Engineering Commons^™

The Use Of Pure Cultures As A Means Of Understanding The Performance Of A Mixed Culture In The Biodegradation Of Phenol, Chirasakdi Varuntanya

Dissertations

In an effort to gain a more fundamental understanding of the performance of mixed microbial cultures in the biodegradation of toxic organic chemicals, studies have been conducted using three phenol degrading species isolated from a municipal treatment plant. The rate of phenol degradation was investigated for each of the three pure phenol degrading species, and various combinations of the three species. A simple competitive model was used to predict the behavior of the mixed cultures by using the pure culture Monod rate constants. The model fit the growth data for total biomass very well, although (as with the pure culture …

High Temperature Reactions Of 1,2-Dichloroethane With Water Vapor In A Tubular Reactor, Charles E. Anderson

Theses

This study examines the reaction of l,2-dichloroethane with water vapor. The linear-flow method is utilized, assuming plug flow without axial diffusion. Normal operation is at atmospheric pressure and the reactor is a quartz tube in a thermal region 45 cm in length. Two reactor diameters of 0.4 cm and l.05 cm are used. Water and l,2-dichloroethane enter the system in liquid phase via syringe pumps. After vaporizing in heated tubing, they are combined with argon, the reactor carrier gas. The molar ratio of water to l,2-dichloroethane is 55:l and varied residence times are achieved by changing the argon flowrate. Reactor …

Elastic-Plastic Analysis Of Axisymmetrically Loaded Isotropic Circular And Annular Plates Undergoing Large Deflections, Aiman Raji Akileh

Dissertations and Theses

The concept of load analogy is used in the elastic and elastic-plastic analysis of isotropic circular and annular plates undergoing moderately large deflection. The effects of the nonlinear terms of lateral displacement and the plastic strains are considered as additional fictitious lateral loads, edge moments, and in-plane forces acting on the plate. The solution of an elastic or elastic-plastic Von Karman type plate is hence reduced to a set of two equivalent elastic plate problems with small displacements, namely, a plane problem in elasticity and a linear elastic plate bending problem. The method of finite element is employed to solve …

A Dynamic Study Of The Effect Of Cationic Starch Molecular Weight And Charge On Filler And Fines Flocculation, Deflocculation, And Reflocculation, Bob Shian-Hou Ching

Masters Theses

A modified laboratory instrument was used to dynamically monitor the flocculation of fines and filler under various shear conditions on the "seconds" basis. A three-way factorial design and ANOVA were used to evaluate the significance of cationio starch molecular weight and charge in affecting fines and filler flocculation, deflocculation, and reflocculation. The reduction of molecular weight under high shear was suggested by the results. Both main effects and interaction effects of charge and molecular weight were important in determining flocculation. Charge was the only significant factor for the reflocculation process. Molecular weight was more important than charge in imparting shear …

Trends In Metal (Pb, Zn, Ni, As And Se) Concentrations In The New Jersey Air Environment, Geoffrey Ike Ejiofor

Theses

The trend and atmospheric concentrations of five trace elements (Pb, Zn, Ni, As and Se) were studied at Newark (urban site) and Ringwood (rural site), New Jersey, during January - September 1985, whilst the Hackensack Meadowlands, New Jersey were monitored during October 1985-March 1986. The analytical procedure involved collection of the airborne particulates on a glass fiber filter using a non-dichotomous high volume sampler. The samples were digested and analyzed using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. It was ascertained that Newark and Meadowlands exhibited higher average concentrations of Zinc and Lead than Ringwood. It was concluded all the metals originated mostly …

A New Density-Dependent Mixing Rule For Equations Of State, Theodore John Shatynski

Theses

A general procedure for the development of density-dependent mixing rules is demonstrated. This method is used to obtain a density-dependent local-composition mixing rule based on an extention of the work of Knox et al (1984). The resulting expression is tested with the Soave-Redlich-Kwong equation of state. Results for normal and cryogenic vapor-liquid systems for both one-parameter and three-parameter versions of the mixing rule are compared with results using the classical mixing rules.

Gas-Phase Reaction Of 1,2-Dichloroethane With Hydrogen In A Tubular Flow Reactor, Wei-Lian Lee

Theses

We have studied the reaction of 1,2-dichloroethane with H₂ in three tubular flow reactors of different diameters at atmospheric pressure in the temperature range of 550° C to 1000°C. The kinetic parameters and product distribution were experimentally determined for each size reactor. The wall and bulk reaction rate constants were decoupled via analysis of three different surface to volume reaction data.

The experimental reactor was an isothermal tubular flow reactor that operated within the domain of plug flow region. The reaction was found to follow first-order kinetics with respect to 1,2-dichloroethane when in the presence of excess hydrogen. The …

Thermal Decomposition Of Chlorobenzene In An Atmosphere Of Hydrogen, Edward Robert Ritter

Theses

The thermal decomposition of chlozobenzene was investigated in a tubular flow reactor at 1 atmosphere total pressure and average residence times of 0.02 - 2.5 seconds. The temperature range from 800 - 1010°C was studied in both a reductive atmosphere of hydrogen and an inert atmosphere of heIium. Complete destruction of chlorobenzene occurs at about 1000°C for an average residence time of 1 second in hydrogen gas. In the inert gas, the complete destruction of the reagent was not observed in the range of conditions which were studied. The major products observed for pyrolysis in hydrogen were benzene, HCl, and …

The Biochemical Fuel Cell : Conversion Of Waste To Energy, Charles August Mielke

Theses

A batch biochemical-fuel cell was constructed and studies on the production of bioelectric energy using an alga Scenesdesmus quadricauda, and a bacterium Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, were conducted. Results were compared for a steady state cell using various concentrations of media components and showed that a 1000-fold increase in the concentration of media components produced a net potential output of 0.03mv/ml compared to an initial output of 0.02mv/ml. Further studies showed the biochemical net potential output using activated sludge from a waste treatment facility was 0.01mv/ml compared to 0.02mv/ml for the cell using the initial media concentration.

The system exhibited steady state …

Effect Of Center Of Gravity Location On Optimum Performance Of Random Vibratory Vehicle Suspension, Daniel Mahar

Theses

This study provides the analysis for the optimal design of a conventional vehicle suspension system, consisting of a sprung mass (vehicle body) and two unsprung masses (wheel frame), accentuated by the implementation of a damped absorber to the unsprung masses. Further, the effect of the c.g. (center of gravity) location of the vehicle body is investigated. A two dimensional, four degrees of freedom linear model is chosen. Randomly profiled terrain is assumed to impart hyperbolically distributed stationary vertical random displacements to the front and rear wheels. For generalization, nondimensional design parameters are selected. Criteria for optimization include the tire-terrain normal …

A Tracheoesophageal Puncture Voice Prosthesis, Georghios Makris

Theses

A voice prosthesis was developed that allows verbal communication of laryngectomised patients. The prosthesis requires a superiorly directed tracheoesophageal puncture in which the periscope mounted on the tracheal stoma vent is introduced. The prosthesis is operated by air injection through the periscope. Air injection is achieved by pulmonary pressure after the occlusion of the stoma vent. Stoma vent occlusion can be achieved either by the patient's finger or by the designed cover valve mounted on the prosthesis. The cover valve allows free breathing, hand-free prosthesis use, and it can release excess pressure during coughing. Periscope valve air resistance tests have …

Isolation And Characterization Of The Dimers Formed In The Free-Radical And Anionic Initiated Polymerization Of Alpha-Methylstryene, Kevin S. Bosman

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

The Abel Inversion Of Noisy Data Using Discrete Integral Transforms, Subramania I. Sudharsanan

Masters Theses

The determination of a radially symmetric two-dimensional function from its one dimensional projection is known as Abel inversion. This finds applications in several fields of engineering and science including astronomy, image processing, plasma diagnostics and optics. One radial slice of the function, which completely specifies the two-dimensional function, is the inverse Hankel transform of the Fourier Transform of the projection. With the projection data available as a discrete signal, the Abel inversion can be performed using the discrete Fourier transform and the inverse Hankel transform. The existing techniques to compute inverse Hankel transforms are discussed and a modification to one …

Three-Dimensional Elastic-Plastic Finite Element Analysis Of Fatique Crack Growth And Closure, Rahmatollah G. Chermahini

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a three-dimensional, elastic-plastic, finite element analysis to investigate crack extension and closure under cyclic loading. The initial study concentrated on the behavior of a straight through crack in a finite-thickness plate subjected to tensile loading (middle-crack tension specimen). The finite element model was composed of 8-noded (linear-strain) isoparametric elements. In the analysis, the material was assumed to be elastic-perfectly plastic. Zienkiewicz's "initial-stress" method, von Mises' yield criterion, and Drucker's normality condition, under small-strain assumptions, were used to account for plasticity. The three-dimensional analysis is capable of extending the crack and changing boundary …

The Effect Of Grinding On The Sorption Capacity Of Activated Carbon, John Garrett Dempsey

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The current procedure employed to design full scale activated carbon contacting systems is presented in detail and followed by a review of the more important process controls and operating parameters. Inherent limitations of the design procedure are identified, with the need to be able to accurately predict carbon sorption capacity from bench scale analysis determined to be the most important. Some of the more recent models developed to predict activated carbon sorption capacity were analyzed leading to the realization that even the most sophisticated dynamic models were based upon sorption capacities determined from classical isotherm procedures. The validity of the …

An Analytical And Experimental Study Of Clearance And Bearing-Bypass Load Effects In Composite Bolted Joints, Rajiv Vikas Arun Naik

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A combined analytical and experimental study is conducted to determine the effects of clearance and bearing-bypass loading for mechanically fastened joints in composites. A simple method of analysis is developed to account for the nonlinear effects of bolt-hole clearance. The nonlinear load-contact variations for clearance-fit fasteners are also measured using specially instrumented fasteners. For a quasi-isotropic graphite/epoxy laminate, results show that the contact arc as well as the peak stresses around the hole and their locations are strongly influenced by the clearance. After a slight initial nonlinearity, the peak stresses vary linearly with applied load. The typical clearance levels are …

A Theoretical Study Of Pure And Simple Competition Between Two Microbial Species In Configurations Of Two Interconnected Chemostat, Cheng-Ming Kung

Theses

It is known that two microbial populations competing purely and simply for a common substrate cannot coexist in a steady state in an environment which is spatially homogeneous. Hence they cannot coexist in a chemostat something which implies that a mixed culture of two pure and simple competitors cannot be maintained in a single ideal reactor in a steady state. The present study investigates theoretically pure and simple competition between two populations in two interconnected chemostats. Three reactor configurations are considered and analyzed. It is proved that two pure and simple competitors can coexist in a steady state in both …

Analysis And Prediction Of The Water Temperature Of The Mckenzie River, Oregon Using The Equilibrium Temperature Approach, R. Peder Hansen

Dissertations and Theses

A one dimensional, steady flow, unsteady temperature model is used to evaluate the effects of two U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE) dams and resulting reservoirs on hourly water temperatures of the mainstem McKenzie River from Delta Park (RM 62.1) to Leaburg Dam (RM 38.8). Both COE projects are on tributaries to the McKenzie River and at present have only bottom withdrawl capabilities.

Water temperatures were simulated using the equilibrium temperature approach with air temperature used to estimate equilibrium temperature and also using computed hourly equilibrium temperature. Results obtained using computed equilibrium temperatures were less satisfactory than results using air …

Characterization Of The Rheological, Optical, And Flow-Induced Structural Features Of Polymer Liquid Crystals, David Neal Lewis

Doctoral Dissertations

Two related sets of experiments were conducted to explore the interaction between supramolecular structures, material properties, and flow-induced stresses in selected lyotropic and thermotropic polymers. The first set of experiments focused on the quiescent and rheological characterization of polymers. The objective was to develop a flow-structure model based on the general phenomenological features of the liquid crystalline state. The second set of experiments concerned the characterization of the crystal structure, crystalline orientation, and tensile properties of a model thermotropic polymer, melt spun under varying conditions of extrusion rate, extrusion temperature, drawdown ratio, and die exit conditions. The objective was to …

The Effect Of Particle Dynamics On Turbulence Measurements With The Laser Doppler Velocimeter, Robert H. Nichols

Doctoral Dissertations

The laser velocimeter (LV) is currently being used by many researchers to nonintrusively obtain velocity data in complex flow fields. The LV measures the velocity of small particles entrained in the flow field of interest. The fluid velocity and turbulent velocity correlations are then inferred from statistical analysis of these particle velocity measurements under the assumption that the particles exactly reproduce the motion of the fluid. This assumption needs careful evaluation since it is fundamental to the application of the LV.

The particle equation of motion was carefully analyzed to determine what form is required for evaluating the turbulence response …

Predictive Model For The Pulse Pressure In A Pulse-Jet Fabric Filter, Satoru Mitsutomi

Doctoral Dissertations

Pulse-jet cleaned fabric filters are being utilized to filter dust from particulate laden gas streams. The pulse-jet fabric filter consists of a reservoir, a solenoid valve, a lateral pipe and a venturi/bag. The compressed air is released periodically through a solenoid valve and fills the lateral pipe. Then high velocity air is ejected from a series of orifices on the lateral pipe. As a result, the bag is rapidly inflated and dust is dislodged from the bag.

A predictive model for the pulse pressure in a pulse-jet fabric filter has been developed. Two types of models are presented: Simplified Static …

Comparative Gene Mapping In Baboon (Papio) Species, Kathleen Lou Moore Thiessen

Doctoral Dissertations

Gene mapping in nonhuman mammalian species is a field of increasing importance in man's efforts to understand genome organization, to develop animal models for human genetic diseases, and to investigate phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary mechanisms. The primates are of particular interest in these studies because of their morphological and physiological similarities to man. The availability and convenient size of the baboons (Papio species) make them the primates of choice for various areas of research having applications to man. The baboons also appear to have many chromosomal and genetic homologies to man as well as to the other primates, although …

Determination And Interpretation Of Dispersion Of Small Particles In Thermoplastics, Yoshiyuki Suetsugu

Doctoral Dissertations

It is the purpose of the present research to characterize the particulate structure in the compounds for a range of small solid particulates. These include a wide range of calcium carbonates both in uncoated and coated modes, carbon blacks, uncoated and coated talc, mica, etc. The matrix polymers used are polystyrene and polypropylene.

The present research involves (i) development of methods and the interpretation of them to characterize the state of particles and their structure in plastics, (ii) to determine how these particulate structures are developed in the mixing process.

The primary particulate structure of concern is the state of …

Development And Applicability Of A Mathematical Model For The High Speed Melt Spinning Of Crystallizable Polymers, Kenneth F. Zieminski

Doctoral Dissertations

A mathematical model was developed to describe the high speed melt spinning behavior of crystallizable polymers. This model included the effects of acceleration, gravity and friction on the kinematics of the process, temperature and molecular orientation on the crystallization kinetics of the polymer and temperature, molecular weight and crystallinity on the elongational viscosity of the material. Experimental online diameter, birefringence and temperature profiles were obtained for a 12000 Mn nylon-66 at 2.5 gm/min spun at take-up speeds ranging from 2800 to 6600 meters/minute. These profiles were qualitatively and reasonably quantitatively in agreement with the predicted profiles. They indicated that orientation …

Production Test Station Networking And Collection Of Test Results, Dennis Wallace Matheson

Masters Theses

This thesis describes the installation of a network for all of the final test stations at the Industrial Systems Division of Texas Instruments in Johnson City, Tennessee. Once the network was installed, the project focused on the automatic collection of the test parameters for a centrallized database. The database was used to generate statistical data to determine if the manufacturing process were in control. If the process were not in control, then appropriate action was taken to prevent the particular unit from being tested. This provided a accurate and real-time analysis of how the manufacturing process was performing. Also, the …

Fluid Flow And Gas Absorption In An Ejector Venturi Scrubber, Iclal Atay

Dissertations

Empirical models were developed to describe the fluid flow characteristics and gas absorption efficiency of an ejector venturi scrubber. The empirical constants were determined experimentally using stop action photographs of the spray, static pressure measurements, and sulfur dioxide absorption efficiencies.

To take photographs of the spray, a 2 foot high, clear plastic ejector venturi scrubber was used, with a 4 inch diameter gas entrance port. Photographic equipment included a Hasselblad camera, Xenon flash lamp, and Polaroid 667 ASA 3000 film. Exposure duration was about 1 microsecond, resulting in complete stop-action of the spray droplets at liquid rates up to 6 …

The Conversion Of The Process Flowsheet Simulator, Flowtran, For Fortran 66 Based Mainframe Computers, Timothy Edward Roche

Theses

The process flowsheet simulator FLOWTRAN was converted from FORTRAN 77 code to FORTRAN 66 code. The conversion was accomplished by developing a number of subprograms to handle FORTRAN 77 intrinsic functions that are missing in the FORTRAN 66 standard and by altering the code to take advantage of the developed subprograms. Also developed were a set of procedure files for executing the FORTRAN 66 FLOWTRAN on a Sperry-Univac 90/80-4. The new FLOWTRAN was tested and performs identically to the FORTRAN 77 version. The FORTRAN 66 FLOWTRAN can be installed on any mainframe computer with a FORTRAN 66 compiler.

Emergency Stop Devices And The Human Factors Of Response, Robert Paul Guinter

Theses

The manual emergency stop Was recognized as an im- portant aspect of machine control very early during the history of powered mechanical systems. The purpose, of course, was to allow machinery to be quickly stepped during emergencies to minimize equipment damage and/or personal injury. Today, however, the emphasis of control is being shifted more and more toward totally automatic systems. Often, the importance of manual emergency stopping and override of these systems is lost in the zeal to perfect automatic controls. The problem that evolves is how and when to provide an efficient human-machine interface to allow a manual emergency …

A Research Study To Determine The Characteristics And Attitudes Shared By Entrepreneurs And Intrapreneurs And The Similarities And Differences Between Them, Miguel A. Vargas

Theses

The United States of America has been the mecca of many ventures for people with vision, goals and perseverance. The prosperity of our nation has been paved by individuals with great ambition, determination and insight, who have dared to take on a risk in owning a business enterprise.

This research study was conducted to determine the characteristics and attitudes of both entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, as well as the similarities and differences between them.

For this study, a survey of entrepreneurs.was conducted through the use of questionnaires distributed to business owners located in the counties of Essex, Passaic and Hudson, in …

Physical And Mechanical Properties Of A New Type Of Polymer Concrete, Kyan Bin Khoo

Theses

A new type of Polymer concrete is an admixture of a special Latex, Portland cement and Sand. It has high bond strength, quick curing, durability and adequate strength. The Mechanical and Physical properties were investigated in this paper. Reinforcement with Glassfiber was done and its properties compared to those of control specimens. The heat generation in Polymer Concrete (PC) and its relationship with the properties of PC was also investigated.

A new type of Polymer concrete is an admixture of a special Latex, Portland cement and Sand. It has high bond strength, quick curing, durability and adequate strength. The Mechanical …