Engineering Commons^™

Interactive Micro-Computer Software For The Production Of Engineering Drawings, Brian R. Garvey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This project has developed a microcomputer-based interactive Graphics Software System for the production of engineering drawings. The drawings, stored in a digital format, can be recalled and updated much faster than by using conventional drawing methods. This allows for increased production and a standardized drawing format.

The system was designed to be easy to use so that with little training, a user can create, edit, plot, and save drawings for later retrieval. In addition, an open architecture was used in the design of the drawing database and program command structure so that the system can be easily expanded upon as …

Editor Design In The Context Of Control System Simulation, Leon Fadden

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Advances in microcomputer display devices and support software during the past decade have made the microcomputer an increasingly popular vehicle for technical education. This is especially apparent in the area of simulation. The pedagog can provide the student of control theory not merely with the block diagrams and differential algebra but with high resolution color graphic animations supported by mathematical models whose parameters are easily changed by some editor facility. This mode of control system design and behavior study is both faster and more enjoyable for the student, providing greater continuity, concentration, and learning efficiency.

This paper describes the simulation …

Separation Plane Priority In Computer Image Generation, Keith A. Stump

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Flight simulators are devices in which air crews can be trained without the use of actual aircraft. Potentially dangerous maneuvers, such as air-to-air refueling, and destructive exercises, such as evasive action from weaponry or aerial dogfights, can be practiced repeatedly with no risk to pilot or crew. Flight simulators are cost effective since the fuel costs associated with training pilots in actual aircraft can be excessive. Flight simulators offer an alternate training method with reduced cost. The task of a visual flight simulator is to present the trainee with scenes representative of those that would be seen if the actual …

Setting Time Standards In A Service Environment: A Case Study, Nael H. Hasweh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

One of the most important and costliest resources a hospital has are its personnel and their productivity. Almost invariably, they offer the greatest opportunities for cost containment.

This report is the result of a study conducted in the maintenance department at a local hospital. The objective of the study was to design and implement a work measurement system that is capable of producing accurate time standards. Comparison of actual times reported by employees with these standards would then be used to produce accurate productivity measures.

The proposed system is explained in detail, and the results obtained by implementing such a …

Non-Linear Plane Stress Analysis Using The Finite Element Method, Habib Amirzadeh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Purpose of the Study

The objective of this report is to check the Neuber and Linear rules, and to find the percent differences in comparison with the plane stress and plane strain solution using the non-linear finite element method. All the data are based on the maximum stress concentration where the crack forms and the material behaves non-linearly. This particular problem has been solved using ANSYS, which is a general purpose finite element program.

Life Prediction

Another purpose, which is not the main subject of this report, is to use the result from Neuber and Linear rules to predict the …

Direct Sequence Spread Spectrum Acquisition Design, John C. Fakatselis

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Spread spectrum communication techniques are utilized to provide transmission of signals which have anti-jamming properties, a low probability of being intercepted, and can support a multiple-access system by servicing simultaneously a number of channels. This thesis concentrates on the receiver acquisition problem of a transmitted signal which is the output of a spread spectrum communication system. The acquisition requirements of a spread spectrum system and also the general approaches to the problem of “active and passive correlation” are discussed. A unique general purpose all-digital acquisition hardware design is developed and described to the schematic level of detail, where specific parts …

A Microsequenced Prolog Inference Engine, Jeffrey J. Ferguson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Prolog is a symbolic logic language presently emerging among numerous expert system designs. The architecture for a microsequenced Prolog machine (UPM) capable of providing the basic language features to a host computer is proposed. The Prolog machine functions are portioned into three processor components – Input/Output, Memory, and Central (CPU), where the design of the Central Processor is emphasized. Detailed discussion outlines the CPU facilities used to implement the forward-chaining and backtracking functions for the UPM. The UPM features are compared to the PLM-1, a microsequenced Prolog inference engine under development at University of California, Berkley. An emulation of the …

An Experimental Study Of A Single-Phase Natural Convection In A Cylindrical, Vertical Channel, S. Ali A. Hashemi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented in this paper is the first known experimental assessment of a single-phase natural convection in a cylindrical, vertical channel subjected to non-uniform or uniform heat flux. This work was conducted at the University of Central Florida in the College of Engineering.

The results of this experimental study were compared with theory. The experimental values of Nusselt numbers (Nu = hD/K) in the entrance and fully-developed regions were somewhat lower and higher, respectively, when compared with theory.

The Secant-Corrector Spectral Iterative Method For Analyzing Scattering From Planar Periodic Surfaces, Robert Middelveen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The secant method is applied to an iterative algorithm of electromagnetic scattering from planar surfaces with periodic structure. The theory of convergent solutions for iterative techniques is discussed and examined. The Secant method is applied to the spectral iteration approach to accelerate and assure convergence of the basic iterative scheme. The derivation of the method as applied to surfaces containing parallel thin wire gratings is presented, and the conditions for achieving convergence are explored. This new method is also applied to gratings made of coated wires. The reflection characteristics of the grating as a function of wire spacing, wire conductivity, …

A Pool Boiling Map: Water On A Horizontal Surface At Atmospheric Pressure, O. Burr. Osborn

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a boiling map for liquid water at an atmospheric pressure. The map indicates the type of pool boiling phenomenon will initially occur in terms of the bulk temperature of the liquid and the interfacial contact temperature. The geometry studied was that of a flat horizontal plate with boiling incipient from the upward facing surface.

Previous analytical and experimental studies have been conducted concerning pool boiling. Several of these studies are summarized in this thesis and it is seen that there are gaps and limitations in the existing state of knowledge. Therefore, further …

A One Step Collision Detection Method For Computer Graphics Programs, Gregory T. Eichner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The topic of this thesis is a collection detection algorithm for use in computer programs dealing in three dimensional graphics. Collision detection is usually accomplished by breaking the movement into small steps and checking if a collision has occurred at each of these discrete steps. This method is a very time-intensive way to detect for collisions and therefore, inefficient for a system which typically moves in large increments. For this kind of system, a method could be developed which checks once for collisions without dividing the move into multiple small increments. The subject of this paper is an algorithm, developed …

Cost Effective Design Of The Activated Sludge Wastewater Treatment System, Robert P. Huguenard

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In current design practice the components of the complete mix activated sludge system are designed as individual units with little or no appreciation for the process interactions which occur between system components. To achieve acceptable process efficiency and to realize cost effectiveness a unified design approach is necessary. This research effort was initiated to define the characteristics of the economic optimum complete mix activated sludge configuration while considering system interactions.

A computer program was developed for the completion of the process design and the economic analysis of the aeration basins, the settling basins, and the return sludge pumping facilities for …

Multi-Computer Communication Network With Crossbar Switches, Massood. Towhidnejad

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the architecture and organization of a multi-computer communication network employing crossbar switches. The network is implemented using the Motorola EXORset development system. The network provides a flexible communication system capable of application to a wide range of data transfers. In this system each computer will perform its local tasks, in the meantime, each computer could send or receive messages to and from other computers in the network. The system logic has been partitioned into two basic board types: (a) communication interface, and (b) controller. The communication interface provides the interface of computers in the network to the …

Multi-Computer Communication With Crossbar Switches, Teh-Cheng Song

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the design and implementation of a MC6809 multi-computer communication system, which includes a hardware communication controller, with emphasis on the system's software development. A communication program written in 6809 assembly language has been developed to interface each user and the controller. The communication program acts as a postman, sending and taking messages for each user via the interrupt-driven sending and receiving software. A message is transmitted over a crossbar switched path, which is 8 bits wide, to increase the transmission rate and decrease dedicated CPU time. Every time MC6809 microcomputer in the system can send or receive …

The Gate Array Implementation Of An Area Calculation Pipeline, Edward J. Janssen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A gate array is a semi-custom designed integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is designed by a customer and then turned over to a vendor to be manufactured. A single gate array is capable of replacing a full board or more of SSI and MSI components. An area calculation path of a special purpose computer that was designed into a gate array. LSI Logic Corporation was used as the vendor. The gate array was designed and then simulated with the Tegas Description Language. The simulation revealed a worst case timing problem which was corrected by adding an additional stage in the …

The Application Of Systolic Architectures In Vlsi Design, Steven V. Manno

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit technology has offered the opportunity to design algorithms and data structures for direct implementation in integrated circuits. In order to take full advantage of this opportunity, the designer must understand the geometric limitations of the technology. Because the interconnections between components in a VLSI circuit are costly in both chip area and performance, the designer must consider the complexity of the data paths between components when selecting algorithms and architecture.

Systolic architectures offer a way to implement massively parallel special-purpose systems in VLSI circuits while minimizing costly interconnections between processing components. In a systolic …

Phase-Locked Loop Based Oscillator Phase Noise Measurement Technique, Luis M. Jimenez

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Oscillators play an important role in the performance of various radio frequency (RF) systems. The generation of stable carrier and clock frequencies is necessary at both the transmitter and receiver ends of a communication system. Phase noise is the parameter used to characterize an oscillator frequency stability. This thesis introduces a phase noise measurement technique using a phase-locked loop. A 100 MHz Colpitt’s oscillator, for the phase noise source, was designed and built. The output of the oscillator was mixed down to 10 MHz, before a phase-locked loop extracted the phase noise information. Measurements were taken at RF frequencies using …

The Effect Of Winglet Twist And Toe Angle On The Drag Of A High Aspect Ratio Wing, Thomas T. Moore

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Winglets have been shown to significantly reduce the lift induced drag. Different parametric studies have identified important winglet characteristics, but none have examined effects on drag from varying winglet twist and toe angle. The purpose of this research report is to examine the drag reducing effect of winglet twist and toe angle on a transport type high aspect ratio wing.

By using a cost-effective three dimensional vortex-lattice program which included two dimensional profile drag, the effect of winglet twist was found to have a moderate drag reduction against an untwisted winglet for the same toe angle. For the wing-winglet configuration …

Simulating The Thermal Behavior An Earth-Stationed Satellite Terminal, Anthony M. Jacobi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Lumped parameter modeling using finite differencing, form the basis for a C language simulation of a thermal system. The study of the earth-stationed satellite terminal includes an introduction to the system, derivation of the governing equation, development of a simulation, and a comparison of the results to empirical data.

The analysis is undertaken with emphasis on the worst-case thermal environment, and with determination of the cooling loads and transient response as primary goals. Comparing the predicted cooling loads to empirical data, and previous analyses, indicates an accurate simulation has been constructed. The computer models are offered as an alternative method …

The Use Of Enlarged Feed Wells As Flocculator Units In Activated Sludge Secondary Clarifiers, Mahnaz Shahnami

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The quality of the effluent from activated sludge wastewater treatment plants is highly dependent on the performance of the final clarifier. The final clarifier performs solids/liquids separation through sedimentation. The standard design criteria (overflow rate and detention time) must be selected such that the effluent suspended solids requirements are met.

Numerous research programs have been conducted to evaluate the factors affecting the sedimentation efficiency of activated sludge mixed liquor. Flocculation has been documented as a significant factor. The flocculation process is an agglomeration of small primary particles of the surface of larger particles to achieve higher settling velocities. Increased settling …

Computer Aided Supplement For Calculus Review, Gholam A. Shaykhian

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Several years ago an experimental re-entry program for women was initiated at the University of Central Florida. Women with B.S. degrees in Math or Science dating back 10 and 20 years ago were given a review course in Mathematics, primarily calculus, preparatory to subsequent courses in their M.S. programs of study. The complete course is available on tape and many students have viewed it since the course’s inception.

This project involved generation of software for testing the manipulative skills presented in the Calculus review. A skeleton format is presented which demonstrates all the features of the different programming modules being …

A Task Manager For A Multiprocessor Computer System, Peter J. Ingraham

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The advent of the 32-bit microprocessor has sparked the manufacture of a number of 32-bit single-board computers (SBCs). These SBCs rival [performance of minicomputers for a fraction of the cost, and a number of them conform to standard 32-bit bus structures. A 32-bit multiprocessor computer system can be created by connecting two or more SBCs on a 32-bit bus. This computer system has the potential of providing many times the power as a single-processor computer system as well as a significant reduction in cost.

The Multiprocessor Task Manager is designed to efficiently distribute software tasks, schedule their execution, and manage …

Snap, A Contract Pricing Tool For The Micro-Computer, Kris Luella Hoffman

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The amount of time required during the contracting process from the solicitation of bids through contract award can be significant. Two of the main problem areas are evaluating the contractor’s proposal and completing the negotiation process. The SNAP system was developed to simplify Negotiations with Automated Pricing using the microcomputer. SNAP can track three separate positions during negotiations and provide hour/dollar summaries for each of these positions by cost account, lot, department, and Work Breakdown Structure (WBS). Evaluation worksheets and department summaries can be produced to provide the evaluators with different perspectives of the same work effort. SNAP will also …

Utilization Of Expert Systems In The Work Place: Performing Project Software Cost Estimation On Training Systems, Henry A. Marshall

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report investigates the use of an expert system to aid project engineers at the Naval Training Systems Center in making decisions concerning the requirements of the computer systems used in simulators. For a prototype system domain, the author chose an expert system that would generate a software development cost estimate. This system questions the user about the features and options required on the training system. The expert system then analyzes the information to generate a “lines of code” estimate. A selected model will combine various factors to generate s value answer for the user. The capabilities and features …

A Shuttle Bus For The University Of Central Florida, Maryam Hosseini-Kargar

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The University of Central Florida, with an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students, is being faced with parking, traffic and transportation problems. The University of Central Florida (UCF) is a commuter campus, with over 90% of the students arriving by automobile. Parking spaces cost over $800/space, and funding to build new spaces is scarce. Existing lots on the perimeter of the UCF campus offer a potential advantage to park and ride services or a shuttle serve around UCF.

Research conducted for this paper evaluated the usage of a shuttle bus system around the UCF campus. The primary purpose of the shuttle …

On-Line Microprocessor Control Of Optical Disc Recorders And Players, Howard Luebcke

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this paper is to document the work performed in the development of the software required to operate a video disc player and recorder in the on-line mode using a portable computer. Applications of video disc systems are discussed as are future improvements to the developed system.

This paper also includes a description of the hardware, functional requirements and design of the software, and the end result of the development of the software in the form of program listings.

Multiplexing Phototransistor Arrays Using Transistor Capacitance, Gary E. Morrissette

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Photodetector Focal Plane Arrays are used in electronic image detection. This paper examines the multiplexer that converts the detected signals to a Time Division Multiplexed form. This paper will present two types of multiplexers, a traditional linear multiplexer and a matrix addressed multiplexer. These arrays will use the concept of charge storage to amplify the detected signal. The capacitance of the junctions of phototransistors are used for charge storage.

The Hydrology And Solids Removal Efficiency Of A Detention Pond With Groundwater Inflow, Cameron A. Boss

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Most recently, research on stormwater detention ponds has focused on designs and operations that will improve the water quality of the discharge. Historically stormwater detention ponds were used to reduce the rate of runoff from the watershed area of using temporary storage to attenuate flow rates.

The study site was located near Orlando, Florida, and consisted of a detention pond, namely Lake Angel, which received stormwater runoff from a 131-acre area. Hydrologic data such as precipitation, runoff, and pond outflow were measured at the site. Total and suspended solids data for the pond outflow and stormwater runoff also were collected …

Root Locus Plotter For A Dual Tank System Under Feedback Control, John M. Decatrel

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A root locus graphics routine was written in Turbo Pascal for the analysis and design of a linearized dual tank control system. The routine is a subprogram to be incorporated with an editor written by L. Fadden. This editor allows for the saving and changing of parameters to the system.

The dual tank system is a good example for classical feedback control analysis. A brief description of the process and system is presented. The system may be described by linearized differential and algebraic equations. From these, a characteristic equation is derived, which gives rise to the root locus. The root …

The Application Of Expert Systems To Automated Storage And Retrieval, Robert E. Mcdonald

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report discusses the major functions, decisions, and strategies of automated storage and retrieval systems (AR/RS). The report surveys the essential features of expert systems and discusses how they can be applied in automated warehousing environments. A blackboard expert system architecture was examined and found to be a flexible and responsive control system for automated warehousing applications. A simple AR/RS expert system was constructed using an expert system software package. A warehousing simulation was performed which compared the expert system’s performance to a typical AR/RS control system. The expert system produced increased efficiency of operation because of the intelligent rules …