Engineering Commons^™

Visual Observations Of An Air-Water Mixture Flowing Through A Tube Support Plate With Circular-Hole And Trefoil-Hole Designs, Gary W. Caille

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The flow patterns of an air-water mixture at atmospheric pressure were visually observed through a simulated vertical steam generator tube support plate of circular hole and trefoil designs. Flow oscillations with a period on the order of 0.4 seconds were observed in both support plates at similar mass flow rate combinations. The oscillation consisted of a period of rapid surging followed by a low flow or stagnation period on the order of 0.1 seconds. Reverse (downward) flow was also observed for part of the oscillation cycle in the trefoil support plate. The flow oscillations that exist in one tube support …

A Survey Of Microcomputers In Training Devices, Kenneth P. Kelly

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report surveys the use of microcomputers in existing and emerging training devices, with an emphasis on military training devices. Other major purposes of this report are to familiarize the training device designer with the capabilities of the microcomputer and present the designer with the set of issues to consider in determining if a microcomputer could be used in his particular trainer. After providing a description of training devices, this study addresses the definition and capabilities of current microcomputers. Current applications of training devices that utilize both single and multiple, or distributed, microprocessors are given. Next, an overview of the …

Design Considerations For A Digital Audio Equalizer, Timothy Young

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis is to consider a method for designing a digital audio equalizer. The primary design criteria is minimum audible frequency response error between a digital and a "reference" analog equalizer throughout the entire audio frequency range from 20 Hz to 20 Khz. The first step is to obtain a set of analog filters that suitably represent the reference equalization. From these filters, digital filter coefficients are generated using the bilinear transformation. Then, the digital filters are combined with anti-aliasing and D/A reconstruction filters and a zero-order hold to complete the design. Analysis of methods to minimize …

An Evaluation Of Wheelchair Restraint Systems Used In The Transportation Of Disabled Persons, Robin L. Drespel

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

There has been a significant effort to provide disabled persons with increased independence and mobility. The federal government requires that transportation facilities be made accessible to the disabled, and the number of handicapped persons using these facilities is expected to increase significantly in the future. Restraint systems have been required for passenger cars since the 1960s, and considerable effort has been dedicated to increasing public awareness of the benefits of seat belt usage. Little effort has been devoted to the development of restraint systems for individuals who must use wheelchairs as vehicle seats. A survey was conducted in the Central …

Interfacing A Quadriplegic To A Computer Using The Electro-Ocumeter, Paul J. Godfrey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this is to design an electro-oculometer system that paper will enable quadriplegics and other persons with severe physical disablities to use a computer. An electro-oculometer is a device that measures the position of a person's eyes. The vertical and horizontal movements of the eyes can be used to control an object on a computer screen. This, in turn, allows the user to operate a computer by eye motion alone. The requirements of the electro-oculometer system are specified and then a block diagram of the system is developed. Each block is then designed and component values are given. …

Fate Of Heavy Metals From Highway Runoff In Stormwater Management Systems, Harvey H. Harper

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The movement and fate of heavy metal inputs (Cd, Zn, Mn, Cu, Al, Fe, Pb, Ni and Cr) from highway runoff were investigated in a three-year study on 1.3 hectare retention facility near the Maitland Interchange on Interstate 4, north of Orlando, Florida. Physical characteristics of the retention pond and surrounding watershed were defined and field instrumentation was installed. Stormwater samples were collected over a one-year period, representing a wide range of intensities and antecedent dry periods. Stormwater characteristics were compared with average retention pond water quality to determine removal efficiencies for heavy metals within the pond. A total of …

The Application Of Value Analysis Techniques To Service Organizations, David M. Richardson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research involves review of value analysis and value engineering techniques and application of these techniques to a service organization. Application of value analysis techniques to service organizations required some modification due to the amount of labor intensive, manual operations typical of many service industries. The modified value analysis methodology was applied to a fueling operation performed by Kennedy Space Center as part of their space shuttle operations. The successful application of this technique illustrated that value analysis methodology can be applied to service organizations with slight modifications.

An Interactive Training Device Using A Laser Video Disc, Mary C. Bertrand

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this paper is to develop an interactive training system. Although the system developed was used to train tank gunners, the system concepts are generic in that they can be applied to many training scenarios. Applications of computer-based training systems are briefly discussed. The system concepts are defined and hardware and software subsystems are outlined. An architectural overview will precede a detailed discussion of subsystems.

Experimental Software Package For Linear Programming, Deborah S. Fogal

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A software package for linear programming has been developed using the revised simplex and dual simplex algorithms. The design of the program incorporates an experimental change in the dual simplex algorithm. If the entered problem is not primal feasible, a modified dual simplex algorithm is used. The traditional dual simplex method requires an initial dual feasible basis and maintains feasibility throughout its application. The experimental change is to ignore this criteria of dual feasibility. The objective then becomes to obtain primal feasibility. Once this is attained, the revised simplex algorithm is applied to obtain optimality, if this has not been …

Survey Of Texture And Shading Techniques For Visual Flight Simulation, Walter R. Steiner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Shading and texturing are two techniques that flight simulators can take advantage of to increase scene realism. Shading imitates the effects of light reflecting from a surface. Texture refers to superimposing a pattern on a surface to give the illusion of extra detail and realism.

In this report, several techniques for shading and texturing are evaluated with respect to their applicability to visual flight simulators.

The image quality produced by shading and texturing is a function of computation cost. The Phong model is found to produce the most realistic shading, but is too computationally expensive. The Gouraud shading model improves …

Fiber Optic Fluid Level Sensor, Navid Ghandeharioun

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A fiber optic fluid level sensor based on light transmission attenuation due to bending losses is designed, built and tested.

Fibers formed with reverse curvatures of decreasing radii will induce and increasing amount of lower order mode light loss to the cladding as the light propagates along the step index multimode fiber. The sensor is arranged in the fluid in a vertical position such that the light travels along the fiber from the bottom or low fluid point to the top or full point. As the fluid covers increasing lengths of the exposed fiber, it strips even more power from …

A Computational Model To Estimate The Thickness Of The Waterfilm Due To Rain On The Upper Surface Of An Airfoil, Padmanabha R. Chappidi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Based on a two-phase boundary layer approach, a computational model is proposed to estimate the thickness of the waterfilm due to rain on the upper surface of an airfoil. The coupling between the air boundary layer and the water film is established by the conservation of mass and momentum at the interface. By a simple coordinate transformation, the interface is conformed to the finite difference grid system. Trajectory analysis of a raindrop of 1 mm diameter shows that the impingement of drops is high near the leading edge of the airfoil and decreases downstream. The finite difference equations of air/waterfilm …

Analysis And Modification Of An Electro-Oculometer, Munir. Ahmed

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This paper describes an electro-oculometer and analyzes the electronic circuits required to process the signal. This electro-oculometer is a passive, two-channel device which detects the eye orientation using commercially available electrodes attached near the eyes. The electro-oculometer is composed of a special amplifier followed by a parabolic filter. The amplifier has high common mode rejection ratio, low drift, and low input bias current. Both DC and AC analyses of the electro-oculometer have been performed. The common mode rejection ratio (CMRR) of the input stage of the device is computed both at low and high frequencies. The experimental data were then …

Multiplan Models For Construction, Edson. Jackson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

As computer hardware becomes smaller and increasingly less expensive, more contractors can now use computers to do a number of construction computations which were formally done on hand calculators. The advent of user-oriented software packages has had a significant impact on the traditional data processing procedures of the construction industry. Among the software packages that are available for a large number of computer systems are electronic spreadsheets. Electronic spreadsheets packages, such as Multiplan, are widely used where the display of information can best be depicted in an array of rows and columns. It is frequently useful in situations in which …

An Approach To Noise Estimation And Elimination In Communication Systems, Jerome J. Viviano

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This paper is a description of the analysis and testing of a method to estimate noise mixed in with a desired signal and to then subtract out the estimated noise. The paper documents the situation in which noise becomes a problem, the method of noise elimination, the mathematics used to analyze the noise eliminator, a digital/analog hybrid simulation of a system utilizing the techniques described, and comparative results between expected performance and actual system performance. Also described is the practicality of the system, the limitations of the system and its unique capabilities. Since the system is a totally new concept, …

A High Level Programming Language And Graphics Simulator For The Heathkit Et-18 Hero Robot, Kenneth J. Sizemore

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

As modern industrial robots are used more in industry, the need for qualified programmers and operators will increase. Inexpensive robots are available for use as training systems, but these robots typically lack the high level tools, such as high level, languages and graphics simulators, that are available for the industrial robots. A high level programming language and a graphics simulator were developed for one of these training robots, the Heath ET-18 Hero Robot. The programs were designed to be executed on an IBM Personal Computer. The software was developed as part of an overall system which also includes a compiler …

The Effects Of Magnetic Flux On Suspended Particles In Seawater, Mohammed A. Nehme

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A study was conducted to investigate the effect of magnetic devices on the precipitates in a condenser’s tubes when seawater is used as cooling water. This test was necessary to evaluate these devices as possible replacements for conventional methods of water treatment. In the test program, a small condenser was operated with conditions similar to utility condensers. This condenser was modified to include twelve tubes. The inlet water box was divided to provide for two parallel magnetic water treatment streams, and one control untreated water stream for comparison purposes. With and without the use of a magnetic device, the chemical …

A Projectile Subsystem In A Flight Simulation System, Robert F. Hodson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An overview of a flight simulation system is presented with a discussion of the system components and the interaction between functional units. The functions of each unit in the visual system are described. Specifically, the projectile subsystem portion of the visual system is presented in detail. A projectile subsystem executive structure is presented with capability of controlling projectile activation and deletion. Mathematical models for missiles with linear projected impact and proportional guidance are discussed. Ballistic projectile models with and without wind and drag considerations are developed. The mathematical equations for position and attitude calculations are given. Design considerations and implementation …

Suitability Of The Tms320 Digital Signal Processor In Digital Signal Processing Applications Requiring Multiple-Precision, Randall L. Walker

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The TMS320 single-chip digital signal processor, produced by Texas Instruments, shows promise for a long life-cycle not only because it fills a technical need in the digital signal processing field; but because it also represents an excellent early design. Furthermore, Texas Instruments has provided thorough software and development support. However, this chip was not designed to support digital signal processing applications which require multiple-precision operations. In this paper, algorithms were developed and expressed in macros that provide the capability of modeling systems requiring multiple-precision operations. Finally, a performance envelope showing the system complexity versus sampling bandwidth limitations is provided to …

Digital Signal Processing Capabilities Of The Fujitsu Mb8764, Harold B. Creech

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The Fujitsu MB8764 digital signal processing chip is designed to operate with a machine cycle of up to 10 MHz. The chip’s ability to perform a 16-by-16 bit multiply and add operation in one machine cycle makes it a good candidate for real time digital signal processing. Unlike the Intel 2920 the Fujitsu MB8764 does not have an onboard analog-to-digital, digital-to-analog converter. Therefore, this paper will be restricted to the operation of this device with digital data input and output. The use of the MB8764 as a digital filter is analyzed. Performance limitations due to finite word length, memory size …

Uhf Frequency Synthesizer, Christopher W. Shenefelt

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the design, implementation and testing of a UHF frequency synthesizer. The synthesizer is designed to provide a sine wave output programmable from 400 MHz to 500 MHz in 0.1 MHz increments. The synthesis technique utilized is Digital Coherent Indirect Synthesis. This technique uses phase locking to provide a range of stable output frequencies all derived from a single crystal reference. Component design and system level analysis are presented in detail.

Golden Opportunities For White Collar Productivity Improvements In Quality Assurance, Jane M. Algee

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The efficient processing of defective or nonconforming hardware and paperwork is important to both defense contractors and the government. Management's concern of excessive costs in this area initiated an investigation into the actual activities, personnel, and computer systems involved in such processing. Applicable military specifications and an assortment of corporate and divisional procedures were reviewed to obtain baseline data. Additional information was sought through personal interviews and visits to the manufacturing areas. The activity flow was documented in block diagrams and time estimates and labor requirements were applied. The detailed labor estimates were input to a LOTUS123 spreadsheet and used …

Using N.2 To Model A Microprocessor System, Benjamin J. Patz

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Due to the complexity of designing digital systems using VLSI parts, a tool for aiding in system level design specification and verification is needed. Functional level modeling languages and simulators provide that tool. An example of such a tool is the N.2 package of software produced by Endot Inc. and soon to be running on a VAX computer at the University of Central Florida. An overview of the N.2 system is presented in this paper with emphasis on the modeling language of N.2, ISP’. A Small Instruction set Computer (SIC), originally specified in HAPL, is designed with this software using …

Data Acquisition And Analysis Routines For Laser Propagation Experiments, Steven M. Burke

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Processing and analysis routines giving normalized moments of optical intensity, structure functions of wind velocity and temperature, central moments, and various measures of the turbulence parameter, C²_N, are presented. Rapid analog-to-digital data conversion and storage to implement this analysis using MINC 11/23 with RT11 operating system are discussed. Coding for file organization and implementation of processing routines on the VAX 11/750, VMS operating system are also discussed.

Computerized Displacement Data Analysis In Laser Speckle Photography, Bijan Chitsaz

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Laser speckle photography is an experimental technique which provides a non-contract means for direct measurement of in-plane displacements of objects subjected to different loading conditions. It requires a camera system to record two images of the object that are illuminated with laser light on a high resolution film. The double-exposure film (specklegram) is a permanent record of the displacement information of the object. Point-by-point analysis of the specklegram will yield the displacement data, but requires considerable time to complete the data reduction. An automated data analysis system is developed and described in this report. He-Ne laser and computer-controlled translation stages …

Fast-Flyback Mirror Scanner, Raymond E. Hanna

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The system analysis and computer simulation for a fast-flyback mirror scanning system is presented. Mirror dynamic equations are developed to define the torque requirements for the drive motor. Electromechanical modeling and Laplace transforms are formulated to develop system equations for computer simulation. From the computer simulation, the servo performance parameters are selected for the servo loop to complete the design.

An Automated System For University Placement Center Interview Scheduling And Database Management, John C. Debo

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

As the University of Central Florida grows, the number of students using the placement center increases and the number of prospective employers conducting interviews also increases rapidly. The present system for scheduling interviews and maintaining records on students and employers is time and paperwork intensive, and is falling behind the load.

The system described in this paper is designed to do most of the interaction with students seeking interviews to aid the staff in scheduling the employers' interviewing days, and to do most of the record keeping of eligible students and prospective employers.

The several program modules are written in …

Radar: Theory And Insight, Terry A. Dougherty

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Radar principles and design considerations are reviewed, using both analytical and heuristic methods. Emphasis is placed on achieving physical insight while maintaining technical rigor. Waveform properties and signal detectability maximization through matched filtering is discussed in detail. The Moving Target Indicator radar system is presented as an illustration of digital signal processing technology applied to modern radar systems.

Thmfp Reduction In Potable Water Using Granular Activated Carbon With And Without Pre-Ozonation, Rebecca M. Ciliax

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effectiveness of using granular activated carbon (GAC) to reduce trihalomethane formation potential (TIIMFP) in potable water . The City of Melbourne , Florida was chosen as a study site due to excessive levels of THM's in the finished water (greater than the 0.1 mg/1 standard). A pilot plant s tudy lasting 473 days included two GAC column systems : one receiving unozonated water, the other ozonated water. The water used in these experiments was obtained from Lake Washington, a highly colored surface water source which supplies Melbourne . The water applied to the GAC columns was …

Simulation Of High Resolution Range And Separation Profiles Using A Stepped Frequency Radar Pulse, Howard. Fain

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Single frequency pulse, linear frequency pulse, and stepped frequency pulse are a few of the radar pulse waveforms used to obtain target range information. Using a basic single frequency pulse limits the radar's range resolution by the pulse width, has excessive energy requirements, and is more vulnerable to jamming. With the use of frequency modulation the radar's range resolution can be greatly enhanced. This report deals with some of the issues involved in using stepped frequency pulse trains to obtain high resolution target range and range autocorrelation profiles. Radar returns from stepped frequency pulse trains may be coherently processed to …