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High-Density Polyethylene/Peanut Shell Biocomposites

Description: A recent trend in the development of renewable and biodegradable materials has led to the development of composites from renewal sources such as natural fibers. This agricultural activity generates a large amount of waste in the form of peanut shells. The motivation for this research is based on the utilization of peanut shells as a viable source for the manufacture of biocomposites. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a plastic largely used in the industry due to its durability, high strength … more
Date: May 2014
Creator: Londoño Ceballos, Mauricio
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

The Influence of Surface Roughness and Its Geometry on Dynamic Behavior of Water Droplets

Description: In this study the author reports the effects of surface roughness on dynamic behavior of water droplets on different types of rough structures. First, the influence of roughness geometry on the Wenzel/ Cassie-Baxter transition of water droplets on one-tier (solid substrates with Si micropillars) surfaces is studied (Chapter 3). In order to address distinct wetting behaviors of the advancing and receding motions, the author investigates the Wenzel/ Cassie-Baxter transition of water droplets on o… more
Date: December 2014
Creator: Sadeghpour, Nima.
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Microchannel Radiator: an Investigation of Microchannel Technology with Applications in Automotive Radiator Heat Exchangers

Description: Microchannels have been used in electronics cooling and in air conditioning applications as condensers. Little study has been made in the application of microchannels in automotive heat exchangers, particularly the radiator. The presented research captures the need for the design improvement of radiator heat exchangers in heavy-duty vehicles in order to reduce aerodynamic drag and improve fuel economy. A method for analyzing an existing radiator is set forth including the needed parameters for … more
Date: August 2014
Creator: Checketts, Gus Thomas
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Electromagnetic Shielding Properties of Iron Oxide Impregnated Kenaf Bast Fiberboard

Description: The electromagnetic shielding effectiveness of kenaf bast fiber based composites with different iron oxide impregnation levels was investigated. The kenaf fibers were retted to remove the lignin and extractives from the pores in fibers, and then magnetized. Using the unsaturated polyester and the magnetized fibers, kenaf fiber based composites were manufactured by compression molding process. The transmission energies of the composites were characterized when the composite samples were exposed… more
Date: December 2014
Creator: Ding, Zhiguang
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Development of a Cost Effective Wireless Sensor System for Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Applications

Description: Poor air quality can greatly affect the public health. Research studies indicate that indoor air can be more polluted than the outdoor air. An indoor air quality monitoring system will help to create an awareness of the quality of air inside which will eventually help in improving it. The objective of this research is to develop a low cost wireless sensor system for indoor air quality monitoring. The major cost reduction of the system is achieved by using low priced sensors. Interface circuits … more
Date: May 2014
Creator: Abraham, Sherin
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Sensitivity and Uncertainty Analysis of Occupancy-related Parameters in Energy Modeling of Unt Zero Energy Lab

Description: The study focuses on the sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of occupancy-related parameters using Energyplus modeling method. The model is based on a real building Zero Energy Lab in Discovery Park, at University of North Texas. Four categories of parameters are analyzed: heating/cooling setpoint, lighting, equipment and occupancy. Influence coefficient (IC) is applied in the sensitivity study, in order to compare the impact of individual parameter on the overall building energy consumption. … more
Date: August 2013
Creator: Xiong, Guangyuan
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Effect of Dispersed Particles and Branching on the Performance of a Medium Temperature Thermal Energy Storage System

Description: The main objective of my thesis is to develop a numerical model for small-scale thermal energy storage system and to see the effect of dispersing nano-particles and using fractal-like branching heat exchanger in phase change material for our proposed thermal energy storage system. The associated research problems investigated for phase change material (PCM) are the low thermal conductivity and low rate of heat transfer from heat transfer fluid to PCM in thermal energy storage system. In this st… more
Date: August 2013
Creator: Hasib, A. M. M. Golam
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

A Performance Analysis of Solar Chimney Passive Ventilation System in the Unt Zero Energy Lab

Description: The purpose of this investigation is to find out suitability of the solar chimney natural ventilation system in a Zero Energy Lab located at the University of North Texas campus, to figure out performance of the solar chimney. Reduction in the heating and ventilation and air conditioning energy consumption of the house has been also analyzed. The parameters which are considered for investigation are volumetric flow rate of outlet of chimney, the absorber wall temperature and glass wall tempera… more
Date: August 2013
Creator: Talele, Suraj H.
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Optimization of Superhydrophobic Surfaces to Maintain Continuous Dropwise Condensation

Description: In the past decade, the condensation on superhydrophobic surfaces has been investigated abundantly to achieve dropwise condensation. There is not a specific approach in choosing the size of the roughness of the superhydrophobic surfaces and it was mostly selected arbitrarily to investigate the behavior of condensates on these surfaces. In this research, we are optimizing the size of the roughness of the superhydrophobic surface in order to achieve dropwise condensation. By minimizing the resist… more
Date: May 2014
Creator: Vandadi, Aref
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Performance Analysis of Two Alternative Hvac Systems for the Unt Zero Energy Lab

Description: This paper covers the simulation and comparison among three different HVAC (heating, ventilation & air conditioning)systems to achieve the goal of finding the most effective HVAC among these three in terms of human comfort, efficiency and cost considering North Texas climate. In the Zero Energy Lab at the University of North Texas, Denton, TX, the HVAC system of the building assembles with geothermal heat source. Here, water to water heat pump with radiant floor and water to air heat pump with … more
Date: August 2013
Creator: Hasib, Naimee
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Tuning Effect on Thermal Radiative Emission of Thermo-Mechano-Optical Gratings and Multilayers

Description: The recipes of optical radiative properties manipulation are their materials chemistry, nano/microscale geometry, and transport properties of quasiparticle carriers such as photons, phonons, and electrons. The important technical element in optical properties is the dielectric function of materials, which is different for metals, dielectrics, 2D materials, and phase transition materials. Graphene has a unique electrical conductivity profile which have metallic nature depending on the frequency,… more
Date: December 2022
Creator: Araki, Ken
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Investigation on the Effects of Indoor Temperature Modulations on Building Energy Usage and Human Thermal Comfort

Description: Energy efficiency in the operation of buildings is becoming increasingly important with a growing emphasis on sustainability and reducing environmental impacts of irresponsible energy usage. Improvements have been made both on the technology side of energy efficiency and on the human behavior side. However, when changing human behavior, it is critical to find energy conservation measures that will maintain comfort for occupants. This paper analyzes how this can be done by implementing a modulat… more
Date: May 2017
Creator: Traylor, Caleb
Partner: UNT Libraries

Carbon Capture Utilization for Bio-Based Building Insulation Foams

Description: Ecological, health and environmental concerns are driving the need for bio-resourced foams for the building industry and for other applications. This is because insulation is one of the most important aspects of the building envelope. Global building insulation is expected to reach USD 27.74 billion in 2022. Conventional insulation materials currently used in buildings are made from nonrenewable products (petroleum, fiber glass). However, they yield increasing unrecyclable eco-unfriendly waste … more
Date: August 2021
Creator: Oluwabunmi, Kayode Emmanuel
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Micro-Pipette Thermal Sensor: A Unique Technique for Thermal Characterization of Microfluids, Microsphere, and Biological Cell

Description: In this research work, an innovative method for measurement of thermal conductivity of a small volume of liquids, microsphere, and the single cancer cell is demonstrated using a micro-pipette thermal sensor (MPTS). The method is based on laser point heating thermometry (LPHT) and transient heat transfer. When a single pulse of a laser beam heats the sensor tip which is in contact with the surrounding liquids or microsphere/cells, the temperature change in the sensor is reliant on the thermal pr… more
Date: May 2020
Creator: Shrestha, Ramesh
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

An Evaluation of Long-Term Air Quality Trends in North Texas using Statistical and Machine Learning Techniques

Description: While ozone design values have decreased since 2000, the values measured in Denton Airport South (DEN), an exurban region in the northwest tip of the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) metroplex, remains above those measured in Dallas Hinton (DAL) and Fort Worth Northwest (FWNW), two extremely urbanized regions; in addition, all three sites remained in nonattainment of National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) ozone despite reductions in measured NOx and CO concentrations. The region's inability to a… more
Date: May 2020
Creator: Lim, Guo Quan
Partner: UNT Libraries

Refrigeration Insulation Using Phase Change Material Incorporated Polyurethane Foam for Energy Savings

Description: Incorporating insulation material with phase change materials (PCMs) could help enhance the insulation capability for a refrigerator system. The phase change material can absorb or release large amount of latent heat of fusion depending on surrounding temperatures for efficient thermal management. This research focuses on how incorporating PCM to the conventional PU foam insulation affects the inside temperatures of the refrigerator system and in-turn helps in conserving energy by reducing the … more
Date: August 2020
Creator: Shaik, Sania
Partner: UNT Libraries

Lignocellulose-Based Nanobiocomposites for Water Purification

Description: The research focuses on the synthesis and application of multifunctional lignocellulosic biomass bioadsorbent and nanobiocomposites for water purification. A bioadsorbent was prepared from kenaf fiber by self-activation without the use of any toxic chemicals in an innovative method. Silver nanoparticles were synthesized by the green route and then impregnated on the surface of kenaf-based activated carbon (KAC), and hemp fibers by heating and photoirradiation. The formation of hemp-based and ke… more
Date: August 2021
Creator: Mandal, Sujata
Partner: UNT Libraries

Passive Control of Fiber Orientation in Direct Ink Writing 3D Printing

Description: Several active methods, which requires external control systems and moving parts, have been developed to control the fiber orientation during 3D printing. Active mechanisms like rotating nozzle, impeller, and magnetic field have been integrated to realize complex internal fiber structures. In this study, instead of using active methods, I investigate a passive method for controlling the fiber orientation without any moving parts or additional mechatronics added in the printing process. Composit… more
Date: August 2020
Creator: Khatri, Nava Raj
Partner: UNT Libraries

Characterization, Analysis, and Optimization of Rotary Displacer Stirling Engines

Description: This work focuses on an innovative Rotary Displacer SE (RDSE) configuration for Stirling engines (SEs). RDSE features rotary displacers instead of reciprocating displacers (found in conventional SE configurations), as well as combined compression and expansion spaces. Guided by the research question "can RDSE as a novel configuration achieve a higher efficiency compared to conventional SE configurations at comparable operating conditions?", the goal of this study is to characterize, analyze, an… more
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Date: December 2019
Creator: Bagheri, Amirhossein
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Experimental Investigation on Efficiency of Fresnel Lenses with Different Manufacturing Methods

Description: Non-imaging Fresnel lenses have been playing an important role in improving the efficiency of the solar energy systems. Many researchers and scientists have devoted their research to optimize the design of the Fresnel lenses. Before it can contribute to energy efficiency increase, a Fresnel lens with optimized design will first need to be fabricated with the most cost-effective method as well as the best quality fabrication as possible. If targeted in a commercial market, feasibility of mass pr… more
Date: December 2020
Creator: Sexton, Ai Jiang
Partner: UNT Libraries

Thermal Transport Properties Enhancement of Phase Change Material by Using Boron Nitride Nanomaterials for Efficient Thermal Management

Description: In this research thermal properties enhancement of phase change material (PCM) using boron nitride nanomaterials such as nanoparticles and nanotubes is studied through experimental measurements, finite element method (FEM) through COMSOL 5.3 package and molecular dynamics simulations via equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation (EMD) with the Materials and Process Simulations (MAPS 4.3). This study includes two sections: thermal properties enhancement of inorganic salt hydrate (CaCl2∙6H2O) as … more
Date: December 2020
Creator: Barhemmati Rajab, Nastaran
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

A Novel Thermal Regenerative Electrochemical System for Energy Recovery from Waste Heat

Description: Waste-heat-to-power (WHP) recovers electrical power from exhaust heat emitted by industrial and commercial facilities. Waste heat is available in enormous quantities. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates 5-13 quadrillion BTUs/yr with a technical potential of 14.6 GW are available and could be utilized to generate power by converting the heat into electricity. The research proposed here will define a system that can economically recover energy from waste heat through a thermal regenerative … more
Date: May 2021
Creator: Gray, David B
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Multi-Fidelity Study of Aerodynamics and Aeroacoustics Characteristics of a Quadrotor Biplane Tailsitter

Description: Recent advances in manufacturing and growing concerns on the sustainability of aviation environment have led to a remarkable interest in electrical unmanned aerial systems (UASs) in the past decade. Among various UAS types, the newly designed quadrotor biplane tailsitter class is capable of delivering a wide range of civilian and military tasks, relying on its Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) capability as well as great maneuverability. Nevertheless, as such UASs employ rotors to generate t… more
Date: May 2022
Creator: Heydari, Morteza
Partner: UNT Libraries
open access

Gradient-Index Metamaterial Infrared Detector for Enhanced Photo-Response and Image Quality

Description: An enhanced thermal imaging concept made possible through the development of a gradient-indexed metamaterial infrared detector that offers broadband transmission and reflection in THz waves. This thesis proposes a proof of feasibility for a metamaterial infrared detector containing an anti-reflective coating with various geometrically varying periodic metasurfaces, a gradient-indexed dielectric multilayer for near-perfect longpass filtering, and a gradient index of refraction (GRIN) metalens fo… more
Date: May 2022
Creator: Adams, Kelsa Derek
Partner: UNT Libraries
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