This research aims to identify optimal pin fin shapes that minimize flow pressuredrop and maximize heat transfer performance while investigating the influence of genetic algorithm (GA) parameters on these shapes. The primary goal is to discover innovative pin fin configurations through the use of a GA, moving away from traditional circular cylindrical designs. The study also examines GA parameters, including population size, generation size, selection methods, crossover rates, tournament size, and elite counts. A physical condition considered in this study is a rectangular channel with a square cross-section integrated with 10 pin fins, operating at a Reynolds number of 2316, and subjected to a heat flux of 5 W/cm2 at the bottom surface. Overall, the research seeks to enhance the energy efficiency of a liquid cooling system, with potential applications in the thermal management of computing devices. By enabling operating at significantly lower power, the optimized cooling system promises to reduce energy consumption and operational costs.

Chamber music is a burgeoning part of the modern guitarist’s repertoire, and few instruments compliment the guitar as well as the viola. Through production of an album of music for viola and guitar, this repertoire is showcased. While the duo works together very well, there is still not too much repertoire written for it. By examining each of the recorded works and discussing their successful compositional ideas, as well as some flaws and solutions to those issues, a groundwork for writing for viola and guitar can be laid. Also included is a discussion of general ensemble considerations, a new original composition for the duo, and information regarding recording set-up. The pieces recorded and discussed are Echoes of Autumn by Stephen Dodgson, 5 Fachadas by Javier Farías, One Stops Searching, One Grows Silent by Klaus Hinrich Stahmer, Folklore III by Gilbert Biberian, Sonate by Érik Marchelie, and 2 Pieces After Danielewski by Bill White.

ABSTRACT This project includes a research paper, a professional recording, and a musical score. Mauricio Annuziata, a well-known Argentine composer, dedicated his Concerto No. 5 to me, Nathaniel De La Cruz, and it is inspired by Andean Folklore music from South America. He composed this concerto in December of 2020, and it has original themes closely related to Andean music. The author recorded this concerto in a professional audio and video recording made in Katzin concert hall in the ASU music building on September 30, 2021, with my wife Rosa LoGiudice De La Cruz on the piano. This concerto was conceptualized as one large movement divided into three smaller movements. An unusual combination of melodies conveys the nature of traditional musical practices characteristic of South America. This is the first concerto for double bass inspired by Andean folk music. In researching for this document, I studied manuscripts of Andean folk music compiled by ethnomusicologists to explore the connection between the pentatonic scale and traditional musical practices. These connections are discussed in detail in a chapter of the form of the concerto, including representations of traditional folkloric dances from different countries of South America. In this document I also discuss the process of working with the composer, rehearsing, and incorporating the necessary revisions to make the music effective and idiomatic for the double bass. This new work will offer the double bass world a new perspective for solo repertoire, as it is accessible for intermediate (check this) and professional levels. The process of collaborating with a composer of such caliber as Mauricio Annunziata is a rewarding experience for me not only as a student, but as a performer where I found different challenges to explore new music practices and techniques.

Listening to music is an experience shared by both a listener and a composer. For a composer, music is a way of self-expression, a composition being able to tell a story, send a message or emit an emotion to a listener. This creative project focuses on the composition of 3 songs that portray a strong message to the listener. The lyrics of the compositions were written by taking experiences that have caused interference in life, taking that to portray a strong message to the listener. The message of the compositions are portrayed both with the lyrics and the accompanying music through instrumentation. The compositions are composed for a trio, SunKissed, made up of violin, guitar and percussion with three vocals.