2022 College of Engineering and Science Design and Research Conference
Physics
Room 308.
| 1:00 p.m. |
An Investigation of Lead Shielding Calculation Methods for Medical ImagingTeam Member: Thomas Goldston Advisor: Dr. Neven Simicevic This project aims to investigate how lead shielding calculations are performed for medical imaging, and to provide a solution to problems medical physicists face when conducting a survey of an existing facility with lead already potentially installed. The main problem many medical physicists face in conducting these surveys is that the results of barrier transmission data calculations are not as precise as desired. My research has concluded this is due to a lack of fitting parameters for the equations used in these calculations that are specific to lead interaction with the radionuclides being used. My research aims to publish fitting parameters specific to the common radionuclides being used in these surveys. This will have vast improvements in radiation safety in medical imaging facilities. |
| 1:30 p.m. |
Rescuing the D0 ConejetsTeam Member: Benjamin Meleton Advisors: Dr. Lee Sawyer and Dr. Markus Wobisch Hadronic jet production rates in particle collisions depend on the details of the jet definition. A study is presented in which the difference of the jet cross-sections for two closely related cone jet algorithms is determined, the ”D0 Run II midpoint algorithm” and the ”SisCone algorithm.” The study is performed using the Monte Carlo event generator PYTHIA for the conditions of the inclusive jet cross-section measurement in Run II of the Fermilab Tevatron Collider in the D0 experiment. The results can be used to translate the D0 measurement from the infrared-unsafe midpoint algorithm to the safe SisCone jet algorithm. This will allow the use of the D0 data in future precision phenomenology. |
| 2:00 p.m. |
Flight Path Trajectory Optimization of Power Off 180° Accuracy ApproachesTeam Member: Ryan Walker Advisor: Mr. Jonathan Pearson The Power Off 180° Accuracy Approach is an energy management maneuver flown during pilot training. A MATLAB program is created which determines the optimum flight path trajectory to be flown and ensures the distance between a specified touchdown point and the actual touchdown point is minimized. The solution is a steady-state approach, using flight data from sawtooth descent tests at different flap settings. Performance effects due to wind, weight, and density altitude are considered. The optimized flight path is output as a Garmin flight plan file and loaded on the Garmin G1000 avionics in the aircraft. The implemented constraints comply with the Commercial Pilot Airmen Certification Standards and rules from the National Intercollegiate Flying Association. |