Matching Items (496)
Description
Bharatanatyam, one of the oldest forms of Indian classical dance, is a powerful medium for storytelling and revitalizing Hindu culture. By using various hand gestures and expressions, this honors thesis explores how this art form can empower women by analyzing influential historical figures such as Jhansi ki Rani, a fearless queen who acted as the regent of the Indian Mutiny against the rule of the British East India Company. This thesis will be presented through a narrative performance, where I embody my personal growth, overcoming my timidity by expressing how learning from the past strengthens women in the present. The premise of the defense will be a protest occurring on campus and how I encourage my friends to join me in voicing their opinions. The methodology involved researching Jhansi ki Rani’s history, writing a script to describe these learnings by comparing past and present, and creating a soundtrack by carefully selecting music and choreography that conveys an accurate message. Ultimately, by empowering my friends, I demonstrate how Bharatanatyam can bring awareness to societal issues and stimulate the uplifting of women and other minorities. I also discuss the technical skills I have learned, my personal growth, and how this experience has educated me more about my culture. Lastly, future work is discussed, and acknowledgments are given to Professor David Olarte and Miss Rinku Das, who have guided me through this process.
ContributorsSundaram, Sahana (Author) / Olarte, David (Thesis director) / Das, Rinku (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
This paper focuses on the design, manufacturing, and testing, of a small-scale two-stage
solar concentrator prototype coupled with an optical fiber. The purpose of this project is to explore the viability of alternative heat transfer methods to reduce the negative environmental effects of concrete manufacturing. It is hoped that this research will present information and designs that can be used to reduce costs and increase efficiency of future solar concentrator technology.
To achieve the above goal, a two-stage solar concentrator design was developed so its overall
heat transfer capabilities could be evaluated and the viability of using optical fibers could be
determined. Unfortunately, challenges during manufacturing limited the functionality of the
prototype to a single-stage concentrator without the use of an optical fiber. However, valuable heat transfer and solar thermal efficiency data was collected from three separate single-stage solar concentrator designs. Design 1 features a polished aluminum mirror with an altered parabolic shape from the theoretical design. Design 2 features a 3D-printed mold with a silver film applied on its surface based on the theoretical parabolic shape. Design 3 features a silver film applied on top of the aluminum mirror from design 1.
During testing of these solar concentrators, it was determined that design 2 achieved an
overall average solar thermal efficiency of .49 which is 3.86x the efficiency of design 1, and 1.49x the efficiency of design 3. Design 2 also achieved a plate temperature of 166.4℃ while designs 1 and 2 reached maximum temperatures of 67.3℃ and 139.3℃ respectively. Overall, the tests showed that if dimensional tolerances between the physical prototype and theoretical design can be kept to a minimum, relatively high heat transfer rates and efficiencies can be achieved. Ideally, this research would be used to identify possible issues with manufacturing solar concentrators to help optimize
future designs.
ContributorsHorner, Wyatt (Author) / Phelan, Patrick (Thesis director) / Wang, Liping (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
The objective of this project was to analyze the flight of a red-tailed hawk in order to figure out how it remains stable in flight, and to determine if it had any advantages over conventional aircraft that could be implemented into future aircraft design. The analysis was performed by solving a six degree of freedom model (6DOF) in MATLAB with the use of Simulink. The twelve equations of motion that describe the 6DOF had to be built in Simulink, and parameters describing the bird’s performance and geometry had to be found and implemented as well. In preparation for the project, a lot of research was conducted to see what others had come across and how they thought birds remain stable. Research was also conducted in order to better describe the red-tailed hawk in the model. The research was focused on the aerodynamics of birds, and ranged from finding lift curve slopes to finding the physical mechanisms behind how birds control themselves and remain stable. In the absence of a live red-tailed hawk specimen that could be studied, pictures and videos were used to obtain flight performance and geometric characteristics. Preliminary results from the model modeling the hawk’s open loop response showed that even with a configuration that was statically longitudinally stable, the bird’s velocity was unbounded and showed oscillations with large changes in magnitude. Since the velocity was unbounded, the position was also unbounded and both were reaching values that were unrealistic. The bird’s pitch rate was also constantly increasing. These results indicated that the hawk must be closing the loop and a controller for pitch rate and pitch angle had to be modeled. The gains of the controller were chosen to target the Butterworth poles. Integration of the controller into the existing model was successful and results showed that the rates and angles were controlled. Based on those results, it was confirmed that the bird was actively controlling itself to maintain orientation during descent. With a viable model constructed, it opens up the possibility of studying more aspects of the bird’s flight, such as lateral stability. For future study, there is opportunity to refine the aerodynamics model, explore lateral stability, and model the hawk’s guidance system as it hunts for prey.
ContributorsBialek-Kling, Ashton (Author) / Garrett, Frederick (Thesis director) / Hines, Taylor (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor) / Dean, W.P. Carey School of Business (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Our thesis project leverages the cultural power of film and media to empower students to learn about what coral bleaching is, how scientists are working to mitigate this issue, and offer accessible options for intervening into this crisis. It bridges the gap between common views of corals either being full of spectacle or being bleached and lost to death and empower viewers to find their own personal connections to coral ecosystems. The target audience is students from middle to high school, but kids of any age will be able to view and learn from it. In addition to bringing attention towards this issue, the film teaches students how they can implement sustainable practices to decrease their own environmental footprint and help to slow the decline of coral reefs. Within this film, there are three main topics covered: what coral reefs are, what coral bleaching is, what scientists are doing to help prevent it, and how the viewer can help mitigate the effects of coral bleaching. By sectioning the video in this way, we hope to create a story for the viewers to learn and care about the corals while also learning about the precautions needed to reduce coral bleaching events. Our vision for this project was to create a short educational video that had an engaging narrative and imagery while simultaneously empowering the viewer to care for coral reefs and our oceans. While doing this, we were inspired by educational videos such as BrainPOP created by Dr. Avraham Kadar and Crash Course created by John and Hank Green. This stop motion animation was filmed with cardstock paper and sticker props to create the colorful imagery that we envisioned. We wanted to raise awareness about what is happening in our oceans and show viewers why they should care, especially those who live in land locked states such as Arizona or do not get to visit the ocean regularly.
ContributorsHasegawa, Paige (Author) / Bernabe, Charlene (Co-author) / Han, Lisa (Thesis director) / Roger, Liza (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-05
Description
High power rocketry utilizes the engineering sciences to design rockets for speed or altitude performance goals. To accomplish these goals, rocket structures must be created with maximum strength and minimum mass. Using COMSOL Multiphysics, the aerodynamic loadings and composite structural stresses are simulated using supersonic CFD solvers and FSDT laminate shell simulations. These stress distribution simulations can inform the design, optimization, and manufacturing processes used to create high power rockets.
ContributorsTerasaki, Brian (Author) / Dong, Xiangyang (Thesis director) / Murthy, Raghevandra (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2024-12
Description
A new uniaxial testing apparatus that has been proposed takes advantage of less costly methods such as 3D printing of tensile fixtures and image reference markers for accurate data acquisition. The purpose of this research is to find methods to improve the resolution, accuracy, and repeatability of this newly designed testing apparatus. The first phase of the research involved building a program that optimized the testing apparatus design depending on the sample being tested. It was found that the design program allowed for quick modifications on the apparatus in order to test a wide variety of samples. The second phase of research was conducted using Finite Elements to determine which sample geometry reduced the impact of misalignment error most. It found that a previously proposed design by Dr. Wonmo Kang when combined with the testing apparatus lead to a large reduction in misalignment errors.
ContributorsAyoub, Yaseen (Author) / Kang, Wonmo (Thesis director) / Kashani, Hamzeh (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2022-12
Description
Emissions produced by diesel engines have been the focus of intense scrutiny in recent years due to stringent legislation aimed at reducing air pollution. This thesis examines how diesel emissions are produced, the systems used to mitigate emissions, the effects these systems have on performance and efficiency, and the topic of deleting these systems.
This thesis begins by examining the combustion process and its relationship to the formation of pollutants, including nitric oxides, particulate matter, carbon monoxide, and sulfur oxides. It then discusses the adverse effects of these pollutants and the resulting legislation aimed at minimizing them. The legislation discussed provides reasoning for the implementation of modern-day emission mitigation systems.
This study comprehensively examines the role of emission control systems, including exhaust gas recirculation, selective catalytic reduction, and particulate filtration. These technologies can effectively reduce the emission of pollutants; however, this comes at a tradeoff. These systems reduce the reliability, performance, and efficiency of diesel engines. As a result, many diesel truck owners decide to perform what is known as “diesel emissions delete” and remove these systems.
The final section of this thesis gives the author's opinion on the future of diesel engine emission control systems. Using data from related studies, an argument is constructed for eliminating exhaust gas recirculation systems to maximize performance and efficiency while abiding by industry emission standards.
ContributorsHarr, Samuel (Author) / Bocanegra, Luis (Thesis director) / Trimble, Steven (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
Recycling plastic effectively remains a pertinent issue in the overall fight against plastic pollution. One solution to tackle recycling issues is local, small-scale recycling facilities. An example small-scale recycling pipeline by the Simien Mountains National Park in Ethiopia is discussed alongside the potential benefits of implementing 3D printing with recycled plastic to the pipeline. A prototype modified 3D printer based on a pellet extruder design was made with the intention to 3D print with recycled PET plastic flakes. While the initial prototype did not function as intended due to issues with the extrusion screw and heating block, recommendations are made for future iterations of the design.
ContributorsZhan, Rachael (Author) / Schneider-Crease, India (Thesis director) / Eglen, Tyler (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor) / School of Sustainability (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
The gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) fields
remain a significant challenge, despite current progress in gender equality. Women account for only 27% of the STEM workforce, with even lower representation in fields such as engineering and leadership roles. Our thesis explores the many causes to this disparity, focusing on lack of
mentorship and role models, implicit biases, inadequate family support, lack of educational
reform, and media representation. The research conducted for this thesis highlights how the
societal perception of women and STEM fields discourages girls from being interested in
science and math fields, as well as the systemic barriers that exist to push women out of
STEM fields. We will review the current interventions that target the gender gap, as well as each solution’s effectiveness. Going forward, the following writing focuses on the possible improvements to these interventions. The conclusion of our research is that creating accessible and less intimidating connections to resources, as well as leaving positive and strong impressions on younger women can be the most effective method for breaking down the barriers women face to enter and remain in STEM fields. The deliverable of our thesis is a free website, accessible to anyone with internet access with design features that attract a younger, more female audience. It aims to introduce young women from middle school-on to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a way that is not intimidating, as well as easy to navigate. The website includes a general introduction to different STEM majors and careers, a major mapping quiz based on interests and skills, mentorship connections relating to Arizona State University, implicit bias testing, and information about organizations for middle to college level that focus on women in STEM. Overall, we conclude that the research conducted supports that the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is caused by systemic barriers which, in turn, create a cultural perception of women in the workplace. This often discourages women from being interested or confident in pursuing STEM careers and education. After reviewing existing literature, the organized thesis claims that, in order to shorten the gender gap, we must focus on creating a neutral and inclusive education that does not intimidate girls from pursuing STEM careers.
ContributorsMonti, Caleigh (Author) / Medanic, Nina (Co-author) / Martin, Thomas (Thesis director) / Stefanaki, Aikaterini (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor) / School of Earth and Space Exploration (Contributor)
Created2025-05
Description
The gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematical (STEM) fields
remain a significant challenge, despite current progress in gender equality. Women account for only 27% of the STEM workforce, with even lower representation in fields such as engineering and leadership roles. Our thesis explores the many causes to this disparity, focusing on lack of
mentorship and role models, implicit biases, inadequate family support, lack of educational
reform, and media representation. The research conducted for this thesis highlights how the
societal perception of women and STEM fields discourages girls from being interested in
science and math fields, as well as the systemic barriers that exist to push women out of
STEM fields. We will review the current interventions that target the gender gap, as well as each solution’s effectiveness. Going forward, the following writing focuses on the possible improvements to these interventions. The conclusion of our research is that creating accessible and less intimidating connections to resources, as well as leaving positive and strong impressions on younger women can be the most effective method for breaking down the barriers women face to enter and remain in STEM fields. The deliverable of our thesis is a free website, accessible to anyone with internet access with design features that attract a younger, more female audience. It aims to introduce young women from middle school-on to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in a way that is not intimidating, as well as easy to navigate. The website includes a general introduction to different STEM majors and careers, a major mapping quiz based on interests and skills, mentorship connections relating to Arizona State University, implicit bias testing, and information about organizations for middle to college level that focus on women in STEM. Overall, we conclude that the research conducted supports that the gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics is caused by systemic barriers which, in turn, create a cultural perception of women in the workplace. This often discourages women from being interested or confident in pursuing STEM careers and education. After reviewing existing literature, the organized thesis claims that, in order to shorten the gender gap, we must focus on creating a neutral and inclusive education that does not intimidate girls from pursuing STEM careers.
ContributorsMedanic, Nina (Author) / Monti, Caleigh (Co-author) / Martin, Thomas (Thesis director) / Stefanaki, Aikaterini (Committee member) / Barrett, The Honors College (Contributor) / Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Program (Contributor)
Created2025-05