remote areas, particularly where renewable energy sources are predominant. As renewable resources like solar and wind are increasingly integrated into mini-grids, these systems face various challenges, particularly in maintaining stable voltage and frequency across interconnected networks. Such issues are compounded by the intermittent nature of renewable energy sources and the lack of extensive communication infrastructure in rural or resource-constrained settings. To address these control challenges, this study applies droop control techniques to two mini-grids in Uganda, utilizing …

Synthetic Inertia Provision For Load Frequency Control In Networks With High Penetration Of Renewable Energy Sources, Paulina Mkoi

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The integration of renewable energy sources (RESs) such as solar photovoltaic (PV) and wind energy has become a promising solution as the world shifts toward clean energy. Solar PV and wind resources are increasingly replacing conventional synchronous generators, leading to reduced system inertia and increased vulnerability to frequency instability during disturbances. To address this challenge, this study proposes a novel synthetic inertia provision strategy using a battery energy storage system (BESS) integrated alongside solar PV. The proposed method dynamically compensates for the loss of inertia by considering the variability of solar PV output due to changes in irradiance and temperature. …

Pep Manned Electric Boat, Llanzita Chea, Sean Cobb, Robin Cung, Justin Fuentes, Khynnedi Murry

ATU Scholars Symposium

A team of five engineers took on the challenge of designing, building, and testing a single-person electric boat for the Promoting Electric Propulsion (PEP) competition. From the start, our team focused on maximizing efficiency and performance by carefully selecting and refining each part of the system—everything from the hull and shaft to the propeller, motor, and battery setup. We repurposed an old hull, repaired it, and outfitted it with a new custom-designed shaft and a well-matched propeller to improve handling and propulsion. Power came from a custom-built LiFePO₄ battery pack, paired with a reliable battery management system to keep everything …

Semi-Autonomous Trash Bot, Ben Leon, Ethan Mashburn, Connor Olivera, Dillon Michael Wood

ATU Scholars Symposium

Title: Semi-Autonomous Trash Robot

Authors: Benjamin Leon, Ethan Mashburn, Connor Olivera, Dillon Wood

Abstract: Environmental pollution is becoming more worrying every day as megatons of human waste persist in vast amounts in our ecosystems. The existing waste collection methodologies, with the labor, time, and cost components combined, make the process cumbersome. A potential solution could be an automated waste collection robot that incorporates AI into a cheap system that autonomously detects trash. This report proposes a machine that may be manufactured to adequate standards in terms of size and cost and deployed in various environments, with the ultimate goal of …

Impulse, Spring 2025, Jill Fier, Micayla Standish, Jerome J. Lohr College Of Engineering

Impulse (Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Publication)

2 | Faculty, Staff Honored
4 | The State of Lithium
6 | 100 Years of Ag and Biosystems Engineering
8 | Major Milestones
12 | Distinguished Engineer Geldert-Murphy
14 | Distinguished Engineering Heitkamp
16 | By the Numbers
18 | Space Grant Consortium at SDSU
20 | Healthcare Systems Engineering Program
22 | Ridgway Three-Peat
23 | Aerospace Club Launches
24 | Power and Energy Scholarships
25 | More Take Part in Nasa Challenges
26 | Weber Recognized as Student Leader
30 | Wild Hare Racing Ready
32| Sebern’s Success as Sole Operator
34 | Meink: From Prairie to …

Development Of Analytical Dependencies For Determining Kinematic Parameters Of The Drive Of The Working Engine Of The Mixing Machine, N. A. Maksudova

Technical science and innovation

The requirement of any technological process of product preparation is intensive mixing. This ensures uniform distribution of components. At the initial stage of designing planetary mechanisms, special attention is paid to determining the kinematic parameters. The dimensions, weight and design of the mechanism depend on the value of these parameters. The main criterion for assessing the scheme of the planetary mechanism is the kinematic parameters of the gear wheels of the mechanism. The article presents a kinematic scheme of the planetary mechanism of the kneading machine. The principle of rotation of the gear wheels of the planetary mechanism of the …

Design And Development Of A Low-Cost Educational Robot: A Scalable And Affordable Software Learning Platform, Diana Refaat Henry Jacob, Mohamed Tarek Elawa, Ashraf Mohamed Hafez

Journal of Engineering Research

This study presents the design and development of a low-cost educational robot to enhance learning experiences in robotics and programming. The system integrates robust software development, ensuring seamless interaction between sensors, actuators, and a custom-designed graphical user interface (GUI). The robot is equipped with various sensors and actuators to support a broad range of experiments and educational applications. The software architecture is detailed, focusing on its modularity and ease of use, enabling students to intuitively program and interact with the robot. Additionally, a series of experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance of the sensors and actuators, providing insights into …

Emg-Based Intraoperative Neuromonitoring Using Advanced Machine Learning Approaches, Abdalla Nabil Elsharkawy, Nourhan Zayed

Mechanical Engineering

Intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM) plays a critical role in minimizing nerve damage during surgeries by providing real-time feedback on neural integrity. This study evaluated models associated with deep learning and machine learning models for electromyography classification of signal during intraoperative neuromonitoring (IONM). The CNNLSTM model achieved the highest accuracy (85.2%), outperforming traditional models like KNN (53%), RF (62%), and CNN (76%). This demonstrates the degree to which the CNN-LSTM model can gain insight into temporal and spatial dependencies throughout the EMG signals, which makes it optimal for real-time classification in IONM applications. This implies that deep learning techniques can improve surgical …

Multiscale Materials Characterization And In-Situ Process Monitoring In Additive Manufacturing Via Non-Contact Optical Thermometry Techniques, Rifat-E-Nur Hossain

Doctoral Dissertations

While additive manufacturing (AM) is experiencing rapid growth, its development is uneven across different branches. Some areas are still emerging, while even the more established branches are still facing ongoing challenges that require further development. Regardless of their development stage, both emerging and mature AM require process monitoring and part characterization. Process monitoring helps to achieve more control over the process and build a self-adaptive system, while characterization of printed parts speeds up process optimization and ensures required quality. Together, process monitoring and build characterization will transform AM into a more dependable and commercially viable technique. Build surface temperature is …

Advances Towards A Robotic Management Vehicle Suited To Nurse Row Crops To More Efficient Outcomes, Adam Mk Gronewold

Dartmouth College Ph.D Dissertations

Enhancing agricultural production while reducing input costs remains a central challenge in modern row-crop management. Recent advances in computation, imagery, and sensors are enabling more efficient practices across various agricultural domains, and automation technologies are increasingly available to manage tasks central to perennial crop development. Automation in row-crop agriculture, by contrast, lags behind. This thesis explores utilizing small, unmanned ground vehicles to transform row cropping through the implementation of unconventional, in-season management strategies. The first focus of this work considers improvements to nitrogen fertilization using small, autonomous vehicles. An agronomy experiment in corn assessed the effects of gradually applying nitrogen …

A Digital Twin Based Forecasting Framework For Power Flow Management In Dc Microgrids, Kerry Sado, Jarrett Peskar, Austin Downey, Jamil A. Khan, Kristen Booth

Faculty Publications

The ability to forecast system conditions is integral to the definition and functionality of digital twins. While forecasting methods have been explored for use in digital twin systems, the integration of feedback mechanisms for real-time forecasting and in-situ decision-making in DC microgrids has not been extensively investigated. This research develops a modular forecasting framework tailored for digital twins in DC microgrids to enable real-time monitoring, online forecasting, and decision-making. DC microgrids, characterized by dynamic load variations, benefit from advanced predictive capabilities to maintain stability and operational efficiency. The proposed digital twin-based forecasting framework addresses these challenges by providing real-time predictive …

Si-Doped Ain Using Pulsed Metalorganic Chemical Vapor Deposition And Doping, Tariq Jamil, Abdullah Al Mamun Mazumder, Mohammod Ali, Jingyu Lin, Hongxing Jiang, Grigory Simin, M. Asif Khan

Faculty Publications

In this paper we describe a pulsed metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) Si-doping approach for AlN epilayers over bulk AlN. The Al-rich growth/doping conditions in the pulsed MOCVD process resulted in n-AlN layers with transmission line model currents that were an order higher than for structures on layers that were grown/doped at identical temperatures using the conventional MOCVD process. Our work demonstrated that like the other reported approaches such as UV exposure during growth, the pulsed MOCVD process is also very effective in reducing point defects by the defect quasi-Fermi level-chemical potential control.

Long-Range Inertia Prediction Considering Contemporary Evolution Of Power Grid Networks, Peter M. Makolo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Reduced network inertia due to high penetration levels of non-synchronous generators in modern power systems is becoming a pressing issue. As a result, very quick inertial responses are observed after contingency events in networks. Due to quick inertial responses, there is a practically very limited time interval for control actions in real-time. Thus, system operators need to understand the prior inertia values to plan, control, and operate the network securely. Long-range forecasting of the network's inertia values, in contrast to short-range forecasting techniques, can pinpoint when the network is most likely to be vulnerable in a reasonable time ahead. Thus, …

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 …

Heavy Metals Pollution In Roadside Ecosystems, Lilian Matafu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Heavy metals refer to metallic elements that are characterized by having a relatively high density and they are toxic or poisonous even at low concentration. They are environmental pollutant owing to toxicity and longevity in atmosphere and ability to accumulate in living things via bioaccumulation. They tend to enter in different system such as food chain. Analyses of water, soil sediment and the surrounding growing plants (Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus species) for selected heavy metals (Cd, Pb, Zn and Cu) were conducted on a roadside pond located at Boko MSB, Dar es Salaam. Pond water, soil sediments and plant samples …

A Bibliometric Analysis Of Pat-Seig Evolution As An Alternative Energy Generation Method, Emanuel J. Nyirenda

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Pumps as Turbines (PATs) coupled with Self-Excited Induction Generators (SEIGs) as an alternative energy generation method have been the subject of significant research in recent years. This paper presents a bibliometric analysis of the evolution of PAT-SEIG technology as an alternative energy generation source. An analysis of a comprehensive dataset of peer-reviewed journal articles, conference proceedings, and patents related to PAT-SEIG systems, using advanced bibliometric techniques and PRISMA to identify key research themes, influential authors, the growth of the field and patterns of collaboration, and changes in research focus over time. Over a publication period of 32 years, a total …

Assessment Of Wind Speed Characteristics And Available Wind Power Potential For Electricity Generation In Tanzania, Mwingereza John Kumwenda

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The energy demand and its associated crises are attracting significant attention due to population increase and economic growth especially in developing countries. Fossil fuel-based energy source stand as a prominent anthropogenic resource but they are accompanied with increased carbon emissions and heightened environmental concerns. Renewable energy sources such as wind energy can offers a lot of potential for sustainable growth in the energy sector of developing nations like Tanzania. Thus, this work investigated wind speed characteristics and available wind power potential in six selected regions in Tanzania with different topographical features for future electricity generation. The data of the wind …

Design And Implementation Of Secured Hybrid Gateway Node For Securing Iot - Enabled Distribution Automation, Ally Bitebo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The integration of smart grid and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality of services provided by traditional electrical grids. This combination has enabled the introduction of new services, such as demand response, automatic meter reading, and IoT-enabled Distribution Automation (IoT-DA), which incorporates sensors, actuators, intelligent electrical devices (IEDs), and information and communication technologies to monitor and control the grid. However, this integration also introduces network security risks, including Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, false data injection, and masquerading attacks, such as system node impersonation that can transmit incorrect readings, trigger false alarms, and …

Effects Of Technical Debt On Software Interoperability, Leonard Peter Binamungu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Technical debt (TD) refers to sub-optimal development decisions that make the software costly to maintain and evolve. Examples of TD include structural complexity, violation of coding styles, and code complexity. Existing research has investigated the nature, causes and indicators of TD, as well as tools and strategies for managing TD. However, although TD could hinder the ability of a software system to be interoperable with others, existing literature has limited evidence on how TD affects systems interoperability. This limits the ability of software engineering teams to manage TD in ways that do not hinder systems interoperability. To fill this void, …

Efficient Operation Of Direct Coupled Solar Home Pv System: A Case Of Solar Home Pv System Installed In Dodoma, Tanzania, Sarah P. Ayeng'o

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Direct coupled Photovoltaic (PV) system is a common topology among most of the off-grid communities in the world. This topology has less components hence resulting in low investment costs. However, it suffers much losses when battery operating voltage is far from maximum power point voltage of PV modules. This scenario can be attributed by different factors such as; variation in solar radiation, load profile and temperature. Efficient operation of these systems is required in order to reduce losses. Usually in direct coupled system, PV modules are connected in parallel with batteries through a charge controller hence making PV output to …

Towards A New Era Of Surgery Using Intelligent Robot, Ahmed Mahfouz, Hassan A. El Gamal, T. Awad, M.B. Badawi

Journal of Engineering Research

This research aims to overcome the difficulties of surgical tumor removal, especially in brain tumors that needs precision and time saving of the operations. The traditional surgical approach often is slow and targeting accurate manual cutting of the tumor, which is time-consuming and increase the risk to the patient. The error in cutting the deep layers of the tumor can occur, which increase the cost and dangerous for the patient.

To overcome these challenges, a proposed solution involves designing a robot that can quickly and accurately remove tumors by following their contours as it comes from the medical imaging data, …

Performance Evaluation And Multiphysics Process Modeling Of Carbon Fiber Reinforced Thermoset Composites Using Microwave And Autoclave, Nayan Pundhir, Patrick Schwartzkopf, K. Chandrashekhara, Logan Wilcox, Kristen M. Donnell, Jim Lua, Rui Li

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this study, IM7/Cycom 5320-1 unidirectional prepreg has been utilized to manufacture 16-layer laminated composites: a symmetric cross-ply ([0°/90°]4s) and a quasi-isotropic ([45°/90°/−45°/0°]2s) configuration. Microwave and autoclave curing processes have been employed to manufacture the laminated composites. The manufactured composite cure was assessed using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The quality and porosity of the microwave-cured parts were juxtaposed to those of autoclave-cured parts through optical microscopy and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) scanning. Mechanical characterization of the microwave-cured panels was conducted using uniaxial tensile and flexural tests, with results juxtaposed to autoclave-cured samples. Experimental characterization revealed that the microwave-cured parts exhibited nearly …

Optimizing Material Selection And Operational Conditions For Xhv Systems: Lessons From Aisi 1020 And 316l Comparative Studies, Aiman H. Al-Allaq, Md Abdullah Mamun, Matt Poelker, Abdelmageed Elmustafa

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

In this study, AISI 1020 low-carbon steel was investigated as a cost-effective alternative to SS316L stainless steel for reaching extreme high vacuum (XHV) conditions. After being baked at 400°C, a vacuum chamber made of low-carbon steel material exhibited an outgassing rate approximately 2000 times smaller than a similar chamber made of stainless steel. Its activation energy for hydrogen diffusion (27 kJ/mol) is less than half that of stainless steel (60.3 kJ/mol), indicating more efficient hydrogen removal during bakeout. MolFlow+ simulations supported the experimental data and demonstrated the importance of system geometry optimization and minimizing stainless steel content for achieving optimal …

A Comprehensive Review Of Piezoelectric Pvdf Polymer Fabrications And Characteristics, Nadia Ahbab, Sidra Naz, Tian-Bing Xu, Shihai Zhang

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer films, renowned for their exceptional piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties, offer a versatile platform for the development of cutting-edge micro-scale functional devices, enabling innovative applications ranging from energy harvesting and sensing to medical diagnostics and actuation. This paper presents an in-depth review of the material properties, fabrication methodologies, and characterization of PVDF films. Initially, a comprehensive description of the physical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, and electromechanical properties is provided. The unique combination of piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties, coupled with its excellent chemical resistance and mechanical strength, makes PVDF a highly valuable material for a wide …

Solid Loading Effects On The Assembly Of Alumina Particles In Aqueous Suspensions Due To The Dielectrophoretic Forces, Sivakumar Chithamallu, Rohan Kiran Parai, Dipankar Ghosh

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Current work in situ investigated the mechanisms of the interparticle interactions that evolve in dilute aqueous alumina suspensions subjected to alternating current (AC) electric field and the effects of solid loading of suspensions. The interactions were investigated for alumina suspension compositions in the 0.005‒0.04 vol.% solid loading range. Field‐induced interactions evolved via particle motion and dynamic assembly, chain formation parallel to the direction of the applied field and chain growth, chain cross‐linking, and chain thickening. The evolution time of each of those events was rapidly accelerated with solid loading. While chain cross‐linking was negligible in low solid loading suspensions, a …

Dynamic Beamforming And Array Shape Estimation, Nicholas Ryan Costick

Open Access Master's Theses

The accurate estimation of towed sonar array shapes during complex maneuvers is a critical challenge affecting beamforming and target localization performance. When underwater arrays experience sharp turns or rapid movements, sensor positions become difficult to track precisely, negatively impacting the reliability of beamforming methods. This thesis addresses the issue of dynamic array shape uncertainty, motivated by operational challenges faced by the Navy.

A maximum-likelihood estimation (MLE) method is developed to simultaneously estimate the array shape and field directionality (spatial spectrum) during maneuvers. The proposed solution expands upon previous research, specifically the dynamic spatial spectrum estimation techniques described by Rogers and …

Tracking Control Of A String Actuated Soft Trunk Robot Using State-Space Modeling, Jacob Trivisonno

Open Access Master's Theses

Soft robots, primarily composed of compliant materials, exhibit highly complex and nonlinear dynamics, making precise control a significant challenge. Traditional control methods often struggle with these complexities, requiring more advanced and data-driven methods. In our previous work, “Automatic Control of a Soft Trunk Robot Actuated by Strings” [1], a proportional controller was developed to drive the steady-state tracking error to zero. While this method was effective, it required time-consuming manual tuning and was not easily adaptable to physical modifications of the robot.

To address these limitations, this research implements gain-scheduled feedback control with state-space models calculated through a multiple linear …