As global energy demand evolves, maintaining power quality has become a critical challenge in modern electrical systems. This research project examines key factors influencing power quality, focusing on maintaining a stable voltage magnitude and frequency across the grid. To achieve this, we explore techniques such as power factor correction and its role in improving energy efficiency and reducing costs. With the increasing integration of electric vehicles, data centers, and other high-power loads, new challenges arise in grid stability and demand management. Additionally, we investigate system overloading and transmission line considerations, addressing the risks of rising power demand and strategies for mitigating losses. Through this comprehensive study, we highlight the importance of power quality in ensuring the efficiency, reliability, and resilience of modern electrical infrastructures.

This project focuses on automating and standardizing the crowning process of a 15-foot Farnham roll form machine, used to shape aluminum parts, including fuselage and wing skins. The current crowning adjustment compensates for force imbalances caused by screws positioned at the machine’s ends and requires extensive manual shimming for optimal contact along 18 adjustable brackets. This process is detrimental to the manufacturing flow, as the time it takes to adjust the Farnham Press for different types of sheet metal or bends is long enough to significantly slow down production. To streamline this process, the project’s objectives are to design a method to measure bracket-to-material contact accurately, create an adjustable bracket system without the need for shims, and provide operators with real-time measurement feedback to optimize crowning adjustments efficiently. This will be achieved by redesigning the brackets with integrated sensors to accurately read the changing force along the beam.

Progress to date includes multiple bracket designs developed by the mechanical team, featuring adjustable mechanisms such as vertical screws, wedges, and easily insertable shims for depth control. Concurrently, the electrical team has conducted extensive research into sensor options and collaborated with sensor companies to identify suitable measurement solutions. Efforts are also underway to establish a data display interface that can provide real-time readouts from all 18 sensors, enabling operators to make informed adjustments during operation. Future work aims to explore a CNC-style interface for full control automation, which would allow streamlined adjustments for different part profiles and material thicknesses. This approach is expected to significantly reduce setup time and improve consistency in part quality.

An analysis of the sound-producing characteristics of a tenor trombone has been initiated at TCU. Focus of the effort will be on the model Conn 44H "Vocabell" tenor trombone due to its unique rimless bell. A numerical model of the instrument using Autodesk Inventor has been created. The model was imported into NASTRAN for further structural and acoustic analyses.

Key areas of focus include understanding the interaction between the instrument's structural vibrations and the sound radiated from the bell. The "Vocabell" design, known for its unique construction and acoustic qualities, will be critically examined to assess how its geometry and material properties influence sound production and associated frequency spectrum. Radiated sound and structural vibration measurements have been conducted on the physical instrument, providing data for model correlation and validation. Once validated, the numerical model will be used to explore more advanced concepts of brass instrument design.

The engineered concrete slab is a fundamental structure in construction with its mechanical properties influenced by the rebar placement, curing process, and the ratios of its primary components aggregate, cement, and sand. This study investigates how variations in rebar placement, concrete composition and curing methods effect the flexural strength of the sample. In ENGR 30014, 18 engineering teams produced their best sample of concrete with different ratios, rebar patterns, and different types of curing. The results provide insights into optimizing the concrete ratios, rebar placement, and methods for curing and their effect on flexural strength.

The goal of this research was to enable information transmission through light using a Phase Light Modulation (PLM) module to decode and display encrypted information. We conducted a literature review and set up an evaluation module capable of sending encrypted messages and transmitting data without the need for optical cables. Our setup includes a laser light source, a beam expander, a Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) controlled by an electronic control board, and a laptop running the software GUI provided by Texas Instruments. We conducted various experiments with these components to optimize the design and explore potential applications. Our findings highlight the potential of this technology for future data transmission and optical devices.

Winter can turn plumbing into a battlefield, with frozen pipes bursting and their joints failing under pressure. In this study, 18 teams of student researchers will face off in a school lab to test three common plumbing materials, copper, PVC, and PEX studying their joining techniques; soldering, solvent welding, and crimping against freezing conditions.
Over two weeks, we will subject a series of pipe assemblies into brutal freeze to thaw cycles, mimicking harsh winter weather, to see which ones crack, leak, or stand strong. By analyzing failure rates and durability, we aim to uncover the ultimate cold weather champion and share practical insights for homeowners and plumbers. Get ready our pipes are about to feel the chill!

This design proposal outlines the development of a bearing installation and proof-load testing tool intended to streamline and enhance the bearing installation process for Aero Components. The project focuses on creating an efficient and innovative solution using hydraulic press technology, with particular attention to the requirements of staking and swaging methods for securing bearings. The proposed design utilizes the HSP-30M Baileigh Hydraulic Press, which will be customized to meet specific operational needs, such as accommodating bearing diameters up to 3 inches and applying precise deformation forces. Key features include the development of a versatile attachment system, safety enhancements, and a digital feedback mechanism to monitor and control the hydraulic pressure during both installation and testing phases. The project aims to meet performance criteria, including visual inspection standards and proof-load testing requirements, ensuring the tool’s effectiveness and repeatability. Through a comprehensive testing regimen, the system’s reliability will be validated, with results documented to confirm the tool’s ability to perform under operation conditions. The proposal also includes a detailed project timeline, budget projections, and cost-management strategies, ensuring the project will be completed on time and within budget. The ultimate goal is to provide Aero Components with a tailored solution that optimizes bearing installation efficiency while maintaining high standards of safety, precision, and performance.

The growing environmental concern surrounding plastic waste has prompted the exploration of innovative recycling and reusing methods. This research investigates the potential of utilizing high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic waste to create sustainable bricks. Building on the work of Gjenge Makers, who have developed pavers from recycled plastic and sand, this study aims to evaluate the strength, durability, and environmental impact of plastic-sand composites and assess their viability as a substitute for conventional construction materials.

This study evaluates the structural integrity of reinforced concrete by comparing the mechanical properties of steel and fiberglass rebar. The primary objective is to assess the differences in material performance, performing compressive and flexural tests to quantify the ductility, load-bearing capacity, and durability of each rebar type under stress. The expected outcome is to determine the viability of fiberglass rebar as an effective alternative to traditional steel, particularly in terms of its mechanical performance and long-term reliability.

Graphene quantum dots (GQDs) have emerged as a promising platform for drug delivery and bioimaging due to their nanoscale size, water solubility, biocompatibility, and fluorescence properties. When functionalized, they enable both therapeutic delivery and real-time tracking in biological systems. This study focuses on the engineering of an optical system designed to cost effectively perform ex vivo spectra collection of GQDs. We utilized a bifurcated fiber optic cable connected to a laser and spectrometer, enabling simultaneous excitation and signal collection through a single optical path. Because excitation and collection occurred at the same angle rather than the conventional 90-degree configuration, a high optical density 840 nm long pass emission filter is utilized to optimize signal collection and minimize scattering. The system's cheap and easy to build design offers a streamlined method for studying nanomaterial-based therapeutics, providing a foundation for future advancements in biomedical imaging.

This study aims to educate participants about the formation and significance of grain structures in metals, focusing on the processes by which grains form and how these structures influence material properties. Using 1018 steel (low-carbon), 1045 steel (medium-carbon), 1080 steel (medium-carbon), ductile and grey cast iron, and PbSn (lead-tin) samples, 18 teams explored the random formation of grain structures through a series of preparatory steps, including mounting, grinding, polishing, etching, and hardness testing. Each team examined their samples at four magnifications to identify microstructural features and measure grain size using two different methods. In addition to the technical analysis, the teams focused on uncovering the artistic patterns that emerge from the randomness of grain formation. The study will highlight the art found in these naturally occurring structures, demonstrating how materials science and art intersect. By the end, participants gain an understanding of grain theory and microstructural analysis while also developing an appreciation for the unexpected artistic forms created by these random processes in materials like steel, cast iron, and lead-tin alloys.

Wood is a fundamental material in various industries, from construction to furniture making. Understanding its mechanical behavior is crucial for optimizing its use and ensuring structural integrity. This study investigates six different wood types under flexural loading, offering insights into their performance in real-world applications. By analyzing key parameters such as density, flexural strength, and stiffness, this research aims to provide valuable data for informed material selection and design optimization. The wood types under scrutiny comprise white oak, birch, bamboo, maple, pine, and walnut with two contrasting grain configurations.

Key parameters: Density, Flexural Strength, Flexural Stiffness

Effective disinfection of medical surfaces is crucial in preventing healthcare-associated infections. The objective of this study was to compare two techniques for transferring bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus epidermidis, from contaminated medical surfaces to agar plates for growth assessment. The first technique involved imprinting the contaminated surface directly onto the agar plate, while the second technique utilized a sterile swab to pick up bacteria and transfer them to the agar plate. Results indicated a significantly higher percentage of bacterial transfer using the imprint technique compared to the swab technique. Consequently, the imprint technique was selected for further investigation to quantify results related to the disinfection of contaminated medical surfaces. This study underscores the importance of selecting appropriate bacterial transfer techniques for accurate assessment of surface disinfection efficacy in healthcare settings.

The two-microphone impedance tube test method is a well-established and widely used technique for determining the acoustic absorption coefficient and impedance ratio of materials. This method uses two closely spaced microphones to simultaneously measure the incident and reflected sound waves. A two-microphone impedance tube measurement system made of 6061-T6 Aluminum with a diameter of 3 inches, a 0.5 inch wall thickness, and microphones spaced 2.7 inches apart has been constructed for undergraduate research at Texas Christian University (TCU). These geometrical values suggest a usable frequency range of 50 Hz to 2637.77 Hz as referenced in ASTM Standard E1050-19. Validation of the system was achieved by taking measurements on Owen Corning Type 705 pressed fiberglass board with a 1-inch thickness and comparing them to absorption data provided by the manufacturer. Additional validation measurements were taken without a test sample in place. All validation tests suggest that the TCU impedance tube is an accurate measurement system.

Bacteria, the primary agents of infection in humans, are present on nearly all surfaces. To mitigate the spread of bacteria and infections, disinfectants are commonly used. This study explored the effectiveness of common disinfectants and different methods of disinfection, primarily focusing on the use of spray pumps and a transducer as a mechanism to disinfect surfaces using 70% IPA (Isopropyl Alcohol) or ethanol (often referred to by the brand name Lysol). Tests were conducted on bacterial lawns before incubation. The effectiveness of the tests was determined by observing bacterial growth over the next 24 hours after disinfection. Testing proved that both ethanol and 70% IPA are effective in stopping bacterial growth. While both the transducer and spray pump methods showed success, the transducer/ethanol combination was particularly efficient, using the least amount of disinfectant.

Thermal oxidation is an important process to create a thin film of silicon dioxide on silicon substrates in microfabrication. In this project, thermal oxidation characteristics on the silicon wafer will be analyzed through experiments in the clean room. The research method was conducted in the thermal oxidation furnace in the TCU Cleanroom on nine wafers with different placement orientations in the furnace and three different oxidation temperatures: 950°C, 1000°C, and 1050°C. In addition, oxide thickness measurements between different locations on the wafer were taken to investigate the film uniformity. The data analysis showed three trends: 1. oxide thickness varies across the wafers, 2. oxide thickness varies as a function of the furnace location, and 3. oxide growth rate varies as a function of furnace temperature. This project investigates how these factors impact thermal oxidation, one of the most critical steps in microfabrication

The Digital Micro-Mirror Device (DMD), which was originally developed for digital projection using visible light source, has seen numerous applications in automotive, manufacturing, spectroscopy, and underwater imaging that require wavelength beyond visible. The DMD window is an important part of the packaging that protects the digital mirror array. Since the light goes through the top and bottom surfaces of the window glass twice during operation, the transmittance of the window is usually optimized for the range of wavelengths specified by the applications through optical coatings. In this research work, we will explore the effectiveness of the optical coatings for different types of glasses for window transmittance improvement in visible and near-infrared wavelengths. We will evaluate the transmittance of the existing DMD window glasses and explore ideas of improving transmittance in the NIR range without compromising the effectiveness in the visible light range. In doing so, we would be the light efficiency of the DMD in a wider wavelength range.

This research focuses on developing an optical metrology system to characterize the 3D refractive index profile of intraocular Lenses (IOLs) and contact lenses. Recent innovations in IOLs and contact lenses have facilitated the creation of lenses with finely controlled refractive index gradients across their surfaces, and as a result, the demand for precise metrological techniques has increased. Optical Phase Computed Tomography (OPCT) holds as a possible method for precisely characterizing these gradients. OPCT operates on the principle of the parallel ray approximation, which assumes that the rays passing through a surface remain unaltered in angle and continue parallel. OPCT has proven effective in determining the refractive index of optical fiber, this success can be attributed to the minimal deviation from parallel ray assumption of the optical fiber. This study aims to ascertain the feasibility of using OPCT for the characterization of intraocular lenses (IOLs) and contact lenses. Our approach involves replicating, through simulation, the previously studied optical fiber to determine the maximum deviation angle from the parallel ray assumption. Utilizing simulated models of IOLs and contact lenses, we investigate the repercussions of deviations from the parallel ray assumption on OPCT precision. We aim to compare these findings to the established deviation observed in fiber optic studies. This comparative analysis will offer insights into the potential applicability of OPCT for IOLs and contact lenses, allowing for further development of enhanced optical metrology techniques.

Effectiveness and Efficiency of UV-C Lights at Killing Bacteria:

Bacteria lie on surfaces all around us, resulting in a desire to clean or disinfect them to avoid the adverse effects of bacteria. One popular method is UV-C light, which has a wavelength of 200-280 nanometers. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of UV-C lights in killing bacteria. Tests were conducted using a power sensor and bacterial lawns to determine the impacts of different variables on the effectiveness of UV-C lights. Testing measures were taken to ensure that all data was collected independently and identically. It was found that height, surface placement under UV-C lights, electrical power to lights, and reflectivity had the most significant impact on the effectiveness of the light. When optimizing these variables, it was found that with three and two lights there was a substantial bacteria kill rate once the exposure exceeded 3 seconds. This study has proven that UV-C is an effective and efficient way to kill bacteria on surfaces.

This project delved into the multifaceted world of blacksmithing, merging scientific inquiry with traditional craftsmanship to understand the nuances of metal work and material sciences. The primary objective was to immerse in the practicality of the craft, with the intent of learning the use of essential tools, the operational aspects of a forge, and further developing my knowledge of material properties of metals. In the aspect of material properties, a target was made to cultivate a comprehensive understanding of the manipulation of metal properties, utilizing heat treatment, cooling, and knowledge of metallurgical behavior.

Key milestones were set, including the acquisition of competencies in manipulating metal through heating, working, and cooling to craft rudimentary objects like hooks and nails, progressing towards more intricate creations such as knives and ornamental ironworks. The project's methodology was twofold: an investigative theoretical approach entailing the study of literature and visual resources to build a foundational knowledge base, and an empirical approach through active participation in local blacksmithing workshops.

The culmination of the project saw the successful completion of a functional coat rack and a knife forged from a railroad spike, reflecting both the learned techniques, material science, and personal creative expression. The analytical engagement with metals and forging methods paved the way for producing personalized, high-quality metalworks. The endeavor not only honed a distinctive skillset but also unveiled the potential for a post-graduate entrepreneurial venture specializing in custom-made tools and decorative arts, thereby intertwining the art of blacksmithing with contemporary business opportunities.

Power quality is the compatibility between the voltage that comes out of an electrical outlet and the power load that is being plugged into it. A power load (also known as electrical load) is any electrical device that needs to be plugged into a larger power grid to run, such as televisions and microwaves.
Different devices require different power loads to run at full efficiency and while electrical systems are capable of handling newer power loads, they are currently set to work with older ones as well. This may cause some side effects on power quality in the system. In this project, we investigate how to improve the power quality in the system caused by an inductive older load.

A Faraday cage is an enclosure that shields electromagnetic fields from entering or exiting the cage. While metals with high electrical conductivity are expected to effectively demonstrate the operation of a Faraday cage, preliminary observations of a sealed cast iron cylinder allowing the transmission of Bluetooth signals between a smartphone and wireless earbuds across it suggested the need for further research into electromagnetic wave propagation through closed metal systems. This research utilized Bluetooth connectivity tests through sealed metal cylinders made of cast iron, aluminum, and stainless steel to analyze the working of Faraday cages, explore related material properties, and isolate possible reasons for the conflict in expected behavior when electromagnetic transmission is detected through such cages. The research methods included conducting Bluetooth connectivity tests with different cylinder orientations and analyzing the strength of the transmitted and received Bluetooth signal. The key findings of this study suggest that material properties, spatial orientation, and the strength of the electromagnetic source influence the transmission of electromagnetic waves through sealed metal cylinders. The implications of these findings suggest potential exceptions to a common electromagnetic phenomenon and provide insights for future research.

Texas Instruments is developing a new micro-optical-electro-mechanical device called phase light modulator (PLM). The TCU senior design team developed a robust testing system that can expose 20 PLM devices to different light sources with the capability of monitoring the temperature and light intensity at each device location. The system design and construction of the testing system will be presented. In addition, the selection and operation of LEDs, temperature and light sensors, as well as the optical components that are needed for the light source and sensors will be discussed.

DC to DC Conversion is important in modern electronics, and to the automotive industry. It is the process of converting a direct current (i.e constant) signal into another form of direct current (DC). A small-scale example of this is a car adapter, which converts the 12 volts provided by a car outlet into the 5 volts a cell phone needs to charge, known as a ‘step down’ converter. The main objective of the project is to design and test a bidirectional DC to DC conversion system. Most DCDC converters available on the market are unidirectional, i.e., either ‘step down’ or ‘step up’ the DC signal. Those that can switch are called bidirectional converters, but many available cannot handle the higher requirements of an electric motor. A system that can switch directions based on specific system parameters allows for situational flexibility, and the use of new devices for more efficient energy use. The supercapacitor is one such device. They provide power more efficiently than batteries but can only store a small amount of energy. They must be recharged often, which requires a step-down conversion from a power source (much like the car adapter example). Supplying the motor from supercapacitors requires a step-up conversion. So, to use, and reap the most benefit from these supercapacitors, switching from step up to step down based on their charge is a requirement. Ultimately, this would allow for the use of supercapacitors in an EV as part of a future project.

In this presentation, the process of creating a map of an area using ground truth data will be explained. The overall objective of this research project is to be able to capture a remote image of a land mass and be able to discern what sections within that image are a certain material. This is done through the matching of spectral signatures, which are unique for every physical material found on earth. A demonstration of spectral signature matching will be shown to understand the basic idea of how the mapping is done. A model expanding on this idea with the use of ground truth data will be shown with results showing how the map will be made.