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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Surface Variable Effects On The Dynamic Properties Of Thoroughbred Horse Racetracks, Christie A. Mahaffey May 2012

Surface Variable Effects On The Dynamic Properties Of Thoroughbred Horse Racetracks, Christie A. Mahaffey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historically, equine racing surfaces have been selected and maintained without considering quantifiable data for horse biomechanics or surface mechanical properties. This approach is currently shifting in the racing industry, with an increased interest in understanding the mechanics of the hoof-surface interface to reduce injuries. This dissertation examines three components influencing the hoof-surface interface: 1) correlations between mineralogical composition of dirt tracks, track designs, and climate; 2) the effect of variable cushion depth on dynamic loading, and 3) the effects of different horseshoes on dynamic loading. The second and third pieces of this research are based on an experimental procedure designed …


Phase Field Modeling Of Thermotransport In Multicomponent Systems, Joshua Bush Jan 2012

Phase Field Modeling Of Thermotransport In Multicomponent Systems, Joshua Bush

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nuclear and gas turbine power plants, computer chips, and other devices and industries are running hotter than ever for longer than ever. With no apparent end to the trend, the potential arises for a phenomenon known as thermotransport to cause undesirable changes in these high temperature materials. The diffuse-interface method known as the phase-field model is a useful tool in the simulation and prediction of thermotransport driven microstructure evolution in materials. The objective of this work is to develop a phase-field model using practical and empirical properties of thermodynamics and kinetics for simulating the interdiffusion behavior and microstructural evolution of …


Effects Of Allotropic Transformations On Interdiffusion Behavior In Binary Systems, Ashley Elizabeth Ewh Jan 2012

Effects Of Allotropic Transformations On Interdiffusion Behavior In Binary Systems, Ashley Elizabeth Ewh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diffusion plays a significant role in most materials systems by controlling microstructural development. Consequently, the overall properties of a material can be largely dependent upon diffusion. This study investigated the interdiffusion behavior of three binary systems, namely, Mo-Zr, Fe-Mo, and Fe-Zr. The main interest in these particular metals is for application in nuclear fuel assemblies. Nuclear fuel plates generally consist of two main components which are the fuel and the cladding. Due to diffusional interactions that can occur between these two components, a third is sometimes added between the fuel and cladding to serve as a diffusion barrier layer. Fe, …


Microstructual Characteristics Of Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites, Dongho Shin Jan 2012

Microstructual Characteristics Of Magnesium Metal Matrix Composites, Dongho Shin

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Magnesium (Mg) Metal matrix composites (MMCs) reinforced by ceramic reinforcements are being developed for a variety of applications in automotive and aerospace because of their strength-to-weight ratio. Reinforcement being considered includes SiC, Al2O3, Carbon fiber and B4C in order to improve the mechanical properties of MMCs. Microstructural and interfacial characteristics of MMCs can play a critical role in controlling the MMCs’ mechanical properties. This study was carried out to understand the microstructural and interfacial development between Mg-9wt.Al-1wt.Zn (AZ91) alloy matrix and several reinforcements including SiC, Al2O3, Carbon fibers and B4C. X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy was …


Multiscale Simulation Of Laser Ablation And Processing Of Semiconductor Materials, Lalit Shokeen Jan 2012

Multiscale Simulation Of Laser Ablation And Processing Of Semiconductor Materials, Lalit Shokeen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

We present a model of laser-solid interactions in silicon based on an empirical potential developed under conditions of strong electronic excitations. The parameters of the interatomic potential depends on the temperature of the electronic subsystem Te, which is directly related to the density of the electron-hole pairs and hence the number of broken bonds. We analyze the dynamics of this potential as a function of electronic temperature Te and lattice temperature Tion. The potential predicts phonon spectra in good agreement with finite-temperature densityfunctional theory, including the lattice instability induced by the high electronic excitations. For 25fs pulse, a wide range …


Synthesis And Properties Of Self-Assembled C/Sicn Nanocomposite Derived From Polymer Precursors, Cheng Li Jan 2012

Synthesis And Properties Of Self-Assembled C/Sicn Nanocomposite Derived From Polymer Precursors, Cheng Li

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The properties of C/SiCN nanocomposites synthesized by thermal decomposition of polymer precursors were studied in this work. The novel polymer-to-ceramic process enables us to tailor the ceramic structure in atomic level by designing the starting chemicals and pyrolysis procedures. It is of both fundamental and practical significance to investigate the properties and structures relationship of the nanocomposites. In this work, we explored their application potential in using as anode of lithium-ion secondary batteries. The structure and structural evolution of C/SiCN nanocomposite were investigated by using XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, Solid state NMR and Raman spectroscopy. The results revealed the nanocomposites …


Rare Earth Oxide Coating With Controlled Chemistry Using Thermal Spray, Virendra Singh Jan 2012

Rare Earth Oxide Coating With Controlled Chemistry Using Thermal Spray, Virendra Singh

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Cerium oxide (Ceria) at nano scale has gained significant attention due to its numerous technological applications. Ceria in both doped and undoped forms are being explored as oxygen sensor, catalysis, protective coating against UV and corrosion, solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) electrolyte and newly discovered antioxidant for biomedical applications. Therefore, there is an imminent need of a technology which can provide a cost effective, large scale manufacturing of nanoceria and its subsequent consolidation, specially using thermal spray. This dissertation aims to develop a scientific understanding towards the development of pure and doped ceria- based coating for a variety of technological …


Structure And Properties Of Polymer-Derived Sibcn Ceramics, Yaohan Chen Jan 2012

Structure And Properties Of Polymer-Derived Sibcn Ceramics, Yaohan Chen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Polymer-derived ceramics (PDCs) are a unique class of multifunctional materials synthesized by thermal decomposition of polymeric precursors. Due to their unique and excellent properties and flexible manufacturing capability, PDC is a promising technology to prepare ceramic fibers, coatings, composites and micro-sensors for high-temperature applications. However, the structure-property relationships of PDCs have not been well understood. The lack of such understandings drastically limited the further developments and applications of the materials. In this dissertation, the structure and properties of amorphous polymer-derived silicon carbonitride (SiCN) and silicoboron carbonitride (SiBCN) have been studied. The SiCN was obtained using commercially available polysilazane as pre-ceramic …


Thermally Annealled Plasmonic Nanostructures, Chaoming Wang Jan 2012

Thermally Annealled Plasmonic Nanostructures, Chaoming Wang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) is induced in metal nanoparticles by resonance between incident photons and conduction electrons in nanoparticles. For noble metal nanoparticles, LSPR can lead to strong absorbance of ultraviolet-violet light. Although it is well known that LSPR depends on the size and shape of nanoparticles, the inter-particle spacing, the dielectric properties of metal and the surrounding medium, the temperature dependence of LSPR is not well understood. By thermally annealing gold nanoparticle arrays formed by nanosphere lithography, a shift of LSPR peak upon heating has been shown. The thermal characteristics of the plasmonic nanoparticles have been further used …


Direct Measurement Of Thicknesses, Volumes Or Compositions Of Nanomaterials By Quantitative Atomic Number Contrast In High-Angle Annular Dark-Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy, Biao Yuan Jan 2012

Direct Measurement Of Thicknesses, Volumes Or Compositions Of Nanomaterials By Quantitative Atomic Number Contrast In High-Angle Annular Dark-Field Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy, Biao Yuan

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The sizes, shapes, volumes and compositions of nanoparticles are very important parameters determining many of their properties. Efforts to measure these parameters for individual nanoparticles and to obtain reliable statistics for a large number of nanoparticles require a fast and reliable method for 3-D characterization. In this dissertation, a direct measurement method for thicknesses, volumes or compositions of nanomaterials by quantitative atomic number contrast in High-Angle Annular Dark-Field (HAADF) Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) is presented. A HAADF detector collects electrons scattered incoherently to high angles. The HAADF signal intensity is in first-order approximation proportional to the sample thickness and …


New Open Source Software For Building Molecular Dynamics Systems, Bruce Michael Allen Jan 2012

New Open Source Software For Building Molecular Dynamics Systems, Bruce Michael Allen

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The context of this work is the development of open source software to support researchers to quickly build systems of molecules for molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The goal is achieved through the integration of three open source programs by judicious modifications and creation of new source code, which allows the creation of molecular models, MD cells and the LAMMPS geometry input files. The software changes work together supporting an easy and intuitive process for simulation system creation. Creation of multiple MD cells for research simulations becomes quicker and provides needed standardization to the simulation process. The researcher can select from …


Developing Surface Engineered Liquid Crystal Droplets For Sensing Applications, Tanmay Bera Jan 2012

Developing Surface Engineered Liquid Crystal Droplets For Sensing Applications, Tanmay Bera

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Diagnosis plays a very crucial role in medicine and health care, which makes biosensors extremely important in modern technological context. Till date, various types of biosensors have been developed that are capable of detecting a wide range of biologically important species with great sensitivity and selectivity. However, most of these sensing units require highly sophisticated instrumentation and often lack the desired portability. Liquid crystal (LC) droplets, on the other hand, are a new type of functional material that are finding increasing research attention as a new sensing unit due to their tunable optical property, high surface area, portability and cost-effectiveness. …


Understanding The Role Of Defects In The Radiation Response Of Nanoceria, Amit Kumar Jan 2012

Understanding The Role Of Defects In The Radiation Response Of Nanoceria, Amit Kumar

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Nanoscale cerium oxide (nanoceria) have shown to possess redox active property , and has been widely studied for potential use in catalysis, chemical-mechanical planarization, biomedical and solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), etc. The redox state of nanoceria can be tuned by controlling the defects within the lattice and thus its physical and chemical properties. Perfect ceria lattice has fluorite structure and the research in last decade has shown that oxide and mixed oxide systems with pyrochlore and fluorite have better structural stability under high energy radiation. However, the current literature shows a limited number of studies on the effect of …


Diffusion And Reaction In Selected Uranium Alloy System, Ke Huang Jan 2012

Diffusion And Reaction In Selected Uranium Alloy System, Ke Huang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

U-Mo metallic fuels with Al alloys as the matrix/cladding are being developed as low enriched uranium fuels under the Reduced Enrichment for Research and Test Reactor (RERTR) program. Significant interactions have been observed to occur between the U-Mo fuel and the Al alloy during fuel processing and irradiation. U-Zr metallic fuels with stainless steel claddings have been developed for the generation IV sodium fast reactor (SFR). The fuel cladding chemical interaction (FCCI) induced by the interdiffusion of components was also observed. These interactions induce deleterious effects on the fuel system, such as thinning of the cladding layer, formation of phases …


Processing, Characterization And Performance Of Carbon Nanopaper Based Multifunctional Nanocomposites, Fei Liang Jan 2012

Processing, Characterization And Performance Of Carbon Nanopaper Based Multifunctional Nanocomposites, Fei Liang

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Carbon nanofibers (CNFs) used as nano-scale reinforcement have been extensively studied since they are capable of improving the physical and mechanical properties of conventional fiber reinforced polymer composites. However, the properties of CNFs are far away from being fully utilized in the composites due to processing challenges including the dispersion of CNFs and the viscosity increase of polymer matrix. To overcome these issues, a unique approach was developed by making carbon nanopaper sheet through the filtration of well-dispersed carbon nanofibers under controlled processing conditions, and integrating carbon nanopaper sheets into composite laminates using autoclave process and resin transfer molding (RTM). …


Optimization Of Process Parameters For Faster Deposition Of Cuin1-Xgaxs2 And Cuin1-Xgaxse2-Ysy Thin Film Solar Cells, Ashwani Kaul Jan 2012

Optimization Of Process Parameters For Faster Deposition Of Cuin1-Xgaxs2 And Cuin1-Xgaxse2-Ysy Thin Film Solar Cells, Ashwani Kaul

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Thin film solar cells have the potential to be an important contributor to the world energy demand in the 21st century. Among all the thin film technologies, CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) thin film solar cells have achieved the highest efficiency. However, the high price of photovoltaic (PV) modules has been a major factor impeding their growth for terrestrial applications. Reduction in cost of PV modules can be realized by several ways including choosing scalable processes amenable to large area deposition, reduction in the materials consumption of active layers, and attaining faster deposition rates suitable for in-line processing. Selenization-sulfurization of sputtered metallic Cu-In-Ga …


Numerical Simulation Of Natural Convection In Rectangular Enclosures Of Varying Aspect Ratios And Its Feasibility In Environmental Impact Management Studies, Charles R. Walker Jan 2012

Numerical Simulation Of Natural Convection In Rectangular Enclosures Of Varying Aspect Ratios And Its Feasibility In Environmental Impact Management Studies, Charles R. Walker

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author's abstract: Numerical simulation was used to investigate natural convection in horizontal and vertical enclosures with and without an internal heat source. Natural convection in rectangular enclosures is found in many real-world applications. Included in these applications are the energy efficient design of buildings, operation and safety of nuclear reactors, solar collector design, passive energy storage, heat transfer across multi-pane windows, thermo-electric refrigeration and heating devices, and the design-for-mitigation of optical distortion in large-scale laser systems. Considering all these applications, especially controlling heat transfer in nuclear power plants, knowledge and research results of natural convection in enclosure play a vital …


Development And Validation Of Probabilistic Fatigue Models Containing Out-Life Suspensions, Noel S. Murray Jan 2012

Development And Validation Of Probabilistic Fatigue Models Containing Out-Life Suspensions, Noel S. Murray

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author's abstract: In the area of reliability engineering it is necessary to be confident that a component or system of components will not fail under use for safety and cost reasons. One major mechanism of failure to a mechanical component is fatigue. This is the repetitious motion of loading and unloading of the material, typically below the ultimate tensile strength of the material, which ultimately leads to a catastrophic failure. To ensure this does not happen, engineers design components based on tests to determine the life of these components. These tests are typically conducted on a bench type tester in …