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Articles 1 - 29 of 29
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Modeling The Relaxation Time Of Dna Confined In A Nanochannel, Douglas R. Tree, Yanwei Wang, Kevin D. Dorfman
Modeling The Relaxation Time Of Dna Confined In A Nanochannel, Douglas R. Tree, Yanwei Wang, Kevin D. Dorfman
Faculty Publications
Using a mapping between a Rouse dumbbell model and fine-grained Monte Carlo simulations, we have computed the relaxation time of λ-DNA in a high ionic strength buffer confined in a nanochannel. The relaxation time thus obtained agrees quantitatively with experimental data [Reisner et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 94, 196101 (2005)] using only a single O(1) fitting parameter to account for the uncertainty in model parameters. In addition to validating our mapping, this agreement supports our previous estimates of the friction coefficient of DNA confined in a nanochannel [Tree et al., Phys. Rev. Lett. 108, 228105 …
Microfluidic Valves Made From Polymerized Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate, Gregory P. Nordin
Microfluidic Valves Made From Polymerized Polyethylene Glycol Diacrylate, Gregory P. Nordin
Faculty Publications
Pneumatically actuated, non-elastomeric membrane valves fabricated from polymerized polyethylene glycol diacrylate (poly-PEGDA) have been characterized for temporal response, valve closure, and long-term durability. A ∼100 ms valve opening time and a ∼20 ms closure time offer valve operation as fast as 8 Hz with potential for further improvement. Comparison of circular and rectangular valve geometries indicates that the surface area for membrane interaction in the valve region is important for valve performance. After initial fabrication, the fluid pressure required to open a closed circular valve is ∼50 kPa higher than the control pressure holding the valve closed. However, after ∼1000 …
Is Dna A Good Model Polymer?, Douglas R. Tree, Abhiram Muralidhar, Patrick S. Doyle, Kevin D. Dorfman
Is Dna A Good Model Polymer?, Douglas R. Tree, Abhiram Muralidhar, Patrick S. Doyle, Kevin D. Dorfman
Faculty Publications
The details surrounding the crossover from wormlike-specific to universal polymeric behavior has been the subject of debate and confusion even for the simple case of a dilute, unconfined wormlike chain. We have directly computed the polymer size, form factor, free energy, and Kirkwood diffusivity for unconfined wormlike chains as a function of molecular weight, focusing on persistence lengths and effective widths that represent single-stranded and double-stranded DNA in a high ionic strength buffer. To do so, we use a chain-growth Monte Carlo algorithm, the pruned-enriched Rosenbluth method (PERM), which allows us to estimate equilibrium and near-equilibrium dynamic properties of wormlike …
Non-Redundant Sensor Fault Detection Using An Improved Dynamic Model, Brandon Cannon, Robert C. Leishman, Timothy W. Mclain, Joseph Jackson, Jovan Boskovic
Non-Redundant Sensor Fault Detection Using An Improved Dynamic Model, Brandon Cannon, Robert C. Leishman, Timothy W. Mclain, Joseph Jackson, Jovan Boskovic
Faculty Publications
This paper proposes a method of detecting faults in non-redundant sensors. Such a method is advantageous for small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which are prevented from carrying redundant sensors due to size, weight, and power constraints. The method we propose uses a multiplicative extended Kalman lter (MEKF) for estimation and employs hypothesis testing to detect faults. This method has been shown to detect bias, drift, and increased noise in a non-redundant sensor real-time on board an autonomous rotorcraft.
Robust Motion Estimation With Rgb-D Cameras, Robert C. Leishman, Daniel Koch, Timothy W. Mclain
Robust Motion Estimation With Rgb-D Cameras, Robert C. Leishman, Daniel Koch, Timothy W. Mclain
Faculty Publications
Estimating vehicle motion using vision sensors in real time has been greatly explored in the past few years due to speed improvements and advances in computer hardware. Six degree of freedom motion estimation using vision information is desirable due to a vision sensors low cost, low power requirements and light weight and for the quality of the solutions that can be obtained using few assumptions about the environment. However, cameras have the downside of not providing good estimates when visual features are sparse or not available. Also, there are problems with changes in lighting and when light is low or …
Dynamic Optimization Of A Solar Thermal Energy Storage System Over A 24 Hour Period Using Weather Forecasts, Kody Powell, John Hedengren, Thomas F. Edgar
Dynamic Optimization Of A Solar Thermal Energy Storage System Over A 24 Hour Period Using Weather Forecasts, Kody Powell, John Hedengren, Thomas F. Edgar
Faculty Publications
A solar thermal power plant is used as a case study for dynamic heat integration with thermal energy storage. Findings show that thermal energy storage gives the system the ability to make the power dispatchable. Additionally, by solving a 24-hour dynamic optimization problem where the plant temperatures and power output are variable allows the system to capture and harvest a higher percentage of solar energy, with the most benefit occurring on mostly cloudy days. The solar energy captured increases 64% from 4.75 MWh to 7.80 MWh using this scheme. Hybrid plant operation and the ability to bypass the storage tanks …
Inviscid Analysis Of Extended Formation Flight, James Kless, Michael Aftosmis, Andrew Ning, Marian Nemec
Inviscid Analysis Of Extended Formation Flight, James Kless, Michael Aftosmis, Andrew Ning, Marian Nemec
Faculty Publications
Flying airplanes in extended formations, with separation distances of tens of wingspans, significantly improves safety while maintaining most of the fuel savings achieved in close formations. The present study investigates the impact of roll trim and compressibility at a fixed lift coefficient on the benefits of extended formation flight. An Euler solver with adjoint-based mesh refinement combined with a wake propagation model is used to analyze a two-body echelon formation at a separation distance of 30 spans. Two geometries are examined: a simple wing and a wing-body geometry. Energy savings, quantified by both formation drag fraction and span efficiency factor, …
Model Predictive Control With A Rigorous Model Of A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, Lee T. Jacobsen, John Hedengren
Model Predictive Control With A Rigorous Model Of A Solid Oxide Fuel Cell, Lee T. Jacobsen, John Hedengren
Faculty Publications
Degradation of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells (SOFCs) can be minimized by maintaining reliability parameters during load changes. These reliability parameters are critical to maintain power generation efficiency over an extended life of the SOFC. For SOFCs to be commercially viable, the life must exceed 20,000 hours for load following applications. This is not yet achieved because transient stresses damage the fuel cell and degrade the performance over time. This study relates the development of a dynamic model for SOFC systems in order to predict optimal manipulated variable moves along a prediction horizon. The model consists of hundreds of states and …
Numerical Simulation Of Convection In Triangular Cavities To Predict Solar Still Performance, Jeremy D. Lefevre, W. Jerry Bowman, Matthew R. Jones
Numerical Simulation Of Convection In Triangular Cavities To Predict Solar Still Performance, Jeremy D. Lefevre, W. Jerry Bowman, Matthew R. Jones
Faculty Publications
To improve modeling of solar still behavior, the convection correlations currently used need to be improved upon. Variations in operating parameters and cover geometries make it difficult to use a single correlation to describe the operation of all solar stills. In this work, three right triangles (representing covers at 15, 30, and 45 deg) were modeled, meshed, and solved to predict the convection heat transfer inside for a variety of operating conditions. For a correlation of the form Nu = C · Ran, it was found that C = 1.1, 0.60, and 0.71, and n = 0.19, 0.24, …
Advanced Deepwater Monitoring System, David Brower, John Hedengren, Reza Asgharzadeh Shishavan, Alexis Brower
Advanced Deepwater Monitoring System, David Brower, John Hedengren, Reza Asgharzadeh Shishavan, Alexis Brower
Faculty Publications
This study investigates new methods to improve deepwater monitoring and addresses installation of advanced sensors on ”already deployed” risers, flowlines, trees, and other deepwater devices. A major shortcoming of post installed monitoring systems in subsea is poor coupling between the sensor and structure. This study provided methods to overcome this problem. Both field testing in subsea environments and laboratory testing were performed. Test articles included actual flowline pipe and steel catenary risers up to twenty-four inches in diameter. A monitoring device resulting from this study can be installed in-situ on underwater structures and could enhance productivity and improve safety of …
Floating Electrode Electrowetting On Hydrophobic Dielectric With An Sio2 Layer, Mehdi Khodayari, Benjamin Hahne, Nathan B. Crane, Alex A. Volinsky
Floating Electrode Electrowetting On Hydrophobic Dielectric With An Sio2 Layer, Mehdi Khodayari, Benjamin Hahne, Nathan B. Crane, Alex A. Volinsky
Faculty Publications
Floating electrode electrowetting is caused by dc voltage applied to a liquid droplet on the Cytop surface, without electrical connection to the substrate. The effect is caused by the charge separation in the floating electrode. A highly-resistive thermally-grown SiO2 layer underneath the Cytop enables the droplet to hold charges without leakage, which is the key contribution. Electrowetting with an SiO2 layer shows a memory effect, where the wetting angle stays the same after the auxiliary electrode is removed from the droplet in both conventional and floating electrode electrowetting. Floating electrode electrowetting provides an alternative configuration for developing advanced electrowetting-based devices.
Extension Of Dna In A Nanochannel As A Rod-To-Coil Transition, Douglas R. Tree, Yanwei Wang, Kevin D. Dorfman
Extension Of Dna In A Nanochannel As A Rod-To-Coil Transition, Douglas R. Tree, Yanwei Wang, Kevin D. Dorfman
Faculty Publications
DNA confinement in nanochannels is emerging as an important tool for genomics and an excellent platform for testing the theories of confined wormlike polymers. Using cutting-edge, large scale Monte Carlo simulations of asymptotically long wormlike chains, we show that, in analogy to the rod-to-coil transition for free wormlike polymers, there exists a universal, Gauss–de Gennes regime that connects the classic Odijk and de Gennes regimes of channel-confined chains. For DNA in a nanochannel, this Gauss–de Gennes regime spans practically the entire experimentally relevant range of channel sizes, including the nanochannels used in an incipient genome mapping technology.
A Polarizable Reactive Force Field For Water To Enable Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Proton Transport, Abhishek Asthana, Dean R. Wheeler
A Polarizable Reactive Force Field For Water To Enable Molecular Dynamics Simulations Of Proton Transport, Abhishek Asthana, Dean R. Wheeler
Faculty Publications
A new polarizable water model is developed for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of the proton transport process. The interatomic potential model has three important submodels corresponding to electrostatic interactions, making and breaking of covalent bonds, and treatment of electron exchange and correlation through a van der Waals potential. A polarizable diffuse charge density function was used to describe Coulombic interactions between atoms. Most of the model parameters were obtained from ab initio data for a lone water molecule. Molecules respond realistically to their electrochemical environment by the use of coupled fluctuating charge and fluctuating dipole dynamics, which controlled the charge …
Relative Navigation Approach For Vision-Based Aerial Gps-Denied Navigation, Robert C. Leishman, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard
Relative Navigation Approach For Vision-Based Aerial Gps-Denied Navigation, Robert C. Leishman, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard
Faculty Publications
GPS-denied aerial flight is a popular research topic. The problem is challenging and requires knowledge of complex elements from many distinct disciplines. Additionally, aerial vehicles can present challenging constraints such as stringent payload limitations and fast vehicle dynamics. In this paper we propose a new architecture to simplify some of the challenges that constrain GPS-denied aerial flight. At the core, the approach combines visual graph-SLAM with a multiplicative extended Kalman filter. More importantly, for the front end we depart from the common practice of estimating global states and instead keep the position and yaw states of the MEKF relative to …
Analysis Of An Improved Imu-Based Observer For Multirotor Helicopters, John Charles Macdonald, Robert C. Leishman, Randal W. Beard, Timothy W. Mclain
Analysis Of An Improved Imu-Based Observer For Multirotor Helicopters, John Charles Macdonald, Robert C. Leishman, Randal W. Beard, Timothy W. Mclain
Faculty Publications
Multirotor helicopters are increasingly popular platforms in the robotics community. Making them fully autonomous requires accurate state estimation. We review an improved dynamic model for multirotor helicopters and analyze the observability properties of an estimator based on this model. The model allows better use of IMU data to facilitate accurate state estimates even when updates from a sensor measuring position become less frequent and less accurate. We demonstrate that the position update rate can be cut in half versus typical approaches while maintaining the same accuracy. We also find that velocity estimates are at least twice as accurate no matter …
Revisiting Blob Theory For Dna Diffusivity In Slitlike Confinement, Liang Dai, Douglas R. Tree, Johan R. C. Van Der Maarel, Kevin D. Dorfman, Patrick S. Doyle
Revisiting Blob Theory For Dna Diffusivity In Slitlike Confinement, Liang Dai, Douglas R. Tree, Johan R. C. Van Der Maarel, Kevin D. Dorfman, Patrick S. Doyle
Faculty Publications
Blob theory has been widely applied to describe polymer conformations and dynamics in nanoconfinement. In slit confinement, blob theory predicts a scaling exponent of 2/3 for polymer diffusivity as a function of slit height, yet a large body of experimental studies using DNA produce a scaling exponent significantly less than 2/3. In this work, we develop a theory that predicts that this discrepancy occurs because the segment correlation function for a semiflexible chain such as DNA does not follow the Flory exponent for length scales smaller than the persistence length. We show that these short length scale effects contribute significantly …
A Multiplicative Extended Kalman Filter For Relative Rotorcraft Navigation, Robert C. Leishman, Timothy W. Mclain
A Multiplicative Extended Kalman Filter For Relative Rotorcraft Navigation, Robert C. Leishman, Timothy W. Mclain
Faculty Publications
In this article we detail the fundamentals of a new approach to GPS-denied navigation for aerial vehicles in confined indoor environments. We depart from the common practice of navigating within a globally referenced map, and instead keep the position and yaw states relative to the current node in the map. The approach combines elements of graph SLAM with a multiplicative extended Kalman filter (MEKF). The filter provides quality state estimates at a fast rate and a graph SLAM algorithm maintains a pose graph. We provide specific details for the relative MEKF. We verify the relative estimation approach with hardware flight …
Entropic Depletion Of Dna In Triangular Nanochannels, Wesley F. Reinhart, Douglas R. Tree, Kevin D. Dorfman
Entropic Depletion Of Dna In Triangular Nanochannels, Wesley F. Reinhart, Douglas R. Tree, Kevin D. Dorfman
Faculty Publications
Using Monte Carlo simulations of a touching-bead model of double-stranded DNA, we show that DNA extension is enhanced in isosceles triangular nanochannels (relative to a circular nanochannel of the same effective size) due to entropic depletion in the channel corners. The extent of the enhanced extension depends non-monotonically on both the accessible area of the nanochannel and the apex angle of the triangle. We also develop a metric to quantify the extent of entropic depletion, thereby collapsing the extension data for circular, square, and various triangular nanochannels onto a single master curve for channel sizes in the transition between the …
A Steady-State Detection (Ssd) Algorithm To Detect Non-Stationary Drifts In Processes, Jeff Kelly, John Hedengren
A Steady-State Detection (Ssd) Algorithm To Detect Non-Stationary Drifts In Processes, Jeff Kelly, John Hedengren
Faculty Publications
Detecting windows or intervals of when a continuous process is operating in a state of steadiness is useful especially when steady-state models are being used to optimize the process or plant on-line or in real-time. The term steady-state implies that the process is operating around some stable point or within some stationary region where it must be assumed that the accumulation or rate-of-change of material, energy and momentum is statistically insignificant or negligible. This new approach is to assume the null-hypothesis that the process is stationary about its mean subject to independent and identically distributed random error or shocks (white-noise) …
Objectives And Constraints For Wind Turbine Optimization, Andrew Ning, Rick Damiani, Patrick Moriarty
Objectives And Constraints For Wind Turbine Optimization, Andrew Ning, Rick Damiani, Patrick Moriarty
Faculty Publications
Efficient extraction of wind energy is a complex multidisciplinary process. This paper examines common objectives used in wind turbine optimization problems. The focus is not on the specific optimized designs, but rather on understanding when certain objectives and constraints are necessary, and what their limitations are. Maximizing annual energy production, or even using sequential aero/structural optimization, is shown to be significantly suboptimal compared to integrated aero/structural metrics. Minimizing the ratio of turbine mass to annual energy production can be effective for fixed rotor diameter designs, as long as the tower mass is estimated carefully. For variable diameter designs, the predicted …
Supercritical Co2 Brayton Cycles For Solar-Thermal Energy, Brian D. Iverson, Thomas M. Conboy, James J. Pasch, Alan M. Kruizenga
Supercritical Co2 Brayton Cycles For Solar-Thermal Energy, Brian D. Iverson, Thomas M. Conboy, James J. Pasch, Alan M. Kruizenga
Faculty Publications
Of the mechanisms to improve efficiency for solar-‐thermal power plants, one of the most effective ways to improve overall efficiency is through power cycle improvements. As increases in operating temperature continue to be pursued, supercritical CO2 Brayton cycles begin to look more attractive despite the development costs of this technology. Further, supercritical CO2 Brayton has application in many areas of power generation beyond that for solar energy alone.
One challenge particular to solar-‐thermal power generation is the transient nature of the solar resource. This work illustrates the behavior of developmental Brayton turbomachinery in response to a fluctuating thermal input, much …
Characterization Of Macromolecular Structure Of Pyrolysis Products From A Colorado Green River Oil Shale, James L. Hillier, Thomas H. Fletcher, Mark S. Solum, Ronald J. Pugmire
Characterization Of Macromolecular Structure Of Pyrolysis Products From A Colorado Green River Oil Shale, James L. Hillier, Thomas H. Fletcher, Mark S. Solum, Ronald J. Pugmire
Faculty Publications
Volatile products from an oil shale from the Colorado Green River formation were studied by several methods. The oil shale was demineralized, and the resulting kerogen was also chemically analyzed. Both the oil shale and the demineralized kerogen were pyrolyzed at 10 K/min, and the pyrolysis products (light gas, tar, and char) were analyzed using 13C NMR, XPS, GC/MS, and FTIR. Low temperature ashing was performed in order to compare pyrolysis yields of oil shale and demineralized kerogen on a dry ash-free basis. Volatile yields of approximately 75% were achieved in an oil shale retort and 79% in the kerogen …
Analysis Of Integrated Engineering And Social Science Approaches For Projects In Developing Communities, Parry F. Garff, Eric C. Dahlin, Carol Ward, Randy Lewis
Analysis Of Integrated Engineering And Social Science Approaches For Projects In Developing Communities, Parry F. Garff, Eric C. Dahlin, Carol Ward, Randy Lewis
Faculty Publications
Current design methods such as appropriate technology, human-centered design, and participatory design are intended to generate development projects that resonate with users in communities in developing countries. These approaches are extremely useful, but often lack adequate documentation about how to collect data on and incorporate users feedback into the project’s design. To address this gap, we introduced social science research methods into a service-learning course for undergraduate engineering students, which culminated in a trip to the communities for whom they were designing, to help students incorporate user feedback into the design of their projects. This paper documents our efforts. One …
Electrochemical Explanation For Asymmetric Electrowetting Response, Mehdi Khodayari, Nathan B. Crane, Alex A. Volinsky
Electrochemical Explanation For Asymmetric Electrowetting Response, Mehdi Khodayari, Nathan B. Crane, Alex A. Volinsky
Faculty Publications
In electrowetting, a droplet/substrate contact angle is modulated by applying a potential difference between the droplet and the substrate. Typically, the droplet potential is changed via an auxiliary electrode dipped in the droplet. Here, it is shown that electrochemical reactions lead to a potential drop on the auxiliary electrode in electrowetting, which degrades the droplet contact angle modulation. The magnitude of this effect depends on the voltage polarity. This problem can be addressed by using a dielectric layer, such as SiO2, which can prevent electrochemical reactions with the electrowetting substrate and the auxiliary electrode.
Final Report: Multipath Modeling And Mitigation Using Multiple Antennas (M4a), Michael Rice
Final Report: Multipath Modeling And Mitigation Using Multiple Antennas (M4a), Michael Rice
Faculty Publications
This report documents the effort under contract W900KK-09-C-0016. The contract comprised four phases spanning 15 April 2009 to 1 December 2012. The relationship between the effort associated with each phase and the contents of this report are as follows: Phase 1 was devoted exclusively to the channel sounding experiments with the UH-1H helicopter. The experimental setup, procedure, and results for the channel sounding experiments at Cairns Army Airfield and Patuxent River are described in Chapter 2. Good, usable data at upper L-band was captured during the Cairns Army Airfield experiments. Phase 2 was devoted to the channel sounding experiments with …
Time-Dependent Deposition Characteristics Of Fine Coal Fly Ash In A Laboratory Gas Turbine Environment, Robert Laycock, Thomas H. Fletcher
Time-Dependent Deposition Characteristics Of Fine Coal Fly Ash In A Laboratory Gas Turbine Environment, Robert Laycock, Thomas H. Fletcher
Faculty Publications
Time-dependent deposition characteristics of fine coal fly ash were measured in the Turbine Accelerated Deposition Facility (TADF) at Brigham Young University. Two samples of subbituminous coal fly ash, with mass mean diameters of 3 and 13 microns, were entrained in a hot gas flow with a gas temperature of 1288 C and Mach number of 0.25. A nickel-based, superalloy metal coupon approximately 0.3 cm thick was held in a hot particle-laden gas stream to simulate deposition in a gas turbine. Tests were conducted with deposition times of 20, 40, and 60 min. Capture efficiencies and surface roughness characteristics (e.g., Ra) …
Coal Char-Co2 Gasification Measurements And Modeling In A Pressurized Flat-Flame Burner, Randy C. Shurtz, Thomas H. Fletcher
Coal Char-Co2 Gasification Measurements And Modeling In A Pressurized Flat-Flame Burner, Randy C. Shurtz, Thomas H. Fletcher
Faculty Publications
A pressurized flat-flame burner (PFFB) was used to conduct coal gasification studies. The PFFB was designed to provide an environment with laminar, dispersed entrained flow, with particle heating rates of ∼105 K/s, pressures of up to 15 atm, and gas temperatures of up to 2000 K. Residence times were varied from 30 to 700 ms in this study. Char gasification studies by CO2 were conducted on a subbituminous coal and 4 bituminous coals in the PFFB. Pressures of 5, 10, and 15 atm were used with gas compositions of 20, 40, and 90 mol % CO2. Gas conditions with peak …
Prediction Of Sawdust Pyrolysis Yields From A Flat-Flame Burner Using The Cpd Model, Aaron D. Lewis, Thomas H. Fletcher
Prediction Of Sawdust Pyrolysis Yields From A Flat-Flame Burner Using The Cpd Model, Aaron D. Lewis, Thomas H. Fletcher
Faculty Publications
High heating rate pyrolysis experiments were performed on a softwood sawdust in a flat-flame burner reactor at temperatures from 1163 to 1433 K with particle residence times ranging from 23 to 102 ms at atmospheric pressure. Volatile yields of the 45−75 μm sawdust were measured and are believed to be similar to those that would occur in an industrial entrained-flow combustor or gasifier. A refractory tar yield near 1.5 wt % (dry, ash-free) was measured. A high percentage of the fully pyrolyzed sawdust char was spherical, having lost the original sawdust structure. It is suggested that the morphology of sawdust …
Techno- Economic Analysis Of Wastewater Biosolids Gasification, Jason M. Porter, Nick Lumley, Robert Braun, Tzahi Cath, Ana Prietro, Dotti Ramey, Greta Buschmann
Techno- Economic Analysis Of Wastewater Biosolids Gasification, Jason M. Porter, Nick Lumley, Robert Braun, Tzahi Cath, Ana Prietro, Dotti Ramey, Greta Buschmann
Faculty Publications
Wastewater treatment biosolids, commonly referred to as sludge, is a dilute suspension of micro-organisms, noxious organic matter, and mineral species in up to 99% water. Sludge is produced at about 250 mg/L of mixed municipal and light industrial wastewater treated. Management of this process stream can present a financial and environmental challenge for wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs), accounting for up to 15% of plant energy consumption. Operators of small urban WWTPs see the greatest challenge as their operations do not benefit from economies of scale, which permit larger facilities to absorb the costs or footprint of anaerobic digestion. This work …