Engineering Commons^™

Interactive Visualization Of Information Hierarchies And Applications On The Web, Confesor Santiago Iii

Theses and Dissertations

The visualization of information hierarchies is concerned with the presentation of abstract hierarchical information about relationships between various entities. It has many applications in diverse domains such as software engineering, information systems, biology, and chemistry. Information hierarchies are typically modeled by an abstract tree, where vertices are entities and edges represent relationships between entities. The aim of visualizing tree drawings is to automatically produce drawings of trees which clearly reflect the relationships of the information hierarchy.

This thesis is primarily concerned with problems related to the automatic generation of area-efficient grid drawings of trees, interactively visualizing information hierarchies, and applying …

Optimization Of Optical Computed Tomography Techniques For The Synthesis Of Particle Aggregate Models, Patrick Anthony Giordano Jr.

Theses and Dissertations

The characterization of 3-D shapes of particles in geomaterial aggregate mixtures is important for understanding the micro-mechanics of granular materials. Also, numerical synthesis of 3-D particle shapes from their corresponding shape descriptors is required for developing discrete element models (DEMs) that can be used to predict particle contact-forces, and ultimately the shear strength of the aggregate mixture.

Previous work has shown that Fourier-based 3-D shape descriptors can be constructed for aggregate mixtures, using a statistical combination of 2-D projections. Furthermore, optical tomography methods using the Algebraic Reconstruction Technique (ART) algorithm has proved capable of synthesizing 3-D shapes from 2-D projections, …

Incorporating Grain Size Effects In Taylor Crystal Plasticity, Bradley S. Fromm

Theses and Dissertations

A method to incorporate grain size effects into crystal plasticity is presented. The classical Hall-Petch equation inaccurately predicts the macroscopic yield strength for materials with non-equiaxed grains or materials that contain unequal grain size distributions. These deficiencies can be overcome by incorporating both grain size and orientation characteristics into crystal plasticity theory. Homogenization relationships based on a viscoplastic Taylor-like approach are introduced along with a new function, the grain size and orientation distribution function (GSODF). Estimates of the GSODF for high purity α-titanium are recovered through orientation imaging microscopy coupled with the chord length distribution. A comparison between the new …

Forensics Image Background Matching Using Scale Invariant Feature (Sift)Transform And Speeded Up Robust Features (Surf), Paul N. Fogg Ii

Theses and Dissertations

In criminal investigations, it is not uncommon for investigators to obtain a photograph or image that shows a crime being committed. Additionally, thousands of pictures may exist of a location, taken from the same or varying viewpoints. Some of these images may even include a criminal suspect or witness. One mechanism to identify criminals and witnesses is to group the images found on computers, cell phones, cameras, and other electronic devices into sets representing the same location. One or more images in the group may then prove the suspect was at the crime scene before, during, and/or after a crime. …

Electrical Activation Studies Of Silicon Implanted Aluminum Gallium Nitride With High Aluminum Mole Fraction, Elizabeth A. Moore

Theses and Dissertations

This research demonstrates a method for producing highly conductive Si-implanted n-type aluminum gallium nitride (Al_xGa_1-xN) alloys, and represents a comprehensive analysis of the resulting material's electrical and optical properties as a function of Al mole fraction, anneal temperature, anneal time, and implantation dose. Highly conductive alloys are critical to the fabrication of devices operating in deep UV, high-temperature, high-power, and high-frequency environments, and thus this research is significant in regard to the application of such devices. The Al_xGa_1-xN wafers of this study, with Al concentrations of 10 to 50%, were implanted at …

Bio-Surfaces And Geometric References For A Standardized Biomechanical Design Methodology For Mass Customization, Kimberly A. Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a method for the design of customizable products that interface with the human body. The method presented involves first, a consistent method of capturing and representing the human model so that the model can be used with CAx tools and solid modeling techniques. Second, it provides a design methodology based on feature structure planning and assembly modeling that provides a consistent structure to the design process so that it can be reused and parameterized. Third, a strategy for identifying parametric variables that are referenced to the human body is introduced. The core of this method is the …

Reducing Curvature In Complex Tool Paths By Deviating From Cam-Produced Tool Paths Within A Tolerance Band, George Benjamin Naseath

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops an algorithm to decrease high-curvature sections in tool paths for complex parts to achieve shorter machining times resulting in higher production rates. In the research sample cases, the algorithm decreased machining times by 1% to 9% for design-induced sections of high curvature and by 16% to 75% for CAM induced ripples using high path tolerances. High-curvature sections in tool paths are caused by complex part geometry, noise, and discontinuities in the model. The curvature is decreased by deviating the tool path within an allowable path tolerance. The feedrate along the tool path is directly related to the …

High Quality Molecular Beam Epitaxy Growth And Characterization Of Lead Titanate Zirconate Based Complex-Oxides, Xing Gu

Theses and Dissertations

Research interest in complex oxides has resurged owing to progress in modern epitaxial techniques. Among such oxides, lead-titanate-based thin films such as PbTiO₃ (PTO) and Pb(Zr_xTi_1−x)O₃ (PZT) offer attractive advantages for a wide variety of applications. Moreover, integration between functional oxides with compound semiconductors has the potential to realize multi-functional devices which enjoy the properties from both groups of materials. Ferroelectric materials with a perovskite structure (ABO₃) and semiconductors such as GaN with a hexagonal structure, require a careful choice of a bridge layer and suitable epitaxial technique. Molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) …

Energy Efficiency In Cold-Weather High-End Custom Homes, Joseph R. Kearl

Theses and Dissertations

Nationally, there is increasing interest in energy efficient homes due to growing energy costs and increased awareness. However, many builders haven't yet incorporated energy saving products and practices into homes. Many builders don't have the resources to evaluate available options and prefer to rely on the experiences of other builders. The purpose of this study was to create energy efficiency benchmarks for cold-weather, high-end custom homes and evaluate current building practices. A list of energy-efficient products and practices was created through a review of relevant literature. A group of expert builders was formed into a committee to help determine energy …

Sensitivity Of Half-Cell Potential Measurements To Properties Of Concrete Bridge Decks, Thad Marshall Pinkerton

Theses and Dissertations

Half-cell potential testing has been recommended as a non-destructive method for assessing the corrosion potential of reinforcing steel in concrete bridge decks. The technique is particularly useful because it can be utilized to evaluate the probability of corrosion before damage is evident at the surface of a bridge deck. The specific objective of this research was to quantify the effects of age, chloride concentration, concrete cover thickness, spatial position, temperature, and presence or condition of epoxy coating on half-cell potential measurements of concrete bridge decks typical of those in Utah. The laboratory testing associated with this research followed a full-factorial …

Optimizing Wireless Network Throughput: Methods And Applications, Pengchang Zhan

Theses and Dissertations

Ever since Marconi succeeded in his first demonstration on the possibility to communicate over the air overseas about a century ago, wireless communications have experienced dramatic improvements. Today's world sees the penetration of wireless communications into human life almost everywhere, from a simple remote control for TV to a cellular phone. With a better understanding of the adverse nature of the wireless propagation channels, engineers have been able to invent various clever techniques, i.e. Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) technology, spread spectrum communications, Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) to name a few, to achieve fast and reliable communications over each …

Mexico Engineering Study Abroad: Assessing The Effectiveness Of International Experiences On Teaching Global Engineering Skills, Joshua Benjamin Draper

Theses and Dissertations

Globalization is a rapidly increasing trend in many industries, including civil engineering. This paper defines the skills engineers will need in an increasingly international industry. It also describes an engineering study abroad program designed to teach some of those skills to students and presents a survey used as an assessment tool to evaluate the effectiveness of the program. The program, called Mexico Engineering Study Abroad (MESA), is taught at Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, UT. MESA is a project-based extended field trip format class that couples hydrologic modeling with cultural awareness as students work together with Mexican students on …

Dry Stacked Surface Bonded Masonry - Structural Testing And Evaluation, Eric B. Murray

Theses and Dissertations

The ENDURA block system is a dry-stack surface-bonded masonry system. Typical masonry construction uses thin-set mortar in the bed joints to provide a bearing surface for the blocks while the ENDURA system typically relies on shims and a surface bonding coat to ensure that the wall is level and plumb and to provide stability. Typical ENDURA block walls are built with the reinforcement placed eccentrically in the walls. Testing was performed on ten walls in order to determine axial capacity. The walls were ten feet high by eight feet wide. Each of the walls was built using a different configuration …

One-Dimensional Radial Flow Turbomachinery Performance Modeling, Robert John Pelton

Theses and Dissertations

The Two-Element In Series (TEIS) and Two-Zone models have been used successfully for over twenty years to model test data for radial flow compressors and pumps. The models can also be used to predict the performance of new machines provided that the model inputs can be accurately specified. Unfortunately, use of the TEIS and Two-Zone models as a predictive tool has been limited because an accurate and broadly applicable method of predicting the modeling parameters, etaA, etaB, chi and d2p does not exist. Empirical models have been developed to predict the TEIS and Two-Zone modeling parameters based on a large …

Stormwater Quality Characterization, Modeling, And Management For The Greater Milwaukee Area, Wisconsin, Puripus Soonthornnonda

Theses and Dissertations

Storm sewer pipes in the Greater Milwaukee area collect poluted stormwater runoff

Low-Altitude Road Following, Using Strap-Down Cameras On Miniature Aerial Vehicles, Joseph M. Egbert

Theses and Dissertations

Miniature air vehicles (MAVs) are particularly well suited for short-distance, over-the-horizon, low-altitude surveillance and reconnaissance tasks. New camera and battery technologies have greatly increased a MAVs potential for these tasks. This thesis focuses on aerial surveillance of borders and roads, where a strap-down camera is used in-the-loop to track a border or road pathway. It is assumed that quality tracking requires that the pathway always remain in the footprint of the camera. The objective of this thesis is to explore roll-angle and altitude-above-ground-level constraints imposed on a bank-to-turn MAV due to the requirement to keep the pathway in the footprint …

Synthesis Of Optimal Arrays For Mimo And Diversity Systems, Britton T. Quist

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis proposes a method for determining the optimal antenna element radiation characteristics which maximize diversity gain given a specific power angular spectrum of the propagation environment. The method numerically constructs the eigenfunctions of the covariance operator for the scenario subject to constraints on the power radiated by each antenna as well as the level of supergain allowed in the solution. The optimal antenna characteristics are produced in terms of radiating current distributions along with their resulting radiation patterns. The results reveal that the optimal antennas can provide significantly more diversity gain than that provided by a simple practical design. …

Space-Time Coding With Offset Modulations, N. Thomas Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation it is shown that the telemetry versions of Feher-patented QPSK (FQPSK-JR) and shaped offset QPSK (SOQPSK-TG) can be interpreted as both cross-correlated, trellis-coded quadrature modulation (XTCQM) and continuous phase modulation (CPM). Based on these representations, both modulations can be detected with near optimal bit error rate performance using a common detector that is formulated as either an XTCQM detector, a traditional CPM detector, or a pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) detector (due to the PAM decomposition of the CPM representations of these modulations). In addition it is shown that the complexity of the XTCQM detector for SOQPSK-TG can …

Low Loss Hybrid Waveguide Electric Field Sensor Based On Optical D-Fiber, Eric K. Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the fabrication of a low loss hybrid waveguide electric field(E-field) sensor based on optical D-fiber. This novel E-field sensor is formed as part of a contiguous fiber resulting in a flexible and small cross-section device that can be embedded into electronic circuitry. The in-fiber nature of this sensor also eliminates the need for alignment and packaging that conventional sensors need. An optical fiber can detect electric fields when the core of the fiber is partially removed and replaced with an electro-optic polymer. This polymer causes a change in the index of refraction in the waveguide of the …

Low-Voltage Analog Cmos Architectures And Design Methods, Kent Downing Layton

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation develops design methods and architectures which allow analog circuits to operate at VT + 2Vds,sat, the minimum supply for CMOS circuits with all transistors in the active region where Vds,sat is the drain to source saturation voltage of a MOS transistor. Techniques which meet this criteria for rail-to-rail input stages, gain enhancement stages, and output stages are discussed and developed. These techniques are used to design four fully-differential rail-to-rail amplifiers. The highest gain is shown to be attained using a drain voltage equalization (DVE) or active-bootstrapping technique which produces more than 100dB of gain in a two stage …

Numerical Study Of Fully Developed Laminar And Turbulent Flow Through Microchannels With Longitudinal Microstructures, Kevin B. Jeffs

Theses and Dissertations

Due to the increase of application in a number of emerging technologies, a growing amount of research has focused on the reduction of drag in microfluidic transport. A novel approach reported in the recent literature is to fabricate micro-ribs and cavities in the channel wall that are then treated with a hydrophobic coating. Such surfaces have been termed super- or ultrahydrophobic and the contact area between the flowing liquid and the solid wall is greatly reduced. Further, due to the scale of the micropatterned structures, the liquid is unable to wet the cavity and a liquid meniscus is formed between …

Shear Modulus Degradation Of Liquefying Sand: Quantification And Modeling, Peter A. Olsen

Theses and Dissertations

A major concern for geotechnical engineers is the ability to predict how a soil will react to large ground motions produced by earthquakes. Of all the different types of soil, liquefiable soils present some of the greatest challenges. The ability to quantify the degradation of a soil's shear modulus as it undergoes liquefaction would help engineers design more reliably and economically. This thesis uses ground motions recorded by an array of downhole accelerometers on Port Island, Japan, during the 1995 Kobe Earthquake, to quantify the shear modulus of sand as it liquefies. It has been shown that the shear modulus …

Piezo-Electrochemical Transducer Effect (Pect) Intercalated Graphite Micro-Electromechanical Actuators, Glen A. Kading

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to investigate the Piezo-Electrochemical Transducer (PECT) effect in intercalated graphite as a possible mechanism of actuation for micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS). This dissertation presents the results of research into the PECT effect in H2SO4-intercalated graphitized carbon fibers, including both electrical and mechanical characteristics of this effect. PECT fibers achieve up to 1.7% strain at 1.4 V of applied potential. In contrast, the piezoelectric material polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) generates only 0.01% strain and polysilicon thermal expansion between 0.02 and 0.06% strain depending on the thermal conductivity of the particular polysilicon that the actuators are fabricated in. …

Effect Of Beam Splicing On Seismic Response Of Buckling-Restrained Braced Frames, Gary S. Prinz

Theses and Dissertations

The deformation capacity of typical buckling-restrained braced frames (BRBFs) is limited by the rotation capacity of connecting regions. The rotation capacity of the connection region is limited by fracture of the gusset welds and yielding in the beams and columns. A different connection detail with beam-splices outside the gusset has been shown to increase connection rotation capacity when compared to typical connections, in a few component tests. This study expands upon the performed component tests, by analyzing the beam splice connection at the system level under directional dynamic loads. Finite element analysis and dynamic loads are used to analyze two …

Time Dependent Discrete Ordinates Neutron Transport Using Distribution Iteration In Xyz Geometry, James R. Dishaw

Theses and Dissertations

The DI algorithm is an alternative to source iteration that, in our testing, does not require an accelerator. I developed a formal verification plan and executed it to verify the results produced by my code that implemented DI with the above features. A new, matrix albedo, boundary condition treatment was developed and implemented so that infinite-medium benchmarks could be included in the verification test suite. The DI algorithm was modified for parallel efficiency and the prior instability of the refinement sweep was corrected. The testing revealed that DI performed as well or faster than source iteration with DSA and that …

Integrated Piezoresistive Sensing For Feedback Control Of Compliant Mems, Robert K. Messenger

Theses and Dissertations

Feedback control of MEMS devices has the potential to significantly improve device performance and reliability. One of the main obstacles to its broader use is the small number of on-chip sensing options available to MEMS designers. A method of using integrated piezoresistive sensing is proposed and demonstrated as another option. Integrated piezoresistive sensing utilizes the inherent piezoresistive property of polycrystalline silicon from which many MEMS devices are fabricated. As compliant MEMS structures flex to perform their functions, their resistance changes. That resistance change can be used to transduce the structures' deflection into an electrical signal. This dissertation addresses three topics …

A Generalized Two-Dimensional Model To Reconstruct The Impact Phase In Automobile Collisions, Regis Agenor David

Theses and Dissertations

Automobile accident reconstruction has been facilitated by the development of computer based modules to allow evaluation of evidence gathered at the accident scenes. Although the computer modules are based in fundamental physical laws, an understanding of these laws by the user is required for proper application of the computer model in a given accident scenario. Vehicle collision analysis techniques generally separate the collision into three phases: pre-impact, impact, and post impact. The intent of the research is to provide a generalized model to reconstruct two dimensional impact problems in the area of accident reconstruction. There are currently two modeling techniques …

Principles, Functions, And Concepts For Compliant Mechanically Reactive Armor Elements, Cameron S. Andersen

Theses and Dissertations

There exists a great need for armor systems with greater mass efficiencies and ballistic limits. This thesis explores the development of a new field of armor capable of satisfying the increased demand for modern armor: Mechanically Reactive Armor or MRA. More specifically, the thesis focuses on Compliant MRA or CMRA. From the physics governing projectile-armor interactions, principles governing successful design of MRA are identified and presented. These principles or design approaches focus primarily on rejecting, minimizing, or absorbing the incoming projectile's kinetic energy. After identifying these principles, the specific mechanical functions required by the principles are isolated. These functions represent …

Search Techniques For Multi-Objective Optimization Of Mixed Variable Systems Having Stochastic Responses, Jennifer G. Walston

Theses and Dissertations

A research approach is presented for solving stochastic, multi-objective optimization problems. First, the class of mesh adaptive direct search (MADS) algorithms for nonlinearly constrained optimization is extended to mixed variable problems. The resulting algorithm, MV-MADS, is then extended to stochastic problems (MVMADS-RS), via a ranking and selection procedure. Finally, a two-stage method is developed that combines the generalized pattern search/ranking and selection (MGPS-RS) algorithms for single-objective, mixed variable, stochastic problems with a multi-objective approach that makes use of interactive techniques for the specification of aspiration and reservation levels, scalarization functions, and multi-objective ranking and selection. A convergence analysis for the …

Hybrid Micro-Electro-Mechanical Tunable Filter, Edward M. Ochoa

Theses and Dissertations

While advantages such as good thermal stability and processing-chemical compatibilities exist for common monolithic-integrated micro-electro-mechanically tunable filters (MEM-TF) and MEM-tunable vertical cavity surface emitting lasers (MT-VCSEL), they often require full processing to determine device characteristics. Alternatively, the MEM actuators and the optical parts may be fabricated separately, then subsequently bonded. This "hybrid approach" potentially increases design flexibility. Since hybrid techniques allow integration of heterogeneous material systems, "best of breed" compound optoelectronic devices may be customized to enable materials groups to be optimized for tasks they are best suited. Thus, as a first step toward a hybrid (Al_xGa_{1- …}