Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

From Spark To Wildfire: Predicting Wildfire Origins And The Efficacy Of “Fire Safe” Cigarettes In California Grasslands, Trevor Blackwell Haltermann

Cal Poly Humboldt theses and projects

As wildfires in North America increase in size and frequency, the societal impacts become greater as well. With greater risk and high fire suppression costs it is pertinent to improve fire investigation methods and limit the potential for human caused ignitions. Two distinct studies were carried out to assess the accuracy of fire pattern indicators and the efficacy of “fire safe” cigarette technology in lowland grass fuel types in California. The first study utilized 24 experimental small-scale fires within a wind tunnel to examine the accuracy of microscale fire pattern indicators and the factors that influence the accuracy of predictions …

Integrating Machine Learning And Symbolic Regression For Predicting Damage Initiation In Hybrid Frp Bolted Connections, Sherif Sorour

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Ease Of Product Disassembly Through A Systematic Structured Time-Based Design For Disassembly Methodology, Emeka S. Igwe

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This research introduces a systematic time-based design for disassembly (DfD) framework aimed at optimizing product disassembly by addressing important features like liaisons between components in product, component accessibility and the overall modularity of the product. This study specifically covers electromechanical and mechatronic systems in both household and industrial setup, identifying their disassembly challenges and high value pointers for improvement. The methodology involves using a design for disassembly framework called LeanDfD in carrying out a holistic disassembly process and evaluating quantitative metrics like disassembly time and complexity and suggesting further redesign strategies to minimize disassembly time and cost. Adopting this systematic …

Ranking Of Non-Destructive Testing Methods For Ductile Iron Castings For Industry 4.0, Michael W. Jones

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Non-destructive testing techniques provide a unique solution to provide quality assurance of parts rapidly and efficiently without altering the functional properties of the workpiece. The metal casting industry requires an elevated level of quality assurance, as castings are critical components to several industries. The wrong selection of non-destructive testing methods could increase production costs, quality costs, and potentially permit non-conforming castings to enter the market. The aim of this research is to develop a ranking model for non-destructive testing techniques for ductile iron castings within the context of the fourth industrial revolution. The ranking model analyzes the effectiveness of the …

Pulsed Arc Additive Manufacturing Of A Functionally Graded Er2209 Duplex Stainless Steel And Hsla-100 Structure: Morphology, Characterization, And Mechanical Performance, Stevens G. Hill Jr

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Wire arc additive manufacturing is a process well suited to the efficient production of large structures. Duplex stainless steel exhibits high corrosion resistance and good strength which can be highly beneficial for industrial use. However, its use is limited due to its cost and complexity in controlling microstructure to achieve desired properties. In many cases, it can be highly beneficial to manufacture a component which uses specialty steel grades such as duplex stainless steel only where necessary, and utilizes more affordable, commonly available steels for reinforcement or bulk structural support. A functionally graded material satisfies these requirements by providing a …

A Finite Volume-Based Approach For Modeling Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Healing Chronic Wounds, Cade M. Layser

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The current number of people in America with diabetes is approximately 38.4 million, that population is expected to rise to 54.9 million by 2030. Chronic wounds, which are characterized by impaired or stalled healing, are commonly associated with diabetes. These wounds if not treated properly can cause significant complications such as sepsis, infection, and gangrene which can lead to limb amputation or death of the patient. Limb amputations can be a large financial burden and significantly reduce the patient’s quality of life. The timely and efficient treatment of chronic wounds is essential to prevent adverse patient outcomes. Hyperbaric Oxygen therapy …

Defect Detection In Extrusion-Based Bio-Printed Constructs Using Video-Based Vibration Analysis, Md Anisur Rahman

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Bio-additive manufacturing has emerged as a transformative advancement in biomedical engineering, enabling the fabrication of complex biological structures. However, maintaining the precision and quality of printed constructs remains a significant challenge, particularly in applications such as bioprinted organ transplants. Among the key factors affecting structural integrity, dimensional inconsistencies and interlayer defects present major obstacles, potentially compromising mechanical stability and functionality. This study explores the detection of defects caused by variations in dimensional accuracy and layer-to-layer adhesion. To address these challenges, a video-based motion estimation technique is employed as a non-contact and non-destructive evaluation method. Traditional approaches, such as contact-based and …

Synthesis And Processing Of Co-Axial/Tri-Axial Multi-Layered Nano-Particles, Jannatul Ferdaus

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Electro-spraying has been used as an effective processing method of nanoparticle fabrication for the application of targeted drug delivery. The study demonstrates the feasibility of a non-conventional triaxial electro-spraying setup for multi-layered nano-drug fabrication and proposes optimized parameters. Two different drugs, XAV939 and Dextran 40000, were used to study the process parameters (voltage and solution concentration) of coaxial electro spraying. The particle size of Dextran-PCL was an average of 166.3 nm for PCL-Dextran at 32.5 kV and 18-hour sonication. The SEM analysis and UV-spectrum showed the encapsulation of Dextran with PCL, though the in vitro study in mice after 24 …

Experimental Study Of Deformation Behavior For A Novel Elastohydrodynamic Seal For Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Power Cycles, William A. Adams

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) Brayton cycles are a strong contender for future power generation systems due to their high thermal efficiency and compact nature. Sealing is one of the key challenges presented by such systems that has a direct impact on the system's overall efficiency. This research is the first experimental study to investigate the deformation behavior of an elastohydrodynamic (EHD) seal made from bearing-grade polyether ether ketone (PEEK). A testing apparatus was developed to integrate four strain gauges positioned along the seal to quantify the deformation occurring up to pressures of 13 MPa. Mass flow rate measurements …

An Investigative Study Of Thermal Fluid Properties When Introducing Metallic Nanoparticles Through A Heat Exchanging System, Levi P. Mckinney

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

Heat-exchanging systems are essential in applications ranging from automobiles to air-conditioning units, and ongoing improvements aim to enhance efficiency while reducing system size. Conventional coolant upgrades often rely on ethylene glycol, which increases thermal stability and lowers freezing point but reduces water’s inherent heat-transfer capability. Advances in nanotechnology provide an alternative approach: suspending nanoparticles in base fluids can significantly modify thermal properties, with some formulations exhibiting conductivity increases of up to 60%. This thesis examines the thermal and tribological performance of three working fluids—distilled water, a 50:50 water–ethylene glycol mixture, and the same mixture enhanced with Al₂O₃ nanoparticles. Distilled water …

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 …

Rapid Convective Quench Apparatus Design, Samuel Fenik, Tyler Horvath, Dane Manias, Nicholas Michel

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

In this project, we will research, model, and simulate the heat transfer of a red-hot steel plate undergoing a rapid quenching process by high pressure water jets. Our objective is to quench the steel plate in such a way so that the steam formed from the initial water contact does not inhibit the oncoming water from making proper contact with the plate. After sufficient research has been done, we will design an apparatus which will perform the optimal quenching method and record temperature data with the goal of obtaining the heat transfer coefficient. The purpose of our project is to …

Zips Baja Chassis Manufacturing Design, Alex Love, David Scruppi

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The Society of Automotive (SAE) annually organizes collegiate design team competitions for university organizations nationwide. Baja SAE tasks teams comprised entirely of students with developing, iterating, manufacturing, testing, and competing with an offroad race buggy in accordance with all SAE regulations. Teams are responsible for producing a tech compliant vehicle for each competition season, travelling across the United States to put their designs to the test. In the 2022-2023 competition season, SAE introduced ruleset clarifications on the chassis manufacturing process, essentially mandating the production of all vehicle frames to be manufactured entirely in house with no external assistance. A chassis …

Akronauts Turbopump Research Project, Gerald Drabeck Iii, Michael Mccalla, Joshua Skelton

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The idea of this project is to design a turbo pump template capable of fitting into future Akronauts rocket designs. This allows the rockets to travel higher due to the reduced net weight. Many methods were used to verify the rigidity and feasibility of the design, such as Finite Element Analysis and fluid dynamics simulations.

Automatic Hole Saw Testing For Mk Morse, Jason Watson, Justin Zapotoczny

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

M.K. Morse has a hole saw tester they use for their hole saw product line. The tester currently requires constant operator attention for a process that could be automated. The goal of this project is to create a new hole saw tester that can run without the need for an operator's complete attention and give reliable data for the hole saws.

Kb Bioenergy Mobile Dewatering System Research, Wyatt Balser, Nathan Szymczak

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report outlines the design and development of a mobile skid-mounted dewatering system intended for high-solids sludge processing at wastewater treatment facilities. The goal was to create a self-contained, transportable unit capable of reliably separating water from sludge using a screw press, while integrating upstream processes such as polymer conditioning, sludge maceration, and pumping. The final design prioritizes serviceability, structural integrity, and operational simplicity, featuring a consolidated equipment layout, engineered piping diagrams, and vendor-specified components.

Throughout the project, multiple design alternatives were evaluated using a weighted decision matrix, leading to the selection of a skid platform over a trailer configuration …

Aeg Improved Football Helmet Liner, Matthew Dyson, John Clore, Brady Slates, Nathan Walker

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

The National Football League (NFL) is a leading professional American football organization experiencing rapid growth in popularity. However, the high-contact nature of the sport frequently results in player injuries, with head trauma and concussions being major concerns. This project aims to mitigate these risks by developing an advanced helmet liner designed to reduce the impact of direct collisions and torsional shear forces. In order to do this, we will utilize an impact testing machine with a modified helmet mount. By enhancing the liner's effectiveness, the proposed design seeks to improve player safety without compromising performance. The study focuses on innovative …

Anisotropic And Temperature-Tunable Second-Harmonic Vortex Generation In Ferroelectric Nbocl2 Holograms, Jayanta Deka, Xiaodong Yang, Jie Gao

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Optical vortex beams with helical phase fronts have immense potential to enhance data capacity due to the unbounded values of orbital angular momentum. Chip-scale platforms for producing vortex beams are of paramount importance for a variety of applications. On the other hand, 2D materials with unique optical properties are essential for developing multifunctional ultrathin photonic devices. Here, anisotropic and temperature-tunable second-harmonic vortex beam generation is demonstrated with ultrathin ferroelectric niobium oxide dichloride (NbOCl₂) fork holograms. The polarization-resolved Raman measurements are performed on the NbOCl₂ crystal to understand the anisotropic behavior of the Raman modes. It is demonstrated …

Optimizing Uav Swarm Deployment For Efficient Communication Signal Strength Alignment In Disaster Scenarios, Mina Khalilzadeh Fathi, Chaoying Pei

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In disaster scenarios, establishing reliable communication infrastructure is critical, and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) swarms offer a promising solution as temporary base stations. This study models communication demand in disaster-affected areas by applying Gaussian kernels to building data, forming a spatial demand distribution. Signal strength is estimated using the normalized inverse Free Space Path Loss (FSPL) to account for realistic attenuation. To guide UAV placement, we extract high-demand regions from the demand distribution using a gradient-based thresholding method. Based on this information, we develop a greedy algorithm to iteratively position UAVs for optimal coverage in areas with the greatest communication …

An Adaptive Sampling Strategy On Optimal Takeoff Trajectory Prediction Of Electric Drones, Dheeraj Paramkusham, Samuel Sisk, Jiachen Wang, Shuan Tai Yeh, Xiaosong Du, Nathan Roberts

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft transforms future transportation systems by alleviating transportation congestion on the ground. This eVTOL technique possesses unique features, including reduced noise, low pollutant emissions, efficient operating costs, and flexible maneuverability. Meanwhile, battery consumption poses critical challenges to flight task duration. Thus, optimal takeoff trajectory design is essential due to immense power demands during eVTOL takeoffs. Conventional design optimization, however, iteratively evaluates high fidelity simulation models, making the design process computationally intensive. In this work, we implement a machine learning-enabled inverse mapping optimization concept, i .e., directly predicting optimal design based on design requirements (including …

Design And Development Of A Rapid Tensile Quench Rig, Tyler Jewell, Justin Naylor

Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects

This report outlines the design process and implantation of a tensile quenching rig that incorporated forced convection and a frequency generator. When any metal is quenched, a vapor barrier forms around it. When this happens, it limits the heat flux that may occur until the barrier turns into just nucleate boiling. The vapor barrier acts as an insulator and causes the heat flux to fluctuate, causing uneven hardening which would limit the use of some materials. To combat this effect, we are trying to use forced convection, and something new, which is adding high frequency waves into the quenching process. …

Innovative Biomechanical And Engineering-Based Assessments Of Hip Mechanics In Individuals With Hip-Related Pain, Holly M. Stanze

Theses and Dissertations--Kinesiology and Health Promotion

Individuals with hip-related pain exhibit altered movement patterns, and worse fear of movement (kinesiophobia), compared to asymptomatic controls. Exacerbation of hip pain during movement and the role of hip symptom duration may help further our understanding of specific movement patterns that are associated with hip-related pain. A better understanding of the potential connections between hip-related symptom duration, kinesiophobia, hip pain during movement, and lower limb mechanics in those with hip-related pain may allow for more efficient referrals to clinicians and lead to more effective rehabilitation. In addition, the impact of hip-related pain on intra-articular hip loading patterns is not well …

3d Printing Of A Solid-State Battery, Maurizio A. Brozzi

Honors Undergraduate Theses

Solid-state battery research has gained significant attention in recent years, as it provides a unique solution for several common issues in conventional Li-ion batteries. Additionally, as additive manufacturing technologies continue to advance, they have the potential to fabricate solid-state batteries with new materials. The objective of this study is to explore the feasibility of 3D printing of a solid-state battery. By creating an initial PEO-PSF hybrid polymer matrix dissolved in DMSO and adding a lithium salt, the base electrolyte ink was formed. With the addition of conductive additives and active material, electrode inks were also produced. Super P was used …

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 …

Quantitative Assessment And Validation Of Thermal Profiles In The Protodune-Ii Horizontal Drift Detector Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, Hunter Wallster

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) aims to advance understanding of neutrino properties using large liquid Argon time projection chambers (LArTPCs). The ProtoDUNE-II Horizontal Drift (HD) detector, constructed at CERN in Switzerland, serves as 1:20 scale prototype to validate design and operational parameters for DUNE’s Far Detectors. Accurate prediction of cryostat thermal behavior is critical to predicting liquid Argon purity distributions and detector performance, motivating the development of a validated computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model. This research extends previous work at South Dakota State University by constructing a higher-fidelity CFD simulation of ProtoDUNE-II HD using Siemens Simcenter StarCCM+® 19.04.007. Geometry …

Mid-Scale Rover Gravity Offloader (Mrgo): Design, Implementation, And Experimental Validation, Alexander Schaar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the design, implementation, and validation of the Mid Scale Rover Gravity Offloader (MRGO), a terrestrial testbed developed to simulate partial-gravity conditions for planetary rover testing within a three-dimensional environment. The MRGO enables consistent, user-defined offloading force as a rover drives freely within a 20 by 18 ft test area, while a stepper motor rail gantry autonomously tracks the rover’s motion and maintains overhead alignment. Mounted to the moving gantry is a vertical carriage column that houses the offloading mechanism, which accommodates up to 5 ft of vertical displacement without loss of force accuracy. This configuration allows realistic …

Simulating Positive Ion Distribution In The Protodune Single Phase Detector, Vishnu Pfeiffer

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work covers the validation and implementation of a model to solve for argon ion (Ar+) distribution in the ProtoDUNE-SP liquid argon time projection chamber (LArTPC). ProtoDUNE-SP undergoes a constant flux of cosmic ray muons due to surface operation. The performance of the ProtoDUNE-SP provided valuable insights into single-phase technology, membrane cryostat technology, and calibration of cryogenic instrumentation. Still, challenges in achieving precise measurements persist due to the space charge effect—the distortion of the electric field within the detector due to the accumulation of positive argon ions generated from constant cosmic muon flux. The overarching goal of this thesis is …

Lunar Payload Logistics: Advancing Autonomous Control For Lunar Surface Transporter Vehicles, Liam Murray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Key Parameters On Thermal Properties Of Carbon Nanotube Modified Epoxy Composites, Lida Najmi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The application of carbon nanotube (CNT)-reinforced epoxy matrix composites (CRECs) has attracted extensive attention in various industrial sectors due to the significant improvement of material properties imparted by CNTs. The thermal behavior of these nanocomposites is governed by complex heat transfer mechanisms operating at different scales, resulting in a complex relationship between the effective thermal response and the microstructural characteristics of the composite. In this study, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to investigate the thermal conductivity of CRECs, focusing on the effects of key parameters such as the length and volume fraction of CNTs, the degree of cross-linking within …

Design, Fabrication, & Laboratory Testing Of A Strain Gage Instrumentation System For Marine Applications, Salem C. Homrighausen

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

A strain gage-based instrumentation system was designed and fabricated to measure the moment present at the base of a mock, diesel-engine snorkel for a submerged vehicle designed to operate in the surf zone. Afterwards, a lab experiment was designed and executed to determine the accuracy of the instrument and a 2-dimensional, matrix-vector equation was formulated to relate pairs of voltages, Vx and Vy, to moments, Mx and My for the experiment. Three versions of this model were built. The first model was created using traditional statics equations governing strain, stress, moment, force. The second and third models were built directly …