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Articles 1 - 22 of 22
Full-Text Articles in Engineering
Boundary Control For Automated Sweeping Of Finite Element Meshes, Robert A. Kerr
Boundary Control For Automated Sweeping Of Finite Element Meshes, Robert A. Kerr
Theses and Dissertations
Finite element analysis depends greatly upon a high-quality mesh to be able to provide reasonably accurate answers to engineering problems. Models that need to be analyzed using finite element analysis are becoming increasingly more complex, and correspondingly harder to mesh with good quality. Skew is one quality metric which can cause problems with finite element analyses. This thesis explains how skew is calculated, discusses two common sources of skew: multiply-linked surfaces with interval constraints, and biased edge meshes. Two methods of lessening skew in surface meshes are then presented: the skew control algorithm, and the curve morphing algorithm. These algorithms …
Simulation And Density Functional Study Of A Simple Membrane Separating Two Restricted Primitive Model Electrolytes, Richard L. Rowley, Dezso Boda, Douglas Henderson, Stefan Sokolowski
Simulation And Density Functional Study Of A Simple Membrane Separating Two Restricted Primitive Model Electrolytes, Richard L. Rowley, Dezso Boda, Douglas Henderson, Stefan Sokolowski
Faculty Publications
A simple membrane, supporting charge densities on its inner and outer surfaces, is considered. In addition to the electrostatic potential, the membrane interacts with the surrounding fluid by a short range van der Waals-like potential. The fluid beyond the outer surface is a three-component restricted primitive electrolyte consisting of two cations and one anion. The membrane is impermeable to one of the cations so that the fluid in the membrane and beyond the inner surface is a two-component restricted primitive electrolyte. We use Monte Carlo simulations and density functional theory to study the density profiles of the electrolyte and the …
Accuracy Of Scatterometer-Derived Winds Using The Cramer-Rao Bound, David G. Long, Travis E. Oliphant
Accuracy Of Scatterometer-Derived Winds Using The Cramer-Rao Bound, David G. Long, Travis E. Oliphant
Faculty Publications
A wind scatterometer makes measurements of the normalized radar-backscatter coefficient O of the ocean surface. To retrieve the wind, a geophysical model function (GMF), which relates O to the near-surface wind, is used. The wind vector can be estimated using maximum-likelihood techniques from several O measurements made at different azimuth angles. The probability density of the measured O is assumed to be Gaussian with a variance that depends on the true O and therefore, depends on the wind through the GMF. With this model for wind estimation, the Cramer-Rao (C-R) bound is derived for wind estimation, and its implications for …
Nonlinear Robust Missile Autopilot Design Using Successive Galerkin Approximation, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard
Nonlinear Robust Missile Autopilot Design Using Successive Galerkin Approximation, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard
Faculty Publications
The application of a new nonlinear robust control strategy to the design of missile autopilots is presented. The control approach described and demonstrated here is based upon the numerical solution of the Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs equation by Successive Galerkin Approximation. Using this approach, feedback controllers are computed by an iterative application of a numerical Galerkin-type PDE solver. Application of this approach to the design of a pitch-axis autopilot for a missile having uncertain pitch moment and lift force is described.
Successive Galerkin Approximation Of The Isaacs Equation, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard, John T. Wen
Successive Galerkin Approximation Of The Isaacs Equation, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard, John T. Wen
Faculty Publications
The successive Galerkin approximation (SGA) algorithm has recently been developed for approximating solutions to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs equation. The algorithm produces feedback control laws that are stabilizing on a well-defined region of state space. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the application of the SGA algorithm to two simple examples. The examples serve several purposes: first they illustrate how the algorithm is applied in a setting that is simple enough to write out in detail, second they demonstrate the convergence of the algorithm in a setting where the actual solution can be derived analytically.
Successive Galerkin Approximation Of A Nonlinear Optimal Attitude Control, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard, Johnathan Lawton
Successive Galerkin Approximation Of A Nonlinear Optimal Attitude Control, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard, Johnathan Lawton
Faculty Publications
This paper presents the application of the successive Galerkin approximation (SGA) to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman equation to obtain solutions of the optimal attitude control problem. Galerkin's method approximates the value function by a truncated Galerkin series expansion. To do so, a truncated Galerkin basis set is formed. A sufficient number of functions must be included in this Galerkin basis set in order to guarantee that the solution will be a stabilizing control. By increasing the size of the Galerkin basis the quality of the approximation is improved at the cost of rapid growth in the computation load of the SGA. A …
Synthesis And Experimental Testing Of A Nonlinear Optimal Tracking Controller, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard, Christopher A. Bailey
Synthesis And Experimental Testing Of A Nonlinear Optimal Tracking Controller, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard, Christopher A. Bailey
Faculty Publications
This paper presents a novel approach for developing tracking controllers for nonlinear systems. The approach involves the numerical solution, by Galerkin approximation, of the time-varying Hamilton-Jacobi-Bellman (HJB) equation and results in a nonlinear controller approximating the optimal tracking control law for a specified desired trajectory and cost function. Experimental results are presented for a nonlinear pendulum system.
Ultrasonic Enhancement Of Antibiotic Action On Escherichia Coli Biofilms: An In Vivo Model, Andrea M. Rediske, Beverly L. Roeder, Maren K. Brown, Jared L. Nelson, Rachel L. Robison, David O. Draper, G. Bruce Schaalje, Richard A. Robison, William G. Pitt
Ultrasonic Enhancement Of Antibiotic Action On Escherichia Coli Biofilms: An In Vivo Model, Andrea M. Rediske, Beverly L. Roeder, Maren K. Brown, Jared L. Nelson, Rachel L. Robison, David O. Draper, G. Bruce Schaalje, Richard A. Robison, William G. Pitt
Faculty Publications
Biofilm infections are a common complication of prosthetic devices in humans. Previous in vitro research has determined that low-frequency ultrasound combined with aminoglycoside antibiotics is an effective method of killing biofilms. We report the development of an in vivo model to determine if ultrasound enhances antibiotic action. Two 24-h-old Escherichia coli (ATCC 10798) biofilms grown on polyethylene disks were implanted subcutaneously on the backs of New Zealand White female rabbits, one on each side of the spine. Low-frequency (28.48-kHz) and low-power-density (100- and 300-mW/cm2) continuous ultrasound treatment was applied for 24 h with and without systemic administration of gentamicin. The …
Postlaunch Sensor Verification And Calibration Of The Nasa Scatterometer, David G. Long, Wu-Yang Tsai, James E. Graf, Carroll Winn, James N. Huddleston, R. Scott Dunbar, Michael H. Freilich, Frank J. Wentz, W. Linwood Jones
Postlaunch Sensor Verification And Calibration Of The Nasa Scatterometer, David G. Long, Wu-Yang Tsai, James E. Graf, Carroll Winn, James N. Huddleston, R. Scott Dunbar, Michael H. Freilich, Frank J. Wentz, W. Linwood Jones
Faculty Publications
Scatterometer instruments are active microwave sensors that transmit a series of microwave pulses and measure the returned echo power to determine the normalized radar backscattering cross section (sigma-0) of the ocean surface from which the speed and direction of near-surface ocean winds are derived. The NASA Scatterometer (NSCAT) was launched on board the ADEOS spacecraft in August 1996 and returned ten months of high-quality data before the failure of the ADEOS spacecraft terminated the data stream in June 1997. The purpose of this paper is to provide an overview of the NSCAT instrument and sigma-0 computation and to describe the …
Cryosphere Applications Of Nscat Data, David G. Long, Mark R. Drinkwater
Cryosphere Applications Of Nscat Data, David G. Long, Mark R. Drinkwater
Faculty Publications
Though designed to measure vector winds over the ocean, new imaging techniques facilitate the use of NASA scatterometer data (NSCAT) in cryosphere studies. NSCAT provides data of unprecedented coverage, resolution, and quality which, when coupled with the scatterometer image reconstruction with filtering (SIRF) algorithm, enables images of O at resolutions approaching 8 km over stationary targets. Such images are useful in ice mapping and classification, and multidecadal studies are possible by comparison with Seasat Scatterometer (SASS) data. The utility of NSCAT data in polar ice studies is illustrated through a review of two cryosphere applications of NSCAT data: (1) sea-ice …
Stratified Volume Diffractive Optical Elements As High Efficiency Gratings, Gregory P. Nordin, D. M. Chambers
Stratified Volume Diffractive Optical Elements As High Efficiency Gratings, Gregory P. Nordin, D. M. Chambers
Faculty Publications
We propose stratified volume diffractive optical elements as a new type of diffractive optical element that is capable of functioning as a high-efficiency grating in applications with requirements not suited to traditional holographic or diffractive optical techniques. In this approach, diffractive optical fabrication methods are used to construct an optical structure that emulates volume grating behavior. We discuss the diffraction properties of stratified volume diffractive optical elements and compare them with those used previously in both volume holographic optical elements and stratified volume holographic optical elements. A systematic design process is then presented for deriving structure parameters. We illustrate this …
The Probability Density Of Spectral Estimates Based On Modified Periodogram Averages, David G. Long, Paul E. Johnson
The Probability Density Of Spectral Estimates Based On Modified Periodogram Averages, David G. Long, Paul E. Johnson
Faculty Publications
Welch's (1967) method for spectral estimation of averaging modified periodograms has been widely used for decades. Because such an estimate relies on random data, the estimate is also a random variable with some probability density function. Here, the PDF of a power estimate is derived for an estimate based on an arbitrary number of frequency bins, overlapping data segments, amount of overlap, and type of data window, given a correlated Gaussian input sequence. The PDFs of several cases are plotted and found to be distinctly non-Gaussian (the asymptotic result of averaging frequency bins and/or data segments), using the Kullback-Leibler distance …
Interval Matching And Control For Hexahedral Mesh Generation Of Swept Volumes, Jason F. Shepherd
Interval Matching And Control For Hexahedral Mesh Generation Of Swept Volumes, Jason F. Shepherd
Theses and Dissertations
Surface meshing algorithms require certain relationships among the number of intervals on the curves that bound the surface. Assigning the number of intervals to all of the curves in the model such that all relationships are satisfied is called interval assignment. Volume meshing algorithms also require certain relationships among the numbers of intervals on each of the curves on the volume. These relationships are not always captured by surface meshing requirements. This thesis presents a news technique for automatically identifying volume constraints. In this technique, volume constraints are grouped with surface constraints and are solved simultaneously. A sweepable volume has …
The Probability Distribution Of Nscat Measurements, Paul E. Johnson, David G. Long
The Probability Distribution Of Nscat Measurements, Paul E. Johnson, David G. Long
Faculty Publications
NSCAT makes only indirect measurements of wind. The direct measurement is of the backscattered radar power. The signal power is contaminated by radiometric noise so a separate measurement of the noise power is subtracted from the signal-plus-noise measurement to estimate the backscattered power. Using the radar equation, sigma-0 is computed from the measured signal power. From multiple sigma-0 mesaurements made at different azimuth angles, the wind is estimated. In wind retrieval, the NSCAT sigma-0 measurements are assumed to have a Gaussian probability distribution with a variance which depends on the mean. Given this distribution model, the maximum-likelihood estimtor is formed …
Observations Of Lattice Curvature Near The Interface Of A Deformed Aluminium Bicrystal, Brent L. Adams, W. E. King, S. Sun
Observations Of Lattice Curvature Near The Interface Of A Deformed Aluminium Bicrystal, Brent L. Adams, W. E. King, S. Sun
Faculty Publications
This work was partially supported by MRSEC Program of the National Science Foundation (DMR-9632556), and under the auspices of the US Department of Energy and Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under contract W-7405- Eng-48. S. Sun gratefully acknowledges the comments of Professor E. T. Onat, Professor B. T. Chu and Professor W. Tong of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Yale University, and their valuable guidance in the process of completing this project as a doctoral dissertation. The assistance of B. El-Dasher of Carnegie-Mellon University is also gratefully acknowledged. Reported here is a study of the pattern of lattice curvature near the …
Resolving Problems In Engineering Ethics: Precept And Example, Joel C. Adair
Resolving Problems In Engineering Ethics: Precept And Example, Joel C. Adair
Theses and Dissertations
This thesis has served to accomplish several objectives. First, a foundation was laid for the consideration of ethical factors in an engineering context. This was done by first establishing the need for ethical judgement in the engineering disciplines. A summary of several significant classical ethical theories followed, providing several tools with which to evaluate decisions that have ethical implications. Finally, the conclusion was made that the best framework for making ethical decisions is found in the application of the virtues espoused by the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Determination Of A Methane Intermolecular Potential Model For Use In Molecular Simulations From Ab Initio Calculations, Richard L. Rowley, Tapani A. Pakkanen
Determination Of A Methane Intermolecular Potential Model For Use In Molecular Simulations From Ab Initio Calculations, Richard L. Rowley, Tapani A. Pakkanen
Faculty Publications
The possibility of obtaining an accurate site-site potential model suitable for use in molecular dynamics (MD) simulations of methane from ab initio calculations has been explored. Counterpoise-corrected (CPC), supermolecule, ab initio energies at the MP2/6-311 + G(2df,2pd) level were computed for eleven relative orientations of two methane molecules as a function of C-C separation distance. C-C, C-H, and H-H interaction parameters in a pairwise-additive, site-site potential model for rigid methane molecules were regressed from the ab initio energies, and the resultant model accurately reproduced the ab initio energies. The model suggests that C-H attractions are dominant in weakly binding the …
Micropolarizer Array For Infrared Imaging Polarimetry, M. W. Jones, Gregory P. Nordin, P. C. Deguzman, J. T. Meier
Micropolarizer Array For Infrared Imaging Polarimetry, M. W. Jones, Gregory P. Nordin, P. C. Deguzman, J. T. Meier
Faculty Publications
The design and fabrication of a micropolarizer array for imaging polarimetry is described for the 3–5-μm-wavelength region. Each micropolarizer consists of a 475-nm-period Mo wire grid in a 16 μm × 16 μm aperture. Interference lithography is used to generate the small grating features through an etch mask layer. Arrays of 256 × 256 micropolarizers at three distinct angular orientations have been fabricated that permit the measurement of the first three Stokes vector components in each pixel of an imaging polarimeter. An imaging system composed of a micropolarizer array integrated directly onto a focal plane array has been assembled, and …
Spin-Up In A Tank Induced By A Rotating Bluff Body, R. Daniel Maynes, J. Klewicki, P. Mcmurty
Spin-Up In A Tank Induced By A Rotating Bluff Body, R. Daniel Maynes, J. Klewicki, P. Mcmurty
Faculty Publications
Spin-up of a turbulent flow in a cylindrical tank caused by a rotating bluff body has been investigated using flow visualization, fluid velocity measurements, and hydrodynamic torque measurements. During the spin-up process three distinct temporal regimes exist. These regimes are: (i) a build-up regime where the torque and the tangential velocity fluctuations in the close proximity of the body remain constant; (ii) a decay regime where these quantities decay with power-law relations; and (iii) a mean flow steady state where these values remain relatively constant. Experiments were conducted in two tanks differing in volume by a factor of 80 and …
A Cloud-Removal Algorithm For Ssm/I Data, David G. Long, Douglas L. Daum, Quinn P. Remund
A Cloud-Removal Algorithm For Ssm/I Data, David G. Long, Douglas L. Daum, Quinn P. Remund
Faculty Publications
Microwave radiometers, while traditionally utilized in atmospheric and oceanic studies, can also be used in land surface applications. However, the problem of undesirable atmospheric effects caused by clouds and precipitation must be addressed. In this paper, temporal composite surface brightness images are generated from special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) data with the aid of new algorithms to eliminate small-scale distortion caused by clouds or precipitation. Mean, second-highest value, modified maximum average (MMA), and hybrid compositing algorithms are compared. The effectiveness of each algorithm is illustrated through simulation and real data distribution analysis. The results show that the second-highest value algorithm is …
Development And Application Of A Correlation Of 13c Nmr Chemical Structural Analyses Of Coal Based On Elemental Composition And Volatile Matter Content, Dominic Genetti, Thomas H. Fletcher, Ronald J. Pugmire
Development And Application Of A Correlation Of 13c Nmr Chemical Structural Analyses Of Coal Based On Elemental Composition And Volatile Matter Content, Dominic Genetti, Thomas H. Fletcher, Ronald J. Pugmire
Faculty Publications
13C NMR spectroscopy has been shown to be an important tool in the characterization of coal structure. Important quantitative information about the carbon skeletal structure is obtained through 13C NMR spectral analysis of coal. Solid-state 13C NMR analysis techniques have progressed beyond the mere determination of aromaticity and can now describe features such as the number of aromatic carbons per cluster and the number of attachments per aromatic cluster. These 13C NMR data have been used to better understand the complicated structure of coal, to compare structural differences in coal, tar, and char, and to model …
Modeling Nitrogen Release During Devolatilization On The Basis Of Chemical Structure Of Coal, Dominic Genetti, Thomas H. Fletcher
Modeling Nitrogen Release During Devolatilization On The Basis Of Chemical Structure Of Coal, Dominic Genetti, Thomas H. Fletcher
Faculty Publications
A model that predicts the amount and distribution between tar and light gas of nitrogen released during devolatilization has been developed and incorporated into the chemical percolation devolatilization (CPD) model. This work represents the first volatile nitrogen release model developed on the basis of 13C NMR measurements of coal structure. This work also represents the first volatile nitrogen release model evaluated by comparing model predictions with chemical structural features of the char (determined by 13C NMR spectral analyses). The model is limited to nitrogen release during primary pyrolysis, and assumes that all light-gas nitrogen is HCN. Model predictions …