Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Enhanced Atomization And Combustion In Subsonic Ljic Systems Using Ultrasonically Driven Solid Obstructions, Daniel Sebastian Cruz

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

The liquid fueling methods used in aircraft propulsion have undergone extensive optimization, with Liquid Jets in Crossflow (LJIC) emerging as a simple yet effective injection scheme. LJIC enables sufficient fuel mass flow rates and penetration for high-speed operation, however fuel trajectory and droplet size remain highly sensitive to crossflow conditions. As a result, wide flight envelopes introduce variability in atomization, leading to unsteady combustion performance. Recent work has incorporated a pintile, a solid obstruction placed in the path of the fuel jet, to redistribute momentum and reduce trajectory variability across varying flow conditions. While this approach improves trajectory uniformity, it …

High Intensity Ablation By Laser Filaments At Standoff Distances, Owen Thome

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

The high-power densities delivered to a target material by a laser allow for melting and vaporization to occur, a process called laser ablation. At higher intensities, plasma formation occurs and more complex material removal mechanisms take place. As laser power increases, nonlinear effects occur during propagation. One such effect, Kerr self-focusing, leads to beam collapse and ionization, resulting in a channel of plasma and region of high intensity light referred to as a laser filament. Filaments carry intensities on the order of 10¹³ W/cm² to significant distances without the use of large-scale focusing optics. Laser filament ablation is …

Pin-Plane Electrical Discharge Driven By A Mosfet Dc Current Source, Myles Perry, Sidmar Holoman, Daniel Wozniak, Shirshak Kumar Dhali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The generation of atmospheric pressure nonequilibrium plasma using electrical discharges is an active area of research due to its significance in a wide spectrum of applications including medicine, combustion, and manufacturing. In our attempt to create a helium plasma jet in a pin-plane discharge with a constant current source, we observed self-pulsating behavior. We present the results of the electrical, optical, and spectroscopic measurements carried out to characterize the discharge. The duration of the discharge is a few tens of nanoseconds, and the repetition rate is in the few tens of kHz. The effect of the gap distance and gas …

Failure Mechanism Of A Small Vertical Pier Under Post-Typhoon Wind-Wave Forcing, Kyu Tae Shim, Kyu Han Kim, Bumshick Shin, Hyun Dong Kim

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

This study investigated the failure process and major contributing factors of the north pier at Hongdo, located off the southwestern coast of Korea, which has experienced repeated damage and a history of repair and reinforcement. The 2016 damage event was selected for detailed analysis. Because direct wave observations were not available at the time of the damage, the offshore wind field was reconstructed using WRF, and the wave conditions were estimated using WAM and SWAN. The waves in front of the pier during the damage event were estimated to have been lower than the design wave adopted for the reinforcement …

Experimental Investigation Into The Effects Of Air Staging On Fouling In A Fixed-Bed Biomass Combustor, Akram Elsebaie

Theses: Doctorates and Masters

Biomass offers significant potential as a sustainable and renewable substitute for fossil fuels in energy generation, playing a critical role in the reduction of global warming. However, despite its environmental benefits, biomass combustion faces persistent operational challenges, particularly fouling, which reduces efficiency and increases maintenance costs. Although fouling mechanisms have been studied in various combustion systems, there is limited research which addresses its formation and behaviour in fixed-bed biomass combustors under different air staging conditions. This research investigates fouling behaviour in a counter-current combustor, focusing on the influence of design (secondary air location), operational (air staging flowrates between the primary …

Numerical Simulation Of Micro-Cutting Processes For The Estimation Of Material Fracture Toughness, Juan J. Lainez

Graduate Studies Theses and Dissertations 2026

Accurate determination of plane-strain fracture toughness is essential for structural integrity assessments of engineering components, yet conventional ASTM standardized testing methods require large, notched specimens that are impractical in many industrial and research contexts. This thesis presents a finite element method-based approach for estimating the mode I plane-strain fracture toughness of engineering materials from orthogonal micro-cutting simulations if the continuum damage mechanics-based fracture locus is calibrated. This method will eliminate the need for pre-cracked specimens while maintaining physically grounded fracture mechanics principles. The methodology applies to the Atkins energy-based cutting force model, in which the depth-independent intercept of the specific …

Entropic Forces Near Fluctuating Surfaces, Rubayet Hassan

Dissertations

Nanoscale structures are inherently dynamic due to persistent thermal fluctuations. Even in solid materials, these random deformations, driven by ambient thermal energy, can become significant when their characteristic scale approaches that of the structure itself and strongly influence their overall mechanical behavior. Examples of such structures include crystalline membranes, appearing in diverse forms such as nanotubes, nanoribbons, and kirigami/origami structures. Similarly, biological nanostructures, including lipid membranes, microtubules, actin filaments, and DNA, exhibit extreme flexibility and responsiveness due to their low bending rigidity. Numerous physiological processes are intrinsically linked to these thermal fluctuations, including exocytosis and endocytosis, membrane fusion, pore formation, …

Material Degradation And Analysis Of N-Doped Graphene/Mof Nanocatalysts For Orr In Electrochemical Energy Systems, Niladri Talukder

Dissertations

The development of advanced electrochemical energy conversion and storage systems is crucial for achieving sustainable energy security. As alternatives to precious metal-based catalysts in electrochemical systems, especially for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), Nitrogen-doped Graphene with Metal-organic Frameworks (N-G/MOF) nanocatalysts have shown exceptional promise in recent years. This research advances the understanding of N-G/MOF nanocatalysts by systematically examining their structural features, degradation traits, correlated performance losses, and other aspects related to catalytic activities.

First, nitrogen-doped graphene (N-G) nanocatalysts were thoroughly investigated, resolving their physical properties, the influence of synthesis parameters, molecular-level material structures, and chemical and electronic structural details of …

Effect Of Local Steel Slag Incorporation On The Mechanical Properties Of Concrete, Ahmed Safaa Tariq Karmah, Wissam Khadum Alsaraj, Luma A. Zghair

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The increasing interest in the production of concrete through the utilization of inexpensive materials has caused a rise in the number of studies concerning the use of materials with cementitious properties, such as Silica Fume, Slag, Fly Ash and other pozzolanic materials. Moreover, the increasing amounts of Steel Slag being produced from local factories that are being deposited without an available method of disposal provides an opportunity to harness the Slag in the production of an inexpensive, and possibly better concrete. Slag has been used as both an addition and substitution of the cement and fine aggregate. The mixtures included …

Decoding Climate Change: A Comprehensive Statistical Insight Into Temperature Anomalies In Iraq And Its Neighboring Countries, Jameel T. Al-Naffakha, Mohammed R. Al-Qassabanda, Israa Jafar

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study applies advanced statistical techniques, including the Mann-Kendall Trend Test and ARIMA forecasting, to validate and predict temperature anomalies across Iraq and its neighboring countries (2014–2024). Findings confirm a statistically significant warming trend (p < 0.00000005) across all nations, with Syria (1.02°C) and Turkey (0.97°C) experiencing the highest anomalies. GIS-based spatial analysis highlights regional disparities, identifying climate-vulnerable zones. The persistent rise in temperature anomalies correlates with worsening water scarcity, desertification, and extreme weather events, including prolonged droughts and heatwaves. Iraq’s peak anomaly (1.48°C) has exacerbated heat stress, agricultural decline, and reduced river inflows, while Kuwait and Saudi Arabia struggle to maintain critical infrastructure under record-breaking temperatures exceeding 50°C. These climate shifts pose severe risks to water availability, food security, and energy demand, necessitating urgent policy interventions. Key recommendations include enhanced water resource management, climate-adaptive agriculture, and renewable energy expansion. If left unaddressed, rising temperatures could destabilize the region, increasing socio-economic vulnerabilities and escalating resource conflicts. This study underscores the need for cross-border collaboration and sustainable adaptation policies to mitigate the long-term impacts of climate change in the Middle East.

Optimal Power Flow Control In The Iraqi Power Grid Using Artificial Intelligence Algorithms For Carbon Emission Reduction, Mohammed Shakir Juber

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Iraq’s power sector remains in a protracted and severe crisis characterized by a significant mismatch between supply and demand, high levels of losses during transmission and distribution, as well as an increasing challenge to the resources base being largely unfavourably. These inefficiencies impose heavy costs on the national economy in excess of 40 billion annually and they also reinforce greenhouse gas emissions, and exacerbate environmental issues. To deal with these problems, we proposed in this paper that a new hybrid AI tool should be developed for the solution of multi-objective optimization problem based on purpose Genetic Algorithm (GA) merger with …

Applying Machine Learning Techniques For Early Detection Of Cyber Attacks On Iot Devices, Noor Adnan Allamy

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This research designs, implements, and evaluates a machine learning-based framework for the early detection of cyber attacks targeting Internet of Things (IoT) devices, with a specific focus on the context and challenges present in Iraq. The study conducts a comparative analysis of three supervised learning algorithms—Support Vector Machine (SVM), Random Forest (RF), and Deep Neural Networks (DNN)—using a combination of benchmark datasets (NSL-KDD, CIC-IDS-2017, Bot-IoT) and a synthesized dataset adapted to simulate the Iraqi threat landscape. Key performance metrics, including accuracy, precision, recall, and F1-score, were used for evaluation. The proposed Random Forest model demonstrated superior performance, achieving an accuracy …

Ai-Enhanced Heat Transfer Optimization In Magnetic Bio-Nanofluids, Hasan Attyah Shaboot

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study presents a hybrid Artificial Intelligence–Computational Fluid Dynamics (AI-CFD) framework for optimizing heat transfer in magnetic bio-nanofluids subjected to external magnetic fields. Magnetic bio-nanofluids, composed of biocompatible base fluids containing superparamagnetic nanoparticles, exhibit tunable thermal and flow behavior, making them promising for biomedical and micro-cooling applications. Conventional optimization methods based on experiments or brute-force CFD are computationally expensive and limited in exploring the full design space. To overcome these challenges, an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) surrogate model was developed to predict two key performance indicators, the Nusselt number and the friction factor, with high accuracy (R² > 0.997). The surrogate …

Hybrid Experimental–Computational Study On The Energy Absorption Of Graphene Nanoplatelet-Reinforced Sandwich Structures, Hamdan Yousif Hamdan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Background: Sandwich composites are widely used in aerospace, automotive, and marine applications because of their lightweight, stiffness, and strength, but they remain prone to out-of-plane impacts and barely visible impact damage (BVID). Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNPs) have shown strong potential to improve fracture toughness and impact resistance. However, hybrid experimental–computational studies applying such reinforcement are still lacking in developing contexts like Iraq, where practical and accessible solutions are essential. Aims: The study investigates the effect of GNP reinforcement on the low-velocity impact behavior and energy absorption of glass fiber/epoxy sandwich panels with PVC foam and balsa wood cores. Objectives include fabricating …

Effect Of Thick Closed Walls Of West And South Elevations Of Iraqi Middle And South Territory Housing Building On Reducing Energy Use, Abeer Qasim Jbur, Shaimaa M. Hamza, Mayyadah Lutfi Abdulwahhab

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Thermal insulation is one of the most important factors in achieving sustainability, increasing efficiency, and reducing energy consumption, but modern insulation materials are expensive, in addition to their availability. Therefore, through our research, we resorted to investigating the issue of reducing thermal load in buildings through the use of thick-walled facades in the southern and western facades, where we studied a building with two windows with windows on the southern and western facades and another without these windows and with thick walls, for two locations, the first in central Iraq, which is the city of Baghdad, and the second in …

The Impact Of Ethyl Levulinate Additive On Diesel Engine Performance And Emissions: An Experimental Study, Maha Ali Ghadbaan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study explores the environmental and operational impact of adding Ethyl Levulinate—a biodegradable ester derived from biomass—to diesel fuel. A fuel blend known as B5El6 (comprising 5% biodiesel and 6% Ethyl Levulinate) was prepared and tested experimentally using a single-cylinder diesel engine operating at a constant speed of 1500 rpm under full load conditions. Performance metrics and emission data were recorded, and a Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) was conducted using the IMPACT2002+ methodology.

The results revealed that B5El6 significantly reduced greenhouse gas emissions (100 kg CO2 eq) and improved ecosystem quality. However, it presented challenges in terms of human health …

The Role Of The Scenario In Formulating The Contemporary Architectural Text, Rounaq Arif Mohsin, Abbas Ali Hamza, Bashar Shamil Alkhafaji

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

In order to create an integrated architectural text, which is a complicated art that blends beauty and practical elements, a rigorous design procedure is necessary. In this situation, the scenario’s role becomes crucial in developing the current architectural text and directing architectural approaches. In order to better understand how the scenario influences the design process and the interactions between various architectural aspects, this project intends to explore and analyze the impact of the scenario in developing and refining architectural text formulation approaches.

The study looks at the idea of a scenario and how it has been used in architecture, as …

Investigation Of Some Physical Properties Of Slurry Infiltrated Fibrous Concrete (Sifcon) Under Different Curing Times, Rand Kh. Mahmoud, Mohmmed Juad Khadhim, Fayq Hasan Jabbar

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This research studied the effects of different types fibers (Basalt, Carbon and Basalt-Carbon hybrid mix) and curing ages (7, 14, 28 and 56 days) on some physical properties of - Slurry infiltrated fibrous concrete (SIFCON). Density, ultrasonic pulse velocity UPV, Poisson’s ratio and water absorption were measured for the experimental study with 30% cement replacement by Class F fly ash to increase sustainability. It was found that properties were significantly affected by the type and dosage of fiber admixture. The UPV was enhanced by basalt fibers and the absorption reduced up to an optimal range of 3–5% after which agglomeration …

A Study Of Perceptions, Readiness, Benefits, And Barriers Related To Exoskeleton Adoption In New Jersey’S Warehousing Sector, Terry Asante

Theses

The warehousing industry in New Jersey remains a vital component of the region's logistics network, employing more than 200,000 workers who routinely engage in lifting, bending, overhead reaching, and other physically demanding activities. These exposures contribute to musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) rates that exceed national averages, particularly affecting the low back and shoulders. Nationally, MSDs account for an estimated $420 billion in combined direct and indirect costs each year, underscoring the need for interventions that can effectively reduce biomechanical strain. Industrial exoskeletons have emerged as a potential solution, with prior research demonstrating reductions in muscle activation, perceived exertion, and fatigue during …

Mechanical And Durability Properties Of Cement Panels Reinforced With Hybrid And Pva Fibers, Shukran H. Faraj, Mohammed J. Kadhim

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study examines the synergistic effects of hybrid fibers (HF) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers on the structural and thermal properties of silica-fume cement panels. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was employed to examine mortar mixtures with varying fiber content to assess their enhancement of microstructure. We conducted several experiments on compressive, flexural, and splitting tensile strength, in addition to water absorption and thermal conductivity. The results indicate that 1% HF exhibits superior mechanical qualities, with a compressive strength of 46.89 MPa, a flexural strength of 8.56 MPa, and a reduced thermal conductivity of 0.83 W/m•K. PVA fibers at 2% enhance …

Aerodynamics And Heat Transfer In Polymer Blown Film Processing: Experimental And Numerical Investigation, Mohammad Luqman Zulbakri, Nur Atiqah Mat. Rautin, Raa Khimi Shuib, Ku Marsilla Ku Ishak, Auratus Zuratul Ain Abdul Hamid, Mohamad Danial Shafiq, Mohamad Yusof Idroas, Muhammad Khalil Abdullah

Makara Journal of Technology

The effects of airflow dynamics, heat transfer, and mechanical properties on the HDPE blown film extrusion process were examined using a single-lip air ring with a fixed compressed-air valve opening angle of 10°. Reynolds numbers ranging from 9175 to 25911 were analyzed to understand their impact on cooling efficiency, bubble morphology, and film properties. Numerical simulations employing the Standard k−ω turbulence model in ANSYS FLUENT v2023, with mesh refinement achieving y+ ≈ 1, captured detailed flow and heat transfer behavior. Results showed that higher Reynolds numbers significantly enhanced the heat transfer coefficient, with values increasing from 1096 W/m²·K at Reynold …

Experimental Analysis Of Droplet Deformation Dynamics In Combined Dc Electric And Shear Flow Fields Using Dpiv, Ayad Ibrahim Khlewee

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This paper presented a systematic study of such droplet deformation at the intersection of uniform DC electric field and hydrodynamic shear flow, in which we focused on conductivity ratio (R) and permittivity ratio (S), describing their influence. The results demonstrate that droplet dynamics is extremely sensitive to the regime: under DC only, either elongation or compression depending on whether R > S or R S, similarly to classical EHD predictions. Under shear-only conditions, deformation was dictated by the balance of elongational stresses (EC) and rotational stresses (RC), with increasing capillary number (Ca) leading to progressive elongation and oscillatory orientation dynamics. When …

The Imaginary In Architecture: The Conceptual Structure Of The Imaginary And Its Manifestations In Architectural Text, Noora Ghadir Hlail, Abbas Ali Hamza Al Greiza

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

This study explores the concept of the imaginary as a collective cognitive and cultural structure that shapes symbolic reality through images, myths, and deeply rooted symbols in collective memory. The research applies this concept within the field of architecture, aiming to understand how the imaginary is embodied in architectural texts as symbolic carriers of identity and cultural meaning. Adopting a descriptive-analytical methodology, the study develops a theoretical framework comprising key components—preconditions, mechanisms, and traits of the imaginary—and applies it to two selected case studies: the General Secretariat of the Iraqi Council of Ministers and the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum. The …

Generative Ai For Method Development In Analytical Chemistry: A New Paradigm In Experimental Design And Optimization, Yasir Fathi Mahmood

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

The fast development of artificial intelligence (AI), especially generative AI models, is changing the environment of analytical chemistry. As classical method generation in analytical methods relies on manual trial-and-error methodology as well as statistical methods, generative AI is a new paradigm with automated generation of experimental methodology and optimization. In this paper, the authors discuss the use of generative AI-based technologies, including large language models (LLMs) and neural network-based generators, to create new, efficient, and customized methods of analysis. The paper examines existing applications, technology frameworks, and issues and offers a roadmap with regards to the future incorporation of generative …

Numerical Modeling And Experimental Validation Of A High-Temperature Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage System Using Metallic Phase Change Materials For Concentrated Solar Power Applications, Fouad Hashim Sharhan

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

To ensure reliable performance for the power-block of CSP plants, high power density and near-isothermal discharge must be achieved. A robust means of achieving this is through thermal energy storage (TES). High temperature latent heat storage (LHS) with phase change materials (PCMs) can serve these purposes, however the conventional salts used in PCMs typically suffer from low thermal conductivity that limits power density and increases energy storage charging/discharging times. This manuscript investigates ways to address these limitations using high temperature metallic phase change materials (MPCMs) while also developing a validated numerical framework to aid in their design. To this end, …

Thermal Performance Evaluation Of Solar Cooling Systems For Educational Facilities In Baghdad, Yasser Alawi Mohammed Attia Al-Jubouri

Al-Esraa University College Journal for Engineering Sciences

Schools in Baghdad also suffer from poor thermal comfort, which is a common problem in high-temperature and low-humidity arid climates such as that of the city, where using cooling devices leads to a large energy demand and overloads on the national power grid. Such study offers a thorough assessment of the thermal performance of solar-based cooling systems in an efficient manner to be suitable for educational buildings in Baghdad. The analysis is centred on a solar thermal cooling system with absorption as the heat interaction medium, and an experimental characterisation and mathematical simulation itself are performed. A pilot installation, consisting …

Curing Duration Optimization To Reduce Shrinkage Cracking In One-Part Alkali-Activated Slag Concrete, A. Sadrmomtazi, H. Zanganeh

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

The consequences of inadequate curing on one-part alkali-activated slag concrete (O-AAS) performance relative to ordinary Portland cement concrete (OPCC) have been investigated in this research. Prior to exposure to unsaturated conditions, samples underwent initial moist curing for durations ranging from 24 hours to one year. The testing program included compressive strength evaluation, chloride ion transport analysis, and measurement of free and restrained shrinkage. In addition, cylindrical cores were extracted from concrete columns to assess internal strength and chloride penetration resistance. Under unsaturated exposure, O-AAS exhibited a strength-aging phenomenon, with up to a 37% decrease in compressive strength over 360 days, …

Laboratory Investigation And Numerical Modelling Effect Of Carbon Nanotubes On Hot Mix Asphalt Permanent Displacement, Sepehr Saedi, Auwal Usman Nadada

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

One of the primary causes of asphalt pavement deterioration is rutting; in contrast, one of the most effective methods to address this type of damage is the use of additives and quality evaluation during the design stages. In this research, laboratory testing and modeling using Abaqus software were employed to validate the laboratory results and predict and assess the potential for rutting. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were selected as an additive due to their exceptional mechanical properties and molecular interactions with bitumen. These nanotubes were used to modify the bitumen for the preparation of laboratory samples. The laboratory results from the …

Influence Of Early Microwave Curing On Performance Of Slag-Based Geopolymer Mortars, Ahmet Taşdemı̇R, Abdulkadir Çevı̇K

Journal of Sustainable Construction Materials and Technologies

In this article, an experimental study was conducted to examine the effect of curing time and microwave power on the compressive strength of early microwave-cured slag based geopolymers. Geopolymers have the potential to serve as an environmentally friendly substitute for cement-based building materials, and the use of microwave curing to geopolymers holds the promise of substantial strength improvement. Different microwave curing energies (300 - 800 Watts) were utilized at varying durations (10 - 60 minutes) on demoulded mortar specimens after one day. After that, compressive strength tests were conducted on both the cured and uncured specimens at three different ages: …

Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods In The Organisations' Maturity Assessment: Prisma And Delphi Techniques Perspectives, Jailos Mrisho Mzumile, Victoria Mahabi, Ismail W. R. Taifa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Researchers often find it challenging to identify the appropriate Multi-Criteria Decision Making Methods (MCDM) to employ in various research areas that involve prioritising conflicting alternatives or criteria. A systematic literature review was conducted using the PRISMA technique to determine the most frequently and commonly employed MCDM methods in assessing organisational maturity across its functional areas. A total of 120 articles were identified for review, and a bibliometric analysis was conducted to map the relationships within the identified articles using VOSviewer 1.6.20 software. Moreover, frequent content analysis was performed to determine the most frequently employed MCDM methods in assessing an organisation’s …