Engineering Commons^™

Multiple Robot Boundary Tracking With Phase And Workload Balancing, Michael Jay Boardman

Master's Theses

This thesis discusses the use of a cooperative multiple robot system as applied to distributed tracking and sampling of a boundary edge. Within this system the boundary edge is partitioned into subsegments, each allocated to a particular robot such that workload is balanced across the robots. Also, to minimize the time between sampling local areas of the boundary edge, it is desirable to minimize the difference between each robot’s progression (i.e. phase) along its allocated sub segment of the edge. The paper introduces a new distributed controller that handles both workload and phase balancing. Simulation results are used to illustrate …

Observations Of Temporal Group Delays In Slow-Light Multiple Coupled Photonic Crystal Cavities, S. Kocaman, Xiaodong Yang, J. F. Mcmillan, M. B. Yu, D. L. Kwong, C. W. Wong

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We demonstrate temporal group delays in coherently coupled high- Q multicavity photonic crystals, in an all-optical analog to electromagnetically induced transparency. We report deterministic control of the group delay up to 4x the single cavity lifetime in our room-temperature chip. Supported by three-dimensional numerical simulations and theoretical analyses, our multipump beam approach enables control of the multicavity resonances and intercavity phase, in both single and double transparency peaks. The standing-wave wavelength-scale photon localization allows direct scalability for chip-scale optical pulse trapping and coupled-cavity quantum electrodynamics.

Impact Characteristics Of Nano Composites, Ammar Mohamed Al Omari

Theses

Nanocomposite materials have seen a significant increase in use and have created a revolution in high-performance structures. They exploit the properties of different materials which create structures that are stronger, stiffer, impact resistant and more durable against environmental factors. They can be tailored to have better electric, magnetic, optical properties, and be chemically, thermally and explosion resistant depending on the application. The current research study investigates the impact characteristics of polymeric based nanaocomposites strengthened with various types of nano and micro filler. An in-house designed impact testing machine was utilized to typify the impact characteristics of different nanocomposite materials through …

Cal Poly Formulasae Engine Development, Matthew Ales, Rafael Mendoza, Mitchell (Mitch) Thomas, Leon Vinokurov

Mechanical Engineering

This project, engine development, was sponsored by Cal Poly FormulaSAE. The FormulaSAE team proposed this project in order to have a more reliable and more powerful engine for their car, to improve their overall performance at their competition. The baseline output of the engine is 37 hp and 24 lb-ft of torque. The goal of this project was to increase the output to 45 hp, to meet requirements determined by a trade study. We planned to increase the engine’s output using several strategies.

We evaluated all potential design decisions using a Ricardo WAVE model. Ricardo WAVE is a software tool …

An Analysis Of Extreme Price Shocks And Illiquidity Among Systematic Trend Followers, Bernard Lee, Shih-Fen Cheng, Annie Koh

Research Collection Lee Kong Chian School Of Business

We construct an agent-based model to study the interplay between extreme price shocks and illiquidity in the presence of systematic traders known as trend followers. The agent-based approach is particularly attractive in modeling commodity markets because the approach allows for the explicit modeling of production, capacities, and storage constraints. Our study begins by using the price stream from a market simulation involving human participants and studies the behavior of various trend-following strategies, assuming initially that their participation will not impact the market. We notice an incremental deterioration in strategy performance as and when strategies deviate further and further from the …

Improved Commuter Rail Workstation Table Through Crash Energy Management, Trevor Ness, Brandon Baker

Mechanical Engineering

Workstation tables in commuter rail trains have been identified as an area for improving passenger safety during train collisions. The goal of this senior project was to create such a table using a composite sandwich structure designed to safely absorb energy. Testing of previous table designs was used to establish engineering specifications for the static loading, work surface durability, and impact performance requirements of the new table. Analytical and finite element models were used to analyze new concepts until a design was achieved that could meet all specifications. The tabletop developed consists of a crushable aluminum honeycomb core with fiberglass …

Edwards Lifesciences: Heart Valve Tension Validation, Lucas Fochler, Alex Mark, Shilpan Shah

Mechanical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Cisco Data Center Energy Efficiency, Brandy Sizemore, Travis Snook, William Neumeister

Mechanical Engineering

The goal of the Cisco Systems data center efficiency study is to improve the energy efficiency of Lab C in Cisco’s Building 7. The main phases involved are research, energy analysis, CFD simulations, and lab testing. The first part of the project entailed research in the data center field. This included attending two lectures provided by Cisco, visiting the annual Silicon Valley Data Center Energy Efficiency Summit hosted by Network Appliance, going on many data center tours, and taking a 3-day 6Sigma CFD training class. Next, the 1st Law of Thermodynamics was applied to the CRAH (computer room air handler) …

Guidable Motorcycle Headlight, Billie B. Fritz, Toby J. Lloyd

Mechanical Engineering

Motorcycling at night is an inherently dangerous situation and is compounded by poor illumination of the roadway when cornering through a turn. Due to stationary headlamps geometry being designed for upright riding position, cornering a motorcycle causes the illumination of the forward path to be decreased significantly. The goal of this project is to develop a lighting system that will improve road illumination for riders at night using guidable lights that deflect prior to and during a turn. In addition to developing a working prototype, this project’s intent is to work in conjunction with a partner from the school of …

Composite Suspension For Formula Sae Vehicle, Reid Olsen, Andrew Bookholt, Eric Melchiori

Mechanical Engineering

This senior project report describes how a redesign of the 2008 Cal Poly Formula SAE vehicle's suspension components was conducted using carbon fiber components.

Tk Ripper, Charles Volk, Vincent Priolo, Zachary Mckibbin

Mechanical Engineering

The TK Ripper was designed to pull a rider on a wakeboard up from a deep water start. We believe the force and power required to pull a rider on a wakeboard out of the water provides enough force and power for many other extreme sports.

Supermileage Seat And Wheel Development And Production: Final Report, James Casey Alvernaz, Verent Chan, Brian Hamstrom, David Lewis, James Sciaini

Mechanical Engineering

This report documents the design and manufacturing efforts of the Cal Poly senior project team Central Coast Composites. It details the design, analysis and manufacturing of a composite seat and wheels for the Cal Poly Supermileage team. It further outlines suggestions for future efforts to manufacture composite wheels for Cal Poly Supermileage team's Urban Concept Vehicle.

Cell-Mediated Elastic Matrix Regeneration Toward Regression Of Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms, Carmen Gacchina

All Dissertations

Abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) are typically fusiform (symmetric) dilations of the aortic wall most commonly arising below the renal arteries. The progression is typically associated with an activated smooth muscle cell (SMC) phenotype, diminished density of mature medial elastic fibers, and an elevated presence of matrix-degrading enzymes (e.g., matrix-metalloproteases; MMPs), which may ultimately lead to vessel rupture. Currently, no surgical or non-surgical methods are available to regress AAAs via regeneration of new elastin matrices to regain normal vessel contour, particularly due to the inherently poor elastin synthesis by adult vascular cells and absence of methods to stimulate the same. Previously, …

High Temperature Thermodynamic Data For Cdte (C), Robert F. Brebrick

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

The high temperature heat capacity, Gibbs energy of formation, and standard enthalpy and entropy of formation at 298 K are combined with thermodynamic data for Cd and revised data for Te to provide an internally consistent data set for CdTe(c). Equations are given for the Gibbs energy of formation from Cd(g) and Te₂(g) and from the solid or liquid elements as a function of temperature. These give values similar to those used before. However, the derived enthalpy and entropy of formation are significantly different due to a revised heat capacity for CdTe(c). The standard enthalpy and entropy of …

Development Of A Technological Literacy Course For Non-Engineering Students: Science Of High Technology, Thomas Howell, Patricia Backer, Belle Wei

Faculty Publications

As citizens, we are confronted by many global and national issues such as the dangers of greenhouse gases and the best choices for energy sources. These questions are fundamentally technical in nature and many people feel ill-equipped to understand the variety of claims and counterclaims as to what is “the truth” on these and other important scientific issues. For many people, the reaction is to give up and accept that the modern world is too complex to understand. To address these issues and improve technological literacy, the College of Engineering (CoE) at San José State University (SJSU) has implemented a …

Assessment Of Kentucky's Historic Truss Bridges, Lenahan O’Connell, Ted H. Grossardt, John Ripy

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study created an information base to improve decisions about the replacement or rehabilitation of historic truss bridges. During the first phase of the research, information on the history and design of the 109 bridges in the study was assembled. With the assistance of historic preservation professionals, 75 of those bridges were selected for further study for their potential for rehabilitation. During the second phase, the KTC research team, engineers from the KYTC bridge division, and 12 highway district engineers, who are responsible for the day-to-day care and maintenance of the bridges, evaluated the condition and functional context of the …

Review Of State Laws And Practices For Disposition Of Re-Aligned Or Bypassed Segments And Associated Row, Lenahan O'Connell, Ted Grossardt

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This study identified the laws and practices of 11 state DOTs in regard to the transfer of responsibility for re-aligned or bypassed state highway system roads to local jurisdictions - usually cities or counties. Each state's approach to such transfers was identified by obtaining and analyzing the relevant state statutes and then conducting telephone interviews with strategically placed individuals at the associated DOT. Four states require local approval before the state can abandon a road. These four have a policy of obtaining written consent for the transfer of responsibility for maintenance and do so most often prior to construction of …

Travel Time Based Congestion Measures For Freeway Corridors, Mei Chen

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Travel time based mobility measures have been increasingly used in highway performance analyses. Among them, Travel Time Index (TTI), Planning Time Index (PTI), percentage of travel under congestion (PTC), and buffer index (BI)have been identified as measures of particular interests in Kentucky. The objectives of this study are: (1) Calculate TTI, PTI, PTC, and BI for freeways within the TRIMARC coverage; and (2) Explore potential correlation between the reliability measures and incident characteristics (e.g., number of incidents, duration, severity, etc.). These analyses were performed for the years 2006-8 for each monitored segment and freeway corridor as well as for the …

Roadway Related Tort Liability And Risk Management, Kenneth R. Agent

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This workbook provides government employees background information related to tort liability and risk management. Past experience with lawsuits against government entities are summarized. The reasons for the lawsuits and results are analyzed. The objective is to provide an understanding of the basis for past claims so the number of future claims and awards can be reduced. This will result in the ultimate objective of reducing highway crashes.

Based on the results of the data analysis and the review of the background material, recommendations are made for consideration. Many of the recommendations deal with various types of documentation.

Standalone Antenna Demonstration System, Alexander James Hempy

Master's Theses

Antenna systems play a significant role in today’s electronic communications. They are essential for cell phones, satellites, radio, and radar among many other important applications. This paper describes the design, assembly, and operation of an antenna demonstration system designed to instill interest in the field of antenna design among high school and undergraduate college students. The system is portable, supplied solely by DC power supplies, easily reproducible, and includes rotational axes to illustrate antenna performance limitations and requirements. It provides a visual indication of wireless signal strength and demonstrates several antenna performance characteristics including polarization, gain and directivity, radiation patterns …