Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Optimizing Metal 3d Printing, Abram Brown, Lauren Novak

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Partnered with Lauren Novak we are doing our senior design project on optimizing metal 3D printing with the company nVent. A brief scope of the project is that nVent uses a metal 3D printer to create tooling that is used in a hydraulic pressed and used to create iterations of prototypes during the design process. We will be researching how to decrease the amount the time of the 3D print while doing load tests with v­blocks, wiping tools, and a rib tool. The tests will be on the tooling made using different parameters including infill density, infill geometry, wall thickness, …

Schaeffler E-Axle Value Engineering, Andrew Powers

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This project aims to design a manufacturable E-Axle end housing that improves system performance while reducing cost. The project is focused on utilizing Schaeffler's manufacturing competencies to achieve a simple assembly with a significant reduction in cost per part, while using existing machines or processes within the company. The design development process will follow the conceptual design stage through Finite Element Analysis and classical engineering calculations. Cross-functional design reviews will be conducted to ensure that agreement can be reached on the manufacturing feasibility of the design. Concepts will be entered in a decision analysis sheet to identify the best one …

Extending Trailer, Alex Grove

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The goal of this research project is to revolutionize the convenience in towable transportation. This innovative design aims to enhance the versatility of pull-behind trailers by incorporating an extendable feature, allowing users to effortlessly adjust the length according to their specific needs. Whether navigating tight spaces or accommodating extra cargo, our trailer adapts to diverse situations, providing unmatched flexibility. In addition to its adjustable length, the trailer is engineered to be compactable, addressing the storage constraints often faced by users with limited space. The collapsible design ensures easy storage without compromising on functionality, making it an ideal solution for individuals …

Yankee Feedstock Project, Nathan Mcanany, Richard Gualtiere

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report details the design process, application, considerations, costs, and functionality of an automated tape “feedstock” machine. Yankee Insulation Products will use this project to create rolls of Aluminum foil tape that are included in their Therma-Dome assembly kit. The goal of this design will aid in the streamlining and effectiveness of the current process. When designing the automated process, the current process was evaluated for areas of improvement. Design parameters were also given to the project by the sponsoring company that were to be considered and incorporated.

Porous Bearing Research Rig, Josh Beranek, Hannah Liggett, Jonathan Lemmon, Brandon Allen

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Our team has decided to continue the research of fluid bearings, specifically, that of the journal and porous bearing. This will continue off of research currently being done at the University of Akron by graduate student Elizabeth Clifford who has developed a mathematical model for a porous bearing. Our job will be to create a testing rig that will be able to either prove or disprove this model. To do this, the rig will need to be able to take measurements of temperature and pressure at key areas within the bearing. It will also need to be readily capable of …

Propulsion Heat Analysis Nuclear Trajectory Optimization (Phantom), Ana Clecia Alves Almeida, Jonathan Davis, Ryan Dippolito

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

Interplanetary Travel requirements necessitate the use of increasingly complex propulsion systems. Nuclear Thermal Propulsion (NTP) is a cutting-edge concept that holds immense potential for the future of space exploration. By utilizing nuclear fission to heat a propellant and generate thrust, NTP offers the potential for unprecedented efficiency, enabling faster interplanetary travel and extended mission capabilities. A nuclear thermal rocket engine is a type of propulsion system that utilizes the heat generated by a nuclear reactor to heat and expel a propellant, typically hydrogen, at high velocities to produce thrust. The engine consists of three main subsystems: the nuclear reactor, the …

Tympanostomy Tube Efficiency Study, Reem Ghumrawi, Kristi Weir

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The ventilation of the middle ear, crucial for maintaining optimal ear health, is often impeded by factors such as swelling, inflammation, and mucus in the eustachian tubes, particularly during upper respiratory infections or allergies. This issue, prevalent in children due to their narrow and horizontal eustachian tubes, prompts the insertion of tympanostomy tubes by ENT surgeons to establish an alternative airway for pressure equalization and fluid drainage. Despite the common belief in the effectiveness of these tubes, there is a notable dearth of research validating their optimal functionality. This study aims to address this gap by systematically comparing the efficiency …

The Impact Of Modern Buildings On Traditional Urban Environments And Urban Identity, Ann S. Ibrahim

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Contemporary cities face significant challenges in integrating modern buildings into traditional urban environments while preserving urban identity. This study focuses on the relationship between modern architecture and urban heritage. The research problem revolves around how modern buildings affect urban identity in traditional areas, and whether they can interact positively with the urban context without distorting its traditional character.

The study aims to analyze this impact by examining a range of global examples using architectural indicators such as visual integration, spatial integration, material harmony, urban scale, accessibility, and environmental impact. A three-point scale (weak, partial, excellent) was applied to assess each …

Shape Inverse Prediction Of Magnetic Field-Actuated Soft Robots By Neural Network Machine Learning, Lineth J. Perez Monsalve

Theses and Dissertations

Soft robotics has drawn tremendous interest in recent years because the compliance and motion of soft robotics enable biocompatibility and versatility for many applications, such as human-machine interaction, wearable and assistive devices, and health monitoring. This study introduces a novel predictive modeling approach using neural networks for shape control of magnetic soft robots. The robots are made of silicone materials embedded with hard magnetic particles, which respond to the external magnetic field provided by a ring-type of permanent magnet. These robots, free from physical connections to external devices, i.e., non-tethered actuation, hold significant potential for applications in healthcare, such as …

Investigation Of Spalart-Allmaras Turbulence Model For Vortex Flows, Abigail Rayna Kerestes

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

Conventional turbulence models often predict behaviors opposite as to what is observed in flows subject to rotation. In this type of flow scenario, rotation typically induces turbulence suppression. To address this limitation, a modification to the Spalart Allmaras Model with Rotation Correction (SA-R) was proposed to enhance the original Spalart Allmaras Model’s sensitivity to rotation and curvature. To test the validity and accuracy of this modification, two cases were investigated. The first case involved an axisymmetric rotating pipe. A Reynolds Number of 37,000 was implemented and the initial and boundary conditions established by Zaets et. al. were utilized. Initially non-rotating, …

Experimental Validation Of Two Highly Loaded Low Pressure Turbine Blades At High Speed Low Reynolds Number Conditions, Ryan Sauder

Browse all Theses and Dissertations

In the constant search for more efficient engines, one approach to gain performance is to reduce the weight of the low pressure turbine (LPT) module. This module can account for up to 30% of the total engine weight [1], and a reduction in LPT weight results in clear gains to engine performance and a reduction in engine cost. High lift airfoils accomplish this weight reduction by each blade extracting a larger amount of work from the flow and thus requiring fewer blades to drive the compressor when compared to conventional blades. However, high lift LPT blades, quantified by a high …

Development Of Novel Hydrogel Materials For Viscoelastically Accurate Brain Phantoms, Lila G. Schandler

Theses and Dissertations

Current methods such as concussion tests and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans only reveal structural damage post-injury. Creating an anatomically accurate model of the brain that mimics brain structure and viscoelastic properties will further allow medical professionals to analyze concussion events and create curated and personalized plans of recovery for a patient’s unique brain injury.

Values have been established for the necessary viscoelastic properties (time constants and elasticity) to mimic the native human brain tissue such as grey matter and white matter. The mechanical properties of the hydrogel are tunable by varying the concentration of Phytagel (PHY), a protein binding …

Applying X-Ray Fluorescence With Monte Carlo Methods For Analysis Of Surface Defects On Coated Zr4, James Tyler Cahill

Theses and Dissertations

Chromium-coated Zircaloy-4 cladding represents a novel solution for creating nuclear cladding that has passive safety features. This and related developments aimed at improving nuclear safety are broadly categorized as accident-tolerant fuel and cladding. However, implementing this material presents practical challenges such as the vulnerability that cladding has to surface damage such as fretting wear. This research aims to determine if the pre-existing technique of X-ray fluorescence analysis is applicable for detecting these defects on the surface of the cladding. This was done by developing Monte Carlo N-Particle Transport models of a handheld device, the XL-5, alongside experimental measurements using this …

Drop Retention And Departure In Adiabatic Shear Flow On Structured Superhydrophobic Surfaces, Blake M. Lyons, Daniel Maynes, Julie Crockett, Brian D. Iverson

Faculty Publications

Drops are retained or held on surfaces due to a retention force exerted on the drop by the surface. This retention force is a function of the surface tension of the liquid, drop geometry, and the contact angle between the drop and the surface. When external or body forces exceed the retention force, the drop begins to move. This work explores the conditions for which drop departure occurs on structured superhydrophobic surfaces in the presence of an applied shear flow. Drop departure is explored for five microstructured superhydrophobic surfaces, one nanostructured carbon nanotube surface and one smooth hydrophobic surface. Surface …

Data To Physics: Bridging Modeling Frameworks For Metastructures, Hrishikesh Suhas Gosavi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

The effective attenuation of wave propagation in specific frequency ranges, known as bandgaps, makes metastructures valuable in various engineering applications. Traditionally, bandgap estimation has relied on physics-based models, which present challenges for complex metastructures where accurate material properties and geometric complexities make precise modeling difficult. This work introduces data-driven techniques for bandgap estimation, leveraging the dynamic behavior, particularly the Frequency Response Functions (FRFs) of unit cells, to calculate dispersion relations and couple unit cells through dynamic substructuring. This approach addresses the limitations of traditional methods by directly utilizing experimental data to characterize both longitudinal and flexural bandgaps.

To evaluate data-driven …

Assessment Of Surface Waviness In A Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing Process, Shammas Mahmood Shafi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing (WAAM) is increasingly recognized for its ability to produce metal components with high deposition rates and efficiency, particularly in the aerospace and automotive sectors. However, one significant challenge that WAAM faces is achieving surface quality that complies with industry standards, as well as creating geometries that closely resemble the initial design. A crucial factor contributing to this challenge is surface waviness, which is an inherent characteristic of the WAAM process. This waviness arises from the geometry of the weld beads and the overlap distance between them. It can adversely affect the fusion quality of successive layers, …

Investigation Of Operational Parameter Differences Between The Standard Ron Test Method And Knock-Limited Modern Spark-Ignition Engine Operation, Alexander Hoth

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Octane numbers (ONs) are used worldwide to rate the knock propensity of gasoline-like fuels for spark-ignition engines, making ONs the leading indicator of fuel quality for commercial distribution. The ONs were established 90 years ago and have only received minor changes compared to significant advancements in modern engine operation and fuel composition. This has resulted in discrepancies between knock-limited modern engine operation and standard ON ratings. This dissertation used a standard CFR octane rating engine at Argonne National Laboratory that was instrumented with modern combustion research tools to investigate key differences between the Research Octane Number (RON) rating conditions and …

Data Driven And Machine Learning Based Modeling And Predictive Control Of Combustion At Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition Engines, Behrouz Khoshbakht Irdmousa

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Reactivity Controlled Compression Ignition (RCCI) engines operates has capacity to provide higher thermal efficiency, lower particular matter (PM), and lower oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions compared to conventional diesel combustion (CDC) operation. Achieving these benefits is difficult since real-time optimal control of RCCI engines is challenging during transient operation. To overcome these challenges, data-driven machine learning based control-oriented models are developed in this study. These models are developed based on Linear Parameter-Varying (LPV) modeling approach and input-output based Kernelized Canonical Correlation Analysis (KCCA) approach. The developed dynamic models are used to predict combustion timing (CA50), indicated mean effective pressure (IMEP), …

Directional Dependent Fracture Characteristics Of 3d Printed Mechanical Metamaterials, Thomas Draper

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Structural metamaterials, such as lattice metamaterials, are engineered cellular structures designed to achieve properties not achievable by natural materials. They enable mechanical properties unattainable by homogeneous solid materials and offer optimal properties for these materials tunable for specific applications in industries such as automotive, medical, and aerospace. Recent findings have revealed unique tunable mechanical properties such as negative Poisson's ratio, high strength-to-weight ratio, anisotropic stiffness, and much more. While the elastic and wave propogation properties of many lattice metamaterials are well investigated, the fracture properties are not well explored. However, their low fracture toughness is a bottleneck for their use …

Stable Energy-Efficient Macro-Scale Partial Flow-Boiling Operations Using Microstructured Surfaces And Ultrasonics, Divya Kamlesh Pandya

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Controlled but explosive growth in vaporization rates is made feasible by ultrasonic acoustothermal heating of the microlayers associated with micro-scale nucleating bubbles within the microstructured boiling surface/region of a millimeter-scale single-channel heat exchanger (HX) – part of a typically multi-channel heat-sink. The experiments illustrate the achievement of a remarkably high stable heat flux (10 – 80 W/cm²) for a partial flow-boiling-based cooling approach and exceptional efficiency through active/passive enhancement in the vaporization rates into the heterogeneously nucleated micro-bubbles (through acoustothermal heating of their microlayers) and their removal rates (typically within the passive microstructured region of boiling). A controlled …

Wave Energy Converter Wave Force Prediction Using A Neural Network, Morgan Kline

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports

Due to the unpredictable nature of large bodies of water, wave energy can be a difficult renewable resource to rely on. One way to make Wave Energy Converters (WECs) more efficient is to apply a control strategy. In many control solutions, it is assumed that the wave excitation force is known into the future. In many instances, especially with complex waveforms, this is simply not the case. Simulation studies have shown the promise of wave force prediction using neural networks. This study demonstrates this experimentally and aims to characterize the important factors when designing such a network. Several wave elevation …

Functional Verification Of Additively Manufactured Metallopolymer Structures For Structural Electronics Design, Nathan D. Singhal

Honors Undergraduate Theses

As an attempt to improve the overall cost-effectiveness and ease of structural electronics manufacturing, this study characterizes the mechanical and electrical responses of structures which are fabricated from a novel metallopolymer composite material by fused deposition modeling as they are subjected to quasi-static, uniaxial mechanical tension. Baseline values of tensile properties and electrical resistivity were first obtained via ASTM D638-22 standard testing procedures and linear sweep voltammetry (LSV), respectively. A hybrid procedure to measure in-situ mechanically dependent electrical behavior was subsequently developed and implemented. The mechanical and electromechanical testing was followed by the derivation of stochastic values for several mechanical …

Adaptation Of A Commercially Available Galvanic Skin Response Sensor To Measure Respiration Across The Chest For Heart Rate Variability Monitoring, Breno C. Dobal

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a naturally occurring cardiovascular phenomenon referring to the changing timing between consecutive heartbeats. The connection between HRV and overall cardiovascular health and autonomic nervous system function has been well established through prior research and well documented in existing literature. The existing studies, however, included shorter HRV subject recording session, using traditional HRV monitoring methods that do not typically combine electrocardiogram (ECG), seismocardiogram (SCG) and galvanic skin response (GSR) respiration monitoring. The inclusion of longer HRV subject recording may allow for further insight on the possible effects of given observable biological phenomenon on HRV.

The current …

Analysis Of Variations In Flow-Independent Liquid Jet-In-Crossflow Injections, Michael Scott

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Liquid fuel injection is a critical mechanism for the deliverance of liquid fuel in contemporary aircraft propulsion combustion systems due to its outsized influence in providing optimal combustion conditions and improving overall aircraft efficiency and performance. Despite this, these liquid jet in crossflow (LJIC) systems are highly variable due to conditions in the jet and the surrounding airflow, leading to variability in performance behavior and inconsistency in fuel mixing and combustion efficiency. This has prompted the introduction of solid pintile obstructions of novel designs to provide a more flow-independent fuel injection scheme and decrease variability of the jet properties against …

Economic Profitability Of Sustainable Buildings Industry, Mohanad Ibrahim Altuma, Hanadi Abdulridha Lateef, Ayad Abdulkhaleq Al-Yousuf

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The increasing global awareness of the Earth's deteriorating condition and the unpredictable effects of climate change has given rise to worldwide phenomena that impact several elements like the economy, agricultural security, water availability, and energy supplies. Buildings contribute significantly to the generation of greenhouse gases, as well as the disposal of pollutants and energy consumption. Therefore, they play a crucial role in addressing environmental issues.

Although sustainable buildings are widely acknowledged as a potential advancement, professionals in the property market still believe that the upfront costs of creating sustainable buildings are significantly higher than those of conventional buildings. This view …

Designing A Visual Control Framework Based On Feature Point Analysis To Guide Robots In Uncharted Areas, Isam Sadiq Rasham Al-Ghadhbawi

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Image processing may be made more accurate and efficient with the use of optical processing technologies. In order to make better design judgments early in the package design process, visual packaging art simulation aims to swiftly develop realistic packaging effects. Conventional simulation techniques frequently yield findings that are neither realistic or detailed, and they also take a lot of time and human resources. Optical processing-based machine vision technology can fully utilize computer vision and image processing techniques to simulate package designs accurately and efficiently. This research proposes a foundation for machine vision technologies based on image optical processing. Real package …

Using Tensile And Compressive Stress Superposition During Incremental Forming To Manipulate Martensitic Transformation In Ss304, Elizabeth M. Mamros, Fabian Maaß, A. Erman Tekkaya, Brad L. Kinsey, Jinjin Ha

Faculty Conference Papers and Presentations

Single point incremental forming (SPIF) is a flexible manufacturing process that has applications in industries ranging from biomedical to automotive. In addition to rapid prototyping, which requires easy adaptations in geometry or material for design changes, control of the final part properties is desired. One strategy that can be implemented is stress superposition, which is the application of additional stresses during an existing manufacturing process. Tensile and compressive stresses applied during SPIF showed significant effects on the resulting microstructure in stainless steel 304 truncated square pyramids. Specifically, the amount of martensitic transformation was increased through stress superposed incremental forming. Finite …

Experimental Investigation Of Liquid Metal Embrittlement In Hot-Dip Galvanized Structural Steel, Amelia Mcnamee

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This research investigated the liquid metal embrittlement (LME) of hot-dipped galvanized structural steel. The relationship between stress and failure time was analyzed to evaluate the potential presence of a critical stress threshold beyond which LME may occur. A testing apparatus to induce axial stress was designed and assembled in-house. A36 low carbon steel was tested in this study. Different deadweight loadings were applied to the testing sample along the axial direction. The test temperature was maintained by a programmable furnace while the sample gauge section was submerged in a molten zinc bath. Failure time and total displacement of the steel …

Environmental Assessment Of Biomass/ Torrefied Biomass And Waste Coal Co-Fired Power Plants With The Incorporation Of Carbon Capture And Storage Technologies, Surja Sarkar

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Climate change is a worldwide problem that has recently garnered significant attention in recent years. While widespread emissions of greenhouse gases, mainly CO₂, from the combustion of fossil fuels, contribute to global warming, biomass-based heat and electricity generation, on the other hand, is rapidly growing due to its smaller carbon footprint, aiding in attaining the goal of zero carbon emissions. In this study, the environmental assessment of the waste coal and biomass/ torrefied biomass co-fired power plants was completed using the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology through the performance assessment of the co-fired power plants using the commercial …

Numerical Analysis Of A Novel Elastohydrodynamic Seal For Supercritical Co2 Power Cycles With Experimental Verification, Ali Akbor Topu

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) power cycles outperform conventional thermodynamic cycles regarding the efficiency and equipment footprint because of its unique property of maintaining the density of liquid in the gaseous phase at supercritical state (304.13 K and 7.37 MPa). It has robust use in concentrated solar power, fossil fuel power plants, geothermal electricity, nuclear power, and ship propulsion. To fully utilize sCO2 power cycles, technology readiness must be demonstrated at 10-60 MWe scale, with a working temperature and pressure of 350-700°C, and 10-35 MPa respectively. A crucial obstacle to the full realization of this technology is the absence …