Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

A Rigorous Framework For An Improved Messinger/Myers Model Of Ice Accretion Under Conditions Of Variable Property And Unsteady Aircraft Icing, Hashnayne Ahmed, Arash Shad, ‪Nadim Zgheib, S. A. Sherif, S. Balachandar

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

We analyse the Messinger/Myers model by critically evaluating simplifying assumptions through a rigorous formulation of the rime ice accretion process. We explore the effects of both constant and variable ice density and thermal conductivity, along with the effects of sublimation from the ice surface. The effects of key factors such as droplet impact rate, ambient temperature relative to the freezing temperature and the temperature difference between the ambient air and the airfoil surface are examined. Under these varying conditions, the present rigorous formulation is used to assess the significance of unsteady effects, variable ice properties and sublimation. We observe that …

Bonding Ss316l And In625 Through Laser Powder Bed Fusion And Directed Energy Deposition: A Comparative Tensile Analysis, Christopher J. Bettencourt, Nadia Kouraytem

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

Directed Energy Deposition (DED) was used to deposit Inconel 625 (IN625) onto 316L stainless steel (SS316L) substrates fabricated by Laser Powder Bed Fusion. Tensile properties of the resulting multi-material specimens were compared to those of the individual alloys. Two bonding approaches were evaluated: a direct transition and a 50/50 intermediate layer formed by blending equal parts of each alloy during deposition. The multi-material specimens demonstrated higher yield strength than the single alloys. However, samples with the 50/50 transition exhibited brittle failure at the joint, whereas the direct transition behaved more ductile. Scanning Electron Microscopy revealed microcracks at the interface of …

Aeroponic System Optimization For Butterhead Lettuce Growth And Future Sustainability Using Flow Blurring Atomization: An Overview, Taylor J. Johnson

Beyond: Undergraduate Research Journal

The global population has grown by 6 billion people over the last century and is trending toward 9.7 billion people by the year 2050. Agriculture accounts for 70% of global fresh water usage. Technology must be developed to accommodate the increase of food production demanded by the growing global population and the subsequent increase in water usage. Aeroponic technology is a water-efficient vertical farming technology that can reduce water usage by 90% by suspending plant roots in air within a controlled chamber and supplying atomized droplets of a water-nutrient solution directly to the roots.

This study simultaneously tests six droplet …

Research On Node-Improved Energy Dissipation Wear Model For Fretting Fatigue Prediction In Railway Press-Fit Shaft, Hang Wang, Lijun Zhang, Weijian Zhang, Hongtao Li, Hong Chi, Kai Yang, Jixu Zhou, Li Ai

Civil Engineering Faculty Publications

As a key component of the traveling system of high-speed trains, the axle is crucial for its safe operation. The current research on the fretting wear and fatigue development of shafts suffers from the problems of low local simulation accuracy of the wear model and the lack of detection and validation methods for the dynamic expansion of wear and fatigue. To this end, this study firstly proposes a new node-improved form of energy dissipation wear model, which is more sensitive to the contact behavior of the asperity body in the overfilled region and the energy transfer process; it exhibits wear …

The Design And Effect Of Continuum Robot Compliance On Locomotion, Parsa Molaei

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Continuum robots, due to their compliant structures and ability to navigate through constrained environments, offer significant advantages in applications requiring safe physical interaction and dexterous motion. However, challenges related to limited structural stiffness, payload capacity, and precise control remain open problems in the field. This dissertation presents novel contributions aimed at addressing these limitations through two main actuation units of continuum robots: tendon-driven continuum robots (TDCRs) and concentric tube robots (CTRs). In the first part, we focus on methods to improve the stability and modify the stiffness of the TDCR. A tendon decoupling strategy is introduced for planar TDCRs. The …

The Potential Of Microbial Fuel Cells As A Dual Solution For Sustainable Wastewater Treatment And Energy Generation: A Case Study, Shajjadur Rahman Shajid, Monjur Mourshed, Md. Golam Kibria, Bahman Shabani

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Student Publications and Presentations

Microbial fuel cells (MFCs) are bio-electrochemical systems that harness microorganisms to convert organic pollutants in wastewater directly into electricity, offering a dual solution for sustainable wastewater treatment and renewable energy generation. This paper presents a holistic techno-economic and environmental feasibility assessment of largescale MFC deployment in Dhaka’s industrial zone, Bangladesh, as a relevant case study. Here, treating 100,000 cubic meters of wastewater daily would require a capital investment of approximately USD 500 million, with a total project cost ranging between USD 307.38 million and 1.711 billion, depending on system configurations. This setup has an estimated theoretical energy recovery of 478.4 …

Soft Hexapod Robot With Tendon-Driven Continuum Legs For Internal Infrastructure Inspection, Setayesh Yavari

LSU Master's Theses

The need for robotic systems capable of operating in confined, hazardous, or complex environments has driven interest in soft and legged platforms for industrial inspection and structural integrity assessment. This thesis presents the design and fabrication of a tentacle-like, soft-legged hexapod robot, which uses six cable-stiffened, pre-curved, tendon-driven continuum robot (TDCR) legs. These biologically inspired legs are designed to offer a balance between compliance and control, enabling the robot to navigate unstructured terrains and potentially grasp cylindrical structures such as pipes. The design phase involved the development and comparison of multiple leg geometries using CAD modeling and finite element analysis …

Machine Tool Interoperability In Smart Manufacturing And Industry 4.0, M. R. Mccormick, Mohammed Shafae, Thorsten Wuest

Faculty Publications

Real-time decision making is supported by data-hungry emerging technologies such as machine learning and digital twins. Innovations in manufacturing process control utilizing these technologies are constrained by interoperability. Marketing materials, sales pitches, and academic literature portray interoperability on the factory floor as seamless and robust. However, this study demonstrates that in spite of plentiful mature standards, interoperability on the factory floor is neither seamless nor robust. To exemplify interoperability in the context of an established and widely adopted standard, this study analyzes the interoperability of machine tools produced by a premier equipment builder which has exceeded US$1 billion in sales …

Corrosion Behavior Of Mgtizn And Mg4tizn Alloys After Ball Milling And Subsequent Spark Plasma Sintering, Alexander Helmer, Rahul Agrawal, Manoj Mugale, Tushar Borkar, Rajeev Gupta

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Magnesium-containing multi-principal element alloys (MPEAs) are promising for lightweight applications due to their low density, high specific strength, and biocompatibility. This study examines two Mg-Ti-Zn alloy compositions, equal molar MgTiZn (TZ) and Mg4TiZn (4TZ), synthesized via ball milling followed by spark plasma sintering, focusing on their microstructures and corrosion behaviors. X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy revealed the formation of intermetallic phases, including Ti2Zn and Mg21Zn25 in TZ, while 4TZ exhibited a predominantly Mg-rich phase. Potentiodynamic polarization and immersion tests in 0.1 M NaCl solution showed that both alloys had good corrosion resistance, with values of 3.65 +/- 0.65 mu …

Oscillatory Flow Improves Hydrodynamic Ordering Of Soft Suspensions In Rectangular Channels, Paul C. Millett

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

A computational study is presented that examines the hydrodynamic ordering of soft-particle suspensions within rectangular channels undergoing both steady and oscillatory flow. In these conditions, particles assemble into one-dimensional train-like configurations aligned in the flow direction. The results indicate that oscillatory flow facilitates a significant improvement in the ordering process, particularly for the assembly of multiple side-by-side trains within the channel. Several key parameters are systematically varied, including the Wolmersley number (Wo) representing the oscillatory frequency, the capillary number (Ca) representing the particle deformability, and the particle volume fraction (phi). It is found that optimal ordering occurs for a particular …

Enhanced Scratch Resistance Of Graphite Coating Using A Polydopamine Adhesive Underlayer, Adedoyin Abe, Min Zou

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Graphite has great potential as a solid lubricant due to its low friction properties, but its poor adhesion to metal substrates limits its durability unless modified. This study explores the use of polydopamine (PDA), a bioinspired adhesive polymer, as an underlayer to enhance the adhesion and scratch resistance of graphite coatings applied to stainless steel (SS) substrates. Progressive load scratch tests were performed using a stainless steel ball counterface under normal loads ranging from 0.5 to 18 N. The PDA-modified coatings demonstrated significantly improved adhesion and durability, withstanding contact pressures up to 1.6 GPa without delamination or failure. In contrast, …

Development Of An Experimental Stand For The Study Of The Directions Of Movement And Velocity Of Air Flows In The Pneumatic Channel Of The Final Aspiration Of The Muz-16 Air Sieve Separator, Alexey Igorevich Ermakov, Alexey Alexandrovich Yazenkov, Sergey Anatolyevich Zelenko, Zulfiya Kakhramonovna Ergasheva

Technical science and innovation

The article describes the principle of operation of the MUZ-16 air-sieve separator produced by CJSC Borisov Plant Metalist, intended for preliminary, primary and secondary purification of grain and seeds of cereals, legumes, cereal crops and rapeseed. The results of a study of the directions of air flow in the MUZ-16 aspiration system and the efficiency of purifying buckwheat from impurities that differ in aerodynamic properties are presented. It has been established that the part of the MUZ-16 aspiration system, responsible for preliminary aspiration, works effectively, while the part of the system responsible for the final aspiration of the grain mixture …

Research Of Hereditarily Deformable Structures Under Seismic Impacts, Abdali Abdukarimov, Kazbek Nuratdinov

Technical science and innovation

This article examines the responses of a structure to both single-component and multi-component seismic impacts if they are generally described by three linear displacements and three rotations of the foundation relative to three orthogonal axes.

A mathematical apparatus has been created that allows developing statistical theories of seismic resistance for studying hereditarily deformable structures under random seismic impacts. Using impulse transition functions, having established the explicit form of the reaction of hereditarily deformable structures to an arbitrary form of random disturbance, it is possible to determine: the mathematical expectation and moments of the outgoing process; correlation functions; spectral densities, i.e. …

Research Into Technological Features In The Curring Process Of Multilayer Polymer Composite Parts, Umidbek Dilshod Ugli Kosimov, Jonibek Kobilovich Tokhirov, Andrey Dmitrievich Novikov

Technical science and innovation

This paper examines the main technologies and mechanisms used in the curing process of multilayer thick-walled parts of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) made of polymer composite materials (PCM) based on epoxy resin. The study provides a detailed analysis of the technological features of the curing process, its kinetics, and the influence of heat transfer mechanisms on the final quality of molded components. It is emphasized that due to the low thermal conductivity of PCM, temperature inhomogeneity may occur during curing, leading to defects, internal stresses, and deterioration of the mechanical properties of the product. Therefore, ensuring uniform temperature distribution throughout …

Comparative Analysis Of Gas And Mechanical Emissions From Electric Cars And Internal Combustion Engine Vehicles, Bakhtiyor Akhmatjonovich Kosimov

Technical science and innovation

This article analyzes the environmental impact of modern cars, in particular the amount of harmful substances emitted into the environment by electric cars and internal combustion engine cars, and provides scientific information on the substances that are released from cars in the form of not only gaseous emissions, but also dust particles generated by the mechanical wear of the brake system and tires. At the same time, this article also takes a scientific approach to the wear rates of brake pads and tires, their impact on environmental safety, and the level of dispersion of the microdust generated. Comparative tables have …

Application Of Polymer Nanocomposites In The Design Of Prosthetic Sockets That Feature Auxetic Meta-Structures, Sumit Suryakant Kolte, Vinayak Vijayan, Lihua Lou

Publications

This research evaluates the response of prosthetic sockets constructed using polymer nanocomposites and incorporating auxetic meta-structures. The prosthetic sockets feature lightweight meta-structures between the inner and outer walls of the socket. Three different prosthetic designs featuring chiral, reentrant hexagon, and honeycomb meta-structures are evaluated in this study. The prosthetic sockets were designed in SolidWorks and compared using finite element analysis. The polymer nanocomposites used in this study include polypropylene and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene containing uniformly distributed inclusions of either titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or graphene nanoplatelets. Our results show a favorable pressure profile at the interface between the prosthetic …

Improving The Efficiency Of Wells Turbines In Wave Energy Harvesting Using Computer Simulations, Godfred Abotar-Aidoo, Isaac Plange

ASPIRE 2026

Oscillating Water Columns (OWCs) are among the most promising wave energy converters for harnessing renewable power from ocean waves. These systems use a bi-directional airflow to drive a Wells turbine connected to a generator. However, the turbine’s efficiency is limited by flow separation and stall at high angles of attack. To address this, we investigated the effect of passive flow control by adding stability strips along the suction side of the turbine blades. The unsteady Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) equations, coupled with the k–ω SST turbulence model, were solved in ANSYS CFX 2025 R1 to evaluate the aerodynamic performance. Non-dimensional performance …

Creating Blood Analogs To Mimic Steady-State Non-Newtonian Shear-Thinning Characteristics Under Various Thermal Conditions, Hang Yi, Alexander Wang, Christopher Wang, Jared Chong, Chungyiu Ma, Luke Bramlage, Bryan Ludwig, Zifeng Yang

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

Blood analogs are widely employed in in vitro experiments such as particle image velocity (PIV) to secure hemodynamics, assisting pathophysiological diagnoses of neurovascular and cardiovascular diseases, as well as pre-surgical planning and intraoperative orientation. To obtain accurate physical parameters, which are critical for diagnosis and treatment, blood analogs should exhibit realistic non-Newtonian shear-thinning features. In this study, two types of blood analogs working under room temperature (293.15 K) were created to mimic the steady-state shear-thinning features of blood over a temperature range of 295 to 312 K and a shear range of 1~250 s−1 at a hematocrit of ~40%. Type …

Data-Driven Methods For Signal Analysis And Nonlinear System Identification, Cristian Felipe López Ruano

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

In recent years, data-driven modeling has gained considerable attention in nonlinear system identification, offering a powerful alternative to traditional physics-based methods. This has been possible by advances in machine learning, sparse regression, and differential equations in a weak form, which allow the accurate capture of complex nonlinear dynamics, even when the measurements are in strong background noise. Moreover, integrating these models with physical knowledge further enhances their reliability and interpretability, making them suitable for a wide range of science and engineering applications.

In this dissertation, we investigate algorithms for data-driven nonlinear system identification to obtain ordinary differential equations that govern …

Using Knovel Steam Calculators Instead Of Printed Steam Tables, Anthony Reynolds

Case studies: Digital Education

Applied Thermodynamics is a cornerstone module in mechanical engineering curricula, providing students with the foundational understanding of energy systems, heat transfer, and the behaviour of working fluids such as steam. Traditionally, students have relied on printed steam tables found in the appendix of class textbooks to determine thermodynamic properties—an approach that, while educational, can be both time-consuming and prone to errors. With the increasing availability of digital tools in education, there is a growing opportunity to enhance the teaching and learning of technical subjects through technology. One such tool is the Knovel Steam Calculators, an interactive, web-based resource that allows …

Jme4110: Hydro-Excavator Robot, Diane L. Evans, Nathan Fenton, Grant Cole, Nicholas Sipe

Washington University / UMSL Mechanical Engineering Design Project JME 4110

In an environmental situation wherein, diesel has leaked into soil surrounding high voltage lines in an underground confined space where workers cannot access physically and for safety reasons. To alleviate the situation, the project goal is to create a remotely controlled robot, with umbilical attachments. Due to the nature of the environment containing sensitive and electrically charged equipment, mechanical means of removing the soil are not feasible. For this reason, the robot is to remove contaminated soil by using a powerful water sprayer and vacuum combination. Other options for features of this robot are that it uses tracks for movement, …

Jme 4110: Automatic Umbrella Opener, Sam Nieder, Adam Freeman

Washington University / UMSL Mechanical Engineering Design Project JME 4110

Manually opening and closing a patio umbrella can be time consuming and laborious. While there are remote controlled umbrellas for sale, they are expensive and may not be a reasonable option for most people. Our task was to create a device that can be retrofitted onto any patio umbrella, that allows it to be opened and closed remotely.

Jme 4110: Remotely Actuated Rail Switch, Calysta Yalew, Chibale Anwisye, Ron Almira, Andy Sengsavang

Washington University / UMSL Mechanical Engineering Design Project JME 4110

This project focuses on developing a device that will switch the direction of rail by moving the manual rail switch itself. This design consists of two winches strategically placed on either side of the rail switch. It is then attached to a beam clamped to the manual switch and via a button on a phone, can pull the handle left and right. With this device patrons are able to keep safe and railway operations would be more efficient.

Jme 4110: Design And Evaluation Of A Remote-Operated Tool For High-Ceiling Light Bulb Maintenance, Faiq Kureshi, Austin Carr, Phuc Truong, Klevis Malaj

Washington University / UMSL Mechanical Engineering Design Project JME 4110

Changing light bulbs in high ceilings is a common but hazardous task. Existing tools are awkward, unstable, and often lead to dropped bulbs, damaged fixtures, or the need for ladders, increasing both risk and effort. There is a clear need for a safe, accurate, and efficient solution that allows bulb replacement from the ground without compromising speed or precision

Optimization Of Thermoelectric Energy Harvester To Power Wireless Onboard Bearing Health Sensors During Rail Service, Danna Cecilia Capitanachi Avila

Theses and Dissertations

This work presents the optimization of a thermoelectric energy harvester designed to supply power to a wireless onboard bearing health monitoring device for critical freight rail components. The study demonstrates an enhancement in the circuitry through the integration of an energy management subsystem (E-Peas AEM20940), which features a boost converter with lower self-start voltage. The harvesting system was tested on dynamic bearing test rigs to closely replicate field service conditions. Test plans were conducted using common freight speeds and loads to simulate a representative urban route. The thermoelectric energy harvester was able to operate at temperature differentials as low as …

Electron Beam Irradiation Effects On Bulk Metals And High Entropy Alloys (Crmnv And Crmntiv) And The Synthesis And Characterization Of Irradiation-Induced Damage In Polycrystalline Metal And High Entropy Alloy Thin Films, Najmin Ara Sultana

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Accelerator beam exit windows are designed to withstand intense radiation and mechanical stress while preserving beam transmission and structural integrity. This dissertation explores the structural and mechanical responses of pure metals and high-entropy alloys (HEAs), in both bulk and thin-film forms, under high-dose electron beam (e-beam) irradiation to identify optimal materials for next-generation accelerator exit windows. Monte Carlo simulations using FLUKA, conducted at Jefferson Lab, revealed that amongst Ni, Ti, Cr, and V, Ni exhibits the highest power dissipation, while Ti depicts the lowest power dissipation, with Cr and V demonstrating intermediate characteristics. Bulk polycrystalline (PC) and single-crystalline (SC) samples …

Reduced Order Model-Based Framework For Microsecond Model Updating Of Two-Dimensional Structural Systems Using The Local Eigenvalue Modification Procedure, Emmanuel Abiodun Ogunniyi

Theses and Dissertations

Real-time model updating is crucial for active structures and electronic assemblies subjected to high-rate dynamic events. High-rate dynamic events refer to events that occur at high speeds and with rapid changes in the forces and energy involved. These events can include explosions, impacts, and crashes. These systems are characterized by a high dynamic response with a high rate (< 100 ms), high amplitude (> 100 gn), highly nonlinear, meaning that the response is not proportional to the applied force, and involve complex interactions between multiple objects or materials. A system exposed to high-rate dynamic environments is frequently prone to rapid plastic deformation, involving violent and …

Strain And Redox Engineering For Enhanced Thermoelectric Performance In Transition Metal Oxide Thin Films, Mohammad Jamal El Loubani

Theses and Dissertations

The discovery of highly efficient and cost-effective thermoelectric (TE) materials is essential to envision high-performance TE power generators that enable the direct conversion of waste heat into electricity. Transition metal oxides (TMOs) are considered promising candidates for high-temperature TE applications due to their excellent thermal stability and low cost. However, their maximum power output (power factor, PF = σ•S2) is constrained by the intrinsic trade-off between thermopower (S) and electrical conductivity (σ), both of which are inversely related to carrier concentration. This trade-off poses a significant barrier to improving the performance of TE devices. Among various strategies to overcome this …

Microstructure And Defects Of Aa6061 In The Laser Powder Bed Fusion Additive Manufacturing, Sivaji Karna

Theses and Dissertations

AA6061 is a widely used aluminum alloy known for its excellent thermal conductivity, strength, and corrosion resistance. However, its application in Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing is restricted by solidification cracking and porosity. This study examines defect formation, microstructural evolution, and precipitate behavior in AA6061 processed under various LPBF conditions, including room temperature and heated substrates (500°C), as well as pulsed wave laser configurations. Microstructural characterization was conducted using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).

A maximum relative density of 99.17% was …

Hydrogen Permeation And Mechanical Behavior Of Hydrogen-Charged Cr-Coated And Oxidized Zr-Alloy Fuel Cladding, Daniel Cole Viands

Theses and Dissertations

Following the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011, accident tolerant fuel (ATF) became a major research interest to enhance the safety of light water reactors. Because the current fleet of light water reactors and their associated fuel cycle infrastructure are well-established, developing ATF that does not significantly alter the current fuel form or change its supporting infrastructure is ideal. Cr-coated Zircaloy fuel cladding is therefore an excellent short-term solution to enhance accident tolerance. Thin layers of Cr-coating offer notable resistance to corrosion, high-temperature oxidation, physical wear, and hydrogen permeation. Cold spray (CS) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) are two well-established Cr-coating …