Engineering Commons^™

An Empirical Analysis Of Backpropagation Error Surface Initiation For Injection Molding Process Control, Alice E. Smith, Elaine R. Raterman, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Backpropagation neural networks are trained by adjusting initially random interconnecting weights according to the steepest local error surface gradient. The authors examine the practical implications of the arbitrary starting point on the error landscape of the ensuing trained network. The effects on network convergence and performance are tested empirically, varying parameters such as network size, training rate, transfer function and data representation. The data used are live process control data from an injection molding plant

A Technological Development Model For Strategy Formation, Halvard E. Nystrom

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Summary form only given, as follows. The author presents a technological development model for product and company development based on a distinction between explicit and implicit technologies. Implicit technologies are evolving technologies while explicit technologies are established technologies. Based on empirical data from Swedish companies, a number of strategic dimensions are discussed such as network interaction and combining knowledge from various sources. These concepts are then used to present an integrated model of strategy formation and product and company development. It is argued that this view of technological development facilitates the understanding and analysis of innovation and entrepreneurship in highly …

A Parallel Architecture For Stock Cutting Problem, Cihan H. Dagli, Alireza Hajakbari

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The problem of allocating irregular patterns arises frequently in applications where it has to be determined how a set of two-dimensional shapes will fit onto a stock sheet of finite dimensions with minimum waste. The use of the simulated annealing approach for the solution of this problem is described

Simulated Annealing Approach For Solving Stock Cutting Problem, Cihan H. Dagli, Alireza Hajakbari

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The simulated annealing approach is applied to stock cutting. The conceptual approach proposed uses an energy function that measures the area of the rectangular enclosure of all the patterns to be nested, the level of similarity between pattern pairs, and the amount of overlap among patterns in evaluating various pattern configurations to be generated by the simulated annealing algorithm. Three methods for pattern configuration generation are considered. The first method uses heuristics to generate the initial configuration. The second and third methods use random selection and random placement of patterns

Knowledge-Based Prototype For Improving Scheduling Productivity, Colin Othniel Benjamin, Daniel L. Babcock, N. B. Yunus, John B. Kincaid

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The development of efficient construction plans and schedules presents continuing challenges to construction schedulers. Knowledge-based systems offer considerable potential as computer-based planning tools to aid the development of realistic project plans and schedules. This paper outlines the development of a knowledge-based prototype system for construction planning and scheduling and evaluates its effectiveness as a tool for improving the productivity of inexperienced construction project schedulers. The prototype, developed using the M.1 knowledge engineering shell, incorporates data bases, algorithm, and heuristics that mimic the decision process of expert construction project schedulers and identifies a work breakdown structure and precedence relationships. Inexperienced schedulers …

Cost Justification Of An Expert System, Alice E. Smith, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

It is pointed out that, like other projects which spend corporate dollars, an expert system must be analyzed for its economic and strategic worth to the organization. Both traditional engineering economy project analysis and multivariate holistic methods can be applicable. The fundamental strategy of the analyst is to decide upon the evaluation methodologies, gather cost and benefit data, study the project from various perspectives, and present the results and recommendations.

Neural Networks In Manufacturing: Possible Impacts On Cutting Stock Problems, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The potential of neural networks is examined, and the effect of parallel processing on the solution of the stock-cutting problem is assessed. The conceptual model proposed integrates a feature-recognition network and a simulated annealing approach. The model uses a neocognitron neural network paradigm to generate data for assessing the degree of match between two irregular patterns. The information generated through the feature recognition network is passed to an energy function, and the optimal configuration of patterns is computed using a simulated annealing algorithm. Basics of the approach are demonstrated with an example.

Application Of Distributed Knowledge Bases In Intelligent Manufacturing, Cihan H. Dagli, Gerald E. Hoffman

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The authors consider independent knowledge bases operating on separate work stations networked together within the domain of knowledge-based scheduling. The scheduling problem is addressed through distributed knowledge bases that have an ability to pass information back and forth between small knowledge bases functioning at different decision-making levels. A small manufacturing plant is conceptualized in order to experiment with this process. The general outline and areas of the manufacturing shop are shown. The domain specific area for the knowledge bases is to optimize the scheduling of work at each work station in order to meet a weekly quota. Automatic guided vehicle, …

Possible Applications Of Neural Networks In Manufacturing, S. Lammers, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Summary form only given. An examination is made of the potential of neural networks and the impact of parallel processing in the design and operations of manufacturing systems. After an initial discussion on possible areas of application, an approach that integrates artificial intelligence, operations research, and neural networks for the solution of a scheduling problem is examined

Lexical Analysis Using Table Look-Up, Brian Keith Smith, Dominic Soda, George Winston Zobrist

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Wood Fuels In Power Generation, Yildirim Omurtag, Larry Wetzel, Michael Mcevilly

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

In order for wood to be considered a feasible energy source for power generation, it must prove to be economical, meet society's pollution criteria, and provide sufficient energy to meet its regional demand applications or requirements. This report looks at wood's availability, its potential as a fuel source, the different methods of energy conversion, and lastly, submits conclusions and recommendations concerning wood-fueled power generation.

The information and background was supplied and supported by actual application, government publications and documentations, and other sources. The availability report includes living biomass, wood residues, and potential biomass expansion. Once availability was determined, the portion …

Managing In An Energy Scarce Environment, John Amos

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Present engineering management principles, operations research techniques, and economic theories were mainly developed dealing with only one scarce resource -- capital. Today, the engineer manager must consider another scarce resource -- energy. In the past, energy was never considered a major factor; i.e., equipment was considered a good investment if labor was reduced, regardless of energy cost. Many other managerial decisions are similar; therefore, the engineer manager must understand why many decisions based on traditional techniques may be misleading. The engineer manager must now utilize more complex engineering management techniques instead of evaluating only one factor or using rules of …

7th Annual Umr-Dnr Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

No abstract provided.

University Of Missouri--Rolla Wood Energy Research, Yildirim Omurtag, V. J. Flanigan, Nathan E. Welch

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The overall objective of this project is to conduct a research and development program which will lead to the early commercialization of wood gasification technology to process wood residues typical of those found in the Ozark region.

5th Annual Umr-Dnr Conference On Energy -- Entire Proceedings, University Of Missouri--Rolla

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This volume is a collection of refereed papers presented at the Fifth Annual UMR-DNR Conference on Energy held at the University of Missouri--Rolla on the dates of October 10 - 12, 1978.

Guided by the President's goal of energy independence by 1980, the UMR-DNR Conference on Energy organized in 1974 with the purpose of providing social scientists, scientists and engineers a means for rapid communication of their most recent research results in the field of energy and to offer solutions to the energy related problems of local government, business, industry and the general public. Since that time, there has been …

Student Attitudes Toward The Free Enterprise System, Henry Metzner, Edwin C. Sims

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

Increased Aluminum Use And Its Impact On The Life-Cycle Energy Cost Of Automobiles, Yildirim Omurtag

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper examines the life-cycle of a passenger automobile including ore refining, manufacture of components, assembly, driving and recycling to provide a general computerized model to be used in evaluating the impact of various material substitution rates and recycling policies on the total system energy consumption. The emphasis is on the use of increased aluminum to replace iron and steel.

A Survey Of Energy Information Systems And Its Implications For Industrial Energy Management, Yildirim Omurtag, Henry Sineath, Henry Allen Wiebe

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

There is a need for state governments to prepare better strategic plans dealing with the use of their energy resources. These plans must be based on reliable information concerning energy resources and usage if they are to make a contribution to sound energy management. This paper presents the results of a survey which was conducted during 1976 and 1977 to determine the availablility of comprehensive energy information systems for planning and controlling the state-wide energy related activities in the United States.

Emerson Electric -- Application And Results Of An Electric Energy Audit, Bruce E. Jacobs, Yildirim Omurtag

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The objective of the study was to examine the electrical usage of an Emerson division located in the Northeast, provide a method of managing the usage and make recommendations for conservation. Both past and present usage were examined in an attempt to determine if potential savings might be realized by a reduction in energy and peak demand. Discussion will include an electrical energy tracking mechanism, ratios and indicators, use of rate consultants, state sales tax exemption clauses, and sample calculations of cost improvements on demand charges.

Energy Savings At No Cost, J. E. Mosimann

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A case history of how a large manufacturer of sophisticated electron devices embarked on an energy conservation program which resulted in an overall reduction of 38 percent in annual energy used. Greatest savings of energy were realized from the projects that required essentially no capital dollars to incorporate.

Household Energy Availability And Use -- A Systems Theory Formulation, Charles Geiger, Milton E. Harvey

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Systems theory provides an excellent perspective, as well as methodology, for analyzing energy problems of availability and use. The linear systems format is applied here to a system which focuses on household energy, energy independence, and energy conservation. Z-transform analysis can be used to simplify the mathematical operations required in this model.

Land Use And Energy Utilization For The St. Louis Smsa, Norval D. Wallace, Alfred Kahn

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The sensitivity of energy consumption to the residential patterns of the population growth in the St. Louis region between 1970 and 1995 is investigated. Methodology is presented for computing transportation and residential energy consumption, making maximum use of local data in a manner which is intimately tied to land use. Results of energy computations for a 1995 land use plan developed by East-West Gateway Coordinating Council and four alternatives are presented. The results are put into perspective with other related energy conservation measures.

Building Energy Standards And Codes, Charles E. Dorgan

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

Review steps that can be taken to reduce energy consumption, such as (1) increase energy costs, (2) allocate and limit users, (3) energy codes, (4) voluntary energy standards, and/or (5) change in life style. A dicussion of the types of energy standards/codes and what they accomplish is the main part of the paper -- this includes performance, budget, and prescriptive standards.

The Impact Of A Continuing Energy Crisis: Changing Attitudes And Behaviors Regarding Thermostat Setback, John W. Frazier, Milton E. Harvey

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

A sample of Akron, Ohio SMSA households are utilized to examine thermostat setback as an energy conservation strategy. Socio-economic differences between adopting households are evaluated using discriminant analysis. The results constitute the bases on which our recommendations for future increased use of the thermostat setback strategy are made.

Appropriate Technology And The Energy Crisis, James P. Bosscher

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The proposal is to initially outline the cognative aspects - the knowledge needs - necessary to generate a technological base which will be fitting, germane, and appropriate over against the society it must seek to serve.

It is proposed, secondly, to indicate the value -- laden and sensitive aspects -- the elements of care and concern - so vital in creating a technology which will be thoughtfully supportive and, insofar with respect to the people served.

Finally, the paper would seek to apply the appropriate technological concepts; both the knowing and the caring aspects, to the expanding and very real …

Dilemmas In Decision-Making Towards The Resolution Of The Energy Crisis, Rao J. Tatikonda, Mark R. Bomball, Lakshmi U. Tatikonda

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

This paper discusses various solution approaches to solve our aggravating energy problem. It presents various dilemmas faced by the energy policy-makers of the United States, for each of the solution approaches. The factors involved are economic, environmental, technological, sociological, psychological, ethical, political,institutional, international, regulatory, managerial, futuristic, and systems-oriented. An approach to help the Congress and the President to formulate and implement an effective National Energy Plan is discussed.

Countdown For Energy Research, Development And Demonstration In America, Tom Day

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The energy research business is rapidly developing an appreciation of time elements which indicate that in order for "a system” to compete with the big five prime fuels for the generation of electric energy, 1982 is going to be a critical year whereby RD & D efforts must provide on-line results.

Economics And Net Energy Analysis: Is A New Analytical Technique Needed For Energy Decision Making?, William J. Kruvant

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The paper attempts to evaluate the claims of Net Energy Analysis (NEA) against those of economics in a reasonably comprehensive way. The principal problems of NEA concern system boundaries, aggregation across fuels, valuing external effects, valuing human labor and valuing time. These problems seriously limit the contribution Net Energy Analysis can make to allocation decisions, and allocation Is the central problem of energy policy.

Volunteers In Energy Conservation -- Potential And Problems, Clayton L. Smith

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

The social and political implications of the energy crisis, while complex in nature and understanding, seem to urgently proclaim that the time for action is now. This paper is based on the premise that individual responsibility is essential. The people must act. Political decisions must be made. The people must debate what social climates are to be promoted and by what new energy systems. The key to solving the energy crisis is America's people, and particularly with its youth. With people come the potential and of course, the problems. The approach of this paper will be threefold.

The Impact Of Changing Net Returns On Minimum Energy Requirements For Grain Farms, James B. Kliebenstein, Robert M. Finley, Douglas C. Farthing

UMR-MEC Conference on Energy / UMR-DNR Conference on Energy

With sources of energy more restricted and higher priced, optimal combinations of enterprises must logically be considered on the basis of energy efficiency. One method of ascertaining this efficiency is to optimize solutions for given levels of income on the basis of energy used (e.g., the objective function was in terms of energy kilocalories). In general, soybeans were most feasible at lower levels of income regardless of farm size and labor circumstance. As income levels increased, double-cropping (wheat soybeans) was first substituted and finally corn at highest income levels.