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Predicting failure mechanisms of aerospace-grade polymer matrix composites in open hole tension: Correlation of experimental, simulation, and analytical methods
No full textClick on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).The open-hole test approach is widely used in the aerospace industry to compute notched design allowable strengths representing the presence of fastener holes or structural flaws on aerostructures. The test determines the force necessitated to permanently deform fiber-reinforced polymer-matrix composite materials having a centrally located hole. The hole having an adjustable diameter generates a stress concentration site with a decreased cross-sectional area compared to the mechanical performance of a complete cross-sectional area. This study proposes a novel approach to determine the optimum open-hole diameter of carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy matrix composite materials with three different stacking sequences. Experimental mechanical tests, per ASTM D5766, yield tensile strengths varying from 352.4 MPa up to 797.9 MPa. The failure mechanism of the anisotropic composite laminae is fiber-dominated based on the Tsa-Wu criterion and Scanning Electron Microscope images. Finite element simulation results align with experimental test results to predict the tensile strength with a maximum of 8.8% error margin. The Digital Image Correlation technique, complemented with finite element results, visually illustrates stress-concentration sites and crack propagation directions for different layup sequences. Last, the presented approach manifests the optimum hole diameter for different stacking orientations as 5.54, 8.44, and 10.44 mm, minimizing stress concentration effects. The technique for the optimum hole diameter shall have further implications with artificial intelligence tools to advance aerostructural efficiency. Highlights: This study revises the ASTM D5766 standard for the optimum hole diameter. Anisotropic composite laminae show a fiber-dominated failure mechanism. ASTM D5766 experiments evaluate the mechanical performance for layups. DIC and FEM strain maps visually highlight the crack propagation directions. The optimum hole diameter is predicted to be around 6 mm for the [45/0/−45/90]2s. © 2025 Society of Plastics Engineers.Türk Havacılık ve Uzay Sanayii, TUSASThe experimental analyses were partially carried out at the Materials Engineering Mechanical Testing Laboratories of Turkish Aerospace. The authors acknowledge the financial support from the Lift Up Undergraduate Graduate Project Program organized by Turkish Aerospace. This study is part of a joint project between Turkish Aerospace Industries Inc. (TAI\u2010USA) and Wichita State University, where M.B. serves as a co\u2010Principal Investigator
The Sunflower, v.129, no.20 (February 27, 2025)
No full textArticle(s): Half the fans in the stands: Athletic attendance dwindles over past decade -- What's going on in Lindquist 601? -- ICE agents now allowed on college campuses; what resources do students have? -- Attendance from page 1 -- 'Disregard for animal welfare': Documents detail how WSU biology researcher violated lab animal protocol -- Shocker Sports Roundup: What you missed over the weekend -- Women in CHAARG: New workout group on campus -- Softball goes 3-1 in OU Tournament, only loses to No. 2 Oklahoma -- Baseball loses series at Hawaii, game against DII Chaminade -- The streak is six: Second half explosion leads to men's basketball win against Tulane -- Poor second quarter dooms WSU to loss -- Track and field athlete has creative outlet outside the rubber -- Spring Awakening: Wichita State rendition of 'Spring Awakening' navigates teenage realities of looming adulthood -- Former oboe professor contemplates occupation switch after career-ending injury -- WSU needs to rethink plans for Heskett demolition -- Trump's war on the press should alarm Americans -- Wichita State makes rocky debut on Amazon Prime's 'The College Tour' -- Spring has sprung: 'Spring Awakening navigates realties of adulthood and sexualityPhotograph(s): Graph of changes in WSU home game attendance over 10 years. Graph shows percentage of median attendance compared with 2014-15 season. p. 1 -- Fans enact a call and response cheer in the ETSU vs. Wichita State men's basketball game in December. p. 1 -- Illustration of ICE agents. p. 2 -- Red cards located in the Shocker Success Center. The cards, provided by community organizers, instruct people on how to interact with ICE agents. p. 2 -- Illustration of gloved hands holding a mouse for the "Disregard for animal welfare" story. p. 3 -- Members of the CHAARG group dance along to the Jazzercise routine Tuesday evening. The women-only workout group met was founded this semester. p. 4 -- Marya Saeed dances during the Feb. 25 Jazzercise class in the Heskett Center. p. 4 -- Senior center Quincy Ballard throws down a backward dunk in the second half against Tulane. Ballard finished the game with 11 points, helping secure a Wichita State win. p. 5 -- Photo of track and field athlete Travon Williams. p. 5 -- Freshman Hayley Loya, freshman Solomon Puckett and sophomore Jack Wilson embrace on stage during a performance of "Spring Awakening." This performance occurred in Wilner Auditorium on Feb. 21. p. 6 -- Portrait of reporter Riley Sipes. p. 6 -- Portrait of Andréa Banke. p. 6 -- Andréa Banke playing the piano in a classroom. Banke works in the School of Music. p. 6 -- Heskett Center demolition illustration. p. 7 -- Portraits of Piper Pinnetti, opinion editor. p. 7 -- Trump vs. Associated Press illustration. p. 7 -- Portrait of Makenzie Miller, reporter and illustrator. p. 7 -- Zeke Thompson and sophomore Joshua Duran sing together “The World of Your Body (Reprise)” on Feb. 21. The performance of “Spring Awakening” was put on by the School of Performing Arts. p. 8 -- Freshman Solomon Puckett sings to the audience during a performance of “Spring Awakening” on Feb. 21. Puckett is currently pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering with a minor in French. p. 8 -- Student actors perform together at the beginning of "Spring Awakening" on Feb. 21. The group sang "Mama Who Bore Me (Reprise)." p. 8 -- Senior Kaete Mokrynski and freshmen Hayley Loya and Gabe Cornwell speak in character on stage. The performance was put on by the School of Performing Arts. p. 8 -- Freshman Ava Rivera sings to the crowd on Feb. 21. The School of Performing Arts performed "Spring Awakening," a coming-of-age rock musical, in Wilner Auditorium from Feb. 20-22. p. 8 -- The cast of “Spring Awakening” come together to perform the final musical number of the show on Feb. 21. “Spring Awakening” was written by Steven Sater, with music by Duncan Sheik. p.
Effects of pre-course simulation on second year PT students self-confidence and self-assessment
No full textPresented to the 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 11, 2025.Research completed in the Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions.INTRODUCTION: Simulation-based learning has become an integral component of physical therapy (PT) education, offering students the opportunity to practice clinical skills in a safe environment. Literature supports the idea that simulation experiences, if well designed, can significantly boost PT students’ self-confidence. In addition, simulation-based education (SBE) has demonstrated a significant positive effect on student self-efficacy across clinical scenarios. Adding self-assessment into simulation experiences may enhance PT students’ competence and promote improved self-directed learning.
PURPOSE: The purpose of our study is to examine the impact of pre-course simulations on second-year PT students' self-confidence and self-assessment in treating neurological patients in the simulation environment. We will explore the themes identified in their self-perceived strengths and weaknesses, and the impact on learning the course content at improving self-confidence on the midterm simulation. The findings of this study will demonstrate the benefits of pre-course simulation reflection for areas of focus for learning and their confidence during the mid-term simulation.
METHODS: The group used for this mixed method study included 34 second-year PT students enrolled in Neuromuscular Interventions II. The students were randomly assigned to four neurological case simulations: spinal cord injury (SCI), cerebrovascular accident (CVA), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and vestibular. All students completed the Student Satisfaction and Self-Confidence in Learning Survey (SSCL) with a section for their self-perceived strengths and weaknesses. For five weeks following the simulations, students completed didactic work on spinal cord injuries and repeated the simulations. Quantitative data was collected from comparing the students who played the role of the PT in the pre-course SCI simulation with students who observed. A grounded theory approach with predetermined codes was used to identify themes in the data collected of the self-perceived strengths and weaknesses. A model of the process of improving self-confidence and learning outcomes was developed.
RESULTS: Our study found that over 80 percent of our participants improved from their pre to post scores in self-satisfaction and self-confidence on the SSCL. Qualitatively the survey revealed themes related to communication, clinical decision making, patient management, and safety. On a scale of 0-5, most students ranked pre-course simulations 4-5 as helping them focus better on learning course content and performing a summative simulation.
CONCLUSION: Pre-course simulations positively impact learning and performance. These simulations enhance self-confidence and self-awareness by allowing students to identify their strengths and weaknesses prior to learning course content. While pre-course simulations are not well established in SBE, they may serve as a valuable tool to improve self-directed learning and clinical competence. We found that reflection on simulation strengths and weaknesses prior to 5-weeks of course content increased the student’s capacity. Additionally, we found that students’ Clinical Decision Making significantly decreased as a weakness and increased as a strength from pre to post. Contrarily, Patient Management skills significantly increased as a weakness from pre to post course content. We suspect this is due to an increase in self-awareness of weaknesses and understanding of potential complications with SCI patients as learned through the course content.Graduate School, Academic Affairs, University Librarie
Ground stone artifacts and fire-cracked rock from Etzanoa (14CO3)
No full textPresented to the 21st Annual Symposium on Graduate Research and Scholarly Projects (GRASP) held at the Rhatigan Student Center, Wichita State University, April 11, 2025.Research completed in the Department of Anthropology, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.Etzanoa (14CO3) is an archaeological site located in the Lower Walnut Focus in the Great Bend Aspect in South Central Kansas, a once major center for residence and trade for Wichita speaking peoples between 1350 A.D. and 1750 A.D. The collection of artifacts excavated from the 2019-2022 Etzanoa field schools has provided a wealth of cultural material, including material evidence of ground stones and fire-cracked rock used, creating the question: how does the distribution and prevalence of these artifacts assist in evidencing the food pathways of Wichita peoples who occupied this site? Based on the ground stones, fire-cracked rocks, and the fragments thereof recovered, it is to be interpreted the degree to which peoples occupying the area were subsisting off bison and maize and horticultural production. The artifacts of this topic from this collection are to be categorized, cleaned, analyzed, documented, and subsequently preserved for the study of the material culture of the site. From the general analysis, in tandem with a reflection on their spatial distribution as per the excavation, a sample size to be determined will be drawn from the artifacts to analyze their use-wear patterns and wear-damage level to better understand their relevance in their temporal and spatial context. Evidence of their usage found will be congruent with the current understanding that this site was a major center for both bison and horticultural products production. Data from these artifacts will be used to supplement the continued framing in understanding what life was like for the Wichita peoples living in this hub.Graduate School, Academic Affairs, University Librarie
Improved hip flexibility and gluteal function following a daily lunge-and-reach stretching intervention
No full textThis is an open access article under the CC BY license.Background A sedentary lifestyle contributes to hip flexor tightness. Some evidence suggests that tight hip flexors may contribute to impairments in gluteal function. Purpose The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a daily lunge-and-reach stretching program on hip flexor length and gluteus maximus strength, power, and endurance in healthy college-aged adults. Study Design Cohort Study Methods Twenty-three participants with hip flexor tightness (15 females, 8 males; average age 24.0 ± 2.58 years) totaling 46 limbs were tested. Twelve participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group, while the remaining eleven were placed in the control group. Hip flexor length was measured with the Modified Thomas Test using an inclinometer. Gluteal power was measured on each lower extremity using a single-leg broad jump for distance with a tape measure. Gluteal strength was measured with prone hip extension using a handheld dynamometer and luggage scale. Gluteal endurance was measured with a single-leg bridge using a stopwatch. Participants in the intervention group performed five minutes of a lunge-and-reach stretch daily for six weeks. Results Statistically significant changes were found for the Modified Thomas Test (mean change 5.92 ± 3.73 deg, p=0.01) and single-leg broad jump for distance (mean change 12.39 ± 11.23 cm, p=0.02) for the intervention group. No significant change was found for gluteal strength or single-leg bridge endurance (p=0.23 and p=0.26, respectively) for the intervention group. All measurements demonstrated high reliability (ICC=0.92-0.99). Conclusion These results suggest that the lunge-and-reach stretch can be used to improve hip flexor length and gluteal power in a young, healthy population. Clinicians, coaches, and athletes may find these improvements beneficial for rehabilitation or performance. © The Author(s)
Triaixial overbraiding of complex composite structures using melt-out mandrels
No full textClick on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).A serpentine inlet duct for a 30-foot unmanned combat aircraft was designed as part of the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL)-funded Manufacturing for Affordable Sustainable Composites (MASC) program at Wichita State University (WSU). This manufacturing demonstrator aimed to develop a cost model based on manufacturing data, including various materials, processes, and assembly methods. The goal was to enable the industry to leverage this information for on-demand, flexible manufacturing and assembly of composite structures tailored to specific volume, cost, weight, and mission requirements. The inlet duct’s complex curvature necessitated a novel manufacturing approach. Automated tape-laying for tow placement was constrained by the part's minimum radius of curvature, and hand placement of prepreg would have led to excessive cutting and splicing. To address this challenge, the overbraiding technology developed by A&P Technology in Cincinnati, Ohio was employed to demonstrate high-rate production for this aircraft component. The demonstrator inlet duct measures approximately eight feet in length, with perimeters ranging from 56.5 to 96.6 inches. The melt-out mandrel for the tool was created using Fiber Dynamics' Lost Core Tooling System. A&P Technology then used this system to overbraid five layers of triaxial braid at a constant thickness, achieving bias angle changes along the part's length from ±55° to ±71°. The process was executed without any cuts or splices, and the precise control of fiber angles ensured consistently high part-to-part repeatability. These research findings will provide valuable insights for the design, manufacturing, and certification of over-braided structures for complex geometries. © 2025 Soc. for the Advancement of Material and Process Engineering. All rights reserved.Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRL, (FA8650-19-C-5212); Air Force Research Laboratory, AFRLThis research program was supported under Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL): Manufacturing for Affordable Sustainable Composites (MASC) - Contract No. FA8650-19-C-5212. The authors would like to thank AFRL program manager Dr. David Mollenhauer for his support and technical guidance during research activities. In addition, the guidance from all MASC industry partners is greatly appreciated. Facts and opinions are solely the personal statements of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of the sponsoring agency
Smart monitoring and control systems for hydrogen fuel cells using AI
No full textThis is an open access article under the CC BY license.Hydrogen fuel cells (HFCs) are increasingly recognized as a vital technology for achieving global sustainability, yet their widespread adoption is hindered by challenges related to safety, reliability, and maintenance. This paper presents a comprehensive review of the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the monitoring, control, and predictive maintenance of HFCs. Existing methods for HFC monitoring often fail to address the dynamic and complex operational challenges posed by varying conditions such as temperature, pressure, and fuel quality, leading to inefficiencies in fault detection, safety assurance, and operational optimization. An analysis of recent advancements reveals key areas where AI methods, including machine learning (ML) and Internet of Things (IoT) integration, have demonstrated the potential to enhance fault diagnostics, predict remaining useful life (RUL), and ensure real-time health monitoring of HFCs. Literature survey suggests that although several AI and ML models have been developed to swiftly predict some of the safety-related parameters for HFCs, the scarcity of HFC-related accidents and the consequent lack of data poses challenges for real-world development of safety protocols, including risk assessment, incorporating these AI models. Consequently, this review proposes strategies to address these limitations and provides a strategic roadmap for navigating complexities, exploiting opportunities, and collectively advancing AI-enhanced HFC technology. © 2025 The Author
The Sunflower, v.129, no.23 (March 27, 2025)
No full textArticle(s): Running through records: Softball loses 19-16 barnburner against No. 2 Oklahoma -- Wichita State complies with federal anti-DEI initiative -- Handpan Dan 'transports the mind' for patients in Wichita -- 'We're lucky': Ablah faces unknown timeline for restoration following flood -- What investigators have released so far about the crash of Flight 5342 -- Men's basketball's Quincy Ballard, Yanis Bamba enter transfer portal -- How women's bowling pulled off improbable comeback to win conference tournament -- The Petals bloom: The band, formed by WSU graduate students, played at Kirby's on Saturday. -- Wichita State's talent returns to the stage for a second year -- 'The Consul' reflects political climate in timely, operatic fashion -- An 'easy pet' does not exist -- Director of WSU's 'Spring Awakening' responds to The Sunflower review -- Flower power - 'Everyone and anyone deserves flowers': Bouquet-making event aims to foster community for Women's History MonthPhotograph(s): Taylor Sedlacek and Camryn Compton hug after Sedlacek scored a run against Oklahoma. WSU lost a thriller, 19-16. p. 1 -- Fans in Wilkins Stadium celebrate WSU's first home run during the game against No. 2 Oklahoma. The game set a new attendance record at 1,245. p. 1 -- Camryn Compton is forced out at second base to end the game on March 26. Wichita State went scoreless in the seventh to end the upset bid. p. 1 -- Daniel Baird shows off his handpan before performing for the patients of Homestead of Wichita. Baird played songs like "Home on the Range," "You Are My Sunshine" and "Can't Help Falling in Love." p. 1 -- Carpet in Ablah Library is soaked with water following a bathroom leak. p. 2 -- The ground floor of Ablah Library. Dean of University Libraries Brent Mai said in an email that the water reached 4 inches. p. 2 -- The lower level of Ablah library after most of the carpet was removed due to flooding. p. 2 -- A map visualizing the route of Flight 5342 and the helicopter, which was included in the report. p. 2 -- Quincy Ballard loses possession of the ball in the second half against Oklahoma State. p. 3 -- Wichita State women's bowling celebrates after winning the Conference USA Championship. p. 3 -- Jack Anderson and Emmalie Myers jam out at Kirby's on Saturday evening. The Petals were joined by three other bands that night: The Stroppers, Bad Self Portraits, and Jesus Christ Taxi Driver. The Petals were the only local band that night. p. 4 -- Emmalie Myers blows gum while playing bass at Kirby's on Saturday evening. The wall behind the band is decorated in a collage of band posters and show notices clamoring for space. p. 4 -- Jack Anderson, who plays drums, guitar and bass for The Petals, sings at Kirby's. Anderson, alongside Kyle Hall, another member of The Petals, is a graduate student at WSU. p. 4 -- Portrait of Piper Pinnetti, opinion editor. p. 5 -- Illustration of a sad pet fish. p. 5 -- Freshman Yadira Cruz-Diaz smiles at her finished bouquet during the social. The event took place in the RSC's Pike Room on Tuesday, March 25, from 2 to 4 p.m., with the Ambassadors for Diversity and Inclusion (ADI) providing all bouquet-making materials along with yogurt parfaits. p. 6 -- WSU's ADI hosted a bouquet-making social for students on Tuesday, March 25. p. 6 -- A table full of WSU students enjoy yogurt parfaits and make flower bouquets at the ADI social. The event took place on the second floor of the Rhatigan Student Center on Tuesday. p. 6 -- ADI celebrated Women's History Month with three events, including a women's shelter clothing drive, a Walk in Her Shoes event and a bouquet-making social. Each event aimed to foster community, awareness and appreciation for women's contributions and experiences. p. 6 -- A WSU student reads bouquet-making instructions at the ADI social event. "We all thought the idea was simple but still a cute and fun way to celebrate women and bring everyone together," ADI President Amy Nguyen said. p.
From Supremacy to inclusiveness: A transformation model to guide a mainly white university to become a latine research serving institution
No full textClick on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).There is an indication that Western, Educated, Industrialized, Rich, and Democratic (WEIRD) concepts dominate the discourse regarding what research and knowledge should be about, not including all that is known about all people. These conceptions about research and knowledge are problematic since they perpetuate Western societies' ideas that undermine diversity, inclusion, and the development of critical thinking within academic spaces. We developed a decolonization model to engage a midsized university in the decolonization of all aspects of academia that include students, curriculum, faculty, administration, and the community. The model uses the work of Enriquez (1994), Martin-Baro and Laenui (2000) as a framework to decolonize academic curriculums—integrating the liberation psychology wheel to move policies and the strategic plan in the journey toward a decolonized Latine Research Serving Institutions. © Journal of Underrepresented and Minority Progress
Micro-Xray Tomography based pore-scale simulation of additively manufactured wicks
No full textClick on the DOI link to access this article at the publishers website (may not be free).Recent technological advancements in additive manufacturing (AM) offer the design flexibility of desired wick structures for high heat flux cooling systems for miniaturized electronic, thermoelectric power, and space systems, to name a few. Despite the successful experimental demonstration of the AM wicks, the accurate predictions of key thermophysical properties are far behind, mainly due to non-uniform pore structures. In this study, a micro-Xray computed tomography (μCT)-based computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is developed to accurately predict permeability. To develop the pore-scale simulation approach, an AM wick was fabricated and approximately 2,000 tomographic images were generated using the voxel size of ∼ 0.6 μm. The images are processed and the reconstructed model is imported into an open-source CFD code, i.e., OpenFOAM. The predicted porosity and permeability are compared with the experimental results. To predict permeability, the simpleFOAM solver was used for laminar flow simulation under small pressure gradient and symmetric boundary conditions at ambient temperature, followed by Darcy's law for the permeability calculation. The predicted permeability in the z-direction showed 2.24 × 10–12 m2, which agrees reasonably with the experimental results (1.25 × 10–12 m2). The permeability was also estimated using the Carman-Kozeny relation (2.13 × 10–13 m2), which underpredicts both CFD and experimental results. The results obtained provide insights into the tailored heat and mass transfer of the AM wicks for optimal wick designs and AM process map. © 2025 Elsevier LtdNational Aeronautics and Space Administration, NASA; College of Engineering, University of Arkansas; Wichita State University; National Science Foundation, NSF, (OIA-1929187); National Science Foundation, NSFThis work is financially supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), Award No. OIA-1929187 and the Wichita State University Convergence Sciences Initiative Program. This work is also financially supported by the College of Engineering, Wichita State University. Part of this work was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The authors would like to thank Robin White for their exceptional micro-CT work and file preparation