Matching Items (1,955)
Filtering by
- Creators: School of Life Sciences
- Creators: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program
- Member of: Theses and Dissertations
- Status: Published
Description
The goal of this project was to conduct a preliminary performance analysis of an early Next Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) design by Lockheed Martin. NGAD is a sixth-generation air superiority initiative for the United States Air Force (USAF), not to be confused with the United States Navy variant, looking to replace the F-22 Raptor due to rising tensions with China in the Pacific. A three-stream double-bypass adaptive cycle engine (ACE) model was developed in MATLAB to analyze thermodynamic states throughout the engine and generate performance data such as thrust and fuel requirements. The variable area bypass injectors (VABIs) of an ACE allow it to improve range and thrust while also reducing spillage drag when compared to a standard low-bypass turbofan for military aircraft. The aircraft was simulated at 15, 16, 17, and 18 km, and at a cruise Mach of 1.8, in accordance with expected NGAD requirements. Engine performance data was then used, alongside rough aerodynamic data based on the aircraft’s geometry, to determine the ideal wet weight, dry weight, and wing loading for an assumed air-superiority mission profile. Plots of wet weight, wing span, and wing area as functions wing loading were used to visualize the design space for a given mission.
ContributorsTokishi, Shane (Author) / Wells, Valana (Thesis director) / Dahm, Werner (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This thesis investigates auxetic structures' specific energy absorption properties, characterized by their negative Poisson's Ratio (NPR). Auxetics, derived from natural materials and engineered designs, are increasingly applied in automotive, aerospace, and defense industries due to their enhanced material properties like indentation resistance and fracture toughness.
The research commenced with a thorough literature review to gather relevant methodologies and insights into auxetic geometries. This was followed by analytical experiments and simulations focused on the re-entrant auxetic pattern, known for its simplicity and effectiveness. The study tested modifications to this pattern, aiming to enhance energy absorption by adjusting parameters like base thickness and adding filets.
Simulations were performed using ANSYS 2023 R2, modeling the materials under plane stress conditions to assess their mechanical responses. Two main variants were examined: the Enhanced Stiffness pattern, which alters thickness, and the Filet Re-entrant pattern, which incorporates fillets to reduce stress concentrations. Results indicated that both modifications improved energy absorption compared to the standard re-entrant design, with Filet patterns showing superior performance due to their efficient stress distribution.
This work extends the understanding of auxetic materials, demonstrating significant potential to improve safety and functionality in engineering applications through advanced material design.
ContributorsSastriawan, Yoga (Author) / Kang, Wonmo (Thesis director) / Safari, Hamid (Committee member) / Mahmoudi, Mohammadreza (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Extinction of experience is a phenomenon characterized by a decline in people’s contact with nature and impoverishment of local wildlife, which can result in negative changes in human attitudes towards the environment and overall well-being. In this study, I piloted a survey and an interview with my own immediate and extended family members to gain insight regarding specific nature experiences, including the factors that may inhibit such experiences. Through interviews, I found that many respondents were uncertain whether their own backyards counted as a nature space; if so, this significantly impacts their reported frequency and duration or time spent outdoors. The inclusion of yard spaces as nature spaces may therefore be necessary to fully understand the diverse nature experiences of a community.
ContributorsEscobedo, Isabella (Author) / Hall, Sharon (Thesis director) / Minteer, Ben (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Psilocybin, the psychoactive compound found organically in psychedelic mushrooms, is currently classified as a Schedule I drug with no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Schedule I classification regulations on psilocybin largely makes doing significant research infeasible due to bureaucratic and financial barriers. Despite this classification, some researchers have studied the impact of ingesting psilocybin as a means of treating mental disorders and other conditions. Current and past research shows promising results for psilocybin’s ability to alleviate symptoms associated with mental disorders while also having a low abuse potential. In the interest of public benefit for the discovery of novel treatments and insight into brain function, psilocybin must be redesignated to allow for more extensive research in order to determine its therapeutic potential.
ContributorsPuttick, Jessica (Author) / Zarazua, Cristal (Co-author) / Rigoni, Adam (Thesis director) / Fong, Benjamin (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Complex Adaptive Systems (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
The objective of this project is to determine whether a finite-element model can predict the threshold temperatures at which mechanical failure will occur in perovskite-silicon tandem modules. No such computational thermomechanical analysis has been performed on perovskite-silicon tandem modules. Previous literature has demonstrated the effectiveness of finite element methods in predicting cracking of perovskites under bending loads and for characterizing the thermomechanical behavior of solar photovoltaic devices. This work computationally synthesizes these two research areas to determine design criteria for mechanically robust next-generation tandem photovoltaic devices and modules.
ContributorsMachbitz, David (Author) / Rolston, Nicholas (Thesis director) / Ladani, Leila (Committee member) / Murthy, Raghavendra (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor) / Department of English (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Abstract: With the advent of the prophet Muhammad in the seventh century CE, Arabia was unified under a single state. Such a historical development is essential to understand and appreciate. The life and career of the Prophet has been analyzed by both Muslims and non-Muslims alike. There is generally a lot of overlap between both groups of interpretations. However, the hierarchy of contributing factors to the unification of Arabia remains controversial. In my thesis, I put forth the significance of the Islamic religious teachings in this process of unification and centralization of power.
ContributorsKhatib, Ahmad (Author) / Liew, Han (Thesis director) / Kefeli, Agnes (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / Historical, Philosophical & Religious Studies, Sch (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This thesis explores strategies to enhance visibility and engagement within local music ecosystems using a data-driven approach that leverages streaming platform data. It employs a two-pronged approach, consisting of a Proof of Concept (PoC) and a Business Model Canvas (BMC). The PoC involves the development and refinement of two novel machine learning-based music recommendation algorithms, specifically tailored for local stakeholders in the Valley Metro area. Empirical testing of these algorithms has shown a significant potential increase in visibility and engagement for local music events. Utilizing these results, the study proposes informed revisions to the existing streaming BMC, aiming to better support local music ecosystems through strategic enhancements derived from the validated PoC findings.
ContributorsEllini, Andre (Author) / Clarkin, Michael (Co-author) / Bradley, Robert (Co-author) / Mancenido, Michelle (Thesis director) / Sirugudi, Kumar (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
Everyone can achieve greatness, and greatness comes in many forms. Our goal is to
inspire individuals to find what they are great at and “find what makes you the GOAT.”
TheGOATGene is a media/lifestyle company that provides people with the means to start an
activity they can go try with no previous experience. We plan to market research different
“niche” activities, reach out to professionals and prospects, design and sell merchandise, create social media content on multiple platforms, and host live events that promote GOATGENE.
ContributorsTunelius, Wesley (Author) / McGuire, Aidan (Co-author) / Sigmund, Charlie (Co-author) / Forster, Samantha (Co-author) / Byrne, Jared (Thesis director) / Dong, Xiaodan (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
DescriptionThe Level Set Method was implemented via a coupled two-dimensional G-equation approach in successive axial segments.
ContributorsPodbielski, Adam (Author) / Dahm, Werner (Thesis director) / Waterhouse, Andrew (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
This project offers a multi-perspective overview of why art matters in ecology. Combining the research of others with my own art and insight from within the academic system, I address the breadth of applications that art has in science education. The goal of this project is to show that creative engagement can foster a sustainable mindset, make science-learning more accessible, and encourage progress in social and environmental justice in an integrative, interdisciplinary way.
ContributorsSvitak, Lo (Author) / Barca, Lisa (Thesis director) / Chew, Matthew (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / School of Life Sciences (Contributor) / School of International Letters and Cultures (Contributor)
Created2024-05