Engineering Commons^™

A Performance Comparison Of Solar Radiation Predictive Models For Both Fixed And Tracking Surfaces, William F. Marion

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Accurate performance prediction for a system utilizing solar energy requires accurate estimates of the solar radiation received by the collector surface. This thesis compares the performance of five different diffuse solar radiation models in estimating the diffuse radiation received by a tilted surface in the warm, humid climate of Central Florida.

The following models were studied: Isotropic Model, Temps and Coulson Model, Klucher Model, Hay Model, and Perez Model. The models were evaluated for both a fixed south facing surface and for three different tracking schemes suitable for photovoltaic applications. Model estimates were then compared to the solar radiation data …

Comparison Of Apodization Geometries For Bidirectional Surface Acoustic Wave Transducers Based On Efficient Track Modelling, Armando J. Vigil

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Apodization, or spatial overlap weighting, is a common tap weighting technique for Surface Acoustic Wave filter transducers. The two most common apodization strategies are beam centered and slant centered overlap weighting. Two lesser known apodization geometries are beam spread overlap weighting and generalized distance weighting.

A wide variety of SAW transducer weighting techniques are described. Analysis is focussed on the four apodization geometries listed above. An efficient track based modelling system is developed in order to accurately solve for the acoustic radiation profiles, apodization loss and frequency dependent acoustic conductance. This modelling system becomes the foundation for a set of …

An Inexpensive, Portable Data-Acquisition System, Ali I. Navvab

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Recognizing the need for an inexpensive data acquisition system, it was decided to investigate the use of the Hewlett-Packard Interface-Loop concept.

The equipment necessary to acquire, store, and display voltage/time measurements was purchased. This report discusses the integration, application, and operation of this equipment. It was found that such a system would perform satisfactorily under limited conditions but, as might be anticipated, was severely limited in frequency response. It is recommended that the system be upgraded to multi-channel capability.

Design Of A Laboratory Course In Embedded Computer Systems, Alexander Nikoloff

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report discusses and presents the design of a university undergraduate level laboratory course introducing the topic of embedded computer systems. The course utilizes the Rainbow 100 computer and the Data Translation LDT2801 interface board to illustrate this concept.

Lab problems in Digital to Analog conversions, Analog to Digital conversions, Digital input/output, serial communication, motor drivers and parallel communication are presented, as are fully documented solutions. Suggested lecture material appropriate to the course is reviewed.

Synchronized On-Line Microprocessor Control Of Optical Disk Recorders And Players Using Realtime Interface Hardware/Software, William C. Reese

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research report is to describe clearly the development of an operational software program which utilizes a realtime interface hardware unit to synchronously control an optical disc player and optical disc recorder via an external microprocessor. The previous UCF Engineering College’s optical disc hardware configuration consisted of a Panasonic optical disc player and recorder, color monitor, video camera, and PRO-350 to control only one device (player or recorder) at a time as the microprocessor has only one serial input/output (I/O) port. The Digital Equipment Corporation’s realtime interface device provides two serial I/O ports and therefore allows the …

Optimizing Scanning Mirror System Performance Using Solid State Piezoelectric Actuators, Thomas J. Tomasetti

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to design a scanning mirror system using piezoelectric actuators. A dual-cantilevered bimorph electromechanical coupling is presented, which maximizes the amount of angular deflection possible with an applied field. Two types of feedback methods are employed: rate sensing, which provides resonance damping, and position sensing for increased bandwidth and decreased hysteresis. A prototype system, including the actuator and feedback mechanisms, is developed. Its performance compares favorably with its model and is capable of plus and minus five degrees of angular deflection with a bandwidth of 300 Hertz.

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 …

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 Study Of The Dynamic Control Of The Inverted Pendulum System, Koon T. Ang

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report describes the simulation of an inverted pendulum control system. The purpose is to provide an interesting learning process through high resolution color graphics animations in the control of dynamic systems. The software uses the graphic capabilities extensively to make it very user-friendly and highly interactive. A numerical analysis method is used to solve the systems of equations. The animation driven by the results is then displayed on the video terminal. Facilities range from selection of controllers, changing of system parameters, plotting graphs, and hardcopy outputs.

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 …

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 …

Control Of A Nonlinear System By Linearization, Drew D. Nelson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In today’s linear control systems, exact solutions can be obtained by the use of Laplace Transforms in the frequency domain. In dealing with nonlinear systems, exact solutions are not always achievable. For this reason, it is necessary to linearize the system and then apply frequency response methods.

This paper shows the comparison of a nonlinear system with the linearized model of the same system. For both proportional and proportional-integral control, the response to a unit step change in the set point showed minimal difference between the linearized and nonlinear system.

The Integration Of Computer Graphics With Video Disc Technology: An Application In Training, Fereidon Torkzadeh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The major objective of the work outlined in this paper is to become familiar with the MOVIE.BYU graphic system from Brigham Young University to demonstrate its use in the generation of non real-time images for a typical pilot training application. The implementation is done by using the MOVIE.BYU graphics system, a VAX 11/750 digital computer, and RAMTEK 9460 system. This paper discusses how the images can be stored a frame at a time on a video disc for playback at the normal rate to portray a moving scene using a Panasonic video disc recorder and player, and a Sony video …

Noise In Interferometric Sensors, Mark Phillips

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A noise analysis is conducted on an interferometric sensor employed in the study of underwater acoustic noise. Primary emphasis is placed on finding the output Signal to Noise Ratio of the sensor.

Once the initial problem of the type of noise is established, the analysis proceeds along fairly classical lines. Field equations establish the signal reaching the director. Linear filter analysis establishes the nature of the spectrum after passing through a lowpass filter. Finally, second moment theory is used to derive expressions for the output Signal to Noise Ratio.

It is noted that the random ocean noise introduced to the …

Graphics Package For Portable Alphanumerical/Graphics Terminal, Elsie S. Loh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report describes the design of a highlevel graphics package for use by application programmers t o display pictures of two-dimensional objects on a portable alphanumeric/graphic terminal. The design is implemented on the Digital VAX-11/780™ minicomputer running under the VMS operating system environment as the host computer and uses the DECwriter Correspondent (LA12) as the graphics device. The graphics package consists both the database manipulation software which is completely device dependent, and the interface software between the normal "drawing functions" and the hardware associated with a particular graphics device, which is minimally device-dependent.

Adaptive Discrete Cosine Transform Image Compression Applied To Visual Flight Simulators, Nancy A. Burrell

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A visual flight simulator requires a huge amount of image data to be stored in the database. To make a photo-based system feasible an image compression scheme must be devised to compress the data.

An adaptive discrete cosine transform (DCT) technique is used to compress 24 bit color images to an average of 3 bits per pixel. The bits for the image are distributed based on the relative activity in different parts of the scene. Results and error analysis are presented.

Feasibility Investigation Into The Use Of A Liquid Crystal Television As A Spatial Light Modulator, Edward R. Raudenbush

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The recent availability of inexpensive, electrically addressable liquid crystal displays has generated interest in the use of such devices for optical processing applications. Characterizations pertinent to this use include: maximum obtainable modulation depth, modulation transfer function (MTF), linearity of response, refresh cycle time and optical flatness. Examples of device performance as a coherent processor and as an incoherent processor will be given.

Interactive Texturing For A Computer Graphics Display System, Yin L. Wah

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Surfaces have texture, and few surfaces are truly smooth in the real world, yet this is how they are modeled. Texturing provides the illusion of increased surface roughness or granularity, and it also gives the illusion of extra detail and realism. This is accomplished by modulating surface color based on gradient function known as texture pattern.

Changing texture pattern data can be expensive and time consuming since the change must be done on database offline system and then reloaded on the Computer Image Generator (CIG) for review of the change. The Interactive Generator (IAT) system is designed for online examination …

A Computer Simulation Of An Incoherent Optical Processor For Spatial Frequency Analysis, Randall T. Stratton

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A computer simulation demonstrates the feasibility of a technique for performing spatial frequency analysis on an incoherent scene in one dimension using an electronically addressable spatial light modulator (SLM). By applying biased sinusoidal variation to the SLM transmittance, the real and imaginary parts of the Fourier transform are available and readily yield both magnitude and phase of the Fourier transform.

In addition to the Fourier transform this simulation investigates the use of a simple binary pulse train transform for the sake of reducing system complexity and increasing speed of operation.

Design Considerations In The Development Of An Automated Cartographic System, Robert L. Holden

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Cartography, the art of producing maps, is an extremely tedious job which is prone to human error and requires many hours for the completion of maps and their digital data bases. Cartography is a classic example of a job that needs to be automated. Through the new advances in image processing and pattern recognition, the automation of this task is made possible with the cartographer acting as a supervisor. This paper reviews current cartographic techniques, and examines design considerations for a fully automated cartographic system. The benefits of such a system would be improvements in speed, flexibility, and accuracy. The …

Corrosion Ability And The Chemistry Of Mercuric Chloride And Related Compounds, Martin R. Kruger

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research project found that a solution of methanol and methylene chloride saturated with mercuric chloride was very effective at diffusing through a paint film and destroying an aluminum barrier below. The project also found evidence that mercuric chloride chemically reacts with dimethylformamide and dimethysulfoxide. The project concluded that corrosion of metals in an organic solvent media is best studied by thermal analysis.

The Effect Of Detention Period On The Clarification Efficiency Of Nitrified Activated Sludge, James C. Boyd

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Proper performance of the final clarifier in the activated sludge process is vital to total system efficiency. Inadequate clarification can adversely affect substrate removal efficiency due to the biochemical oxygen demand exerted by solids lost in the clarifier effluent. Detention period is one factor which influences clarification performance and thus is of interest to the designer engineer. Also of interest is the relationship between detention period and rising sludge conditions in the clarifier, which can lead to a deterioration in clarification efficiency. Rising Sludge conditions are believed to be caused by the denitrification of nitrified activated sludge in the final …

Distribution Of Lead And Zinc In Groundwater Around An Exfiltration Pipe Including A Study Of Specific Conductance, Donna M. Schiffer

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Highway runoff is a significant source of nonpoint pollution to surfoce and ground waters. Underground disposal of stormwater has several advantages, such as recharge of ground water resources and reduction of flow rates at existing storm sewer outfa11s. However, there are few studies on the effects of underground disposal of stormwater on the qua1ity of ground water. The purpose of this stucty was to examine the changes 1n lead, zinc, and specific conductance in highway runoff that is routed to an underground disposal facility as the water passes through the unsaturated soil to the surficia1 aquifer. An exfiltration pipe in …

Numerical Simulation Of Air-Conditioning Heat Recovery Water Heating Systems, Amir H. Gorji

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A computer simulation program called TRNSYS (Transient System Simulation) was used to model two air-conditioning waste heat recovery water heating configurations. The first model is a heat recovery unit (HRU) that utilizes an 80-gallon storage tank in conjunction with a conventional home air-conditioning system. The second model is similar to the first, except that there is an additional 80-gallon preheat storage tank. An attempt was made to compare simulation results with experimental field data. However, due to problems encountered during the field tests, such as equipment and/or instrumentation failure, there were not enough experimental data to make a rigorous comparison. …

Companding Flash Analog-To-Digital Converters, Michael P. Brig

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report will demonstrate how a companding flash analog-to-digital converter can be used to satisfy both the dynamic range and resolution requirements of an infrared imaging system. In the past, infrared imaging systems had to rely on analog electronics to process a thermal image. This was costly and, in many ways, inefficient but the only way to perform the function. Digital processing was impractical because ADC conversion speeds were slow with respect to video frequencies. Furthermore, it is impossible to gain the necessary dynamic range using linear conversion techniques without large digital wordlengths. Therefore, the principles of companding flash analog-to-digital …

Direct Digital Control Of A Liquid Level/Temperature Control Unit, Pedro J. Claudio

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A direct digital control algorithm was implemented on a liquid level and temperature control unit. Two control schemes were implemented on the system and the results were compared against a fourth order Runge-Kutta solution.

Both control schemes involved proportional feedback with dynamic adjustment of the operating point. It was found that the control scheme that contained a feedforward component which dealt with the inlet water temperature had a superior dynamic response to setpoint changes. Steady state offsets in both control schemes were attributable to model parameter estimation errors. Differences between the actual and predicted system dynamic response were also attributable …

Pulse Width Modulated Adaptive Delta Modem Design And Analysis, Gregory L. Milne

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A unique design of a voiceband adaptive delta modem will be presented. The modulator utilizes a constant amplitude variable width pulse combined with the principles of delta modulation. This results in a modem that has lower amplitude distortion, requires less transmission channel bandwidth, and is less prone to slope overload than conventional adaptive delta modems. The design also allows the use of a simple single integration demodulator while maintaining fidelity.

The modem design and analysis is presented assuming a transmission channel which is bandwidth limited and amplitude limited.

Apodization Of Surface Acoustic Wave Three Phase Unidirectional Transducers, Benjamin P. Abbott

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents an introduction to surface acoustic wave (SAW unidirectional transducer (UDT) apodization. An unbalanced apodization structure is described. The structure is shown to suffer from an unbalanced capacitive effects, significant apodization losses and passband ripple. A balanced UDT structure is developed for the purpose of improving performance and minimizing undesirable effects associated with the unbalanced structure.

Each apodization structure is analyzed and compared using a typical impulse response of a SAW transducer. The analysis is accomplished using SAWCAD2, a unidirectional Surface Acoustic Wave Computer Aided Design FORTRAN-77 program developed at the University of Central Florida. Having shown the …