Engineering/Computer Science

Andy Pierre, andpierr@ttu.edu
Texas Tech University, with Dr. Tim Dallas

A Drone of Second Chances: UXO Drone
While ongoing conflict in Ukraine primarily emphasizes military casualties and equipment losses, the economic devastation and its impacts on civilians, particularly farmers, remain particularly underrepresented. This research aims to develop a cost-effective drone capable of detecting unexploded ordnance (UXO), enabling Ukrainian farmers to safely resume agricultural activities and support prolific economic recovery. The feasibility of various detection sensors, navigation flight controllers, power management systems, and framework materials were rigorously evaluated by researchers. Among tested sensors, researchers concluded induction sensors to be the most practical and economical choice. Future experiments will further validate the drone’s capability by identifying metallic objects at different depths and distances to determine detection thresholds accurately while continuing to explore feasible power-sources and navigational flight controllers. The UXO drone thus offers Ukrainian farmers a viable, affordable solution, empowering them to not only revitalize their livelihood but also contribute positively to their nation's dented economy.
 

Fiona Valorz, Fiona.valorz@my.utsa.edu
University of Texas San Antonio. with Dr. Patrick Gallagher

Securing the Future Grid: Evaluating Strategies and Case Studies to Maintain Grid Reliability and Resilience Amidst Rising Energy Demand
As global energy demand rises, exacerbated by electrification, digitalization, globalization, and the scaling of data centers to power the development of emerging technologies, power grids must adapt to anticipated increases in operational strain. Paralleling this, integrating renewable energy sources into grid systems, an expectation established by environmental frameworks such as the Inflation Reduction Act, as well as in response to shifting consumer and stakeholder preferences, will introduce variability and complexity to an already labored grid. This paper aims to evaluate the effectiveness of current and proposed strategies for maintaining grid security as electricity demand increases by investigating the physical reliability, cybersecurity, and extreme weather system resilience of existing infrastructure in the United States. Given the need to identify industry best practices and bottlenecks to accelerating the adoption of smart grid technologies, green artificial intelligence, policy reforms, and market strategies, we will conduct a comparative case study of government reports, academic literature, and grid performance assessments. 
 

Miguel Rivera, miguel.rivera@my.utsa.edu
University of Texas San Antonio, with Dr. Patrick Warren and Dr. Elizabeth Sooby

High-Temperature Performance and Manufacturing of Inconel 718 for Extreme Environments
This study investigates the performance of Inconel 718, a nickel-based superalloy, in extreme environments such as those found in nuclear power facilities. The central hypothesis is that additive manufacturing (AM), particularly laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF), combined with targeted post-processing, can significantly enhance the fatigue resistance, oxidation behavior, and mechanical reliability of Inconel 718 fasteners used in high-temperature, high-pressure nuclear zones.Recent findings indicate that optimized build parameters and post-processing treatments, such as hot isostatic pressing (HIP), can improve fatigue life by over 500%. Oxidation studies reveal that protective chromia layers form at 800 ºC, while higher temperatures lead to internal oxidation and structural degradation. Advanced characterization techniques, including thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), provide insight into how microstructural anisotropy and porosity affect high-temperature stability and performance.

The results support the conclusion that additively manufactured Inconel 718, when processed with appropriate surface and thermal treatments, is a promising solution for fasteners and components exposed to prolonged thermal and mechanical stress in nuclear environments.