Additive manufacturing (AM) has surplus uses in industry and commercial applications. AM has allowed rapid prototyping, high customization and less waste than traditional manufacturing. This research explores the potential of combining different additive manufacturing methods to fabricate a composite that can house microsensors. These embedded sensors have many benefits, such as improved structural monitoring that can be used in airplanes' wings or rockets' materials without adding additional volume or distorting the finish of the material. By exploiting the strain gauges, the temperature and stress on the material can be The study proposes using ceramic-based AM to protect sensors from high temperatures in high-energy AM processes such as Selective Laser Sintering (SLS). In summary, the paper explores the integration of microsensors into materials using additive manufacturing, discusses challenges such as unwanted fracture and weakening of the strength of the material, proposes a protective method, and outlines the experimental approach. It emphasizes the potential impact of this technology on various industries and its advantages compared to smart composites.

Light curves, which represent the time-history of photometric brightness, have been shown to enable the estimation of various characteristics of spacecraft, Resident Space Objects (RSOs), and debris. Light curves can be used to characterize attitude, shape, surface roughness, size, surface materials, and angular rate. The primary objective of this research is to enhance the characterization of RSOs using both polarized and unpolarized light data. Despite the potential benefits, few studies have tackled the comprehensive challenge of simultaneously estimating multiple attributes of an RSO without relying on a priori information, such as an initial estimate or complete material composition. This study aims to utilize the systems engineering model to design, develop, and fabricate a telescope capable of tracking space objects with known characteristics to use as a scientific control to improve estimation methods. Both polarized and unpolarized light data will be collected to estimate characteristics. This research outlines the preliminary design of a modular polarized and unpolarized light collection telescope.

As our society becomes ever more dependent on disposable plastic products, plastic pollution has become one of the most prioritized challenges humanity has ever been forced to address. Over the course of 75 years from 1950 to 2015, plastic production increased by almost 19,000 percent from 2.3 million to 448 million tons. It is projected that plastic production will continue to increase to an estimated 896 million tons by 2050, with only an 8.7 percent recycling rate as of 2023. The remaining unrecycled plastic finds its way into landfills and water bodies, breaking down into tiny particles known as microplastics. Because plastics are highly resistance to decomposition, microplastics build up in soil, local water bodies, and inside the bodies of living things. Microplastics also serve as pre-concentrator carriers for even more toxic chemicals, such as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS exposure has been linked to cancer, immune system defects, and child developmental problems. In recent years, chemical sensing using photothermal cantilever deflection spectroscopy (PCDS) has gained traction because of its high sensitivity and high chemoselectivity. PCDS exploits the nonradioactive decay process of infrared light adsorption of matter, providing the ability to molecularly identify unknown target analytes. This work will demonstrate the ability of stand-off PCDS to chemically identify PFAS being carried in micro- and nanoplastics in solution.

This research investigates the construction and performance optimization of two autonomous vehicles with a focus on "Platooning," a strategy aimed at reducing fuel consumption and enhancing transportation efficiency. Platooning allows one vehicle to follow another closely, minimizing aerodynamic drag and improving fuel economy. The problem addresses the growing need for sustainable transportation solutions, emphasizing the importance of efficient autonomous vehicle operation. The methodology involves assembling vehicles from scratch using Traxxas Slash chassis, integrating essential peripherals such as processors, sensors, GPS modules, and LiDAR. The project progresses through weekly tasks, starting with literature reviews and moving to system integration, motion control, trajectory planning, orientation control, navigation, and perception. The vehicles' performance is assessed in two scenarios: operating individually using all sensors and in a platoon formation. Initial results indicate that platooning significantly reduces power consumption compared to individual operation. The vehicles demonstrate precise control and efficient navigation, with LiDAR and GPS integration enhancing obstacle detection and path planning. The experimental findings highlight the potential of platooning to optimize fuel consumption and improve autonomous vehicle performance. Future research will focus on refining control algorithms, enhancing sensor integration, and expanding the platooning strategy to larger fleets. Additionally, the research will explore real-world applications and scalability of platooning in various traffic conditions.