48440 research outputs found
Sort by
Direct Carbon Fuel Cell for Efficient Negative Emissions Electricity
No full textDirect Carbon Fuel Cells (DCFCs) are a novel producer of electricity, using solid carbon fuel dissolved in a liquid metal alloy anode. With a much higher theoretical efficiency than similar processes, DCFCs are a much greener alternative to other solid carbon energy generation techniques. This paper focuses on the development of DCFC technology, namely on the support-cathode-electrolyte ceramic manufacturing process, as well as lab scale testing to determine the voltage and power output of the system. Optimizations of the cathode ceramic included doubling the binder content within the cathode slurry, very short dip coat times, and drying dip coats upside down to prevent cracking. While multiple test failures resulted in an inability to generate current, an open-circuit voltage of .462 V was achieved in the cell
Memoria Altera - IMGD/CS MQP
No full textMemoria Altera is a narrative-driven puzzle game. The story is experienced from the perspective of Dr. Pollimon, a scientist working in a laboratory on a spaceship while trying to recover their memory. Through first-person puzzle solving and gameplay, the player uncovers the societal conditions fostering propaganda and exploitative ecological practices in Dr. Pollimon’s futuristic world. The Memoria Altera Major Qualifying Project (MQP) was developed for the Interactive Media and Game Development Program (IMGD) over the course of an academic year using Unreal Engine 5.4. The development team consisted of six members intentionally working with a circular management structure that emphasized collective group decision-making and dialogic communication. Through this project the team learned this form of gameplay lends itself naturally to telling stories with complex social and political themes, and that a “less is more” approach to environmental storytelling incites deep reflection in players. Additionally, the team learned that emphasizing clear communication and trust leads to a positive and productive game development pipeline
Investigating the Effect of Boundary Geometry on the Flow of Microtubule-Based Active Nematics near a Curved Boundary
No full textThis was an experimental investigation into a new edge flow phenomenon of microtubule-kinesin active fluid. This project successfully developed multiple original methods of producing edge flow in active fluid experiments. It explored the use of optical and confocal imaging of experiments to produce high detail videos. Video analysis was created to quantify characteristics of the edge flow behavior. Part of the parameter space of this experiment was explored by varying the ATP concentration to control the speed of the active fluid. The complete methods and results were compiled into a report
Interventions for Strengthening Resilience to Extreme Heat in Worcester, MA
No full textThis project aimed to understand the ways in which extreme heat impacts Worcester residents in order to inform heat resilience interventions. Research instruments included 328 survey responses from Worcester residents and sixteen interviews with residents and community experts. This data was used to determine heat vulnerable populations, cooling adaptations residents rely on, and barriers that interfere with achieving heat resilience. Ultimately, this report determined eleven social, environmental, and infrastructural heat resilience interventions the city should pursue
Green Infrastructure for Stormwater Mitigation at WPI
No full textThis project addresses using Green Infrastructure (GI) to manage excess stormwater runoff on the Worcester Polytechnic Institute campus. When implemented, Green Infrastructure offers numerous benefits to communities, with stormwater runoff mitigation being one of the key advantages. This mitigation can significantly help reduce excess stormwater levels further down the watershed in the Worcester area. The project began with an assessment of the current infrastructure at WPI, highlighting the most problematic areas on campus. Locations were identified through evaluations made during storms. Excess runoff was observed during and after storms, revealing specific vulnerable areas on campus. Additionally, the team researched various methods of Green Infrastructure and identified designs most effective for these problematic areas. A Green Infrastructure Plan was subsequently developed, indicating the best potential matches between the methods and areas. Runoff was tested for various contaminants before applying the most effective Green Infrastructure solutions for each area. Finally, a strategy for educating the public about Green Infrastructure was created that could be implemented along with the Green Infrastructure. The project's methods resulted in a comprehensive Green Infrastructure Plan for the WPI campus, as well as a community education initiative that highlighted its benefits
Development of an MRI-compatible mock circulatory loop
No full textThis project involved the construction and analysis of a mock circulatory loop that is compatible with Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and can replicate flow conditions in vitro. Several experiments that involve flows which may be encountered in biological conditions were carried out and the relevant data was collected. In all cases, the SONOFLOW CO.55 Flow Sensor was used to read the flow to provide a reference value to the data collected. The first experiment involved Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV), where a video of the fluid flowing in a clear tube was analyzed using associated software packages, in this case PIVLab. Subsequentially, experiments utilizing Phase Contrast-MRI (PCMRI) were employed, conducted using the GE Signa Premier 3T located at PracticePoint and supervised by an MRI Operator. Over several trials, the magnitude and direction of flow were varied to observe how the velocity profile of the fluid changed under these conditions. From the PCMRI Experiments, a series of Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) files were obtained and post-processed in MATLAB to obtain the readings of velocity and flow at each position. The same technique was applied in our Backward Facing Step (BFS) test section, which allowed us to image the more complex flow that arises from this geometry. This project provides the basis to which future projects can build off of, with this project demonstrating how both PIV and PCMRI can be used to analyze the flow of fluid through a subject and post-processed using the relevant software. This project has important implications for helping to resolve issues relating to heart disease and other health conditions that pertain to fluid flow in the human body
Virtual Reality Telepresence Robotic System
No full textThe goal of this project was to develop a method to extend human sensory perception and physical embodiment through the means of virtual reality (VR) enabled robotic telepresence. The telepresence platform was designed to replicate the movement of a user’s perspective with a 360-degree camera, streaming its video to a VR headset. This project shows a proof-of-concept for a VR telepresence system which, based on user feedback, can provide an experience more immersive than traditional telepresence systems
Graphene-PDMS based nanocomposite Materials: Influence of mechanical and structural properties in enhancing cell/tissue-surface interactions
No full textThis study investigates graphene-PDMS nanocomposites as biomaterials for enhancing breast cell-surface interactions, with applications in tissue engineering and implantable drug delivery systems. Varying graphene weight percentages (1, 5, 10, and 20 wt%) were mixed methodically into PDMS, and their mechanical, structural, and biological properties were evaluated. Mechanical testing using Instron and rheometer showed increased stiffness and viscoelastic properties with an increase in the percentage of graphene ratio. SEM analysis revealed improved surface roughness and graphene dispersion at moderate concentrations. Contact angle measurements indicated enhanced wettability under biological media with higher graphene content. Interestingly, cell proliferation assays using phalloidin and DAPI staining demonstrated greater cytoskeletal organization and cell density on 5 wt%, 10 wt%, and 20 wt% nanocomposites compared to pure PDMS. However, in some instances, 20 wt% showed reduced cell uniformity due to graphene agglomeration. The implication of this study provides a framework for the development of next-generation implantable scaffolds, biomaterials, biosensors, and drug release platforms in ways that offer novel insights into nanocomposite engineering for advanced therapeutic solutions
Synthesis of Flavylium Photocatalysts for Chromone Functionalization and Photochromism Applications
No full textPhotocatalysis has caught the interest of many chemists who seek greener approaches to synthesizing biomolecules. Under the photocatalysis umbrella, research on photoredox catalysts recently became popular due to their unique reactivity in allowing redox neutral reactions. Specifically, 4-phenylflavylium was discovered as a photocatalyst to activate chromone, which serves as a precursor to generating biologically significant compounds. In this project, new derivatives of 4-phenylflavyliums were synthesized and assessed for their efficiency as photocatalysts. While the new compounds were not as effective as their predecessor in activating chromone, they exhibited photochromic properties, which could have applications outside photocatalysis
Developing a Proposal for a Migration Lab in Morocco
No full textFondation Orient-Occident (FOO) located in Morocco is in the process of establishing a migration lab to conduct research and spread awareness. We developed a proposal containing recommendations for the lab’s operation. Our team conducted ten interviews with FOO staff, a comparative analysis of ten migration labs, and a literature review. To stand out from other organizations, we recommend the migration lab have three components: a research community involving migrants, public outreach efforts, and a digital platform that emphasizes storytelling. FOO has the unique opportunity to involve the experiences of their large beneficiary network. Including migrants in research, centers real-life challenges and reflects the voices of the people it is meant to support