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Manufacturing, Testing, And Evaluation Of Structural Products With Recycled Polymers, Santosh Amarnath Varthakavi
Manufacturing, Testing, And Evaluation Of Structural Products With Recycled Polymers, Santosh Amarnath Varthakavi
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Use of recycled plastics started gaining momentum in the U.S. in 1980s due to growing environmental concerns and decreasing landfill capacities. Thermoplastics make up to 80% of the plastics produced today and are widely used in consumer, automotive, and electronic industries. Recycled plastics are being researched and employed for several non-structural and limited structural applications. However, their widespread usage will depend on developing mass manufacturing techniques, value added structural products, and cost effective processing methods. This study focuses on developing and evaluating several structural products such as rectangular grids, rectangular ribbed panels, hexagonal ribbed panels, signposts, signboards, and window panels …
Development Of A Numerical Model Of A Two-Dimensional Inertial Gas Separator, Henry Z. Graham Iv
Development Of A Numerical Model Of A Two-Dimensional Inertial Gas Separator, Henry Z. Graham Iv
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The separation of gases is required for a variety of applications such as purification for industrial processes, natural gas production, isotope formation, etc. Gas separation is a costly expenditure for businesses, so new and improved methods are being continuously investigated. Separation techniques related to the method in this thesis are diffusion separators such as mechanical centrifuges, vortexes and the use of shock waves to cause the separation based on the molecular weight of the different gases. These methods and others are constantly being investigated and improved to increase their effectiveness.;The purpose of this thesis was to determine if the design …
Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam
Hygrothermal Effects On Free Vibration Characteristics Of Rotating Composite Beams, Sandeep Vennam
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Free vibration characteristics of a rotating composite cantilever beams subjected to a hygrothermal environment is studied using the finite element analysis. The problem is formulated using a First Order Shear Deformation theory (FSDT) for composite materials. The finite element formulation is based on variational principles and the equations are solved by a code generated using MATLAB. Hygrothermal effects are incorporated using empirical relations degrading the material stiffness property of the matrix depending on the temperature and moisture concentration. The dynamic analysis of a rotating composite beam are validated by comparing with that available in literature and the hygrothermal incorporation is …
Parametric Sensitivity Analysis Of Microscrews, Zachary F. Witzgall
Parametric Sensitivity Analysis Of Microscrews, Zachary F. Witzgall
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The research and development of a popular, publicly available microscrew system required an analysis of fastener strength. This analysis was performed using a Finite Element Analysis (FEA) program. ANSYS was used to model and stress the fasteners through various loading schemes. A simplified model was constructed due to limitations in model size.;The analysis required key parameters to be changed slightly. These parameters were socket depth and socket diameter. Changing these parameters had a substantial affect on the strength of the fastener.;Torque and rotation to tension analyses were performed on the microscrew to determine the validity of the ANSYS computation results. …
Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer
Quantifying Effects Of Vehicle Weight And Terrain On Emissions, Fuel Economy, And Engine Behavior, Corey M. Strimer
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
On-board emissions measurement for heavy-duty vehicles has garnered greater significance because 2007 marks the beginning of gaseous emissions monitoring for in-use vehicles in the United States [1]. Emissions compliance must be shown in a "not to exceed" (NTE) zone that emphasizes engine operation at higher power. An over-the-road 1996 Peterbilt tractor was instrumented with the West Virginia University Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS) to determine how often the truck entered the NTE, and the emissions from the vehicle, as it was driven over varying terrain at multiple test weights. Distance-specific NOX emissions increase by approximately X/2% for an X% increase …
Finite Element Analysis Of Low-Profile Frp Bridge Deck (Prodeck 4), Siva Kumar Boyapati
Finite Element Analysis Of Low-Profile Frp Bridge Deck (Prodeck 4), Siva Kumar Boyapati
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
FRPs (Fiber Reinforced Polymers) are lightweight and an innovative alternative to conventional materials like steel and concrete in Structural engineering. Pultruded FRP bridge decks have many advantages compared to conventional concrete decks especially in bridge engineering. In this study a finite element model of a 4"-thick low profile FRP bridge deck made of E-glass fiber and vinyl ester resin, having a fiber volume fraction of approximately 50% and weighing about 10 lb/ft2 is developed using the finite element software ANSYS. The bridge deck modeled is subjected to a central patch load, and the finite element results such as deflections, strains …
Evaluation And Optimization Of Central Vision Compensation Techniques, Ahmed M. El-Sherbeeny
Evaluation And Optimization Of Central Vision Compensation Techniques, Ahmed M. El-Sherbeeny
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Non-costly, non-invasive, safe, and reliable electronic vision enhancement systems (EVES) and their methods have presented a huge medical and industrial demand in the early 21st century. Two unique, vision compensation and enhancement algorithms are reviewed and compared, qualitatively optimizing the view of a restricted (or truncated) image. The first is described as the convex or "fish-eye" technique, and the second is the "cartoon superimposition" or "Peli" technique (after the leading author for this research). The novelty in this dissertation is in presenting and analyzing both of these with a comparison to a novel technique, motivated by characterization of quality vision …
A Model Of Stabilizer Roll Bearing For A Continuous Hot-Dip Galvanizing Line, Vishnu V. Rachamalla
A Model Of Stabilizer Roll Bearing For A Continuous Hot-Dip Galvanizing Line, Vishnu V. Rachamalla
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The short service life of the hardware inside the molten zinc pot is often the cause for the unscheduled shutdown of a galvanizing line. The lifetime of the hardware used in these lines is not only a function of materials used but also on factors such as line speed, sheet tension, bearing contact pressure, bearing alignment, zinc pot temperature, corrosion as a function of pot chemistry, and surface finish of the materials used. Dr. James Snider has developed a comprehensive data file on the wear rate and corrosion properties of currently available bearing materials. Dr. Snider's dissertation research as well …
Software Application For Emergency Responders, Safer 2.0, Saritha Reddy Potula
Software Application For Emergency Responders, Safer 2.0, Saritha Reddy Potula
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The SAFER 2.0 was developed as a web based information system for the First Responders involved in dealing with the hazardous materials incidents. The software tool enables First Responders to view and identify the substances involved in a hazard via a secure Internet connection. The tool also aids in identifying the unknown substances based on the physical description (color, odor, texture, gas/liquid, etc.), symptoms and other information available at the site of the incident. The system is based on the 2004 North American Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG2004) and NIOSH Pocket Guide (NPG). ERG2004 was developed for use by firefighters, police, …
Design, Development And Qualification Of Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (Cmems) For Real-Time On-Board Emissions Measurement, Aseem Tiwari
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The objective of this study was to design, develop and qualify the Compact Mobile Emissions Measurement System (CMEMS) for real-time on-board measurement of exhaust emissions from heavy-duty diesel vehicles. This study was aimed at developing a system more compact and lighter with respect to the existing Mobile Emissions Measurement System (MEMS), so that the entire system could be mounted on the tail pipe of the test vehicle in order to reduce installation time, power requirements and manpower requirements. This was achieved by judicious selection of commercially available compact solid-state gas analyzers, and development of a sampling system which was significantly …
Statistical Estimation Of Strain Energy Release Rate Of Delaminated Composites, Rajesh Vijayaraghavan
Statistical Estimation Of Strain Energy Release Rate Of Delaminated Composites, Rajesh Vijayaraghavan
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
An improved two-sublaminate model based on first-order shear deformation theory is implemented in a general-purpose finite element software (ANSYS) to study delaminated composite plates. Double cantilever beam and end-notched flexure models of unidirectional and multidirectional composite plates with mid-plane and offset delaminations are analyzed. The total strain energy release rate and the mode-I, mode-II and mode-III components are evaluated using a plate-theory-based crack-closure technique.;The effects of variation of material properties, ply thickness, fiber orientation, coefficient of friction between the crack surfaces, finite element mesh density and virtual crack-closure length and applied load on the mixed-mode strain energy release rates are …
Cycles And Weight Effects On Emissions And Development Of Predictive Emissions Models For Heavy Duty Trucks, Kuntal A. Vora
Cycles And Weight Effects On Emissions And Development Of Predictive Emissions Models For Heavy Duty Trucks, Kuntal A. Vora
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
NOX and PM emissions data from the 5--mode CARB HHDDT Schedule, UDDS, and AC5080 were reviewed, with reference to each other. Next, two-dimensional correlations were used to predict the emissions rate on one cycle from the rates of two other cycles. The two-dimensional analysis yielded better correlations.;The emission of NOX, CO, CO2, HC and PM were analyzed with respect to weight. Vehicles did not follow linear NOX emissions trends over large weight ranges. Fleet-wide emissions for HHDDT could be predicted.;Lastly, a method was proposed to predict emissions based on the vehicle's emissions history from other cycles and on the properties …
Evaluation Of Sterling Silver As A Contacting Material For The Cathode Chamber Of The Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell, John Sakacsi
Evaluation Of Sterling Silver As A Contacting Material For The Cathode Chamber Of The Solid-Oxide Fuel Cell, John Sakacsi
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
In recent years the operating temperature of the SOFC has been reduced to ~800C, making it possible to use silver in the fabrication of the cell stack. Silver is attractive due to its high conductivity, ductility and the fact that it does not form non-conductive scales that could reduce the performance of the fuel cell stack. This research focuses on the development and testing of candidate materials, utilizing silver, in a simulated cathode environment using a simple tube furnace and air supply. Test specimens were fabricated using simple powder metallurgy techniques or by the oxidation of specific alloys to create …
A Pc-Based Fluid And Heat Transfer Analyzer For Two-Phase Flow In Pipes, Gbolahan Afonja
A Pc-Based Fluid And Heat Transfer Analyzer For Two-Phase Flow In Pipes, Gbolahan Afonja
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Modeling the simultaneous flow of gas and liquid or two-phase gas-liquid flow in pipes is a key aspect in petroleum production. These models can enhance our ability to estimate fluid properties, predict pressure loss, liquid holdup, and flow pattern, and to see the effects of introducing concepts such as heat transfer to the system. Modeling two-phase flow phenomenon also allows visualization of the interaction of one property or parameter to another. The understanding of heat transfer in two-phase gas-liquid flow is important for economic and optimized operations.;This work focuses on the design of a PC-Based Software for modeling the effect …
A Rotational Arm Connection Point Design For A C-130 Aircraft Standardized Sensor Platform, Kenneth A. Williams
A Rotational Arm Connection Point Design For A C-130 Aircraft Standardized Sensor Platform, Kenneth A. Williams
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
West Virginia University's Center for Industrial Research Applications (CIRA) was sponsored by the United States Army National Guard (USANG) and the Department of Defense (DOD) to design a standardized, articulating sensor platform for the C-130 Hercules military aircraft. This sensor platform was to be capable of in-flight deployment and capable of facilitating a diverse spectrum of sensor configurations in order to aid in surveillance and reconnaissance for counter narco-terrorism efforts. Two complete sensor pallet prototypes have been developed. The current platform configuration consists of four aluminum arms that are connected to a rotational shaft via a cylindrical hub. For the …
Design Of A Quick-Release Mechanism For A C-130 Aircraft Sensor Platform, Seth D. Lucey
Design Of A Quick-Release Mechanism For A C-130 Aircraft Sensor Platform, Seth D. Lucey
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The development of a standardized sensor pallet system for a C-130 aircraft was conceived by the Center for Industrial Research Applications at West Virginia University to assist in counterdrug reconnaissance activities within the United States. The system has been completed and is now being optimized for various uses in addition to counterdrug reconnaissance. It is sought to have the sensor carriers/housings easily interchangeable so that they may be switched in the field by operators rather than in the hangar by technicians. The design parameters were established by the National Guard mission requirements and by the limitations of the C-130 aircraft. …
Filter Weighing Procedure For 2007 And Newer Heavy Duty Diesel Engines, Eric Taylor
Filter Weighing Procedure For 2007 And Newer Heavy Duty Diesel Engines, Eric Taylor
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The 2007 heavy-duty on road diesel engine particulate matter standards will require that the particulate matter (PM) levels being emitted from the exhaust will be less than 0.01 g/bhp-hr. This ten-fold decrease in the existing regulations created the need for changes in the PM filter-weighing environment and procedures. The Code of Federal Regulations Title 40, Part 86 Subpart N (40 CFR 86) has stated that a weighing environment must meet Federal Standard 209E class 1000 classification. This regulation required a new cleanroom facility in the West Virginia University Center for Alternative Fuels, Engines and Emissions laboratories.;Weighing procedures were determined by …
A New Reduced Order Model For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Suryanarayana Raju Pakalapati
A New Reduced Order Model For Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, Suryanarayana Raju Pakalapati
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Fuel cells are one of the promising eco-friendly and efficient electricity generators for future energy infrastructure. Rigorous research has been underway for over a decade to develop fuel cell technology as a viable alternative to the conventional energy sources. Numerical modeling has played a prominent role in such research endeavors. Detailed multi-dimensional models reveal important information regarding the performance of a fuel cell but they are computationally intensive. Relatively simple zero- and one-dimensional models on the other hand average out the details that could be critical. The topic of this dissertation is a new strategy for modeling fuel cells which …
Development Of Predictive Nox Model For On -Road Heavy -Duty Diesel Engines, Mohan Krishnamurthy
Development Of Predictive Nox Model For On -Road Heavy -Duty Diesel Engines, Mohan Krishnamurthy
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Emissions models currently employed by EPA and CARB do not account for the variations in engine operation and their effect on emissions. Alternatively, this study, demonstrates the feasibility of using Engine Control Module (ECM) broadcast parameters such as Engine Speed, Engine Torque, Injection Timing, Fueling Rate, Manifold Air Temperature, Manifold Air Pressure, Coolant Temperature and Oil Temperature as inputs to in order to predict engine-out exhaust NO x emissions. These parameters were obtained when the engine operates in the Not-to-Exceed (NTE) zone, (which is defined by 40 CFR §86.1370-2007) for a continuous time period of at least 30s in length.;This …
Effects Of The Electric Kelvin Force On Spray Cooling Performance, Shannon Lynnette Glaspell
Effects Of The Electric Kelvin Force On Spray Cooling Performance, Shannon Lynnette Glaspell
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Spray cooling is an efficient thermal management technique that may possibly be improved by employing an electric Kelvin force to control the fluid motion and delay the onset of critical heat flux. In the present study, a spray cooling apparatus consisting of a spray chamber (housing a spray nozzle and electrically heated surface) and a flow generating base package has been built and tested for varying nozzle-to-heater distances and also varying electrode geometries for a range of spray conditions and electrode voltages. The two part goal was to first determine the qualitative sensitivity of the distance between the heated surface …
Composite Suspension Member Analysis, Bruce M. Schlicker
Composite Suspension Member Analysis, Bruce M. Schlicker
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
As research has developed advancement in composites, they are increasingly being used as components in dynamic situations, e.g. suspension members. Previously used alloy materials are being replaced. Current research has led to developments in attaching aluminum to the composite. This new material is often referred to as a hybrid composite.;Hybrid composites used as suspension components become popular for their increased design flexibility. In this thesis, the shock mounting point was of the concern. It was found that the weak link in the hybrid aluminum/composite attachment is the bond between the aluminum and the epoxy.;Experiments and research led to advancements and …
Characterization Of Self -Healing Composite Materials, Kevin John Ford
Characterization Of Self -Healing Composite Materials, Kevin John Ford
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Damage occurs in almost every composite material in the form of microcracks that develop in the epoxy matrix that binds the fibers together. Researchers at the University of Illinois Urbana Champaign have recently developed a method to reverse the effects of, or heal, damage in the epoxy matrix. Their in-situ self-healing system uses embedded microcapsules and a catalyst that trigger a romp reaction in an effort to rebond the microcracks. Several models have been developed in an effort to predict how a composite laminate damages. One model in particular, the Continuous Damage Mechanics model, CDM that has been developed at …
Effects Of Duty Cycles On Diesel Engine Component Life Estimation, Dave Jayasinghe
Effects Of Duty Cycles On Diesel Engine Component Life Estimation, Dave Jayasinghe
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Engine manufactures have relied on over designed of engines and performance testing to ensure product reliability. The efforts to maximize efficiency and to predict performance characteristics have evoked an interest to study the in-cylinder pressure throughout the respective duty cycle. The duty cycle of an engine is defined as the history of speed and load conditions over which the engine operates in a specific application. Understanding the transient on-road diesel engine duty cycles has been one of major goals for the engine developers. To date there have not been any research performed to identify a wide variety of on-road diesel …
Thermal Conductivity Characterization Of Composite Materials, Bhyrav Mutnuri
Thermal Conductivity Characterization Of Composite Materials, Bhyrav Mutnuri
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Thermal conductivity of a polymer composite is a function of resin type, fiber type and architecture, fiber volume fraction, direction of heat flow, and service temperature. Recognizing the thermal responses in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) composite decks play a critical role in their performance, accurate thermal measurements of FRP decks are essential.;The objective of the research is to attain better understanding of global and local thermal behavior of a composite structural system through fundamental understanding of thermal conductivity properties. The literature reveals that a major focus has been placed on measurements of thermal conductivity in through-the-thickness direction of a FRP …
Reduction Of Toxic Air Contaminants (Tacs) And Particulate Matter Emissions From Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Engines, Hemanth K. Kappanna
Reduction Of Toxic Air Contaminants (Tacs) And Particulate Matter Emissions From Heavy-Duty Natural Gas Engines, Hemanth K. Kappanna
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Increasing urban pollution levels have driven the Federal and the local air control boards to impose stricter emissions regulations on heavy-duty engines earmarked for transit buses. This has made natural gas a promising fuel for reducing the emissions of oxides of nitrogen and predominantly particulate matter from heavy-duty transit buses. Recent research studies performed at WVU and elsewhere have showed that natural gas engines emit an order of magnitude lower PM emissions, on a mass basis, when compared to diesel engines without any exhaust aftertreatment devices. However, on a number basis the emissions from natural gas fueled buses were an …
Addressing Corner Detection Issues For Machine Vision Based Uav Aerial Refueling, Soujanya Vendra
Addressing Corner Detection Issues For Machine Vision Based Uav Aerial Refueling, Soujanya Vendra
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
The need for developing autonomous aerial refueling capabilities for an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) has risen out of the growing importance of UAVs in military and non-military applications. The AAR capabilities would improve the range and the loiter time capabilities of UAVs. A number of AAR techniques have been proposed, based on GPS based measurements and Machine Vision based measurements. The GPS based measurements suffer from distorted data in the wake of the tanker. The MV based techniques proposed the use of optical markers which---when detected---were used to determine relative orientation and position of the tanker and the UAV. The …
A Work-Based Window Method For Calculating In-Use Brake-Specific Oxides Of Nitrogen Emissions Of Heavy -Duty Diesel Engines, Benjamin C. Shade
A Work-Based Window Method For Calculating In-Use Brake-Specific Oxides Of Nitrogen Emissions Of Heavy -Duty Diesel Engines, Benjamin C. Shade
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Heavy-duty diesel engines (HDDEs) are currently certified in an engine dynamometer test cell over defined test cycles, such as the Federal Test Procedure (FTP) or the Supplemental Emissions Test (SET). In addition to certification testing, those HDDEs are subjected to in-use testing where gaseous emissions levels are not to exceed 125% of the certification level plus an additional 0.5 g/bhp-hr for instrument and analyzer inaccuracies. These HDDEs are required to meet these limits in the Not-To-Exceed (NTE) zone, which is defined by 40 CFR §86.1370-2007. In this method, emissions are calculated when an engine is operating in the NTE zone …
Dewatering Of Fine Coal Slurries By Selective Heating With Microwaves, Aashish Kalra
Dewatering Of Fine Coal Slurries By Selective Heating With Microwaves, Aashish Kalra
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Since water is used extensively in coal preparation and cleaning, dewatering of coals is required prior to shipment to power plants. However, finer fractions of coals are difficult to dewater and consequently these fractions are stored in settling ponds, causing environmental problems and loss of a large fraction of coals. Thermal drying of coals is not an efficient process since hot air heats both coal and water. Mechanical processes for dewatering fine coal slurries have a limit for dewatering coal. Consequently, dewatering using selective heating by conventional microwaves at 2.45 GHz and IR heating at 10 14 Hz was undertaken …
Updating Low-Profile Frp Deck Fe Model Using Experimental Modal Analysis, Srinivas Aluri
Updating Low-Profile Frp Deck Fe Model Using Experimental Modal Analysis, Srinivas Aluri
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
A FRP composite cargo trailer was developed for the U.S. Marine Corps using the existing Prodeck4 FRP bridge deck as a trailer bed. Detailed finite element analysis and experimental evaluation was carried out on the FRP trailer. The FRP deck used is a new system and has orthotropic material properties, therefore an FE model of deck that is validated through experimental data will ensure confidence in results obtained from the FE model. Experimental modal analysis (EMA) was used to verify and update the FE model of the FRP deck.;A FE model of FRP deck was built in ANSYSRTM and the …
Ignition By Air Injection (Cibai) For Controlled Auto-Ignition In A Cfr Engine, Fernando Echavarria
Ignition By Air Injection (Cibai) For Controlled Auto-Ignition In A Cfr Engine, Fernando Echavarria
Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports
Compression ignition by air injection (CIBAI) has been successfully achieved in a modified single cylinder, four-stroke, spark ignition cooperative fuel research (CFR) engine. The CIBAI cycle was invented by Professor John Loth and Professor Gary Morris, US patent No's: 6,994,057 Feb. 7, 2006 and 6,899,061 May 31, 2005. This new revolutionary combustion concept has the potential to become an alternative to traditional (SI) spark ignited and compression ignited (CI) diesel engines.;The objective of this dissertation was to demonstrate experimentally the viability of achieving ignition by air injection (CIBAI) for controlled auto-ignition in a CFR engine. This experimental work involved the …