Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

3d Printing Filament Machine (Revers3d), Jairo Gonzalez, John Gonzalez, Jaime Garcia, Xiaotian (Stephen) Yan, Andrew Huynh, Jose Canez

Mechanical Engineering Senior Theses

The Reverse3D printer project aims to develop an innovative machine that recycles leftover 3D printed parts into new, usable spools, promoting sustainability in the 3D printing community. The project will create a new dimension of versatility when using 3D printing filament while still being user-friendly. The device will incorporate a grinding unit to grind up the parts, a heating element, an extrusion system, a cooling system, and a spooling system to create a continuous filament strand. Our ultimate goal is to grind the plastic to a size capable of being melted down and molded into a spool-like form suitable for …

Bilateral Gait Trainer For Transtibial Amputees, Desmond Greer, Odinachi Anene, Andrew Wallace, Noah Hill

Bioengineering Senior Theses

Lower limb amputation affects over 2.3 million individuals in the U.S., with peripheral vascular disease and diabetes as leading causes. Prosthetic rehabilitation is critical for restoring mobility, yet barriers like therapist shortages, cost, and inconsistent at-home training limit patient outcomes. This thesis presents the design, development, and testing of a bilateral gait training device that addresses these challenges by providing real-time haptic feedback and quantitative gait metrics for at-home rehabilitation. The device integrates force-sensitive resistors embedded in insoles to monitor plantar pressure distribution, haptic actuators (eccentric rotating mass motors) mounted on thigh straps to deliver corrective feedback, and an Arduino-based …

Multiphase Iterative Algorithm For Mixed-Integer Optimal Control, Chaoying Pei, Sixiong You, Yu Di, Ran Dai

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mixed-integer optimal control problems (MIOCPs) frequently arise in the domain of optimal control problems (OCPs) when decisions including integer variables are involved. However, existing state-of-the-art approaches for solving MIOCPs are often plagued by drawbacks such as high computational costs, low precision, and compromised optimality. In this study, we propose a novel multiphase scheme coupled with an iterative second-order cone programming (SOCP) algorithm to efficiently and effectively address these challenges in MIOCPs. In the first phase, we relax the discrete decision constraints and account for the terminal state constraints and certain path constraints by introducing them as penalty terms in the …

Towards Universal Non-Dimensional Characterization Of The Oscillatory Dynamics Of Wind Turbine Rotors Of Multiple Sizes, North Yates, Fernando L. Ponta, Alayna Farrell

Michigan Tech Publications

One concern in the field of Horizontal Axis Wind Turbines (HAWTs) is what control strategies are needed to handle gust pulses in the wind to prevent extreme oscillations of the blades to reduce fatigue stress, prevent blade rupture, and extend the turbine’s operational life. In order to design innovative control strategies to modify the blade’s oscillatory response, it is crucial to establish the fundamental vibrational behavior of the blades when excited by gust pulses of different frequencies and amplitudes present in the fluctuating wind inflow. In a series of previous works, the authors presented a novel Reduced-Order Characterization (ROC) technique …

Automated Plant Morphological Assessment And Microbial Community Monitoring In Simulated Lunar Regolith, Collin R. Topolski

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

Upcoming lunar bases will need to leverage in-situ resources to ensure long-term sustainability and reduce mission costs. One key challenge is food production, which could be addressed by growing crops in lunar regolith-based substrates. However, lunar regolith lacks essential nutrients, requiring organic amendments to support continuous plant cultivation. This study examined the impact of manure-amended lunar regolith simulant on Mizuna mustard growth while assessing microbial community diversity and functionality. To support this effort, a custom software pipeline utilizing an open-source library, PlantCV, was developed to automatically track plant leaf area and height via image analysis. Results indicated that amended rhizosphere …

Helical Products Parts Display Stand, Binh Nguyen, Emily Yuan Mendyke, Zoe Porter

Mechanical Engineering

Helical Products needs a new product display stand that will demonstrate their custom springs, couplings, and u-joints. Their current display stand, a marble run contraption, is large, loud, and difficult to transport, so they would like the new stand to remedy these issues. The goal of this senior project is to create a display stand that captures the attention of their customers with dynamic product demonstrations while addressing the issues outlined above.

The new display stand is also a marble run contraption, but instead of being almost 4 feet tall and 3 feet long, it is 23” tall, 26.25” long, …

Automated Fiber Placement Laminate Level Optimization: A Physics-Inspired Method To Analyze Through-Thickness Defect Interactions, Nishan Patel

Theses and Dissertations

With the growing adoption of composite materials in industries such as aerospace, automotive, naval, wind energy, and even sectors like sports and consumer goods, there has been a strong push towards improving manufacturing reliability and productivity. One key method that has gained significant traction is Automated Fiber Placement (AFP), an additive manufacturing technique valued for its precision, efficiency, and adaptability in producing complex composite parts. As industries continue to shift from traditional metal-based structures to more advanced composite materials, the need for efficient and high- quality manufacturing solutions has become even more critical, prompting a focus on automation and optimization …

Explainable And Reduced-Feature Machine Learning Models For Shape And Drag Prediction Of A Freely Moving Drop In The Sub-Critical Weber Number Regime, Md Amanullah Kabir Tonmoy

Theses and Dissertations

Accurately predicting the shape and drag of a moving drop is crucial in many spray applications. However, due to the complex interaction between the drag force and drop shape deformation, accurate prediction of drop shape and drag from Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulation requires large computational resources and time. A novel data-driven approach using NARXNN (Non-linear Auto Regressive eXogenous input Neural Network) is proposed in this study, which recurrently predicts the drop shape and drag for a given Weber number (We) and Reynolds number (Re), in the sub-critical We regime where there is no drop breakup. The average error in …

Wind Tunnel Testing Of A Novel Quadrotor Design, Oliver Marius Tobisch

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This study presents the test development and aerodynamic evaluation of the Quadfoil UAV, a novel quadrotor configuration featuring a central lifting body in the form of an airfoil to enhance forward-flight efficiency. Flight tests conducted by Virginia Tech demonstrated a 25% increase in endurance and a 32% improvement in range compared to conventional quadcopters, validating the aerodynamic benefits of this design. To further investigate its performance, a dynamically adjustable angle of attack model support system was developed for wind tunnel testing, enabling precise replication of in-flight conditions. The support system, controlled via LabVIEW, adjusts angle of attack based on real-time …

Experimental Investigation Of Heat Transfer To Tightly Packed Cylinder Arrays, Cameron M. Sexsmith

Doctoral Dissertations and Master's Theses

With the increased emphasis on the development of hybrid electric aircraft and other electric driven vehicles, the thermal demand on batteries is increasing. Unique to the aviation sector is the combined need of high battery thermal loads and a light-weight thermal management system. A proposed configuration is an array of batteries directly cooled with a dielectric coolant. The knowledge of heat transfer characteristics of battery cooling is becoming an ever pressing issue due to the need to optimize volume and mass in a safe manner. Tighter spacings between batteries provide higher pack densities, however, at the cost of increased cooling …

Frequency-Based Rapid Structural Damage Detection Using Embedded Edge Computing On Resource-Constrained Devices, Ryan Yount

Theses and Dissertations

Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) is essential for ensuring reliability and longevity of useful structures. Traditional SHM approaches rely on manual or remote data transmission and external processing, which introduce latency and can depend on stable communication links. This work aims to advance SHM by integrating edge-computing techniques for rapid damage detection to enable faster and more autonomous structural assessments in resource-constrained environments. The research spans three key contributions including 1) frequency-based damage detection of civil structures using a sensor package with the addition of an edge processor, 2) additions to the computational efficiency of the edge-computing sensor package in a …

Exploring New Applications Of Municipal Solid Waste, Harrison Appiah, Ezra Bar Ziv, Jordan L. Klinger, Armando G. Mcdonald

Michigan Tech Publications

This study aimed to (i) characterize municipal solid waste (MSW) sourced from Utah and Michigan transfer stations and (ii) upcycle, produce, and evaluate composites derived from this MSW. Composition analysis showed that the MSW was composed of a variety of commodity plastics, paper/cardboard, and inorganic materials. Detailed chemical analysis for lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose, and lipids was performed. The plastics identified were mainly polyethylene, polypropylene, polystyrene, and poly (ethylene terephthalate). The compoundability of the MSW was assessed by torque rheometry. Composites were prepared by compounding the MSW in an extruder. A composite flexural strength of 29 MPa and a modulus of …

Portable Stage, Theo Cabot, Martin Decker, Liam Jacobo

Mechanical Engineering Senior Theses

The following report details the design, analysis, manufacturing, and testing of the prototype for the Portable Auto-Leveling Stage. Time and labor constraints required the prioritization of crucial safety subsystems over those conceived with performance enhancement in mind. FEA simulations displayed expected results on a fully assembled stage unit, whereas physical testing was run on one of the leg assemblies and the unconstrained stage deck. Wiring and verification of input response came to fruition in a testing system untethered to the physical stage deck.

Model-Predictive Optimal Control Of Ferrofluidic Microrobots In Three-Dimensional Space, E. Olga Skowronek, Luke Silas Baker, Reza Ahmed, Hamid Marvi

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Ferrofluid microrobots have emerged as promising tools for minimally invasive medical procedures. Their unique properties to navigate complex fluids and reach otherwise inaccessible regions of the human body have enabled new applications in targeted drug delivery, tissue engineering, and diagnostics. This paper proposes a model-predictive controller for the external magnetic manipulation of ferrofluid microrobots in three dimensions (3D). The internal optimization routine of the controller determines appropriate changes in the applied electromagnetic field to minimize the deviation between the actual and desired trajectories of the microrobot. A linear system governing locomotion is derived and used as the equality constraints of …

Towards Sustainable Energy: Design And Preliminary Testing Of Tidal Current Turbines, Yareli A. Zelaya Pavon

Presentations - 2025

As the energy demand constantly increases and traditional energy resources decrease, incorporating sustainable alternatives has become necessary. In this context, this research attempts to provide a new solution for energy scarcity in regions that lack electricity, especially those located near large ocean areas. The objective of this project was to engineer and investigate an ideal prototype to transform power generation. Through detailed design and testing, this project seeks to reveal the potential of tidal energy, offering an alternative to communities struggling with energy distribution.

The research focuses on utilizing custom-designed propellers, which are 3D printed and installed on an open …

Development Of Prechamber Enabled Mixing-Controlled Combustion Strategy For Ultra-Low Methane Emissions From Lean Burn Natural Gas Engines, Osama Nsaif, Adam Dempsey

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This numerical study explores the optimization of Prechamber Enabled Mixing-Controlled Combustion (PC-MCC) using natural gas in heavy-duty engines, aiming to enhance combustion efficiency to minimize methane slip and NOx emissions. The approach involves a prechamber ignition system, distinct from conventional spark ignition (SI) systems, to initiate combustion of direct injected natural gas. By leveraging the robust ignition characteristics of the prechamber, the PC-MCC method demonstrates significant potential in achieving efficient combustion akin to diesel engines but with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The research evaluates the effects of various geometric and operational parameters on the combustion process and emissions, including prechamber …

Effects Of High Temperature Compaction On 3d Printed Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Composites, John D. Barber

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The aim of this dissertation was to study the effects of hot temperature compaction (HTC) upon the polymorphism and the mechanical behavior of an additively manufactured (AM), carbon fiber reinforced polyamide (PA6). Different pressure and temperature levels during HTC were tested to determine the overall effect upon the mechanical behavior and the material crystalline composition. Treated, carbon fiber reinforced PA6 samples were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, x-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, double cantilever beam testing and three-point bending testing. When considered with respect to as-printed samples, an HTC temperature of 190°C combined with 80 psi pressure resulted …

Wind Tunnel Automation For Propeller Testing, David Ricardo Lara

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An automated propeller test capability for the ODU Low-Speed Wind Tunnel Facility is demonstrated; implementing automation improved both ease of testing and quality of results. An experiment was performed with and without automation to compare results. Prior to this effort, propeller RPM and airstream velocity were manually controlled, leading to time consuming experiments. The setpoint for RPM had to be adjusted at each run to compensate for changes in airstream velocity.

LabVIEW, a graphical programming software, was used to develop the controllers and automation algorithm. A Proportional Integral Derivative (PID) control approach was developed to simultaneously control airstream velocity and …

Approach Formula To Increase Energy Efficiency Of Internal Combustion Engines In The “Green Economy” And Impact On The Natural Ecosystem, Zakirjon Ergashevich Musabekov, Hilola Zokir Qizi Uralova, Sayyodbek Ilxomjon O‘G‘Li Abdullajonov

Technical science and innovation

This article discusses, analyzes, and proposes solutions for the role of internal combustion engines in forming a "green economy", as well as ways to replace or modernize them. The relationship between internal combustion engines and the "green economy," as well as their energy efficiency and impact on natural ecosystems, is a crucial and urgent issue. These engines primarily generate energy through the combustion of petroleum-based fuels such as gasoline and diesel. However, this process releases harmful gases into the atmosphere, contributing to environmental degradation. The green economy is an economic model designed to protect the environment, ensure the efficient management …

Estimating Snow Coverage Percentage On Solar Panels Using Drone Imagery And Machine Learning For Enhanced Energy Efficiency, Ashraf Saleem, Ali Awad, Amna Mazen, Zoe Mazurkiewicz, Ana Dyreson

Michigan Tech Publications

Snow accumulation on solar panels presents a significant challenge to energy generation in snowy regions, reducing the efficiency of solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and impacting economic viability. While prior studies have explored snow detection using fixed-camera setups, these methods suffer from scalability limitations, stationary viewpoints, and the need for reference images. This study introduces an automated deep-learning framework that leverages drone-captured imagery to detect and quantify snow coverage on solar panels, aiming to enhance power forecasting and optimize snow removal strategies in winter conditions. We developed and evaluated two approaches using YOLO-based models: Approach 1, a high-precision method utilizing a …

Effective Cleaning Of Cotton In A Saw Gin, Rustam Shennikovich Sulaymonov, Amirqulovich Begzod Irgashev, Zarshid Omonov Jumanazar O'G'Li

Technical science and innovation

In order to improve the efficiency of the cotton cleaning process and improve the quality of the fiber, the Gin feeder was improved with a colosnik grid. This constructive change serves to more effectively separate cotton raw materials from impurities and reduce the likelihood of fiber damage. Studies have found that the cleaning efficiency of the feeder in cleaning Cotton of varieties I and III has increased by an average of 2.4 (abs)% compared to the current system. Fiber quality also improved by 0.46% (abs) for Type I cotton and 0.22% (abs) for Type III cotton. Experimental results showed that …

Theoretical Analysis Of The Fiber Flow Movement Under The Influence Of Columns, Avazbek Azamatovich Obidov, Rashid Gulomjonovich Rakhimov

Technical science and innovation

During the study, the optimal design for testing the improved fiber cleaning device was initially selected, and a process flow diagram of the fiber cleaning chamber was created for theoretical studies. According to this process flow diagram, based on theoretical studies, the behavior of fibers in the grate of the fiber cleaning device was studied, and the effect of changing the geometric parameters of the grates on the cleaning efficiency was determined. Using the developed mathematical model, graphs were constructed for the dependence of the fiber flow rate on the angle of coverage at different values of the angular speeds …

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 …

Exploring Corona Discharge In Electrostatic Printing For Electronics And In Other Application, Zijian Weng

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The field of printed electronics (PEs) is expanding rapidly, driven by increasing market demand. According to reports, the global market for PEs is expected to reach $23 billion by 2026, with a compound annual growth rate of 18.3% from 2023 to 2028. This growth necessitates the development of innovative printing technologies that can meet these demands efficiently, delivering high-quality, high-resolution PEs suitable for applications in health, environmental monitoring, sports, aerospace, and more.

Currently, PEs manufacturing relies on two main groups of printing technologies. Contact printing methods offer high-speed production but struggle with precision, while non-contact methods provide high resolution but …

Enhancing Gas Cyclone Performance With Exit Diffusers, Omar Mohamed Mourad Dwidar, Yasser El-Shaer, Khairy Elsayed, Seyyed Hossein Hosseini, Goodarz Ahmadi

Journal of Engineering Research

This study evaluates seven cyclone designs to enhance pressure drop and collection efficiency (CE), using the conventional cyclone as a baseline. While the conventional design is efficient in particle collection, it experiences significant energy losses due to high values of pressure drops. This study introduces exit diffusers with various configurations—A, B, C, D, E, and F—to improve cyclone performance. Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) simulations were used to analyse the pressure drop, tangential velocity, and static pressure at different levels of each cyclone. The findings reveal that cyclone D achieves a 41.1% reduction in pressure drop but at the cost …

Performance Evaluation Of Novel And Efficient Integration Of Solar-Assisted Hvac System With Solar Humidification-Dehumidification Desalination System, Ahmed M. Khaira, Ahmed Hossam, M. M. Bassuoni, Mohamed Abdelgaied

Journal of Engineering Research

This paper aims to study the performance of a novel and efficient integration of a solar-assisted HVAC system with a solar humidification-dehumidification desalination system for hot climates. The proposed hybrid system aims to achieve thermal comfort conditions, produce freshwater, reduce the required power input, and reduce environmental pollution. To achieve this idea, we designed, constructed, and tested the novel hybrid system consisting of a solar-assisted HVAC system incorporated with a solar humidification-dehumidification desalination system. The device takes the rejected hot air that has passed over a solid desiccant and feeds it into a solar still to extract fresh water, while …

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 …

Numerical Investigation Of Heat Transfer And Pressure Drop In A Circular Microchannel Using Sio₂ Nanofluids, Mahmoud G. Abdelfatah, Osama E. Abd-Ellatif, Ahmed A. A. Attia, Abdelrady O. Elnady

Journal of Engineering Research

A numerical investigation was conducted to analyze the flow characteristics and heat transfer performance of a circular microchannel. using water and SiO₂+pure water nanofluids with volume fractions of 0.3%, 0.7%, and 1%. The microchannel was subjected to a constant heat flux of 100W, and the pressure drop, friction factor, and thermal resistance were evaluated for different Reynolds numbers ranging from 250 to 850. The results show that the addition of SiO₂ nanoparticles enhances the thermal performance of the microchannel by reducing the thermal resistance by up to 1.9% compared to pure water. However, the pressure drop increases with higher Np …

The Effect Of Hot Machining Of Difficult-To-Machine Materials On The Form Accuracy In The Turning Process, Ahmed Yehia Kamal, Samy F. M. Assal, Ahmed M. El-Kassas, Ahmed A. Hawam

Journal of Engineering Research

Form accuracy of machined parts is crucial to the interchangeability in production as well as the function of the part and its expected useful life. Numerous studies investigated the form accuracy in traditional machining operations but none of them considered this issue in hot machining. In this technique, a difficult-to-machine workpiece is preheated to soften its material and reduce the cutting force. In this paper, the form accuracy represented in roundness, tape, and straightness of hot turned AISI 304L parts are investigated. The results showed that the hot condition has a minimal effect on the form accuracy which confirms the …

Investigation Of Innovative Heat Pipes / Fins System For Diesel Engine Cooling, Mohammad Shafiq Anees

Thesis/ Dissertation Defenses

Engine cooling is considered one of the most important factors that affect their efficiency and therefore their performance, so a new cooling method is proposed using both heat pipes and fins to improve the cooling quality of internal combustion engines and shall be examined theoretically and experimentally. A test rig has been designed and built using a specimen material with similar properties to the real engine materials with similar dimensions as the engine cylinder head / liner thickness. In order to make the effectiveness of this research, a comparison between the cooling by fins alone and cooling the engine by …