New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Paul M. Furth, New Mexico State University, Professor of Engineering Technology
Program: NM AMP
Optic Sensor Testing for Visual Emergency Vehicle Detection Sensor
The current emergency vehicle detection sensors only use the loud audio signal of the siren. These detection sensors are used to allow emergency vehicles to enter gated communities. This new sensor could help improve the reliability of current detection systems and may help (the average response time of emergency vehicles in gated communities). The Visual Emergency Vehicle Detection Sensor (VEVDS) is designed to detect emergency vehicles using the time-varying colored light waves emitted from the vehicle's lightbar. In this project, we implement a zero-crossing counter program using an Arduino microcontroller and optical RGB color sensors. Current progress is in the testing a multi sensor design using two or more color sensors for speed, accuracy, static sensitivity, and processing overhead.
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Carissa M Arthur, Electrical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Jianja Yu, PhD., Adjunct Faculty & Leonard Garcia, Research Asscoiate; New Mexico Tech, Petroleum Recovery Research Center
Program: NM AMP
Navajo Nation Water Purification Project
Water on the Navajo Nation is neither safe nor accessible. Contaminants such as Uranium, Arsenic, Calcium, Manganese, Lithium, and Vanadium have been found in watering holes that Navajo Nation residents depend on. Ingesting these contaminants on a regular basis can result in cancer and shorten life expectancy. Creating a cost-effective, self-supporting filter efficient enough to remove specific contaminants is the challenge being faced. We are working with the Navajo Nation Water Purification Project in which much of the information is classified. We are assisting with the development of specialized hollow fibers to filter out dangerous contaminants. We researched and tested different hollow fibers, and worked on the simplicity, reliability, and strength of them. We recently found a way to package and create the filters, and currently are working on assembly and design. In the future, we will build a portable filtration unit to conduct field testing and data collection. We hope to complete Phase 1 of the project by completing the design of the filters. Access to clean water is a human right, and we hope to help Navajo Nation residents obtain that right.
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Mohammad A Badawy, Chemical Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Dr. Reza Foudazi, New Mexico State University Department of Chemical and Materials Engineering, Associate Professor
Program: NM AMP
Fabrication of a Thermoresponsive Pluronic F-108 Membrane for Water Filtration & Purification utilizing Lyotropic Liquid Crystal (LLC) Templating
Water security remains the world's largest public health crisis; billions of people lack access to safe water sources. A primary technology to combat this is membrane water filtration. Our research's focus is on the fabrication of an ultrafiltration stimuli-responsive membrane, utilizing Pluronic F-108 as a thermoresponsive surfactant. Multiple potential mesophase compositions were evaluated via Cross-Polymerized Light Microscopy (CPLM), and a Hexagonal-Structure selected. We then conducted a Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) Scan and determined a pore size of ~30 nm. We also conducted Differential Calorimetry Scanning (DCS) to identify the thermal responses of F-108, which showed two characteristic transitions at ~33℃ and ~49℃, where F-108 melting occurs in two stages, thus proving the potential for F-108 as a thermoresponsive surfactant for ultrafiltration membranes. We fabricated 30 membranes using our CPLM-tested mesophase composition and analyzed the Flux results from repeated cycles of DI-water testing. Our Flux results, however, proved inconclusive, due to errors in the fabrication procedure. Finally, a Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysis was performed to determine a Molecular Weight Cut Off (MWCO) of ~300 kDa. Future Work still needs to be performed on improving the fabrication procedure, as well as improving the reactivity of the F-108 during polymerization.
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Jacob D Barba, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Abdessattar Abdelkefi, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Nonlinear computational modeling and experimental analysis of cantilever beams with bolted joints
Bolted joints remain a source of nonlinearities that are typically difficult to predict in bolted structures and require experimental data for designers to evaluate their effects on prototypes before finalizing products. The need for a predictive model has started efforts to develop a computational model based on well-characterized systems, with the Brake-Reuss Beam being initially used in this project. Towards this goal, this project aimed to compare a simplified model of bolted joints against a cantilever beam. This was done to establish a model that could be used for further nonlinear identification. The study was conducted by establishing two sets linear extremes in Finite Element Analysis, with the softest extreme marked by no friction or hard contact at the joint surfaces, and the stiffest extreme marked by rigid coupling of those surfaces. This was compared against two experimental models of the same design, except one machined without a joint. The jointed beam was tested at three bolt torques, one torqued above that recommended for the bolts, and two at incrementally lower torques than recommended. Overall, the natural frequencies identified experimentally remained within the range predicted from FEA, despite there being a noticeable softening nonlinearity.
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Erika A Cano, Chemical Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Dr. Martha Mitchell, New Mexico State University, Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Optimization of Parameters for the Analysis of Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) Cemented Sands
An important characteristic of sands that have been cemented using Enzyme-Induced Carbonate Precipitation (EICP) for ground improvement is the amount of calcium carbonate that precipitated in the sand as a result of the process. The EICP is a soil improvement technique that uses urea hydrolysis catalyzed by urease enzyme to precipitate calcium carbonate and cement soil grains. The calcium carbonate content measurement of biocemented sand can be determined by acid digestion, but the optimal parameters for the digestion have not been determined. The end goal of this research is to study the variation in calcium carbonate reading when the experimental condition for the acid digestion is changed. To get the calcium carbonate measurement we use 4 M of hydrochloric acid to dissolve calcium carbonate from the sample of cemented sand using EICP and then rinse it. The different phases that we were working on is rinse time, HIC concentration, sample size and sample location. Phase 1 - 4 were completed, the rinse time does not show a difference within the variability of the sample. The acid concentration was determined by the acid digestion time, when the acid concertation increments the time increments, the best option is 2 M. The best sample size was 25 g. For sample location it was determined that the upper half of the specimens has smaller variability in CCC compared to the lower half of the specimens. In the future a different sand will be tested to find its optimal parameters for acid digestion.
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Micah Cheng-Guajardo, Aerospace Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Abdessattar Abdelkefi, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Beam uncertainties due to boundary conditions, geometry, and material properties
Uncertainties in structures are a often a result of uncertainties in boundary conditions, geometric properties, and material properties. To better understand the effects of some of these uncertainties, the bucking of beams is studied in this research. Uncertainties are introduced into the boundary conditions, geometric properties, and the material properties. The effects are examined in the static buckling and natural frequencies of beams under axial loading. Sensitivity analysis methods are employed to examine the effects of the various parameters. For the static analysis, up to 28% uncertainty is found in the first critical load as a result of 5% uncertainty in the parameters. It is also found that height is the most influential parameter in the static analysis while length is the most influential in the dynamic analysis.
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Mario A Escarcega, Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Dr. Arvin Ebrahimkhanlou, New Mexico Tech, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Acoustic Emission-Based Structural Health Monitoring For Future Lunar Pipelines
This paper explores the use of acoustic-based structural health monitoring (SHM) in lunar habitats to detect damage and failure in aluminum pipelines used to carry resources across lunar habitats. Acoustic-based SHM on Earth is a well studied field of research. Various studies validate the effectiveness of acoustic-based SHM to detect, locate, and characterize damage in pipelines. To the authors' knowledge, little or no research has been conducted regarding simulated lunar pipelines. In this paper, AE waveforms were collected and analyzed for pipes obtaining damage from simulated lunar conditions. Experiments simulating lunar regolith abrasion, internal galvanic corrosion, and irradiation were conducted on aluminum pipes. Lunar pipelines were constantly exposed to radiation, abrasion, and corrosion, As such, it is important to manage the noise and damage resulting from these lunar hazards. The waveform data was clustered based on hit-driven and time-driven properties. Changes in the wave propagation throughout the tests were observed as clusters in the AE data. These waveform clusters can be used to filter out unnecessary noise and to detect corrosion and abrasion waveforms in real-time. Continually monitoring the AE of common corrosion and damage events using AE sensors will improve the ability to predict and prevent catastrophic pipeline failure.
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Brenda Esparza, Chemical & Materials Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Jessica Houston, New Mexico State University, Professor of Chemical & Materials Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Europium Luminescence Analysis with Time-Resolved Flow Cytometry
In this project Europium coated biotin spheres will be analyzed using Danube flow cytometer. Danube is a custom-built flow cytometer that uses hydrodynamic focusing. The purpose of the analysis of europium is to optimize the quality of data gathered from the Danube flow cytometer through calibration and configuration. The flow cytometer consists of two photomultiplier tube detectors, a 375 nm laser for the excitation of the particles and a 530 LP filter. The europium particles are Eu-Streptavidin (Eu-SA) conjugates. Since the Europium particles are small the limits and capabilities of the flow cytometer can be tested. Since the flow cytometer is in constant adjustment, there is much research about laser alignment and ways to improve the signal. The Europium particles give a low signal which are not bright enough to record data for the flow cytometer used therefore biotin spheres are coated with europium to make the signal brighter and have the flow cytometer give good quality data. The data is collected in scopes of points that form Gaussian-shaped curves that are the optical signals gathered using Travis Software connected to the flow cytometer. These curves are useful to obtain the lifetime analysis using a MATLAB code for 9th order polynomial fitting. The peak-to-peak difference between the excitation and emission peaks are recorded for each curve to get average luminesce lifetimes. As new data is gathered it is approached differently in attempt to give it a time reference and make the flow cytometer time resolved.
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Christine A Gleicher, Chemical Engineering
University of New Mexico
Mentor(s): Eva Chi, University of New Mexico, Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Quantitative Evaluation of OPE Antimicrobial Activity on Surfaces
Evaluating the effectiveness of novel conjugated oligomers as surface disinfectants. University of New Mexico Eva Chi, Professor and Reagent's Lecturer, Chemical and Biological Engineering, University of New Mexico New Mexico Alliance for Minority Participation URS Bacteria can survive on surfaces and when contacted, could potentially lead to the spread of diseases. Recently, we have synthesized and shown that OPEs exhibit remarkable light activated killing efficiency against bacteria in solution. The primary aim of this project is to investigate the antimicrobial activity of OPE against bacteria on surfaces as a spray disinfectant, test the effect of light exposure on the OPEs ability to inactivate bacteria, and assess the effect of varied OPE concentrations on killing bacteria. To evaluate the effectiveness of OPEs as surface disinfectants, we treated E. coli bacteria contaminated microslides with an OPE solution spray, exposed the microslides to cool white light, transferred the OPE and E. coli on the surface of the microslide to a buffer, performed serial dilution, and cultured each dilution on agar plates to determine colony forming units. The percentage of bacteria killing was calculated to show that cool white light killing alone did not cause significant killing of E. coli, increasing the concentration of OPE showed a significant increase in killing against E. coli in the dark and a slight reduction in killing efficiency against E. coli in the light, and the OPE spray shows significant dark and light activated antimicrobial activity.
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Constanza A Kremer, Civil Engineering
University of New Mexico
Mentor(s): Mark Stone, University of New Mexico, Professor and Regent's Lecturer Department of Civil, Construction, & Environmental Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Listening to Nature: Developing Arduino-Based Environmental Sensors
Decreasing water resources, variable climate, increasing temperature and increasing wildfires in the Southwest have made monitoring devices essential to understanding and predicting natural hazards. However, monitoring devices, or sensors, are instruments that have been historically expensive and not openly available to the public. Access to inexpensive Arduino software, hardware and open-source resources allows us to develop low-cost sensor devices to measure environmental variables. The objectives of my research project are: (1) learning about and developing low-cost sap flow sensors and ground water monitoring sensors, (2) learning about and developing low-cost wireless sensors, and (3) collecting and processing sap flow data and ground water level data through a field demonstration. These objectives will be obtained by training with graduate students, designing and developing sensors, deploying and testing sensors, and by collecting and processing data. This project continues in its early stages. Accomplishments include development of barometric pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and Relative Humidity sensor. Early findings show that Arduino-based sensors work effectively for monitoring environmental variables and show good promise for observing more complex variables. Next stages of this project include assembling a range finder with an optical distance sensor, synchronizing sensor data collection to WiFi, and executing field tests.
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Alexander G Logan, Chemical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Michaelann Tartis, New Mexico Tech, Associate Professor and Chair of Chemical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Mondisperity of Titanium Nitride Nanoparticles in an Optically Transparent Matrix Design
Mondisperity of Titanium Nitride Nanoparticles in an Optically Transparent Matrix Design. Titanium nitride (TiN) nanoparticles (NP) are cost-effective, highly efficient photothermal agents that strongly absorb a broad spectrum of sunlight. Given these properties, TiN NP has potential to contribute to novel designs in energy production and drug delivery. In order to harness their photothermal function, TiN NP must be dispersed in an optically transparent matrix. However, nanoparticles easily aggregate, which limits capacity for light-absorption. To prevent aggregation, I chose to suspend TiN NP in a transparent aerogel prepared with sol-gel methods due to its low cost, practical synthesis procedure, and finely tunable parameters to control chemical composition. Here I discuss recent advances in using sol-gel methods for nanoparticle dispersion as well as sol-gel samples absorbances with and without TiN NP.
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Santiago A Lopez, Civil Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Isabel Morris, New Mexico Tech, Assistant Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Estimating Long Term Concrete Strength By Nurse-Saul's Maturity Method
Concrete is one of the most utilized materials in world. Its ability to oppose compressive loads has allowed concrete to develop its own niche in the market that cannot be replaced. With concrete, safety is of major concern during the construction process; with more accurate estimates we can better judge the risks and adjust the plans if needed. Many attempts to generate a functional relationship between time and strength have been established but estimations of the strength have yet to be verified. The Maturity Method is used to estimate concrete strength as a function of both time and temperature. Using the ASTM Standard C1074 a calibration curve of the logarithmic function can be made. Using historical data collected the Steicker Bridge will also be used to calculate equivalent age also known as maturity. Using MATLAB, the data was processed and compiled. Overall estimates were found to be the upper bound of compressive strength since the MM ended-up over-estimating by about 10-12%.
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Andrea Loya Lujan, Chemical Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Dr. Catherine Brewer, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Using the Aqueous Phase from HTL of Food Waste in Compost Systems
Disposal of food waste in landfills results in large emissions of greenhouse gases. The availability of fresh water for composting can be a major challenge. Hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) of food waste has the potential to address both problems. This research focuses on the use of the HTL aqueous phase product in compost production. The aqueous phase contains high amounts of nitrogen and water, both of which are needed for compost. Value-added use of the aqueous phase also increases the potential for implementing HTL as new food waste management systems. In this research, the aqueous phase will be characterized for pH, salinity, carbon and nitrogen content by total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) analysis, metals by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), and non-volatiles content by freeze-drying. Previous research has shown that lower temperatures and shorter reaction times (240°C, 0 min) result in the highest amount of nitrogen in the HTL char. Different reaction conditions, and the use of catalysts in HTL, are expected to lead to different levels of nutrients and carbon in the aqueous phase as well. After characterization and comparison among reaction conditions, the aqueous phase product will be tested within a compost system relative to water only and to water + fertilizer additions to understand the impacts of composition on compost performance.
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Frank Maldonado, Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Dr. Ashok Ghosh, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
NMSEA SunChaser
The goal of the SunChaser is to transition from a former design to a fully functional Mobile Education Tool (MET) that will demonstrate STEM related topics. The SunChaser will display how renewable energy can be implemented in homes and businesses throughout New Mexico and elsewhere. The MET will represent a home or business whose primary renewable energy source is limited to solar. Our work on the SunChaser consisted of developing the educational curriculum for the SunChaser and working on the mechanical subsystems of the SunChaser. The curriculum was finalized over the summer and is suited for K-12 students while being separated into three groups: elementary, middle, and high school. The exterior and interior framing of the SunChaser was also finalized over the summer. Although there are tasks we did not complete over the summer, the project is on track and our work has allowed for the construction of the SunChaser to begin. We will continue to work on finalizing the remaining systems and ensuring that the SunChaser debuts on time.
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Emilia Marmolejo, Civil Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Paola Bandini, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor of Civil Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Effect of Alginate Biopolymer Stabilization on Suction and Strength Properties of Cohesive Soil
The demand for environmentally sustainable practices has prompted researchers to investigate alternative materials that could significantly increase strength and durability in adobe. Cement and lime have traditionally been used as additives to improve the properties of poor soils, but they emit significant amounts of CO2 into the environment during their production. Sodium alginate is a natural biopolymer that is extracted from brown seaweed that is believed to affect the soil strength and durability properties depending on percentage of alginate added. The filter paper method is used to determine the soil suction of the adobe, which requires filter papers to be placed within and on top of a soil specimen in an airtight container for at least 14 days at constant temperatures. The suction of the soil and the filter papers will reach moisture equilibrium during this time. The water content of the filter papers is calculated and used to determine matric and total suction which, are graphed on a Soil-Water Characteristic Curve (SWCC) as a function of soil water content. Initial testing on untreated soil revealed that the matric suction was greater than the total suction, which conflicts with definitions of total suction, prompting a second test on untreated soil.
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Andy Martinez, Chemical Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Jessica P. Houston, New Mexico State University, Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Development and optimization of a protocol for breast cancer cell synchronization
MCF7 breast cancer cells are known to become resistant to the drug Tamoxifen overtime. Dr. Kevin Houston's lab has hypothesized that the binding protein IGFBP-3 leads to tamoxifen resistance in MCF7 cells. The purpose of this project was to develop a synchronization protocol to offer cell cycle analysis data as additional support for this hypothesis. Flow cytometry and chemical synchronization using the drugs Lovastatin and Mevalonate were used to perform the cell cycle analysis. Successful cell cycle arrest and release were observed in the samples treated with Lovastatin and Mevalonate, respectively. In future experiments, this protocol will be used to perform direct comparison between triple negative and MCF7 cells.
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Yaniksa Mata-Solis, Computer engineering
University of New Mexico
Mentor(s): Anjali Mulchandani, University of New Mexico, Professor of Civil, Construction, and Enviromental Engineering
Program: NM AMP SCCORE
Atmospheric Water Capture Using Dehumidifiers
Research has shown that 4 billion people across the globe suffer from water scarcity for at least one month each year, and 500 million people suffer from water scarcity throughout the entire year. The atmosphere contains water in the form of water vapor, clouds, and fog. Atmospheric water capture is the process of capturing that water. One method of atmospheric water capture is performed using dehumidification devices. We used two different types of dehumidifiers, compressor dehumidifier and desiccant dehumidifiers, and our objective was to understand how each dehumidifier works and determine which dehumidifier works best in certain weather conditions. Both dehumidifiers were taken apart to understand how they each work, then they were both ran indoors. The dehumidifiers were ran a total of four times for four hours, the water was collected and measured each time. We found that the compressor dehumidifier works best in humid areas and the desiccant dehumidifier works best in arid areas, but requires more electricity. Future work includes measuring electrical efficiency of both dehumidifiers by running them indoors while being connected to an energy monitor and also setting up sensors to measure the quality of the water.
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Arianna Matthews, Chemical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Michaelann Tartis, New Mexico Tech, Associate Professor and Chair of Chemical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Imaging Artifacts in Polyacrylamide Brain Phantoms Undergoing Blunt Impacts
This project used a variety of imaging tools to better understand suspected mechanisms behind traumatic brain injuries with the aim to improve protective cranial equipment and exposure guidelines in military training. Shadowgraph imaging was used to observe shockwave and cavitation events in a polyacrylamide human head model under blunt impacts. It is important when imaging this brain phantom to minimize the number of surface artifacts present, so several methods were investigated to create a phantom with as few artifacts as possible.
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Ashley Berenice Medina Cardona, Chemical and Material Engineering
Dona Ana Community College
Mentor(s): Dr. Catherine Brewer, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering
Program: NM AMP SCCORE/REinWEST
Use of Pyrolysis for Production and Characterization of char
Activated carbon is commonly used in water treatment, however, activated carbon is more expensive than biochar. Pyrolysis is a thermal degradation process of organic compounds in the absence of oxygen or air to produce various gaseous component as well as yield of tar and char residues. Biochar preparation by pyrolysis is relatively low-cost and provides the potential for co-creation of renewable energy. The properties of biochars change depending on their production conditions, therefore, to design the best biochar production process, one needs to understand the effects on biochar properties The end point of the pyrolysis process was decided not on the time but based on the rate of smoke exiting the reactor (approximately 1 hour after the furnace reached 600 °C). The pyrolysis process used appears to create good biochar: the char is black in color. Future work will be addition of instrumental characterization data for the Atriplex char. We will compare the characteristics to commercial activated carbons and other synthesized chars.
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Yazbeth Montoya, Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Dr. Ashok Ghosh, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
NMSEA Sunchaser
The goal of the SunChaser is to transition from a former design to a fully functional Mobile Education Tool (MET) that will demonstrate STEM related topics. The SunChaser will display how renewable energy can be implemented in homes and businesses throughout New Mexico and elsewhere. The MET will represent a home or business whose primary renewable energy source is limited to solar. Our work on the SunChaser consisted of developing the educational curriculum for the SunChaser and working on the mechanical subsystems of the SunChaser. The curriculum was finalized over the summer and is suited for K-12 students while being separated into three groups: elementary, middle, and high school. The exterior and interior framing of the SunChaser was also finalized over the summer. Although there are tasks we did not complete over the summer, the project is on track and our work has allowed for the construction of the SunChaser to begin. We will continue to work on finalizing the remaining systems and ensuring that the SunChaser debuts on time.
Presentation Link
"Maria-Adeliz Ordoñez, Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Mahdi Haghshenas-Jaryani, Ph.D., New Mexico State University, Assistant Professor, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Soft Robotic Arm Module Development
A body of studies over soft-bodied robots in the past decade have shown promising findings in the use of different types of compliant materials and novel methods to design soft robotic arms inspired by invertebrate animals and their versatile, flexible appendages. This research focuses on fabrication, modification, and experimental testing of a single soft-bodied module based-off the multi-module variable stiffness manipulator developed by De Falco, et al. [1] that’s pneumatically actuated for engineering applications designated by the Bio2robotics Laboratory at New Mexico State University. The soft robotic arm is manipulated by a pneumatic actuation and stiffened by a granular jamming technique. This paper explains the fabrication techniques from previous studies for optimized fabrication time and silicone materials needed (Ecoflex-050 and Dragon skin-010, Advanced Reynolds Materials) that was found by comparing various single module prototypes to each other. SolidWorks CAD modeling was used for modifying the casting molds used for fabrication as well as creating attachments for the single module. Lastly, the Arduino-based pneumatic controller successfully utilized a 6-DoF inertial measurement unit sensor (3 axis of accelerometer and gyro) to measure rotational angles from the furthest end of the single soft-bodied module to its fixed base. The single module is pneumatically manipulated for testing the desired bending angles and various orientations.
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Suzann M Pakozdi , Chemistry
Dona Ana Community College
Mentor(s): Dr. Lambis Papelis, Professor, Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University
Program: NM AMP SCCORE/REinWEST
Removing arsenic and selenium from wast water using zeolite.
Removing arsenic and selenium from a water source using zeolites and microbes This research deals with removing oxyanions of arsenic and selenium from water using a novel approach that combines iron-modified zeolites, a relatively common mineral, and common microorganisms obtained from a wastewater treatment plant. Removing arsenic and selenium from water is important because both of these elements can be encountered at concentrations that are toxic or carcinogenic for humans and wildlife. Elevated concentrations may occur naturally or as a result of industrial operations and mining activities. The proposed technology hinges on a combination of sorption, a physicochemical process, and microbial reduction of elements to less mobile or less toxic forms. The experiments are conducted in columns packed with modified zeolites to which sludge containing microbes, as well as necessary nutrients are added. Columns for arsenic treatment are currently being operated. Column experiments with selenium show removal efficiency up to 98%, depending on selenium oxidation state.
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Daniela Palacios, Chemical and Materials Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Dr. Adriana Romero Olivares, New Mexico State University, Assistant Professor of Biology
Program: NM AMP
Growing Biomaterials
The growing concern about our planet and waste production has led to the exploration of new materials to decrease plastic and animal-based production in society. The use of bio-based mycelium materials are trending due to their ability to turn other industries' waste into another material and for their physical and mechanical properties. Previous research has been done in the design and textile applications without any establishment of publicly available scientific procedure and thus producing variable results depending on where and by whom it is produced. Therefore the objective of this project was to conduct a scientific experiment to design a consistent and repeatable procedure to produce a bio-based mycelium material. We used mason jars with two different substrates, oak shavings and pecan shells (i.e., pecan industry waste). In the first round of the experiments, mason jars were inoculated with blue oyster and pink oyster and incubated at 28 °C . We observed mycelium growth after three days of incubation. Ten days later, one of the mason jars which was completely colonized and free of contamination was successfully molded and dehydrated to create a biomaterial. However, the biomaterial developed mold after a couple of days and was not sturdy enough. A new protocol is being developed to eliminate contamination in mason jars and bio-based material, as well as to improve the material strength. Successfully establishing a procedure to create a bio-based textile from mycelium is significant because it could potentially compete with plastic and animal-based material while reducing waste production from different industries.
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Edgard Parra, Petroleum Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Hamid Rahnema, New Mexico Tech, Associate Professor of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Experimental Design & Oilfield Implementation of A Produced Water Treatment Train
In this paper, a produced water treatment train was designed with the ability to be upscaled for industrial applications. Different technologies were evaluated for their use in treating oilfield produced water. Produced water should be used to waterflood an oil-wet carbonate reservoir for filtering solids and reducing its oil concentration. Thermal distillation can be used for water desalination and to separate produced water into its chemical components, i.e., fractions. The fraction of water will be collected and undergo a liquid-liquid extraction process to remove any residual hydrocarbons that were collected from vapors of chemicals with a low flashpoint. In order to account for the high-heat requirements of water desalination, a proposal is made to use geothermal energy for fractional distillation, water desalination, and energy production from steam turbines. A benchtop apparatus was also created to simulate this proposed method of treating oilfield produced water.
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Mario Portillo, Engineering
Central New Mexico Community College
Mentor(s): Dr. Curtis O'Malley, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Robotics Workshop
This past summer I participated in a research project with NM Tech. The basis for the project was to assist in the development of a robotics workshop that can help teach grade school student with the basics of engineering. This would be accomplished by designing six workshops to guide them with designing, programming, wiring, and assembly of their battle bot.
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Joel A Ramos, Mechanical Engineering Technology
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Samah Ben Ayed, Ph.D. , New Mexico State University, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering Technology
Program: NM AMP
Thermal Grid Efficiency in Various Environmental Conditions
Throughout the research Joel had a great advantage of applying what he was learning from two courses and applying them to the research. The heat transfer course and HVAC course were helping Joel gain a better understanding of concepts that he was reading through articles in order to come up with more efficient solutions of implementing HVAC systems. Some of the different strategies that Joel concluded were the most efficient that New Mexico State University tend to implement already is the Ice Thermal Storages. The way in which this works is that the university takes advantage of using electricity to make ice during the night time in the summer when the on-peak period is during the day where it is more expensive to use electricity. To save costs, the ice made at night can be saved throughout the day for cooling to buildings and then distributed through underground tunnels. Joel is trying to research if by using this strategy and combining it with thermal grid, meaning that if the university can save that heat that is being extracted to provide cooling during the summer, possibly that heat could play a part in making that ice saving more on electricity. To be able to gain more experience and gather accurate results the last portion of the research was to gain practice with OpenStudio, SketchUp Pro, and EnergyPlus that can run simulations with buildings using different properties. Some of the challenges that Joel had encountered through this research was trying to find articles that would target what he was trying to research, which was the thermal grid and thermal storage. Another challenge that was encountered was through the second half of the research in trying to find the programs to run a simulation. There were technical difficulties with the different types of files that were only compatible with some types of programs. Since everything is online, there is of course a communication barrier in case of having any questions it will take a while to get it figured out. By being online the experience will be different since there is no hands-on experience.
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Mikayla D Romero, Chemical Engineering
Central New Mexico Community College
Mentor(s): Dr. Catherine Brewer, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor, Department of Chemical & Materials Engineering
Program: NM AMP SCCORE/REinWEST
The Use of Activated Carbons for Uranium Adsorption
Uranium is a toxic element. If ingested, uranium can cause kidney damage and potentially lead to cancer. Groundwater around abandoned uranium mines can contain uranium from erosion. The use of activated carbons has become an increasing interest for water treatment due to the lower-cost and lower energy requirements when compared to other water treatment methods such as membrane filtration. Here, we study the use of a commercial activated carbon derived from coconut shell, a rice husk char, and pecan shell chars that were created at 400°C and 600°C and at 450°C with activating agent, K2CO3. Simulant contaminated water solutions were created using uranyl nitrate and deionized water at 20, 50, and 100 µg/L. Adsorbent (50 mg) was added to each concentration and placed on the shaker table for 48 hours. The samples were then filtered into three 10 mL samples and the uranium concentration quantified using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Initial concentration results were unable to be interpreted due to ending concentrations appearing to be higher than initial concentrations, we would suggest that the adsorbents already contained uranium-which is known to not be the case. Next steps will include rerunning the experiment being more precise with concentration and solution pH, the testing the adsorbents on contaminated water from a uranium mine site to determine if the lab stimulation is an accurate representation of the adsorption rates needed for the actual problem.
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Estela J Salinas, Civil Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Isabel Morris, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Attribute Analysis of Construction Materials with Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
The purpose of this project is to develop a program that gives a labeled map of the locations of construction materials based on attribute analysis from Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) scans. Attribute analysis is advantageous because it allows researchers to study more than one characteristic about a material or structure that is not visible from the surface. Attributes are characteristics of the GPR data that can identify material composition and are calculated from GPR scans of a site. The chosen attribute is attenuation. Attenuation is the rate at which a signal travels or decays through a material. The program is based on a binary classification system that locates different materials based on their attenuation. The binary system allows for more attributes or materials to be added to the program while still being able to locate them properly. We present an application of attribute analysis and classification of GPR scans from Corvin Castle (Hunedoara, Romania), which is composed of many different materials from a number of restorations and expansions since the 13th century. Categorizing materials based on their attributes can improve damage detection techniques. By establishing what range of attribute values correspond to different materials and displaying the resulting classification, the program will provide a visual overview of the locations of the different materials. The information gained from this project can aid restoration and preservation efforts.
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Lillian Sandoval, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Abdessattar Abdelkefi, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Development of Bioinspired Aquatic Unmanned Vehicle
There has been a spike in interest in the development of more innovative Aquatic Unmanned Vehicles (AUVs), with the transition from rigid-bodies to flexible-bodies. Biomimicry allows for the replication of the movement and/or body shape of a fish. The most successful designs provide a combination of rigid and flexible parts, to create a system that mimics the fish movement and has capabilities for maneuverability, power efficiency, speed, endurance, and production of thrust. Research was conducted to develop the fabrication process and create the molds for the compliant tail. To do this, we researched soft robotics and biomimicry and determined the actuation method to be used in the robotic fish drone. We developed a fabrication plan, designed the mold for the fabrication of the compliant tail, and determined materials to be used for our system. We developed the fabrication process for an AUV with both a completely flexible and hybrid design. We will fabricate the tail and develop the gear pump. We will assemble the drone and iterate on our design. We will also address issues including buoyancy and waterproofing and conduct a comparative study to decide the best configuration and discuss the limitations of our designs.
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Hunter Sedillo, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Abdessattar Abdelkefi, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Experimental and numerical investigations of environmental effects on BARC systems
The Box Assembly with Removable Component (BARC) structure has been recently introduced by Sandia National Labs and Kansas City National Security Campus as a challenge problem for the study of the effects of boundary conditions on vibration testing and modal analysis. Current efforts in studying shaker input excitations on the BARC structure have focused on either varying the degrees of freedom of the test, varying the input signal or varying boundary conditions. The effects of different environmental conditions introduced to the BARC system have not been fully investigated. This study presents an investigation on the effects of different environmental conditions introduced to the BARC system and how they affect the dynamic response. This investigation will be done by introducing sand/ dust particles to the BARC system to compare any changes to the dynamic responses and to identify any nonlinearities that arise. The anticipated effect due to the introduced environmental conditions, would be a small change in the dynamics response and increase in nonlinear effects.
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Nathaniel J Serda, Mechanical Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Dr. Mostafa Hassanalian, New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Moon Hoppers: Swarming of Jumping Lunar Robot
On July 30th, 2020, NASA launched the Perseverance Rover to Mars. This is an autonomous rover that is going to be used to gather research on the red planet for 687 days (1 Mars year). A problem that can occur with this mission is the possibility of the rover getting stuck in craters or rocky terrain. However, there is an idea that has not been circulated through the space exploration community yet. In this research, a new concept of rover design is proposed to be a robotic mechanism with the ability of jumping, based on the physical structure and characteristics of a locust bug. What is fascinating about the locust is its mobility and movement patterns; the ability to jump from point "a" to point "b". Constructing a robot that has the mobility mechanics of this bug, or similar to the Locust can open more/new areas for scientists to conduct research on. An example of this being that the moon is filled with craters and rocky terrain that a rover cannot access without getting stuck or having great difficulty This is where a locust like design on a rover could potentially successfully take over; being able to jump in, out, or over difficult areas of reach.
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Stephen I Simko, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Andreas Gross, New Mexico State University, Associate Professor of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Numerical Investigation of Wake Passing Effect on Laminar Separation for High-Lift Low-Pressure Turbine Airfoil
In today's high-bypass jet engines, the low-pressure turbine (LPT) drives the fan which produces up to 80% of the thrust. For my research, two-dimensional simulations of a 50% reaction stage with two L2F airfoils are performed for a Reynolds number of 100,000. The effect of the wake passing frequency on the laminar separation from the suction side of the rotor blade will be investigated for different wake passing frequencies. Results show that for the two-dimensional instantaneous flow field, the wakes appear to suppress laminar separation from the suction side of the blade, whereas for the flow analysis, the shape factor approaches 1.4 indicating that the boundary layer is fully turbulent at the outflow.
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Trevor A Taylor, Chemical Engineering
Arrowhead Park Early College High School
Mentor(s): Yanyan Zhang, Ph.D. Asst. Professor, Civil Engineering, New Mexico State University
Program: NM AMP SCCORE/REinWEST
Removal of Algal Toxins in Freshwater using Modified Sepiolite Clay
Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) have increased in their frequency and magnitude and spread over the continents in the past few decades. Severe risks for human health, animals, deleterious effects on commercial fisheries and aquaculture, coastal aesthetics, aquatic ecosystems, and tourism are some major challenges caused by HABs. Microcystins (MCs) are a common algal toxin that imposes adverse effects on kidneys, nervous system, and reproductive system when exposed. In this study, sepiolite clay was modified by chitosan and NH4Fe(SO4)2 to test its feasibility in microcystin-LR (MCLR) removal. When the modified sepiolite was added directly to solutions with the MCLR concentrations of 20-200 µg/L, MCLR removal of 96%-99.9% was observed. The modified sepiolite was packed in dialysis tubes to remove MCLR from the water body with HABs without the risk of releasing it. Interestingly, it was found MCLR removal efficiency increased with the initial MCLR concentrations. Due to the low cost and excellent performance of modified sepiolite, the proposed process can be used for algal toxin removal on a large scale.
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Azul Toledo Vega, Industrial Engineering
New Mexico State University
Mentor(s): Dr. Delia Valles-Rosales, New Mexico State University, Professor of Industrial Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Integrating Data Analytics in Additive Manufacturing: Fuse Deposition Process
Industrial and, more specifically, consumer level 3D Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes have raised concerns in the technology field regarding health factors associated with their usage. While there is lack of research, it is known that 3D processes expose the user to particles suspended in the area around which could lead to potential damage to internal organs when inhaled. The goal of this project is to measure the particulate suspension characteristics coming from a specific printer using a BLATN Air Quality Monitor during different testing setups and investigate potential particulate suspensions that could be outside the appropriate healthy range. The sensor is to be placed during the mixing of the PLA + metal composite and in a proximity to the 3D Replicator MakerBot printer. Ample data samples will be collected and used to integrate data analytics to propose and design an integral data model that will identify product feature and propose a classification scheme. The use of computer neural networks will assist in creating the characterization data model that will feature representations and recommendations to lessen the health risks associate with AM processes, by alarming the user of live issues that could impact the user's health when 3D printing.
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Justin E Walton, Petroleum Engineering
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Dr. Tan Nguyen, New Mexico Institute of Technology, Professor of Petroleum and Natural Gas Engineering
Program: NM AMP
Fundamentals of Drilling Fluids and the Implementation of the API Testing Methods
What are drilling fluids and why are they important to the creation of a successful well? Drilling fluids are added to the wellbore to help with various issues that are present while drilling. Such as cleaning out cuttings, well control, drill bit cooling/lubrication, and prevention of rock formation damage. For my research, I used the Society of Petroleum Engineers Wiki as well as lectures and labs from drilling engineering at the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology. I also used the 2009 version of the API Recommended Practice for field testing water-based fluids. As a result, I increased my knowledge and understanding of how to test drilling fluids, specifically water-based drilling fluids. I also completed various tests and calculations for specific properties such as filtration, mud weight, viscosity and gel strength, and sand content. The main goal of this research project was to be a step forward toward understanding the purpose and process of drilling fluids. I will be moving ahead with this goal by completing the remaining methods of testing as well as using this knowledge to assist and work to improve my field of study.
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Haoyu B Wang, Environmental Engineering (intended)
Centennial High School
Mentor(s): Pei Xu, New Mexico State University, Professor of Civil Engineering
Program: NM AMP SCCORE
Photocatalytic Degradation of Organic Contaminants in Produced Water
Produced Water is the largest waste stream generated from oil and gas extraction. Produced water is difficult to treat because it contains high levels of salinity and dissolved organics due to millions of years of contact with oil-bearing formations. Removal of organic contaminants is critical to subsequent produced water desalination and to reduce environmental risks. Conventional produced water treatment technologies such as thermal distillation and membrane processes are energy intensive and costly. Photocatalysis is a "green" method of breaking down organics using UV light, which may mineralize the organics into CO2. This project aims to demonstrate photocatalysis as an effective method to degrade the recalcitrant, dissolved petroleum organics in produced water. This study compared two photocatalysts, titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles and gold modified TiO2 (Au-TiO2). To test the effectiveness of the photocatalysts, Rhodamine B solution was used as an organic indicator. The experimental results showed both catalysts were effective for organic decomposition. The photocatalysis was then applied for produced water samples collected from the Permian Basin. The photocatalysts are shown to decrease the dissolved organic carbon in the produced water by 59%. Further research is needed to further optimize the photocatalysts and evaluate the treatment using sunlight.
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Taylor C Yazzie, Environmental Science
New Mexico Tech
Mentor(s): Jianja Yu, PhD., Adjunct Faculty & Leonard Garcia, Research Asscoiate; New Mexico Tech, Petroleum Recovery Research Center
Program: NM AMP
Navajo Nation Water Purification Project
Water on the Navajo Nation is neither safe nor accessible. Contaminants such as Uranium, Arsenic, Calcium, Manganese, Lithium, and Vanadium have been found in watering holes that Navajo Nation residents depend on. Ingesting these contaminants on a regular basis can result in cancer and shorten life expectancy. Creating a cost-effective, self-supporting filter efficient enough to remove specific contaminants is the challenge being faced. We are working with the Navajo Nation Water Purification Project in which much of the information is classified. We are assisting with the development of specialized hollow fibers to filter out dangerous contaminants. We researched and tested different hollow fibers, and worked on the simplicity, reliability, and strength of them. We recently found a way to package and create the filters, and currently are working on assembly and design. In the future, we will build a portable filtration unit to conduct field testing and data collection. We hope to complete Phase 1 of the project by completing the design of the filters. Access to clean water is a human right, and we hope to help Navajo Nation residents obtain that right.
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Larissa Zhou, High School (No Major)
Las Cruces High School
Mentor(s): Dr. Hongmei Luo, New Mexico State University, Professor of Chemical and Materials Engineering
Program: NM AMP SCCORE/REinWEST
Li(Ni,Co,Mn)O2 as Cathode Materials for Lithium Ion Batteries
Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are widely used in cell phones, laptops, and electric vehicles. A LIB cell consists of three main parts: anode, cathode, and electrolyte. The battery type is named after its cathode materials, such as Li(Ni,Co,Mn)O2 (NCM) battery, which is composed of lithium, nickel, cobalt, and manganese. NCM has been the most used cathode for LIB industry due to its considerable capacity and energy density. NCM has different compositions, such as LiNi0.5Co0.2Mn0.3O2 (NCM 523), LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2 (NCM 622), and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2 (NCM 811). With the applied NCM 622 and NCM 811 cathodes in coin cells in this research, the goal is to test their battery performance and to understand the composition effects on their electrochemical properties. From the charge-discharge and cycling performance measurements, NCM 811 shows higher capacity and better stability as compared to NCM 622. Future work will employ X-ray diffraction and electron microscopes to examine the phase, morphology, crystal structure, and microstructure and to explore the relationship between composition, structure and battery performance. The goal is to have safe batteries with higher capacity, long cycling life and higher energy and power densities.
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