Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Second-Harmonic Optical Vortex Conversion From Ws₂ Monolayer, Arindam Dasgupta, Jie Gao, Xiaodong Yang

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Wavelength, polarization and orbital angular momentum of light are important degrees of freedom for processing and encoding information in optical communication. Over the years, the generation and conversion of orbital angular momentum in nonlinear optical media has found many novel applications in the context of optical communication and quantum information processing. With that hindsight, here orbital angular momentum conversion of optical vortices through second-harmonic generation from only one atomically thin WS2 monolayer is demonstrated at room temperature. Moreover, it is shown that the valley-contrasting physics associated with the nonlinear optical selection rule in WS2 monolayer precisely determines the output circular …

Application Of Solar Water Heaters For Industrial Use, Lucas T. Atkins

Theses and Dissertations

Solar water heating is a technology that is mainly used for domestic water heating in residential homes. In most applications, the idea is to make a home “off the grid” in that there is no requirement for outside infrastructure or need for energy utility to provide power to this home. This falls in line with the trend of “going green” in an effort to reduce energy use, increase efficiency, or reduce emissions and other harmful byproducts.

This technology can be adapted to reduce the energy costs of industrial manufacturing plants. By eliminating the need for certain sections of a process …

Graphene-Fibers Hybrid Structures As Adsorbents For Heavy Metal Ions In Aqueous Solutions, Dulce C. Capitanachi

Theses and Dissertations

The project focuses on the study of graphene-fiber hybrid structures for adsorption of heavy metal ions in aqueous solutions. Polyvinyl alcohol-based graphene–fiber structures were created using centrifugal spinning and a carbonization process.

Characterization methods of the graphene–fiber hybrid structures (GFHS) include SEM, FTIR, TGA, and EDX. Single-step batch-type adsorption studies were performed to analyze the interaction of Cu (II) and Pb (II) ions onto GFHS surface. Different heavy metal ion concentrations were used, as well as a variation of pH values. Elemental analysis of the adsorbent’s surface after filtration experiments was studied by EDX and spectroscopy to verify the presence …

Design And Testing Of A Modular Laser System With Laser Machining And Bioprinting Capabilities, Jesus Gonzalez

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces the applications of ultrafast lasers while focusing on their bioprinting capabilities. A custom system was designed to utilize a femtosecond laser for 2D and 3D applications. The characteristics of lasers allow them to be efficiently used in machining, 3D printing, research, and more. Their power and precision allow them to be used for delicate work such as bioprinting. Bioprinting is a field holding great potential to benefit society. Studies conducted over the years prove its usefulness in printing cells and biomaterials, while showing there is still much to improve upon before being able to print fully functioning …

A Survey Of Mathematical Models Of Human Performance Using Power And Energy, Vijay Sarthy Mysore Sreedhara, Gregory M. Mocko, Randolph E. Hutchison

Publications

The ability to predict the systematic decrease of power during physical exertion gives valuable insights into health, performance, and injury. This review surveys the research of power-based models of fatigue and recovery within the area of human performance. Upon a thorough review of available literature, it is observed that the two-parameter critical power model is most popular due to its simplicity. This two-parameter model is a hyperbolic relationship between power and time with critical power as the power-asymptote and the curvature constant denoted by W′. Critical power (CP) is a theoretical power output that can be sustained indefinitely by …

Hydrodynamic Ram Analysis Of Bonded Composite Fuel Tanks, Teddy Sedalor

Theses and Dissertations

Military aircraft are tested against a variety of ballistics threats as part of their design to assess their vulnerability. One aspect of this approach/requirement is Hydrodynamic Ram testing which accounts for projectile impact into fuel tanks. Hydrodynamic Ram (HRAM), which occurs due to overpressure created in an enclosed fluid as a result of the transfer of energy and momentum from a penetrating projectile, can be quite destructive to the enclosing structure, which makes testing expensive. Therefore the need arises for numerical methods to supplement the testing and provide more test data than can be obtained directly from the article test. …

Numerical Simulations Of Comprehensive Hydrodynamic Performance Of Darpa Suboff Submarine, Kenshiro Takahashi

Theses and Dissertations

A numerical study of the DARPA SUBOFF model using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) has been presented for developing a CFD application procedure to compute the hydrodynamic performance of underwater vehicles, including submarines. Several configurations, such as bare hull, fairwater, sterns, and/or ringwing-appended hulls, were examined for the straight-ahead, steady translation and turning, and self-propelled conditions. A systematic study was conducted to ensure an adequate computational domain expansion and reasonable prism layer mesh properties for solutions independent of the parameters. The hydrodynamic forces exerted on the hull and the appendages were verified and validated in accordance with a published methodology under …

Integration Of Inboard Propulsion In Shock Mitigating Membrane Hull Technology, Korrey Rotkiske

Theses and Dissertations

Membrane Hull Technology is a strength based marine vessel design concept that seeks to utilize the in-plane properties of fiber reinforced composites to generate a lighter weight vessel with inherent shock mitigation benefits. MHT has been applied on several Naval crafts yet the design features of inboard propulsion systems have not been addressed. Inboard propulsion systems are a very common form of propulsion used in many types of marine vessels especially larger vessels. This thesis seeks to overcome the inboard engine mounting challenges of MHT which limits use of this technology in the marine industry. The fundamental design elements of …

Semantic And Qualitative Physics-Based Formal Reasoning For Functional Decomposition In Mechanical Design, Xiaoyang Mao

Theses and Dissertations

Function modeling plays an essential role in academy design studies, yet a lack of acceptance in industry. A possible reason is that the designer must have well understand of the controlled vocabularies and grammars to utilize this method. The research presented in this dissertation is to fill this gap so that designers can use function-based design method without relevant knowledge. In graph-based function models, the function verbs and flow nouns are usually chosen from predefined vocabularies. The vocabulary class definitions, combined with function modeling grammars defined at various levels of formalism, enable function-based reasoning. However, the text written in plain …

Numerical Modeling Of Phase Transition In Shock Tube Problem, Man Minh Le

Theses and Dissertations

In this work, we developed a numerical model for phase transition in shock-tube problem. This work focused on simulating shock-tube problem and the numerical framework is based on a two-phase flow model. Our simulation tool is an in-house FORTRAN multiphase compressible flow solver, RocSDT [31]. Specifically, this involves the Euler equations along with the Stiffened Gas Equation of State (EOS), an interface of liquid-gas type, and the effects of heat and mass transfer due to phase transition. This thesis described the implementation and incorporation of a phase transition model into a system of five partial differential equation model and the …

Mechanized Advent Calendar, Oma Skyrus, Sigrid Derickson, Tyler Koski, Daniel Clifton

Mechanical Engineering

Within this document, the “Naughty and Nice” team will describe the details associated with the completion of this project, which involves creating an animated advent calendar for the Cambria Christmas Market. The problem, the customers and stakeholders, and the general goals of the project are introduced. The team conducted background research; how this research helps in finding a solution or supporting the needs of the sponsor is illustrated. Initial research includes interviews with the sponsor and potential users, patent and existing product searches, and some technical research pertaining to the subject. The team found that there are not many existing …

Katie's Jogger, Megan Guillermo, Erin Wint, Abdullah Sulaiman, Kathryn Mangiaracina

Mechanical Engineering

Edward Robinson is an avid runner who would like to take his daughter on runs. His daughter, Katie, is 100% wheelchair bound and currently does not fit in any commercial joggers on the market. The project team was expected to design, build, and test a custom working prototype of a jogger that the sponsor can use to take his daughter on runs. This entire project was performed over a span of three quarters.

Bicycle Drivetrain Power Measurement Study, Luke Costello, Nick Musolino, Ryan Miller, Jose Aguirre

Mechanical Engineering

The overarching goal of this project was to experimentally compare the bottom-bracket (BB) powermeter developed by Level Engineering, Inc., against off-the-shelf powermeters and a dynamometer. To do this, a significant amount of testing was performed. Level Engineering facilitated this testing by providing the project team with three testing apparatus – an In-Situ tester, a Stationary Tester, and a fatigue tester. The In-Situ tester was a bicycle outfitted with the BB prototype and a PowerTap powermeter. The Stationary Tester was a bicycle with a BB prototype, and the rear wheel replaced with a dynamometer. Finally, the fatigue tester made to apply …

Advanced Techniques For Carbon Nanotube Templated Microfabrication, Jason Matthew Lund

Theses and Dissertations

Carbon nanotube templated microfabrication (CNT-M) is a term describing a grouping of processes where carbon nanotubes (CNTs) serve a structural role in the fabrication of a material or device. In its basic form, CNT-M is comprised of two steps: produce a template made from carbon nanotubes and infiltrate the porous template with an additional material. Vertically aligned carbon nanotube (VACNT) templates can be grown to heights ranging from microns to millimeters and lithographically patterned to a desired form. Deposition of an existing thin film material onto a CNT template will coat all template surfaces and can produce a near solid …

Thermoresponsive Switchable Solvents For Enhanced, Simultaneous Microalgae Oil Extraction Reaction For Biodiesel Production, Mukhtar Ahmed Ismail

Mechanical Engineering Theses

In this study, a thermo-responsive switchable solvent (TSS), with a tunable hydrophobicity by simply changing the temperature (between 25 to 45oC) was used for simultaneous lipids extraction from wet microalgae and biodiesel production. By manipulating the hydrophobicity of the solvent, the cell wall disruption, lipid extraction and transesterification, and product separation steps were all carried out in a single pot, while eliminating the need for the energy intensive and time-consuming drying step. To overcome the problems currently encountered by using conventional alkaline catalysts in the transesterification of lipids, immobilized enzyme has been used. The proposed TSS consisted of an ionic …

Dynamic Pressure Sensing For The Flight Test Data System, Marc Y. Goupil

Master's Theses

This thesis describes the design, assembly, and test of the FTDS-K, a new device in the Boundary Layer Data System (BLDS) family of flight data acquisition systems. The FTDS-K provides high-frequency, high-gain data acquisition capability for up to two pressure sensors and an additional three low-frequency pressure sensors. Development of the FTDS-K was separated into a core module, specialized analog subsystem, and practical testing of the FTDS-K in a flow measurement mission. The core module combines an nRF52840-based microcontroller module, switching regulator, microSD card, real-time clock, temperature sensor, and trio of pressure sensors to provide the same capabilities as previous-generation …

Flight Test Data System For Strain Measurement, Zachary David Wilson

Master's Theses

This thesis describes the design and evaluation of two devices to be included in the next generation of the family of devices called the Boundary Layer Data System (BLDS). The first device, called the Quasi-Static Strain Data Acquisition System, is a continuation of the BLDS-M series of devices to be known as the Flight Test Data System (FTDS) that uses a modular approach to acquire non-flow, quasi-static mechanical strain measurements. Various breakout boards and development boards were used to synthesize the device, which were housed by a custom PCB board. The system is controlled by the Simblee^TM System on …

Investigation Into The Thermodynamics And Kinetics Of The Binding Of Cu2+ And Pb2+ To Tis2 Nanoparticles Synthesized Using A Solvothermal Process, Jesus Cantu, John Valle, Kenneth Flores, Diego Gonzalez, Carolina Valdes, Jorge Lopez, Victoria Padilla, Mataz Alcoutlabi, Jason Parsons

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

In the present study, titanium (IV) sulfide (TiS2) was synthesized and investigated for the removal of Cu2+ and Pb2+ ions from aqueous solutions. TiS2 nanoparticles synthesized through a solvothermal synthesis were characterized using x-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The average particle size for the TiS2 material was determined to be 8.03 ± 0.98 nm from the diffraction pattern. Studies were performed to examine the effects of pH, temperature, time, and interfering ions on the binding of Cu2+ and Pb2+ to the TiS2. As well isotherm studies were performed to determine the binding capacity of TiS2 for both …

Energy And Exergy Analysis Of A Novel Multiple-Effect Vapor Chamber Distillation System For High-Salinity Wastewater Treatment, Hamidreza Shabgard, Ramkumar Parthasarathy, Ben Xu

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

A novel modular thermally-driven multiple-effect vapor chamber distillation (MVCD) system is presented for compact and portable desalination applications. The MVCD system consists of several vapor chambers connected in series with the condenser section of the upstream vapor chambers serving as the evaporator section of the following effect. A heat transfer model accounting for the major thermal resistances was developed to predict the heat transfer and distilled water production rates. A mass transfer analysis was performed to evaluate the effect of the accumulation of the non-condensable gasses within the chambers. An exergy analysis was also conducted to quantify the efficiency of …

Nanothermomechanical Logic Gates For Thermal Computing, Ahmed Hamed

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

Limited performance and reliability of electronic devices at extreme temperatures, intensive electromagnetic fields, and radiation found in space exploration missions (i.e., Venus & Jupiter planetary exploration, and heliophysics missions) and earth-based applications require the development of alternative computing technologies. Thermal computing, data processing based on heat instead of electricity, is proposed as a practical alternative and opens a new scientific area at the interface between thermal and computational sciences.

We successfully developed thermal AND, OR and NOT logic gates, achieved through the coupling between near-field thermal radiation and MEMS thermal actuation. In the process, we developed two novel non-linear thermal …

Magnetic Properties Of Nd–Fe–B Permanent Magnets Under Thermal Experimentation, Géraldine Houis

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

Neodymium-Iron-Boron (Nd-Fe-B) magnets were developed in the 1980s, and since then, they have appeared as a common component in many fields. From the industry to consumers or defense applications, from turbines, computers, cellphones to most audio systems, Nd-Fe-B magnets are present everywhere. But when Nd-Fe-B magnets are applied to the motors of electric vehicles and wind-turbine generators, their temperature rises, therefore Nd-Fe-B-Dy magnets are used. However, while the use of these magnets is common at low temperatures, their properties decrease dramatically with the increase of temperature. In this paper, the Nd-Fe-B-based samples used were prepared by using arc melting, melt …

Extending Mission Duration Of Uas Multicopters: Multi-Disciplinary Approach, Marc Lussier

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

Multicopters are important tools in industry, the military, and research but suffer from short flight times and mission durations. In this thesis, we discuss three different ways to increase flight times and therefore increase the viability of using multicopters in a variety of missions. Alternate fuel sources such as hydrogen fuel and solar cells are starting to be used on multicopters, in our research we simulate modern fuel cells and show how well they currently work as the power source for multicopters and how close they are to becoming useful in Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) technology. Increasing the efficiency in …

Cavopulmonary Support For Failing Fontan Patients: Computational And In Vitro Assessment, Masoud Farahmand

All Dissertations

Congenital heart defects are responsible for the mortality of approximately 300,000 newborn each year. One study in 2010 estimated that over 2 million patients were living with congenital heart defects in the United States. Congenital heart defects have the highest hospitalization cost among other birth defect categories. The damage on the U.S economy in 2013 was estimated $6.1 billion. The most complex and severe form of these defects results in single ventricle physiology. Fortunately, over the last 50 years, these patients have been able to survive into adulthood as a result of three stages of surgeries culminating with Fontan operation. …

Isolated Nucleus Stiffens In Response To Low Intensity Vibration, Joshua Newberg

Boise State University Theses and Dissertations

The nucleus, central to all cellular activity, relies on both direct mechanical input and its molecular transducers to sense and respond to external mechanical stimuli. This response occurs by regulating intra-nuclear organization that ultimately determines gene expression to control cell function and fate. It has long been known that signals propagate from an extracellular environment to the cytoskeleton and into nucleus (outside-in signaling) to regulate cell behavior. Emerging evidence, however, shows that both the cytoskeleton and the nucleus have inherent abilities to sense and adapt to mechanical force, independent of each other. While it has been shown that isolated nuclei …

Design Optimization For A Compliant,Continuum-Joint, Quadruped Robot, Vallan Gray Sherrod

Theses and Dissertations

Legged robots have the potential to cover terrain not accessible to wheel-based robots and vehicles. This makes them better suited to perform tasks, such as search and rescue, in real-world unstructured environments. Pneumatically-actuated, compliant robots are also more suited than their rigid counterparts to work in real-world unstructured environments with humans where unintentional contact may occur. This thesis seeks to combine the benefits of these two type of robots by implementing design methods to aid in the design choice of a 16 degree of freedom (DoF) compliant, continuum-joint quadruped. This work focuses on the design optimization, especially the definition of …

Stainless-Steel Column For Robust High Temperature Microchip Gas Chromatography, Abhijit Ghosh, Austin R. Foster, Jacob C. Johnson, Carlos R. Vilorio, Luke T. Tolley, Brian D. Iverson, Aaron R. Hawkins, H. Dennis Tolley, Milton L. Lee

Faculty Publications

This paper reports the first results of a robust, high performance, stainless-steel microchip gas chromatography (GC) column that is capable of analyzing complex real world mixtures as well as operating at very high temperatures. Using a serpentine design, a 10 m column with an approximately semicircular cross section with a 52 µm hydraulic diameter (D_h) was produced in a 17 cm x 6.3 cm x 0.1 cm rectangular steel chip. The channels were produced using a multilayer chemical etch and diffusion bonding process, and metal nuts were brazed onto the inlet and outlet ports allowing for column interfacing …

A Reinforcement Learning Approach To Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization, Daniel S. Kolosa

Dissertations

This dissertation explores a novel method of solving low-thrust spacecraft targeting problems using reinforcement learning. A reinforcement learning algorithm based on Deep Deterministic Policy Gradients was developed to solve low-thrust trajectory optimization problems. The algorithm consists of two neural networks, an actor network and a critic network. The actor approximates a thrust magnitude given the current spacecraft state expressed as a set of orbital elements. The critic network evaluates the action taken by the actor based on the state and action taken. Three different types of trajectory problems were solved, a generalized orbit change maneuver, a semimajor axis change maneuver, …

Rapid Prediction Of Low-Boom And Aerodynamic Performance Of Supersonic Transport Aircraft Using Panel Methods, Ted N. Giblette

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The Utah State University Aerolab developed and tested a set of tools for rapid prediction of the loudness of a sonic boom generated by supersonic transport aircraft. This work supported a larger effort led by Texas A&M to investigate the use of adaptive aerostructures in lowering sonic boom loudness at off design conditions. Successful completion of this effort will improve the feasibility of supersonic commercial transport over land.

Funding was provided by a NASA University Leadership Initiative grant to several universities, including Utah State University, as well as industry partners to complete this work over a five year period. The …

The Flame Characteristics Of Diesel Fuel Blend With Kepuh (Sterculia Foetida) Biodiesel, Dani Hari Tunggal Prasetiyo, Nasrul Ilminnafik, Salahuddin Junus

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

Kepuh biodiesel fuel (sterculia foetida) is an alternative fuel that can be used to replace fossil fuel. Diesel fuel is performed to determine the laminar burning velocity and high flame by adding biodiesel kepuh volume of 10%, 20%, 30%. The purpose of this study was to study the effect of biodiesel and the effect of bunsen burners on the laminar burning velocity and flame height. Bunsen burner is made of copper and stainless steel. Testing of flame characteristics was carried out by heating the mixture of fuel and air at a temperature of 200°C. The purpose of heating the air …

Critical Solid Fraction Point Analysis: Case Study On Cement Mill Machine Diaphragm, Mochamad Achyarsyah, Poppy Puspitasari

Journal of Mechanical Engineering Science and Technology (JMEST)

During the solidification process, metal liquids turn into solid geometry units including the riser and gating system. The disruption in the liquid flow often causes shrinkage in the object. Critical Solid Fraction Point is a critical point where the continuous liquid supply turned solid and unable to pour to some sections. Simulation software can predict the critical solid fraction time of an object and the liquid supply behavior. The simulation helps the designer in the casting design. The application of low steel alloys in the cement industry, e.g., the Diaphragm, needs development to minimize the shrinkage. This research aimed to …