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Alternative Redistribution of Residential Solar Energy
Get PDFThe use of solar panels on residential structures has been prevalent since the mid 1970’s and over the decades their presence has become more pronounced and more valued. The creation of energy on-site using clean methods for an individual is truly a remarkable feat. As solar panels become increasingly common, so do the inherent issues and their supporting infrastructure. Of these issues a common inconvenience is what owners are to do with extraneous energy. What this entails is that an owner typically does not have means to store energy that is created in surplus, the resulting solution is the power companies redirect the energy as they see fit and compensate the owner accordingly. This paper will begin with the analysis of current residential solar systems and propose an alternate solution for the redistribution of excess solar energy. The focus of the paper will be the perceived effect, among homeowners, of having control over how excess energy is distributed
Signal ADC Converter Simulation on Cadence Virtuoso for Audio Applications
Get PDFAudio signals are representations of sounds with a mixture of multiple analog signals between the frequency of 20Hz to 20,000Hz. To record snippets of audio data onto a mobile phone or computer, the signal needs to be converted to a digital format. For this purpose, many devices utilize a converter, specifically a sigma-delta modulator with a digital filter. By using a converter, electronics can receive binary data about the audio signal accurately and quickly without losing important signal information. This project aims to simulate a fully functional audio converter with a sigma-delta modulator and decimation filter. The system will receive any analog signal between 20Hz and 22.05kHz while being oversampled at 2.8224MHz with a 64 oversampling ratio value, meaning the sampling frequency is 44.1kHz. As a result, the system will be outputting a corresponding digital 6-bit binary value at the rate of 44.1kHz. This whole system will be running on a +/- 5V power supply. While this project concentrates on the simulation of the device using some real components and Verilog-A, the programmed components can be replaced with real electronic components to create a fully operational VLSI converter design
Lumira
Get PDFAs LAES moves into the new Frost Center, we want to showcase the capabilities of its Expressive Technology (ET) Studios space with an interactive experience in hopes to collaborate, innovate, and spark ideas for the future of the program
Evaluating the Effects of Granulated Rubber and Glass Fibers in Polymer Concrete as a Structural Material for Wafer Grinding Machines
Get PDFPolymer concrete is a composite material used to replace cast iron and steel in wafer grinding machines for vibration damping. During the grinding and lapping processes of manufacturing silicon wafers, excessive vibrations may cause subsurface damage which requires additional polishing and reduces yield. Nine compositions containing various levels of granulated rubber and glass fibers were manufactured. CRM WRF-10 granulated rubber was examined at 0%, 5%, and 10% and Corning Cem-Fil glass fibers were added at 0%, 0.5%, and 1% by weight. Smooth-On EpoxAcast 690 epoxy resin was held constant at 16% for each composition. Crushed granite aggregate from Martin Marietta, Santa Margarita Quarry composed the balance. Vibrational analysis and compression testing were performed to determine damping loss factor (η) and compressive strength. The loss factor was calculated from the frequency response function (FRF) generated by forced vibration of cantilever beam specimens between 10-2000Hz. Compression testing was performed according to ASTM C39. The composition with the highest compressive strength (9664 psi) contained 0% rubber and 0% fibers. Inversely, the composition with the highest loss factor contained the maximum additives (10% rubber, 1% fibers). It was found that increasing the amount of additives reduced the compressive strength and increased the loss factor. Increasing fiber amount did not increase the compressive strength of the material and had a smaller effect on increasing loss factor than granulated rubber
A Comparison of EXOTIC and PyRaf in Analyzing Exoplanet Transits
Get PDFIn this paper we discuss the data analysis processes using PyRaf, a Python-based version of IRAF, which is one of the most commonly used coding softwares in the astronomy community, as well as the analysis process using EXOTIC. Additionally, we will compare the outcomes from each process to determine if either has significant benefits over the other
Assessing Black Rat Population Abundance and Persistence at the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area
Get PDFThe black rat, Rattus rattus, is considered one of the most destructive and widespread invasive species around the world, with the ability to damage crops, kill native species, and spread disease. The Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) is home to numerous at-risk species such as the Western Snowy plovers (Charadrius nivosus nivosus) and California Least Tern (Sternula antillarum browni). Black rats have been detected at the ODSVRA in studies conducted in 2015 and 2018, and may be a potential threat to nesting seabirds like the plover and the tern. In addition, they may also serve as competitors for native mammals, as well as pests for the locals. Black rats are considered commensal with humans and are often associated with our properties, in particular trash. Semi-permanent human encampments were observed around the Dune Preserve area back in 2018, which may serve as a vector for black rats to spread. This study was developed to investigate if black rats remained at the site where they were detected back in 2015, and if there was a relationship between abundance of black rats and proximity to human encampments. Two plots were set-up with numerous camera stations, one following the same grid done in 2015 (called Dune Preserve 2), and one spanning part of the plot done in 2018 (called Dune Preserve Rattus Transect). Cameras were left at both sites for 3-4 days in April of 2022, and pictures of numerous species of rodents were collected. The rodent images were then identified by eye and evaluated for their respective hypothesis. The Dune Preserve 2 plot found that black rat populations have persisted at the site since their detection back in 2015, and may have potentially grown and spread. This is due to a higher number of black rats detected, as well as more stations detecting black rats than before. The Dune Preserve Rattus Transect did not find a significant relationship between black rat abundance and proximity to human encampments. However, rats were still captured at a majority of the stations. The results and data from this study could aid park personnel in making informed decisions on controlling this invasive species and developing their management plan
The Tragedy of the Commons: A Podcast Exploring Solutions to the Housing Crisis in California
Get PDFAffordable housing has become increasingly inaccessible across the United States, particularly in California. Because of its long history and far-reaching span, California’s housing crisis is a complexity that affects individuals at most income levels. Accordingly, opinions on solving the crisis vary among each public.
A popular solution is increasing the amount and scale of housing, however, barriers, such as single-family zoning, exist at the state and local level. While statewide legislation is working to counteract municipal zoning codes, local opposition is rampant. Because of this pushback, and the slow pace at which housing reliant on individual action is built, today’s housing shortage will not be solved by statewide legislation alone. Additionally, many are suspicious that the legislative push for housing is fueled by economic incentive rather than inclusivity. This includes low to very low-income individuals not convinced by pro-housing’s “trickle down” economics.
Outside of the quantitative shortage the housing crisis qualitatively involves accessibility and communication. The podcast The Tragedy of the Commons explores California’s housing crisis and its potential solutions. The podcast is formatted to be accessible to those not yet familiar with urban planning jargon and will include a transcript
Find Your Flow: A Menstrual Health Social Media Campaign
Get PDFIn many cultures, menstruation is surrounded by silence and shame instead of being celebrated as a sign of health and vitality. Globally, challenges, including stigma surrounding menstruation, create barriers for menstruators (White, 2013; Crawford, 2014; Garg, 2015). It proves to be difficult for young menstruators to navigate menarche due to the taboos and socio-cultural restrictions surrounding menstruation (Sharma,2015). Encouraging women to have open conversations about their periods is necessary to combat these challenges.
To understand how to address the stigmas around menstruation, the researchers first conducted a literature review, revealing that education messages via the Internet, posters, storytelling, and peer group discussion effectively created awareness of menstruation (Hennegan, 2020). Therefore, a social media campaign was launched to address the gaps identified in the literature. The IRB-approved campaign is active on Facebook and Instagram, as identified in the literature, for easy user participation and opportunities for networking with other organizations (Bebla, 2018). Participants completed a Qualtrics survey recounting their first-period experiences and stories.
Thus far, respondents from the U.S., Canada, India, Kenya, Ghana, and South Africa have shared their first menstrual experience. Preliminary themes include young menarche age, initial support from mothers or relatives, and education as a primary source of support for North American participants. Participants residing in the Global South experienced confusion, embarrassment, and fright more than their Global North counterparts.
As evidenced in the literature, storytelling is a powerful tool to normalize conversations around menstruation. Many menstruators have vocalized their support for open communication of shared menstrual experiences through social media. The campaign aims to recognize and address the taboos, stigmas, and misconceptions surrounding menstruation in the next five years and assess the attitudinal changes resulting from menstruators engaging in more open, authentic dialogue about menstruation globally
ASTM Test Fixture for Spinal Screws
Get PDFThis document is an overview report of the Cal Poly Senior Project ASTM Test Fixture for SeaSpine orthopedic bone screws. The main application of orthopedic screws is to fasten implants directly to the bone structure, enhancing structural integrity. Testing for breaking angle, insertion torque, removal torque, axial pullout strength, and self-tapping force as specified in the ASTM F543 Annexes provides the FDA with vital screw mechanics and ensures manufacturing uniformity. The test system is comprised of custom and off the shelf components allowing for interchangeability, in case of part failure, and a low overall cost. It is mechanically capable of testing two of the four annexes to completion; future steps are included for remaining processes. Testing data validating the linear and rotational displacement of our system, as well as Annex data is incorporated into this report. Feasibility of the design showcased in the following documents present in this report: Intellectual Property Assessment, Technical Literature Review, Indications for Use, Project Budget, Customer Requirements, GANTT Chart, Network Diagram, House of Quality, Morphological Matrix, Concept Sketches, SOLIDWORKS Conceptual Model, System Detailed Design, Manufacturing Process Instructions, Device Testing Plans, Testing Data and Analyses, and an overall discussion and conclusion for the project
Prefabrication and Modular Construction: CM 214 Residential Construction Learning Module
Get PDFThe residential construction industry in the United States has certainly stuck to the conventional methods of stick-built construction nationwide. What if there was a better way? This project seeks to educate future Construction Management students about a smarter, more efficient, and sustainable method of homebuilding: Modular Construction. Distinguishing the difference between prefabrication and modularization is a necessary standard. Prefabrication is defined as the process of manufacturing the essential structural components of a home at a factory off-site. The large scale structural components of a home are then transported to the jobsite for easy installation. In addition, Modular Construction is defined as the comprehensive method of residential construction that emphasizes the procurement, preconstruction and prefabrication of the crucial structural partitions that comprise a home. In essence, the means of prefabrication play an imperative role in the development of a modular home. The integration of Prefabrication and Modular Construction within the Cal Poly Construction Management curriculum should be of high importance as it is the future of the residential construction industry