Engineering Commons^™

A Piezoelectric Actuated Scanning Mirror System Utilizing A Type One Control Loop, David Gibbs

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this thesis is to design and build an improved control loop for a piezoelectric actuated scanning mirror system. A control system has been built having zero steady state position error and an 80 Hertz bandwidth. This was achieved by placing the piezoelectric actuator in the feedback path of an operational amplifier and placing series cascaded notch filters and lead compensators in the forward path of the control loop. A prototype system, including compensation and feedback, is developed. Its performance compares favorably with that of the system model. It is capable of plus and minus 1.7 degrees of …

Applications Of Lattice Filters To Quadrature Mirror Filter Banks, Gregory R. Jaspers

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented is a method for designing and implementing lattice filters to be used in Quadrature Mirror Filter (QMF) Banks. Quadrature Mirror Filter Banks find use in applications where a signal must be spilt into subbands operated on then reconstructed in the output. Because of their structure, lattice filters do this very well and allow perfect reconstruction, even when the lattice coefficients must be quantized. In this paper QMF's and Lattice Filters are derived and analyzed. Application of the lattice filter is presented along with a design program and example of its use to implement a QMF. The computer aided design …

Axisymmetric Wave Propagation In A Finite Linear Elastic Cylinder, Brian D. Johnson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This work addresses the linear elastic analysis of axisymmetric wave propagation in a finite elastic cylinder. The waves are generated by the Fast Triaxial Device (FTRXD), which fails soil specimens at very rapid rates. The very short duration of the triaxial tests requires the consideration of wave phenomena in the analysis of the test results.

The soil specimens are modeled as linear elastic cylinders which are compressed in the axial direction. The resulting axisymmetric waves are analyzed with the wave equations which are cast in finite difference form, allowing the solution of displacements and stresses throughout the cylinder as a …

Barium Borate In Parametric Oscillation And 1.54 Micron Generation, Mark Kerrigan

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

As to date, there are several relatively new crystals that have been developed for nonlinear or "parametric" optical applications, including KTP, LAP, KNbO3, m=NA, and BaB204 (barium borate, or simply BBO). The latter crystal, BBO, and the use of BBo to achieve parametric oscillation around an eyesafe wavelength of 1.54 microns is the emphasis of this paper.

Unpublished material includes determining the optimum type of coupling and pump wavelength used when generating 1.54 μm eyesafe radiation based upon Poynting vector walk off, suscpetibilityies, and both signal angular and spectral acceptance widths. Poynting vector walk off curves for linearly polarized extraordinary …

Uniform Energy Discharge For Pulsed Lasers, Eric Calvin Koschmann

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The art of achieving a large energy discharge in a controlled manner with relative ease is to use a pulse forming network. Historically the design of such networks generally used a single inductor and capacitor. Although easy to design and implement, this practice does not provide optimum performance in all cases. In particular, most laser welding requires a uniform energy discharge in a pulse to produce a high quality weld. Analysis has shown that when the pulse forming network approximates a lumped constant transmission line a maximum flat pulse is produced with minimal degradation of the pulse rise time. This …

A Comparison Of Two Microcomputer Continuous Simulation Languages, Amy Brannon Kirkland

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Until the early 1980s, most digital simulation models of reasonably complex systems required the use of a mainframe for a solution to be obtained in a timely manner. Recently, the declining prices of computer memory, operating systems, and modern hardware have supported the implementation of large simulation packages on smaller machines. Today, tremendous improvements in the performance of microcomputers have provided the simulationist with a completely personalized, less expensive computing environment. Operating within a microcomputer environment, the simulationist must choose a suitable computer language. Often, user familiarity dictates the selection of a language, while other factors such as ease of …

Some Reasons Why New Technologies Are Not Always Successful - Specifically Directed Toward Cim, Shuk Fong Lai

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

To keep the competitive edge, many companies constantly implement new technologies. However, the implementation of these new technologies are not always successful. Why?

Problems with implementation of new technologies can be either technical or managerial. This paper presents research limited to management problems and suggests the necessary changes. It also outlines the important factors in the decision-making process and the criteria for a successful implementation of a Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) system. Many experts believe that CIM is the ultimate solution to slow and reverse the decline of the U.S. global manufacturing market. However, some companies that have implemented CIM …

The Application Of Transfer Matrices In The Dynamic Analysis Of Planar Elastic Mechanisms, Richard Kent Lindenberg

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Transfer matrices are used in the dynamic analysis of planar elastic mechanisms. Mechanism motion is discretized by dividing the motion into a finite number of intervals over which the mechanism is considered to be an instantaneous structure with constant geometry. Transfer matrix methods are then used to calculate the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the instantaneous structure. A transfer matrix relating the continuous, non-zero components of the state vector across a pin joint is developed. An elastic four bar mechanism and a crank slider mechanism with a rigid crank and elastic connecting rod are analyzed using lumped mass …

Three-Level Block Truncation Coding, Deborah Ann Lee

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Block Truncation Coding (BTC) techniques, to date, utilize a two-level image block code. This thesis presents and studies a new BTC method employing a three-level image coding technique. This new method is applied to actual image frames and compared with other well-known block truncation coding techniques.

The method separates an image into disjoint, rectangular regions of fixed size and finds the highest and lowest pixel values of each. Using these values, the image block pixel value range is calculated and divided into three equal sections. The individual image block pixels are then quantized according to the region into which their …

Computer Aided Design Of Linear Phase Finite Impulse Response Digital Filters, Wentao Lyou

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report is an investigation of techniques for designing linear phase finite-duration impulse response (FIR) filters. The software package, CADFIR, developed for this project can be used to design linear phase FIR digital filters via three well-known design techniques: the window method, the frequency sampling method, and the optimal filter design method. CADFIR has options for designing such standard filters as lowpass, highpass, bandpass, and bandstop filters as well as multipassband-stopband filters. The fundamental properties of FIR filters are discussed and design algorithms associated with the three FIR filter design techniques are developed. Design examples are included and the …

Investigation Of Surface And Subsurface Deformation In Sliding Wear, Patrick J. Mohr

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The research presented in this paper is part of the ongoing work by Moslehy and Rice et al. at the University of Central Florida in the investigation of sliding wear using laser techniques. This research paper investigates related wear phenomena, metallographically, and presents some general trends observed in the growth of the elastic - plastic interface as a function of time. Observations were made on the surface and at near surface sections on several brass pin specimens, each being subjected to sliding wear for various periods of time. Metallographic observation of the plastic deformation that occurred on the surface of …

Efficient Algorithms For The Fixed Charge Problem, Ahmad Abdulah Moreb

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The main thrust of this research is to develop four solution procedures for the Fixed Charge Problem. All are based on approximating the fixed charge component by strictly polygonal linear components. The first procedure uses the functions technique to approximate the fixed charge; then linear programming with the restricted-basisentry technique is used to arrive at the final solution. Although this method starts with an approximated version of the fixed charge component, it arrives at an exact value to the objective function without the need for re-evaluating the objective function. The other three solution procedures are based on approximating the fixed …

Design Of A Systolic Architecture To Implement Graphic Transforms, Aimee A. Murray

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The graphics generator hardware is an important component of flight-training simulators. The function of this hardware is to generate 3D perspective images at rates of 30 frames per second to produce realistic out-ofwindow scenes viewed by the crew under training. Within most graphics generator hardware are array processors which achieve high computation throughput necessary to generate real-time processing. The function of the array processors is to transform, clip, rotate and perspective project the data base into screen coordinates for use by the graphic generator. A FIMD (few instructions multiple data) systolic architecture is proposed to achieve high computational throughput that …

A System For Measuring The Phase Difference Between Two Points Of A Propagating Laser Beam, Jefferson E. Odhner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

An optical system has been designed, analyzed, implemented, and calibrated which measures the phase difference between two points of a propagating laser beam. The system is a quadrature interferometer whose detector outputs are processed by a computer. This quadrature interferometer measures both the phase and amplitude variations between two points of a laser beam after the beam passes through turbulence . These measurements are in turn processed by a computer to isolate the phase variations from the amplitude variations. Further statistical analysis which can be performed on these phase variations should provide an understanding of the phase fluctuations of propagating …

Numerical Solutions Of Poisson's Equation In A Superlatice Device, Norman Todd Rollins

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The relationship between the built-in potential and the energy bands in a heterojunction device is defined using the Anderson model. Based on this model, Poisson's equation for a nonhomogeneous semiconductor device in thermal equilibrium is derived and solved analytically for the special case of a doubly intrinsic abrupt heterojunction. Several numerical methods of solving Poisson's equation for general cases are explored to find the most efficient method. The validity of the chosen numerical method is tested against both the analytical solution for a Ge/GaAs doubly intrinsic diode and recently published results from similar numerical simulation studies. A p-i-n superlattice device …

An Ada Simulator For The Structured Functional Simulation Of A Digital Signal Processing System, Christopher Paul Roney

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A behavioral-level simulator designed for FIRST, a silicon compilation system for digital signal processing, is implemented in the Ada* programming language. The simulator accepts as input a digital signal processing system description written for the FIRST ([ast Implementation of aealtime ~ignal transforms) silicon compiler, and provides an interactive post-processing signal trace facility. The simulator is a time-driven simulator which contains a FIRST description language parser, a subset of the FIRST primitives, and the capacity for maintaining a full history of all signals in the system. The primitives in the FIRST description language are common to digital signal processing systems (e.g., …

Optical Interferometric Formation Of Phased Array Antenna Footprint/, John E. Sherwood

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A 40 dB gain RF Low Noise Amplifier (LNA) matched to a photodiode input is designed using TOUCHSTONE (S-parameter based CAD software), built, and tested. The RF LNA formed the detector of a Mach-Zehnder interferometer constructed with single mode fiber, coupler, Gradient Index Rod Acousto-optic modulator (ADM) . (GRINROD) lenses, and an The ADM is used to frequency shift the optical frequency by 125 MHz, and the motion of a GRINROD lens is used to produce an optical phase shift that is recovered at the detector as an electrical phase shift by using heterodyne detection . Finite Hankel transforms are …

An Overview Of Machine Vision, Juan C. Telchi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this paper is to examine new ideas and other useful information on the most recent advances in the robotic vision field. A visual system model was introduced and the basic components of this model were explained. The principal areas in robotic vision were researched. This included two dimension and three dimension vision sensors. Industrial applications and future developments of machine vision systems were addressed. A survey was done to summarize the vision system market and the robot market share worldwide.

Utilizing Object-Oriented Design To Reduce The Effort Expended On The Maintenance Phase Of A Software Project, Susan Muriel Storma

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Due to poor software design, software products typically incur substantial cost overruns during the maintenance phase of the life cycle. Use of modern software engineering principles (e.g., information hiding and abstraction) can i mprove the design of a product and, hence, reduce the effort associated with the maintenance phase of a product. Object-oriented design (OOD) is a tool which embodies these software engineering principles. This paper first presents the concepts of 00D and how it is used. A design example involving a programmable temperature controller is presented utilizing 00D and is then compared to a top-down design approach. Conclusions are …

The Feasibility Analysis Of Cooling A Residential Space Using An Underground Air Pipe Coupled With An Air Chimney, Nam Ky Trinh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study examines the thermal and economic feasibility of using an earth-cooled air system of residential space cooling. A residential building located in Orlando, Florida was modeled to determine the sensible cooling load for various design factors. A parametric study was conducted to determine the effects of the following: inside set temperature, infiltration rate, and overall heat transfer coefficient of the walls and roof. The inside set temperature had the greatest impact on the cooling energy load, followed by the infiltration rate and the overall heat transfer coefficient of the walls and roof.

Two load conditions were examined to determine …

Comparison Of Graphical Design Methodologies, Pamela Stark Woodard

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The recent development of the Ada language by the Department of Defense and its required use within the Department of Defense for the development of embedded software systems has resulted in a need for better methods to represent Ada software designs. Graphical design techniques have long been used as software design and documentation aids. The use of graphical techniques to illustrate an Ada design can provide a clear, concise means to describe a complex software system. The purpose of this paper is to investigate several software design methodologies which incorporate graphical design notations. The specific software methodologies examined in detail …

Learning Curve Model For Interrupted Production, Behzad Zarkoob

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Traditionally the learning curve technique has been applied to the case of continuous production. In such cases the cost par unit declines by a constant or staged percentage due to the learning phenomenon. Although this technique has been an important management tool to predict cost and productivity, there are other factors that wil~ affect the learning curves and its forecasts. One of these factors is "forgetfulness," which is caused by program interruptions for a significant period of time. It is expected that due to the interruption a relearning process may have to take place. The objective of this report is …

Parametric Shape Generation Of Aerodynamic And Structural Objects For Aerodynamic, Structural And Radar Cross-Section Analysis, Franklin C. Basile

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the design and development of software to parametrically build three-dimensional aerodynamic objects or shapes for various engineering design and analysis activities. The software is designed to generate and display sufficient geometric output to completely define the object. Parameters are entered through a prompting sequence which determines the type of object and the amount of geometry needed to describe the object. Geometry created by this program will act as the baseline model for aerodynamic , structural, and radar cross-section analysis. An integral part of the program is the complete 3-D viewing capability. Interactive global display capability allows for …

Multiple Signal Relative Entropy Spectral Estimation, David Martin Gregory

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented is a generalized derivation of the Tzannes et al. algorithm (1985) to accommodate multiple signals and also a new algorithm for implementing the Relative Entropy method for estimating the spectral densities of multisignal input data.

Chapter 2 presents several of the current methods of Relative Entropy spectral estimation which involve solving N non-linear equations simultaneously. Chapter 3 presents the multisignal derivation for the Tzannes et al. method and develops the new algorithm which solves for one unknown at a time in an iterative fashion.

The performance of this new method is compared with the Maximum Entropy and Minimum Relative …

Method For Sizing Mos Transistors For Vlsi, Matthew J. Amatangelo

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Determining the device width to length ratios has typically been an iterative process for the custom IC digital design engineer. After the logic design phase is complete for a particular circuit, the designer would make an educated guess at the device sizes. Then by trial and error, using SPICE or another circuit simulator, suitable sizes would be determined. Unfortunately, this approach is time consuming and the resulting sizes are often a good bit larger than they need to be to maintain a certain speed because of the lack of a rigorous sizing methodology. This paper describes a method for reducing …

Development Of Techniques To Perform Simulation-Adaptation In A Simulation Training Environment Using Expert System Methods, Cheryl E. Bagshaw

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The use of computers for instructional purposes is steadily increasing, along with an emphasis on developing systems which create environments tailored to human beings. Artificial Intelligence techniques have been incorporated into these systems with an aim at developing better methods of modeling of simulating knowledge and intelligent behavior. One type of these systems, Intelligent Simulation Training Systems (ISTS), utilize a simulation in the training process. This is an ideal environment for the instruction of skills which focus on the ability to understand the time and space relationships of objects.

An intelligent tutor module of an ISTS must configure scenarios for …

A Student Performance Evaluation Method For An Intelligent Simulation-Based Tutoring System, Camille Marie Dixon

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Intelligent simulation-based tutoring systems (ISTS) present intriguing and complex environments for the training of high performance skills. These skills involve the manipulation of objects within time and space constraints.

As with any tutoring system, there must exist a performance measurement methodology. Within an ISTS there is a module which functions as a tutor and a module which functions as a student modeler. These fundamental modules are required to make effective individualized tutoring decisions. However, each of these modules rely on information from a performance measurement system or evaluation system.

The objective of this research was to establish a performance evaluation …

Phase Noise Analysis And Basic Measuring Techniques, James A. Ferrell

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Oscillators are important elements of RF and microwave communications systems. The increased use of the electromagnetic spectrum requires the use of better and cleaner oscillators. Local oscillators in RF to IF converters play a big role in the overall performance of the receiver systems because phase noise in the local oscillator can drastically reduce the signal to noise ratio at the output of the receiver, especially if the converter is at the front end. Phase noise is the parameter used to describe oscillator stability. The analysis and basic measurement techniques of phase noise are performed in this report.

This research …

Comparison Of Subsurface Cavity Investigations Using Earth Resistivity, Seismograph And Ground Penetrating Radar, Dennis M. Filler

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Sinkhole formation in the Central Florida area has become a serious problem. The subsurface exploration method for cavity detection is indeed needed prior to sinkhole development. this research study compares the effectiveness of earth resistivity, seismograph and ground penetrating radar (GPR) methods in the detection of subsurface cavities. A resistivity instrument measures a material's resistance to electric currents. The seismograph measure the propagation velocity of a medium refracting compressional waves. The GPR transmits and receives electromagnetic pulses reflecting off subsurface interfaces.

Tests were conducted at two sites: a model test site at the University of central Florida, Orlando, and a …

Geographic Information Systems: The Developer's Perspective, Johnn B. Henris

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Geographic information systems, which manage data describing the surface of the earth, are becoming increasingly popular. This research details the current state of the art of geographic data processing in terms of the needs of the geographic information system developer. The research focuses chiefly on the geographic data model--the basic building block of the geographic information system. The two most popular models, tessellation and vector, are studied in detail, as well as a number of hybrid data models.

In addition, geographic database management is discussed in terms of geographic data access and query processing. Finally, a pragmatic discussion of geographic …