Engineering Commons^™

Behavior Of Square And L-Shaped Slender Reinforced Concrete Columns Under Combined Biaxial Bending And Axial Compression, Wen Hu Tsao

Dissertations

A numerical analysis was developed to evaluate the complete load-deflection and moment-curvature relationships for square and L-shaped slender reinforced concrete columns subjected to biaxial bending and axial load. This computer model can be used for any cross section geometry and material properties of normal concrete. The analysis was based on a deformation control and both the ascending and descending branches of curves can be studied. The finite difference method was introduced to calculate the deflections which satisfy the compatibility equations. Six square slender columns and eight L-shaped slender columns were tested to compare their experimental load-deformation results with the analytical ...

Analytical Methodology For Atm Control Panel Design, Donald C. Johnson

Theses

This thesis presents a methodology for control panel design and layout along with a case study of an automated teller machine (ATM). A predictive model of human endurance and fatigue is developed from anthropometric, biomechanical and kinematics research. The layout problem is formulated to assign controls to locations to minimize the fatigue imposed on an operator performing a known set of tasks. A family of optimal and near-optimal layouts are found using conventional algorithms. The final hardware design refinements are suggested by human factors concerns. Ergonomic guidelines are also proposed for software aspects of the design. The methods and guidelines ...

Redesign Of Parts And Simulation Of Flexible Assembly Cell For Safety Water Shower Assembly, Balraj Y. Gardilla

Theses

A Design for Assembly (DSA) method is used to analyze the safety water shower assembly and to redesign the components with emphasis on meeting the criteria of allowing for flexible Assembly Cell (FAS). An Expert System is developed to select the right Assembly using VP-Expert. This thesis contrasts the old and new safety water shower assembly designs and describes the design of a final Flexible Assembly Cell. A PUMA 550 robot was investigated for use in the cell design. The flexible Assembly cell is simulated on silicon graphics using the IGRIP software. The economics of each part presentation method is ...

Error Detection And Correction In Compressed Data, Nadir Sezgin

Theses

Encoded data is very sensitive to the channel errors. Especially if the data is compressed by Arithmetic Encoding procedure, then the error propagation is very high. The error propagation in Arithmetic Coding is studied. Exploiting the high error propagation property when compressing data by Arithmetic encoding procedure, two different algorithms have been proposed for error detection and correction. Under certain conditions these algorithms detect and with a very high probability correct the errors introduced to the compressed data.

Software Development For Analysis Of Stochastic Petri Nets Using Transfer Functions, Aman U. Jamwal

Theses

This thesis research is an implementation of a closed-form analytical technique for study, evaluation and analysis of Stochastic Petri Nets (SPN). The technique is based on a theorem that an isomorphism exists between an SPN and a Markov Chain. The procedure comprises five main steps: reachability graph generation of the underlying Petri net, transformation of the reachability graph to a state machine Petri net, calculation of transfer functions, computation of equivalent transfer functions via Mason's rule, and computation of performance parameters of the SPN model from the equivalent transfer functions and their derivatives. The software is developed in UNIX ...

Conditional Artificial Dielectrics ; Fabry-Perot Etalon, Ling-Yi Hu

Theses

Fabry-Perot etalons are optical resonators comprise of two mirrors and a spacer layer. By embedding a thin, photo-sensitive layer ( Conditional Artificial Dielectric - CAD layer ) in the middle of the spacer layer, we were able to photo-control the transmission properties of a Fabry-Perot etalon. Different structures have been analyzed and measured to find that a change of .01 was photo-activated in the refractive index of the Conditional Artificial Dielectric layer.

Simulation And Modeling Of Kinetics Of Silicon Oxidation In The Thin Oxide Regime, Tirthankar Dutta

Theses

Thermal oxidation of Silicon in dry O₂, in the thin regime(< 500A) is of vital importance to VLSI device engineers, because thin layers of SiO₂ are exclusively used as gate dielectric for high performance of MOS devices. There exist a number of models to explain the kinetics of oxidation in this thin regime. However there is considerable variance among them and the reported rate constants, which are supposed to describe the oxidation process. Rather than arriving at an alternative model, the present study aims at an extensive study and simulation of existing models of oxidation in dry oxygen, in the thin regime, with a recent set of experimental data and arrive ...

A Generalized, Parametric Pr-Qmf/Wavelet Transform Design Approach For Multiresolution Signal Decomposition, Hakan Caglar

Dissertations

This dissertation aims to emphasize the interrelations and the linkages of the theories of discrete-time filter banks and wavelet transforms. It is shown that the Binomial-QMF banks are identical to the interscale coeffi cients or filters of the compactly supported orthonormal wavelet transform bases proposed by Daubechies.

A generalized, parametric, smooth 2-band PR-QMF design approach based on Bernstein polynomial approximation is developed. It is found that the most regular compact support orthonormal wavelet filters, coiflet filters are only the special cases of the proposed filter bank design technique.

A new objective performance measure called Non-aliasing Energy Ra-tio(NER) is developed ...

Computer-Aided Process Planning (Capp) Sorich, Sohail Pirzada

Theses

The last two decades have witnessed the increasing role of the computer in the process planning function. This has been further enhanced by the advent of the knowledge based expert system, and its impact on Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP). CAPP has emerged as a strategic link between design and manufacture. This thesis discusses the various methods used in the process planning function. Group Technology (GT) plays a pivotal role in establishing CAPP. The utilization of Artificial Intelligence techniques in CAPP is listed. This study also presents an Interactive Software adaptive to product/part configuration variables.

High Frequency Oscillator Comprising Cointegrated Thin Film Resonator And Active Device, Robert J. Weber, Stanley G. Burns, Steven D. Braymen

Iowa State University Patents

A cointegrated high frequency oscillator including a thin film resonator and activedevices formed on the same semiconductor substrate and by a process which is compatible with formation of both the thin film resonator and the active devices. The processes utilized in formation of the thin film resonator are adapted to microelectronic processing techniques such that the steps of formation of the active devices and the thin film resonator can be intermixed to the degree necessary to allow, for example, the metallization layers to serve as elements both of the active devices and the thin film resonator.

Comparison Of Timing Jitter In External And Monolithic Cavity Mode-Locked Semiconductor Lasers, Dennis J. Derickson, P. A. Morton, J. E. Bowers, R. L. Thornton

Electrical Engineering

A comprehensive timing jitter comparison is made for mode-locked semiconductor lasers using active, passive, and hybrid mode-locking techniques in both external and monolithic cavity configurations. Active mode locking gives the lowest residual rms timing jitter of 65 fs (150 Hz-50 MHz), followed by the hybrid and passive mode-locking techniques. It is found that monolithic cavity devices with all active waveguides have higher timing jitter levels than the comparable external cavity case.

A Multiple Coupled Microstrip Transmission Line Model For High-Speed Vlsi Interconnect Simulation, Lawrence Stevan Uzelac

Dissertations and Theses

A model is presented which incorporates the advantages of a mixed mode simulation to characterize transmission line behavior in multiple coupled Transmission line systems. The model is intended for use by digital circuit designers who wish to be able to obtain accurate transmission line behavior for complex digital systems for which continuous time simulation tools such as SPICE would time prohibitive. The model uses a transverse electromagnetic wave approximation to obtain solutions to the basic transmission line equations. A modal analysis technique is used to solve for the attenuation and propagation constants for the transmission lines. Modal analysis done in ...

Variable Rate Fertilization- Can The Technology Pay For Itself?, Michael Schmitt, Dean Fairchild

Proceedings of the Integrated Crop Management Conference

Soils form a continuum across every farmer's field, constantly changing in both physical and chemical characteristics. Sometimes these changes are visible; sometimes they are completely masked to the eye. Variables such as organic matter, water-holding capacity, pH, and soil nutrient levels differ; combined, they affect crop yields. In either case, these differences should result in different management practices, including fertilizer applications, being recommended for different soils within a field.

Prescription Farming Based On Soil Property Sensors, Larry D. Gaultney

Proceedings of the Integrated Crop Management Conference

Prescription farming as used in the context of this paper will be defined thusly: The site specific management of variable cropping inputs so as to achieve maximal economic return while minimizing degradation of the environment. Obviously many factors must be integrated into a management plan to achieve such a worthwhile goal. Proper equipment, skills, management ability, and timing are all crucially important. Perhaps the most important factor, and the one which is the most limiting currently, is the ability to collect and organize detailed information about the site in question.

"The Right Stuff", Farming By Location, Tom Colvin, Jack Ambuel, Kandiah Jeyapalan

Proceedings of the Integrated Crop Management Conference

A satellite-based positioning system is being developed to determine the location of farm equipment while working in the field. A satellite receiver mounted in a moving tractor or combine calculates position coordinates based on signals received from a selection of satellites in the Department of Defense Global Positioning System (GPS). The position coordinates are retrieved from the receiver by a computer and combined in a common data base with additional information collected by the computer such as yield, soil fertility, soil moisture, temperature, implement draft, and fuel consumption. There are a number of possible applications for this system. One is ...

Lavarty Elevator, Inc. Complete Calibration Service Program, Michael L. White

Proceedings of the Integrated Crop Management Conference

The business of selling and servicing crop protection chemicals and fertilizers is becoming very technical and complex. Luckily, we have trained the people in this business well. Odds are that within every dealership we have open in Iowa, there is at least one competent professional who can help our farmer customer. At a drop of the hat, this individual can begin quoting economic thresholds, rates per acre, cost per acre, depth of incorporation, harvest intervals, adjuvant combinations, etc. We have the knowledge to recommend the correct product, but who insures the correct application? The process is complete if applied by ...

Spectral And Spatial Quantum Efficiency Of Algaas/Gaas And Ingaas/Inp Pin Photodiodes, Steven Alan Tabor

Dissertations and Theses

This thesis reports a novel system capable of testing both the spectral responsivity and the spatial quantum efficiency uniformity of heterostructure photodiodes using optical fiber coupled radiation. Testing was performed to confirm device specifications. This study undertakes to quantify the spectral bandwidth of an AlGaAs I GaAs double heterostructure photodiode and two InGaAs I InP double heterostructure PIN photodiodes at D.C., through the use of spatial scanning. The spatial scanning was done using lasers at 670 nm, 780 nm, 848 nm, 1300 nm, and 1550 nm, coupled through singlemode optical fiber. The AlGaAs I GaAs material system covers the ...

Polymer Research In Austria. I: Introduction And The Facilities, Otto Vogl, Josef Schurz, Bernd Thrattnigg, Klaus Hummel, Wolfgang Daimler, Klaus Lederer

Emeritus Faculty Author Gallery

No abstract provided.

Japan-U.S. Seminar On Polymer Synthesis, Otto Vogl, Hiroyuki Nishide

Emeritus Faculty Author Gallery

No abstract provided.

Acuta Enews December 1991, Vol. 20, No. 12

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

10-XXX gives occasion for fraud

President's Message

YaleNET, a variety of services

Think ahead to prevent fraud

MOREnet links 12 campuses

Positions available

9th Conference On Senior Engineering Design Projects, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

Senior Engineering Design Conference

The 9th Conference on Senior Engineering Design Projects was held on December 10, 1991 at the College of Engineering and applied Sciences on the Parkview Campus of Western Michigan University. The college sponsors the conference to showcase the work of its graduating seniors, who are required to complete a capstone project that puts into practice what they have learned. Many of the projects are sponsored by business and industry.

Ultrasonic Nde Of Thick Composites, R. Bruce Thompson, Donald O. Thompson, David K. Holger, David K. Hsu, M. S. Hughes, Emmanuel P. Papadakis, Yu-Min Tsai, Loren W. Zachary

Aerospace Engineering Conference Papers, Presentations and Posters

A series of ultrasonic techniques being developed for the characterization of thick composites are described. Techniques for the in-situ measurements of elastic constants on thick-walled cylinders based on the times of a variety of ultrasonic modes of propagation are first presented, followed by discussion of the determination of the porosity from measurements of the frequency dependence of the attenuation. Two techniques for imaging delamination are then discussed. The first involves inferring size from plots of reflected signal amplitude versus lateral position of the transducer with a model for beam propagation in anisotropic media used to deconvolve the effects of the ...

Investigations Of The Mechanical Behavior Of Graphite/Peek (Apc-2) Composits, Kyun Lee

Doctoral Dissertations

The purpose of this research is to investigate the effects of two phenomena that are specific to thermoplastic resin composites. The phenomena are:

(a) the significant nonlinear creep, that occurs especially at high temperatures, which affects the residual thermal stresses in a geometrically constrained structure.

(b) the spatially nonuniform transverse crystallinity which develops in some fiber-reinforced thermoplastic composites, which introduces spatial variability and nonlinearity in the stiffness of the composite.

The first part of the dissertation is related to the former phenomenon. It presents a computational scheme for the optimal temperature path for APC-2 composite laminate, modeled as nonlinear, thermorheologically ...

An Experimental And Analytical Investigation On The Production Of Microfibers Using A Single Hole Melt Blowing Process, Bryan David Haynes

Doctoral Dissertations

An extensive experimental investigation was undertaken to study the influence of the processing variables on the production of microfibers using a single hole melt blowing process. included: The processing variables that were investigated air jet exit velocity, polymer throughput, die air gap, die setback, polymer and air temperatures, polymer melt viscosity as expressed by ASTM Melt Flow Rate (MFR), and collection distance. Polypropylene was used for the investigation. In addition to the experimental investigation, a one dimensional single hole melt blowing analytical model was developed.

The air jet exit velocity and polymer throughput had the most influence on the average ...

Material Handling In A Flexible Manufacturing Systems Processing Part Families, Paul Savory, Gerald Mackulak, Jeff Cochran

Industrial and Management Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

The objective of this simulation study is to analyze the system performance of a six machine flexible manufacturing system cell in which a material handling system is to be incorporated. The analysis focuses on determining the production potential of the cell by grouping common parts into "families". To accomplish this, computer simulation models are developed using the SIMAN simulation language.

Initially the manufacturing cell is modeled with no material handling system to get an upper bound estimate of production output. We next explore the impact that an automatic guided vehicle (AGV) has on system performance of the manufacturing system cell ...

Computerized Aircraft Accident Investigation: Federal Aviation Administration Aviation Safety Inspectors' Perceptions, David S. Ryan

Theses - Daytona Beach

The purpose of this study was to solicit the perceptions of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) on the use of a personal computer in the aircraft accident investigation process. A descriptive study survey questionnaire was used to collect the data for the study, which was sent to 150 FAA ASIs. The data collected supported the hypothesis that aircraft accident investigators think the use of a computer will help them with accident report form completion, managing the accident data collected, and in determining the factors contributing to an accident. Furthermore, the data supported the hypothesis that the use ...

An Investigation Of The Floor Attachment Assembly Of A Large Transport Aircraft Seat Subjected To Crash Dynamic Loadings, Mark William Creager

Theses - Daytona Beach

Accident investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board concluded that the passenger seat and restraint systems found in today's aircraft used by the airlines are inadequate to protect the occupant in airplane crashes. Computer models were developed of the seat-track assembly and finite element analyses were performed subjected to crash dynamic loadings. The seat-track interface was modeled with gap elements to accurately model the geometric interaction between the track and seat-track fittings. Results showed large deformations and stresses above yielding in both the seat and track when subjected to accelerations prescribed for certification under the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA ...

An Experimental Investigation Of Bevelled Blade Coating For Paper, Mustafa Naci Altug

Master's Theses

In this study the total dynamic force (TDF) acting on the blade was determined at three different web speeds. The objective was to compare quantitatively the experimental results with the predictions of existing models to show whether or not any of these models predict coat weight development. The existing models include the lubrication theory, impact model, lateral force, and combinations of these models.

Under the conditions investigated, the estimated TDF was in good agreement only with the impact force (sum of impulse and hydrodynamic forces) model of blade coating. The impulse force accounted for 94% of the TDF and, therefore ...

Cryogenic Line Quench Experiment In Microgravity, Kanishkan Sathasivam

Masters Theses

This experiment was designed to provide a visual understanding of the nature of saturated liquid nitrogen flow boiling in a microgravity environment. This was undertaken by obtaining visual records of the flow patterns on film, and qualitatively analyzing them to form a definitive picture of the flow. An experimental apparatus was designed and built to obtain these visual records in microgravity. Liquid nitrogen was supplied from a dewar to an accumulator, from which it was then delivered to a test section. The accumulator was home-built and made of stainless steel. It contained a metal bellows vessel within it. Gaseous helium ...

Structural, Depositional, And Diagenetic Controls On Reservoir Development: St. Peter Sandstone, Newaygo County, Michigan, Mark S. Caldwell

Master's Theses

Enhanced reservoir quality in the Middle Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone is observed in gas bearing zones in wells located on domal structures. Geometry and degree of this enhanced porosity development is the result of the interplay of structural, depositional, and diagenetic controls. An integrated subsurface study of the Woodville/Goodwell field area was performed in order to document controls on hydrocarbon accumulation.

Recurrent structural growth of domal features throughout the Paleozoic is well documented by isopach mapping. Burial and thermal history studies indicate that hydrocarbons were generated in Ordovician aged source rocks during late Devonian to early Mississippian time, and ...