@masterthesis{Usluer2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Usluer, Egehan}, title = {Applying Different Path Planning Algorithms to a Mini Mars Rover for an Uncharted Maze}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22775}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {69}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This thesis explores how an already built Mini Mars Rover can autonomously navigate an uncharted maze, first by mapping it and then by applying different pathfinding strategies. The Mini Mars Rover uses IR sensors for wall detection, encoder-based odometry for tracking movement, an IMU for heading corrections, for input for more accurate localization. The strategy combines exploration techniques with practical path execution on real hardware, focusing on the challenges that come up when algorithms meet the physical world. Exploration applied by using a combination of Breadth-First Search (BFS) with the Travelling Salesman Problem (TSP) approach, as well as a Partially Observable Markov Decision Process (POMDP) strategy. Although both methods showed promising results in simulation, in hardware testing same results were not gathered. For the path planning, three pathfinding algorithms Flood Fill, Dijkstra's, and A* are implemented and compared. The results of those algorithms and the strategy to adopt them into the robot is implemented. The project demonstrates a possibility of adaptation of those algorithms and their feasibility. The Mini MarsRover serves as a solid base for further development and improvements.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{MohajeriNejad2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Mohajeri Nejad, Mostafa}, title = {Development and implementation of an adaptive control system for automizing and optimizing the performance of a rolling fluid (setur) hydro-turbine}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This thesis presents the design and implementation of an automated control system for a laboratory-scale SETUR (Sedlacek's Blade-less Rolling Fluid Turbine) hydro turbine test rig. The goal was to enable precise and repeatable experiments by automating the regulation of the turbine's water level and data acquisition process. The developed system integrates multiple sensors, including discrete liquid level sensors, pressure transducers, and a flow meter, interfaced with an Arduino-based controller. A PID-based control algorithm with gain scheduling was designed to adapt to the nonlinear flow dynamics across different operating regimes of the turbine. The control loop operates at a 0.5 s sampling rate and employs layered signal filtering and calibration routines to compensate for sensor noise, offset, and scaling errors. The complete hardware setup includes signal conditioning circuits for analog sensors, digital communication for actuator control, and real-time data monitoring via serial output. Experimental results demonstrate that the system achieves stable water-level regulation within approximately two minutes after pump activation and maintains steady-state operation without overshoot or sustained valve saturation. The overall measurement uncertainties were quantified as ±3.06 \% FS for pressure and ±5.2 \% FS for flow, meeting the predefined accuracy requirement of ≤ 5 \% FS. The developed automation platform provides a reliable foundation for further research on the SETUR turbine, including efficiency characterization, advanced control development, and future integration of IoT-based supervisory monitoring and data analysis tools.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Kazimli2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Kazimli, Farid}, title = {Origami Applications in Engineering}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22848}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {68}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This thesis explores how origami-inspired modular structures—specifically uniformly thick, load-carrying designs—can be prototyped using accessible 3D printing work flows. We focus on translating geometric folding principles into real materials and hinges suitable for repeated deployment by designing printable panels and connectors, and by validating performance with a bar-and-hinge simulation approach. Physical prototypes are fabricated and tested for packing ratio, deployment re peatability, and stiffness-to-mass. Results indicate that thick-panel origami can be produced with consumer 3D printers while retaining compact storage, rapid deployment, and promising structural behavior. The work outlines a practical path toward portable, reusable, and more sustainable engineering systems that minimize material use, support repair and reuse through modularity, and simplify logistics through high packing ratios.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{AlSela'2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Al Sela', Subhi Moh'd S.}, title = {Application of Carbon Fiber and Advanced Composites in Restorative Dentistry: A Study in Material Efficiency, Manufacturing viability, Market Potential and Innovation.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22823}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {50}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This work presents a multidisciplinary evaluation of Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polyether Ether Ketone (CF-PEEK) as a core material for hybrid dental crowns, combined with lithium disilicate (E-max) veneers. The objective was to assess the mechanical, manufacturing, and economic feasibility of introducing CF-PEEK into restorative dentistry through an engineering-driven approach. A systematic literature review compared the elastic modulus, flexural strength, and density of CF-PEEK with conventional materials such as zirconia and porcelain-fused-to-metal. Results show that CF-PEEK exhibits a modulus close to natural dentin and lower density, offering improved biomechanical compatibility and reduced stress transmission. Additive manufacturing (3D printing) was identified as the most flexible and sustainable production method, minimising material waste and enabling customised crown fabrication. The study concludes that the CF-PEEK + E-max hybrid crown is mechanically viable and aligns with sustainability goals, though improvements in bonding, colour masking, and clinical validation remain necessary. This approach demonstrates how industrial engineering tools including TRIZ, QFD, and KANO can effectively guide innovation in dental materials and workflows.}, language = {en} } @misc{Biehn2025, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Biehn, Joshua}, title = {Design and Validation of a Bio-Inspired Tendon-Driven Continuum Manipulator}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22928}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {77}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This thesis develops bio-inspired, multi-segment tendon-driven continuum manipulator through a structured, iterative design process. Combining piecewise constant-curvature modeling, for design validation, with hybrid soft-rigid joint fabrication, three prototypes explore trade-offs among anatomical scale, actuation efficiency, and structural compliance. Novel, internal, soft-rigid components, buckling-mitigation features and internally routed tendons are integrated and evaluated under a common experimental frame work. Demonstrations include single-finger grasps and coordinated bimanual object handling, confirming the manipulator's viability for humanoid end-effector tasks. The final design produced a tip-load of ≈ 17N for a pinching grasp and ≈ 12N in a power grasp, with 4 degrees of freedom and a maximum bending angle of 209°. Future work will focus on closed-loop control, dynamic interaction testing, and scaling to multi-digit hands.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Ganev2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Ganev, Ivan}, title = {Design and Implementation of a Virtual Gearbox}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This thesis represents the design and implementation of a virtual gearbox functionality as a system with an end goal to be used on the Electric Gokart platform. The design includes a 3-part solution consisting of: - Human-machine interface (HMI) - that is a physical hardware as a separate unit with its own housing - Intermediary software for transfer of input information and output feedback of the user - as software code - Control Model - MATLAB Simulink model to be run on the main computer of the platform to facilitate the motion control Due to the system complexity and multidomain solution the work has been broken down and documented to focus on a specific aspect for each deliverable. The human machine interface focuses on the hardware aspect of the functionality - research on and evaluation of different components for the input, feedback and communication and the impact of each component to the further development of the intermediary software. The software part is focused on choosing and implementing an efficient and logical handling of the sampling and relay of information to prevent the potential problem of communication network overload. And finally, the Simulink Control Model will focus on investigating input information, processing and motion control realised via torque control. The information is to be used used in developing a system response model evaluating it on the prototype and allowing tuning via system identification in the MATLAB Simulink development environment.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Malov2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Malov, Ernest}, title = {Development of selection criteria and systematic methodology for the design of novel hydrogels}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22934}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {82}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Hydrogels are a broad field of materials with applications in many niche areas. To advance the state of the art, research should explore new combinations of chemical and practical components to discover syntheses with novel emergent properties. However, given the vast amount of information available, it is challenging to systematically narrow the search to an effective comparison of a few select candidates. This work proposes a selection and evaluation methodology for building a comparative scope to decide on a set of hydrogel recipe components. Recipe design needs are determined using an existing bibliometric analysis of a hydrogel subfield, and available options are sourced from literature reviews, then assessed based on properties discussed in the literature. Candidates for the crosslinking initiation mechanism, the monomer system, and the crosslinking control method are evaluated separately and sequentially. Recipe permutations are possible as multiple choices are scored. The resultant recipe is a photoinitiated (LAP; irradiated at 380.5nm), thiol-ene (TMPMP-Maleimide), light-patterned (maskless PWM-DLP) hydrogel that swells and bends in response to water due to osmolyte (D-Sorbitol) diffusion. This novel formulation is not currently present in the literature; however, it does not exhibit any chemical or practical incompatibilities. A range of component concentrations, possible failure scenarios, and recommended fixes are provided for initial testing.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{JagjitSingh2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Jagjit Singh, Humjeet Singh Gill}, title = {The effect of shearing in a twin-screw extruder on the mechanical properties of biopolymers (PLA+PBAT) using varied screw designs}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-22950}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {75}, year = {2025}, abstract = {The primary aim of this research project was to determine the effects of shearing on the structure of a blend of biopolymers (PLA+PBAT) through tailored screw designs in a twin-screw extruder. To achieve this, 3 different twin intermeshing co-rotating screw designs of an extruder were used. The designs were mainly focused on the kneading and mixing part of the screw which has a shearing effect on the biopolymer. The experiments were carried out by keeping the temperature, screw speed and feed rate constant. To carry out the experiment, a 60:40 blend of PBAT and PLA was utilized. The compounded pellets produced from the 3 screw designs were then used in a Blown Film machine. Furthermore, tensile test was conducted on the resulting samples. The shear strength and strain of the films were calculated. Tear test of the films were additionally carried out to validate the findings. Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) test was conducted to study the functional groups, identifying the chemical interactions and phase compatibility of the of PLA\&PBAT blend. The results showed that the screw with 3 kneading blocks (HS) and 2 kneading blocks (MS) exhibited almost similar ultimate strength and ultimate strain. The screw design with only conveying elements had lower ultimate strength and strain. The kneading blocks played a role on the mixing and shearing of the biopolymer structure in the blend.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Bhalla2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Bhalla, Kushagra}, title = {Strategic Obsolescence Management: Developing a Process-Oriented and Financially Viable Concept}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Industrial machinery is designed for long operating periods, but many electronic and mechatronic components used in these systems are discontinued after a short product lifecycle. This situation causes challenges for Strama-MPS, especially in the Global Service division, where long-term spare-parts availability and reliable customer support are required. When components are no longer available, urgent procurement, redesigns under time pressure, longer downtimes and higher service costs put additional load on internal departments and can negatively affect customer relationships. This thesis develops a structured and financially viable approach to obsolescence management for Strama-MPS. The current situation was analysed using expert interviews and SAP and PRO.FILE data for the period 2018 to September 2025. The evaluation of more than 13,000 obsolete materials showed fragmented communication, insufficient lifecycle documentation and that only a few large suppliers systematically send PCN notifications, while many others do not. To summarise the results, a Power BI dashboard was created that shows portfolio age, part criticality, successor availability and supplier concentration. The analysis identified an average part age of 6.75 years, a cost-at-risk of around €1 million and a high-risk group mainly consisting of electrical and control components. In a second step, the active parts portfolio was evaluated to identify future risks. Using manually cleansed Excel files and Power BI models, a lifecycle forecast was developed for the period 2026-2029. It highlights early-warning patterns in connectors, sensors, I/O modules and control units with short technology cycles and high dependency. These results enable earlier evaluation of alternatives, more controlled last-time-buy decisions and more proactive customer communication. Based on these findings, the thesis proposes a target framework in line with DIN EN IEC 62402:2025-05. It defines responsibilities, decision and communication paths, and workflows between the relevant departments. A dedicated Obsolescence Manager is assigned as the central process owner and is supported by SmartPCN-compatible input formats, lifecycle dashboards and an implementation plan that starts with an internal pilot and later includes the roll-out of PCN Global as the OM software. The strategic options were assessed using an MCDA, comparing reactive, proactive and strategic approaches. The results show that a dedicated role combined with suitable software offers a good balance between cost control, early-warning capability and acceptance. The financial analysis indicates that the concept can pay back within the first year by reducing emergency sourcing, redesign work and service delays, while also improving collaboration, decision quality and long-term service performance. Overall, the proposed structure provides a clear basis for more consistent and reliable lifecycle handling across the organisation.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{AchaleArrahNyama2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Achale Arrah Nyama, Bateatey}, title = {Development of Sustainable Nanofibre Wound Dressing Using Solution Blow Spinning.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23107}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {69}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This thesis investigates the production of polylactic acid (PLA) fibrous mats using a low-energy, airbrush-based solution blow spinning (SBS) method with dimethyl carbonate (DMC) as a greener solvent. The study addresses how changes in PLA concentration and air pressure influence fibre formation, fibre diameter distribution, and non-woven mat structure, and examines the implications for incorporating tea tree oil(TTO) and pectin into the resulting materials. PLA solutions in DMC were prepared at multiple concentrations, and the SBS process was evaluated using realistic deposition observations and calculated estimates of material consumption. Fibre morphology was analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), revealing fibrous structures and parameter-dependent differences in diameter distributions and mat heterogeneity. Chemical structure was assessed via FTIR spectroscopy, which indicated that the produced fibre mats were dominated by PLA-characteristic spectral features (and possible DMC contributions), while providing limited evidence for substantial pectin or TTO contributions in the measured spectra under the tested conditions. Thermal analysis (STA) was used to interpret important PLA thermal transitions and to identify possible traces of composites within the fibres. A qualitative hydrophilicity approach based on water droplet wetting behaviour was applied as an initial indicator of surface wettability and potential pectin effects, while recognising its limitations compared to full contact-angle measurements. Overall, the results support SBS with DMC as a viable route to produce PLA fibrous mats and show clear process-structure relationships. However, they also show that better mixing methods and stronger confirmation evidence are needed at every step of the characterisation chain in order for additive incorporation to work.}, language = {en} } @misc{Saw2025, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Saw, Daniel Chern Hao}, title = {Implementation of Bayesian Optimisation for FEM Simulation}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23092}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {74}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Optimisation of engineering problem involving FEM simulations is time consuming especially when dealing with high-fidelity structures. The conventional methods of searching and exploring the design space such as grid search or golden section search require a lot of evaluations before converging on an optimal solution. When there is a time constraint, the final solution found could be suboptimal due to the vast amount of FEM simulation necessary to converge. Therefore, with the utilisation of probabilistic surrogate models such as Gaussian process regression to reduce the amount of computation necessary. Surrogate models approximate unobserved areas in the design space based on the observed data. Together with the use of acquisition function to select the next observation point, it forms this optimisation method known as Bayesian optimisation. This research aims to implement Bayesian optimisation method in a few test cases involving FEM simulation to compare its performance against conventional methods. The results from the test cases showed that Bayesian optimisation converged up to 12 iterations faster compared to convention-al optimisation methods. It also provided a better optimised solution in a multiparameter optimi-sation problem with constraints.}, language = {en} } @misc{Ahmed2025, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Ahmed, Syed Nasif Uddin}, title = {Designing a Launching System for a Robotic Boat}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Based on the learning in this degree program, the author was tasked with developing a transport system for the current research boat, called Roboboat. The aim was to examine the components and reverse engineer them to calculate the mechanics of the boat. Because no design or measurement data were available, this thesis began by modeling the boat. After modeling, a literature review was conducted, and a launch system was designed with a focus on utility and cost-effectiveness. This report presents the design process, calculates the stress and strain on the design elements, and presents the concept of a launch system. Finally, the stability of the boat is calculated, and the mathematical validation of Roboboat is presented.}, language = {en} } @misc{Hossain2025, type = {Master Thesis}, author = {Hossain, Md Istiaque}, title = {A Computational Study on the Effect of Water-to-Air Volume Ratio on Water Rocket Performance.}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23248}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {79}, year = {2025}, abstract = {This thesis presents a three-dimensional computational investigation into the influence of the water-to-air volume ratio on the flight performance of a water rocket. As a critical design parameter, this ratio fundamentally governs the trade-off between available propellant mass and expansion energy, and thereby dictates the rocket's achievable altitude and range. A comprehensive numerical model is developed to simulate the complete trajectory through its three principal phases: water expulsion, compressed-air expansion, and ballistic flight. The governing equations, derived from the conservation of mass, momentum, and energy, are solved using a fourth-order Runge-Kutta (RK4) scheme. The model incorporates variable mass effects, aerodynamic drag, gravitational forces, launch geometry, and ambient wind conditions. Implemented in MATLAB with a modular graphical user interface (GUI), the simulation framework facilitates systematic parametric studies. The numerical predictions are validated against experimental launch tests conducted at elevation angles of 60° and 77°. Maximum altitude and horizontal range are extracted from multi-camera recordings using image-based analysis. The results demonstrate strong agreement, with both approaches converging on an optimal water fill fraction. The simulation identifies an optimum of approximately 43\%, while the experimental measurements indicate a slightly higher optimum of 45.5\%. Considering the collective evidence, an overall optimal fill range of 40 to 50\% for 250 mL water rocket bottle, is established. The consistency between computational and experimental findings validates the robustness of the proposed model and confirms the identified optimum as a reliable benchmark for water rocket performance.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Mujaya2026, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Mujaya, Tanaka Peter}, title = {Design and Development of a Computer Vision System for detecting Assembly Errors in LEGO Models}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23367}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {100}, year = {2026}, abstract = {This thesis presents the design and development of a computer vision system for detecting assembly errors in LEGO models within The Digital Factory Game, a production simulation exercise at Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences. The system automates quality assurance by replacing manual visual inspection with machine learning-based classification, deployed on edge hardware.}, language = {en} } @masterthesis{Nair2025, type = {Bachelor Thesis}, author = {Nair, Abijay}, title = {Development of a CANBUS network for RoboBoat}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:hbz:1383-opus4-23481}, school = {Hochschule Rhein-Waal}, pages = {70}, year = {2025}, abstract = {Autonomous marine vessels have seen use since as far back as World War I, with the Imperial German Navy's Fernlenkboot. Such vessels find more modern use in the logistics sector and as survey vessels, where the continuous operation made possible by autonomy provides distinct advantages in their respective tasks and industries. This thesis presents the development of a CANBUS-based internal network for the RoboBoat autonomous surface vessel project of the Rhine-Waal university of Applied Sciences. It is designed to be the basis on which further development of on-board electronics can take place. It will also act as a platform for further development of the RoboBoat itself, as well as for future projects by students of Rhine-Waal University's FabLab Blue that require such communication architecture. The resulting network is built around the NMEA 2000 standard and off-the-shelf microcontroller boards and network cables, which have enabled quick and fairly robust communication between the different control modules employed in the prototype. NMEA 2000 was chosen owing to its compatibility with modern marine hardware like the multi-function displays, as well as for a simple path to backwards-compatibility with older, less expensive NMEA 0183 hardware. The development process incorporates the systematic process of Engineering Design by G. Pahl and W. Beitz, which guides the processes used here to make various design decisions.}, language = {en} }