2019 Research Showcase by UGA College of Engineering

RESEARCH SHOWCASE 2019 FEBRUARY 22, 2019 | 2:00 P.M. | PAUL D. COVERDELL CENTER

OUR COMMITMENT:

Research that changes lives On behalf of the College of Engineering, I want to welcome you to the 2019 College of Engineering Research Showcase. As Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies, I have the distinct pleasure of seeing every day the full range and impact of the transformative research in which the faculty and students of the College of Engineering engage. Our Research Showcase offers an opportunity to learn about these exciting contributions firsthand from the students that are making them. These research projects advance discovery, innovation, and learning through collaborations across campus and around the world. While tremendously diverse, they all have one key element in common. They all seek engineering solutions through a convergence of disciplines that contribute to addressing the challenges of our time and improving the quality of life for us all. I hope you enjoy exploring this exciting work at the Showcase and that your exploration sparks rich new conversations and collaborations.

Lawrence Hornak, Ph.D. Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Engineered Matrices for Studying the Effects of Tissue Stiffness on Breast Cancer Metastasis Jenna Alsaleh Faculty Mentor: Cheryl Gomillion, Ph.D. Breast cancer metastasis can be detrimental for breast cancer patient outcomes. Metastatic breast cancers have been shown to preferentially spread to bone. Currently, the mechanisms by which cancer can bypass bone tissue defenses, invade the tissue, and proliferate once settled are unknown. To develop more effective therapeutics, it is essential to understand this process. Studies have suggested that tissue stiffness is one factor directly correlated with breast cancerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to spread or metastasize. Therefore, the objective of this work was to create an in vitro tissue model mimicking the microenvironment and stiffness properties of both normal and cancerous breast tissues by using chitosan (CH) and chitosan-gelatin (CH-Gel) hydrogel scaffolds with tunable stiffness.

Structural Behavior of Tl-4 Recycled Tire Chip and Fiber Reinforced Concrete Single Slope Barriers Grace Darling Faculty Mentor: Stephan Durham, Ph.D. Concrete median barriers (CMBs) are installed to decrease the overall severity of traffic accidents by producing higher vehicle decelerations. Due to these rigid systems having a higher stiffness than other barrier systems, such as guardrails and cable barriers, impacts with CMBs have a tendency to be more severe.vThis study investigates the use of fiber reinforced rubberized CMBs in dissipating the impact energy to improve driver safety involved in crashed vehicles.

Liquid-infused, nitric oxide releasing silicone for decreased fouling, thrombosis, and infection of medical devices Ryan Devine Faculty Mentor: Hitesh Handa, Ph.D. Recent reports on liquid-infused materials have shown promise in creating ultra-low fouling surfaces, but are limited in their ability to prevent bacterial proliferation and prevent platelet activation in blood contacting applications. In this work, a liquid-infused nitric oxide-releasing (LINORel) material is created by incorporating the nitric oxide (NO) donor S-nitroso-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP) and silicone oil in commercial medical grade silicone rubber tubing through a solvent swelling process. Overall, the LINORel approach provides a synergistic combination of active and passive non-fouling approaches to increase biocompatibility and reduce infection associated with medical devices.

Development of Asset Management Programs for Small and Large Scale Cities Caroline Dickey Faculty Mentor: Stephan Durham, Ph.D. Asset management is a major problem for local governments in the United States. As infrastructure ages, it becomes more difficult to maintain, especially when a majority of the focus for funding and attention when it comes to infrastructure is on new projects. This project will examine local governments in Georgia and their infrastructure management programs or partial programs. The focus will largely be on small municipalities as research on how the size of a municipality affects asset management is limited.

High Content Imaging to Asses MSC Potency on Layer-by-Layer Surfaces Bobby Leitmann Faculty Mentor: Luke Mortensen, Ph.D. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) show promise as a cell therapy for immune diseases, but have failed to translate due to lack of critical quality attributes. Here we aim to characterize morphological signatures and layer-by-layer growth surfaces that are indicative of immune potency. We were able to identify distinct morphological signatures of MSCs for each growth surface condition. Further studies will investigate the immune potency based on surface condition. Success could result in a cell manufacturing strategy that allows for inline assessment and modulation of MSCs.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Fabrication and Characterization of Pectin Microcarriers for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Expansion Morgan Mantay, Juliane Webb Faculty Mentor: Cheryl Gomillion, Ph.D. Scaffolds in the forms of microcarriers (i.e., microbeads or microspheres) are often used as cellular supports for cell expansion. In the case of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), an appropriate microcarrier should support cell expansion, while maintaining the advantageous properties of MSCs, including potency, self-renewal, and differentiation potential. The purpose of this study was to develop a pectin/gelatin composite for forming microspheres. Resulting microspheres were evaluated to assess size, degradation time, and ability to support anchorage-dependent stem cell expansion.

Graph Based In Silico Binding Site Prediction Jackson Parker, Godfrey Hendrix Faculty Mentor: Zhong-Ru Xie, Ph.D. This project’s primary goal is to create a versatile and accurate binding site prediction method to help with in silico target protein analysis and drug discovery processes. To allow for high throughput analysis, all the main algorithms of this pipeline are GPU accelerated using Nvidia’s™ CUDA framework. With the average time to process one protein being less than 10 seconds, thousands of proteins can be analysed in a matter of hours rather than days or weeks.

Analytical Investigation of Skewed Bridge Decks Chnar Solae Faculty Mentor: Mi Geum Chorzepa, Ph.D. Skewed bridges are commonly used to cross roadways, waterways, or railways that are not perpendicular to the bridge at the intersection. Despite their crucial functionality, a large number of cracks have been discovered on skewed bridge decks. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the possible factors affecting these crackings and searches for the best available solutions to alleviate or eliminate the occurrence of these crackings. For achieving the attempted purpose, a nonlinear finite element analysis software program (DIANA) is used in this project to model a skewed bridge deck and evaluate the thermal and mechanical stresses that are developing in the deck.

Investigation of the use of waste rubber powder and recycled steel fibers in concrete to improve impact resistance Steven Tate Faculty Mentor: Stephan Durham, Ph.D. This project seeks to investigate the potential use of recycled powder rubber and recycled steel fibers, obtained from the processing of waste tires, in concrete. Fresh concrete properties, such as slump, unit weight, and air content will be measured, as well as hardened concrete properties, such as compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and impact resistance. Recommendations for potential uses of this concrete will be proposed at the conclusion of this investigation.

Effect of mutations in citrate synthase on acetate flux in Escherichia coli Tovilla Coutino Diana Brisbane Faculty Mentor: Mark Eiteman, Ph.D. Microbially-derived biochemicals are generated using living cells in fermentation processes as a legitimate alternative to replace traditional petrochemical-based processes. Microbial approaches present certain constraints: they must balance cellular demands for energy and biomass with flux to the target product. I am currently studying a method to accumulate intracellular acetyl-CoA, which is a precursor for many industrially relevant compounds. Acetic acid will be the target product, and the amount generated will indicate the quantity of acetyl-CoA accumulated. The objective is to decrease the metabolism of acetyl-CoA by the enzymes which compete with the pathway toward this target product. The results obtained here will provide insights to improve the production of compounds derived from acetylCoA for future studies.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Deep GPR road scan Ahmad Abdelmawla Faculty Mentor: Sung-Hee “Sonny” Kim, Ph.D. Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) is a geophysical method that uses radar pulses to image the subsurface. This nondestructive method uses electromagnetic radiation, and detects the reflected signals from subsurface structures. GPR can have applications in a variety of media, including rock, soil, ice, fresh water, pavements and structures. In the right conditions, practitioners can use GPR to detect subsurface objects, changes in material properties, and voids and cracks.

Impedimetric Biosensor for Detection of miRNA Hamid Asadi Faculty Mentor: Ramaraja Ramasamy, Ph.D. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been recently regarded as clinically important biomarkers for early cancer diagnostic. Conventional methods of miRNA detection have some limitations: requiring large amount of sample input, expensive instrumentation, and long analysis time. To address these shortcomings as well as providing multiplexing capability, selectivity, and real-time measurement different types of cancer biosensors have been developed. Among them electrochemical biosensors have shown great promise for this application due to their high sensitivity, specificity, cost-effectiveness, and compatibility with the miniaturization. A label-free and ultrasensitive impedimetric biosensor for miRNA detection is reported in this study.

The Molecular Weights of Light-absorbing Organic Aerosols of Different Optical Properties and Volatility Khairallah Atwi, Omar El Hajj Faculty Mentor: Rawad Saleh, Ph.D. Brown carbon particles produced in incomplete combustion have a wide range of light-absorption properties. We have directly investigated the relation between their light-absorption properties and molecular weight and volatility. In controlled combustion experiments, BrC particles were collected on Teflon filters for offline analysis using laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass-spectrometry (LDI-TOF-MS). Those measurements were also performed after heating the emissions in a thermodenuder to correlate volatility, light-absorption properties, and molecular weights.

SGLT2 Inhibition Is Predicted to Reduce LV End Diastolic Pressure: A Mathematical Modeling Analysis Sanchita Basu Faculty Mentor: Melissa K. Hallow, Ph.D. In the recent cardiovascular outcomes trials, Sodium Glucose Cotransporter-2 Inhibitors (SGLT2i) were shown to reduce heart failure hospitalization, but the mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. While SGLT2i’s direct mechanism of action is in the kidney, the consequences of its renal mechanisms may indirectly induce changes that improve cardiac hemodynamics. We sought to use a mathematical modeling approach to predict the effect of SGLT2i on cardiac hemodynamics in healthy and diabetic virtual subjects.

Flow-Plate Cell Separation via Elastic Properties Matthew Becton Faculty Mentor: X.Q. Wang, Ph.D. and Rodney Averett, Ph.D. Medical studies have consistently shown that the best defense against cancer is early detection. Due to this, many efforts have been made to develop methods of screening patient blood quickly and cheaply. These methods range from separation via differences in size, electrostatic potential, chemical potential, antibody-binding affinity, among others. We propose a method of separating cells which have similar size and outer coatings, but which differ in their elastic properties. Such a method would be useful in detecting cancerous cells, which may have similar properties to leukocytes or erythrocytes but differ in their stiffness and deformation response.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Model-Based Evaluation of Proximal Sodium Reabsorption Through SGLT2 in Health and Diabetes and the Effect of Inhibition With Canagliflozin Jessica Brady Faculty Mentor: Melissa K. Hallow, Ph.D. Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce glucose levels in diabetes by inhibiting renal glucose reabsorption in the proximal tubule (PT), resulting in urinary glucose excretion. A recent large cardiovascular outcomes trial suggested that the SGLT2i empagliflozin may also decrease risk of renal dysfunction. Because sodium (Na) and glucose reabsorption are coupled through SGLT2, it is hypothesized that the renal benefits may be derived from lowering Na reabsorption in the PT, which would lead to favorable renal hemodynamic changes. However, the quantitative contribution of SGLT2 to PT Na reabsorption, as well as the differences between healthy and diabetic subjects, and the impact of SGLT2i on PT Na reabsorption are unknown. In this study we extended an existing mathematical model of glucose dynamics to account for renal glucose filtration and excretion.

Biodegradable Aqueous Dispersions for Paperboard Coatings Jessica Bramhall Faculty Mentor: Jason Locklin, Ph.D. Recent studies show an estimated 8-12.7 million metric tons of plastic enter the ocean each year, creating toxic and uninhabitable environments for all living organisms. To help stop this global epidemic, end of life analysis and alternatives to traditional plastics must be investigated and implemented. Biodegradable aqueous coatings offer a promising alternative to traditional polyethylene-based extrusion coatings and can help reduce the amount of plastic microparticles found in the marine environments. Herein we explore the use of biodegradable polyesters in aqueous dispersion coatings and their effectiveness in providing barrier and sealing properties necessary for paperboard and packaging applications.

The Chinese import ban and its impact on global plastic waste trade Amy Brooks Faculty Mentor: Jenna Jambeck, Ph.D. The rapid growth of the use and disposal of plastic materials has proved to be a challenge for solid waste management systems with impacts on our environment and ocean. While recycling and the circular economy have been touted as potential solutions, upward of half of the plastic waste intended for recycling has been exported to hundreds of countries around the world. China, which has imported a cumulative 45% of plastic waste since 1992, recently implemented a new policy banning the importation of most plastic waste, begging the question of where the plastic waste will go now. As 89% of historical exports consist of polymer groups often used in single-use plastic food packaging (polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate), bold global ideas and actions for reducing quantities of nonrecyclable materials, redesigning products, and funding domestic plastic waste management are needed.

Catalyzed Nitric Oxide Release Via Cu Nanoparticles Leads to Increase in Antimicrobial Effects and Hemocompatibility for Short Term Extracorporeal Circulation Megan Douglass Faculty Mentor: Hitesh Handa, Ph.D. Despite the clinical success and frequency of extracorporeal circulation (ECC), devices used for ECC are still met with two major medical concerns: thrombosis and infection. Nitric oxide (NO) is an important signaling molecule for both the immune and cardiovascular systems. Therefore, NO donors have been incorporated into device coatings in order to reduce the risk of thrombosis and infection. However, the effectiveness of NO is dependent on the NO flux during the relevant application period. In this work, we report the effects of using copper nanoparticles (Cu NP) as an antimicrobial and catalyst on the endogenous NO donor S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO) in a coating applied to ECC loops to reduce viability of adhered bacteria and overall clot formation.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Cholesterol Strengthens Lipid Bilayers Lateral Stability as Observed Through Tensiometry and Electrocompression Joyce El Beyrouthy Faculty Mentor: Eric Freeman, Ph.D. Cholesterol is a sterol that is naturally present in biological cell membranes, as it is responsible for multiple membrane functionalities and structures. Cholesterol’s impact on cell membranes has been studied in laboratories through its integration in phospholipid double layers, which allow for the simple yet controllable study of cell membranes. This work focuses on the effect of cholesterol on interfacial tensions, as well as on lipid bilayer structure and mechanics. With this aim in mind, the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) technique was adopted as a platform for the formation of stable, purely fluidic and electro-mechanically responsive lipid bilayers.

Regional Climate Impacts of Particulate Emissions from Gasoline Direct-Injection (GDI) Vehicles Soroush Esmaeili Neyestani Faculty Mentor: Rawad Saleh, Ph.D. Gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engines employed in light-duty gasoline vehicles have better fuel efficiency than the traditional port-fuel injection (PFI) engines. However, recent studies have shown that while GDI engines reduce CO2 emissions, they result in a considerable increase in PM emissions, especially black carbon (BC). BC is a strong absorber of solar radiation and thus has a warming effect on climate. Therefore, the increase in BC emissions can counterbalance the climate benefit from reduction in CO2 emissions. In this study, we aim to investigate the regionalclimate impacts of the increase in BC emissions due to the proliferation of GDI vehicles in the United States.

Translational Research in Biomedical Engineering: From Bench-top to Bed-side Lori Estes, Mark Garren Faculty Mentor: Hitesh Handa, Ph.D. The Handa Biomaterials Research Lab is committed to developing biocompatible coatings for medical devices through highly translational and interdisciplinary research. The CDC estimates that 1.7 million hospital-associated infections cause up to 99,000 deaths each year. This consequently leads to $28-$45 billion per year in associated costs. Our novel materials are designed to decrease morbidity, mortality, and hospitalization costs associated with medical devices by reducing fouling, thrombosis, and infection.

Exposure of nearshore organisms to climate stressors in the upwelling region of Monterey Bay Matheus Fagundes, Sorush Omidvar Faculty Mentor: C. Brock Woodson, Ph.D. Currently, global climate models are used to predict future conditions at relatively large spatial scales and these predictions are used in laboratory experiments to assess how nearshore ecosystems will respond to future change. However, nearshore ecosystems are affected by a range of processes such as tides, local winds, internal and surface waves, that cause variability in climate stressors that can be greater than the change predicted by global climate models. We used a 2D implementation of the Regional Ocean Modeling System (ROMS) to downscale global climate predictions to the scale of a local reef for all Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) scenarios.

Best Management Practices for Post-construction Restoration of Rights-of-way in Saltwater Marshes, Estuaries and Other Tidally Influenced Areas Iman Salehihikouei, Katy House Faculty Mentor: Sung-Hee “Sonny” Kim, Ph.D. Influences from tidal flooding and freshwater inundation from upland watersheds creates an environmentally and ecologically significant biome as saltwater marsh along coastlines. Salt-water marshes are adversely impacted and threatened by sea-level rise and land-use change. Any serious action exploring the prevention or restoration practice of saltwater marshes require well-established databases characterizing these coastal areas based on vegetation, soil, and water. This study uses field-based experiments in order to characterize the native halophytic species and porewater properties.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Quantifying pollutant loading from channel sources: Watershed-scale application of the River Erosion Model Roderick Lammers Faculty Mentor: Brian Bledsoe, Ph.D. Phosphorus and fine sediment pollution are primary causes of water quality degradation. Streambank erosion is a potentially significant source of fine sediment and particulate phosphorus to watersheds, but it remains difficult to quantify the magnitude of this loading. A new, easily applied, watershed scale model was used to simulate the potential for future phosphorus and sediment loading from channel erosion in two watersheds: Big Dry Creek, Colorado and Lick Creek, North Carolina. This new modeling approach is useful for estimating historic and future phosphorus and sediment loading from channel erosion.

Imaging neural activity in zebrafish larvae with adaptive optics and structured illumination light sheet microscopy Yang Liu Faculty Mentor: Peter Kner, Ph.D. Zebrafish are an important vertebrate model used to view the mechanisms underlying seizure disorders. Due to their relatively small size and transparency, larval zebrafish are an excellent model through which to view the occurence of seizure-like neural activity using light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). Although LSFM possesses good optical sectioning capability and high speed, the resolution and contrast degrade as the imaging plane is moved deeper into the sample due to refractive index variations. We have developed a system that combines a structured illumination light sheet microscope with adaptive optics in the emission path to correct optical aberrations and increase the resolution when imaging deep into the sample.

Reverse docking and virtual drug design Lei Lou, Lauren Wilson Faculty Mentor: Zhong-Ru Xie, Ph.D. Ligand docking is a computational method which was used to achieve many goals. Here we used it as a tool to identify the drug target and reveal specific interactions between the ligand and the protein complex. This project started with a medical research about 2 drugs, LG1980, and GH501 which was designed to cure cancer. However, it has some significant restrictions such as bad IC50 and EC50, and their mechanisms still remained unknown, which really obstructed the subsequent researches like drug chemical function analysis and drug structure modification. Here we applied molecule docking to help contribute to the research. We identified several possible targets for GH501, and our docking scores and MM-GBSA scores were used to support our theories that how this drug can inhibit prostate cancer.

Magnetically-Driven and Light-Sensitive Bilayer-Based Soft Material Michelle Makhoul-Mansour Faculty Mentor: Eric Freeman, Ph.D. Droplet Interface Bilayer (DIB) networks have been recently used for the construction of membrane-based adaptive microstructures owing to their durability, low material consumption and ease of implementation. A downside of this approach is that the transport is then enabled in all directions stemming outwards from the droplet, leading to diffusive bleeding and loss of diffusive control. To rectify this shortcoming, photopolymerizable phospholipids (23:2 DiynePC) are incorporated within the aqueous phase of the droplet interface bilayer (DIB) platform for the formation of conductive pathways within 2D bilayer structures. This study shows that the incorporation of polymerizable phospholipids within the aqueous phase of the DIB platform allows for the creation of droplet networks with lightpatterned diffusive highways for exchange.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Gasotransmitter Delivery Platform: Mammalian Cell Response Towards Hydrogen Sulfide Releasing Composite Arnab Mondal Faculty Mentor: Hitesh Handa, Ph.D. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an endogenous gasotransmitter in the human body involved with various physiological functions. Discovery of its endogenous role has opened up a whole new avenue of research activity to synthesize and utilize exogenous H2S donors in biomedical and tissue engineering applications. One of the major challenges, however, is the delivery of the gasotransmitter through a suitable polymeric platform that would not compromise the normal cellular functions of the host. In this work, we have fabricated an exogenous H2S delivery system by integrating sodium sulfide (Na2S), a common H2S donor, into a medical grade thermoplastic silicone-polycarbonateurethane polymer, Carbosil 2080A.

Assessment of Bridge Health Index based on Element-based Inspections O. Brian Oyegbile Faculty Mentor: Mi Geum Chorzepa, Ph.D. Limited element-based bridge inspection record has been identified as one of the major obstacles to successful implementation of nonlinear optimization-based algorithms for estimating Markov transition probability matrix, which may lead to invalid future prediction of bridge health index (MHI). In this study, age-bin based technique utilizing calibrated optimistic multilinear health index coefficients is proposed to overcome the above limitations. The computed MHI also reflects the more profound influences of upper condition states on the long-term performance of bridges in Georgia.

Design, simulation, and prototype testing of the 13C optimized high-temperature superconducting NMR probe at 21.1 T Omid Sanati Faculty Mentor: Arthur Edison, Ph.D. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) is used for molecular structure identification applications by recognizing the resonances of specific atoms. The requirement for extracting clear NMR data became important in the complex molecular structures because of the advances in the metabolomics and biological molecules. 13C NMR is very attractive because of its unique benefits compare to proton NMR in these areas, but it also suffers from the natural insensitivity of 13C detection. One way to address this is to design sensitive probes. In this study, simulation, design and prototype testing of the high sensitivity 13C optimized probe are proposed.

In vivo and In vitro characterization of antithrombotic and antimicrobial vascular catheters

Priyadarshini Singha Faculty Mentor: Hitesh Handa, Ph.D. The development of non-fouling and antimicrobial materials have shown great promise for reducing thrombosis and infection associated with medical devices with aims of improving device safety and decreasing the frequency of antibiotic administration. Here, the design of a non-fouling, antimicrobial, and antithrombotic vascular catheter is assessed in vivo over 7 d in a rabbit model. Antimicrobial and antithrombotic activity is achieved through the integration of a nitric oxide donor, while the non-fouling surface is achieved using a phosphorylcholine-based polyzwitterionic copolymer topcoat.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Enhancing Photo Current Generating Ability of Synechococcus elongatus PCC7942 Lacking Respiratory Terminal Oxidases Baviththira Suganthan Faculty Mentor: Ramaraja Ramasamy, Ph.D. Zebrafish are an important vertebrate model used to view the mechanisms underlying seizure disorders. Due to their relatively small size and transparency, larval zebrafish are an excellent model through which to view the occurence of seizure-like neural activity using light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM). Although LSFM possesses good optical sectioning capability and high speed, the resolution and contrast degrade as the imaging plane is moved deeper into the sample due to refractive index variations. We have developed a system that combines a structured illumination light sheet microscope with adaptive optics in the emission path to correct optical aberrations and increase the resolution when imaging deep into the sample.

Development of Equivalent Single Axle Load (ESAL) Factor using WIM data for Georgia Pavement Design Narges Tahaei Faculty Mentor: Sung-Hee “Sonny” Kim, Ph.D. Currently, the Georgia Department of Transportation’s (GDOT) pavement design procedure is based on the 1972 American Association of State Highways and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Interim Guide and 1981 AASHTO Rigid Pavement Design. In this procedure, a required structural number (SN) for flexible pavement and concrete thickness (D) for rigid pavement are estimated based on the pavement service life, the serviceability of the pavement, and the number of equivalent loads applied. The concept of equivalent single axle loads (ESALs) allows for the pavement designer to account for the damage caused by loads of varying magnitudes and axle configurations. The last updates of truck ESAL factors in Georgia were made in 1984. Therefore, there is a need to update ESAL factors using field measured actual traffic loading WIM data.

A Pilot Study of Automatic Drug Discovery Yifei Wu Faculty Mentor: Zhong-Ru Xie, Ph.D. Discovering a new drug is an urgent but time-consuming process. The application of in silico approaches could not only speed up the new drug discovery, but also collect important information. However, in most cases, in silico approaches played aided roles in the process. In this study, we propose an all-computational protocol integrating in silico approaches to simulate the entire drug discovery process from de novo protein structure prediction to drugprotein interaction disclosure. Human small conductance calcium-activated (SK2) ion channels, consisted of SK2 subunits and calmodulin molecules, are therapeutic targets for treatment of neuronal diseases, such as Parkinson’s and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We applied this protocol to simulate the current research on SK2 drug discovery and found it had well reproduced the results generated by bench experiments.

Stable Transition Between Remote Equilibria of Post-buckled Beams Using Piezoelectric Actuation Haning Xiu Faculty Mentor: R. Benjamin Davis, Ph.D. Externally loaded post-buckled structures can undergo dramatic snap-through instabilities, resulting in a loss of local stability and a violent jump to a remote stable equilibrium. Fracture or fatigue caused by snap-through is a concern in many engineered systems because of the large stress reversals involved. This work studies the extent to which the strategic actuation of two piezoelectric patches bonded to a clamped-clamped post-buckled beam can promote stable transitions between remote equilibria. The electromechanical system is modeled using elastica theory with new extensions to account for the influence of the piezoelectric circuit on the structure.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

Intelligent Power Electronics and Electric Machines Bowen Yang, Kun Hu, Jiabao Kou, Lulu Guo Faculty Mentor: Jin Ye, Ph.D. This presentation contains two parts of our research in the intellignet power electronics and electric machines laborotary. One is Mutually Coupled Switched Reluctance Machines, which focus on design and control of the MCSRM and its torque ripple and copper loss minimization. The other is Impact Analysis of Cyber Attacks on Electric Drive Systems, which is a branch of our research about motor network and focus on analyzing what impact will possibly appear in the electric drive system while there are some kind of cyber attack. The research is trying to get a deeper insight of the cyber attacks and related physical impact, and to prepare for further research like detection, diagnosis and defend strategies.

Nanocellulose based biocomposites for packaging applications Yargo Teixeira Gomes de Melo Faculty Mentor: Sudhagar Mani, Ph.D. Our research group is focused on developing nanocellulose based sustainable packaging materials for food, pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Cellulose is the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most abundant natural polymer that can be functionalized, formulated and engineered to replace almost of the fossil-derived materials in the world. The ongoing study is focused on developing nanocellulose based gas barrier composite films using nanocellulose and polyvinyl chloride (PVA) or Chitosan for packaging applications and to evaluate the physical, mechanical, tensile, tearing and gas barrier properties of films and to evaluate the biodegradability and life cycle environmental impacts of the new material.

Smart Connected Systems for Health and Energy Zhiwei Luo, Fangyu Li, Yang Shi, Maria Valero, Jose Clemente, Sili Wang Faculty Mentor: WenZhan Song, Ph.D. The purpose of this research is to connect Data, People, and Systems in a variety of areas of value to health and energy, such as networking, pervasive computing, advanced analytics, sensor integration, privacy and security, modeling of socio-behavioral and cognitive processes and system and process modeling. Effective solutions must satisfy a multitude of constraints arising from clinical/medical needs, barriers to change, heterogeneity of data, semantic mismatch and limitations of current cyber-physical systems and an aging population.

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

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CONNECT rigorous research to real world results. COMMIT to bringing theory into powerful practice. THE UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA Chartered by the state of Georgia in 1785, the University of Georgia is the birthplace of public higher education in America — launching our nation’s great tradition of world-class public education. What began as a commitment to inspire the next generation grows stronger today through global research, hands-on learning and extensive outreach. A top value in public higher education and research, the University of Georgia tackles the world’s grand challenges.

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UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING 2019 RESEARCH SHOWCASE

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