Magnetic resonance imaging is often used as a source for reconstructing vascular anatomy for the purpose of computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis. We recently observed large discrepancies in such “image-based” CFD models of the normal common carotid artery (CCA) derived from contrast enhanced MR angiography (CEMRA). A novel quantitative comparison of velocity profile shape of N=20 cases revealed an average 25% overestimation of velocities by CFD, attributed to a corresponding underestimation of lumen area in the CEMRA-derived geometries. We hypothesized that this was due to blurring of edges in the images caused by dilution of contrast agent during the relatively long elliptic centric CEMRA acquisitions, and confirmed this with MRI simulations. CFD simulations incorporating realistic inlet velocity profiles and non-Newtonian rheology had a negligible effect on velocity profile skewing, suggesting a role for other sources of error or modeling assumptions.

Morphing an aircraft wingtip can provide substantial performance improvement. Most civil transport aircraft are optimized for range but for other flight conditions such as take-off and climb they are used as constraints. These constraints could potentially reduce the performance of an aircraft at cruise. By altering the shape of the wingtip, we can force the load distribution to adapt to the required flight condition to improve performance. Using a Variable Geometry Truss Mechanism (VGTM) concept to morph the wingtip of an aircraft with a Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) framework, the current work will attempt to find an optimal wing and wingtip shape to minimize fuel consumption for multiple morphing stages during cruise. This optimization routine was conducted with a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm using different fidelity tools to analyze the aerodynamic and structural disciplines.

Morphing an aircraft wingtip can provide substantial performance improvement. Most civil transport aircraft are optimized for range but for other flight conditions such as take-off and climb they are used as constraints. These constraints could potentially reduce the performance of an aircraft at cruise. By altering the shape of the wingtip, we can force the load distribution to adapt to the required flight condition to improve performance. Using a Variable Geometry Truss Mechanism (VGTM) concept to morph the wingtip of an aircraft with a Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (MDO) framework, the current work will attempt to find an optimal wing and wingtip shape to minimize fuel consumption for multiple morphing stages during cruise. This optimization routine was conducted with a Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm using different fidelity tools to analyze the aerodynamic and structural disciplines.

There are several reasons for reducing particulate formation as a result of combustion processes and to date, a number of approaches have been proposed to numerically predict soot. There is a trade-off between accuracy and computational cost and processing time. Two equation semi-empirical models have been used, with some success, to reconcile the need for fast solution turn around and accuracy. However, these models do not account for the mass balance between the gas phase and soot. In this study, the effects of mass conservation of the soot precursors in the gas phase were investigated in an ethylene-air laminar flame simulation at atmospheric pressure. Soot formation was predicted with a two-equation model. Then the model was modified for predicting soot in a turbulent ethylene-air flame operating at 1 atm. The new model is a [2+1]-equation model which accounts for the mass conservation of soot precursors.

We use normal mode decomposition to obtain phonon properties from quasi-harmonic lattice dynamics calculations and classical molecular dynamics simulations in unstrained Lennard-Jones argon superlattices with perfect and mixed interfaces. Debye scaling of phonon lifetimes at low frequencies in both perfect and mixed superlattices and Rayleigh scaling for intermediate frequencies in mixed superlattices is observed. For short period mixed superlattices, lifetimes below the Ioffe-Regel limit are observed. The relaxation-time approximation of the Boltzmann transport equation is used to predict cross-plane and in-plane thermal conductivity. We find that using a dispersion relation which includes the secondary periodicity is required to predict thermal conductivity. The assumption of perturbative disorder, where Tamura elastic mass defect scattering theory can be applied, was found to be valid for predicting cross-plane thermal conductivities but not in-plane thermal conductivities in mixed superlattices.

Parallel Kinematic Mechanisms (PKMs) are well suited for high-accuracy applications such as meso-milling. However, drawbacks such as limited platform tilting angle and high configuration dependency of stiffness often limit their usage. In this Thesis, a new six degree-of-freedom (dof) PKM architecture based on a 3×PPRS topology is proposed, in order to address these problems. The new PKM is presented, and its inverse kinematics and Jocobian matrix are derived. The kinematic relations are incorporated into MATLAB to calculate the workspace of the PKM. The stiffness of the new PKM is obtained using Finite Element Analysis (FEA), and configuration dependency of stiffness is investigated. The proposed new mechanism is compared with three similar existing 6-dof PKMs, and it is shown that the new PKM exhibits higher stiffness. Lastly, three meso-Milling Machine Tool prototypes were designed and built. In particular, Prototype III is based on the new mechanism.

Piezoresistivity in conductive polymer nanocomposites occurs because of the disturbance of particle networks in the polymer matrix. The piezoresistance effect becomes more prominent if the matrix material is compliant making these materials attractive for applications that require flexible force and displacement sensors such as e-textiles and biomechanical measurement devices. However, the exact mechanisms of piezoresistivity including the relationship between the matrix polymer, conductive particle, internal structure and the composite’s piezoresistance need to be better understood before it can be applied for such applications. The objective of this thesis is to report on the development of conductive polymer nanocomposites for use as flexible sensors and electrodes. Electrically conductive and piezoresistive nanocomposites were fabricated by a scalable melt compounding process. Particular attention was given to elucidating the role of matrix and filler materials, plastic deformation and porosity on the electrical conduction and piezoresistance. These effects were parametrically investigated through characterizing the morphology, electrical properties, rheological properties, and piezoresistivity of the polymer nanocomposites. The electrical and rheological behavior of the nanocomposites was modeled by the percolation-power law. Furthermore, a model was developed to describe the piezoresistance behavior during plastic deformation in relation to the stress and filler concentration.

There are several reasons for reducing particulate formation as a result of combustion processes and to date, a number of approaches have been proposed to numerically predict soot. There is a trade-off between accuracy and computational cost and processing time. Two equation semi-empirical models have been used, with some success, to reconcile the need for fast solution turn around and accuracy. However, these models do not account for the mass balance between the gas phase and soot. In this study, the effects of mass conservation of the soot precursors in the gas phase were investigated in an ethylene-air laminar flame simulation at atmospheric pressure. Soot formation was predicted with a two-equation model. Then the model was modified for predicting soot in a turbulent ethylene-air flame operating at 1 atm. The new model is a [2+1]-equation model which accounts for the mass conservation of soot precursors.

Conductive polymers are promising pseudo capacitive materials as they feature both good conductivity and high capacitance. Formation of composite between conductive polymers and carbon nanotubes is a proven technique in enhancing the material electroactivity. In-situ polymerization of conductive polymers includes polyaniline, polypyrrole and PEDOT: PSS and composite with MWCNT has been successfully achieved. Composites fabricated by using different dopants and their performance were studied. Excellent achieved capacitive performance is due to the combination of pseudo capacitance and double layer capacitance. The MWCNTs content has significant influence on the morphology and structure of the polymerized ECP in the composite. And therefore affects the material conductivity and the charge storage performance. Two electrodes cell performance shows that Ppy/MWCNT composite shows a more promising performance as electrode materials for EC applications in contrast to PANI/MWCNT and PEDOT: PSS/MWCNT composites.

Conductive polymers are promising pseudo capacitive materials as they feature both good conductivity and high capacitance. Formation of composite between conductive polymers and carbon nanotubes is a proven technique in enhancing the material electroactivity. In-situ polymerization of conductive polymers includes polyaniline, polypyrrole and PEDOT: PSS and composite with MWCNT has been successfully achieved. Composites fabricated by using different dopants and their performance were studied. Excellent achieved capacitive performance is due to the combination of pseudo capacitance and double layer capacitance. The MWCNTs content has significant influence on the morphology and structure of the polymerized ECP in the composite. And therefore affects the material conductivity and the charge storage performance. Two electrodes cell performance shows that Ppy/MWCNT composite shows a more promising performance as electrode materials for EC applications in contrast to PANI/MWCNT and PEDOT: PSS/MWCNT composites.