Engineering Commons^™

Evaluation Of The Flail Space Model Utilizing Event Data Recorder Technology, Douglas John Gabauer

Theses and Dissertations

Developed in the early 1980's, the flail space model has become the standard method for estimating occupant risk in full-scale crash tests involving roadside safety features. The widespread availability of airbags and increased seat belt usage rates in today's vehicle fleet, however, raise serious questions regarding the validity of the model. Recent implementation of Event Data Recorder (EDR) technology in a number of late model vehicles presents a different perspective on the assessment of the validity of occupant risk based on the flail space model. EDRs are capable of electronically recording data such as vehicle speed, brake status and throttle …

Trailer Mounted Bursting Energy Absorption System, John D. Reid, John R. Rohde, Dean L. Sicking

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

A portable crash attenuation System having a trailer frame and an energy absorption mechanism attached thereto. The absorption mechanism has a first Stage pivotably connected to a Second Stage and the Second Stage is pivotably connected to the frame. By pivoting the Stages about hinges the attenuation System may be folded from an extended, deployed position or mode to a shortened transit mode for easy relocation of the entire attenuation System.

Enhanced Practical Photosynthetic Co₂ Mitigation, David J. Bayless, Morgan Lefay Vis-Chiasson, Gregory G. Kremer

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This process is unique in photosynthetic carbon sequestration. An on-site biological sequestration system directly decreases the concentration of carbon-containing compounds in the emissions of fossil generation units. In this process, photosynthetic microbes are attached to a growth surface arranged in a containment chamber that is lit by solar photons. A harvesting system ensures maximum organism growth and rate of CO₂ uptake. Soluble carbon and nitrogen concentrations delivered to the cyanobacteria are enhanced, further increasing growth rate and carbon utilization.

Establishing A Quantitative Foundation For Exactly Constrained Design, Alisha M. Hammond

Theses and Dissertations

Exactly constrained (EC) design is a robust design method which can be used for mechanical assemblies. It entails using the minimum number of constraints to eliminate all desired motion.

While found by some engineers in industry to have many benefits (including robust assembly, no binding or play, ease of assembly, and the ability to tolerate the wear of parts), EC designs remain somewhat unrecognized by academia. One reason for this minimal exposure may be the lack of a quantitative foundation for such designs. This thesis describes the history and current background for EC designs, and it also begins to develop …

Selecting Appropriate Product Concepts For Manufacture In Developing Countries, Danielle Johnson

Theses and Dissertations

There is a noticeable lack of production of indigenously engineered and manufactured products in Less Developed Countries (LDC's). Few products developed in these LDC's could be viable in competitive markets or even sold as components and supplies to other manufacturers of competitive goods. Assumintg that these less developed countries do not innovate and manufacture because they cannot, the next logical question to ask is why can they not?

This thesis looks at the problems of manufacture and design in LDC's from the standpoint of Product Development. It begins by looking at development theories, namely top down and bottom up and …

Dec 2003, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Introductions Curator's Report Treasurer's Report

Computer-Aided Optimal Design Of A Single-Chamber Muffler With Side Inlet/Outlet Under Space Constraints, Long-Jyi Yeh, Ying-Chun Chang, Min-Chie Chiu, Gaung-Jer Lay

Journal of Marine Science and Technology

Whilst the muffler dimension is often limited inside a building or machine room, the consideration of maximal sound transmission loss (STL) under space constraints becomes important and essential to the field of acoustics. In this paper, the optimal design of a singlechamber muffler with side inlet/outlet is comprehensively presented. Both the graphic analysis and the computer-aided numerical assessments are also fully described in this study. With the computer graphic analysis on sensitivity, one set of design data is derived primarily, and the numerical searching algorithm of iteration technique and the initial design data are then carried out. These results are …

Microstructure And Interface Characteristics Of B4c, Sic And Al2o3 Reinforced Al Matrix Composites: A Comparative Study

A.S. Md Abdul Haseeb

Three aluminium metal matrix composites containing reinforcing particles of B4C, SiC and Al2O3 (0-20vol.%) were processed. The stir-casting manufacturing route followed by hot extrusion was utilized, being one of the cost-effective industrial methods. A clear interfacial reaction product/layer was found at Al-SiC interface for composites held for a relatively long processing time (>30 min). No reaction product was observed at Al-B4C and Al-Al2O3 interfaces at the resolution limit of the SEM used. On the other hand, two secondary phases (alumina and another phase containing aluminium, boron and carbon) were found in the aluminum matrix away from the interface in …

Microstructure And Interface Characteristics Of B4c, Sic And Al2o3 Reinforced Al Matrix Composites: A Comparative Study

A.S. Md Abdul Haseeb

Three aluminium metal matrix composites containing reinforcing particles of B4C, SiC and Al2O3 (0-20vol.%) were processed. The stir-casting manufacturing route followed by hot extrusion was utilized, being one of the cost-effective industrial methods. A clear interfacial reaction product/layer was found at Al-SiC interface for composites held for a relatively long processing time (>30 min). No reaction product was observed at Al-B4C and Al-Al2O3 interfaces at the resolution limit of the SEM used. On the other hand, two secondary phases (alumina and another phase containing aluminium, boron and carbon) were found in the aluminum matrix away from the interface in …

Processes For Nanomachining Using Carbon Nanotubes, Robert Ryan Vallance, Apparao M. Rao, M. Pinar Mengüç

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

Novel methods and devices for nanomachining a desired pattern on a surface of a conductive workpiece are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises using an electron beam emitted from one or more nanotubes to evaporate nanoscale quantities of material from the workpiece surface. The surface of the workpiece to be machined may be excited to a threshold energy to reduce the amount of power required to be emitted by the nanotube. In another aspect, a device is described for nanomachining a desired pattern on a surface of a conductive workpiece, comprising a vessel capable of sustaining a vacuum, a …

Identification Of The First Limiting Amino Acid In Cooked Polished White Rice Fed To Weanling Holtzman Rats, Mellova Masrizal, J. B. Lamb

Makara Journal of Technology

Forty-eight male weanling rats (91 g) were utilized to study the nutritional adequacy of cooked polished white rice. Rats were individually housed, and allowed ad libitum access to one of six treatment diets. Treatment diets were 1) polished white rice plus 10% casein and 0.18% methionine, CAS, 2) polished white rice, WHR, 3) polished white rice plus 0.45% lysine, LYS, 4) polished white rice plus0.40% methionine, MET, 5) polished white rice plus 0.30% threonine, THR, 6) polished white rice plus 0.45% lysine, 0.40% methionine, and 0.40% threonine, COM. Rice was cooked prior diet formulation using a 3 to 1 ratio …

Adoption Of Variable Rate Technology, Isti Surjandari, Marvin T. Batte

Makara Journal of Technology

Site Specific Management (SSM), which also variously referred to as Variable Rate Technology (VRT), is an emerging technology that enables producers to make more precise input application decisions based on soil and field characteristics. This study analyzes factors influencing the adoption of VRT for fertilizer application for cash grain production in Ohio. Results show that producer and field characteristics might influence the adoption decision on various SSM components differently. It also provides insight as to the sequence of adoption of SSM component technologies and how this sequence might differ for producers of differing characteristics.

An Economic Analysis Of Variable Rate Technology, Isti Surjandari, Marvin T. Batte, Mario J. Miranda

Makara Journal of Technology

Variable Rate Technology (VRT) offers an opportunity to improve production efficiency by allowing input applications to fluctuate in response to spatial variations in soil characteristics and nutrient levels. Society may also benefit from reduced negative externalities, such as surface and groundwater contamination, from input applications. Using a dynamic spatial model, this study examines how the interaction among variability, spatial autocorrelation, and mean level of soil fertility affects optimal sampling density and the economic gains from VRT. VRT was found to be profitable under selected conditions, and the optimal grid size will vary with these conditions. In the case where variability …

Alum And Pacl Coagulation, Winarni Winarni

Makara Journal of Technology

Alum and PACl Coagulation. Coagulation occurs by interaction of aluminum hydrolysis products with the contaminant such as colloidal particles. It is necessary to consider the different aluminum species that may present during specific conditions, since the mechanism of turbidity removal is dependent upon them. PACl consists of preformed aluminum hydrolysis products, which are stable below pH 6 and less sensitive than in situ hydrolysis product, alum. The benefits of PACl relative to alum have been investigated as a function of pH and Al dosages. Specific conditions and aluminum species that exist during the certain mechanisms of coagulation are discussed. Results …

Study On Electrochromic Effect Of Polyaniline Film, Lienda Handojo, Junus Simangunsong

Makara Journal of Technology

Study on Electrochromic Effect of Polyaniline Film. The light transmission factor of an electrochromic film changes reversibly with the application of an electrical voltage. Thereby the transparent film becomes reversibly opaque so that it may be used to control light transmission. In this paper the results of a study on polyaniline film as an electrochromic active material is reported. Polyaniline looks yellow transparent in the reduced state and turns to green-blue at its oxidized state. The electrochromic device considered in this paper was fabricated in planar configuration of ITO glass − polyaniline film − electrolyte − ITO glass which involved …

Application Of Tabu Search Algorithm In Job Shop Scheduling, Betrianis Betrianis, Putu Teguh Aryawan

Makara Journal of Technology

Application of Tabu Search Algorithm in Job Shop Scheduling. Tabu Search is one of local search methods which is used to solve the combinatorial optimization problem. This method aimed is to make the searching process of the best solution in a complex combinatorial optimization problem(np hard), ex : job shop scheduling problem, became more effective, in a less computational time but with no guarantee to optimum solution.In this paper, tabu search is used to solve the job shop scheduling problem consists of 3 (three) cases, which is ordering package of September, October and November with objective of minimizing makespan (Cmax). …

Role Of K3-Xhxpw12o40 As A Catalyst In Selective Catalysis Of Methylamine Synthesis From Ammonia And Methanol, Mohammad Nasikin

Makara Journal of Technology

Role of K3-xHxPW12O40 as a Catalyst in Selective Catalysis of Methylamine Synthesis from Ammonia and Methanol. Synthesize of methylamine from methanol and ammonia was studied in this research work using a partially potassium heteropoly salt (K3-xHxPW12O40 abbreviated as KPW) as a catalyst. KPW was prepared from heteropoly salt and potassium carbonate by using ion exchange method. The reaction was conducted at 600 ~ 800K and at the atmospheric pressure. Reactor used was a continue flow reactor with W/F=0,1~0,9g-kat.mnt./cc.Concentration of reactants and products were analyzed by gas chromathography while catalyst structure was observed by XRD (X-ray diffraction). Isothermal adsorption method was …

The Selection Of Materials For Roller Chains From The Perspective Of Manufacturing Process, Rahmat Saptono

Makara Journal of Technology

The selection of materials for an engineering component is not only requested by its design function and shape, but also the sequence through which it is manufactured. The manufacturing operation of roller chains involves drawing and trimming processes aimed at producing semi-finished chain drives component with a well-standardized dimension. In addition to final combination of properties required by design constraints, the ability of materials to be formed into a desired shape and geometry without failure is also critical. The objective of materials selection should therefore involve additional attributes that are not typically accommodated by the standard procedure of materials selection. …

Design And Development Of A Lubrication Pump For A Horizontally Mounted Air-Conditioning Compressor., Kenneth T. Gilbert

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Horizontally mounted compressors offer the advantage of reduced height in central air-conditioning units but prove difficult to produce economically due to costs associated with the manufacture of acceptable lubrication systems for the compressors. This study develops an effective, affordable oil pump for use on a horizontal compressor. Concepts are proven through testing of prototype assemblies. Test results drive modifications for future prototypes, and prototypes demonstrating adequate performance are modified for ease of manufacture.

Research in this study proves that the most suitable design results from a modification of a rotating vane pump. The pump’s modifications enable it to pump oil …

Microstructure And Interface Characteristics Of B4c, Sic And Al2o3 Reinforced Al Matrix Composites: A Comparative Study, Haseeb Asma

Haseeb ASMA

Three aluminium metal matrix composites containing reinforcing particles of B4C, SiC and Al2O3 (0-20 vol.%) were processed. The stir-casting manufacturing route followed by hot extrusion was utilized, being one of the cost-effective industrial methods. A clear interfacial reaction product/layer was found at Al-SiC interface for composites held for a relatively long processing time (>30 min). No reaction product was observed at Al-B4C and Al-Al2O3 interfaces at the resolution limit of the SEM used. On the other hand, two secondary phases (alumina and another phase containing aluminium, boron and carbon) were found in the aluminum matrix away from the interface …

Why Toyota And Honda Topped The 2002 J.D. Power Quality Study, Susan Lightle, Kenneth Yale Rosenzweig, John Talbott

Accounting Faculty Publications

Toyota again topped the annual J. D. Power and Associates quality study released in late May of 2002. Toyota scored the highest mark ever with l 07 defects per l 00 vehicles, while Honda came in second with 113 defects. The study was based on responses of approximately 65,000 new car owners queried during their first 90-days of ownership.

These results do not surprise us, as we have been fortunate to make numerous sojourns to the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, and observe the manufacturing processes. These trips were normally facilitated by a former Japanese student of ours, Minako Yanke, …

Parameter Study On Topology Optimization Of Constrained Layer Damping Treatments, Rohan Vinay Pai

Masters Theses

This study investigates the optimal topology of a constrained layer damping treatment involving viscoelastic materials under a static load for different boundary conditions in order to maximize the damping loss factor for the first vibrating mode of the base structure. Different parameter studies are carried out for the two boundary conditions and conclusions are drawn based on the loss factor results and the novel topologies that emerge from these optimization results. The novel topologies are then used to interpret shapes that are more reasonable to manufacture. Tremendous improvement in the loss factor (up to 1250%) is obtained by topology optimization …

Simulated Properties Of Kagomé And Tetragonal Truss Core Panels, S. Hyun, Anette M. Karlsson, S. Torquato, A. G. Evans

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The finite element method has been used to simulate the properties of panels with Kagomé and tetragonal cores under compressive and shear loading. The simulation has been performed for two different materials: a Cu-alloy with extensive strain hardening and an Al-alloy with minimal hardening. It is shown that the Kagomé core is more resistant to plastic buckling than the tetragonal core under both compression and shear. One consequence is that the Kagomé structure has the greater load capacity and a deferred susceptibility to softening. Another is that the Kagomé core is isotropic in shear: contrasting with the soft orientations exhibited …

Development And Validation Of A 3-D Model To Predict Knee Joint Loading During Dynamic Movement, Scott G. Mclean, Anne Su, Antonie J. Van Den Bogert

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to develop a subject-specific 3-D model of the lower
extremity to predict neuromuscular control effects on 3-D knee joint loading during movements that can potentially cause injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The simulation consisted of a forward dynamic 3-D musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity, scaled to represent a specific subject. Inputs of the model were the initial position and velocity of the skeletal elements, and the muscle stimulation patterns. Outputs of the model were movement and ground reaction forces, as well as resultant 3-D forces and moments acting …

Analysis And Design Of A Gear Shifting Mechanism For Transmission Based Actuators, Kalyana Bhargava Ganti

Masters Theses

The fundamental idea of Transmission Based Actuators (TBA) is to incorporate a multi-speed transmission to spread a servomotor’s torque speed characteristics across a wider output speed range. TBA uses multi-speed transmissions such that heavy, high-torque motors can be traded for high-speed, reduced mass motor-transmission combinations. TBA design consists of a D.C. Brushless motor, discrete gear transmission and a fixed reduction. Of these, the fundamental to the proof of principle of TBA is the design of the discrete gear transmission.

Basically the DVT is a three-speed gearbox consisting of 3 sets of epicyclic gears. Every planetary gear set is a two-degree …

Modeling Of Corrugated Graphite Foam Heat Exchangers, Timothy Henry Norton Jr.

Masters Theses

A new manufacturing process was recently developed by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory for the production of graphite foam. The high thermal conductivity and heat transfer area of the foam make it desirable for thermal management applications such as compact heat exchangers. The heat transfer capabilities of the foam are especially useful in internal forced convection applications. However, due to the very low permeability of graphite foam, pressure-drop is very high compared to other porous media, and pressuredrop reduction schemes are necessary to ensure its practical application. Pressure-drop reduction can be achieved through the strategic machining of graphite foam into …

Investigation Of Compound Micro Cantilever For Imaging And Identifying Micro/Nano Particulates, Ramanathan Narayanan

Masters Theses

Atomic Force Microscopes (AFM) are typically used to image surfaces along with small particulates that may be deposited on the surface. Surface imaging can be made down to the atomic level but usually it is conducted at the nano and micro scales. It is highly desirable to identify the constituency of particulates on the surface and if possible determine the chemical and physical identity of particulates. The objective of the research presented in this thesis is to establish the feasibility of using dual micro cantilevers to determine the physical constituency of nano particles deposited to the micro surface. The goal …

Chemical Kinetics And Thermal Hydraulics Of Lead Bismuth Flow Loops, Kanthi Kiran Dasika

UNLV Theses, Dissertations, Professional Papers, and Capstones

The objective of the thesis is to study the effect of chemical kinetics and thermal hydraulics of Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE) flow in the Materials Test Loop (MTL). The Materials Test Loop, also known as the Delta Loop, was built in Los Alamos National Laboratories (LANL) to obtain the experimental data for corrosion estimation and analysis. It is a well-known fact that corrosion plays an important role in the design of nuclear thermal hydraulic systems. Since the MTL is a multi-section closed system that differs in diameter from one part to another, an intensive study on the overall and regional …

Multiple Uav Cooperative Search Under Collision Avoidance And Limited Range Communication Constraints, Randal W. Beard, Timothy W. Mclain

Faculty Publications

This paper focuses on the problem of cooperatively searching, using a team of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs), an area of interest that contains regions of opportunity and regions of potential hazard. The objective of the UAV team is to visit as many opportunities as possible, while avoiding as many hazards as possible. To enable cooperation, the UAVs are constrained to stay within communication range of one another. Collision avoidance is also required. Algorithms for team-optimal and individually-optimal/team-suboptimal solutions are developed and their computational complexity compared. Simulation results demonstrating the feasibility of the cooperative search algorithms are presented.

Dynamic Modeling Of Compliant Constant-Force Compression Mechanisms, Cameron Boyle, Larry L. Howell, Spencer P. Magleby, Mark S. Evans

Faculty Publications

A mathematical dynamic model is derived for compliant, constant-force compression-mechanisms, based on the pseudo-rigid-body model simplification of the device. The compliant constant-force compression mechanism (CFCM) is a slider mechanism incorporating large-deflection beams, which outputs near-constant-force across the range of its designed deflection. The equation of motion is successfully calibrated with empirical data from five separate mechanisms, comprising two basic configurations of CFCMs. The dynamic equation is derived from a generalized pseudo-rigid-body model. This allows every configuration to be represented by the same model, so a separate treatment is not required for each configuration. An unexpected dynamic trait of the constant-force …