The 14th Annual
NC State University
Undergraduate Research Symposium
Engineering and
Technology
Abstracts
Abstracts are listed in alphabetical order by the
last name of the corresponding author.
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Trinity L. Biggerstaff |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Gerd Duscher/Materials
Science and Engineering, |
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Title of Presentation: |
Atomic Characterization of Annealed Quantum
Wells |
Quantum well materials are used for a wide
range of high efficiency optical devices including light emitting diodes and
laser devices. Here we study annealed
and as-grown Nitrogen-doped GaAsSb quantum wells to
determine the different optical properties of this infrared laser
material. We present results of high
resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy (HRSTEM) with spherical
aberration correction, used to determine thickness and interface roughness of
these quantum well structures. The
transparency of Z-contrast imaging allows for the analysis of interface
composition in high resolution images.
Additionally, microwave photoconductace decay
is used to measure carrier lifetime. The thickness of the single quantum well
in both the annealed and the as-grown specimen is measured to be 12.5 nm. The interface closer to the surface in the
annealed quantum well was determined to be an average of 0.9 nm thick while in
the as-grown quantum well this interface was an average of 4.5 nm thick. Similarly, the interface closer to the
substrate in the annealed quantum well is an average of 0.78 nm and an average
of 3.9 nm in the unannealed sample. The interface roughness was also determined.
Our study shows that annealing these structures sharpens both interfaces.
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Trinity L. Biggerstaff Scott F. AbernathyMyles L. Connor
Kristopher
A. Darling |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Jon-Paul Maria/Materials Sciences and Engineering William J. Borland/Dupont Microelectronics |
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Title of Presentation: |
Big
Effect of Etching on (BaSr)TiO3 Dielectric
Materials |
The selective etching is a critical step in the overall fabrication of
high quality capacitor embedded printed wiring boards (PWB). For the past year, Dupont
has characterized the etching effects of CuCl2 + HCl,
CuCl2 + NH3OH, and Black Oxide, which is sulfuric acid with hydrogen peroxide
on thick film capacitor composed of Cu electrodes with BaTiO3 + glass filler
for the dielectric material. These
capacitors were unable to withstand the etching process. The problem to be addressed is to see if our
thin film capacitors composed of Cu electrodes with (BaSr)TiO3
as the dielectric material will outlast Dupont’s
etching procedures while resulting in minimal degradation of the
dielectric. The (BaSr)TiO3
based capacitors were subjected to the same three etchants
as described by Dupont. Electrical measurements such as capacitance,
loss tangent and leakage current were conducted versus exposure time to the
specified etchants.
SEM was used to characterize surface morphology after etching. From the results it was concluded that CuCl2
+ HCl, CuCl2 + NH3OH, and Black Oxide have little
effect or rather the degradation of dielectric properties of (BaSr)TiO3 are independent of etching time.
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Robert D. Boaz E. Lindsay Harrell Matthew P. Jones John M. Long |
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Department(s): |
Biological and Agricultural Engineering |
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Research |
Larry F. Stikeleather/Biological and
Agricultural Engineering Ratna
Sharma/Biological and Agricultural Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Semi-Automated Conversion of Waste Vegetable Oil to Biodiesel |
Biodiesel
is becoming a popular alternative fuel due to environmental concerns and rising
oil prices. Current conversion processes
require much time and human input. A
semi-automated Biodiesel conversion system will allow
hobbyist users to produce this fuel with lower costs and little
experience. The conversion process
involves a single stage transesterification
process. The physical inputs are waste
vegetable oil, methanol and potassium hydroxide. The outputs are glycerine
and biodiesel.
The system is composed of seven containers and two pumps connected by
tubing and controlled by five solenoid valves.
The system is powered by 120VAC. A laptop with Labview
software is used to control the system through a data acquisition card and
solid state relays mounted on a printed circuit board. The relays, transformers, and electrical
connections are contained inside a control box.
The system is designed for minimum exposure to the chemicals used during
the conversion process. Labview adds the desired amount of potassium hydroxide
needed for the conversion based on user input at the beginning of the
process. The process starts once five
liters of waste vegetable oil has accumulated in the storage tank. In tests the
system has successfully produced four liters of biodiesel
per run.
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Sarah J. Bolls Rachel L. Doss Adam C. Pearce |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Ron O. Scattergood/Materials Science and Engineering Keith Dawes/Materials Science and Engineering Mike Antony/Allvac Ltd. |
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Title of Presentation: |
Improving the Mechanical Properties of Semi-Austenitic Stainless
Steels |
Semi-Austenitic stainless steels used in the die cast industry need
mechanical properties such as ductility, high hardness and good thermal fatigue
resistance. The objective of this project is to improve the mechanical properties
of a material whose composition was determined using Thermo-calc software. This project employs the use of multiple
solutions to suggest and test approaches to improve the mechanical properties
of the material based on the microstructure findings. The microstructure and volume percentage of
the existing phases is determined using two approaches, optical microscopy and
X-Ray diffraction methods. Crack
propagation in the tensile and thermal fatigue samples is characterized using
SEM microscopy and the low ductility in the tensile samples is analyzed for
explanation. Suggestions for improvement include variations in chemistry and
wrought processing. Research and
Development forging trials are run to confirm the accuracy of the recommended
processing adjustments. The data is
compared to the original data to determine improvements in ductility and
hardness. The optical and mechanical
test results provide methods to determine the effectiveness of the heat
treatment on mechanical property improvement and offer suggestions for further
improvements and testing procedures for future research in semi-austenitic
stainless steels.
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Stephanie E. Brandon Julie R. Gentry |
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Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering Textile Engineering |
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Research |
Marian G. McCord/Biomedical Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Characterizing the Behavior of the Thermoresponsive Polymer N-Isopropylacrylamide
(NIPAAm) as a Tissue Engineering Substrate |
Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide),
more commonly referred to as Poly-NIPAAM, is a thermoresponsive
polymer that reversibly changes from a hydrophilic solution to a hydrophobic
gel with change in environment temperature. This property makes this polymer an
ideal substrate for tissue engineering, especially when used as a non-invasive
method of cell culture and harvest. This experiment evaluates the surface
characteristics and cellular response of
Poly-NIPAAM as a tissue culture substrate. NIPAAM monomer was grafted to polystyrene
culture dishes using a novel method of treating a monomer solution with
atmospheric plasma to graft the monomer to the dishes. The grafted surface was analyzed for thermal
response using atomic force microscopy.
Images were taken using tapping mode; in air, vacuum, and liquid
conditions, over a range of temperatures.
Surface conditions in fluid over 25-40οC mimic the environment in
which the cells interact with the surface during cell attachment and
release. Morphological and hardness
changes in the surface were characterized.
Cellular response to the surface was characterized by culturing human hepatocytes on the NIPAAM substrate to confluency. The cells are harvested in confluent
sheets by dropping the temperature of
the culture dish below the polymer’s transition temperature, 32οC; peeling
off the cell sheets, and reculturing them in a new
dish. The adhesion and proliferation of
the cells before and after harvesting
is reported.
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Necia B. Chavis David Brandner Nina Chavis Mary Ellington Jacob Thompson Alison Watkins |
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Department(s): |
Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering Food Science |
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Research |
Christopher Daubert/Food
Science Steven Peretti/Chemical
and Biomolecular Engineering Brian Farkas/Food
Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Carbohydrate Replacement Using a Soy
Protein Derivative |
The goal of this project is to evaluate a new
value-added processing scenario for soybeans that modifies soybean meal, a low value
byproduct of soybean processing that contains nearly 50% protein, into a food
ingredient that functions similarly to a pre-gelatinized starch. The proposed
modified soy protein isolate, MSPI, would function as a thickening agent in
food processing applications. The design
efforts focused on two objectives: 1) analysis of the functional
characteristics of the MSPI; and 2) the design and economic analysis of a
scaled-up process. Analysis of the MSPI
consisted of testing water holding capacity and viscosity as a function of
shear rate. A pre-gelatinized starch and
an unmodified soy protein isolate were also tested for comparison. The pre-gelatinized starch was used for functional
comparison while the unmodified soy protein isolate was used to determine the
effectiveness of the modification.
Results showed that a 10 wt% MSPI had characteristics similar to a 3 wt%
pre-gelatinized starch. Solutions
prepared from each ingredient behaved
like non-Newtonian fluids, with MSPI
being the most viscous. Each
solution also exhibited water holding capabilities, with MSPI having the
highest. Process design optimization,
cost assessments, and product value analysis are being evaluated to determine
the economic viability of producing MSPI on a larger scale. From this, a recommendation will be made to
the North Carolina Soybean Grower's Association for large scale development of
this process.
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Mark Y. Chen |
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Department(s): |
Food Science Biological and Agricultural Engineering |
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Research |
Kevin M. Keener/Food Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Finding Dielectric Constant and Loss Factor of Egg Components at
Different Frequencies and Temperatures |
Approximately 5.5 billion dozen shell eggs
were produced in the
|
Brandon R. Clark |
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Department(s): |
Nuclear Engineering |
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Research |
Mohamed A. Bourham/Nuclear Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Theoretical Thermal Analysis of ITER Divertor |
Magnetically confined fusion reactors are seen by many to be the answer
to the World’s energy needs. However, before
they can be implemented into the commercial power industry many engineering
factors must be considered. The
International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) has been designed to
test MCF technology and prove the capability of future MCF reactors as a safe,
efficient, and profitable source of electricity. This research is focused on the divertor of ITER, which is a major component of any
magnetic confinement fusion reactor. The divertor
exhausts the flow of energy from charged particles produced in the fusion
reactions and removes helium and other impurities resulting from the reactions,
and from interaction of plasma particles with the material walls. The very nature of the divertor
implies that it is subjected to very high heat fluxes during abnormal events
and hard disruptions. Using ITER design
parameters a theoretical thermal analysis
is performed to test various elements/compounds to conclude if they are
acceptable divertor materials. The main focus is on analyzing the materials
under transient operation, that is, when ITER experiences a disruption in
operation, resulting in a high heat load being dumped on the divertor. The
conduction equation is employed with various manipulations allowing for an
accurate model of the divertor during both normal and
transient operation.
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Matthew H. Clayton |
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Department(s): |
Civil Engineering |
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Research |
Gnanamanikam Mahinthakumar/Civil
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Groundwater Contamination Source
Identification Using Hybrid Optimization Methods |
Locating the source of groundwater
contamination is an important part of cleaning up groundwater pollution. One way
to locate the source is to solve an inverse problem that uses downstream well
data to estimate the source. Currently, using a hybrid of global and local
search methods we are able to estimate the location of a contaminant source in
a simplified two-dimensional setup, but this is not useful when there are
possibly multiple sources in the same area. In this paper, we modify and expand
existing single-source groundwater contamination inverse solvers to tackle the
more difficult scenarios of multiple source identification. In order to handle
more than one source we modify the groundwater transport model, expand the
optimization methods, and create different visualizations of the problem to
better understand the solution. We also compare different optimization methods
to find which are best for a multi-source problem, examine the difference
between the objective function error versus the actual solution error, and
explore the possibilities of a non-unique solution to the problem. The
long-term goal of this research is to expand this approach to more realistic
three-dimensional problems in collaboration with the North Carolina Department
of Environmental and Natural Resources.
|
Myles L. Connor |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Jerry Cuomo/Materials Science and
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Pure and Renewable Hydrogen Production |
With the onset of increasing fossil fuel limitations
and environmental awareness, the search for alternative energy sources has
increased. Recent strides in hydrogen fuel cell technology and the utilization
of these devices in conjunction with Hydrogen gas production has brought a new
light to the energy conversion community. In order to implement a feasible
hydrogen fuel cell system to combat energy efficiency, a reliable and renewable
source of pure hydrogen gas must be found. The production of pure hydrogen from
the chemical reaction between pure aluminum (Al), pure gallium (Ga) and water (H2O) is such a source. Aluminum readily
reacts with oxygen to form aluminum oxide (Al2O3), when gallium is applied to
pure aluminum it hinders the passivating Al2O3 film
making it possible for the aluminum to react with the oxygen in H2O leaving
pure H2 gas. The resulting product is Al2O3 plus
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Johanna L. Cornelius Brian D. Hehr Andy O. Li Stephen B. Yodersmith |
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Department(s): |
Nuclear Engineering |
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Research |
Mohamed A. Bourham/Nuclear
Engineering Man-Sung Yim/Nuclear
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Mobile Radiation Detection System for First
Responders |
Our nation must be well prepared to respond to
and mitigate the effects of possible acts of radiological terrorism. Law
enforcement and emergency responders must be trained and well equipped to
locate a radiation hazard and deal with it appropriately. This project proposes
a multi-tiered system for efficient, mobile detection and response to
radiological terrorism.
At
the local level, active personal dosimeters could be distributed to first
responders—police officers, firefighters, and emergency medical technicians—and
used for initial detection of radiation threats. Dosimeters equipped with a
radiofrequency link can detect the dose to first responders and broadcast to a
central monitoring system. To ascertain more information about the nature of
the threat, response would proceed to higher tiers, which utilize more
sophisticated detection equipment. The Mobile Accurate Radiological Assay and
Tracking Hunter of Nuclides (MARATHON) device is proposed. The
Likely
sources of material for a radiological dispersal device include the gamma and
neutron emitters: Co-60, Cs-137, Ir-192, and Cf-252. Conventional methods used
for dual neutron-gamma detection involve separate detectors for each radiation
type. The design of the
The
|
Harsh S. Desai |
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Department(s): |
Nuclear Engineering |
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Research |
Mohamed A. Bourham/Nuclear
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Cerenkov Radiation |
The purpose of this project is to analyze the effect of change in the
NCSU PULSTAR reactor power on the produced Cerenkov radiation. Cerenkov
radiation results when a charged particle, most commonly an electron, exceeds
the speed of light in a dielectric medium through which it passes. Moreover,
the velocity of light that must be exceeded is the phase velocity rather than
the group velocity. The phase velocity can be altered dramatically by employing
a periodic medium, and in that case one can even achieve Cerenkov radiation
with no minimum particle velocity — a phenomenon known as the Smith-Purcell
effect. In a more complex periodic medium, such as a photonic crystal, one can
also obtain a variety of other anomalous Cerenkov effects, such as radiation in
a backwards direction (whereas ordinary Cerenkov radiation forms an acute angle
with the particle velocity).
The overall intensity
of Cerenkov radiation is proportional to the velocity of the inciting charged
particle and to the number of such particles. Unlike fluorescence or emission
spectra that have characteristic spectral peaks, Cerenkov radiation is
continuous. The objective of this project is to design, build, and test a light
sensitive monitor that measures the intensity of Cerenkov radiation in the NCSU
open pool PULSTAR reactor. Cerenkov radiation intensity is proportional to the
reactor power, therefore measuring the intensity of the radiation would give a
measure of reactor power. Measured Cerenkov intensity versus reactor power was
obtained and data have been used to derive a general equation that relates
reactor power to measured Cerenkov intensity for the specifically selected
light sensitive elements.
Six CdS photo resistors were used to measure the intensity of
Cerenkov radiation at reactor power levels of 0, 100, 300, 500, and 700kW.
Obtained data were fit to a power law with 0.997 regression accuracy. When
using the constructed device to measure reactor power, the measurements were
accurate with an average error of 2.55%.
|
Brandy Dixon Leslie O'Loughlin Carole Mertes |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Keith Dawes/Materials Science and Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Alternative Supports for Propane Tanks |
The propane industry has always used cement blocks as supports for
propane tanks in residential, commercial, and military applications. American Welding and Tank and National Gas Distributors
are searching for a lightweight alternative to these concrete blocks. For a replacement to be feasible, it must
meet the following criteria: fire-retardant, comparative cost to concrete
blocks, and compressive strength capabilities to support weights in excess of
5000lbs for extended time periods. Two
possible solutions include concrete blocks made of lightweight aggregate and
polypropylene blocks. Using lightweight
concrete aggregate, reductions in weight of up to 30% can be obtained with only
slight decreases in strength. While
regular concrete consists of typical gravel and sand, the lightweight aggregate
chosen consists of small slate rocks and ground slate. For testing purposes, three batches of
concrete cylinders, one made of lightweight rock and lightweight sand, one of
lightweight rock and regular sand, and one of regular gravel and regular sand,
were constructed. One cylinder of each
batch was then compression tested at seven, 14, and 21 days after mixing. The other possible concrete alternative
selected was a polypropylene block. New block designs were constructed using
the SolidWorks software, and then tested using CosmosWorks to determine their capability to support
propane tanks.
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Brent Duffy |
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Department(s): |
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
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Research |
Andre Mazzoleni/Aerospace
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Dynamics of Solar Sail Space Propulsion
with |
Solar sailing is an innovative form of space
propulsion that relies on solar light radiation as its source of energy. This
study analyzes the general dynamics of solar sail propulsion with applications
to interplanetary rendezvous missions and Lagrange orbiting. Models are
developed to demonstrate the performance characteristics of solar sailing for various interplanetary rendezvous
missions using spiral trajectories. This
includes all of the outer planets as well as the inner planets. Optimal
conditions are determined based on the sail pitch angle and sail lightness
number. In comparison to minimal-energy Hohmann
transfers, solar sails are shown to have shorter trip times at sufficient sail
lightness numbers. Models are also developed demonstrating a method for
extending the five natural Lagrange points of a restricted three body system
into a continuum of stationary solutions that are dependent only on the sail
lightness number and sail attitude. The new stationary positions would be beneficial for many space applications,
such as relieving the overcrowded equatorial geostationary orbit plane,
establishing an early solar storm warning station, and reaching high
inclination orbits.
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Jason R. Elkins |
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Department(s): |
Nuclear Engineering |
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Research |
Mohamed Bourham/Nuclear Engineering Ayman Hawari/Nuclear Engineering Ron Beliner/Nuclear Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Characterization of a Neutron Beam |
Before routine use, the neutron beam at the newly installed Neutron
Imaging Facility (NIF) at
|
Allison R. Finger |
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Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering |
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Research |
Elizabeth G. Loboa/Biomedical
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Chondrogenic Differentiation of Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells in 3D Cultures: Ramp and Steady Applications
of Cyclic Hydrostatic Pressure |
The ability to engineer structurally robust
cartilage tissue that can interact positively with a host could provide less
invasive alternatives to current treatments for cartilage damage (e.g., total joint
replacements). Hydrostatic pressure can help maintain the extracellular
matrix of cartilage tissue and it can also facilitate chondrogenesis
in mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs).
Human MSCs from two donors seeded in 2% agarose constructs were loaded under cyclic hydrostatic
pressure for 4 hours per day at 1 Hz for 14 days. Constructs were loaded in a
1L pressure vessel connected to a hydraulic cylinder powered by an MTS 858 Mini
Bionix II load frame. The first set of constructs
were cyclically loaded using a ramping technique such that the first day the
constructs were loaded at 1 MPa, followed by an
increase in pressure each day by 0.5 MPa so that the
constructs were loaded at 7.5 MPa on day 14. A second
set of constructs were cyclically loaded at 7.5 MPa
for all 14 days, and a control set of constructs were not loaded, but were
placed in an oil-filled container for 4 hours per day to mimic the in vitro environment of the loaded
constructs during pressure application. Real time RT-PCR analysis was performed
at days 0, 4, 9, and 14 to determine the change in expression of Sox9, aggrecan, and collagen I and II.
|
Darryl Glanton Eric Austin Brett Godin Ginger Wheeler |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Mike Rigsbee/Materials
Science and Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Non-isothermal Aging of 7085 Aluminum Alloy |
Alcoa’s 7085 aluminum alloy combines high
strength with adequate corrosion resistance when overaged. 7085-T7X aluminum is currently used in
aerospace applications for the Airbus A380.
However, Alcoa wishes to use this alloy for mold blocks, which will
require a much more economical heat treatment process. The current aging process calls for two
isothermal steps – three hours at 260°F and 17 hours at 315°F. Data suggests that a unique model based on
continuous heating will produce comparable strength and corrosion resistance at
considerably shorter aging times.
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Jessica M. Gluck |
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Department(s): |
Textile and Apparel, Technology, and
Management |
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Research |
Martin W. King/Textile and Apparel,
Technology, and Management Gerardo Montero/Textile and Apparel,
Technology, and Management |
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Title of Presentation: |
Electrospun Polycaprolactone Nanofiber
Scaffolds for Tissue Engineering |
Polycaprolactone (PCL), a bioresorbable polymer, was electrospun
into nanofibers in the form of nonwoven
scaffold structures for tissue engineering.
The objective of the study was to determine the optimal spinning
conditions for preparing scaffolds for the culture of hepatocytes. Such tissue engineered structures will be
valuable in the repair and replacement of diseased liver tissue. In order to
find the optimal spinning conditions for PCL, several different solvents and
solutions were examined during electrospinning trials
that were run with different capillary diameters, flow rates and voltage
potentials. Finally a 3:1 chloroform :
methanol mixture was found to be the optimal solvent. The scaffolds were prepared in different
thicknesses by varying the duration of the electrospinning
process under whipping conditions. Scanning electron microscopy was used to
determine the fiber morphology, nanofiber diameter
and pore size distribution. The electrospun scaffolds
were sent to
|
Jeremy M. Gobien |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Zlatko
Sitar/Materials Science and Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Silicon-On-Diamond, an Engineered Substrate for Advanced Thermal Management of Silicon Devices |
Silicon-On-Diamond (SOD) is envisioned as an advanced engineered
substrate aimed at improving thermal management of silicon-based electronic
devices and integrated circuits. This
paper incorporates finite element analysis using ANSYS™ to study the relative
thermal management capability of SOD with respect to Silicon-On-Insulator (SOI)
and bulk silicon. The modeled SOD structure comprised a 1.5 µm thick Si layer
on a 100 µm thick diamond substrate. Results of the analysis showed SOD can
dissipate 24 times greater heat input than SOI for a surface temperature of
85°C. When compared to bulk silicon it was found that SOD can dissipate 5 times
as much heat input for the same surface temperature increase. These results clearly show the large
potential gains in thermal management capability for SOD substrates in
comparison to SOI and bulk silicon. Significant further improvements in the
heat management capability of SOD are expected with thinner Si device layers.
|
Dara V. Gough Leslie H. Jimison William P. Davis Brendon S. Bass |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Jerry Cuomo/Materials Science and Engineering Keith Dawes/Materials Science and Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
A Study of the Adhesion of an Anti-Corrosion Coating
on a Steel Surface |
Northrop Grumman approached our senior design team
with a challenge concerning the adhesion of their current anti-corrosion
coating, Type 4 Military Paint, on a steel substrate. To attack the problem, a study of the affect
of adhesion of the paint was performed as a function of surface
preparation. Prior to experimentation,
the steel substrate was uniformly degreased using a series of appropriate
solvents. The surface of the steel substrate was then plastically deformed via
grit blasting in order to achieve a variety of surface profiles between
samples. Blasting pressure and the type of grit were altered in order to create
various peak to trough distances and to modify the angularity of the surface
peaks, respectively. The two part Type
IV military coating was then applied to both clean and contaminated steel
surfaces. A pull test was performed in
order to determine the dependence of adhesion on both the surface profile and
contamination of the steel surface. From the pull test, it was determined that
a clean surface with each profile tested exceeded the minimum specifications
presented by Northrop Grumman. The
contaminated surfaces, however, demonstrated a very weak level of adhesion,
which was below the aforementioned specifications. From these results we were able to offer
Northrop Grumman a quantitative analysis of paint adhesion with respect to
surface profile.
|
Kristen D. Hambridge Amanda F. Irons Susan M. Oliver Cheryl A. Speight Melissa A. Lee |
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Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering |
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Research |
Simon Roe/College of Veterinary Medicine Duncan Lascelles/College
of Veterinary Medicine |
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Title of Presentation: |
A System to Standardize the Velocity of a
Canine Patient During Gait Analysis |
The purpose of the ‘Canine Velocity
Standardization System’ is to decrease the number of useless trials by
controlling a canine handler’s velocity, thereby controlling the canine’s
velocity. The velocity of the canine
needs to be calculated instantaneously so that useless trials can be eliminated
and five trials, during which the canine’s velocity falls within 1.7 to 2.1
m/s, can be obtained. The system is
comprised of an audio device for the handler, Photogate
sensors and a computer software package to determine velocity, and a fence-like
barrier to corral the dog along the force pad.
The fence is constructed from aluminum, PVC piping, and machined plexi-glass fittings for the Photogate
sensors. The canine is led along the
force pad at approximately the same rate as the handler, whose steps are guided
by a continual beeping of a metronome.
The force readings which are generated by the paws of the canine are
processed into a movie within a computer program. The LabPro
software, coupled with the software generating force data, creates velocity and acceleration data as the
canine’s chest breaks the laser beam crossing from the lasers to the sensors at
three points along the length of the force pad.
These two readings allow for more efficient collection and assessment of
canine lameness.
|
Bennett S. Hawley, Jr. |
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Department(s): |
Forestry and Environmental Resources |
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Research |
Stacy A. C. Nelson/Center for Earth
Observation; Forestry and Environmental Resources |
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Title of Presentation: |
Satellite Assessment of Urban Land-use
Development Using Multi-date Landsat TM |
Many
|
Adam
Hoffman |
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Department(s): |
Wood and Paper Science |
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Research |
Hasan Jameel/Wood
and Paper Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Conversion
of Office Waste to Fermentable Glucose |
There is a strong interest in the development
of alternative fuels to replace depleting supplies of petroleum. Ethanol produced from biomass is seen as a
promising alternative. Mixed office
waste is an inexpensive source of cellulose material that is in abundant supply
and is difficult to recycle back into paper.
In this study, the feasibility of converting the cellulosic
portion of mixed office waste to fermentable glucose was evaluated. Enzymatic hydrolysis with Trichoderma
reesei cellulase was performed
on a hardwood market pulp, blank standard copy paper, standard copy paper with deskjet printing, and standard copy paper with laser jet
printing to evaluate the impact of ink and paper fillers on the conversions
that can be achieved. It was observed that
the toner based inks did not impact the hydrolysis process but the dispersible
inkjet inks did. These findings will
help determine the ultimate potential of using mixed office waste for glucose
production.
|
Anne M. Hooper Laura E. Patterson Jessica E. Sutton Michael J. Schott |
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Department(s): |
Biological and Agricultural Engineering |
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Research |
William F. Hunt/Biological and Agricultural Engineering Garry L. Grabow/Biological and Agricultural
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Rainwater Catchment Systems & Analysis |
Water is a precious natural resource necessary for life. Systems and
other conservation procedures are being developed in
|
Samia Ilias |
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Department(s): |
Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering |
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Research |
Saad A. Khan/Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Novel Composite Polymer Electrolytes Based
on Poly(ethylene oxide) Blends and Silica Nanoparticles |
Polar polymer systems such as poly(ethylene
oxide) (PEO) and oligo-poly(ethylene glycols) are of
great interest because they allow for the solvation
of ions such as lithium. This property lends itself to many applications,
specifically novel lithium batteries for automobiles and portable electronic
devices among others. Ideal electrolytes for batteries have high conductivity,
mechanical stability, and are easily processable. The
design of an ideal electrolyte, therefore, requires the optimization of mutually
exclusive properties. Our objective in this work is to evaluate the mechanical
properties of PEO/PEGdm(250) blends composite
electrolytes through rheology. The effects of blend
ratio as well as silica nanoparticles (FS) surface
chemistry will be studied. Two different
types of FS particles were employed: A200, which has –OH groups on the surface,
and R805, which has 50% of the –OH groups replaced with octyl
chains. The PEO used in these experiments contains inorganic fillers; therefore
a purification step prior to blending was required in order to remove
them. Thermogravimetrical
analysis confirmed the efficiency of our purification protocol as the purified
samples showed 100% weight loss. Dynamic
rheological experiments revealed that blends of PEO/PEGdm(250) and FS containing up to 20 wt% of the low-MW
component exhibit a gel-like behavior within the frequency range studied, i.e.
the elastic modulus G' is higher than the viscous modulus G'; for all
frequencies. As the concentration of the
low-MW component increases, G'; starts to dominate at lower frequencies
indicating that the material transitions from gel to liquid. Though a decrease on the moduli
is observed with the addition of PEGdm(250), this is
not noticeable when 10 wt% of the low-MW component is added to the blends. This result is very appealing since the
presence of a liquid component in the system can increase the ionic
conductivity of electrolytes while the mechanical properties remain unaltered.
|
Jennifer D. Jassawalla Nicholas J. Jardine Jillian G. Rouse Christopher W. Simms Jennie R. Stancil |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering |
|
Research |
Michael D. Boyette/Biological
Engineering Elizabeth G. Loboa/Biomedical
Engineering Frank C. Abrams/Biomedical Engineering, Brooke N. Steele/Biomedical Engineering Peter L. Mente/Biomedical
Engineering Glenn M. Walker/Biomedical Engineering Ola L. A. Harrysson/Industrial
Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Bioreactor for Applying Fluid Shear Stress
to Mesenchymal Stem Cells in 2D and 3D Cultures |
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been isolated from bone marrow, trabecular bone and adipose tissue and have the ability to
differentiate into a variety of skeletal tissues. Dr. Loboa’s
research group in the Cell Mechanics Laboratory (http://www.bme.ncsu.edu/labs/cml) at NCSU investigates
the combination of chemical and mechanical factors that influence and regulate
differentiation of human MSCs (hMSCs).
To promote osteogenic differentiation of hMSCs, there is a need in the CML for a device that can
apply a range of fluid shear stresses to hMSCs in
two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) cultures while maintaining
suitable conditions for cell viability and differentiation (37°C, 5% CO2, mass
transport). Dr. Loboa’s
group would also like to use the bioreactor to perfuse cells through 3D
scaffolds to allow for cell-scaffold adhesion and cell proliferation at low
flow rates/shear stresses.
Six
2D and 3D chambers were designed and fabricated for the bioreactor.
Interchangeability of the chambers allows for the choice of applying fluid
shear stress to 2D or 3D cell cultures.
Furthermore, 3D chambers have been designed to accommodate several
scaffold sizes ranging from ¼’’ to 1’’.
The peristaltic pump consists of six flow channels and supplies
synchronous flow to each of the six chambers. Since the peristaltic pump only
applies pulsatile flow, up to six dampeners may be
connected to the flow channels to produce steady flow as needed. Flow rates can be varied from 0.4 ml/min to
28 ml/min on the pump to provide the appropriate shear stresses. Gas permeable silicon tubing with an inner
diameter of ¼’’ is used for oxygen exchange between the system and surrounding
environment. A media reservoir is
available to ensure enough media is able to fill the entire system. Placing the
chambers and reservoir in an incubator with an oxygen tension regulator controls
the desired CO2 and O2 conditions.
|
Brian Johnson Jason Krahnke Josh Nowak Justin Arrington Robert Fairlie |
|
|
Department(s): |
Nuclear Engineering |
|
Research |
Paul J. Turinsky/Nuclear
Engineering Michael J. Doster/Nuclear
Engineering Korukonda Linga
Murty/Nuclear Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Southeast Universities Nuclear Reactors
Institute for Science and Education ( |
The goal of the
The
U.S. DOE Nuclear Energy Research Advisory Committee Generation IV Technology
Roadmap provided information on proposed Gen IV concepts, designs, and
technological gaps. Of special interest
was the type of fuels, moderator (if utilized) and coolants being considered,
since these would be the main focus of the testing done in the
As
it stands, only the research requirements for the Gen IV reactors are considered;
very little information has been found regarding existing research
reactors. What has been found is that
the reactor must be capable of the following:
1. Accommodate
fast and thermal neutron spectrums.
2. Testing
multiple fuels, coolant and cladding options.
3. Temperatures
ranging up to 1000 ºC
4. Neutron
fluxes up to 5x1014 n/cm2s and wide range of power densities.
5. Safely
supporting cladding failure research.
The project requires computer modeling of
neutron flux and temperature distributions in the test cell and driver
region. HELIOS codes have been employed
using reflective boundary conditions for both a thermal and fast test cells in
order to determine the target neutron energy spectra desired. These codes have also been employed to model
the
|
Mary Ellen M. Johnson |
|
|
Department(s): |
Paper Science & Engineering |
|
Research |
Marian G. McCord/Biomedical Engineering Richard A. Venditti/Paper
Science & Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Atmospheric Plasma Technology: Applications
in the Paper Industry |
The objective of this research was to
evaluate the application of atmospheric plasma technology to processes in the
paper industry. Two areas were
investigated, the first being the impact of plasma treatment on a de-inking process. Photocopied and ink jet printed papers were
treated with He and O2 plasma for five minutes.
These samples were subsequently re-pulped and then processed using a
flotation de-inking cell. Image analysis
on the processed samples indicated that the plasma treatments discouraged the
flotation of both the toner and ink. The
results suggest that the He/O2 treatment caused the surface of the toner and
ink particles to be more hydrophilic, resulting in lower ink removal
efficiency. This may be exploited when
doing wash de-inking, which depends on ink particles being hydrophilic.
The
second part of the research studied the effect of plasma treatments pertaining
to the penetration of liquids into paper.
Plasma treatments consisting of He and He/CF4 were applied in varying
amounts to un-sized, un-filled bond paper.
Penetration Dynamic Analysis (PDA) was performed to examine the liquid
absorption properties of the treated papers.
The results indicated that the plasma treatments acted as a sizing agent,
decreasing water penetration into the paper.
The plasma treatments show promise in altering the water absorption
properties of paper. The potential for
application of these treatments is important to the development of water and
grease resistant papers.
|
Peter G. Lam Dave J. Frankowski |
|
|
Department(s): |
Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering |
|
Research |
Richard J. Spontak/Chemical
and Biomolecular Engineering Ian Manners/Chemistry, Xiao-Song Wang/Chemistry, |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Semicrystalline Block Copolymer Nanotubes Derived from the Polyferrocenylsilane
Metallopolymer |
Block copolymers are fascinating materials that
continue to attract tremendous fundamental and applied attention due to their
ability to spontaneously self-organize into a wide variety of mesoscale structures depending on factors such as
composition/weight and repeat unit asymmetry. Commonly encountered morphologies
include spheres, cylinders, bicontinuous channels and
bilayers, which can exhibit long-range spatial order,
as discerned from small-angle scattering and electron microscopy. Unlike most
conventional examples of self-organizing polymers, however, asymmetric polyferrocenylsilane-b-polymethylvinylsiloxane (PFS-b-PMVS)
diblock copolymers have also been shown to form nanotubes and rods at dilute concentrations in
PMVS-selective organic solvents. Resultant nanotubes
range in diameter from ~20-35 nm, depending on solvent conditions and PMVS crosslinking. The mechanism by which these nanotubes develop has remained elusive since their
discovery, and their characteristics remain poorly described in the literature.
It is known, for instance, that PFS homopolymer is
a semicrystalline material possessing a
monoclinic lattice (2/1 helix) with unit cell dimensions of a = 1.32 nm, b =
0.61 nm and c = 1.37 nm. Selected-area electron diffraction (SAED) analysis of
the PFS-b-PMVS nanotubes conducted in the present
study reveals that the nanotubes likewise exhibit
long-range order with scattering reflections that are surprisingly consistent
with the crystalline structure of melt- and solution-crystallized PFS homopolymer films and fibers. These results indicate that
the PFS section of the nanotube, which measures only
6.2 ± 1.2 nm thick, is semicrystalline. This example
of macromolecular crystallization in such a nanoscale
environment surpasses reports of crystallization in 25 nm block copolymer
spherical domains and, as such, may be at least partially responsible for
directing nanotube growth.
|
Jonathan Leerkes Brian M. Hoffert |
|
|
Department(s): |
Paper Science and Engineering |
|
Research |
Richard Venditti/Paper
Science and Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Wax Removal of Waxed Board during Recycling Using Emulsifying Agents |
With the ever increasing recovered paper
costs due to increasing foreign fiber market demands, the
|
Nicholas C. Linn |
|
|
Department(s): |
Chemical and Biomolecular
Engineering |
|
Research |
George Roberts/Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Chemical Recycling of Plastics Via Glycolysis |
The manufacture of poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) for use in soda bottles produces over
4 billion lbs. of waste annually in the
The
glycolysis of PET is affected by contacting the
polymer with ethylene glycol. The
ethylene glycol attacks the ester linkages and breaks down the polymer to
produce low molecular weight oligomers. Because the glycolysis
reaction is reversible, understanding the equilibrium of the system is
essential to achieving the desired conversion and reaction product in the
chemical recycling process. The reaction
equilibrium of the glycolysis of PET is being studied
using batch reactors in an oil bath at temperatures above the melting point of
PET. Products are analyzed using end
group titration, allowing for the determination of the hydroxyl number and
subsequent calculation of the equilibrium constant for the glycolysis
reaction.
|
Blake C. Lucas |
|
|
Department(s): |
Electrical Engineering |
|
Research |
Hamid Krim/Electrical Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Road Detection in Multispectral Imagery through
Nonlinear Statistical Classification |
We propose a road detection algorithm for Multispectral
satellite imagery on the basis of classifying data according to nonlinear statistical
models. We first extract four principal components from a four band Multispectral image: luminance, saturation, greenness and
NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index). Next, the ISODATA (Iterative
Self-Organizing Data Analysis Technique) algorithm translates the data set into
a high-dimensional graph comprising hyperellipsoids
of Gaussian densities. The MinMax Cut algorithm then
iteratively partitions the cluster graph into a binary tree. Each node in the
tree is an aggregation of clusters called a niche. A calibration procedure
identifies the desired feature by comparing each niche in the tree to a niche
model of the feature. Finally, the classification procedure computes the niche
membership probabilities for each pixel and decides which pixels resemble the
target feature. The proposed algorithm provides an automated hierarchical
approach to nonlinear statistical classification.
|
Allison Marks Kristen Efird Courtney Horton Jesse Parker Jessica Smith |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering |
|
Research |
Gary Mirka/Industrial
Engineering Frank Abrams/Biomedical Engineering Michael Boyette/Biological
and Agricultural Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Creative Cycle Ergometer |
Our objective was to develop a creative cycle
ergometer that meets the needs of individuals with a
diversity of disabilities. Conventional
exercise equipment generally does not accommodate individuals who have
compounding disabilities. Available
equipment is costly. The ergometer should be easy to get into, feel stable, be easy
to adjust, and retail for under $1000.
Five hypothetical clients with a
range of disabilities have been assessed and researched for this purpose. These individuals include a 400lb male with
type II diabetes and poor eyesight, an elderly female stroke patient with
limited right arm function, a male with diabetes and Parkinson’s disease, a
young girl who is deaf and has type I diabetes, and finally, a male who is
blind and has fluctuating weight problems. The design team broke the problem
down into the following categories: display/controls, seat/track, and
pedals. Speech synthesis was used to
convert tachometer data into audible information for the blind patient, and
Braille was added to the resistance knob.
A durable chair was used to make the bike more stable. Larger pedals make the exercise motion more
fluid. Handles add more support for all
of the patients. After receiving
approval from the Institutional Review Board, four representative subjects
tested the bike and provided feedback.
On a scale of 1 to 10 with 10 being the most positive, the subjects’
responses averaged their overall experience as an 8. The visually impaired subject found the
“talking” display a great asset. The
obese subject found the chair to be wobbly, but this should not be a problem if
the bike is used on a surface with more friction, such as carpet. The stroke subject had a unique case
different from the competition guidelines, so the pedals on the ergometer were unsuitable; otherwise, the bike was easy to
use for the stroke patient. While the bike is not an optimal solution for each
hypothetical client, it is a workable solution for the clients as a whole.
1 These patients were specified by the 2004-2005
National Student Design Competition of the
|
Elijah H. Martin Gregory C. Hahn |
|
|
Department(s): |
Nuclear Engineering |
|
Research |
Mohamed A. Bourham/Nuclear Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Characterization of Arc Generated Plasma Interactions with a Liquid
Metal Medium |
Inertial confinement fusion is a promising new technology that is
positioned to address the future energy needs of the world. Inertial
confinement fusion is the process in which a fuel capsule with a core composed
of deuterium-deuterium or deuterium-tritium is indirectly heated and compressed
by means of heavy/light ion beams or high energy lasers to temperatures and
pressures that will allow fusion to take place. An advanced design concept for
ICF reactors is to use a circulating liquid barrier to protect the first wall
of the target chamber. With the impaction of fusion generated plasma and
radiations on the liquid barrier sputtering can occur causing particulate
matter to enter the target chamber interior volume. In order to best engineer
the design of the target chamber modeling plume characteristics of high
energy-density arc-generated plasma interacting with a liquid metal media will
be necessary. This experiment is designed to simulate this interaction by
generating high energy-density plasma above a liquid metal pool. Collection
substrates are assembled inside the test cell to allow for the collection of
plume particulates for analysis using scanning electron microscopy, energy
dispersion x-ray analysis, and particle counting and size distribution. Characterization
of the generated plumes shape and size of evolved vaporized liquid metal
particulates, particulate density and other important plasma parameters are
studied in this research. Electrical and spectral data are obtained for each
test, transient discharge, to obtain the plasma parameters including total
power, impedance, electron temperature and density and identification of
species.
|
J. Jordan Massey |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering |
|
Research |
Juan P. Hinestroza/Textile Engineering,
Chemistry & Science |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Antibacterial Self-Assembled Nanolayers |
Electrostatic self-assembled nanolayers of
functional polyelectrolytes are being deposited on cotton
fabrics. Cationic cotton was produced by using 2,3,epoxytrimethylammonium
chloride. Chitosan solutions were prepared by
dissolving it into a 1wt% acetic acid aqueous solution. Polystyrene sulfonate,
polyethylene imine, polyallylamine
hydrochloride, poly L glutamic acid and poly L lysine
were prepared using 0.15M sodium chloride aqueous solutions. Layers were deposited by sequentially dipping
the substrates into the polycationic and polyanionic solutions with a rinse step in between.
Confirmation of the cationization of cotton was made
using acid dyes. Evidence of the
deposition of the nanolayers was determined using
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy.
Potential applications include hospital linens and bandages.
|
Marc Mathews Shane Miller Joe Rittiner |
|
|
Department(s): |
Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering |
|
Research |
Juan Hinestroza/Textile Engineering,
Chemistry and Science |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Development of a Miniature UV-NIR
Spectroscopy Apparatus to Detect
Chemical Warfare Agent Simulants on a Real
Time Basis |
Chemical weapons represent a severe threat to the health and safety of the
free world, especially in this age of terrorism. Testing of protective
equipment to combat chemical weapons is currently done by the Man-In-Simulant-Test (MIST). In this test, a man wears a
protective suit and is placed in a chamber filled with a chemical agent
stimulant, a biologically inactive chemical with similar physical properties to
the chemical agent. It is then measured how much simulant
penetrated the suit, and thus, the suit’s effectiveness can be determined.
Currently, the amount of simulant is measured by
absorbent pads, which can only measure the cumulative amount of simulant that passes through the suit. Therefore, real time
data collection is not possible. In addition, the pads only absorb one
chemical, methyl salicylate (MeS),
so equipment testing with multicomponent mixtures is
also not possible.
A real-time detector
system will be developed for use in testing of protective equipment.
Ultraviolet-Near Infrared (UV-NIR) spectroscopy will be used to identify the
concentrations of simulants inside the protective
equipment on the order of parts per million. The use of absorbance spectroscopy
allows the simultaneous concentration measurement of multiple components. Fiber
optic cables will be used to carry the spectroscopic data streams. This allows
the sample chamber to be placed inside the harsh testing environment, while
leaving the sensitive spectroscopy equipment in a more accommodating location.
Computer software will be used to calculate concentration figures from
absorption readings, and to collect data. This detector will allow the
collection of more complete and accurate concentration data, providing a better
foundation for the design of protective equipment.
|
Jessica H. McCoy |
|
|
Department(s): |
Industrial Engineering |
|
Research |
Thom Hodgson/Industrial Engineering Russell King/Industrial Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Integer Programming Algorithm in Fortran |
Nearly every business makes frequent decisions concerning inventory
distribution, warehouse location, manufacturing batch sizes, or budgeting – all
with the end goal to minimize costs and/or maximize profits. Many of these types of problems can be
modeled and solved via integer programming.
In industrial applications, a typical optimization problem may have
dozens to thousands of variables and constraints. Any increase in computational efficiency
benefits the client tremendously, and the applications of such a method reach
as far as today’s global economy.
A principal focus of
operations research is the study of the allocation of scarce resources. Different types of programming problems are
used to model actual situations, and the most-studied is linear programming
(where all constraints are constricted to be linear). An important subset of linear programming is
integer programming, where the decision variables are additionally restricted
to be integers. Several algorithms have
been developed to specifically address this latter set of problems, as they are
more difficult to solve than non-restricted linear programming problems. The widely-used branch-and-bound algorithm
allows the user to focus on optimizing a few variables while keeping the rest
constant, cycling through all of the variables until optimization is
complete. Gomory
cuts reduce the amount of computation necessary by trimming the feasible
solution space, thereby restricting the iterated optimal solution.
I worked with
Professors Thom Hodgson and Russell King to develop an algorithm in Fortran to
utilize both Gomory cuts and a new class of cuts to
solve integer programming problems. The
aim of the experimental algorithm is to trim the feasible solution space of a
problem until the only point remaining is the integer solution.
|
Daniel W. Mellinger |
|
|
Department(s): |
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
|
Research |
Larry M. Silverberg/Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Chau M.
Tran/Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Numerical Analysis of the Basketball Shot |
Millions of people play the game of basketball and yet no comprehensive
study of the game has ever been done. When
the ball leaves the shooter’s hand, there is no luck as to whether the ball
will go in or not. The outcome can be determined with mathematics. In this project, a computer code simulates
the dynamics of a basketball shot taken from any location on the court. The code handles any combination of bounces
off of the rim and backboard, rolling and sliding on the rim and backboard, the
changing backspin of the ball, and even the uncommon swirling of the ball.
The program was then
run tens of thousands of times for balls released with different initial
speeds, angles, and rates of spin from about 30 different positions on the
court. The data generated was used to
analyze the shooter’s statistical characteristics. The best shot was found for
each spot on the court. The probability of the best shot was found. It was
found where on the court the bank shot is most effective. The data revealed where it’s most
advantageous to place backspin on the ball by flicking the wrist and where it’s
helpful to shoot a floater (no spin).
All of this data is
now being distilled for display in a poster. The poster targets the high school
audience.
|
Jared D. Morris |
|
|
Department(s): |
Paper Science and Engineering |
|
Research |
Richard Venditti/Paper Science and
Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
The Fundamental Role of Surfactants in the Removal of Toners from
Recovered Paper |
Mixed office waste is an abundant inexpensive recovered paper that can
provide high quality fibers if properly recycled. It is currently underutilized
due technical issues regarding recycling.
One of the major issues in recycling MOW is that it is very difficult to
detach toner type inks from the surface of the fibers. Undetached toner is not typically removed
from the fibers and remains in the recycled product, downgrading its quality. This research project involved examining
three different types of surfactants and their effects on removing inks from
MOW. A penetration dynamics analyzer
was used to determine the effect that the surfactants had on water penetration
into the sheet. Additionally, a standard
printed copy paper was pulped in the presence of the different surfactants to
determine the effect on toner size and detachment after pulping. This project has resulted in a better
understanding of the role of surfactants in the deinking
of toner containing papers.
|
Amika
R. Olchovik |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering |
|
Research |
Juan P. Hinestroza/Textile Engineering,
Chemistry & Science |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Diffusion Coefficient of Methanol Through Silk Fibroin Polymer
Solutions |
The diffusion coefficient of methanol through silk fibroin polymer
solutions was determined by monitoring the coagulation process using a video
camera. Digital imaging software was
used to follow the boundary of the coagulation front through a capillary. The coagulation experiments were performed
inside Pasteur’s pipettes of 1.8 mm in diameter. Polymer solutions were loaded
into the lower section of the capillary using a vacuum bulb. Small amounts of
methanol were added to the top of the pipette.
Preliminary experimental results were in quantitative agreement with Fickean diffusion theory.
Future work will analyze the effect of polymer concentration on the
diffusion process.
Kristy L. PerezJason SwinglerBrian ThompsonStephen Wohlers
David Young |
|
|
Department(s): |
Nuclear Engineering |
|
Research |
Robin P. Gardner/Nuclear Engineering Charles W. Mayo/Nuclear Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Small Reactor for a Remote Location |
As environmental consciousness increases, so does the attractiveness of
nuclear power. In remote locations, such
as islands or arctic regions, electric power is often difficult to produce and
very expensive – in both monetary and environmental costs. As technology
advances, so does the capability to provide such locations with cleaner, more
affordable power. Selecting a hypothetical Alaskan town of approximately 2500
people, a small nuclear reactor of 135MWth producing 50MWe has been designed to
provide power for heating, electricity, and to support industry. To prove not only is nuclear power viable,
but in fact the best solution to meeting the power needs of these small, remote
communities, major aspects of nuclear reactors such as neutronics,
thermodynamics, radiation shielding, burnup and
efficiency, along with feasibility and cost effectiveness have been researched
and developed. The reactor would be
housed underground.
|
Ahmad
Sadri |
|
|
Department(s): |
Civil Engineering |
|
Research |
Francis L. de los Reyes, III/Civil Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Effect of Lipids and Temperature on Foaming in Lab-Scale Activated
Sludge Reactors |
A problem at many wastewater treatment plants is the accumulation of thick
brown foam on the surface of aeration basins. The foam is associated with large
numbers of actinomycete microorganisms (nocardioforms), which float on the surface of aeration
basins and have access to floating wastewater substrates such as oils, fats,
and greases. Previous studies have suggested that nocardioforms
use lipase enzymes to consume fat, and that lipase activity was very sensitive
to temperature variation. The goal of this project was to determine the effects
of varying operating temperatures on the degree of foaming. Two lab scale
sequencing batch reactors (SBR) were set up; one was operated at a constant
temperature while the other was operated at steadily increasing temperatures.
Equal amounts of vegetable oil were added to both reactors every day in
addition to synthetic wastewater. Foaming potential / stability tests and
solids tests were performed periodically. The average water temperature of the
control reactor was 25˚C. The temperature in the experimental reactor
could only be increased to about 27˚C, even when two temperature
controllers were set to their highest value of 32˚C. It was decided to run
the control reactor at 25˚C and the experimental reactor at 27˚C. On
average, the foaming potential, foaming stability, and solids concentration in
the experimental reactor were greater than in the control reactor. A distinct
relationship between temperature and mixed liquor suspended solids (MLSS)
concentration was observed.
|
Heather L. Saladin Rachel C. Evans Jonathan W. Ham William R. Potter Tih-Hong
Wang |
|
|
Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering Biological Engineering |
|
Research |
Ola Harrysson/Industrial Engineering Denis Marcellin-Little/Veterinary School |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Development of Apparatus for Testing the Efficacy of Canine Stifle
Joint Braces Using Rapid Prototyping |
Rehabilitation of canine stifle joint injuries requires the use of
braces and/or surgery. Current rehabilitation braces are designed non-specifically
for treating a large range of patient sizes and stifle joint injuries. The lack
of specific brace designs causes unpredictability in rehabilitation
applications. Currently, selections of braces are done on trial basis. There is
a need by veterinary professionals for a testing device that mimics the design
and function of the canine stifle joint.
Computed Tomography
(CT) scans were obtained from the left, rear leg of a healthy adult Doberman.
The biomodeling software, Mimics, was used to isolate
the soft tissue, tibia/fibula, and femur to then create 3D stereolithography
(STL) files. In another software program, Magics, the
comprised facets were recalculated. The subsequent file was processed using Geomagics to create a 3D NURBS surface allowing the STL
files to be converted into Solidworks file format. In
the distal femur, a space was created for insertion of a linear displacement
variable transducer (LDVT), and the femoral head and distal portion of the
tibia were removed in Solidworks. The final STL files
of the tibia/fibula and femur were rapid prototyped using stereolithography
and replicated using an epoxy-fiberglass composite with bone powder. The soft
tissue was constructed using a similar method but with vulcanized rubber. The
collateral and cruciate ligaments were simulated with
the use of high density polyethylene fiber, while the femoral head, lower
tibia/fibula, and foot were machined from aluminum. The created leg was then
attached to a fabricated base that allows vertical movement.
The testing apparatus
simulates and records, using the LDVT, normal and abnormal displacement in the
stifle joint during full range of motion. The data was then used to
quantitatively determine the effectiveness of various braces in minimizing
drawer displacement in the stifle joint.
|
Jordan B. Schwarz |
|
|
Department(s): |
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering |
|
Research |
Fred R. DeJarnette/Mechanical and Aerospace
Engineering |
|
Title of Presentation: |
Navigation and Localization of the Mars Tumbleweed Rover |
Mars Tumbleweed is a proposed rover, shaped like a giant ball, that
would explore the surface of Mars by rolling around it, propelled by the
planet’s winds. To support Tumbleweed’s science
missions, an accurate track of the rover’s course is needed. On Earth, accurate
tracking is accomplished using the Global Positioning System array of
satellites, but on Mars, no equivalent system exists. A host of possibilities for tracking the rover
exist; however, challenges to the
accuracy and viability of these methods are present as well. This paper surveys
the available and potential tracking techniques and evaluates them for their
merit and applicability to Mars Tumbleweed, given its unique geometry and goal
of being a low-cost rover. Based on the
evaluation of these techniques, it is recommended to use radiometric ranging
between the Tumbleweed and Mars orbiters in conjunction with high-accuracy gyroscopes
on board the Mars Tumbleweed to provide primary guidance and positioning.
|
Tyler M. Schweitzer |
|
|
Department(s): |
Nuclear Engineering |
|
Research |
Mohammed A. Bourham/Nuclear Engineering Ronald Berliner/Nuclear Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Stepper Motor Control System for Neutron Defractometer |
The project of building the control system for the stepper motor
control on the neutron defractometer consisted of
three main stages. The first stage was
learning how to program in a computer language called Java. Java is the computer language used for
writing the program to control the movements of the stepper motor. The next phase includes designing and
assembling the interface panel. This
panel consists of a power supply, motor, and 3 connector ports connecting to
the stepper motor and a computer. Each
part of this panel was assembled properly, by connecting all of the necessary
parts through a series of wires. The
final stage of this project is to actually write the program that the motor on
the control panel will use to control the stepper motor. This program will allow the stepper motor to
turn to a precise angle, giving the operator full control of the defractometer.
Jonathan E. Semones Abby Jason VanduynJess Bardin
Laural Flythe |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering Industrial Engineering |
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Research |
Denis C. Cormier/Industrial
Engineering Michael J. Rigsbee/Industrial Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Process Development of Titanium Aluminide (γ) Using the
Arcam
S12 Electron Beam Melting (EBM) Machine |
Recently there has been much interest in implementing a γ-TiAl alloy in aeronautical applications. Another area of interest is in creating metal
details directly from metal powder by use of the Arcam
S12 Electron Beam Melting (EBM) machine.
Our group has meshed these two areas of research to use EBM to make a
γ-TiAl alloy from a powder of composition
Ti-47Al-2Cr-2Nb. Optical microscopy,
X-ray diffraction, SEM, ICP, and hardness measurements were performed to
characterize the alloy created in the Arcam. A large loss in the amount of aluminum and
chromium was measured in the metal detail from the ICP results, which takes the
alloy out of the γ phase and puts it into the lamellar α2 + γ
phase. These results were complimented
by the X-ray diffraction data in that both α2 and γ phases were
present. The diffraction on the initial
powder showed that it was not in the γ phase either. A film was deposited on the inside of the
machine during the formation of the part.
X-ray showed the film to be in the γ phase, and would account for
the loss of aluminum in the part. The average
hardness of the processed alloy was measured to be 427 DPH.
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Department(s): |
Biological and Agricultural Engineering |
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Research |
Kevin Keener/Food Science Jerome Cuomo/Materials Science and Engineering Brian Sheldon/Poultry Science |
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Title of Presentation: |
Atmospheric Plasma Treatment to Eliminate Food Pathogens |
Loss of work due to food born illness is estimated by the CDC to cost $6.7
billion annually. This loss shows a need for better food treatment systems.
Atmospheric plasma had been used by the military for biological
decontamination. Atmospheric plasma offers many desired qualities in a food
treatment system. Atmospheric plasma is a low cost and efficient process
with no environmental impact. For these
reasons, this technology may have potential in pathogen removal from foods. Gas
composition of the plasma is believed to be the primary controlling factor in
reducing pathogen levels. Two different plasma systems were used to investigate
the effect of gas composition. The first system was a dielectric barrier
discharge (DBD) chamber. The initial tests used the DBD chamber to treat Listeria innocua
inoculated on agar plates at 10^6 forming units per milliliter (cfu/mL). Three different gas compositions were tested:
Helium, Helium/Nitrogen, and Helium/Nitrogen/Oxygen. Only the gas combination
with oxygen consistently achieved a 10^6 reduction of the Listeria in
as little as 1.25 minutes. Other gas compositions were able to achieve 10^6
reductions but in longer times. The Helium plasma could achieve a 10^6
reduction after 15 minutes of exposure and the Helium/Nitrogen mixture after 5
minutes of exposure. The other system investigated was a Tepla
pen system. The Tepla pen is a portable, handheld
plasma generator and applicator. Agar plates were inoculated with a Salmonella cocktail at 10^7 cfu/ml and then swept under the Tepla
pen. The Tepla pen produced no growth bands between 1
and 7 mm wide. The addition of oxygen to the Tepla
pen plasma resulted in the larger bandwidths with no growth. Both systems were
able to completely remove pathogens in localized areas. A minimum treatment
time of 0.41 seconds was observed for the Tepla pen
system.
Jacob E. SingerCaitlin C. CarpenterKristen A. MeadorDavid H. Wagner, IV
Kristal
O. Wilson |
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Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering |
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Research |
Frank Abrams/Biomedical Engineering Michael Boyette/Biological and Agricultural
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Wheelchair
Adaptable Examination Table |
The transfer of wheelchair-bound patients to examination tables for
treatment or routine examinations presents injury risks to the patient and
caregivers involved. Injury risks to
patients include broken bones, joint dislocation, and skin abrasion, while
caregivers face an increased risk of back injury. Utilizing patient slings reduces injury risks
to caregivers and patients, but this practice is often unsettling and
dehumanizing to patients. Our sponsor,
Dr. Martin, has proposed a wheelchair adaptable examination table in which a
modified wheelchair can be rolled onto and coupled with a modified examination
table to eliminate the need to transfer the patient from one location to
another. A 2004 Senior Design team
developed a locking mechanism between the modified wheelchair and the
examination table, along with additional wheelchair modifications to allow the
wheelchair to recline. The focus of this
year’s project was the design of a new automated lift mechanism for the
examination table with the capability to lower below the height of the
wheelchair seat and reach a range of examination heights based on the
preference of the doctor. The new lift,
based on the concept of a hydraulic jack, utilizes a hydraulic cylinder linked
to an angled arm to convert linear motion to rotary motion. To address safety concerns, the lift was
designed for a 2000 lb load with support arms for lateral stability and a
fail-safe feature to protect against hydraulic failure. The new lift mechanism for the wheelchair
adaptable examination table contributes to the solution to problems associated
with the transfer of wheelchair-bound patients.
Kelley L. Spence |
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Department(s): |
Paper Science Engineering |
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Research |
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Title of Presentation: |
Development of Cellulose Thin Films for Studies in Surface Chemistry |
Cellulose, the most abundant polymer on the planet, is an important
alternative as a precursor for macromolecular synthesis and a thorough
understanding of its interfacial behaviors is largely needed. In this study we
developed thin films of cellulose with different crystallinities
and morphologies to mimic more closely that of natural cellulose and to study
its effects on surface behavior, such as adsorption of polymers and reactions
with enzymes, etc.
Crystalline cellulose monolayers were successfully prepared by the self
assembling of a cellulose-thiol derivative on Au
substrates and characterized by FTIR and AFM. The resulting films were compared
with those obtained by spin coated techniques using silica surfaces as
substrate. The utility of these systems is discussed in view of ongoing
research in our department.
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Mark E. Stuenkel |
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Department(s): |
Electrical and Computer Engineering |
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Research |
Doug Barlage/Electrical and Computer
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
The Design and Analysis of a Platform to Test a Novel GaN MOSFET’s Ability to Amplify
at Frequencies Approaching the “Terahertz Gap” |
Physical limitations such as size and carrier transit time prevent the
development of active electrical devices that operate in the frequency range
from 300GHz to 5THz. The common
technique of decreasing the size of a transistor’s base or gate to increase its
maximum operational frequency has almost reached its limit. With current gate lengths being on the atomic
scale, further decreasing of gate lengths proves to be almost impossible. Researchers at
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Christopher A. Sutay |
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Department(s): |
Biomedical Engineering |
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Research |
Glenn M. Walker/Biomedical Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
A Novel Electrostatically Actuated Elastomeric Microfluidic Valve |
Microfabrication advances have allowed the integration of fluid
handling components into microscale lab-on-a-chip
systems. Valves and pumps within these systems
should be designed to minimize damage to sensitive biological components (e.g.,
cells, proteins, etc.) within the chip.
One attractive approach is to use elastomeric
membranes for pumps and valves. However,
current methods utilize cumbersome macroscale
pneumatic hardware to inflate the elastomeric
bladders for valve actuation. The goal
of this project is to use electrostatic forces to actuate the elastomeric valves, thus eliminating the need for bulky
external equipment.
Using the process of thick film soft UV lithography, a
multilayered microfluidic device was created in the
Tiny Biotools Lab (http://www.bme.ncsu.edu/labs/tbl ). A base support structure composed of 10
micron thick SU-8 photoresist was deposited on a
silicon wafer. Circular Cr electrodes, 1
mm in diameter, were patterned in depressions within this support structure
using physical vapor deposition. An elastomeric polymer, polydimethylsiloxane
(PDMS), was used to create a 30 micron thick membrane with an identical
electrode scheme, seated above the support structure layer. A valve channel layer was also created out of
PDMS to allow fluid flow over the membrane, with valve seats that block flow
situated above the actuated area. In the
assembled device, a potential will be created between the two electrodes to
cause an electrostatic attraction. When
the valve actuates, the membrane Cr electrode will be attracted to the Cr
electrode at the base of the support layer, creating a downward deflection of
the membrane, and subsequent fluid flow beneath the valve seat.
Voltage values and membrane deflections have been
optimized, taking into account the boundary conditions of the membrane as well
as the mechanics of the materials used.
Future versions of this project will include three valves in series
acting as a peristaltic pump.
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Vesna Tosanovic |
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Department(s): |
Wood and Paper Science |
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Research |
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Title of Presentation: |
Monitoring Cellulase Activity by the Quartz
Crystal Microbalance |
Cellulose and hemicelluloses can be converted to soluble sugars by
enzyme hydrolysis. Cellulases
and hemicellulases are some of the enzymes of current
commercial significance for this and other applications. In this investigation
we examined the interfacial behavior of
cellulose active enzymes on model cellulose substrates by using a piezoelectric
sensor, the Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Dissipation monitoring
(QCM-D).
We showed that QCM-D
allows monitoring (in situ and real time) of
enzyme activity by measuring the resonant frequency of the crystal. In a typical experiment an increase in the
crystal/substrate resonant frequency was observed after the initial binding of
the enzyme to the substrate. This behavior indicates a reduction of the mass of
the substrate as a result of film degradation.
We demonstrate the potential of
QCM-D to monitor and quantify the detailed kinetics of enzyme activity and to
probe the effect of variables such as enzyme concentration, temperature, pH and
mixing conditions during incubation.
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Diep Vo |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Jag Kasichainula/Materials Science and
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Characteristics of Diamond on Lithium Niobate
Substrate |
The layer structure of LiNbO3/diamond can be used in various applications
such as communication systems, TV sets, surface acoustic wave devices at high
frequency (2-5GHz), and radar signal processing. The objective of this research
is to characterize diamond films grown on lithium niobate
(LiNbO3). Diamond is used because it has
high acoustic wave velocity. Diamond is deposited on LiNbO3 by microwave plasma
chemical vapor deposition (MPCVD) at lower temperature, between 650-700 oC, to lower the loss of lithium and to reduce thermal
stresses. The differences between LiNbO3 and diamond on atomic bonding and
crystalline structure are responsible for poor quality of diamond films. The
low temperature of deposition of diamond on lithium niobate
is responsible for amorphous carbon or graphite to be incorporated in the diamond
film. The goal is to understand the
characteristics of diamond on lithium niobate by
using x-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), RAMAN
spectroscopy, and electrical resistivity.
John D. WaldrepScott R. Broderick
Ryan A. Mayer |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Joachim Lewerenz/Materials Science and
Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
High Voltage AC Corrosion in Underground Cables |
This project involves corrosion studies under high voltage AC
conditions for underground aluminum power delivery systems. The performance of
power distribution terminals of Tyco Electronics and a competitor are compared.
The terminal electrically connects several aluminum cables by pinning them with aluminum set screws to a common
aluminum block. The primary cause of failure is corrosion due to exposure to
water. The competitor’s model is encased in a rubber housing that must be cut
to form a friction fit with the inserted wire. Tyco’s design uses a silicone
gel to create a compressive seal. The goal of the investigation is to assess
corrosion behavior under conditions closely related to the operating
environment. Due to the non-linearity of the electrochemical processes at high
voltage and current, an empirical approach is necessary that has been
complemented by more fundamental electrochemical research. Experiments involve
corrosion studies of submerged terminals with and without housing under high AC
voltage, physico-chemical analyses of corroded areas
and potentiostatic model electrochemistry. Results
show that advanced corrosion in the competitor’s model is effected by possible
installation errors whereas such problems are minimized by Tyco’s design. As a
second main result, Tyco’s tin-coated block has been found to exhibit strongly
reduced corrosion at both, terminal block and wire. Cyclic voltammetry
indicates higher resistance to corrosion for the tin-coated material evidenced
by delayed onset of anodic currents with potential. In addition to practical
considerations, the electrochemical model experiments indicate that each of
Tyco’s modifications has improved corrosion resistance.
Brandon WilliamsonGreg Hogshead
Kelly Irving |
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Department(s): |
Materials Science and Engineering |
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Research |
Richard Spontak/Materials
Science & Chemical Engineering |
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Title of Presentation: |
Improving the Barrier Performance of
Multilayer Print Blankets |
Multilayer print blankets used in the
printing industry currently suffer from damaging permeation of organic and
inorganic liquids during operation and cleaning. The objective of this project
is to identify strategies by which the barrier performance of the blankets can
be improved without sacrificing the overall design specifications and
processing protocol of the blankets. The project employs a multisolution
approach, wherein different types of barriers to permeation have been
systematically introduced into the multilayer. In the first strategy, a layer
of permeation-resistant polymer is introduced. These polymer films consist of
either a semi-crystalline polypropylene or poly(ethylene-co-octene),
which exhibit vastly different crystallinities. The
second approach incorporates inorganic nanoparticulates
into the multilayer design. Nanoparticulates with a
very small aspect ratio (plate-like) have shown to be promising in previous
research to enhance barrier efficacy, and so organically-modified montmorillonite clay has been examined. Alkyl-terminated
fumed silica, a spherical particulate, has also been investigated for
comparative purposes, since both nanoparticulates
serve as impermeable obstacles. Lastly, we have explored the change in barrier
performance afforded by thin inorganic, contiguous layers of SiOx and Au/Pd. Parameters that have been systematically
varied during this project include polymer crystallinity,
additive concentration, and coating thickness. Permeant
uptake testing, also called "swell" testing, has been used to examine
the nanoparticulate-modified samples. The sample
geometry of the polymer and inorganic-coated samples does not allow for the use
of swell testing, and so FTIR-ATR has been used for measurement purposes. From
these methods, the diffusion coefficient (D) and solubility (S) could be
extracted to facilitate comparison of the different methods of barrier
improvement examined here. Quantitative permeation comparison of these options
provides us with a direct method by which to (i)
determine the best barrier solution and (ii) suggest viable avenues for future
research in this important industry.
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Undergraduate Research Symposium Main Page ]
Last modified February 2005 by Sharon E. Hunt, WordHunting