Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Redesign Of Computer Keyboards For Hospital And Consumer Use, Kent Williams, Brian Jensen, Anton Bowden

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

Application of carbon nanotube coatings to computer keyboards in order to reduce the spread of bacteria in hospitals and homes.

Keywords: carbon nanotube, bacteria, antimicrobial, keyboard, design, MRSA, biofilm

Soft-Tissue Artifact Compensation For Electromagnetic Motion Capture, George T. Dickinson, Steven K. Charles

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

This purpose of this study is to develop a soft-tissue artifact compensation algorithm for the upper arm using electromagnetic motion capture systems that can be implemented in a wide range of applications. This study focuses on compensation of humeral axial rotation and forearm axial rotation.

Characterization Of Essential Tremor In The Major Degrees Of Freedom Of The Upper Limb, Adam Pigg, David Standring, Steven Charles

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

No abstract provided.

Simulation Of Tremor Propagation In The Upper Limb, Thomas Corie, Steven K. Charles Dr

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

Essential tremor (ET) is the most common movement disorder and is estimated to affect between 1 and 12 million people in the US. Our long-term goal is to develop effective wearable tremor-suppressing devices. To reach this goal, we must first understand how tremor propagates from its mechanical origin (muscle) to the hand, where it matters most. The purpose of the current work is to characterize the extent to which tremor in different muscles or muscle groups contributes to tremor at the hand.

Computational Characterization Of Blood Vessel Strain In Wire Myography, Sameer S. Nandikar, M Converse, K L. Monson

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

Blood vessels, and the mechanical forces that act on them, play a key role in both health and disease. As a consequence, the mechanical properties of vessels have been under study for over a century. A variety of approaches have been used to define vessel properties, including stretching of vessel rings to study circumferential behavior, a configuration commonly used in wire myography. The objective of the present study was to develop a finite element model to quantify strains throughout a vessel ring during such loading.

A Nanocomposite Sensor Neck Sleeve For Tracking In Vivo Spine Kinematics In The Alpaca, Colton Porter Graham, Anton Bowden

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

Chronic low back pain in the US is often attributed to intervertebral disc degeneration. Camelids, particularly alpacas, pose a potential model for spinal treatment due to similarity of the spinal structure and vertical loading. Alpacas also exhibit a high rate of natural disc degeneration. To gain more understanding about how disc degeneration is caused in alpacas it is necessary to understand the loading and motion of the alpaca cervical spine. The goal of the present work was to incorporate nanocomposite sensors into a custom-designed neck sleeve to track the daily in-vivo neck motion of an alpaca in its natural environment.

Using Optimization To Determine Tremor Propagation, Paul Curtis, Steven K. Charles

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

: Essential Tremor (ET) is one of the most common movement disorders, with millions affected in the US. Currently there are two main treatment options: medication and deep brain stimulation (DBS). Available medications are only 50% effective, and in only 50% of patients, and many patients consider DBS too invasive. The purpose of our research is to determine the origin and propagation of tremor throughout the upper limb.

Portable, Powerless Automation Of Valve Actuation For Microfluidic Large-Scale Integration Technology, Andrew Schmidt Mr., Matt Fitzgerald Mr., Emre Araci Mr., Connor Mcloughlin Mr.

Biomedical Engineering Western Regional Conference

Portable, powerless automation of valve actuation for microfluidic large-scale integration technology

Analysis Of Rigid Extended Object Co-Manipulation By Human Dyads: Lateral Movement Characterization, Erich Mielke, Eric Townsend, Marc D. Killpack

Faculty Publications

During co-manipulation involving humans and robots, it is necessary to base robot controllers on human behaviors to achieve comfortable and coordinated movement between the human-robot dyad. In this paper, we describe an experiment between human-human dyads and we record the force and motion data as the leader-follower dyads moved in translation and rotation. The force/motion data was then analyzed for patterns found during lateral translation only. For extended objects, lateral translation and in-place rotation are ambiguous, but this paper determines a way to characterize lateral translation triggers for future use in human-robot interaction. The study has 4 main results. First, …

A Molecular Dynamics Study Of Self-Diffusion Along A Screw Dislocaton Core In Face-Centered Cubic Crystals, Siavash Soltanibajestani

Mechanical Engineering Master's Theses

The topic of this research is self-diffusion along a 1⁄2 〈110〉 screw dislocation core in face-centered cubic metals. Using molecular dynamics, self-diffusion along a screw dislocation core in four FCC metals, aluminum, copper, nickel and silver is investigated. In all metals under study except in Ag, the results show high diffusivity along the core even in the absence of any preexisting point defects (intrinsic diffusion). Enhanced self-diffusion due to screw dislocations is more remarkable in Al and Ni than in Cu. This behavior has been related to the stacking fault energy and dissociation width of partial dislocations.

The simulations show …

Carbon Footprint Stock Analysis Of U.S. Manufacturing: A Time Series Input-Output Lca, Gokhan Egilmez, Khurrum Bhutta, Bulent Erenay, Yong Shin Park, Ridvan Gedik

Mechanical and Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications

The purpose of this paper is to provide an input-output life cycle assessment model to estimate the carbon footprint of US manufacturing sectors. To achieve this, the paper sets out the following objectives: develop a time series carbon footprint estimation model for US manufacturing sectors; analyze the annual and cumulative carbon footprint; analyze and identify the most carbon emitting and carbon intensive manufacturing industries in the last four decades; and analyze the supply chains of US manufacturing industries to help identify the most critical carbon emitting industries.

Effects Of Microstructure On The Strain Rate Sensitivity Of Advanced Steels, Rakan Alturk, Steven Mates, Zeren Xu, Fadi Abu-Farha

Publications

The dependence of the strain rate sensitivity of advanced ~1 GPa tensile strength steels on the phases present in their microstructures was studied by testing different steels at 0.005 and 500 s−¹. The high strain rate tests were performed using a Kolsky bar setup, while the quasi-static tests were performed using a universal testing machine. The two main steels of interest were the Ferrite-Martensite DP980 and the Ferrite-Martensite-Austenite QP980; the latter being a transformation induced plasticity (TRIP) assisted steel. For comparison, ferritic CR5 mild steel and austenitic stainless steel 201 were also tested under the same conditions. Though …

Economic Impacts Of Electric Vehicle Adoption, Florida Solar Energy Center, Makena Coffman

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The objective of the Economic Impacts of Electric Vehicle Adoption research project was to examine the predicted levels of electric vehicle (EV) adoption, to analyze the life cycle costs of EVs compared to internal combustion engine vehicles and to evaluate EV impacts on GHG emissions for Hawaii. The results were presented in three publications. The first report evaluated EV penetration rates and provided an assessment of expected EV penetration over time. The research also assessed factors that affect EVs adoption, including regulatory mechanisms. The results estimated there will be 140,000 EVs on the road in Hawaii by the year 2040 …

Biophysical Tools To Study Cellular Mechanotransduction, Ismeel Muhamed, Farhan Chowdhury, Venkat Maruthamuthu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The cell membrane is the interface that volumetrically isolates cellular components from the cell's environment. Proteins embedded within and on the membrane have varied biological functions: reception of external biochemical signals, as membrane channels, amplification and regulation of chemical signals through secondary messenger molecules, controlled exocytosis, endocytosis, phagocytosis, organized recruitment and sequestration of cytosolic complex proteins, cell division processes, organization of the cytoskeleton and more. The membrane's bioelectrical role is enabled by the physiologically controlled release and accumulation of electrochemical potential modulating molecules across the membrane through specialized ion channels (e.g., Na^⁺, Ca²⁺, K^⁺ channels). …

Reversible Control Of The Magnetization Of Fe₃O₄ Via Lithium Ions, Guodong Wei, Lin Wei, Dong Wang, Yufeng Tian, Yanxue Chen, Shishen Yan, Liangmo Mei, Jun Jiao

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this report, a reversible control of Fe₃O₄ saturated magnetization by Li ions is demonstrated. A miniature Li ion battery (LIB) was assembled using a Fe₃O₄ nanoparticle layer as the active cathode. A stable magnetism modulation is realized by a nondestructive electrochemical process in which the lithium insertion results in a valence change and partial redistribution of Fe cations in the crystal structure. The relation between the discharge voltage and the chemical phases were studied by ex situ X-ray diffraction and magnetic measurement. In a suitable discharge potential range, a reversible control of Fe₃O₄ saturated magnetization was obtained without structural …

Work Zone Simulator Analysis: Driver Performance And Acceptance Of Missouri Alternate Lane Shift Configurations, Suzanna Long, Ruwen Qin, Dincer Konur, Ming-Chuan Leu, S. Moradpour, S. Thind, H. Nadathur

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The objective of this project is to evaluate MoDOT’s alternate lane shift sign configuration for work zones. The single signproposed by MoDOT provides the traveler with enough information to let them know that all lanes are available to shift around thework zone, whereas the MUTCD signs require drivers to see two signs. This research simulation project evaluates the drivers’ laneshifting performance and acceptance of the alternate lane shift sign proposed by MoDOT to be used on work zones as compared tothe MUTCD lane shift signs. Based on the study results, no difference was observed between MUTCD lane shift sign andMoDOT …

The Effect Of Biocomposite Material In A Composite Structure Under Compression Loading, Benjamin Andrew Sweeney

Master's Theses

While composite structures exhibit exceptional strength and weight saving possibilities for engineering applications, sometimes their overall cost and/or material performance can limit their usage when compared to conventional structural materials. Meanwhile ‘biocomposites’, composite structures consisting of natural fibers (i.e. bamboo fibers), display higher cost efficiency and unique structural benefits such as ‘sustainability’. This analysis will determine if the integration of these two different types of composites are beneficial to the overall structure. Specifically, the structure will consist of a one internal bamboo veneer biocomposite ply; and two external carbon fiber weave composite plies surrounding the bamboo biocomposite. To acquire results …

Frequency Response Reduced Order Model Of Primary Resonance Of Electrostatically Actuated Mems Circular Plate Resonators, Dumitru I. Caruntu, Reynaldo Oyervides

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper deals with the amplitude-frequency response of soft AC electrostatically actuated MEMS clamped circular plates. Alternating Current (AC) frequency is near half natural frequency of the plate. This results in primary resonance of the system. Two methods are used and compared, namely the Method of Multiple Scales (MMS), and Reduced Order Model (ROM). Both methods are in excellent agreement for amplitudes less than 0.4 of the gap. For amplitudes between 0.4 and 1 of the gap only seven terms ROM accurately predicts the behavior of the system. The effects of the voltage and damping parameters on the frequency response …

Hydrodynamic Resistance Of A Surfboard: An Analytical, Empirical, And Statistical Analysis, Andrew Leonard Kledzik

Theses and Dissertations

The objective of the present study defines a drag coefficient for a 9’0” surfboard. The hydrodynamic drag of a surfboard is derived from theory outlining the mathematical foundation used. Analytical solutions provide values for boundary layer thickness, momentum flux width, shear stress, drag force and the drag coefficient. This study also examines maximum velocities attainable from in-situ observations of surfers paddling in a controlled environment. The theoretical predictions are compared with experimental observations of surfboard resistance; while simultaneously validating instrumentation and methods of measurement. A number of problems are highlighted, ranging from mathematical problems on turbulent flow analysis to impacts …

Wire Neutralization System, Scott A. Bradley, Jason Wiitanen, Timothy B. Smigowski, John T. Niemeyer, Andrew Culkin

Michigan Tech Patents

A wire neutralizing system for use with a vehicle including a frame adapted to be hitched to a vehicle. At least one wheel supports the frame while a bottom of the wheel rolls over terrain having buried wires. The system also includes a blade movable between a stowed position in which the blade is above the bottom of the wheel and a deployed position in which the blade is below the bottom of the wheel, such that the blade plows through the terrain to disable buried wires when in the deployed position.

A New Gaskinetic Model To Analyze Background Flow Effects On Weak Gaseous Jet Flows From Electric Propulsion Devices, Chunpei Cai

Michigan Tech Publications, Part 1

Recent work on studying rarefied background and jet flow interactions is reported. A new gaskinetic method is developed to investigate two closely related problems. The first problem is how a collisionless background flow can affect a highly rarefied jet flow. The rarefied jet and background flow conditions are assumed available and described with seven parameters. Gaskinetic theories are applied and formulas are obtained for the mixture properties. Simulations are performed to validate these expressions, and excellent agreement is obtained. The second problem is to recover the collisionless background and jet flow parameters with limited measurements. A group of linearized equations …

Norsepower Rotor Sail Solution, Jukka Kuuskoski

MARENER 2017

The Norsepower Rotor Sail Solution is a modernized version of the Flettner rotor – a spinning cylinder that uses the Magnus effect to harness wind power to propel a ship. When the wind conditions are favourable, Norsepower Rotor Sails allow the main engines to be throttled back, saving fuel and reducing emissions while providing the power needed to maintain speed and voyage time. Rotor sails can be used with new vessels or they can be retrofitted to existing ships.

Norsepower's first delivery project with two 18-metre Rotor Sails has been completed on board Bore's 9,700 DWT Ro-Ro carrier MS Estraden. …

Biomimetic Improvement Of Hydrodynamic Performance For Tidal Turbines, Weichao Shi

MARENER 2017

No abstract provided.

Advances In Composite Manufacturing Of Helicopter Parts, Tobias A. Weber, Hans-Joachim K. Ruff-Stahl

International Journal of Aviation, Aeronautics, and Aerospace

This study investigates and compares different methods for improving standard autoclave composite manufacturing in order to find suitable approaches to a more efficient composite production. The goal is not only a reduction in manufacturing times and costs but also quality enhancement. Improved part quality while decreasing costs enables a manufacturer of composite parts to expand its market share, especially in the helicopter market, which has been constantly shrinking over the last two years. Various approaches such as improved tooling technology, the use of automated systems for lamination as well as outsourcing are examined to provide an overview of possible advancements …

Real-Time Sensing Of Trust In Human-Machine Interactions, Wan-Lin Hu, Kumar Akash, Neera Jain, Tahira Reid

School of Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Human trust in automation plays an important role in successful interactions between humans and machines. To design intelligent machines that can respond to changes in human trust, real-time sensing of trust level is needed. In this paper, we describe an empirical trust sensor model that maps psychophysiological measurements to human trust level. The use of psychophysiological measurements is motivated by their ability to capture a human's response in real time. An exhaustive feature set is considered, and a rigorous statistical approach is used to determine a reduced set of ten features. Multiple classification methods are considered for mapping the reduced …

Identifying Two Regimes Of Slip Of Simple Fluids Over Smooth Surfaces With Weak And Strong Wall-Fluid Interaction Energies, Haibao Hu, Luyao Bao, Nikolai V. Priezjev, Kai Luo

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

The slip behavior of simple fluids over atomically smooth surfaces was investigated in a wide range of wall-fluid interaction (WFI) energies at low shear rates using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations. The relationship between slip and WFI shows two regimes (the strong-WFI and weak-WFI regimes): as WFI decreases, the slip length increases in the strong-WFI regime and decreases in the weak-WFI regime. The critical value of WFI energy that separates these regimes increases with temperature, but it remains unaffected by the driving force. The mechanism of slip was analyzed by examining the density-weighted average energy barrier (∆E) encountered by fluid atoms …

A Well Clear Recommendation For Small Uas In High-Density, Ads-B-Enabled Airspace, Timothy Mclain, Matthew O. Duffield

Faculty Publications

With the growing popularity of small unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), there is a significant need to enable small UAS to detect and avoid collisions with both manned and unmanned aircraft. The capabilities of ADS-B make it an attractive sensor for detect and avoid (DAA), but it is susceptible to frequency congestion. This paper quantitatively analyzes the frequency limitations of 978 MHz ADS-B. It then uses these limitations to make a recommendation for well clear in ADS-B-equipped airspace that has a high density of small UAS operations.

Adding A Polymer Film Barrier Layer In The Press Forming Process Of Paperboard Trays, Ville Leminen, Panu Tanninen, Mika Kainusalmi, Kirubel Bogale, Juha Varis

Journal of Applied Packaging Research

The aim of this paper was to investigate the possibility to add a barrier layer in the press forming phase of paperboard trays by sealing a polymer film to a paperboard substrate. Plastic coating is often an important part of packages manufactured for food packaging. Traditionally the paperboards for food packaging are coated in the paper mill before the actual forming of the package. Experiments with coated and uncoated boards were made and the bonding and adhesion of materials was observed. The results indicate that adhesion between the board and the film can be achieved in the forming process. However …

Quality Improvement In Drilling Silicon By Using Micro Laser Assisted Drilling, Barkin Bakir

The Hilltop Review

The micro-laser assisted drilling (µ-LAD) of monocrystalline silicon (100), using a diamond cutting tool coupled with a laser, was tested in order to improve the cutting edge quality of a drilled samples. The laser beam is transmitted through an optically transparent diamond drill bit and focused precisely at the tool-workpiece interface, where the material is under high pressure induced by the diamond tool. The influence of the laser power on the quality and the inner surface finish of the drilled materials is investigated. Different laser powers were used to carry out the experiments. The experimental results indicated that the µ-LAD …

Multi-Stage Nozzle-Shape Optimization For Pulsed Hydrogen-Air Detonation Combustor, Francesco Ornano, James Braun, Bayindir H. Saracoglu, Guillermo Paniagua

School of Aeronautics and Astronautics Faculty Publications

hermal engines based on pressure gain combustion offer new opportunities to generate thrust with enhanced efficiency and relatively simple machinery. The sudden expansion of detonation products from a single-opening tube yields thrust, although this is suboptimal. In this article, we present the complete design optimization strategy for nozzles exposed to detonation pulses, combining unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes solvers with the accurate modeling of the combustion process. The parameterized shape of the nozzle is optimized using a differential evolution algorithm to maxi­ mize the force at the nozzle exhaust. The design of experiments begins with a first optimization considering steady-flow conditions, subsequently …