Engineering Commons^™

The Fundamental Hardware Elements And Options Of Digital Signal Processing, Mark A. Hemmerlein

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The hardware available for digital signal processing is evaluated. The elements required for implementation of digital signal processing applications are identified. These elements--memories, ALUs and multipliers -- are analyzed. Then the operation of parts which make up a range of possible solutions are evaluated. Thus, the graduating engineer is aided in making a transition from the theoretical to the practical world.

Digital Filtering With The Iapx 86/20, Robert E. Canright

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The iAPX 86/20 (8086 with the 8087 numeric coprocessor) is considered for digital filtering. The advantage in using the iAPX 86/20 lies in the 80-bit width of the 8087 floating-point arithmetic-registers. With such large arithmetic registers, the effects of coefficient roundoff and arithmetic roundoff errors on the filter output are reduced. The price paid for the improved numerical performance is the increased time spent by the system moving data to and from memory. The method of Knowles and Olcayto for measuring the effect of coefficient roundoff is studies in detail. This method is applied to an example filter in order …

Testing Of Active Feedback Applied To Piezoelectric Devices, William H. Barrow

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to test a unique implementation of active feedback applied to a low frequency piezoelectric transducer. Understanding that active feedback can be used to shape the frequency response of an electrical system a method for applying active electroacoustical feedback will be used to obtain a wider acoustical bandwidth in a piezoelectric transmitter. By applying active feedback to a resonant device its bandwidth was increased by a factor of 2.5. This is a significant improvement for applications where minimum electrical phase shift versus frequency is desired.

Models For Economic Evaluation Of Flexible Manufacturing Systems, Daniel P. Salomon

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The current methods of economic justification are not suitable for identifying the benefits of automated manufacturing systems. This study is an introduction to Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS), its main features, and the economic benefits that can be expected. The models are designed to perform the following analyses: 1. Analysis of direct cost savings. 2. Analysis of the impact of incremental implementation on capital recovery costs. 3. Analysis of the cost effects of improving machine utilization and reducing manufacturing lead time. 4. Sensitivity analysis of the after-tax equivalent uniform annual cost of a FMS and a conventional system. The models are …

On The Theory And Experimental Results Of A Sensitive Fiber Optic Laser Accelerometer, Steven C. Furlong

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Application Of Ground Penetrating Radar To The Detection Of Subsurface Cavities, Gary L. Kuhns

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) identifies subsurface features by distinguishing materials with different dielectric constants and electrical conductivities. Subsurface cavities can, therefore, be detected by the variation in their electrical properties from the electrical properties of the surrounding material. To test the cavity detection ability of GPR, subsurface cavities of varying size, shape and content were modeled. Radar response to the cavity models was found to be affected by the composition of the surrounding soil material, the depth of the groundwater table, and the radar signal frequency. Based on knowledge gained from the cavity modeling study, a natural subsurface cavity was …

Design Of A Single User Deconcentrator For A Conferenced Voice Communication Circuit Switching System, Ming-Yung Wen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A single user deconcentrator is designed for a circuit switched digital switching system which emphasizes mass conferencing. The switching system consists of distributed concentrators which include a first level of conferencing and a broadcast bus which includes a second level of conferencing. The deconcentrator features volume adjustment of individual conferences as well as a third and last level of conferencing- a conference of the individual conferences obtained from the broadcast bus. The design identifies the MSI and SSI components of the deconcentrator and provides an estimate of timing and board size. An alternative volume adjustment algorithm and the extension of …

Pressure Drop Across A Tube Support Plate Of Trefoil Geometry Used In Steam Generator, Raad H. Bashar

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research is concerned with the presentation of pressure drop experimental results across a restriction of trefoil geometry (tube support plate) used in steam generators. The pressure drops were obtained for single-phase and two-phase of air, water, and their mixtures. The tests were performed at atmospheric conditions (pressure and temperature). The loss coefficients associated with these pressure drops were experimentally determined, and empirical correlations for the results were developed. The results were compared with previous studies done on other geometries with air-water mixtures, and also to a similar geometry with steam-water mixture.

The Design Of A Deep Ocean Hydrophone, Michael F. Hackathorn

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A design for a deep ocean hydrophone is proposed here. The hydrophone's sound sensing element is comprised of a capped end, piezoelectric cylinder. This sound sensing element is encased in an acoustic coupling fluid filled elastomeric boot. A small diameter tube communicates hydrostatic pressure from the coupling fluid to the interior of the sound sensing element for hydrostatic pressure compensation. The theoretical free field voltage sensitivity, the ratio of open circuit voltage to incident acoustic pressure, is predicted from mathematical model of the sound sensing element.

The Use Of Companding In Conferencing Voice Communications Systems, Jon P. Klages

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Compounded codes are used for representing voice data in digital communication systems. This thesis addresses the use of the Mu-law companding algorithm in a system optimized for conferencing. A procedure for determining the degree of compression for a variable number of conferees and design equations for implementing a table-lookup scheme using read-only-memories are presented.

A Mini Apple Network For Apple Ii Plus Computers, Michael E. Harnage

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Computer networks have become increasingly popular over the last ten years. A simple low cost Mini Apple Network that uses Apple II plus computers and Apple's Parallel Interface Cards, is presented here. The Mini Apple Network is driven by PIC DRIVER, a software program that is able to transmit an Applesoft array variable from one computer to another. Three application programs are presented. A comparison is made of the gain in execution time when one, two, and three computers are used to solve the same problem, namely Laplace's partial differential equation. An increase in gain was obtained when the number …

Interactive Computer Aided Design And Animation Of Spatial Mechanisms, Emmet B. Peter

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The synthesis of planar and spatial mechanisms is often accomplished by either trial and error supplemented by computer analysis or by specific analytical techniques in the literature. In either case it is extremely helpful to be able to visualize a physical design as it emerges, and to see a graphic display of it in animated motion. This paper describes the development of a general interactive program for both analyzing and viewing a spatial 4-bar (RSSR) mechanism in animated motion. The analysis provides complete position, velocity, and acceleration information and, for the special case of the planar 4-bar, the same information …

Three-Phase Unidirectional Surface Acoustic Wave Transducer Model And Computer Aided Design Implementation, Samuel M. Richie

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents an introduction into surface acoustics wave (SAW) unidirectional transducer (UDT) technologies and identifies advantages and disadvantages of various approaches. A complete model of the three-phase unidirectional structure is presented for the purpose of design analysis. This model incorporates the effects of the electrodes and transducer pattern along with the equivalent circuit model of the transducer structure. The model, when included with the appropriate peripheral components for transducer phasing and matching, can be used to determine accurately the frequency response of a given transducer structure. Such a model is well suited for implementation on a digital computer. With …

Feasibility Of Graywater Systems For The Florida Environment, Joseph L. Tessitore

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this report was to study the existing literature and data of residential graywater treatment and disposal systems and their possible applications and environmental impacts in Florida. The report addresses mainly (1) the definition of graywater quantity and quality, (2) the evaluation of proposed graywater treatment systems for possible reuse and disposal, (3) the impact of residential graywater systems on existing and proposed wastewater treatment plants, and (4) the possible impacts on groundwater and surface water environment. The report also presents some preliminary residential graywater treatment and disposal system designs including expected treatment efficiencies and cost. It should …

The Use Of Computer Vision To Close The Control Loop Of A Robot Arm, Randall S. Janka

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Flexible automation is a partial solution to America's industrial and economic recovery and survivability. At the core of this manufacturing technology is the robot whose own flexibility is enhanced through the use of computer vision to close the control loop on the arm and also give the robot environmental intelligence. The basic subdivisions of a computer vision system are sensing, segmentation, description, recognition, and interpretation. When the vision processor analyzes a scene it can give the robot controller symbolic object information and object coordinates. The robot controller transforms such coordinates into its own reference frame through the use of homogeneous …

Considerations Involved In Implementing Material Requirements Planning In A Government Contractor Firm, Susan B. Biberman

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The government often imposes requirements on their contractors for the purpose of monitoring and control. Many government contractors utilize a matrix organization structure to help cope with the government's ever changing and challenging requirements. It is both the government requirements and this matrix organization which lead to the need for special information and features in a government contractor's manufacturing/material control system. This report specifically addresses those features which would be desirable in a government contractor's MRP system. These features involve the operation of the master schedule, the bill of material, the MRP software, the inventory files, purchasing, and shop floor …

Analysis Of Scheduling For Low Cost Part Task Trainers, William Fellows

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study develops a methodology for the analysis of Part Task Trainer (PTT) refresh scheduling used in conjunction with large simulators. A human performance model is defined through the development of descriptive equations and system random variables. PTT scheduling calculations are performed by employing a computer program simulation. The computer algorithm generates a set of random vectors to represent the learning characteristics of a sample group of individual trainees. The relationships between simulator scheduling time, PTT frequency training, and model variables are demonstrated to be user interactive. This will allow the PTT refresh scheduling program to be used as an …

The Development Of A Computer Aided Design Program For Constant Group Delay Monolithic Crystal Filters, Michael A. Robitaille

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A computer program, which realizes monolithic crystal filters with constant group delay, is developed. This program analyzes and synthesizes a class of transfer functions developed by J.D. Rhodes called equidistant linear phase transfer functions. Using cascade synthesis, the program calculates the values of the inductor and capacitors of the ladder sections which realizes these functions. The ladder sections are implemented using monolithic crystal filters.

An Evaluation Of The 8051 Microcontroller, George C. Schafner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

With the increasing availability and use of 16-bit microprocessors, the 16-bit data bus and is becoming more prevalent. However, many peripheral devices such as printers and tape/disk drives still require an 8-bit data bus for their interface. This paper will explain how an Intel 8051 microcontroller may be used to interface a 16-bit data bus to a peripheral requiring an 8-bit data bus. A FIFO is used to buffer data from a 16-bit processor so that efficient use of processing time is maintained. The 8051 is used to control the peripheral and data transfer.

Convective Heat Transfer From A Cylinder Rotating In Air, O. Kemal Pasamehmetoglu

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study had a two-fold purpose. The initial emphasis was placed upon the analysis of heat transfer to ambient air from a rotating cylinder. Three distinct heat transfer regimes can be identified. For low rotational speeds corresponding to a Reynolds number less than the critical value for initiation of turbulence, the flow is laminar and the rotation has no effect on the average heat transfer coefficient. In the transition region, the heat transfer coefficient depends upon both natural convection and rotational effects. For higher rotational velocities, the flow is fully turbulent and rotational effects dominate. Previous analytical and experimental studies …

The Technical And Economic Feasibility Of Producing Methane From Biomass Using A Leaching-Bed/Packed-Bed Conversion Process, Steven W. Hinton

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The economic feasibility and energy effectiveness of producing pipeline quality methane gas from biomass was assessed for a new and totally unproven process. The biomass feedstock considered was the common aquatic weed water hyacinth and a novel active boom-winch harvesting system is proposed for its collection. The conversion process analyzed is a two stage biological process which utilizes a leaching-bed for the production of volatile acids and a packed-bed for the production of methane gas. In order to determine the feasibility of the proposed process equipment requirements, capital costs and operating/maintenance costs were developed for three system sizes. This data …

Granular Activated Carbon Pilot Plant For The Removal Of Color, Toc, And Thmfp, Jeffrey L. Herr

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

As part of an Environmental Protection Agency grant to reduce the trihalomethane concentration in the Melbourne, Florida drinking water, a granular activated carbon (GAC) plant was operated for approximately 1 year. Four GAC pilot plant systems were operated in parallel each treating a different influent. Raw water, coagulated, settled and filtered water, filtered water with ozone pretreatment, and filtered water with chlorine dioxide pretreatment were pumped through the individual systems. Influent and effluent concentrations of various pollutants were monitored regularly throughout the study. The raw water GAC system showed rapid breakthrough for color, total organic carbon (TOC) and trihalomethanes (THM's). …

Modal Analysis By State Space Approach In Frequency Domain, Feliciano Feijo

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report tests a new procedure to identify the eigenvalue problem matrix "A" by utilizing the frequency response of a system in state-space for a given sinusoidal forcing input. Two sample identification tests are performed and a detailed explanation of both cases is presented. The method proved to be correct and the results obtained were accurate in both cases. A random error was then added to both sample tests in order to simulate real measuring conditions. Results indicate that it is more difficult to identify the "A" matrix of an undamped system. The error in the system must be very …

Vlsi Multiple Microcomputer Technology Applied To Real-Time Simulators, David M. Kotick

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

VLSI technology, embodied in state of the art microprocessors and microcomputers, has implied a computer system architecture that offers the possibility for extensive standardization, modularity, and performance improvements that can significantly impact and reduce the lifetime costs of real-time simulators. This report discusses one such system. Both the hardware and software aspects of the system are examined.

An Extension To The Best Numerical Integration Formula Development, Jorge Medina

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A mathematical analysis seeking an accurate measure of the worth of numerical integration techniques used for real-time digital flight simulation problems is presented. This investigation allows the subject of best integration methods to be pursued making emphasis on the choice of practical steps and the use of available mathematical techniques to illustrate and evaluate a potential root matching approach involving a selected first-order differential system. This study allows certain evaluation techniques to be developed. Notable among these are the schemes for comparing roots of sampled ideal integrators to roots of sampled approximated integrators, the development of an integration and of …

Low Cost Neutron Detector, Sebastian K. Namukolo

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Neutron bombardment of bipolar transistors creates cluster defects in semiconductor material. The clusters are small volumes of semiconductor material containing several hundred atoms displaced from their proper lattice sites owing to collision processes. They act as recombination centers in transistor bases, reducing minority carrier lifetime and consequently reducing transistor current gain. The damage is permanent to the semiconductor device and can only be corrected by thermally annealing the transistor. Copious test data available on bipolar transistors d.c. gain (h_FE) response to incident fast neutron fluences confirm their mathematically derivable functional relationships. This report develops a neutron fluence detector …

Laminar Film Condensation Heat Transfer Of Water Vapor-Air Mixture On A Vertical Flat Plate And Cylindrical Surface, Chick-Hong Ng

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This theoretical study has been undertaken in order to provide insights into the steady two-dimensional laminar film condensation heat transfer on an isothermal vertical flat wall and a cylindrical surface. Condensation is given to both the pure water vapor and water vapor-air mixture. Only the saturated state of the bulk vapor is considered.

The effects of liquid-vapor resistance, gas-solubility in the condensate, thermal diffusion and diffusion thermo are neglected. The presence of air as non-condensing gas has been fully accounted for in this study. The physical properties of the condensate liquid are taken to be those of saturated water at …

Design Methodology Of Very Large Scale Integration, Ankush D. Oberai

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) deals with systems complexity rather than transistor size or circuit performance. VLSI design methodology is supported by Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Design Automation (DA) tools, which help VLSI designers to implement more complex and guaranteed designs. The increasing growth in VLSI complexity dictates a hierarchical design approach and the need for hardware DA tools.

This paper discusses the generalized Design Procedure for CAD circuit design; the commercial CADs offered by CALMA and the Caesar System, supported by the Berkeley design tools. A complete design of a Content Addressable Memory (CAM) cell, using the Caesar …

The Performance Of The 8089 Integrated I/O Processor In Iapx 86 Microcomputer Systems, Jeffrey A. Lohman

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the performance of the Intel 8089 integrated I/O processor through a predictive performance model for the I/O subsystem architectures available to the designer of an iAPX 86 system. The model provides system throughput estimates and is intended to be used prior to any detailed design. The derivation of the model is followed by a description of a prototype system which is used to provide actual throughput measurements. These measurements are compared with the model predictions to evaluate the model error and its utility. The model estimates are then combined with subsystem cost data to gauge the cost-effectiveness …

Simulation Of Naval Student Flow Using Pipeline Management Model, Mary L. Sankey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The U.S. Navy's training system is an extensive, complex system of interrelated and interacting components. This paper presents the results of several approaches to the problem of modeling this system and developing computer programs to simulate and analyze its operation. Two programs using special-purpose simulation languages, SLAM and GASP, are described briefly. The PMM inter-active system is described and analyzed in the greatest detail. Possible future utilization of this PMM system for experimentation and forecasting is also briefly discussed.