Engineering Commons^™

Radiant Energy Transfer And Radiant Barrier Systems In Buildings, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In Florida and other southern climates we depend on a number of strategies to keep heat out of buildings. Mostly, these affect heat gains by conduction or convection. In the average house, insulating walls and ceilings primarily restricts conduction. Double-glazed windows restrict both conductive and convective heat gain. We have largely ignored radiation - the third means of heat transfer - except in using window treatments and coatings that reflect, absorb or shade from solar energy. But research points to exciting potential for reducing heat gain in buildings by controlling radiation transfer in walls and ceilings through the use of …

Techniques For Shading Residential Walls And Windows, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Solar radiation is a major heat source in buildings - welcome in cold weather but a summertime problem. Florida's long cooling season and short heating season increase the importance of protecting windows, walls and sliding glass doors during hot weather, while still permitting solar heat to enter a building during cold weather. cooling and heating energy savings of 10% - 20% are possible through good shading strategies. Properly designed roof overhangs can provide adequate sun protection, especially for south-facing surfaces. Vertical shading devices such as trees, trellises, trellised vines, shutters, shading screens awnings and exterior roll blinds are also effective. …

Solar Ovens And Cookers, Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Solar ovens work much like solar collectors used in domestic water heating systems. Both collect solar radiation, convert it to heat and transfer it to another substance. Solar ovens, however, focus the sun's rays with reflective surfaces on one point. The object of the sun's energy in the solar oven is the food.

Solar Water Heater Troubleshooting Checklist, Florida Solar Energy Center

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Lists the Symptom, Component, Possible Cause, and Remedy/Check of possible solar hot water heater problems.

Recipes For Solar Cooking, Florida Solar Energy Center, Jo Townsend

FSEC Energy Research Center®

As energy extension agent for the University of Florida Extension Service, Jo Townsend serves as the energy educator to small businesses in central Florida. She conducts employee programs on energy conservation in the workplace. She received her B.S. in home economics from Florida State University and her M.E. from the University of Central Florida. Formerly a home economist for the Florida cooperative Extension Service, Townsend researched and tested recipes for use in microwaves when they first gained popularity. She has been a consultant to Southern Living magazine and to Florida's seafood industry. For the last year, she has tested recipes …

Cooling With Ventilation, Florida Solar Energy Center, Subrato Chandra

FSEC Energy Research Center®

In keeping with the national energy policy foal of fostering an adequate supply of energy at a reasonable cost, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) supports a variety of programs to promote a balanced and mixed energy resource system. The mission of the DOE Solar Building Research and Development Program is to support this goal by providing for the development of solar technology alternatives for the buildings sector. It is the goal of the Program to establish a proven technology base to allow industry to develop solar products and designs for buildings that are economically competitive and can contribute …

Latent And Sensible Load Distributions In Conventional And Energy Efficient Residences. Final Report, January 1983 - January 1986. 05-86., Florida Solar Energy Center, Alp Kerestecioglu

FSEC Energy Research Center®

To develop a method to characterize the cooling load distributions in conventional and energy efficient residences, specifically as related to building dehumidification loads, as they pertain to the potential for the use of gas-fired dehumidification and cooling equipment.

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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.

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 …

Development And Testing Of A Heuristic Line Balancing Program For A Microcomputer, Dean B. Creech

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Development, operation, and testing of a heuristic line balancing program for a microcomputer are discussed. Tasks are grouped into work stations along an assembly line such that the number of work stations required is minimized.

The model is built primarily using the Hoffman (1963) procedure with modifications described by Gehrlein and Patterson (1975). For purposes of comparison the Rank Positional Weight technique (Helgeson and Birnie, 1961) is also included in the model.

Testing included thirty-seven different balances using problems from the literature. For each balance, both Rank Positional Weight and Hoffmann solutions were obtained in the forward and reverse directions. …

Simulation Of A Parallel Manufacturing Operations, Charles P. Cochran

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines a manufacturing process using a real time interface with a 6502 microprocessor that gives the appearance of parallel processing. Two separate processes are operated, apparently simultaneously with an asynchronous interface between the two processes. An Apple microcomputer, an ISAAC data transfer system and a constructed simulation model are used to demonstrate this process. The model is constructed of Fischertechnik manufactured parts for the support framework, as well as gearing devices, small DC electric motors, and sensing devices in the form of photo-electric switches and single pole double throw switches physically activated by the constructed model. The software, …

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.

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 …