Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Industry 5.0, Human–Machine Interface, And Smart Manufacturing In Additive Manufacturing—A Recent Trend, Atiqur Rahman, Md Hazrat Ali, Muhammad Arif Mahmood, Frank Liou

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The emergence and importance of Industry 5.0 are transforming production by integrating smart technology with human creativity and intelligence, especially in advanced additive manufacturing. This critical review precisely analyzes the function of human–machine interfaces (HMIs) in enhancing additive processes, emphasizing their incorporation into smart manufacturing systems and hybrid manufacturing methods, including material extrusion (MEX), laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), and directed energy deposition (DED). It also evaluates artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity, which enhance HMIs in process monitoring, operation, and system adaptability. This study aims to provide a critical analysis and future research direction on …

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 …

Few-Shot Learning-Enhanced Tiered Path Planning For Mars Rover Navigation, Ziyi Wang, Di Yu, Mina Khalilzadeh Fathi, Chaoying Pei

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Path planning for Mars rovers presents significant challenges due to the diverse terrain, ranging from easily navigable areas to hazardous zones. Traditional methods typically classify terrain simply as passable or impassable, failing to account for the nuances of more moderately challenging areas. In this paper, we introduce a tiered terrain-aware path planning strategy, employing few-shot learning to classify and segment Martian terrain into levels of difficulty. The few-shot learning model, trained on Earth, is sent to the rover, enabling real-time processing of images from satellites or helicopters. The flexibility of few-shot learning, which requires minimal data and training time, enables …

One-Dimensional Numerical Analysis Of A Novel Elastohydrodynamic Seal For Supercritical Co2 Power Cycles With Experimental Validation And Future Approach, Cole B. Hayne

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

This thesis presents a numerical analysis and experimental verification approach for a novel elastohydrodynamic (EHD) seal designed with the specific application of supercritical carbon dioxide (sCO₂) power cycles. Brayton power cycles with sCO₂ as the working fluid have gained significant traction as potential large-scale power generation methods. This increase in interest and research is primarily due to their many beneficial characteristics, such as high thermal efficiency, compact geographic footprint, reduced capital costs, and lower water and fuel usage than comparable power cycles. Despite these many positive qualities, proper sealing technology remains one of the primary barriers to …

Effect Of Alloying Additions On Austenite Refinement In Nickel-Alloyed Ductile Cast Irons, Adnan Adib Aahamed

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations

The benefits associated with the application of ductile irons are significantly attributed to the control of microstructures, with refinement of austenitic matrix during solidification playing a significant role. Nickel alloyed ductile irons are attractive due to their potential for high ductility and suitability for potential high-temperature applications with stable austenitic microstructure. Refinement of austenite grain structure is thus important to enhance the mechanical properties of the alloyed ductile iron. This research investigates the impact of in-mold additions of different alloying elements on the austenite morphology and grain refinement of nickel-alloyed ductile iron along with the associated mechanical properties. A hypoeutectic …

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 …

Extended-Duration Satellite Testing Via Altitude-Controlled High-Altitude Balloon, Drew Early, Evan Champney, Nikki Allen, Riley Galatis, Lukas Hezel, Joseph Kloess, Andrew Donnell, Sam Whitlock, Kaden Queener

Von Braun Symposium Student Posters

Undergraduate runner-up, 2025 Von Braun Symposium Student Poster Contest

Molecular Dynamics-Based Two-Dimensional Simulation Of Powder Bed Additive Manufacturing Process For Unimodal And Bimodal Systems, Yeasir Mohammad Akib, Ehsan Marzbanrad, Farid Ahmed

Manufacturing & Industrial Engineering Faculty Publications

The trend of adapting powder bed fusion (PBF) for product manufacturing continues to grow as this process is highly capable of producing functional 3D components with micro-scale precision. The powder bed’s properties (e.g., powder packing, material properties, flowability, etc.) and thermal energy deposition heavily influence the build quality in the PBF process. The packing density in the powder bed dictates the bulk powder behavior and in-process performance and, therefore, significantly impacts the mechanical and physical properties of the printed components. Numerical modeling of the powder bed process helps to understand the powder spreading process and predict experimental outcomes. A two-dimensional …

Influence Of Alloy Composition On The Process Robustness Of Steels Consolidated Via Laser-Directed Energy Deposition, Jonathan Kelley

Masters Theses

"To ensure consistent quality of additively manufactured parts, it is advantageous to identify alloys which can meet performance criteria while being robust to process variations. Toward this end, this work investigated the effect of alloy composition on the robustness of steels consolidated via laser-directed energy deposition (L-DED). Ultra-high-strength low-alloy steel (UHSLA) and pure iron powders were mixed in-situ to produce 10 compositions containing 10-100% UHSLA by mass. JMatPro material simulations roughly predicted phases and mechanical properties. Two sets of experiments were used to evaluate the sensitivity of as-built hardness (all 10 compositions) and tensile properties (5 select compositions) to process …

Polymorphism And Mechanical Behavior In Hot-Pressed 3d-Printed Polyamide Composite: Effects Of Pressure And Temperature, John Barber, Patricia Revolinsky, Jimesh Bhagatji, Diego Pedrazzoli, Sergii Kravchenko, Oleksandr Kravchenko

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The aim of this work is to study the effect of high-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 on the mechanical behavior and material crystalline composition. Treated, carbon fiber-reinforced PA6 samples were analyzed using differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, 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 in an increased flexural modulus and strength …

Optimizing Material Selection And Operational Conditions For Xhv Systems: Lessons From Aisi 1020 And 316l Comparative Studies, Aiman H. Al-Allaq, Md Abdullah Mamun, Matt Poelker, Abdelmageed Elmustafa

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

In this study, AISI 1020 low-carbon steel was investigated as a cost-effective alternative to SS316L stainless steel for reaching extreme high vacuum (XHV) conditions. After being baked at 400°C, a vacuum chamber made of low-carbon steel material exhibited an outgassing rate approximately 2000 times smaller than a similar chamber made of stainless steel. Its activation energy for hydrogen diffusion (27 kJ/mol) is less than half that of stainless steel (60.3 kJ/mol), indicating more efficient hydrogen removal during bakeout. MolFlow+ simulations supported the experimental data and demonstrated the importance of system geometry optimization and minimizing stainless steel content for achieving optimal …

Fault Tree Analysis For Robust Design, Jonathan Degroff, Gene Jean-Win Hou

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

The objective of this research is to incorporate system failure into a robust design formation and solution process. The system failure referred to here will be built using fault tree analysis (FTA), which will take all lower-level failure events into consideration. Two examples are investigated here. One will directly treat the probabilities of the basis events as design variables, The other will be formulated in five different models: deterministic design optimization, the reliability index-based, the “and” gate-based, the “or” gate-based and the “inhibit” gate-based robust design. Their corresponding optimization solutions will be compared with each other. The post-optimality analysis of …

Polarized Positrons At Ce⁺Baf, A. Ushakov, J. Benesch, M. Bruker, L. Cardman, J. Conway, S. Covrig Dusa, P. Degtiarenko, Y. Enomoto, S. Gessner, P. Ghoshal, S. Gopinath, J. Grames, C. Gulliford, S. Habet, G. Hays, C. Hernández-García, A. Hofler, R. Kazimi, M. Kostin, V. O. Kostroun, F. Lin, V. Lizárraga-Rubio, K. Mahler, Y. Morikawa, S. Nagaitsev, S. Ogur, G. Palacios-Serrano, N. Raut, B. Rimmer, Y. Roblin, A. Seryi, K. Smolenski, M. Stutzman, R. Suleiman, A. Sy, N. Taylor, D. Turner, A. Ushakov, C. Valerio-Lizarraga, E. Voutier, S. Wang, Y. Zhang

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

A baseline concept for a continuous wave (CW) polarized positron injector was developed for the Continuous Electron Beam Accelerator Facility (CEBAF) at Jefferson Lab [1]. This concept is based on positron beam generation by a high current polarized electron beam (1 mA, 120 MeV, >85% polarization) irradiating a rotating water-cooled tungsten target or liquid metal target. The update on the development of the Ce⁺BAF injector concept including the polarized electron source, the development of high power targets, simulations of positron capture, the design of the transport line from the positron injector to the CEBAF North Linac and the planned experiment …

Mixing-Controlled Combustion Of Ethanol Enabled By Prechamber Ignition (Pc-Mcc): A Preliminary Experimental Demonstration, Jared Zeman, Ziming Yan, Michael Bunce, Adam Dempsey

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This numerical study focuses on assessing the key design parameters of interest for use of an active prechamber igniter as an ignition assistance device to enable mixing-controlled combustion (MCC) of ethanol (E100) in a heavy-duty Caterpillar C9.3B engine. Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) simulations of a baseline diesel and prechamber retrofitted C9.3B at a gross indicated mean effective pressure (IMEPg) of 5 bar and 1800 rpm are carried out using CONVERGE. In particular, the sizing of the prechamber volume, sizing of total orifice cross sectional area (orifice diameter), and location of the prechamber relative to a centrally mounted common rail direct …

Conference Report Of Wmu Maritime Affairs Conference 2025 : Transforming A Maritime Future : Digitalization And Decarbonization, World Maritime University

Conference Papers

No abstract provided.

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 …

Machine Learning Approach For Defect Prediction In Metal 3d Printing For Aerospace Applications, Yerlik Gabdulla, Md Hazrat Ali, Frank Liou, Essam Shehab

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Additive manufacturing (AM) has revolutionized the aerospace industry by enabling the production of lightweight and high-strength components, such as aerospace engine components and structural elements. The ability to create complex geometries and reduce material waste is particularly beneficial for aerospace applications, where performance and weight reduction are paramount. However, ensuring the quality and reliability of these components remains a challenge, particularly in mass production, which is related to material quality, expensive processes, and longer computational times than conventional manufacturing methods. This paper proposes an approach utilizing a Decision Tree Classification Machine Learning Algorithm to predict the possibility of defect occurrence …

In-Situ Transmission Electron Microscopy Investigation Of Grain Size And Temperature Dependent Irradiation Behavior Of 304l Stainless Steel, Anish Ranjan, Matthew Luebbe, Nastaran Motaharinia, Wei Ying Chen, Frank Liou, Haiming Wen

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The influence of grain size, irradiation temperature, and dose on the evolution of irradiation-induced defects in austenitic 304L stainless steel (SS) was systematically investigated. Coarse-grained (CG), ultrafine-grained (UFG), and nanocrystalline (NC) specimens were exposed to irradiation doses up to 10 displacements per atom (dpa) at room temperature (RT), 300°C, and 500°C. Dislocation loop size and density were quantitatively analyzed using transmission electron microscopy, and results showed that the dislocation loop size remained comparable across different grain sizes. However, loop density was strongly dependent on the grain size. The CG specimens exhibited the highest loop density due to a limited fraction …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Nonlinear Dynamics And Control Of An Autonomously Operated Towed System, Brian Allan Carr

Wayne State University Theses

Emergency towing vessels are a vital component of maritime safety. This study works to improve on previous works in the area of automating the towing of disabled ships. In doing so control methods for transient three degree of freedom dynamics of a tug and tow system which is connected with a finite element cable are evaluated. A Heaviside unit step function is inserted to void both the elastic and viscous interaction between the massive elements whenever the distance between two neighboring masses appears to be below the corresponding undeformed distance. This follows the representation of the cable as a one-dimensional …

A Comprehensive Review Of Piezoelectric Pvdf Polymer Fabrications And Characteristics, Nadia Ahbab, Sidra Naz, Tian-Bing Xu, Shihai Zhang

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) polymer films, renowned for their exceptional piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties, offer a versatile platform for the development of cutting-edge micro-scale functional devices, enabling innovative applications ranging from energy harvesting and sensing to medical diagnostics and actuation. This paper presents an in-depth review of the material properties, fabrication methodologies, and characterization of PVDF films. Initially, a comprehensive description of the physical, mechanical, chemical, thermal, electrical, and electromechanical properties is provided. The unique combination of piezoelectric, pyroelectric, and ferroelectric properties, coupled with its excellent chemical resistance and mechanical strength, makes PVDF a highly valuable material for a wide …

The Design Of A Bioinspired Impact Mitigation System Towards The Prevention Of Brain Injuries, Bryce H. Reimer

Master’s Theses

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), including concussions and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), remain a major concern across contact sports, military operations, and transportation. Despite advancements in protective equipment, current strategies often fall short in preventing the mechanical conditions that contribute to long-term neurological damage. This thesis presents the design and validation of a bioinspired impact mitigation system modeled after bighorn sheep horn structures, which have evolved to endure high-energy collisions without apparent brain injury.

Using biomimetic principles, the research integrates experimental and computational methods to evaluate how horn-like geometries reduce impact-induced accelerations. A custom drop tower was built to test dynamic …

Nebraska Summary #1293: Fendt 618 Vario, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

Nebraska Summary #1292: Fendt 616 Vario, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

Nebraska Test #2301: Claas Xerion 12.650, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

Nebraska Test #2298: John Deere 9rx 830, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

Nebraska Test #2297: John Deere 9rx 770, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …

Nebraska Test #2296: John Deere 9rx 710, Nebraska Tractor Test Lab

Nebraska Tractor Tests

ABOUT THE TEST REPORT AND USE OF THE DATA The test data contained in this report are a tabulation of the results of a series of tests. Due to the restricted format of these pages, only a limited amount of data and not all of the tractor specifications are included. The full OECD report contains usually about 30 pages of data and specifications. The test data were obtained for each tractor under similar conditions and therefore, provide a means of comparison of performance based on a limited set of reported data. EXPLANATION OF THE TEST PROCEDURES Purpose The purpose of …