bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Heat Sink Optimization for Collection of Potable Water Using Renewable Energy
Authors: Amaya Luz A. , Broderick David J.
Published: January 2022

Access to potable water remains a challenge for people in many areas of the world. Access to potable water during a natural disaster is made more difficult. The energy cost of delivering water to areas where infrastructure is damaged makes sourcing water locally advantageous. However, there remains an energy cost whether it results from desalination, purification, or condensation.

This work extends previous work to provide a potable water source that condenses atmospheric moisture using thermoelectric cooling modules. Improving the efficiency of such a device so that both energy and moisture can be sourced locally will lead to a reliable continuous source of water that does not rely on a supply chain.

One aspect that affects the efficiency of the device is the heat sink design on the hot-side of the thermoelectric cooling module. This works presents, analyzes, and tests four heat sink designs based on thermal performance and overall efficiency. None of the heat sinks meet all criteria appropriate for the application though a combination of factors are used to determine which is best suited. Consideration of mass, cross-sectional area, experimental temperature differential and water collection are compared with the overall surface efficiency determined from computational fluid dynamic simulation lead to the selection of the most appropriate heat sink.
Renewable Energy Production by Solar Chimney: The Influence of Curved Guide Vanes on the Performance of a Solar Chimney Using CFD Simulation
Authors: Xue Haokun , Esmaeilpour Mehdi
Published: January 2022

This study uses Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to investigate the effect of guide vanes on power output of turbine installed in a solar chimney. A full scale three-dimensional CFD simulation of solar chimney power plant based on Manzanares prototype is performed to simulate the air flow inside the solar chimney. First, the flow field is simulated in presence of guide vanes with no turbine inside the chimney. Three guide vanes with different tip angles of 30°, 60° and 90° are considered. It is observed that the presence of guide vanes significantly affects the flow direction and the heat stored inside the blade chamber. Moreover, the change in output power of solar chimney under different turbine rotational velocities and different guide vanes is studied. A twelve-blade turbine is placed right above the exit of the guide vanes at the start of chimney. Various cases including three angles, 30°, 60°, and 90° guide vanes, and three rotational velocities, 40, 80, and 120 rpm are run to find output power. The Multiple Reference Frame (MRF) method is used to treat the rotation of the turbine. The analysis of power output of the turbine shows that the maximum power of 82.2 kW is reached by the case of 30° guide vane at 80 rpm. Comparing to the power of the 90° guide vane at the same rotational velocity, which is 66.3 kW, the increase is about 23.9%.
Performance of a Two Stage Electrohydrodynamic Gas Pump With Different Polarities
Authors: Monayem H. Mazumder A. K. M. , Robin Shariful A. , Wood Margaret
Published: January 2022

In this study, fluid flow induced by a two stage electrohydrodynamic (EHD) gas pump in a square channel has been evaluated by experimental measurement and numerical simulations. This study is implemented by a two stage EHD gas pump with different polarities for 24 emitting electrodes configuration to seek the relation between the number of stages and polarities. The EHD pump is evaluated for a wide range of operating voltages starting from 20 kV up to 28 kV for further improvement in its performance. To achieve the maximum enhancement, the emitting electrodes of the EHD gas pump are flush mounted on the channel walls so that the corona wind produced directly disturbs the boundary layer thickness and improves the heat transfer. This is leading to a higher velocity near the channel walls and resulting in an inverted parabolic velocity profile at the center of the channel, which is opposite to the fully developed velocity profile of a forced flow. Velocities are measured at three cross-sections along the tube length and then integrated to obtain the volume flow rate. The results show that EHD technique has a great potential for many engineering applications.
Compression Molding of Reinforced Plastics Using the Element Free Galerkin (EFG) Method
Authors: Medikonda Sandeep , Srivastava Ashutosh , Shejwal Amogh , Meena Rajesh
Published: January 2022

Composite materials using long fiber-reinforced plastics have seen increased usage in recent times due to their lightweight and better energy absorption characteristics. Compression molding, a high-volume, high-pressure method suitable for molding complex, high-strength fiberglass reinforcement plastics has been widely accepted in the manufacturing industry as an efficient process to mass-produce complicated shapes in a short time. Hence, it is of paramount importance to make this manufacturing process cost-effective and environmentally sustainable. To accomplish this, it becomes very important to understand different behaviors such as the fiber orientation, deformation, axial forces acting on the fibers, stresses occurring in the matrix, punch reaction force, etc. and the use of simulation-led design can help accomplish this with a high degree of accuracy.

Considering the extreme high-pressure conditions that the reinforced plastics are subjected to, traditional finite element (FEM) numerical approaches tend to fall short when it comes to compression molding primarily due to severe mesh distortion. In this context, the EFG method has been considered in the current work. EFG, like FEM, is a spatial discretization method however is based on a particle-based approach. The domain of interest is decomposed into material particles and the support domain uses polynom functions to approximate field variables similar to the shape functions used in FEM. Additionally, a background mesh is typically used to integrate the weak forms for the momentum balance. A combination of this theoretical background of EFG, which minimizes the inherent mesh distortion limitation encountered in FEM, coupled with the ability to handle reinforcements and an adaptive mesh refinement method makes this approach suitable for compression molding applications.

In this work, an approach to simulate the blank compression with and without fiber reinforcements using the EFG method has been presented. A separate implicit analysis was also carried out to calculate the spring back state of the non-reinforced model to identify the locations of the residual stresses. A 5-layer fiber-reinforced model with an orientation of [0/-45/90/45/0] was embedded into the matrix and the effect of the coupling behaviors between fibers and the matrix on the end deformed shape has also been studied. Primarily, the effect of having no axial resistance for the slip of the fibers versus defining a user-defined slip criterion on the wrinkling behavior has been compared. The approach presented in this work has shown great promise in simulating the compression molding of long fiber reinforced plastics.
Journey Mapping the Virtual Prototyping Experience
Authors: Moore George , Rao Vivek , Agogino Alice M. , Goucher-Lambert Kosa
Published: January 2022

Reframing failure, individual problem solving, and access to technology are signatures of the “maker movement,” which directly inspired university makerspaces across the globe. In particular, university makerspaces have become a significant resource to students taking courses that require the creation of tangible prototypes. While research investigating a student’s experience prototyping in a makerspace is growing rapidly, not much has been done to investigate the student prototyping experience in exclusively virtual settings. The goal of this study is to identify trends in the virtual prototyping experience with intentions of informing university instructors, makerspace facilitators, and students of where to anticipate struggles and frustration with the virtual prototyping experience. This study uses journey maps (a qualitative design method) to investigate the virtual prototyping experience for 12 undergraduate students, of diverse academic disciplines, at an R1 university in the United States. Results from this study suggest that the functional prototyping experience (which emphasizes independent contributions towards a tangible product) generates more emotional volatility than the experiential prototyping experience (which emphasizes collaborative efforts toward a final prototype). Other notable results include statistically significant differences between Female and Male self-reported emotional levels at the beginning of the experiential prototype journey.
Thermal Performance of a Helical Steel Energy Pile Incorporating Latent Thermal Energy Storage for Ground Source Heat Pump Applications
Authors: Mwesigye Aggrey , Shingledecker Ethan , Walz Andrew , Dworkin Seth B.
Published: January 2022

Ground source heat pump systems (GSHPs) have the potential to meet building space heating and cooling needs with significantly higher efficiencies. Using the relatively stable deep ground temperatures, GSHPs can reach efficiencies between 400–600% compared to 90% with advanced gas boilers. However, despite these high efficiencies, GSHPs are not widely used, mainly due to the associated high up-front costs. In addition, ground thermal imbalance when heating and cooling loads vary reduces GSHP performance and might result in eventual failure. Coupling ground heat exchangers with building foundations, an already existing structural element of the building, has potential to improve the cost competitiveness of GSHPs. In this study, the performance of a helical steel pile used as a ground heat exchanger for GSHPs is numerically investigated. A pile of 0.1298 m diameter and 20 m depth was considered in the analysis. Furthermore, the potential for improved performance using latent thermal energy storage with phase change material (PCM) was investigated. An organic PCM with a melting temperature of 6.5–8.5°C and a latent heat of 190 kJ/kg was used. A thoroughly validated numerical model of the helical steel pile was developed using a finite volume based computational fluid dynamics tool. With the use of PCM, considerable improvement in performance with an over 57% increase in the heat transfer rate per unit meter of the heat exchanger was achieved.
Nonlinear Robust Control Design for a Gravity Compensation Mechanism Under Human Walking Pattern Scenarios
Authors: Ilhan Zeki Okan , Chew Meng-Sang
Published: January 2022

Dynamics of a two degree of freedom suspension mechanism design is incorporated with a nonlinear robust controller to enable trajectory tracking under human walking pattern scenarios. To facilitate model-based control design, the system dynamic model is first extracted by applying Lagrange’s technique in non-conservative form. An inverse kinematic analysis is performed to transform a specific walking pattern trajectory in the workspace to the joint space to extract the target joint variables for control testing. An open-loop numerical simulation is also performed to demonstrate the sensitivity of the lifting force against the link inertia under dynamic conditions. Finally, the system dynamic model is incorporated with a feedback controller based on a nonlinear, sliding mode control strategy. The tracking performance of the proposed nonlinear controller is validated in closed-loop numerical simulations to demonstrate possible performance improvements under feedback control.
Geometric Performance Testing of Directed Energy Deposition Additive Manufacturing Machine Using Standard Tests for Machine Tools
Authors: Moylan Shawn , McGlauflin Michael , Tarr Jared , Donmez M. Alkan
Published: January 2022

While performance testing of additive manufacturing machines is still nascent, standard tests for performance of machine tools used in metal cutting are well established. Our hypothesis is that because directed energy deposition (DED) additive manufacturing machines physically resemble typical vertical machining centers, standard geometric performance tests for machine tools will directly apply to DED machines. Standard tests of positioning error motions and circular motion were successfully conducted on a commercially-available DED system. With all tests providing reasonable and expected results, there is nothing to falsify our hypothesis. One additional consideration is the need for testing of the Z-axis on additive manufacturing machines using target positioning intervals on the order of a typical layer thickness at several positions along the axis.
Students Perceptions of a Hybrid and Flexible Teaching Model for Post-COVID19 Normality
Authors: Rodriguez-Paz Miguel X. , Gonzalez-Mendivil Jorge A. , Zamora-Hernandez Israel , Zarate-Garcia J. Asuncion
Published: January 2022

In this work we present a hybrid model that can be applied in theoretical Engineering courses, combining flipped learning, collaborative activities and online tutorials. A total of 200 students that participated in online courses with the authors responded a survey. The results include what in the students’ perception was the best implementations of online courses, what makes a course attractive and motivating for students and also, what should be avoided in future implementations of courses that need to be taught in an online format. Some of the results show that students did not enjoy courses where lecturing was the main element during most of the session. The recommendations included in this work deal not only with the type of contents an online course should have but also with certain details about some recommended courses professors could take in advance, that is, before they start teaching online and some other recommendations that can make a model like this one a successful model for online teaching in a post-covid world.
Towards a Model for the Melt and Flow of Aluminum Alloys in Fires
Authors: Brown Alexander L. , Tencer John , Kucala Alec , Pierce Flint , Noble David R.
Published: January 2022

Melting and flowing of aluminum alloys is a challenging problem for computational codes. Unlike most common substances, the surface of an aluminum melt exhibits rapid oxidation and elemental migration, and like a bag filled with water can remain 2-dimensionally unruptured while the metal inside is flowing. Much of the historical work in this area focuses on friction welding and neglects the surface behavior due to the high stress of the application. We are concerned with low-stress melting applications, in which the bag behavior is more relevant. Adapting models and measurements from the literature, we have developed a formulation for the viscous behavior of the melt based on an abstraction of historical measurement, and a construct for the bag behavior. These models are implemented and demonstrated in a 3D level-set multi-phase solver package, SIERRA/Aria. A series of increasingly complex simulation scenarios are illustrated that help verify implementation of the models in conjunction with other required model components like convection, radiation, gravity, and surface interactions.
Numerical Modeling of Air Cell Cushion and Estimation of Shear Force Distribution at Sitting Interface
Authors: Erel Veysel , Nuthi Pavan , Gu Yixin , Purandare Himanshu , Haldipurkar Nischita , Wijesundara Muthu B. J.
Published: January 2022

Shear forces at sitting interfaces are a major contributing factor in pressure injury formation. However, measuring shear forces throughout the sitting interface is not possible due to a lack of shear sensors for this application. This paper presents a finite element simulation model for an automated air cell smart seat cushion that can predict shear forces at the interface. The model was developed and validated by comparing static analyses to experimental data, with respect to interface pressure, internal air cell pressure, and interaction forces. The real-time experimental data in this study was generated from three different sources: 1) A commercial seating pressure mat yields an interface pressure map, 2) The smart seat cushion yields the internal pressure of air cells, and 3) The rigid cushion loading indenter yields the immersion into the cushion and the force applied on the cushion. The validated simulation model was used to evaluate shear force data at the sitting interface corresponding to different loading scenarios.
Effects of Combined Electromagnetic and Bottom-Plug Stirring in a Steel Refining Ladle
Authors: Godinez Joel , Walla Nicholas J. , Guo Xipeng , Zhou Chenn Q.
Published: January 2022

After being tapped from a basic oxygen furnace or electric arc furnace, the liquid steel must be refined at a ladle treatment station as part of alloying and quality improvement. In the ladle, the steel can be stirred using electromagnetic techniques, argon injection, or a combination of both methods. This work discusses the observed differences in stirring characteristics between these different approaches. Simulations of gas-stirring using a single plug, stirring using upwards electromagnetic stirring (EMS), downwards EMS, and the combination of electromagnetic stirring and single bottom plug with various plug positions in relation to the active EMS unit. The approach found in this work uses the CFD solver ANSYS Fluent to the simulate the isothermal multiphase flow field using a combined Eulerian and Lagrangian (E-L) approaches. The E-L approach with DPM uses a time-step (ts) of 1e−3s while the mixing study uses a ts of 0.1s.

To improve simulation stability and computational speed, the Lorentz forces of the magnetic field data are imported directly into the simulation via User Defined Function and applied as a momentum source term onto the liquid steel. The flow field is monitored for quasi-steady state, upon which the momentum calculation is disabled and the secondary mixing study begins. The mixing study uses a tracer species to determine how long is required until homogeneity is reached. It was found that under standard stirring conditions, EMS has a faster mixing time than EM-Gas and gas-only, though both EMS and EM-gas see greater wall shear stresses.
Attempting To Establish Design Margins for Glassy Polymers In Critical Structural Service
Authors: Kemper Bart , Williams Kaylie Kling
Published: January 2022

The existing code procedures for glassy polymers are in ASME Safety Standard for Pressure Vessels for Human Occupancy (PVHO-1). The current service spans hostile conditions in the North Sea to controlled medical environments. These procedures are based on an empirical method and do not use material properties. The system is locked into specific shapes and cannot be adjusted to account for yield strength, ultimate strength, and other material considerations. An ASME task group is developing a Design By Analysis (DBA) methodology in order to allow for optimization in current service and innovation in other service. This paper presents the attempt to develop design margins as part of an overall risk assessment process that considers material properties, service conditions, and other factors not currently incorporated in the existing design method. Historical work used to develop the current system are analyzed using modern methods to attempt to quantifiably determine the existing design margins. The challenge is the empirical method implicitly relies on polymer manufacturers to greatly exceed the code. This, coupled with different modes of failure, results in no direct manner to compare PVHOs to conventional ASME pressure vessels design margins.
Lateral-Directional Stability and Manual Control of Understeering and Oversteering Vehicles in Off-Road Conditions Based on a 2-DOF Cornering Compliance Vehicle Dynamics Model
Authors: Van Auken R. M. , Kebschull S. A.
Published: January 2022

The lateral-directional stability of four-wheeled ground vehicles with understeer and oversteer characteristics in off-road conditions were investigated using a locally linearized vehicle dynamics model with two degrees-of-freedom. Analytical results confirm the widely accepted understanding that the open-loop response for an understeering vehicle with the steered wheels fixed parallel to the vehicle centerline is stable for all vehicle speeds, while an oversteering vehicle is unstable above a certain ‘critical speed’ for the same fixed steering condition. However, results for both understeering and oversteering vehicles using a path-centered steer angle input, defined relative to the path tangent, were found to be stable for all forward speed conditions. These results also indicated that the path-centered steering can be used for lateral-directional control with suitable gain. Therefore these results indicate that a manual control strategy based on path-centered steer angle inputs can be used to stably control a vehicle for all forward speeds, in both understeering and oversteering conditions, provided the tire cornering force continues to increase with slip angle, which is generally the case for vehicle off-road or snow conditions. These results are also consistent with ground vehicle operator acceptance and preference of vehicles with oversteering characteristics in off-road conditions.
Design of Model-Based Linear and Nonlinear Controllers to Stabilize a Simple Experimental Setup for Controls Education
Authors: Ilhan Zeki Okan
Published: January 2022

This work aims to demonstrate the use of a simple experimental setup to study and benchmark different stabilizing control algorithms for introductory to elementary controls education. The experimental setup consists of a ping-pong ball rolling on a pivoted beam. The control task is to stabilize the ball at the center of the beam by systematically changing the angle of rotation of the beam through the servomotor. A control-oriented dynamic model is first obtained based on the standard Lagrangian approach. Two different model-based control design techniques are then outlined using the developed first-principles model. First, a state-space approach based on the linear-quadratic-regulator optimal control design is proposed using the linearized (approximate) model. An integrator is added to the standard LQR design to improve upon the closed-loop tracking performance. Next, a nonlinear robust design technique is outlined using the full (nonlinear) model in Sliding-Mode Control (SMC) strategy. Challenges for each control technique are discussed based on the initial results, and possible improvement areas are addressed.
Mars Drone Configurations And Approaches to Rotor Design: A Review
Authors: Saez Aleandro , Manzo Maurizio , Ciarcià Marco
Published: January 2022

This paper briefly reviews the literature inherent of the design of airfoil and rotorcrafts for atmospheric flight on Mars. The interest toward the red planet exploration has considerably increased as result of the successful deployment of the Perseverance Rover and the continuous tests developed by SpaceX’s launch vehicle, Starship. While the Mars 2020 Mission is currently in progress, the first controlled flight on another planet have been proven in April 2021 with the Vertical Take-off and Landing of the Ingenuity rotorcraft in Mars. In addition, the rotorcraft Dragonfly is expected to achieve the same endeavor in Titan, the largest moon of Saturn, by 2036. Continuous efforts have been oriented to the development of new technologies and aircraft configurations to improve the current designs and performance. In this paper we summarize the different Mars drone design and configuration approaches carried out by several research groups in the last two decades. We also briefly layout the main challenges related to the lift generation problem for a Mas rotorcraft.
Fabrication of Bioinspired Micro/Nano Textured Rough Surfaces Through the Scalable Roll Coating Process
Authors: Chockalingam Sekkappan , Ryu Jong Eun , Islam Md Didarul , Harbinson Myers
Published: January 2022

Bioinspired Micro/Nano textured rough topography of a surface has many applications in super-hydrophobicity, self-cleaning surface, anti-icing coatings, anti-biofouling, and drag reduction surfaces. The role of hierarchical and complex surface topography in nature is to amplify the hydrophobicity and maximize the fouling resistance. Thus, a similar micro- and nano-scale 3-D topographic surfaces inspired from the nature were fabricated using a simple and scalable two roll coating process. This process was based on the ribbing instabilities associated with the shearing of non-Newtonian fluids between two rollers. The polymer composite retains the deformed shape due to the recovery of high-viscosity after removing the shear stress. The relationship between the process conditions and the textured structure were studied with the shear rate, capillary number and the surface roughness parameters (e.g., Wenzel factor and density of peaks). The results showed that the samples’ Wenzel roughness factor increased with the increase in shear rate up to a particular value and then decreased. Similarly, the density of peaks in the sample increased with an increase in capillary number up to a particular value and then decreased. These bioinspired surfaces with hierarchical textured patterns produced using two roll coating process show a tremendous potentiality to be used in super-hydrophobic, anti-biofouling, and drag reduction applications.
Design and Test of Thermal Insulation Performance of Rail Vehicles
Authors: Cao Yanhua , Wang Jianran , Wang Lei , Jia Na
Published: January 2022

This paper discusses how to improve thermal insulation performance through one or several effective methods when designing rail vehicles. These methods are all validated by simulation analysis and testing. The EMU (Electric Multiple Unit) train is selected as a basic model for thermal analysis. The vehicle is divided into several modules based on thermal insulation characteristics and different thermal insulation materials and applications are compared and analyzed. A design solution which could improve the overall thermal insulation performance of the vehicle is proposed. The vehicle structure is divided into modules on different levels, and the thermal insulation performance of each module is analyzed preliminarily. Based on the proportion of each module in the vehicle, its influence on the overall thermal insulation performance is evaluated. Typical modules include carbody underframe, side wall and roof. Based on the preliminary thermal analysis results of modules above, the typical models of each component are established for study, calculation, and testing. The thermal insulation coefficients of different areas are compared to determine which one has the most potential of thermal insulation improvement. Technical cost, material cost and manufacturability are comprehensively analyzed to figure out the most reasonable insulation solutions for each module. Then, the proportion of each module in the vehicle and overall costs of thermal insulation proposal are analyzed to identify the correlation between the structure of each module and improvement of vehicle level thermal insulation performance. The solution to effectively improve the thermal insulation is proposed from a decision matrix, which consists of importance of proportion, difficulty of realization and comprehensive cost. At last, the simulation analysis and test data of the overall vehicle heat insulation performance are compared to validate the consistency between theoretical analysis and practice, which could further prove that the design solution proposed in this paper is feasible and effective.
Computation of Three-Dimensional Mixed Convection in a Horizontal Rectangular Duct
Authors: Oluwade Abimbola , Glakpe Emmanuel
Published: January 2022

Numerical investigation of mixed convection heat transfer in a three-dimensional, horizontal, rectangular duct has been carried out using COMSOL Multiphysics® simulation software. The bottom wall of the duct is subjected to a uniform heat flux condition, while the top and sidewalls are adiabatic. Uniform flow of water at 23°C (Pr = 6.5) is assumed to enter the duct of aspect ratio in the range of 1 ≤ A ≤ 10. Numerical computations are carried out for Re = 500 and modified Grashof number (Gr*) in the range of 2.5 × 105 ≤ Gr* ≤ 6.5 × 106. Results of the flow structure, local averaged friction factor (f), and local averaged Nusselt number (Nu) at the bottom of the duct for Re = 500, A = 2, and Gr* = 2.5 × 106 are compared with those from Incropera et al. [11]. Additionally, Nu values are also obtained for increased values of A and Gr* and compared with results from Incropera et al. [11]. Alongside incompressible flow with Boussinesq approximation, results are obtained for the weakly compressible form of the body force terms available in COMSOL Multiphysics®. Results show good agreement with published results in the literature, and the two results from the two approaches to approximating the body force terms are largely similar except at high Gr*. Additionally, a maximum heat transfer enhancement by buoyancy of ≈ 310% was found.
Droplet Dynamics in PEM Fuel Cell Flow Channels
Authors: Mortazavi Mehdi , Chauhan Vedang , Pedley Taylor , Whinery Brian M.
Published: January 2022

During the operation of proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cells, water is produced in the cathode side. The produced water passes through the porous structure of the electrode and emerges from the surface of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) within the flow channel. The emerged droplet is constantly fed through liquid columns which are formed underneath the droplet within the GDL. This study focuses on dynamics of growing droplets on the surface of the GDL which are exposed to shear gas flow. High-speed imaging was implemented to visualize droplet dynamics from emergence to detachment as the pressure drop across the droplet was measured simultaneously. Images were processed with MATLAB code which was developed in-house to obtain droplet lateral area and the location of the droplet centroid. Results clearly demonstrated that droplets underwent an oscillatory mode for both superficial gas velocities tested in this study. While the oscillatory motion was observed both in horizontal (i.e. stream-wise direction) and vertical directions, the amplitude of the oscillation was greater in the horizontal direction. In addition, the oscillation amplitude was observed to increase with droplet size and reached the maximum value upon droplet detachment. For a superficial gas velocity of 10.76 m/s, the oscillation amplitude upon detachment was as high as around 0.16 mm in x direction while the corresponding oscillation in y direction was around 0.06 mm. Study of contact angles revealed that while the advancing and receding contact angles for the superficial gas velocity of 4.17 m/s are higher than angles for the superficial gas velocity of 10.76 m/s, the contact angle hysteresis for both velocities were almost identical upon detachment.
Modeling and Simulation of Achilles Tendon in OpenSim for Verification
Authors: Salman Muhammad , Tanveer M. Hassan
Published: January 2022

The Achilles tendon is a very important tendon that is vital to an individual’s movement. Once these tendons are torn, they become very difficult to heal. In order to avoid this situation, it is crucial to understand the limitations of the Achilles tendon on the average person. To study the properties of an Achilles tendon, research can be done in many ways, such as data collection of in-vivo specimens. Although this can be done, using an online simulation can result in quicker and more accurate data. One program that can be used to create a simulation of an Achilles tendon is OpenSim. In this study 5 different subjects, both male and female with ages 22+/−5 years are studied. The subject will stand on one foot which is the maximum amount of weight on one leg and that Achilles Tendon. The forces will be calculated on that foot using sensors such as laser displacement sensors. The weight of the subject will cause the ground reaction and the magnitude of the tensile force which will be exerted by the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles on the calcaneus through the Achilles tendon will be calculated. The magnitude of the reaction force of the subject will be exerted at the ankle joint and it is applied by the tibia on the talus dome. The Achilles tendon is attached to the calcaneus bone and for this position of the foot, it is estimated that the line of action of the tensile force in the Achilles tendon makes an angle q (theta) with the horizontal, and the line of action of the ankle joint reaction force makes an angle b (beta) with the horizontal. We will use the force vectors to draw the concurrent diagram in order to find the unknown forces of the Achilles tendon and the tibia reactive force on the joint. By studying the properties of the Achilles tendon, while it is at 2 different dorsiflexed angles. These angles will vary from 0 degrees to 90 degrees. These concurrent force vector diagrams method will be applied to both configurations to find the unknown forces of the Achilles tendon and the tibia reaction on the dome of the talus. OpenSim is mainly used for biomechanical modeling and analysis of those models. The purpose of this research paper is to provide a comparison of data collected from real individuals and the simulation data from an OpenSim model.
Fundamental Scan Matching Approach to LIDAR Based Localization
Authors: Larson Joel , Mo Changki , Hudson Scott , Carter Emily
Published: January 2022

We are addressing a major problem in autonomous robotics, which is simultaneous localization and mapping (SLAM). Currently there are many methods available which to varying degrees solve the localization problem of SLAM. The majority use probabilistic concepts. However, these solutions often bring with them a high level of algorithmic complexity. This can raise the cost of implementation and make fundamental concepts difficult to comprehend. Furthermore, because high complexity may not be necessary when the constraints of time and accuracy are not as severe, some applications do not require the rigor of a full probabilistic SLAM method. A solution to the localization problem which focuses on clarity and first principles can be beneficial to the engineering/education community and for applications where low cost is favored over high performance. Therefore, we present a straightforward approach to the localization portion of the SLAM problem using scan matching techniques. By reducing complex scan matching from a multidimensional to a one-dimensional problem, localization can be solved in an easily understandable way while minimizing cost and computational requirements. The solution presented here provides estimates of the robot pose and orientation within the confines of a static and simple environment. The techniques utilized are, cross correlation calculations for pure rotation movements around the robot’s center axis combined with simple root mean squared error calculations for translation movements.
Effect of Source Tank Configuration on the Performance of a Hydraulic Ram Pump
Authors: Sharma Ashokkumar M. , Jackson Jacob H. , Centeno Pablo J. , Pidugu Srikanth B.
Published: January 2022

Water scarcity is one of the growing concerns in today’s world. Communities that reside in remote areas or at higher altitudes may encounter water scarcity due to lack of water transport infrastructure affecting drinking, sanitation, farming, and other water-based needs. These issues can be effectively solved by employing a hydraulic ram pump, which does not require electricity to function. Hydraulic ram pumps are powered by the water-head available between the source and the pump unit resulting in a negligible operational cost. The goal of the present study was to modify the source tank configuration of an existing ram pump system to improve its overall performance. A ram pump setup was built using various components viz. valves, PVC pipe and connectors, and digital pressure gauges. The source tank configuration was modified and experimented with using the existing ram pump unit. The study revealed a promising improvement in the overall performance of the hydraulic ram pump. Performance tests using the modified setup showed a better volumetric pump efficiency of nearly 8%. Overall, an approximately 41% increase in the pump efficiency was accomplished with the modified source tank as compared to that observed using the original source tank configuration.
Tensile and Fatigue Response of the Laser Powder-Bed Fused Ti-6Al-4V Alloy at High Temperature Conditions
Authors: Rahman M. Shafiqur , Pulok Mohammad Khairul Habib , Chakravarty Uttam K.
Published: January 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate the thermal and mechanical properties of L-PBF processed specimens at room and elevated temperatures while varying the loading conditions. The study covers finite element (FE) modeling of the tensile and fatigue behavior of the L-PBF processed Ti-6Al-4V specimens at room and high temperatures and corresponding experimental validation. The specimen used for the study is a heat-treated and post-machined standard ASTM sub-size flat dog-bone specimen. The FE modeling for the fatigue analyses is conducted for a load ratio of R = 0.1 and by applying fully-reversed cyclic loads at different frequencies. The high-temperature test condition is obtained by adjusting the convective heat transfer coefficient of surrounding air and emissivity inside the furnace. Results for the von Mises stress, strain, total deformation, fatigue life, the factor of safety, and fatigue limit are obtained at room (22 °C) and elevated temperatures (350 °C and 450 °C). The FE results show that the fatigue life decreases as the load increases. It is also found that the strength and fatigue life decrease as the temperature increases due to the development of thermal stress. The performance of the L-PBF processed specimens is also compared to the conventionally manufactured Ti-6Al-4V parts under the same magnitude of load and temperature to outline the differences in strength and fatigue resistance properties. The validation of the FE model is performed by comparing the numerical results with the experimental results under similar operating conditions.
Near Field Resonant Capacitive Heating of Water
Authors: Jaladi Divya , Pearce Matthew , Van Neste C. W. , Languri Ethan
Published: January 2022

Remediation of water from tailings is a critical and challenging issue in many industries, particularly in oil sand refineries and waste water treatment. Mining of the Canadian oil sands, also one of the largest known crude petroleum reserve in the world, is done to extract bitumen by the processes like hot water extraction, resulting in numerous amounts of tailings (large ponds). Techniques that can achieve contaminant separation over large surface areas/volumes, with low energy input, and at a low economic investment are of primary interest. Hence, such techniques can be applied for the manufacturing industries with the similar concerns. In this paper, a di-electric heating method is presented that combines electrical standing wave voltage amplification with porous interface (carbon foam) materials to intensify water evaporation. The system targets the di-electric loss tangent of the aqueous solution accompanied with porous interface by operating at a high voltage and frequency in the low megahertz (1–5 MHz). The non-uniform charge distributions across the interface material enables distributed heat localization at the air-water/material boundary, therefore avoiding bulk heating. The most important parameters determining efficiency of capacitive heating are determining the resonant frequency of material in contact with the heating end of helix, and properties of the interface material. Different porous configurations treated for the application were applied as interface layers and the experimental results demonstrate an 80% increase in evaporation rates compared to solar and natural heating. The combination of electrical heating with reduced heat losses results in accelerated vapor generation. Hence, results showcase heat localization at the interface, electric field at the heating boundary and energy requirements for the mentioned scenario. The proposed method offers a promising solution to localize heat over a large area by application of low-cost porous materials and high voltage/high frequency electrical resonators for use in water treatment, remediation, and go further with distillation applications for water reclamation.
Neck Motions and Loads With Head Supported Mass Under Sagittal Accelerative Loading
Authors: Purushothaman Yuvaraj , Yoganandan Narayan
Published: January 2022

Studies have reported the susceptibility of females to cervical spine disorders under impact loading in the military and civilian populations. Inertial loading applied to the head-neck complex at its base is an example. Morphological differences exist between female and male cervical necks. The incidence of neck pain is more in the military than in the civilian populations. While use of the head supported mass is less common in the civilian populations, military personnel use head mounted devices: helmet, night vision goggles, etc. Any added head supported mass from the helmet and its attached devices adds to the in vivo head mass. This additional weight on the human head-neck system alters the load path, affects load-sharing, changes the internal forces and moments and kinematics on the osteoligamentous cervical spine column under accelerative and chronic loads. While many studies have been conducted to delineate the role of gender associated with postero-anterior Gx loading injury via experiments, clinical investigations, modeling and epidemiological research, the effect of the added head mass on segmental motions has received less attention. The objective of the study is to determine the role of the head supported mass on the segmental motions and loads on the female cervical spinal column from Gx loading applied to the base of the spine.
Design of Knee Prosthesis to Sustain ACL/PCL Ligaments and Alleviate Osteoarthritis
Authors: Honarmandi Peyman , Malki Erwan
Published: January 2022

As human beings age, their bodies tend to deteriorate. It is the task of an engineer to counteract this natural process to ensure that humans can have a high quality of life for as long as possible. A condition that affects a wide range of people life is a discomfort and pain in the knee. This is most often caused by osteoarthritis, which occurs when the cartilage in the knee deteriorates causing the bones to rub against each other creating extreme discomfort. In this study, the attempt is to design an inexpensive and practical prosthesis to maintain and preserve the patient’s anterior cruciate ligament. The other design goals of this prosthesis are to be manufacturable and applicable by surgeons. Further, the finite element analysis has been conducted to assure the designed prosthesis can withstand the physiological loads applied on knees during daily activities.
Evaluation of Systematic Design Methods Used in Senior Design Projects
Authors: Xiao Angran , Gailani Gaffar , Zhang Andy
Published: January 2022

System Engineering (SE) is utilized in structuring a product development process into simple and collaborative activities, while at the same time, supporting engineers’ decision-making. In most undergraduate engineering design courses, SE was taught by assigning industrial-like projects in which teams of students developed products using certain design methods while following structured design process. It has been observed that some design methods were adopted naturally and used effectively by students while some are less preferred. This is due to various reasons, from strict project deadlines to the fact that some methods are difficult to understand. In this paper, we studied these design methods in the context of senior design projects. We have observed students’ applications of these methods and conducted surveys to assess whether they believe these methods helped their design activities. This study will help us understand how to help students gain knowledge in product development through project-based learning, as well as provide some insights on how inexperienced engineers may use various design methods.
Nonlinear Finite Element Modeling and Experimental Validation of Advanced High Fatigue Strength Threaded Connections for Sucker Rod Pumping Applications
Authors: Song Fei , Li Ke
Published: January 2022

Rod pump systems can be the most commonly used artificial lift technology for oil production. A rod pump system that brings underground oil to the earth’s surface consists of a prime mover, a surface pump, a sucker rod string, and a downhole pump. A pin at each end of the rod and a box coupling are threaded together to connect the sucker rod and form the rod string. The sucker rod string acts as the connecting link between the surface pumping unit and the subsurface rod pump. The loads generated from the reciprocating upstroke and downstroke motions could impose a risk of fatigue failure in the sucker rod connections with cyclic tensile stresses. The increasingly harsh field operational conditions that require deeper wells and higher production are pushing the connections to their limits. As a result, failures of the standard API (the American Petroleum Institute) sucker rod connections are becoming increasingly more frequent. The resulting rod string failures are expensive to repair because the whole string must be disassembled and removed so that the failed rod can be accessed, and the rod string must then be reassembled. Such high repair cost is unaffordable for the wells with low production rates. Therefore, there is a strong demand for having a threaded connection design with high fatigue strength that is suitable for sucker rod pumping applications.

To enable a long service life and to reduce cost of service delivery caused by frequent repairs, an advanced rod pump threaded connection design with significantly improved fatigue resistance over the standard API design has been developed and experimentally qualified. Modeling and simulation techniques had been extensively used to drive the design and qualification process. The newly developed connection design is featured by an optimized thread form and stress relief groove, and an advanced manufacturing process. Nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) was extensively utilized to predict the fatigue resistance of the threaded connection with makeup torque and service stroke loads, and to explore and optimize the designs of the threads and stress relief feature prior to physical prototyping and testing. The FEA models had favorably predicted the performance of the new design, which was later experimentally validated through full-scale axial and rotary bending fatigue tests, respectively. The work presented in the paper sets a successful example of model-driven design, which can significantly shorten the development time and cost. The newly developed high fatigue strength sucker rod connections have great potential for mitigating the risk of rod string failures during pumping operations and therefore improving operational reliability for both beam and progressing cavity pumping systems.