Architecture Commons^™

The Effects Of Simple Coupled Volume Geometry On The Objective And Subjective Results From Nonexponential Decay, David T. Bradley, Lily M. Wang

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

This project focuses on the individual and interactive acoustic effects of three architectural parameters on the double slope profile from a simple coupled volume system created in the computer modeling program ODEON. The three variables studied are the volume ratio between the main and secondary spaces, the absorption ratio between the two spaces, and aperture size. The resulting energy decay profiles are analyzed using T₃₀/T₁₅ Coupling Coefficient ratios and Bayesian analysis. Coupling Coefficient results show general trends in the effects of the three architectural parameters that match previous research results and the predominant interactive effect between …

Fume Hood Exhaust Stack System, Mingsheng Liu

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

A fume hood exhaust stack system (10) and method utilize a variable speed fan (24) and an exhaust stack (28) having an adjustable cross-sectional area. Toxic exhaust from one or more fume hoods (12) is conveyed through a header (16) to the fan. The fan forces the exhaust through the exhaust stack, and the exhaust is then discharged into the atmosphere at a sufficient velocity and momentum to ensure that the exhaust reaches an environmentally sound altitude. A variable speed drive (36), programmable controller (34), flow signals (26), and static pressure and total pressure signals (20) are utilized to modulate …

Continuous Commissioning Leading Energy Project Process - An Industry Approach, Mingsheng Liu, Jinrong Wang, Ken Hansen, Ann Selzer

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

Continuous Commissioning (CC^®) is an ongoing process to resolve operating problems, improve comfort, optimize energy use, and identify retrofits for existing commercial and institutional buildings and central plant facilities. This process was initiated in 1992 and formally documented in 1999 by the Energy Research Journal and in 2002 by the Continuous Commissioning Guidebook for Federal Energy Managers. The CC process has been very successful for many public facilities. A significant amount of energy savings has been achieved and documented.

Recently, the authors developed the Continuous Commissioning Leading Energy Project process and demonstrated this process in over a dozen …

Engineering And Software Requirements Of The Automated Building Commissioning Analysis Tool (Abcat), David E. Claridge, Mingsheng Liu, Frank Painter, Gang Wang

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

Disclaimer - 3

Acknowledgements - 4

Engineering Requirements

Software Requirements - 5

Or-05-6-4: Relating Human Productivity And Annoyance To Indoor Noise Criteria Systems: A Low Frequency Analysis, Erica Eileen Bowden, Lily M. Wang

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

A number of indoor noise criteria systems are used to quantify the background noise in a built environment, including Noise Criteria (NC), Balanced Noise Criteria (NCB), Room Criteria (RC), Room Criteria Mark II (RC Mark II), A-weighted Equivalent Sound Pressure Level (L_Aeq), and others. An on-going debate exists in the acoustical community over which criterion is the most appropriate to use in the variety of ambient noise situations encountered. In an effort to quantitatively support the use of individual criterion, this project subjectively correlates these various criteria with human task performance and perception. Eleven subjects participated in a …

Mechanical Damping System For Structures, Jay A. Puckett, Patrick S. Mcmanus, Homer R. Hamilton Iii

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Faculty Publications

A mechanical damping system for a structure is provided. The mechanical damping system comprises a tubular impact frame secured to the structure. A support frame is secured to the structure with the support frame spaced from the impact frame. An elongated member is provided having a first end and a second end. The first end is secured within the support frame and the second end is free from connection and extends into the impact frame. At least one impact mass is secured to the second end of the elongated member, the impact mass movable within and contactable with the impact …