Engineering Commons^™

Large-Scale Non-Linear Dynamic Optimization For Combining Applications Of Optimal Scheduling And Control, Logan Daniel Beal

Theses and Dissertations

Optimization has enabled automated applications in chemical manufacturing such as advanced control and scheduling. These applications have demonstrated enormous benefit over the last few decades and continue to be researched and refined. However, these applications have been developed separately with uncoordinated objectives. This dissertation investigates the unification of scheduling and control optimization schemes. The current practice is compared to early-concept, light integrations, and deeper integrations. This quantitative comparison of economic impacts encourages further investigation and tighter integration. A novel approach combines scheduling and control into a single application that can be used online. This approach implements the discrete-time paradigm from …

Optimization-Based Spatial Positioning And Energy Management For Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Ronald Abraham Martin

Theses and Dissertations

This research applies techniques from the field of optimization to spatial positioning and energy management in Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Two specific areas are treated: optimization of UAV view plans for 3D modeling of infrastructure, and trajectory optimization of solar powered high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs. Structure-from-Motion (SfM) is a computer vision technique for creating 3D models from 2D images. View planning is the process of planning image sets that will effectively model a given scene. First, a genetic algorithm based view planning approach is demonstrated. A novel terrain simulation environment is developed, and the algorithm is tested at multiple sites …

Investigating The Agricultural Applications Of Acryl Amide Based Hydrogel, Hany A. Elazab Dr

Chemical Engineering

Hydrogel is classified as one of the most effective materials due to its widely used applications either in tissue or agriculture engineering. This scientific research aims to investigate the potential applications of hydrogels in the field of desert agriculture in dry places. In this research hydrogel was prepared under several conditions in order to evaluate and optimize the conditions. The research included optimiz-ing several factors including cross-linking agent, water temperatures and pH. The potential agricultural applications of hydrogel were also investigated.

Gekko Optimization Suite, Logan Beal, Daniel Hill, Ronald Abraham Martin, John Hedengren

Faculty Publications

This paper introduces GEKKO as an optimization suite for Python. GEKKO specializes in dynamic optimization problems for mixed-integer, nonlinear, and differential algebraic equations (DAE) problems. By blending the approaches of typical algebraic modeling languages (AML) and optimal control packages, GEKKO greatly facilitates the development and application of tools such as nonlinear model predicative control (NMPC), real-time optimization (RTO), moving horizon estimation (MHE), and dynamic simulation. GEKKO is an object-oriented Python library that offers model construction, analysis tools, and visualization of simulation and optimization. In a single package, GEKKO provides model reduction, an object-oriented library for data reconciliation/model predictive control, and …

Maintaining And Controlling An Extrinsic Biofilm For Pathogen Removal In Dental Unit Water Lines, Bilal B. Al-Bataina

Electronic Thesis and Dissertation Repository

The control of biofilm formation is a major concern for industrial, environmental, and public health. Undesirable biofilms can harbor different disease-causing pathogens and shorten the operational life of different equipment. On the other hand, beneficial biofilms are also used in various applications and managing its growth and activity can be desirable. Killing the biofilm does not usually incorporate the removal of the dead biofilm structure that is adhered to the surface. Therefore, the aim of this thesis is to control biofilm formation; to be able to remove, inhibit, and enhance biofilm formation. This thesis investigated the use of norspermidine, D-amino …

Optimization Of A New Array Noise Tool; Analysis & Interpretation Of Case Studies Of Down- Hole Leak Detection, Moustafa Mahmoud Hassan Ismail

Theses

This thesis is concerned with the optimization and analysis of new array noise tools. Various lab and field case studies are analyzed to test the capabilities and determine the optimum operating conditions of the new tool for leak detection purposes. The purpose of this study is to optimize the logging procedure of real-time array noise tool, selecting adequate gain parameters and frequency band in the processing phase, and to analyze the data acquired through multiple labs and field tests. The study methodology involved the following steps:

1. Performing lab and field tests for the tool in a range of different …

A Constitutive Model For Entangled Polydisperse Linear Flexible Polymers With Entanglement Dynamics And A Configuration Dependent Friction Coefficient. Part I: Model Derivation, David W. Mead, Saman Monjezi, Joontaek Park

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new polydisperse "toy" constitutive model is derived and developed from fundamental principles and ideas governing the nonlinear rheology of linear flexible polymers [Mead et al., J. Rheol. 59, 335-363 (2015)]. Specifically, the new model is comprised of four fundamental pieces. First, the model contains a simple differential description of the entanglement dynamics of discrete entanglement pairs. Second, the model contains a differential description of the ij entanglement pair orientation tensor dynamics. Third, following a similar development by Mead and Mishler [J. Non-Newtonian Fluid Mech. 197, 61-79 and 80-90 (2013).], a diluted stretch tube is constructed to describe the relative …

Optimization Of Turbulent Prandtl Number In Turbulent, Wall Bounded Flows, Donald Edward Bernard

Graduate College Dissertations and Theses

After nearly 50 years of development, Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) has become an indispensable component of research, forecasting, design, prototyping and testing for a very broad spectrum of fields including geophysics, and most engineering fields (mechanical, aerospace, biomedical, chemical and civil engineering). The fastest and most affordable CFD approach, called Reynolds-Average-Navier-Stokes (RANS) can predict the drag around a car in just a few minutes of simulation. This feat is possible thanks to simplifying assumptions, semi-empirical models and empirical models that render the flow governing equations solvable at low computational costs. The fidelity of RANS model is good to excellent for …