Master of Science in Engineering, Youngstown State University, 2024, Department of Civil/Environmental and Chemical Engineering

A longitudinal study in corrosion was performed on tensile-elongation dog-bones, created using 3D-printed stainless steel. The effects of exposure to an acidic environment were investigated regarding mass-loss, tensile and yield strength, modulus of elasticity, profilometry of pits and defects, and microscopy of fracture-sites. The SS316L specimens were manufactured using different print-directions, specifically overlapping unidirectional or rotated bidirectional for each layer by an additive manufacturing unit, the Mazak VC-500/5X AM HWD. The novel aspect of this research is focusing on the differences that the path the hot-wire, direct energy deposition, print-head has on its corrosion characteristics, as opposed to only focusing on the printing-parameters. The goal was to determine what printing-directions and methods were best for resisting corrosion. The research outlines the process of preparing samples for controlled weight-loss in HCl as well as the methods used to measure the mechanical properties. This allows for the results to be repeated if desired. Upon thoroughly reviewing the data and drawing connections where applicable, it was determined within the test samples that unidirectional print-directions yielded better mass-loss and mechanical attributes than bidirectional printing. It was found that some print directions, namely 90°, which is perpendicular to the printing door, performed notably better than other directions such as 0° or 45°.

Committee: Holly Martin PhD (Advisor); Pedro Cortes PhD (Committee Member); Bharat Yelamanchi PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Chemical Engineering; Chemistry; Engineering; Experiments; Materials Science

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2024, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

Experimental Modular Housing, an intersection of innovation and sustainability, offers transformative solutions to contemporary housing challenges. My thesis focuses on a comprehensive exploration of the field, focusing on 3D printing, casting, and inflatable architecture. Objectives include in-depth analyses, practical applications, and a critical examination of their strengths and challenges. Included are a variety of case studies in order to assess economic aspects, sustainable materials, and environmental impacts. Sustainable methods take the center stage, with an exploration of eco-friendly materials and technologies. Comparative analyses gauge the environmental impact and eco-friendly practices across construction methods. Looking into economic considerations, I have chosen case studies to depict their cost-effective strategies with an intent to deploy some of my own. Transportability and mobility are key to modular housing's effectiveness, demonstrated through projects like Modular Disaster Relief Housing Programs. These address challenges and solutions related to unit transportation and accessibility to affected demographics. This research serves as a catalyst for change, laying the groundwork for future developments. It inspires architects, engineers, and designers to innovate in housing design, paving the way for a more sustainable, adaptable, and cost-effective future. This exploration of the past and present inspires creativity and innovation while fostering a more sustainable and adaptable housing future.

Committee: Vincent Sansalone M.Arch. (Committee Member); Michael McInturf M.Arch. (Committee Chair) Subjects: Architecture

Master of Science, Miami University, 2021, Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering

The design of structures requires an accurate characterization of their material properties. Recent fabrication technologies such as Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) 3D printing allows for low-cost exploration of the design of structural components. The 3D printing process enables the fabrication of structures with spatially distributed multiple materials to achieve optimal performance. This research investigates the vibrational and aeroelastic response characteristics of axially graded 3D-printed structures with spatially distributed multiple viscoelastic polymeric materials. Viscoelastic polymers exhibit inherent material nonlinearities that depend on temperature, frequency, and strain rate. The vibration and aeroelastic performance of structures that are axially graded with such materials are investigated here through systematic material testing protocols and the development of a finite element model. Accuracy of the model is validated against available analytical solutions and some experimental results. It is shown how the grading patterns and distributed material properties affect the vibration (mode shape, frequency, damping, etc.) and aeroelastic performance (flutter) of such structures. Temperature and frequency-dependent properties of these materials are also shown to influence the structural performance. The model and solution strategies developed here may explore material nonlinearities and their relation to structural response such that cost-effective and safe design for next-generation structures can be developed.

Committee: Kumar Singh Dr. (Advisor); Fazeel Khan Dr. (Committee Member); Giancarlo Corti Dr. (Committee Member); Raymond Kolonay Dr. (Committee Member) Subjects: Aerospace Engineering; Aerospace Materials; Applied Mathematics; Design; Engineering; Mechanical Engineering; Mechanics; Plastics; Polymers; Solid State Physics; Technology

Master of Arts, Miami University, 2020, Speech Pathology and Audiology

Clinicians recommend a variety of rehabilitative and compensatory treatment techniques for adult patients with dysphagia. Diet texture modification, including the use of thickened fluids, is the most widely used treatment mechanism to prevent patient aspiration. Many patients requiring the use of thickened fluids for oral consumption do not meet fluid intake requirements, often leading to dehydration and an associated sequelae of health complications. The purpose of this study was to create a novel smart cup to reduce the flow rate of thin liquids in order to allow adult patients with dysphagia sensory readiness for a swallow with reduced risk of aspiration. The present study utilized an iterative prototyping methodology with unique technology and design features. Laboratory simulation with variable liquid levels determined the overall efficacy of this prototype smart cup for the use in adult populations. Results indicate that the technology and design features of the prototype smart cup do reduce the flow rate of liquid, however, the geometric properties of an adult-size smart cup should be reconfigured in order to gain manual control of liquid flow rate reduction.

Committee: Donna Scarborough Ph.D. (Advisor); Michael Bailey-Van-Kuren Ph.D (Committee Member); Arnold Olszewski Ph.D (Committee Member) Subjects: Speech Therapy

MARCH, University of Cincinnati, 2019, Design, Architecture, Art and Planning: Architecture

With the demand of urban housing continuing to increase and becoming more unattainable due to skyrocketing land values within cities, 3D printed architecture could hold the key to producing affordable housing quickly and cheaply without sacrificing design. While 3D printer technology has yet to reach the development required to be implemented at the scale necessary to address this problem, there is substantial evidence that within the foreseeable future it will become a viable solution and even fundamentally change the traditional construction method. Albuquerque, New Mexico has long struggled with affordable housing due to its large population of low-income residents. Within the last couple of years there has been a substantial movement within the city to address the affordable housing crisis, most notably through new mixed-use subsidized apartments in downtown. It is important to note that mixed-use typology has only recently been embraced by the city, whose stringent zoning laws made mixed-use developments impossible until only a few years ago. Using the handful of mixed-use apartments which have been completed so far as precedents, a site, which currently functions as a parking lot, has been selected within the downtown area to analyze how 3D printer construction can be applied to affordable housing. Therefore the project will analyze how 3D printing can be implemented to address issues regarding design, community, and cost, for an affordable housing project in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The project will seek to create a mixed-use apartment complex aimed towards attracting young adults in order to take advantage of a city program known as `Innovate ABQ' with similar goals. The project will serve as an example of how 3D printed technology can be implemented within cities to address the affordable housing crisis.

Committee: Michael McInturf M.Arch. (Committee Chair); Aarati Kanekar Ph.D. (Committee Member) Subjects: Architecture

Master of Science (MS), Ohio University, 2016, Mechanical Engineering (Engineering and Technology)

Linear Delta Robots are a technology that are primarily used for 3D printing. The technology is still in its infancy and there are many improvements which can be made. This thesis involves the design and construction of a new linear Delta Robot design with several advantages over previous models. This thesis also describes a new method of controlling a linear Delta Robot via 5th order polynomial trajectory generation. This new method of control is an improvement over traditional methods because it prevents the occurrence of infinite jerk spikes, a problem that occurs with traditional robot and 3D printer control. The physical capabilities of the robot are obtained and reported theoretically and experimentally.

Committee: Robert Williams II (Advisor); John Cotton (Committee Member); Timothy Cyders (Committee Member); Mark Franz (Committee Member) Subjects: Mechanical Engineering; Robotics; Robots

Master of Fine Arts, The Ohio State University, 2014, Art

I like to make things. It might be more accurate to say I cannot stop making things. My practice has always been one of capricious activity, and this means that part of my journey through this MFA program has been to find the thread that runs through my various ways of working and to create a thesis show that would leverage these different strengths. In searching for how to contextualize my work, I found that I practice somewhere in the intersection between art and design. So another part of my journey has been to come to an understanding of the way my work operates on each kind of audience so I can better communicate my ideas. Most importantly, I learned that while elements of my work can be either emotional or functional, my best work is both.

Committee: Kenneth Rinaldo (Advisor); Shane Mecklenburger (Committee Member); Elizabeth Sanders (Committee Member) Subjects: Engineering; Experiments; Fine Arts; Information Technology; Mental Health; Multimedia Communications; Performing Arts; Robotics

MFA, Kent State University, 2010, College of the Arts / School of Art

Wearable low-relief carvings depicting kings, myths and the likenesses of loved ones have continued to cycle in popularity since antiquity. As a recurring style of personal adornment, the cameo offers the modern jeweler an opportunity to contribute to the rich tradition of image and object-making. The man-made material of plastics has revolutionized modern life in all aspects of everyday life and has proved to be a double-edged sword. However, a more renewable resource first developed in 1896 provided me with an alternative polymer. Casein (a milk protein) is a polymer once used for buttons and imitation ivory that is now used in some food preservative coatings and certain paints. If the use of formalin (an ecologically damaging stabilizer) can be substituted for a more sustainable chemical like tannic acid (found in acorns and oak) then an eco-friendly plastic with workable and archival properties needs to be explored. As a part of my thesis research I developed a casein plastic from which I carved cameos. I have transformed an edible product into traditional adornment depicting modern scenes, which reference industrialized agriculture. Signifiers of status become conversation pieces discussing the state of the American food chain, from agribusiness to man-made plagues.

Committee: Kathleen Browne (Advisor); Fred Smith PhD (Committee Member); Gianna Commito (Committee Member); Michael Loderstedt (Committee Member); Navjotika Kumar PhD (Committee Member) Subjects: Animals; Fine Arts; Food Science; Livestock; Materials Science; Petroleum Production