bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Maintenance Practices on Mining Equipment: A Case Study in a Surface Platinum Mine
Authors: Mokoena Kamogelo , Kruger Sunita , Pretorius Leon
Published: January 2025

This research study assesses the maintenance practices on mining machinery as a case study in a surface platinum mine. The current literature commonly tends to highlight the significance of maintenance in respect to mining, yet it rarely provides specific analysis of various maintenance strategies and their effect on equipment performance in some specialized settings such as surface platinum mines. This research utilizes a robust, data-driven approach and reliability analysis to evaluate impact of maintenance strategies on some key performance indicators for maximizing platinum production. The research investigates historical maintenance records and key equipment performance metrics to identify connections between monitored maintenance practices such as planned and unplanned maintenance activities and important equipment performance indicators such as availability, mean time between failure and mean time to repair. The research outlined in this paper aims at providing a sound and evidence-based solution to evaluate maintenance regimes that are created for a surface platinum mine. By determining the most suitable maintenance strategy among the ones that are revealed through data analysis, the study aims at providing the decision-makers the recommendations on the equipment performance and effectiveness of maintenance practices.
Transient Compressor Performance Analysis in the Off-Design Area of Operation
Authors: Pronk Ola Ilseth , Bakken Lars Eirik
Published: January 2025

Off-design analysis and modelling of compressor systems are limited by a lack of representative performance data in the unstable part of the compressor map. This hinders the development of advanced model applications such as model predictive control and trip scenario analysis. To realise simulation capabilities enabled by advances in data analytics and digitalisation, it is necessary to establish and validate a fundamental approach for performance estimation at severe off-design conditions.

This work provides guidelines for characterising the performance in the transient area of interest, with a focus on the positive-slope area of the compressor map towards zero flow. The estimation of polytropic head and efficiency in a centrifugal compressor at transient conditions is facilitated by a direct approach based on conventional performance analysis and an indirect approach utilising torque measurements and derived performance relations. Challenges related to the transient test protocol, including temperature and flow instabilities, are addressed. In particular, the influence of temperature transients and heat transfer on the head and efficiency curves is discussed.

Continuous performance curves are obtained from zero flow to max capacity for three inlet guide vane settings and two rotational speeds. The results are validated based on experimental measurements from operation in the surge area. The guidelines serve as an important stepping stone towards fundamental performance-based analysis consistent with standardised methods in the normal operating area.
Establishment of Optimal Power Distribution Strategy for 2.5-Ton Agricultural Tractor
Authors: Kim Younghyeon , Pae Wansung , Yu Sangseok
Published: January 2025

Most studies on power distribution have been conducted on cars and trucks. However, agricultural tractors have a special purpose that is different from existing vehicles. In particular, since both aspects of road driving and work must be considered, efficient consideration of the capacity of the battery and stack and analysis of power distribution characteristics accordingly must be carried out before simple power distribution. In this study, we developed a nonlinear dynamics model for the 2.5-ton agricultural tractor, which has the highest demand, and calculated the capacity of the stack and battery based on this. In addition, an optimal power distribution strategy was established through two driving modes: work mode and driving mode. The optimal energy distribution control strategy was derived by comparing the characteristics of three control strategies: step control, power distribution according to vehicle speed, and battery SOC.
Design a Wearable Exoskeleton to Free Litter Bearers’ Hands and Achieve Multi-Task Capabilities for Casualty Evacuation
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Dahai , Chen Puning , Xie Yangming , Dong Janet
Published: January 2025

The litter transportation process is physically demanding for service members. Prolonged carrying imposes significant arm strain and hand-gripping fatigue on them. Such fatigue will result in grip strength loss with repercussions on service members’ battlefield performance, such as impairing their ability to operate weaponry effectively.

This paper introduces an innovative solution by developing a passive wearable exoskeleton device to ease bearers’ physical strain, preserve grip strength, and enable their multitasking abilities during transport. This exoskeleton device includes two 3-degree-of-freedom rigid arms, a backpack-style support plate with padding, and a waist belt. Each arm has four links, a connecting clamp mechanism, a spring, a cable, two pulleys, and a holding handle. The integrated spring mechanism in each arm generates supportive torque to reduce the required hand strength while also facilitating shock absorption from the litter to the soldier’s arm. A prototype was constructed using 3D-printed rigid links to evaluate design feasibility and wearability. Tests were conducted to measure enhancements in hand grip strength, with expected substantial retention of strength. Finite element analysis was utilized to assess structural integrity and determine the optimal material for subsequent prototypes.
Improving Industry Facility Design With CFD Simulations
Authors: Rosini Clara , Lopez Nicholas , Courville Adam , Zhang Ning
Published: January 2025

The Gulf Coast region of the United States is an area that is very susceptible to Atlantic hurricanes between June 1 and November 30 of each year. Hurricanes can have a catastrophic impact on the livelihoods of those in their path; Hurricanes Laura and Katrina are two past examples. The disaster of these two hurricanes heavily impacted the residential, commercial, and industrial facilities in the southwest Louisiana area. Since the Chemical facility that we will be focusing on is located within this area, which is only approximately 30 miles from the Gulf of Mexico, there is considerable risk of the facility being impacted by a hurricane. This risk for this facility, as well as other local petrochemical facilities, needed to be better understood to allow for proper preparation. This was accomplished by collaborating with the company and using a portion of their facility to conduct the study detailed in this report. The portion is roughly a 200 m by 150 m unit that contains tanks of various sizes, distillation columns, and administrative buildings. This site was modeled using ANSYS Fluent, a computational fluid dynamics (cfd) software to run simulations of winds produced by hurricanes measured as categories 1, 3, and 5. Various contour plots were created to show the various forces and stresses created by the winds. In addition to the hurricane wind study, research was completed to analyze and track the emission of various pollutants from different pieces of equipment in the facility. As requested by a company representative, these simulations were run using standard wind conditions. Data was obtained from the chemical company that showed the flow rates of the different pollutants emitted from the tanks, heaters, and the on-site flare. The ANSYS Fluent software was used to run these simulations. Monitors were placed at several locations within the site to examine the concentration of the pollutants as they exited the equipment. In the end, it is intended that the results of these two studies will contribute to increasing the safety of the facility, and other petrochemical facilities in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and the surrounding area.
Design and Safety Aspects of a Collaborative Robotics Application for the Disassembly of Exhausted BEV Batteries
Authors: Salamina Laura , Calvo Giulia , Ferraro Alessandra , Gaidano Matteo , Melchiorre Matteo , Mauro Stefano
Published: January 2025

The recycling of used vehicle batteries represents a key challenge for the sustainability of the electrification process of road transport. The process involves two distinct phases: the first consists of the disassembly of the battery pack and the separation of its components and the lithium cells that make up its basic elements, while the second involves the recovery of the basic elements in waste treatment plants. The first phase requires the implementation of a sequence of disassembly operations that vary for each type of battery pack to be recovered.

In this work, we investigate the possibility of using a collaborative robotic cell for this first phase, in which a human operator carries out the disassembly operations with the help of an anthropomorphic robot installed on a mobile base, which is thus able to reach any point on the battery by moving appropriately around the work surface.

The disassembly cycle of a well-known battery is analyzed. This first analysis shows that in order to reduce the time required to complete the operation, it is necessary for man and robot to perform certain operations by sharing the work space.

The second part of the article then introduces collision avoidance algorithms for robots that allow them to share the workspace in compliance with current technical regulations.

The results obtained are illustrated by means of simulations carried out in a mixed simulation environment.
Fluid-Structure Interaction Analysis of Metachronal Propulsion at Intermediate Reynolds Numbers
Authors: Lou Zhipeng , Lei Menglong , Byron Margaret L. , Li Chengyu
Published: January 2025

Ctenophores swim using flexible rows of appendages called ctenes that form the metachronal paddling. To generate propulsion, each appendage operates a power stroke that strokes backward, followed by a recovery stroke that allows the appendage to readjust its position. Notably, strokes of most metachronal swimmers are asymmetric, with faster power strokes while slower recovery strokes. Previously, the material properties are assumed as isotropic. So, the faster power stoke will lead to more pronounce deformation and the slower recovery stroke will lead to less deformation. However, this contradicts with the observations that power-stroking ctenes have the least deformation and recover deforms more, indicating an anisotropic material behavior. Such anisotropic material is hard to be manufactured, but the anisotropic behavior may be achieved by making the initial structural shape curved. The pre-curved ctene, that bending towards downstream, will be straighten in power stoke while easy to bend during recovery stroke. Our study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of using pre-curved shapes to achieve anisotropic material properties during metachronal swimming. Treating it as fluid-structure interaction (FSI) problem, we integrate our in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver with a finite element method (FEM) solver, utilizing strong coupling methods for convergence. By comparing the performance of pre-curved ctenes with straight ones, which represent isotropic material properties, we found that the curved ctenes exhibited 26.05% to 65.69% higher cycle-averaged thrust compared to the straight one as stiffness is lower. However, as stiffness increased, the pre-curved ctenes produced 3.92% to 30.58% less thrust than the straight ones. Similar trends were observed in propulsive efficiency, with the pre-curved ctenes demonstrating 46.97% better efficiency at the lowest stiffness but dropping to 34.02% less efficient as stiffness rise. Thus, while the pre-curved initial shape led to better performance at lower stiffness, exceeding a certain stiffness threshold resulted in worse performance compared to straight ctenes. The thrust enhancement from pre-curve shape is due to the drag reduction during recovery stroke, where the curved shape mitigate part of force to point more downward.
Sustainable Solutions for Fast Fashion Waste: A Project-Based Learning Approach
Authors: Alves Anabela C. , Abreu M. Florentina , Leão Celina P.
Published: January 2025

The fast-fashion industry poses a significant environmental threat, contributing to global production waste and the accumulation of end-of-life garments in landfills, particularly in African countries. In response to this pressing issue, first-year Industrial Engineering and Management students were challenged to devise sustainable solutions by recycling, reusing, or upcycling discarded clothing into new products.

This paper presents the sustainable solutions proposed by the students to reduce the end-of-life garments that end up in landfills.

In the first semester of the 2022–23 academic year, students worked collaboratively in teams to develop an interdisciplinary project employing project-based learning, an active learning methodology. Data was collected through various channels, comprising content analysis of project reports, oral presentations, product prototypes, and a student questionnaire administered at the end of the semester.

The results indicated a high level of student engagement and awareness of the environmental impacts of fast fashion. By recycling end-of-life clothes, students recognized the dual benefits of reducing natural resource consumption and mitigating pollution caused by textile waste. Moreover, they demonstrated a profound understanding of sustainability principles and ethical considerations in product design and production. These research findings contribute valuable insights to the ongoing discourse on sustainable development and ethical practices in the fast-fashion industry.
An Experimental Learning Activity Involving Pressure Vessels and the Generalized Hooke’s Law
Authors: Norouzi Mahdi , Jafari Farid , Pawloski Janice
Published: January 2025

In a typical undergraduate course aimed to teach strength of materials, the topics of pressure vessels and the generalized Hooke’s law are likely to be overlooked because of their simplicity. However, anecdotal observations indicate that many students do not fully grasp these topics. To address this issue, an experimental activity was developed to compel the students to use the theory of thin-walled pressure vessels and verify the results using the experimental data. Successful completion of the task required understanding several other fundamental concepts including the generalized Hooke’s law, principal stresses, and strain transformation. The activity could also cover some higher-level concepts including the membrane theory of shells, the use of symmetry in setting up the finite element analysis of the structure, and uncertainty analysis. To test whether the learning objectives were achieved, the students were given relevant exam problems before and after completing the activity. The results indicated a significant improvement in their performance. Also, a confidential and voluntary survey was conducted at the end of the semester asking the students if they believed the activity contributed to their understanding of the aimed concepts. The majority of the students expressed the positive impact of the activity on their learning experience.
Hydrodynamics of Shrimp Swimming: Spread-Out Morphing of Pleopods in Power Stroke
Authors: Lou Zhipeng , Tack Nils , Wilhelmus Monica , Li Chengyu
Published: January 2025

Shrimps locomote through water using five pairs of appendages known as pleopods, which beat in a coordinated metachronal motion. Each pleopods consists of two membranous rami, a medial endopod and lateral exopod whose edges are lined with fine hair-like setae. Because of their close spacing and density, the setae act as an impermeable membrane. During swimming, each pleopod executes a power stroke, propelling water backward, followed by a recovery stroke to reset its position. During the power stroke, the exopods, endopods, and setae spread out, forming a propulsor with a larger area. In contrast, the rami close and overlap during the recovery stroke, reducing the effective area. In this study, we simulate natural shrimp swimming based on high-speed recordings under Reynolds number (Re) of 1980, using an in-house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) solver. We compared a model based on a natural swimming shrimp with a model with pleopod area fixed at the maximum area. Our results reveal that the model incorporating spread-out motion achieves a notable reduction of 49.84% in cycle-averaged hydrodynamic power while sacrificing only 23% of cycle-averaged thrust when compared to the fixed-pleopod area model. Furthermore, the effect of spread-out motion decreases the cost of transportation by 41.72% through reducing body drag by 12%. Additionally, our analysis observed the presence of a high-speed zone behind the second pleopod during stroke motion, particularly near the tangent plane of the lowest tip trajectory, and a low-speed zone in front of that pleopods.
Comparison of Vibrational Impacts on Tensile Strength in 3D Printing Materials
Authors: Zaidi Sohail , Viswanathan Vimal , Santosh K. C. , Ravada Shreyas , Vyas Ayati
Published: January 2025

3D printing, recognized as a cost-effective alternative to traditional manufacturing methods, has emerged as a mature technology with widespread industrial applications. The primary method employed by 3D printers, fused deposition modeling (FDM), involves melting thermoplastic materials layer by layer to achieve the desired shape. Commonly used materials in this process include PLA, ABS, and PETG, known for their favorable mechanical and thermal properties, though they often lack sufficient tensile strength. In this study, ASTM standard dogbones were fabricated with and without induced vibrations at frequencies of 2.4 Hz and 8.8 Hz. Visual inspection confirmed the spread of ejected material from the extruder across the surface, with observed material lumps and a pronounced curvy pattern, indicating increased bonding along the extruded lines. Porosity tests revealed a notable reduction in porosity with increasing vibration frequency and percentage infill factors. For instance, the reduction in porosity for PLA samples reached 84.85% as the vibration frequency increased from 2.4 to 8.8 Hz, marking a 32% improvement compared to samples printed without vibration. Similar trends were observed for ABS and PETG samples. Furthermore, the maximum load-bearing capacity of the samples was determined using an Instron tensile machine. Results showed a marginal dependency on vibration frequencies for all materials, whereas the infill factor emerged as the dominant factor influencing the samples’ strength.

Overall, this study demonstrates the potential of induced vibrations to enhance material properties in 3D printed specimens, particularly in terms of reduced porosity. However, the infill factor remains pivotal in determining the strength of the samples, suggesting avenues for further optimization in 3D printing processes.
High Fidelity Model of Pipe Bundle Coupling Mechanism in Nuclear Fusion Plant Remote Maintenance
Authors: Troise Mario , Ferrauto Martina , Gaidano Matteo , Melchiorre Matteo , Sorli Davide , Mauro Stefano
Published: January 2025

Periodically maintenance of Plasma-Facing Components (PFCs) are one of the critical issues in DEMOnstration (DEMO) reactor. The harsh environment of a fusion reactor dictates remote maintenance, which requires the development of new strategies and technologies. Indeed, a Service Joining System (SJS) for in-bore cutting and welding has been designed for PFC replacements. Therefore, strict alignment requirements between welding surfaces must be ensured. The alignment task involves a first phase of positioning during which the new pipes are brought close to their final position, and in the second phase a robot system ensures precise pipe coupling.

This paper presents the high-fidelity model of the Laser Bore Joint (LBJ), focusing on the pipe bundle coupling mechanism. The flexible elements of the LBJ have been described using both analytical and Finite Element Analysis (FEA). The bellow stress-strain diagram has been obtained, which shows the effect of its anelasticity when the alignment force increases. Furthermore, the Lumped Parameter Model (LPM) of the bellow and their use in the LBJ multibody model are presented. Finally, the contact parameters and two different cuff designs of the LBJ are analyzed. The simulation results are shown and discussed.
VR-Based Blockchain-Enabled Data Visualization Framework for Manufacturing Industry
Authors: Saha Nitol , Samaha Philip , Harik Ramy
Published: January 2025

Smart manufacturing revolutionizes industry by integrating physical and cyber worlds, creating a robust cyberinfrastructure that collects, interprets, and acts on factory data. This transformation underscores the crucial role of data in adaptive manufacturing processes. Integrating Virtual Reality (VR) with smart manufacturing further enhances decision-making by immersing users in virtual environments, enabling stakeholders to visualize and interact with complex processes. However, this shift necessitates stringent data security, as breaches can disrupt operations and compromise sensitive information. To mitigate this risk, blockchain technology is employed, providing a secure data repository that prevents unauthorized access. The convergence of VR and blockchain helps manufacturers navigate production complexities using safeguarded data. This research proposes a blockchain-based data visualization framework integrated with VR to gain manufacturing insights. Implemented at the Future Factories Lab at the University of South Carolina, the system enhances understanding, analysis, and decision-making by immersing users in a VR environment that presents manufacturing data stored on blockchain in an interactive form. Hyperledger Fabric establishes a blockchain network that records data from sensors deployed on controllers and actuators. When anomalies occur, relevant data is securely recorded on the blockchain. Data is accessed through “GET” API requests. A VR application, developed using the Unity game engine, visualizes the retrieved data through the Meta Quest 3 VR device. The application includes scripts to query blockchain data and convert JSON objects to text for VR visualization. This system leverages blockchain and VR to provide secure, immersive insights, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and resilience in the modern manufacturing workplace.
Insight on the Diagnostics of Two Degrees of Freedom Planetary Gearboxes
Authors: Grosso Pasquale , Fonte Cosimo , Rubini Riccardo
Published: January 2025

Planetary gearbox diagnostics is a topic of strong technical interest, given their wide use in several industrial applications. Among the established methodologies, vibration analysis plays a cardinal role, whereas in general “Time Synchronous Average” (TSA) represents one of the largely adopted signal processing technique, since its effectiveness. The method, in its original conception, works in the case of fixed vibration transfer paths from the source to the measurement point, therefore an application to the planetary gears, where the vibration transfer path is subject to variation, is still possible, but it requires a signal long enough in order to contemplate the periodicities of the system. Aim of the present work, is to propose a simple and efficient method, able to overcome this drawback, by adopting an “ordinary” TSA performed on the properly resampled vibration signal. Finally, the capability of this technique in detecting fault is assessed on the basis of experimental data making a comparison between the well-established but onerous method and the present one.
A Deep Convolutional Neural Network Approach to Automate Drilling Tool Lateral Motion Video Interpretation
Authors: Song Fei , Li Ke
Published: January 2025

Mitigating the risks associated with the effect of whirl on measurement quality and health of the drilling tools requires a solid understanding of drilling tool lateral motion dynamics. A full-scale roll test system (i.e., a tubular assembly rolling along the inner wall of an impact ring while being spun with a drive motor), which intends to mimic lateral dynamics that the tool could undergo while drilling in a controlled laboratory environment, is believed to be the closest to the real drilling exercises. This study is concerned with leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to advance the results interpretation of such roll test system that is instrumented with accelerometers and high-speed cameras. Specifically, deep convolutional neural network models using transfer learning are developed to automate detection of rolling shock impacts based on the digital images collected from the recorded slow-motion video. The developed model is trained and validated with the video data recorded at one rotational speed. The robustness of the developed model is finally tested and evaluated on the unseen video dataset, which describe drilling tool whirl dynamics at different rotational speeds. High F1 Score about 0.9 is achieved for the selected model with hyperparameter-tuning and fine-tuning techniques. The developed AI model expects to play a vital role in the modernization of the roll test system development for downhole drilling tools, and reducing cost, time and risks in new product development and validation and verification.
Correlating Titanium Powder Manufacturing Methods and Resultant Particle Morphologies to Microstructural Properties, Particle Flight and Impact Velocity, and Bonding and Deposition Characteristics in Cold Spray Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Anumandla Pranav , Pfeiff Carlos , Müftü Sinan , Garboczi Edward J. , Moser Newell H. , Cook Rachel E. , Derimow Nicholas A. , Ozdemir Ozan Cagatay
Published: January 2025

Unlike high temperature thermal spray processes and metal additive manufacturing methods that require extensive heat treatment, native particle microstructural properties in the feedstock powder have been shown to dictate the final thermomechanical properties of as-deposited cold spray (CS) products (i.e., coatings, repairs, free standing parts) in the literature. Recently, particle shape has also been shown to have a significant influence on particle flight and impact velocity, which is the primary control parameter for material deposition. Thus, powder feedstock thermomechanical properties and size and shape distributions need to be coupled with CS process conditions to understand the direct influence of particle shape on bonding and the significance of the parameter for quality control as CS becomes commercialized in a wider spectrum of industrial applications. Thus, in this study, bonding and deposition characteristics of commercially pure titanium (CP-Ti) powders were correlated with their size, shape, and native microstructural properties and their impact velocity and temperature. Gas atomized (mostly spherical), chemically reduced (sponge granules), and chemically reduced and crushed (dense and irregular) powders are characterized for their size, shape, and microstructural properties using optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), laser diffraction particle size analysis (LPA), X-Ray computed tomography (XCT), and electron back scatter diffraction (EBSD) methods. Shadow image particle velocimetry is used for characterizing and dialing CS process parameters for producing single particle splats and thick deposits. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used for predicting size and shape dependent particle impact velocity difficult to gather using experimental methods. Resultant microstructural properties within particles and bonding interfaces were studied using optical microscopy, SEM, and EBSD. Furthermore, the final mechanical properties were investigated through transient through hardness and uniaxial tensile strength measurements. Results show that shape is a very influential factor for impact velocity, bonding, and buildup.
Developing Hands-On Class Activities to Enhance Systems-Thinking and Systems-Engineering Course Material
Authors: Birrenkott Cassandra M. , Lande Micah , Benes Hannah L. , Muci-Küchler Karim H. , Bedillion Mark
Published: January 2025

As engineering graduates are expected to participate in the design of ever-increasingly complex systems, traditional engineering education must adapt to include concepts of systems thinking and systems engineering. This paper highlights the progress of one such effort to weave systems thinking and systems engineering topics into an Introduction to Mechanical Engineering course across three institutions. This is part of a broader, multi-institution effort to use a flipped classroom model, to develop online learning content, and create hands-on activities, meant to complement and be used in tandem with the online learning platform. These activities aim to make systems thinking and systems engineering topics more concrete and tangible for first-year students, fostering engagement and excitement for the mechanical engineering major and field.
Properties of 3D Printing Resins for Humanoid Robot Application
Authors: Van Milligen James , Sutherland Merel , Michels William , Radhakrishnan Pradeep
Published: January 2025

Stereolithography (SLA) printers can create high quality complex parts at rapid rates through laser curing process. A wide range of materials can be used in this printing technique to produce parts for different applications. One such application is humanoid robots where high strength is needed to withstand the large forces and torques experienced during standing and walking. Some parts of the robot will also need high toughness to protect against impact loading. For the past three years, students at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) have been working on developing a low-cost fully 3D printed humanoid robot based on the Poppy Project. Tests, such as standing and walking, have shown structural weakness in the 3D resin-printed components. This necessitated deeper investigations into the materials used for 3D printing parts for such humanoid robot applications. Various low-cost engineering resins were tested on low-cost SLA printers. For each resin, multiple dogbone tensile test specimens were printed at the settings recommended by the manufacturer. A tensile test was completed using a machine capable of applying up to 2.5kN load and specifically tuned for softer materials and plastics. The paper will describe the need, process of testing, results and the key takeaways.
Dynamic Modelling of a Controlled Orthotropic Plate: Analytic and Data-Driven Approaches in the Frequency Domain
Authors: Zuyev Alexander , Pellicano Francesco , Zippo Antonio , Iarriccio Giovanni
Published: January 2025

This paper is devoted to the mathematical modelling of a vibrating orthotropic plate equipped with a laminated piezosensor, under the influence of a lumped force actuation. We employ the Kirchhoff plate theory to derive the corresponding partial differential equation, assuming free boundary conditions. Analytical solutions for this boundary value problem are explored in the form of series expansions, using products of Krylov functions. Utilizing Galerkin’s method, this mathematical model is transformed into an infinite-dimensional control system characterized by modal coordinates. The transfer function of such a system is explicitly evaluated in the single-input single-output case. The computation of coefficients for finite-dimensional approximate systems is formalized in an algorithm with an arbitrary number of degrees of freedom. Our numerical study confirms that the modeled input-output behavior shows acceptable agreement over the given frequency range.
One Program’s Response to a Pilot Accreditation Criteria Concerning Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Authors: Hamel Josh , Shuman Teodora R. , Kuder Katherine , Han Yen-Lin , Cook Kathleen E.
Published: January 2025

During the 2023–2024 accreditation cycle, the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology asked programs to voluntarily submit optional supplemental pilot reports to show how the program complies with the proposed additional language for ABET’s Criterion 5 (Curriculum) and Criterion 6 (Faculty). The Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering program at Seattle University agreed to participate in the optional ABET program pilot report based on the department’s ongoing work related to diversity, equity, and inclusion accomplished under a National Science Foundation Revolutionizing Engineering and Computer Science Departments grant. This grant was awarded in 2017 to support the development of a culture that fosters students’ engineering identities within the Mechanical Engineering Department at Seattle University. Over the course of the recently concluded grant project, an “engineering with engineers” culture was built by strengthening the connection to local industry partners and through intentional changes in the shared vision of the department, faculty work practices, program curriculum, and student support activities. Fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for a diverse group of future engineers, particularly women and underrepresented minorities, was at the heart of the department’s RED project. Due to the department’s specific focus on these critical DEI issues over the last several years, the decision was made to participate in the optional DEI pilot criteria as a part of the ABET Self Study Report submitted in the spring of 2023 as well as part of the dissemination plan associated with the grant project. This paper briefly documents the mechanisms through which DEI became integral to the vision, practices, and policies of the department through the RED project, with a specific focus on how the program approached the pilot DEI criteria as proposed by the ABET.
Biorobotic Actuator Selection Space Mapping
Authors: Hanna Pavlos , Carmichael Marc , Clemon Lee
Published: January 2025

Actuator selection is critical in the design of human compatible robotics, such as prosthetics, exoskeletons, and humanoids. Each has its own set of parameters, from output specifications to package sizing and applicable environmental conditions. A multitude of design factors must be considered in selection, some are dictated by performance relations, while other engineering decisions are latent and unobserved. In biorobotic design, weight is often a key trade-off parameter with actuator performance. We analyze a database of over 1900 motors that are of relevant size for biorobotic designs to identify underlying trends that affect selection options. Selected motors range from 0.000013Nm to 3.66Nm in torque and 0.0016kg to 5.67kg in weight. We then generate Ashby-style charts to evaluate trends across motor selection dimensions. We find a wide disparity between manufacturers and where their actuators are specialized. The results provide a means for rapidly narrowing the selection space for designers, which is shown through an example application and reduces design time and improves the actuator selection.
Numerical Investigation of Wave Dynamics During Mode Transition in a Hydrogen-Fueled Rotating Detonation Engine Combustor
Authors: Hasti Veeraraghava Raju , Ranjan Reetesh
Published: January 2025

We present results from the numerical investigation of mode transition with associated wave dynamics in a practical rotating detonation engine (RDE) combustor. The computational setup follows a past experimental study of an RDE combustor, which utilizes hydrogen as the fuel and air as the oxidizer. We consider a configuration at the global equivalence ratio, ϕ = 1, which exhibits the presence of a single detonation front propagating in a cyclic manner in the annular combustion chamber. After establishing the single wave mode, we alter the mass flow rates of fuel and oxidizer ensuring the same value of ϕ. The simulation was able to capture the wave mode transition from a sustained single detonation wave structure to a double co-rotating detonation wave structure in good agreement with experiments. The transition occurs due to inhomogeneities of fuel/air mixing and a nonlinear interaction of thermo-chemical variables with the propagating waves in the chamber. We analyzed the behavior of pressure, heat-release rate, and other thermo-chemical quantities during the wave mode transition, which shows the effects of fuel/air mixing leading to the presence of deflagration mode of burning apart from the cyclic propagation of the detonation fronts.
Design of a Novel Thermal Energy Storage Residential Cooking Stove
Authors: Dickinson Gavin , Relken Christopher , Fernandez-Aballi Carlos , Oshman Christopher
Published: January 2025

Our team is presenting a novel solution integrates thermal energy storage (TES) into household ovens and stoves, minimizing electricity consumption during peak hours in the United States. We created a full CAD model of the stove design that stores 494 kWh of thermal energy from renewable energy sources during the day in an aluminum-silicon alloy thermal mass, acting as a phase change material (PCM). A thermosyphon-based thermal valve selectively extracts stored thermal energy from the TES via heat pipes using sodium as the working fluid. A thermal resistance model of the thermal valve shows heat efficiently delivered from the TES to the stove top. This system provides 56.7 kW of heat transfer to the stove top, in its “on” state. The heat transfer of the stove during its “off” state transfers 6 W. Nichrome burners embedded in the PCM take in electricity from renewable sources to heat the Al/Si PCM. The system ensures safety with features such as a thermally insulated steel casing and a pressure relief valve in the PCM, thermal valve, and heat pipe vessels. This innovation offers promise for decarbonizing residential homes in the U.S. by reducing CO2 production by approximately 57 megatons, not including the CO2 produced to create the stove.
Influence of Fuel Temperature on Performance and Emissions of Water-Emulsified Diesel Fuel
Authors: Oliveira Pedro , Brójo Francisco , Domingues Rafael
Published: January 2025

Water-in-diesel emulsions (WiDE) are an alternative fuel to be used in diesel engines capable of offering the benefits of higher engine efficiency and lesser pollutant emissions. This work aims to show how differences in WiDE fuel temperatures may impact its combustion properties and how they translate into different performances and emissions. An emulsion composed of diesel, 8% (m/m) of distilled water, and 3% (m/m) surfactant was performed in laboratory by mechanical homogenization and tested in a single-cylinder Hatz 1B40 Direct Injection (DI) diesel engine coupled to an eddy current dynamometer, an emission gas analyzer, and an opacimeter. The tests were performed for the fuel temperatures of 40°C and 50°C, and at 75% of the maximum considered engine load at four different speeds. The results show that higher emulsion temperatures lead to lower NO emissions, higher CO emissions, and decreased thermal efficiency.
Modeling and Control of an Innovative Soft Robotic Ultrasound System
Authors: Sellers Stephan , Magee Kyra , Gharaie Saleh , Ashuri Turaj , Amiri Moghadam Amir Ali
Published: January 2025

This paper aims to develop a framework for modeling and control of a novel ultrasound robotic system. In this study, our focus will be on modeling, controlling, and characterizing this system. To model this robot, we will employ the method of rigid finite elements to accurately capture the nonlinear large deformations of the soft robot. Using this technique, we will discretize the structure of the robot into a series of rigid elements connected by rotary springs. The stiffness of these springs can be determined experimentally by utilizing a force sensor. For position control, we will implement a PID controller and utilize an electromagnetic position sensor to gather data on the end-effector position. We will use serial communication and microcontroller to communicate between the robot, computer, and sensors. The PID gains will be adjusted experimentally through trial-and-error method and the performance of the controller will be tested in tracking of different trajectories.
A Challenge Based Teaching Model for Applied Mechanics Courses With Flipped Learning and Artificial Intelligence Elements
Authors: Rodriguez-Paz Miguel X. , Gonzalez-Mendivil Jorge A. , Zamora-Hernandez Israel
Published: January 2025

In this paper we present a challenge based teaching model for Applied Mechanics courses, particularly a Solid Mechanics Course, within the framework of our education model, namely (blinded for review). The model also includes the use of some Artificial Intelligence tools during the course in some activities. The selected course for this paper is considered a difficult one by our students and sometimes the professors and students find it complex and some principles and concepts are difficult for students to associate with a real life application. The contents of the course include a review of Equilibrium, Stress definitions, Structural Analysis of statically determinate beams and two-dimensional trusses. The main component of the model is the solution of a challenge for which, students work in teams. The challenge presented to students at the beginning of an intense five week period consists on the design of the truss structure for the roof of an industrial warehouse. The teams of students have to present a solution applying the concepts seen in the course as well as some basic building code requirements. The course is taught by two professors and the participation of people from a chosen industry partner, that for the case of this course, it is a professional and chartered structural engineering firm. For the solution of the challenge, the participation of professional engineers from the industry partner was crucial, as they provided advice and recommendations to students in several meetings throughout the five week period. The results included in this paper are from two different implementations of the model in one campus of our university system. During each week the teams have some sessions where they work on the solution of the challenge. The use of professional software for structural analysis is also taught to students during those sessions where some elements of Artificial Intelligence tools are allowed. Students’ motivation was high, as expected during the five week period and with the participation of the industry partner at different stages of their solution, students got a sense of what is like to work in real life projects in their region.

Some results on students’ perceptions are included as well as those of students’ satisfaction and the type of activities that they enjoyed the most are also presented. This work can be used to design new courses related to Applied Mechanics including the challenge-based model with elements of Flipped-learning and AI tools.
Kinetic Modeling of a Conceptual Hydrogen Production Plant for Regional Hydrogen Resiliency
Authors: Shafquat Safwan , Itul Afsana Mustari , Chanda Sumit , Udoy Md Ismail Hassan , Tasnim Anika Farhat , Ryen Ahmed Ann Noor , Choudhuri Ahsan , Islam Nawshad Arslan
Published: January 2025

The current article explores a conceptual hydrogen (H2) production plant with an integrated gasification combined cycle (IGCC) designed in a commercially available simulation software to meet the auxiliary power requirements of the plant and a portion of the local electricity demand. A kinetic reactor model was used to carry out the gasification reactions. A major goal was to understand the capability of locally available feedstocks in El Paso, TX, such as pecan shells, cotton gin trash, and MSW, in hydrogen production. Both single feedstock gasification and co-gasification (municipal solid waste and pecan shell blend) methods were investigated to observe feed sensitivity to hydrogen production. A process parametric sensitivity analysis is conducted, primarily focusing on equivalence ratio and temperature. Initial results show that a lower equivalence ratio (ER) provided more H2 and CO yield and then decreased as ER increased from 0.18 to 0.36. However, a slightly different trend is seen when cotton gin trash (CGT) is used as feedstock. The sensitivity study found that the highest H2 yield was from pecan shell gasification at 950°C temperature. Additionally, co-gasification of pecan shells and MSW provided better syngas yield results with approximately 31% H2 and 32% CO, respectively, compared to only MSW gasification.
Electrifying Rural Life: A Socio-Technical Framework for Power Distribution in Microgrids
Authors: Pangia Andrew , Suk Hailie , Yaghoubirad Maryam , Khan Taufiquar , Hall John
Published: January 2025

In the realm of rural electrification, renewable-energy microgrids represent a pivotal advancement in sustainability, providing essential power solutions for areas lacking traditional grid connectivity. This study explores a relationship to control microgrid power on the basis of the quality of life (QOL) in rural electrification. It introduces a socio-technical framework designed to optimize power distribution in microgrid systems, particularly those with constrained production capacities.

Central to our research is the integration of social needs with technical capabilities. The framework utilizes a decision-making process that evaluates QOL parameters — such as water safety, education, and leisure/social activities — which are vital for enhancing community well-being. These indicators are crucial for prioritizing power distribution, demonstrating how microgrids can significantly enhance rural development by aligning electrification with QOL improvements.

Our previous work utilized the compromise decision support problem (cDSP) to aid in human decision-making for microgrid design and operation. This study introduces a programming technique that automates the power management process. Our methodology develops a mathematical program that incorporates QOL parameters directly into the objective function, defining a prioritization strategy for power distribution based on community-importance and energy-dependence scores. This automation is crucial for implementing control devices capable of managing microgrid power in real-time. The shift from manual to automated decision-making streamlines the distribution of limited power resources, ensuring optimal allocation across essential community needs and enhancing the system’s adaptability and efficiency.

The efficacy of the framework is demonstrated through two examples based on data from our previous work. The results highlight the benefits of prioritizing power allocation based on QOL parameters, leading to more impactful energy management within microgrids. The study also emphasizes the importance of including community perspectives in microgrid design and operation, ensuring that energy solutions are closely aligned with the most pressing community needs. We present this formulation for rural microgrids, but the framework is scalable.