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The Effect Of Non-Stoichiometry On The Structure Of La-Ni And La-Ni-Ga Alloys, Pertrice Auguste Wethey

Masters Theses

Non-stoichiometric samples of the AB₅ system defined by the formula La_1-yNi_5+2y and LaNi_5+2xGa_1-x were cast using an arc-melting furnace. The samples were then analyzed to determine their lattice parameters and phases present using XRD. They were then heat-treated to produce homogeneous compounds and quenched with the intention of retaining high temperature compositions. Following the heat-treatment, the alloys underwent XRD again as well as SEM/EDS. The XRD information was analyzed using Rietveld refinement and the elemental data derived from the EDS was used to ascertain the compositions were statistically akin to the weighed values. …

Innovative Contracting Prequalification/Selecion Model Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (Ahp), Saad J. Zidan

Masters Theses

Design-Build, Cost-Plus-Time, and warranty are the three innovative contracting methods that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) decided to fund. FHWA allowed the usage of these methods in federally funded projects if this will result in reducing time, improving quality, and saving tax payers' money. Prequalification is recognized as the best way of assuring that contractors do have the required qualifications to deliver projects successfully. Prequalification is even more critical when low-bid selection method is used with any of the innovative contracting, since incompetent contractors may get awarded for low-bids that are not based on valid assumptions.

This study presents a …

Color Management Of Desktop Input Devices: Quantitative Analysis Of Profile Quality, Xiaoying Rong

Masters Theses

This thesis investigates the color management principle and input device profiling. The input devices discussed in this thesis are flatbed scanners.

In this thesis, the human visual system, CIE L*a*b* color space, ICC profiles are reviewed, and the evaluation of profile quality is discussed. Grayscale and standard color targets of three primary suppliers are used to create profiles for a scanner. The quantitative analyses of the quality of different profiles, created by two primary commercial profiling software, are conducted according to the Delta-E of the CIE L*a*b* color space. Finally, the relationship of different color targets and profiles for desktop …

Investigation Of Electrical Properties And Structure Of Vacuum Evaporated C60 Films, Angiras D. Pandya

Masters Theses

C₆₀ is an important electronic material and its properties can be tuned by thermal annealing process and solid phase crystallization process. These properties were investigated as a function of thermal annealing temperature and solid phase crystallization. However there is no systematical study on annealing effect and Solid Phase Crystallization of C₆₀ films. In this study, the effect of thermal annealing on formation of nanocrystalline C₆₀ thin films were investigated for annealed samples and solid phase crystallized samples. The C₆₀ films described here were prepared by vacuum thermal evaporation method. The structural properties of C₆₀ films …

Mechanical Properties And Corrosion Resistance Of Ni-Sic Nano Composite Coatings On 2024-T3 Aluminum, Amit Jain

Masters Theses

Coatings of nickel with and without silicon carbide nano-particles were carried out on 2024-T3 aluminum alloy by the electrochemical process. The size of the silicon carbide particles was less than 50nm. Nickel coatings were done using a nickel sulfamate bath maintained at a constant temperature of 50° ± 5° C. Tensile specimens were prepared and studied to determine the Young's modulus of bare aluminum, with nickel coatings and with composite nickel and silicon carbide coatings. Wear samples of 1 inch² (6.45cm²) were prepared and studied for wear resistance. The residual stress measurements were done by the hole …

Hot Melt Inks For Rotogravure-Formulation, Printability And Rheology, Hrishikesh Shreeram Bhide

Masters Theses

A new generation of "Hot melt inks for Rotogravure" was formulated. They melt during heating and reach printable viscosity between 75° C and 130° C, depending on formulation. After printing onto substrate, they solidify. Selections of the best formulations were done based on ink rheology, and print analysis. The formulated inks were also printed on the Moser sheet-fed proofing press .. The rheological data indicated that hot melt inks (without viscosity modifier) have viscosity in the range of 10°-10¹ Poise at 95°C. After printed on a laboratory gravure K-Proofer, the inks showed good reflective density (0.90 - Yellow, 1.30 …

Evaluation Of The Distribution Of Taguchi's Signal-To-Noise Ratio And The Effectiveness Of The Signal-To-Noise Ratio For Detecting Changes In The Mean And/Or Variance, Jinsuk Lee

Masters Theses

The concept of parameter design developed by Taguchi to achieve robust engineering is widely promoted in industry as a means to design a product whose output is largely immune to noise in the system. Taguchi has used the signal-to-noise (S/N) ratio to summarize measures over the noise factor settings at the parameter design and to allow control of the experiment.

The objectives of this investigation are: 1) to infer distributions of S/N ratios (lower-the-better S/N, higher-the-better S/N, and nominal-the-best SIN), and 2) to determine the effectiveness of the S/N ratio as a means for identifying changes in the mean and …

Effect Of Modified Clay-Zeolite Pigment On The Viscoelastic, Optical, And Printing Properties Of A Lwc Gravure Coating, Lokendra Pal

Masters Theses

This study investigates the influence of modified clay- zeolite pigment on the viscoelastic, optical, and printing properties of a LWC coating. Currently, lightweight, coated papers have experienced problems with mottle, distortion, fiber puffing and poor print quality when printed with water-based inks. However, water-based inks represent a proven solution to reducing volatile organic compound (VOCs) emissions. Poor wetting and ink spreading on the paper surface constitute the majority of print quality issues associated with the water-based printing of LWC papers.

Similar problems are encountered during the printing of ink jet papers due to high percentage of water contained in these …

Future Housing In The United States: Senior’S Housing Demand, Sandeep Singh

Masters Theses

In the United States, persons born between 1942 and 1964 are within 10 to 15 years of traditional retirement age and are identified as baby boomers. The data shows that the number of persons aged 65 years and older have grown from 10 percent of the population in 1970 to nearly 13 percent in 1996. Furthermore, the population that is 65 years old or older is projected to be 20 percent of the population in 2030. As a result, the demographic change nurtures a demand for senior’s housing.

On the other hand, the concern is for the elderly living in …

Development Of A Redesign Plan For Moore Hall Using Architectural Principles Of Green Building And Sustainable Design, Alkhaziam Saad

Masters Theses

An existing in-use office and classroom building on Western Michigan University's main campus was chosen for a redesign project which incorporated study of architectural principles of green building and sustainable design. The study emphasized the central importance of buildings themselves in modem life, their effects on building users and their work, their effects on user relationships with one another and the surrounding environment, and the need to enhance the building's positive, natural, and life-supporting relationship with the total environment including the users.

The redesign problem statement reflected issues and ideas from recent architectural and building construction literature, which emphasized green …