Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Theses/Dissertations

2002

Mechanical engineering

File Type

Articles 1 - 21 of 21

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Enhanced Controls For Oxy-Fuel-Fired Batch Tank During Glass Working Period, Ranjit Menon Unnikrishnan Dec 2002

Enhanced Controls For Oxy-Fuel-Fired Batch Tank During Glass Working Period, Ranjit Menon Unnikrishnan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

One of the most dynamic developments in the glass industry has been the use of oxy-fuel combustion for melting glass. This new technology has not only increased the energy efficiency of the glass industry, but also has reduced its environmental impacts.;A model has been developed to take into account the effect of pulling the glass for nine hours during the working period on the reduced amount of fuel required for the batch tank, as well as the resulting transients.;The two primary goals of this thesis were to develop a transient transfer function for the batch tank and to develop an …


Mode I Fracture And Durability Of The Cfrp -Concrete Interface Bond, David Moses Boyajian Dec 2002

Mode I Fracture And Durability Of The Cfrp -Concrete Interface Bond, David Moses Boyajian

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The continual degradation of civil infrastructures worldwide has prompted the need for effective solutions, posing major challenges to those involved with reinforced concrete structures. Externally bonded fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have proven to be an efficient means of rehabilitation and enhancement to both existing and new structures alike. An important issue regarding this technology that needs further exploration, however, is the strength and integrity of the interface bond---the inadequacy of which can result in premature failure of the reinforced member.;Until now, there were no available methods to rigorously evaluate the interface bond strength and integrity for concrete structures externally …


Aerodynamic Drag Reduction Of A Racing Motorcycle Through Vortex Generation, Gerald M. Angle Ii Dec 2002

Aerodynamic Drag Reduction Of A Racing Motorcycle Through Vortex Generation, Gerald M. Angle Ii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The aerodynamic drag of a racing-class motorcycle can be accomplished through either an overall redesign of the surfaces or through some type of flow control mechanism. Due to limitations on the size of the exterior shape the flow control techniques are more practical. Small metal vanes, known as vortex generators were used in this research to mix higher energy freestream air with the lower energy boundary layer, delaying boundary layer growth and separation. In testing performed in the West Virginia University Closed Loop Wind Tunnel a maximum reduction of 118 drag counts (10.1%) was measured. Due to an abnormally high …


Measurement Of Total Hydrocarbon Emissions With Mems Using A Portable Fid And A Novel Exhaust Flow Meter, Jared Gregory Knight Dec 2002

Measurement Of Total Hydrocarbon Emissions With Mems Using A Portable Fid And A Novel Exhaust Flow Meter, Jared Gregory Knight

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The objective of this study was to evaluate tools for in-field, on-board engine emissions measurements, namely, a Signal Model 3030PM hydrocarbon analyzer and McCrometer's V-Cone flow meter. The Signal Model 3030PM analyzer uses a heated flame ionizing detection scheme to measure hydrocarbons. The V-Cone is an obstructive, differential pressure flow meter that reshapes the flow profile, therefore conditioning the flow.;The Signal Model 3030PM analyzer was found to perform as well or better than the HC analyzers currently used in the FTP test cell. Besides the portability feature, the Signal Model 3030PM demonstrated better response, being able to capture the high …


Characterization Of Infield Duty Cycles And Exhaust Emissions From Diesel Powered Off-Road Heavy-Duty Equipment, Jeremiah Christopher Rohrbaugh Dec 2002

Characterization Of Infield Duty Cycles And Exhaust Emissions From Diesel Powered Off-Road Heavy-Duty Equipment, Jeremiah Christopher Rohrbaugh

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The objective of study was to design, develop, and evaluate techniques to measure exhaust emissions from diesel-powered off road equipment. Emissions data was collected from a Komatsu hydraulic excavator and a Caterpillar track-type tractor.;For the excavator, data was logged during in-field operation, and test cycles were created on a dynamometer test bed using this data. For the tractor, on-board emissions measurement equipment collected mass emissions rate data in field.;Vast differences were found between transient and 8-mode brake-specific test results. Transient cycle HC, CO, CO2, NO, and PM emissions were 50%, 65%, 10%, 35%, and 50% lower than 8-Mode results, respectively. …


Numerical Modeling Of Air Blast Effects On Hybrid Structures, Matthew J. Fox Dec 2002

Numerical Modeling Of Air Blast Effects On Hybrid Structures, Matthew J. Fox

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Blast resistant structures are gaining increased need in today's society. This research addresses adding composite reinforcement to existing concrete structures to decrease blast damage. An upgraded material model for concrete is presented. This model, used in LS-DYNA3D, incorporates tensile damage, which allows the concrete to degrade as it is loaded. The concrete model is tested using existing unreinforced and reinforced concrete beam tests. Some beams were plain, others were externally reinforced with composites, bonded to the exterior of the beams. There is a very good correlation between the predicted and existing data. The concrete model was then used to predict …


Zinc Pot Bearing Material Wear Rate As A Function Of Contact Pressure And Velocity, James M. Snider Ii Dec 2002

Zinc Pot Bearing Material Wear Rate As A Function Of Contact Pressure And Velocity, James M. Snider Ii

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

There are currently over 50 galvanizing lines in operation in the United States producing approximately 50 million tons per year of galvanized sheet. Frequently zinc-pot hardware fails which causes production delay, resulting in an economic loss. It takes approximately 3 hours to change the zinc-pot bearings at a downtime cost of {dollar}400/h.;To predict the performance of the submerged bearings, a large number of variables must be considered. These variables include pot chemistry, temperature, line speed and line tension. With these variables it is possible to develop a design guide for sheet mill operators to determine the most cost-effective selection of …


Experimental Study Of Thermosiphon Performance, Sumeeth S. Sivanagere Aug 2002

Experimental Study Of Thermosiphon Performance, Sumeeth S. Sivanagere

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A model single phase loop thermosiphon was designed and built such that velocity profiles and heat transfer rates could be studied by obtaining temperature data, along with a detailed set of non-intrusive Laser Doppler Velocimetry measurements. The quantities measured were the instantaneous velocity profiles for the water flow. These velocities were then reduced into sets of mean and root mean square velocities, for different angles of tilt of the experimental setup. Nominal heating and cooling rates were held constant.;The single phase thermosiphon consisted of an aluminum flow loop, fitted with a test section made of Plexiglas, that was rectangular in …


Experimental Characterization Of The Mechanical Consequences Of A Debonded Total Hip Stem With An Unsupported Distal Tip, Keith Thomas Hustosky Aug 2002

Experimental Characterization Of The Mechanical Consequences Of A Debonded Total Hip Stem With An Unsupported Distal Tip, Keith Thomas Hustosky

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Cemented total hip arthroplasty (THA) has enjoyed widespread success since its introduction over thirty years ago. Despite the successes, there are threats to the long term stability of THA, chief among them aseptic loosening of the femoral stem. Femoral component loosening is a significant problem because it prevents the efficient transfer of hip joint forces through the cement to the proximal femur. This may cause pain in the patient severe enough to warrant surgery to replace the loose component.;The predominant approach to preventing loosening of cemented THA femoral components focuses on improving the bond between the prosthesis stem and the …


Advanced Generation Niosh Automatically Deployable Rollover Protective Structure (Autorops), Khaled Ali Alkhaledi Aug 2002

Advanced Generation Niosh Automatically Deployable Rollover Protective Structure (Autorops), Khaled Ali Alkhaledi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

AutoROPS have been developed recently under the sponsorship of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) in collaboration with the Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department at West Virginia University. Unfortunately, numerous tractors' operators have removed the factory ROPS from the Tractors because of the lack of housing area on the tractor, which may result in frequent collision between the ROPS and low-hanging tree branches.;One main purpose of this work was to study the base of the second generation AutoROPS, to insure that the base can withstand the impact loads associated with the rollover of any farm tractor. Another …


Uncertainty Assessment For Cfd Using Error Transport Equation, Gusheng Hu Aug 2002

Uncertainty Assessment For Cfd Using Error Transport Equation, Gusheng Hu

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

While Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is making extensive use of the power of computational technology, it is also facing a serious problem arising from the so-called numerical uncertainty. The overall uncertainty (or the global error) involved in CFD results can be due to different sources mainly contributed by (i) discretization error (or solution error due to incomplete grid convergence), (ii) iteration convergence error, (iii) grid generation errors (skewness, grid aspect and expansion ratio, coordinate transformation etc.), and (iv) round-off errors. In this study an in-depth discussion concerning these issues is presented with an emphasis on the discretization error in regard …


Study Of Natural Gas Vehicles (Ngv) During The Fast Fill Process, Eric Paul Shipley Aug 2002

Study Of Natural Gas Vehicles (Ngv) During The Fast Fill Process, Eric Paul Shipley

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Natural gas is being used as an alternative fuel to gasoline. Natural gas vehicle (NGV) refueling stations, however, are not able to guarantee a 100% full fill to NGV's. A system was designed and built to better understand the characteristics of CNG during the fill process. Useful characteristics of CNG during the fill process are temperature, pressure, and flow rate, as well as, total volume dispensed. CNG is dispensed to an NGV through a process known as the fast fill process, since it is completed in less than five minutes. The system that was built is transportable, which means that …


Aging Model For Commercial Polymers, Kevin J. Ford Aug 2002

Aging Model For Commercial Polymers, Kevin J. Ford

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Physical aging of polyvinyl chloride, high-density polyethylene, and polyester reinforced with polyester fibers specimens have been investigated. These materials are commercially available and are currently used in trenchless relining of sewer pipes. The analysis uses the effective-time theory and time-temperature superposition (TTSP) methods proposed by Struik, as well as variations of these methods, as proposed by Chai and McCrum, Guerdoux et al. and others. The creep data generated by this study show that the time-dependent creep properties of these materials can be modeled within experimental error with slight changes to the above methods. To predict the creep behavior of full-scale …


Long-Term Creep Of Encased Polymer Liners, Shalini Rangarajan Aug 2002

Long-Term Creep Of Encased Polymer Liners, Shalini Rangarajan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Due to increasing costs and inconveniences in replacing deteriorated sewer pipelines by conventional excavation methods, the trenchless or 'no-dig' technology is being extensively used. In trenchless technology, a polymer or reinforced polymer is applied to the inside of the deteriorated host pipe to prevent ground water from seeping into the sewer pipelines. In this work, a testing method was developed to determine the long-term creep behavior of encased polymer liners.;Short-term tests, following the ASTM D790 procedure, were conducted on pipe liner samples to determine the initial elastic modulus and compare it to the elastic modulus obtained from long-term testing of …


Design And Construction Of A Zinc Pot Bearing Material Wear Tester, Ryan Ware Aug 2002

Design And Construction Of A Zinc Pot Bearing Material Wear Tester, Ryan Ware

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

There are more than fifty galvanizing lines in the U.S.A. producing galvanized steel sheet by the method of pulling a steel sheet over a roller that is submerged in a liquid zinc bath. Although highly competitive, this product is very lucrative for the Steel Industry. The objective of this research is to assist the U.S. Steel Industry in becoming more competitive with foreign imports by reducing line stoppage for bearing replacement, which currently might be as long as one week to a month.;A great variety of wear and corrosion resistant zinc-pot bottom roller bearing metals and ceramics have already been …


Modeling The Pultrusion Process To Obtain Low Void Fraction Composites, Adam Douglas Freed May 2002

Modeling The Pultrusion Process To Obtain Low Void Fraction Composites, Adam Douglas Freed

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This work was directed at improving the strength and durability of pultruded composites. Pultruded composites are being used in an increasingly wider range of applications, and, as a result, a higher demand has been placed on the performance capabilities of the various components.;One target area for improving composites is the fraction of voids in the final product. The presence of voids in a composite decreases the Interlaminar Shear Strength, provides a site for the formation of fractures, and increases the susceptibility of the part to outside contaminants.;In this work, the various steps of the pultrusion process are analyzed in order …


Nucleation And Coagulation Of Particulate Matter Inside A Turbulent Exhaust Plume Of A Diesel Vehicle, Donghee Kim May 2002

Nucleation And Coagulation Of Particulate Matter Inside A Turbulent Exhaust Plume Of A Diesel Vehicle, Donghee Kim

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The objective of this study is to develop a physical model to accurately predict the nucleation, coagulation, and dynamics of particulate matter emission from diesel-fueled engines. The uniqueness of this research is that measured particulate matter (PM) size distribution data is not required a priori to solve the nucleation/coagulation equations; instead the PM concentration is predicted based on the fuel sulfur content, fuel to air ratio, exhaust flow rate, and the ambient conditions. This study presents the CFD modeling of an exhaust plume dispersed from a stack pipe of a tractor truck powered by a 330 HP diesel engine. This …


Combustion Analysis And Particulate Mutagenicity Characterization For A Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine Fueled By Fischer -Tropsch Derived Liquids, Michael Hayden Mcmillian May 2002

Combustion Analysis And Particulate Mutagenicity Characterization For A Single-Cylinder Diesel Engine Fueled By Fischer -Tropsch Derived Liquids, Michael Hayden Mcmillian

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Further growth of diesel engines in the light-duty and heavy-duty vehicular markets is closely linked to the potential health risks of diesel exhaust. Cleaner burning fuels, such as those derived from natural gas via the Fischer-Tropsch (FT) process, offer a potentially economically viable alternative to standard diesel fuel. As part of this study, a two-liter, single-cylinder, four-stroke direct-injected engine was instrumented for in-cylinder pressure measurements. The emissions and performance data from engine operation with Federal low sulfur No. 2 diesel fuel (DF) and natural gas derived FT fuel were compared. Also as part of the study, an investigation was carried …


Design, Construction And Testing Of An Innovative Mechanism For Manual Wheelchair Propulsion, Thomas S. Burke Jr. May 2002

Design, Construction And Testing Of An Innovative Mechanism For Manual Wheelchair Propulsion, Thomas S. Burke Jr.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The concern for people with disabilities who are users of wheelchairs has become a dynamic research area in the past several years. As part of this research, new and innovative mechanisms that give the manual wheelchair users a mechanical advantage, and allow them to operate a standard wheelchair with less effort and muscle strain are being developed.;An innovative mechanism has been conceived, designed, built, and tested. It allows the user to propel a standard wheelchair in both the push and pull strokes of the handle. This new design will allow for a more symmetric muscle development of the shoulder and …


Chebyshev Pseudospectral Methods For Conservation Laws With Source Terms And Applications To Multiphase Flow, Scott Alan Sarra May 2002

Chebyshev Pseudospectral Methods For Conservation Laws With Source Terms And Applications To Multiphase Flow, Scott Alan Sarra

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Pseudospectral methods are well known to produce superior results for the solution of partial differential equations whose solutions have a certain amount of regularity. Recent advances have made possible the use of spectral methods for the solution of conservation laws whose solutions may contain shocks. We use a recently described Super Spectral Viscosity method to obtain stable approximations of Systems of Nonlinear Hyperbolic Conservation Laws. A recently developed postprocessing method, which is theoretically capable of completely removing the Gibbs phenomenon from the Super Spectral Viscosity approximation, is examined. The postprocessing method has shown great promise when applied in some simple …


Manufacture And Rehabilitation Of Guardrail Posts Using Composite Fabrics, Ram Chamarthy May 2002

Manufacture And Rehabilitation Of Guardrail Posts Using Composite Fabrics, Ram Chamarthy

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The West Virginia Department of Transportation (WVDOT) uses approximately 50,000 wood and 200,000 steel guardrail posts on an annual basis. The need to develop guardrail posts made of a different material is motivated by the high cost of steel, along with the greater difficulty associated with driving large diameter wood posts.;The primary objective of this study was to develop a Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) wood post that is more cost effective than a steel post and has smaller diameter than a conventional wood post. Another objective was to develop a portable fabric-wrapping machine for field applications.;Unwrapped and GFRP wrapped …