bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Municipal Waste Heat Dissipation Modular Approach for Open Field Heated Agriculture
Authors: Dell Robert , Mitchell Nicholas , Mehta Ritesh , Grutman Maya , Mignano Christopher , Petur Palsson Olafur , Unnthorsson Runar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Waste heat from low temperature geothermal resources, industrial, municipal district heating services, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems is a valuable resource that can be dissipated in open field heated agricultural systems. Since 2008 the authors have been developing and field testing an energy intensive year-round shallow soil warming technology. Heated green roof test beds in New York City and heated gardens in Iceland are analogous to heated sidewalks. Heat dissipation rates for the test beds varied from 0.086–0.336 kW/m2, depending upon working fluid temperatures, weather conditions, soil types, soil depths and moisture content. Plant growth increases of 20% and growing season prolongation are documented when a soil temperature of 25–30°C is maintained continually at a depth of 8 cm. This enables the survival of cultivars that normally thrive in more than two United States Department of Agriculture climate zones to the south. This coincidentally mirrors some global climate changes predictive models. The authors have developed a basic 5 × 10 square meter module based on their 10 years of experience, which can be used alone or combined for larger installations. Construction guidelines, thermal projections, and expected plant growth results are provided for both urban and municipal installations.
Relaxation Effects of Soft Artificial Fabric Muscle Actuators for Launch and Recovery Systems
Authors: Smith Michael P. , Cavallaro Paul , Redington Allison , O’Donnell Jacob , Warner Eric 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This research investigated the time-dependent stress relaxation and creep performance of McKibben-type artificial soft fabric muscles (ASFMs). The ASFMs are constructed of High Performance Fibers (HPF) encompassing an oversized, pleated, nonstructural fluid bladder. These ASFMs have potential applications for the launch, recovery, positioning and control of undersea and surface vehicles and interface platforms. Glass and aramid braid materials were evaluated analytically and experimentally. The analytical model utilized a modified General Maxwell Model to capture the stress relaxation and creep behaviors of ASFMs. This model was then compared with the experimental results.
Modeling Thermal Runaway in Prismatic Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Khan Shehzad , Anwar Sohail , Casa Jairo , Hasnain Muhammad , Ahmed Hossain , Sezer Hayri 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in various applications due to their high energy density and long cycle life, but their safety is a significant concern because of the potential for thermal runaway, which can lead to catastrophic failure. The present study investigates thermal runaway (TR) for prismatic cell geometries with inter-cell contact resistances using finite volume based PDE solver implemented in MATLAB and Julia. This solver can handle transient, convection, diffusion, and linear and constant source terms in all cartesian, cylindrical, and spherical coordinates. It provides convenient postprocessing capabilities and a direct graphical interface. The results obtained from the finite volume approach are compared with two other models, GPYRO and COMSOL Multiphysics, and show good agreement between them. The study finds that the inter-cell contact resistance has a significant effect on the thermal behavior of LIBs and must be considered when designing and modeling battery systems. The FVM toolbox is demonstrated to be a reliable and efficient tool for predicting the critical conditions for thermal runaway in LIBs, providing valuable insights into the complex heat and mass transfer processes that govern thermal runaway. The study highlights the potential of the FVM toolbox for use in battery design and safety analysis, guiding the development of safer and more reliable energy storage systems. By accurately predicting the onset of thermal runaway, the FVM toolbox can identify critical design parameters and provide insights into the effects of changes in cell geometry and inter-cell contact resistance on the thermal behavior of LIBs.
Predicting Oscillatory Patterns of Mud Circulating Along the Well-Bore in Drilling Procedures: A Finite Element Model
Authors: Marquez Eleazar 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper, a mathematical model is proposed to further understand the dynamic effects [drilling] mud exerts on the drill-string assembly. The proposed model consists of a rotor subjected to various revolutions per minute (RPM’s), an axial force which accounts for the weight-on bit requirements, and a harmonic excitation simulating fluid mud circulating along the well-bore. In this regard, Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is incorporated to establish a multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) mathematical expression of a specific section of the BHA. In this regard, a finite element methodology was implemented to determine the corresponding parameters of the equation of motion and elucidate the elastic characteristics of the drill-string assembly. A two-node element containing two displacements and two rotations per node was adopted to describe the rotor as a uniform, elastic beam. In addition, gyroscopic effects of the drill-string assembly were accounted in the equation of motion. The motion of the mud on the drill-string is characterized by implementing damped oscillators on nodes one, three, five, and seven.
Investigation of Thermal Metamaterial Designs to Harvest Energy by Guiding Heat Energy
Authors: Khan Md Arif Iqbal , Sadaf Asef Ishraq , Ahmed Riaz , Ahmed Hossain 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
A novel method to harvest energy by guiding heat using a thermal metamaterial system is presented in this study. Compared to various other promising features that thermal metamaterials are being designed for in the last decade, heat guiding characteristics is one of the unprecedented phenomena which has numerous applications in thermal management and energy harvesting technologies. While thermal metamaterials are envisioned to guide heat in a specific direction, utilizing thermoelectric materials has the potential to significantly increase energy harvesting efficiency. In this study, a numerical model is developed using the commercial finite element solver COMSOL Multiphysics. Using this model, three different types of thermal metamaterial design are investigated to estimate their ability to control the flow of thermal energy through a base material. Initially, the base material is stainless steel whereas the constituents of the thermal metamaterials are high heat conductive Copper and insulator-like Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). The unit cell geometries of the thermal metamaterials are designed as circular sectors and varied in such a way that three distinct designs are achieved. In these unit cells, circular sectors are arranged periodically, and the material properties of these sectors are alternatively assigned to Copper and PDMS so that sufficient anisotropy is achieved. While the copper acts as the primary carrier of heat, the PDMS restricts heat energy from being dissipated. The unit cell is placed in the path of heat flow through a rectangular channel. A central circular area is selected near the cross-section to place a thermoelectric patch. The incorporation of thermoelectric materials such as Bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) into the thermal metamaterial system significantly enhances its capability to harvest energy by converting the heat energy to usable electrical energy. A comparison is made by means of the increase in temperature of the central circular area over a range of temperature difference to estimate the efficiency of the unit cell designs. In this numerical analysis, convective and radiative heat transfer are assumed to be zero while only conductive heat transfer is considered.
Predicting Needle Deflection in Soft Tissue: a Computational Modeling Approach
Authors: Al-Safadi Samer , Hutapea Parsaoran 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This study explores the mechanical interactions between surgical needles and soft tissues during procedures like biopsies and brachytherapy. A key challenge is needle tip deflection, which can cause deviation from the intended target. The study aims to develop an analytical model that predicts needle tip deflection during insertion by combining principles from interfacial mechanics and soft tissue deformation. A modified version of the dynamic Euler-Bernoulli beam theory is employed to model needle insertion and predict needle tip deflection. The model’s predictions are then compared to experimental data obtained from needle insertions in real tissues. The research aims to deepen our understanding of needle-tissue interactions and develop a reliable model for predicting needle deflection, ultimately enhancing surgical robots and navigation systems for safer and more precise percutaneous procedures. Pig organs are used as a material data source for a viscoelastic model, simulating needle insertion into kidney-like environments and analyzing organ deformation. The modified Euler-Bernoulli beam theory considers the viscoelastic properties of the tissue. Deflection is then calculated and compared to experimental data, with analytical deflection measurements exhibiting a 5–10% difference compared to experimental results.
Supercharging of a 4-Stroke Spark Ignition Junkers Engine
Authors: Brójo Francisco , Abreu José 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In the field of aviation, supercharging allows piston engines to develop maximum power when operating at high altitudes or boost an aircraft’s power during take-off. This project aims to supercharge a four-stroke spark ignition Junkers engine with a turbocharger to improve its performance. A new exhaust system and an intake system containing an air capacitor were designed and fabricated to allow the supercharging of the engine. An Eddy current dynamometer and various sensors connected to the engine control unit were utilised to measure the engine parameters during the tests. The engine performance was quantified by the values of torque, power and specific fuel consumption. A comparison between the naturally aspirated and supercharged engine is analysed and it is concluded that supercharging improves its performance, increasing torque and power values, and decreasing specific fuel consumption, making the use of this type of engine viable for small aircrafts.
Numerical Study of the Velocity Profiles in an Incompressible Laminar Flow With Particles Between Two Parallel Plates
Authors: Marín B. Julio C. , Amaya C. Carlos J. , Ayala H. Orlando M. , Ayala Orlando F. , Ayala Manuel 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a two-dimensional numerical study of the velocity profiles of an incompressible laminar flow with particles between two parallel plates. The model is developed using COMSOL Multiphysics 6.0 software based on the finite element method. A laminar water flow is used for the continuous phase, and fluid-particle interaction is established through a bidirectional coupling under a temporal configuration. This study aims at analyzing the fluid-particle interaction dependency on parameters such as the Stokes number (St), the volumetric fraction (αp), and the relative size of particles (RSp), and how varying them affects the development of the boundary layer with particles. Two types of velocity profile graphs are presented, one along lines parallel to the plates and another along lines perpendicular to the plates, both to study how the velocity is affected while varying the parameters mentioned before. Graphs of the velocity difference cases of fluid with particles to the case of fluid alone were developed. Three zones are observed: an acceleration zone, in which velocity increases up to a maximum point (peak); a transition zone, where it starts to decrease and progressively stabilize; and finally, a stable zone, where the fluid flow with particles eventually has the same behavior as the fluid alone flow as the boundary layer with particles develops completely and the interaction of particles with the fluid diminishes. It was observed that particles interfere with the development of the boundary layer, and that the interference increases proportionally with the volumetric fraction of particles (αp), while inversely proportional with the relative particle size (RSp). It was found that the volumetric fraction (αp) and the relative particle size (RSp) have a linear proportionality with fluid velocity difference. It is also shown that as the Stokes number increases, particles react more slowly to the fluid flow, further delaying the boundary layer development. In the velocity difference graph and peak was observed and its location in the channel tends to shift as the Stokes number varies. This peak shift was not observed when varying the volume fractions and/or relative particle size.
Characterizing Drop-Wall Interactions of Engine Fuels at Engine-Relevant Conditions Using Smoothed Particle Hydrodynamics
Authors: Patwary Mohammad F. F. , Isik Doruk , Kong Song-Charng , Mayhew Eric , Kim Kenneth S. , Kweon Chol-Bum M. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In an internal combustion engine, interactions of fuel droplets and heated walls can significantly affect the combustion process and engine performance. The formation and characteristics of secondary droplets from drop-wall interactions are functions of various factors such as fuel properties, impact velocity, ambient conditions, and wall temperature. Understanding the impact behavior is of great importance to optimize the distribution of the fuel-air mixture for efficient and clean combustion and to develop a comprehensive spray-wall interaction model. In this study, three-dimensional smoothed particle hydrodynamics (SPH) simulations are performed to investigate the interactions of n-heptane and F-24 droplets with a super-heated surface at atmospheric and elevated pressures over a range of Weber numbers (We). The SPH model is validated using available experimental data. Secondary atomization is characterized by using size distributions of secondary droplets for all cases. In contrast to n-heptane, F-24 results in a narrower droplet size distribution where secondary droplets are mainly clustered in the range of 0 to 7μm, resulting in a smaller mean secondary droplet size. Following these cases, this paper presents qualitative description of the impact process and proposes empirical correlations relating mean secondary droplet size to ambient pressure in the film-boiling regime. Post-impingement vaporization characteristics are also analyzed.
Numerical Investigation on Laminar Forced Convection in Triangular Cross Section Mini Ducts With Nanofluids and Rectangular Ribs
Authors: Buonomo Bernardo , Manca Oronzio , Nardini Sergio 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
In this paper a numerical investigation on laminar forced convection flow of a nanofluid, water-alumina nanoparticles, in a mini duct with triangular cross section is accomplished with the lower heated surface with transversal ribs. A constant and uniform heat flux on the bottom surface of the heat sink is applied and a mixture model approach is employed to simulate the nanofluid flow. The analysis is performed for a three-dimensional combined conductive-convective heat transfer in a square section with triangular duct, at steady state regime. The CFD commercial code Fluent is employed to solve the three-dimensional numerical model by means of a finite volume technique. The investigation is carried out for Reynolds number in the range from 100 to 2000, volumetric concentration of nanoparticles equal to 0% 4% and 6%. Results are presented in terms of temperature and velocity distributions, surface shear stress and heat transfer convective coefficient, Nusselt number and required pumping power profiles for different nanoparticle volume fractions. Comparison with results related to the fluid dynamic and thermal behaviors highlights the enhancement in heat transfer, with respect to the base fluid, due to the presence of nanoparticles.
Numerical Investigation of the Effect of the Inclusion of Turbulators in an Evacuated Tube Solar Collector Air Heat Exchanger
Authors: Olukeye Tiwaloluwa , Gaye Samba , Alshweiki Ali , Tyagi Pawan 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Homes relying on traditional heating systems such as furnaces, stoves, boilers, and similar mechanisms typically have a common requirement: the use of fossil fuels. Since fossil fuel prices are prone to fluctuations, it is crucial to explore alternative options. In the ongoing transition towards more sustainable solutions, solar energy emerges as an environmentally friendly choice due to its renewable nature. A pivotal device in harnessing solar energy for heating purposes is the solar air heater. This study presents a numerical analysis conducted using the CFD simulation software ANSYS, focusing on the performance characteristics of a pumpless solar room air heater that incorporates sectioning. The aim was to optimize the dimensions, specifically the pitch or distance between the turbulator features, and predict the heat exchanger’s thermal performance by measuring the associated head loss. To validate their findings, the researchers compared the predicted results from the CFD simulation with the calculated results using an Excel solver. Throughout the calculations, the impact of design variations (sectioning the pipe at different lengths relative to head loss) and the Reynolds number on stream aerodynamics and heat exchange processes were considered. The findings revealed a linear relationship between temperature and distance between the turbulators, with the heat-transfer measurements increasing alongside this distance.
Synthesis of Poly-Lactic Acid by Ring Open Polymerization for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Vakati Snehal Reddy , Gacura Matthew , Vanderlaan Gary , Ji Xiaoxu , Chen Longyan , Saber Christine A. , Piovesan Davide 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Poly-lactic acid (PLA) is a synthetic polymer that has gained popularity as a scaffold due to well-established manufacturing processes, predictable biomaterial properties, and sustained therapeutic release rates. However, it has some drawbacks such as weak mechanical parameters and reduced medicinal delivery efficacy after PLA degradation. The development of synthetic polymers that can release antibiotics and other medicines remains a top research priority. This study proposes a novel approach to produce PLA by converting Brewer’s spent grain (BSG) into lactic acid by bacterial fermentation followed by lactide ring polymerization with a metal catalyst. The elution properties of the PLA polymer are evaluated using modified Kirby-Bauer assays involving the antimicrobial chemotherapeutical, trimethoprim (TMP). Molded PLA polymer disks are impregnated with a known killing concentration of TMP, and the PLA is evaluated as a drug vehicle against TMP-sensitive Escherichia coli. This approach provides a practical means of assessing the polymer’s ability to release antimicrobials, which could be beneficial in exploring new drug-eluting synthetic polymer strategies. Overall, this study highlights the potential of using BSG waste materials to produce valuable biomaterials of medical value with the promise of expanded versatility of synthetic PLA polymers in the field of drug-impregnated tissue grafts.
Cost-Effective Method Using Force Sensors for Chiropractic Teaching
Authors: Shah Iti , Butler Carolyn , Salman Muhammad 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The popularity of chiropractic medicine has increased in recent times, but the tools required for this field can be expensive, bulky, and impractical. To assist students in this field, various equipment such as pressure-sensing tables and actuators are utilized. However, some of these tools can be ineffective despite indicating the amount and location of pressure applied. To address this issue, a new glove design has been proposed in this paper, which utilizes Force Sensitive Resistor Sensors (FRSs), Raspberry Pi Pico W (Pico), Thonny (IDE) software, and an Analog to Digital converter (ADC) to achieve cost-effectiveness without compromising on efficiency. This research has significant benefits for the teaching of chiropractic mechanisms, improving accuracy and reducing costs. The device can also be used by different species in specific fields, potentially preventing workplace injuries, and enhancing teaching quality in this rapidly growing field.
Applying Heat Shrinking to Minimize Pillow Effect During Incremental Sheet Forming
Authors: Schmaltz Kevin 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Incremental sheet forming (ISF) is a die-less sheet-forming process that forms the desired final shape by incrementally deforming portions of sheet metal. One of the well-known quality problems with the ISF process is the pillow effect. The pillow effect refers to the undesired deformation of the unformed flat part of the sheet under the compressive residual stresses arising from the surrounding formed parts of the sheet which causes the bumping or buckling of the unformed flat surfaces. While the pillow effect is unavoidable in the ISF process, the formed pillow can be flattened by the shrinking of the material at the buckled area. Shrinkage can eliminate compression and provide a slight tension to regain the flatness of the surface. Among all different metal shrinking methods, heat shrinking has been used effectively by metal workers to shrink and flatten stretched areas on sheet metals. The method can be applied to different metals including steel and aluminum.
This project is an undergraduate ME capstone senior project involving four students in support of the Manufacturing Engineering Technology program: Adrianna Burchett, Talon Harmon, Ashley Kobylinski and Afton Schraml. The goal of this research is to study the effectiveness of the heat-shrinking methods in reversing the pillow effect and increasing the geometrical accuracy of ISF formed products. The value of the work towards the engineering education community lies in the integration of a variety of methods used by the students to study this innovative, real-world problem. The student team had to become familiar with the operation of a FANUC R-2000ic 165F robot to create the ISF parts that heat shrinking would be applied to. The team had to identify a suitable scanner to characterize the surface of the untreated and the heat-treated parts to quantify improvements. The team modeled the deformed original ISF part and created FEA models adding heat stress to numerically predict heat shrinking benefits. The team investigated the analytical equations for the ISF part to guide their experimental investigation of ISF heat shrinking.
This project forced the senior team to locate real-world uses of heat shrinking, to educate themselves in the use of a robotic cell to make the ISF parts, guided by numerical simulations and analytical experimental practices, the team investigated the ability of heat shrinking to minimize the undesirable phenomenon of the pillow effect. Their work provides an example of a successful ME student capstone project and has the potential to contribute to future efforts to improve the ISF process.