Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
- Discipline
-
- Electrical and Computer Engineering (26)
- Mechanical Engineering (22)
- Aerospace Engineering (19)
- Civil and Environmental Engineering (15)
- Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering (14)
-
- Electrical and Electronics (9)
- Environmental Engineering (8)
- Computer Engineering (7)
- Propulsion and Power (7)
- Signal Processing (7)
- Electro-Mechanical Systems (6)
- Materials Science and Engineering (6)
- Aerodynamics and Fluid Mechanics (5)
- Biomedical (5)
- Biomedical Devices and Instrumentation (5)
- Heat Transfer, Combustion (5)
- Physical Sciences and Mathematics (5)
- Polymer and Organic Materials (5)
- Power and Energy (5)
- Architecture (4)
- Bioelectrical and Neuroengineering (4)
- Biomechanics and Biotransport (4)
- Civil Engineering (4)
- Computer-Aided Engineering and Design (4)
- Systems Engineering and Multidisciplinary Design Optimization (4)
- VLSI and Circuits, Embedded and Hardware Systems (4)
- Aeronautical Vehicles (3)
- Chemistry (3)
- Computational Engineering (3)
- Institution
- Keyword
-
- Neural Network (3)
- Active (2)
- Algae (2)
- Bioremediation (2)
- CFD (2)
-
- CUDA (2)
- Compiler (2)
- Driver (2)
- Electric Propulsion (2)
- Electrophoresis (2)
- FEA (2)
- Ischemia (2)
- Lifelines (2)
- MATLAB (2)
- Power (2)
- Radar (2)
- Radiation (2)
- SAR (2)
- Simulation (2)
- Telescope (2)
- Turbine (2)
- 3D FFT (1)
- 3D Modeling (1)
- 3PL (1)
- ADAS Simulation hardware-in-the-loop driver assistance robotics (1)
- AFM (1)
- ANFIS (1)
- ANN (1)
- Abaqus (1)
- Active optics (1)
Articles 1 - 30 of 98
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Inductive Monitoring Systems: A Cubesat Ground-Based Prototype, Michelle Haddock
Inductive Monitoring Systems: A Cubesat Ground-Based Prototype, Michelle Haddock
Master's Theses
Inductive Monitoring Systems (IMS) are the newest form of health monitoring available to the aerospace industry. IMS is a program that builds a knowledge base of nominal state vectors from a nominal data set using data mining techniques. The nominal knowledge base is then used to monitor new data vectors for off-nominal conditions within the system. IMS is designed to replace the current health monitoring process, referred to as model-based reasoning, by automating the process of classifying healthy states and anomaly detection. An IMS prototype was designed and implemented in MATLAB. A verification analysis then determined if the IMS program …
Three Degree-Of-Freedom Parallel Actuator Telescope Mount, Garrett Daniel Gudgel
Three Degree-Of-Freedom Parallel Actuator Telescope Mount, Garrett Daniel Gudgel
Master's Theses
This thesis contains the design, implementation, and testing of an original, small-scaled two degree-of-freedom telescope mount and a medium-scaled three degree-of-freedom telescope mount inspired by the six degree-of-freedom Stewart-Gough platform telescope mount. The end product is intended to achieve research-standard resolution of targeted sky coverage for binary star research. The scaled prototype was carried through concept design, manufacturing, software development, and testing. The mount software development and electronic design is applicable to a full-scale mount as the drivers have been designed to be easily adapted to different actuator configurations. It is recommended that this design be implemented into a telescope …
A Platform For Fast Detection Of Let-7 Micro Rna Using Polyaniline Fluorescence And Image Analysis Techniques, Partha P. Sengupta
A Platform For Fast Detection Of Let-7 Micro Rna Using Polyaniline Fluorescence And Image Analysis Techniques, Partha P. Sengupta
Master's Theses
The project describes a new strategy for transducing hybridization events through modulating intrinsic properties of the electroconductive polymer polyaniline (PANI). When DNA based probes electrostatically interact with PANI, its fluorescence properties are increased, a phenomenon that can be enhanced by UV irradiation. Hybridization of target nucleic acids results in dissociation of probes causing PANI fluorescence to return to basal levels. By monitoring restoration of base PANI fluorescence as little as 10-11 M (10 pM) of target oligonucleotides could be detected within 15 minutes of hybridization. Detection of complementary oligos was specific, with introduction of a single mismatch failing to …
Cost-Based Decision Making Model For Regional In-House Versus Outsourcing Logistics, Henrik Darren Lee
Cost-Based Decision Making Model For Regional In-House Versus Outsourcing Logistics, Henrik Darren Lee
Master's Theses
This thesis proposes a model for selecting between insourcing logistics for local distribution and outsourcing these functions to a third-party logistics (3PL) company. Supply chain optimization, as well as global supply chain management, are topics that are now well-covered; local distribution, despite its integral function in an organization, is much less researched. Models exist for network design and optimization, but the practical application of these network models may call for decisions and considerations that are not covered in these optimization models.
A breakeven analysis selection model between using in-house logistic system and 3PL is derived, considering various regional parameters. The …
Two-Phase Anaerobic Digestion To Reduce The Nox Emission Potential Of Biogas, Nathaniel Manuel Olivas
Two-Phase Anaerobic Digestion To Reduce The Nox Emission Potential Of Biogas, Nathaniel Manuel Olivas
Master's Theses
Anaerobic digestion can be used to decrease the mass of organic wastes to be disposed of while producing useful biogas (CH4 and CO2) for heat or power production, but in air basins with strict emissions limits, biogas combustion is difficult to implement due to the high costs of controlling NOx emissions. NOx production can be minimized by blending H2 gas with CH4 at a volume ratio of 15:85 H2:CH4, which allows burning at ultra-lean air-to-fuel ratios. For biogas systems, a potential low-cost NOx control strategy is to produce H2-CH …
Medical Image Registration Using Artificial Neural Network, Hyunjong Choi
Medical Image Registration Using Artificial Neural Network, Hyunjong Choi
Master's Theses
Image registration is the transformation of different sets of images into one coordinate system in order to align and overlay multiple images. Image registration is used in many fields such as medical imaging, remote sensing, and computer vision. It is very important in medical research, where multiple images are acquired from different sensors at various points in time. This allows doctors to monitor the effects of treatments on patients in a certain region of interest over time. In this thesis, artificial neural networks with curvelet keypoints are used to estimate the parameters of registration. Simulations show that the curvelet keypoints …
Analyzing General-Purpose Computing Performance On Gpu, Fanfu Meng
Analyzing General-Purpose Computing Performance On Gpu, Fanfu Meng
Master's Theses
ABSTRACT
Analyzing General-Purpose Computing Performance on GPU
Graphic Processing Unit (GPU) has become one of the most important components in modern computer systems. GPUs have evolved from a single -purpose graphic rendering hardware to a powerful processor that is capable of handling many different kinds of computing tasks. However, GPUs don’t perform well on every application, and it takes a lot of design effort to get good performance on a GPU.
This thesis aims to investigate the relative performance of a GPU vs. CPU. Design effort is held minimum for both CPU implementations and GPU implementations. Matrix multiplication, Advance Encryption …
Process Development For Compression Molding Of Hybrid Continuous And Chopped Carbon Fiber Prepreg For Production Of Functionally Graded Composite Structures, Corinne Marie Warnock
Process Development For Compression Molding Of Hybrid Continuous And Chopped Carbon Fiber Prepreg For Production Of Functionally Graded Composite Structures, Corinne Marie Warnock
Master's Theses
Composite materials offer a high strength-to-weight ratio and directional load bearing capabilities. Compression molding of composite materials yields a superior surface finish and good dimensional stability between component lots with faster processing compared to traditional manufacturing methods. This experimental compression molding capability was developed for the ME composites lab using unidirectional carbon fiber prepreg composites. A direct comparison was drawn between autoclave and compression molding methods to validate compression molding as an alternative manufacturing method in that lab. A method of manufacturing chopped fiber from existing unidirectional prepreg materials was developed and evaluated using destructive testing methods. The results from …
Structural Damage Assessment Using Artificial Neural Networks And Artificial Immune Systems, Arthur Q.X. Shi
Structural Damage Assessment Using Artificial Neural Networks And Artificial Immune Systems, Arthur Q.X. Shi
Master's Theses
Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems have been technologically advancing over the past few years. Improvements in fabrication and microelectronics allow the development of highly sophisticated sensor arrays, capable of detecting and transmitting an unprecedented amount of data. As the complexity of the hardware increases, research has been performed in developing the means to best utilize and effectively process the data. Algorithms from other computational fields are being introduced for the first time into SHM systems. Among them, the artificial neural network (ANN) and artificial immune systems (AIS) show great potential. In this thesis, features are extracted out of the acceleration …
Sparse Aperture Speckle Interferometry Telescope Active Optics Control System, Matthew Clause
Sparse Aperture Speckle Interferometry Telescope Active Optics Control System, Matthew Clause
Master's Theses
A conventional large aperture telescope required for binary star research is typically cost prohibitive. A prototype active optics system was created and fitted to a telescope frame using relatively low cost components. The active optics system was capable of tipping, tilting, and elevating the mirrors to align reflected star light. The low cost mirror position actuators have a resolution of 31 nm, repeatable to within 16 nm. This is accurate enough to perform speckle analysis for the visible light spectrum. The mirrors used in testing were not supported with a whiffletree and produced trefoil-like aberrations which made phasing two mirrors …
A Lidar Based Semi-Autonomous Collision Avoidance System And The Development Of A Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulator To Aid In Algorithm Development And Human Studies, Thomas F. Stevens
A Lidar Based Semi-Autonomous Collision Avoidance System And The Development Of A Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulator To Aid In Algorithm Development And Human Studies, Thomas F. Stevens
Master's Theses
In this paper, the architecture and implementation of an embedded controller for a steering based semi-autonomous collision avoidance system on a 1/10th scale model is presented. In addition, the development of a 2D hardware-in-the-loop simulator with vehicle dynamics based on the bicycle model is described. The semi-autonomous collision avoidance software is fully contained onboard a single-board computer running embedded GNU/Linux. To eliminate any wired tethers that limit the system’s abilities, the driver operates the vehicle at a user-control-station through a wireless Bluetooth interface. The user-control-station is outfitted with a game-controller that provides standard steering wheel and pedal controls along …
Divergent Plume Reduction Of A High-Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster, Christopher M. Barlog
Divergent Plume Reduction Of A High-Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thruster, Christopher M. Barlog
Master's Theses
High Efficiency Multistage Plasma Thrusters (HEMPTs) are a relatively new form of electric propulsion that show promise for use on a variety of missions and have several advantages over their older EP competitors. One such advantage is their long predicted lifetime and minimal wall erosion due to a unique periodic permanent magnet system. A laboratory HEMPT was built and donated by JPL for testing at Cal Poly. Previous work was done to characterize the performance of this thruster and it was found to exhibit a large plume divergence, resulting in decreased thrust and specific impulse. This thesis explores the design …
Scaled Synthetic Aperture Radar System Development, Ryan K. Green
Scaled Synthetic Aperture Radar System Development, Ryan K. Green
Master's Theses
Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) systems generate two dimensional images of a target area using RF energy as opposed to light waves used by cameras. When cloud cover or other optical obstructions prevent camera imaging over a target area, SAR can be substituted to generate high resolution images. Linear frequency modulated signals are transmitted and received while a moving imaging platform traverses a target area to develop high resolution images through modern digital signal processing (DSP) techniques. The motivation for this joint thesis project is to design and construct a scaled SAR system to support Cal Poly radar projects. Objectives include …
Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization Suite (Stops): Optimization Of Multiple Gravity Assist Spacecraft Trajectories Using Modern Optimization Techniques, Timothy J. Fitzgerald
Spacecraft Trajectory Optimization Suite (Stops): Optimization Of Multiple Gravity Assist Spacecraft Trajectories Using Modern Optimization Techniques, Timothy J. Fitzgerald
Master's Theses
In trajectory optimization, a common objective is to minimize propellant mass via multiple gravity assist maneuvers (MGAs). Some computer programs have been developed to analyze MGA trajectories. One of these programs, Parallel Global Multiobjective Optimization (PaGMO), uses an interesting technique known as the Island Model Paradigm. This work provides the community with a MATLAB optimizer, STOpS, that utilizes this same Island Model Paradigm with five different optimization algorithms. STOpS allows optimization of a weighted combination of many parameters. This work contains a study on optimization algorithm performance and how each algorithm is affected by its available settings.
STOpS successfully found …
Ergonomics Analysis Of Touchscreen Utilization As A Function Of Preferred Hand And Gender, Jordan E. Odell
Ergonomics Analysis Of Touchscreen Utilization As A Function Of Preferred Hand And Gender, Jordan E. Odell
Master's Theses
The growth of touchscreen technology has changed the way users interface with a wide range of computing and communication products and systems. Examples range from personal tablets and laptops to industrial applications such as process control, point-of-sales, and ticketing kiosk systems. An important area of application is the automobile industry which is designing cars with touchscreen control panels to replace the previously designed mechanical knobs and buttons. However, interacting with touchscreens does not provide the same tactile feedback as physical mechanisms, therefore they require more precise movement and visual attention, which distracts the user from the primary task.
The purpose …
Automated Multi-Modal Search And Rescue Using Boosted Histogram Of Oriented Gradients, Matthew A. Lienemann
Automated Multi-Modal Search And Rescue Using Boosted Histogram Of Oriented Gradients, Matthew A. Lienemann
Master's Theses
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) provides a platform for many automated tasks and with an ever increasing advances in computing, these tasks can be more complex. The use of UAVs is expanded in this thesis with the goal of Search and Rescue (SAR), where a UAV can assist fast responders to search for a lost person and relay possible search areas back to SAR teams. To identify a person from an aerial perspective, low-level Histogram of Oriented Gradients (HOG) feature descriptors are used over a segmented region, provided from thermal data, to increase classification speed. This thesis also introduces a dataset …
Identifying And Predicting Rat Behavior Using Neural Networks, Jonathan A. Gettner
Identifying And Predicting Rat Behavior Using Neural Networks, Jonathan A. Gettner
Master's Theses
The hippocampus is known to play a critical role in episodic memory function. Understanding the relation between electrophysiological activity in a rat hippocampus and rat behavior may be helpful in studying pathological diseases that corrupt electrical signaling in the hippocampus, such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. Additionally, having a method to interpret rat behaviors from neural activity may help in understanding the dynamics of rat neural activity that are associated with certain identified behaviors.
In this thesis, neural networks are used as a black-box model to map electrophysiological data, representative of an ensemble of neurons in the hippocampus, to a T-maze, …
The Effects Of Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation On Analgesia And Peripheral Perfusion, Leah I. Schafer
The Effects Of Transcutaneous Electrical Neurostimulation On Analgesia And Peripheral Perfusion, Leah I. Schafer
Master's Theses
Peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) affects 8 to 12 million Americans over the age of 50. As the disease progresses, arterial occlusions arising from atherosclerotic lesions inhibit normal metabolic vasodilation in the peripheries, resulting in limb ischemia and claudication. Pharmacological and surgical treatments currently used to treat both the hemodynamic and pain symptoms associated with PAOD can involve adverse and potentially life-threatening side effects. Thus, there is a need for additional innovative therapies for PAOD.
Neurostimulation has a known analgesic effect on both acute and chronic pain. Although the exact mechanisms remain under investigation, local vascular tone may be modulated …
Open Source Toolkit For Reentry Object Modeling, Christopher Lloyd Ostrom Ii
Open Source Toolkit For Reentry Object Modeling, Christopher Lloyd Ostrom Ii
Master's Theses
Predicting the mass, position, and velocity of an object during its reentry are critical to satisfy NASA and ESA requirements. This thesis outlines a 3-D orbit and mass determination system for use on low earth orbit as applicable to general objects, of various material and size. The solution uses analytical models to calculate heat flux and aerodynamic drag, with some basic numerical models for simple orbit propagation and mass flow rate due to ablation. The system outlined in this thesis currently provides a framework for rough estimates of demise altitude and final mass, but also allows for many potential accuracy …
Spatial Variability Of Soil Velocity Using Passive Surface Wave Testing, Daniel Raymond Wagstaffe
Spatial Variability Of Soil Velocity Using Passive Surface Wave Testing, Daniel Raymond Wagstaffe
Master's Theses
Lifelines such as highways, pipelines, telecommunication lines, and powerlines provide communities with vital services, and their functionality is dependent upon the foundation soil that supports them. However, when designing the infrastructure, it can be difficult to know where to test the soil in order to give spatially representative sampling, particularly for long, lifeline structures. Finding this distance requires knowledge of the spatial correlation and/or the spatial variability of the soil parameter (stiffness, cohesion, etc.). But this correlation distance is not typically found in practice because it requires large amounts of data and the costs of retrieving that data can be …
Production And Harvest Of Microalgae In Wastewater Raceways With Resource Recycling, Alexander Colin Roberts
Production And Harvest Of Microalgae In Wastewater Raceways With Resource Recycling, Alexander Colin Roberts
Master's Theses
Microalgae can be grown on municipal wastewater media to both treat the wastewater and produce feedstock for algae biofuel production. However the reliability of treatment must be demonstrated, as well as high areal algae productivity on recycled wastewater media and efficient sedimentation harvesting. This processes was studied at pilot scale in the present research.
A pilot facility was operated with nine CO2-supplemented raceway ponds, each with a 33-m2 surface area and a 0.3-m depth, continuously from March 6, 2013 through September 24, 2014. The ponds were operated as three sets of triplicates with two sets continuously fed …
Modeling Viscoelastic Behavior In Compact Bone Through A Distribution Of Collagen D-Spacing: A Finite Element Analysis, Christopher Ha
Modeling Viscoelastic Behavior In Compact Bone Through A Distribution Of Collagen D-Spacing: A Finite Element Analysis, Christopher Ha
Master's Theses
Osteoporosis affects nearly 54 million people in the United States. The cost associated with treatment is estimated to be $19 billion per year and is expected to grow yearly. D-spacing is the staggering of collagen molecules found at the nanoscopic level. Previously thought to have a constant value, recent studies have found that D-spacing has a distribution of values throughout the tissue. As part of an ongoing effort in understanding the mechanisms that are affected by osteoporosis, a finite element model was developed to explore the effects of D-spacing distribution on the viscoelastic material properties of bone tissue. The goal …
Quantification Of Blood Flow Velocity Using Color Sensing, Aditya Deepak Sanghani
Quantification Of Blood Flow Velocity Using Color Sensing, Aditya Deepak Sanghani
Master's Theses
Blood flow velocity is an important parameter that can give information on several pathologies including atherosclerosis, glaucoma, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and ischemic stroke [2,5,6,10]. Present techniques of measuring blood flow velocity involve expensive procedures such as Doppler echocardiography, Doppler ultrasound, and magnetic resonance imaging [11,12]. They cost from $8500-$20000. It is desired to find a low-cost yet equally effective solution for measuring blood flow velocity. This thesis has a goal of creating a proof of concept device for measuring blood flow velocity.
Finger blood flow velocity is investigated in this project. The close proximity to the skin of the finger’s arteries …
Axisymmetric Bi-Propellant Air Augmented Rocket Testing With Annular Cavity Mixing Enhancement, Allen A. C. Capatina
Axisymmetric Bi-Propellant Air Augmented Rocket Testing With Annular Cavity Mixing Enhancement, Allen A. C. Capatina
Master's Theses
Performance characterization was undertaken for an air augmented rocket mixing duct with annular cavity configurations intended to produce thrust augmentation. Three mixing duct geometries and a fully annular cavity at the exit of the nozzle were tested to enable thrust comparisons. The rocket engine used liquid ethanol and gaseous oxygen, and was instrumented with sensors to output total thrust, mixing duct thrust, combustion chamber pressure, and propellant differential pressures across Venturi flow measurement tubes.
The rocket engine was tested to thrust maximum, with three different mixing ducts, three major combustion pressure sets, and a nozzle exit plane annular cavity (a …
Investigating The Correlation Between Freeway Service Levels And Freeway Service Patrol Assists, Nora Chin
Investigating The Correlation Between Freeway Service Levels And Freeway Service Patrol Assists, Nora Chin
Master's Theses
The Bay Area Metropolitan Transportation Commission’s (MTC) Freeway Service Patrol’s highway motorist response service is reporting a reduction in their service levels. We analyze the relationship between the reduction in the Bay Area Freeway Service Patrol’s (FSP) motorist assists and changes in vehicle miles traveled (VMT), California Highway Patrol (CHP) reported incidents, and cover research on the impact of new and old vehicle fleet turnover. VMT and CHP incidents have differential effects on FSP assists. Although incidents occurring on freeways with high traffic flows tend to cause more congestion, the trend in local VMT along Bay Area freeway corridors does …
Modeling And Test Of The Efficiency Of Electronic Speed Controllers For Brushless Dc Motors, Clayton R. Green
Modeling And Test Of The Efficiency Of Electronic Speed Controllers For Brushless Dc Motors, Clayton R. Green
Master's Theses
Small electric uninhabited aerial vehicles (UAV) represent a rapidly expanding market requiring optimization in both efficiency and weight; efficiency is critical during cruise or loiter where the vehicle operates at part power for up to 99% of the mission time. Of the four components (battery, motor, propeller, and electronic speed controller (ESC)) of the electric propulsion system used in small UAVs, the ESC has no accepted performance model and almost no published performance data. To collect performance data, instrumentation was developed to measure electrical power in and out of the ESC using the two wattmeter method and current sense resistors; …
A Hybrid Approach To General Information Extraction, Marie Belen Grap
A Hybrid Approach To General Information Extraction, Marie Belen Grap
Master's Theses
Information Extraction (IE) is the process of analyzing documents and identifying desired pieces of information within them. Many IE systems have been developed over the last couple of decades, but there is still room for improvement as IE remains an open problem for researchers. This work discusses the development of a hybrid IE system that attempts to combine the strengths of rule-based and statistical IE systems while avoiding their unique pitfalls in order to achieve high performance for any type of information on any type of document. Test results show that this system operates competitively in cases where target information …
An Investigation Into Partitioning Algorithms For Automatic Heterogeneous Compilers, Antonio M. Leija
An Investigation Into Partitioning Algorithms For Automatic Heterogeneous Compilers, Antonio M. Leija
Master's Theses
Automatic Heterogeneous Compilers allows blended hardware-software solutions to be explored without the cost of a full-fledged design team, but limited research exists on current partitioning algorithms responsible for separating hardware and software. The purpose of this thesis is to implement various partitioning algorithms onto the same automatic heterogeneous compiler platform to create an apples to apples comparison for AHC partitioning algorithms. Both estimated outcomes and actual outcomes for the solutions generated are studied and scored. The platform used to implement the algorithms is Cal Poly’s own Twill compiler, created by Doug Gallatin last year. Twill’s original partitioning algorithm is chosen …
Development Of Cpanel, An Unstructured Panel Code, Using A Modified Tls Velocity Formulation, Christopher R. Satterwhite
Development Of Cpanel, An Unstructured Panel Code, Using A Modified Tls Velocity Formulation, Christopher R. Satterwhite
Master's Theses
The use of panel codes in the aerospace industry dates back many decades. Recent advances in computer capability have allowed them to evolve, both in speed and complexity, to provide very quick solutions to complex flow fields. By only requiring surface discretization, panel codes offer a faster alternative to volume based methods, delivering a solution in minutes, as opposed to hours or days. Despite their utility, the availability of these codes is very limited due to either cost, or rights restrictions.
This work incorporates modern software development practices, such as unit level testing and version control, into the development of …
Characterization Of Electrophorectic Separations On A Cellulose Paper-Microfluidic Chip, Kyle Robert Fast
Characterization Of Electrophorectic Separations On A Cellulose Paper-Microfluidic Chip, Kyle Robert Fast
Master's Theses
The purpose of this thesis project is to demonstrate the ability to utilize electrophoresis in a cellulose paper microfluidic chip to manipulate charged particles. Materials were selected and a manufacturing protocol was created to successfully apply the electric field onto the paper chip. Experiments were performed to characterize the separation rates for charged, colorimetric dye, Orange G in the membrane as a function of an applied electric field, dye concentration, and distance traveled. The experiments confirmed that the electric field can be applied to the chip and particle separation rates were characterized. Next, the determined rates results were used to …