Engineering Commons^™

Me-Em Enewsbrief, December 2011, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Cutting Tool Insert Having Internal Microduct For Coolant, William J. Endres

Michigan Tech Patents

A cutting tool insert includes: a body defining a rake face, a flank face, and a cutting edge at an intersection of the rake and flank faces; and a cooling microduct within the body. The microduct has a cross-sectional area of not more than 1.0 square millimeter. The microduct is adapted to permit the flow of a coolant therethrough to transfer heat away from the cutting edge and extend the useful life of the insert. The microduct may have a portion with a cross-sectional area no larger than 0.004 square millimeter, and may communicate through at least one of the …

Me-Em Enewsbrief, September 2011, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Me-Em Enewsbrief, June 2011, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Me-Em Enewsbrief, March 2011, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics eNewsBrief

No abstract provided.

Me-Em 2011 Annual Report, Department Of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics, Michigan Technological University

Department of Mechanical Engineering-Engineering Mechanics Annual Reports

Table of Contents

• ME-EM: 85 Years of Excellence
• Faculty & Staff
• Enrollment & Degrees
• Alumni
• Resources
• Graduates

Control Design And Genetic Algorithm Optimization For Electrostatic Mems, Jill C. Blecke

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This dissertation discusses structural-electrostatic modeling techniques, genetic algorithm based optimization and control design for electrostatic micro devices.

First, an alternative modeling technique, the interpolated force model, for electrostatic micro devices is discussed. The method provides improved computational efficiency relative to a benchmark model, as well as improved accuracy for irregular electrode configurations relative to a common approximate model, the parallel plate approximation model. For the configuration most similar to two parallel plates, expected to be the best case scenario for the approximate model, both the parallel plate approximation model and the interpolated force model maintained less than 2.2% error in …

Orbits Design For Leo Space Based Solar Power Satellite System, Neelima Krishna Murthy Addanki

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Space Based Solar Power satellites use solar arrays to generate clean, green, and renewable electricity in space and transmit it to earth via microwave, radiowave or laser beams to corresponding receivers (ground stations). These traditionally are large structures orbiting around earth at the geo-synchronous altitude.

This thesis introduces a new architecture for a Space Based Solar Power satellite constellation. The proposed concept reduces the high cost involved in the construction of the space satellite and in the multiple launches to the geo-synchronous altitude. The proposed concept is a constellation of Low Earth Orbit satellites that are smaller in size than …

In-Situ Electrical, Mechanical And Electrochemical Characterizations Of One-Dimensional Nanostructures, Hessam Mir Shah Ghassemi

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

One-dimensional nanostructures initiated new aspects to the materials applications due to their superior properties compared to the bulk materials. Properties of nanostructures have been characterized by many techniques and used for various device applications. However, simultaneous correlation between the physical and structural properties of these nanomaterials has not been widely investigated. Therefore, it is necessary to perform in-situ study on the physical and structural properties of nanomaterials to understand their relation. In this work, we will use a unique instrument to perform real time atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) of nanomaterials inside a transmission electron microscopy …

Analytical Investigation Of Squeeze Film Dampers, Mehmet Murat Altuğ Biҫak

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Squeeze film damping effects naturally occur if structures are subjected to loading situations such that a very thin film of fluid is trapped within structural joints, interfaces, etc. An accurate estimate of squeeze film effects is important to predict the performance of dynamic structures.

Starting from linear Reynolds equation which governs the fluid behavior coupled with structure domain which is modeled by Kirchhoff plate equation, the effects of nondimensional parameters on the damped natural frequencies are presented using boundary characteristic orthogonal functions. For this purpose, the nondimensional coupled partial differential equations are obtained using Rayleigh-Ritz method and the weak formulation, …

Length Of The Annular Regime For Condensing Flows Inside A Horizontal Channel - The Experimental Determination Of Its Values And Its Trends, Patcharapol Gorgitrattanagul

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The experiments observe and measure the length of the annular regime in fully condensing quasi-steady (steady-in-the-mean) flows of pure FC-72 vapor in a horizontal condenser (rectangular cross-section of 2 mm height, 15 mm width, and 1 m length). The sides and top of the duct are made of clear plastic that allows flow visualization. The experimental system in which this condenser is used is able to control and achieve different quasi-steady mass flow rates, inlet pressures, and wall cooling conditions (by adjustment of the temperature and flow rate of the cooling water flowing underneath the condensing-plate). The reported correlations and …

Computational Simulations Of Latent Heat Thermal Energy Storage Systems - With Innovative And First-Principles Based Simulation For The Underlying Unsteady Melting (And Solidification) Processes, Rohan Achyut Gumaste

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This thesis develops an effective modeling and simulation procedure for a specific thermal energy storage system commonly used and recommended for various applications (such as an auxiliary energy storage system for solar heating based Rankine cycle power plant). This thermal energy storage system transfers heat from a hot fluid (termed as heat transfer fluid - HTF) flowing in a tube to the surrounding phase change material (PCM). Through unsteady melting or freezing process, the PCM absorbs or releases thermal energy in the form of latent heat. Both scientific and engineering information is obtained by the proposed first-principle based modeling and …

Effect Of High Order Interpolation In The Stability And Efficiency Of The Time-Integration Process In Vorticity-Velocity Cfd Algorithms, Pankaj A. Jagadale

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The numerical solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes Equations offers an effective alternative to the experimental analysis of Fluid-Structure interaction i.e. dynamical coupling between a fluid and a solid which otherwise is very complex, time consuming and very expensive. To have a method which can accurately model these types of mechanical systems by numerical solutions becomes a great option, since these advantages are even more obvious when considering huge structures like bridges, high rise buildings, or even wind turbine blades with diameters as large as 200 meters. The modeling of such processes, however, involves complex multiphysics problems along with complex geometries. …

Muffler Characterization With Implementation Of The Finite Element Method And Experimental Techniques, Tyler W. Le Roy

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Determining how an exhaust system will perform acoustically before a prototype muffler is built can save the designer both a substantial amount of time and resources. In order to effectively use the simulation tools available it is important to understand what is the most effective tool for the intended purpose of analysis as well as how typical elements in an exhaust system affect muffler performance. An in-depth look at the available tools and their most beneficial uses are presented in this thesis. A full parametric study was conducted using the FEM method for typical muffler elements which was also correlated …

Experimental Results On Gravity Driven Fully Condensing Flows In Vertical Tubes, Their Agreement With Theory, And Their Differences With Shear Driven Flows' Boundary-Condition Sensitivities, Jorge H. Kurita

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

This doctoral thesis presents the experimental results along with a suitable synthesis with computational/theoretical results towards development of a reliable heat transfer correlation for a specific annular condensation flow regime inside a vertical tube. For fully condensing flows of pure vapor (FC-72) inside a vertical cylindrical tube of 6.6 mm diameter and 0.7 m length, the experimental measurements are shown to yield values of average heat transfer co-efficient, and approximate length of full condensation.

The experimental conditions cover: mass flux G over a range of 2.9 kg/m²-s ≤ G ≤ 87.7 kg/m²-s, temperature difference ∆T (saturation …

Development Of A Continuum Mechanics Model Of Passive Skeletal Muscle, Duane A. Morrow

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Skeletal muscle force evaluation is difficult to implement in a clinical setting. Muscle force is typically assessed through either manual muscle testing, isokinetic/isometric dynamometry, or electromyography (EMG). Manual muscle testing is a subjective evaluation of a patient’s ability to move voluntarily against gravity and to resist force applied by an examiner. Muscle testing using dynamometers adds accuracy by quantifying functional mechanical output of a limb. However, like manual muscle testing, dynamometry only provides estimates of the joint moment. EMG quantifies neuromuscular activation signals of individual muscles, and is used to infer muscle function. Despite the abundance of work performed to …

Dynamic Modeling Of Active Regeneration In Catalyzed And Non-Catalyzed Diesel Particulate Filters, Aamod Pethe

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Particulate matter (PM) emissions standards set by the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have become increasingly stringent over the years. The EPA regulation for PM in heavy duty diesel engines has been reduced to 0.01 g/bhp-hr for the year 2010. Heavy duty diesel engines make use of an aftertreatment filtration device, the Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF). DPFs are highly efficient in filtering PM (known as soot) and are an integral part of 2010 heavy duty diesel aftertreatment system.

PM is accumulated in the DPF as the exhaust gas flows through it. This PM needs to be removed by oxidation periodically …

Numerical Modeling Of The Failure Mechanisms In Si Thin Film Anode For Li-Ion Batteries, Siddharth H. Patel

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

In recent times, the demand for the storage of electrical energy has grown rapidly for both static applications and the portable electronics enforcing the substantial improvement in battery systems, and Li-ion batteries have been proven to have maximum energy storage density in all rechargeable batteries. However, major breakthroughs are required to consummate the requirement of higher energy density with lower cost to penetrate new markets. Graphite anode having limited capacity has become a bottle neck in the process of developing next generation batteries and can be replaced by higher capacity metals such as Silicon. In the present study we are …

Comprehensive Review And Application Of Particle Image Velocimetry, Michael P. Norconk

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

For a fluid dynamics experimental flow measurement technique, particle image velocimetry (PIV) provides significant advantages over other measurement techniques in its field. In contrast to temperature and pressure based probe measurements or other laser diagnostic techniques including laser Doppler velocimetry (LDV) and phase Doppler particle analysis (PDPA), PIV is unique due to its whole field measurement capability, non-intrusive nature, and ability to collect a vast amount of experimental data in a short time frame providing both quantitative and qualitative insight. These properties make PIV a desirable measurement technique for studies encompassing a broad range of fluid dynamics applications. However, as …

Nanomechanics Of Cellulose Crystals And Cellulose-Based Polymer Composites, Anahita Pakzad

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Cellulose-polymer composites have potential applications in aerospace and transportation areas where lightweight materials with high mechanical properties are needed. In addition, these economical and biodegradable composites have been shown to be useful as polymer electrolytes, packaging structures, optoelectronic devices, and medical implants such as wound dressing and bone scaffolds.

In spite of the above mentioned advantages and potential applications, due to the difficulties associated with synthesis and processing techniques, application of cellulose crystals (micro and nano sized) for preparation of new composite systems is limited. Cellulose is hydrophilic and polar as opposed to most of common thermoplastics, which are non-polar. …

Dynamic Modeling, Simulation And Control Design Of A Parafoil-Payload System For Ship Launched Aerial Delivery System (Slads), Anand S. Puranik

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The objective of this research was to develop a high-fidelity dynamic model of a parafoilpayload system with respect to its application for the Ship Launched Aerial Delivery System (SLADS). SLADS is a concept in which cargo can be transfered from ship to shore using a parafoil-payload system. It is accomplished in two phases: An initial towing phase when the glider follows the towing vessel in a passive lift mode and an autonomous gliding phase when the system is guided to the desired point. While many previous researchers have analyzed the parafoil-payload system when it is released from another airborne vehicle, …

Comparison Of Modal Analysis Results Of Laser Vibrometry And Nearfield Acoustical Holography Measurements Of An Aluminum Plate, Jennifer L. Potter

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Noise and vibration has long been sought to be reduced in major industries: automotive, aerospace and marine to name a few. Products must be tested and pass certain levels of federally regulated standards before entering the market. Vibration measurements are commonly acquired using accelerometers; however limitations of this method create a need for alternative solutions.

Two methods for non-contact vibration measurements are compared: Laser Vibrometry, which directly measures the surface velocity of the aluminum plate, and Nearfield Acoustic Holography (NAH), which measures sound pressure in the nearfield, and using Green’s Functions, reconstructs the surface velocity at the plate. The surface …

Probe Studies Of A Hall Thruster At Low Voltages, Jerry L. Ross

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

No abstract provided.

Topological Changes In 2d Simplicial Meshes For The Simulation Of Fractures, James R. Thunes

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

A method for the introduction of strong discontinuities into a mesh will be developed. This method, applicable to a number of eXtended Finite Element Methods (XFEM) with intra-element strong discontinuities will be demonstrated with one specific method: the Generalized Cohesive Element (GCE) method. The algorithm utilizes a subgraph mesh representation which may insert the GCE either adaptively during the course of the analysis or a priori. Using this subgraphing algorithm, the insertion time is O(n) to the number of insertions. Numerical examples are presented demonstrating the advantages of the subgraph insertion method.

Post Processing Of Multiple Gps Receivers To Enhance Baseline Accuracy, Eddy H. Trinklein

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Inexpensive, commercial available off-the-shelf (COTS) Global Positioning Receivers (GPS) have typical accuracy of ±3 meters when augmented by the Wide Areas Augmentation System (WAAS). There exist applications that require position measurements between two moving targets. The focus of this work is to explore the viability of using clusters of COTS GPS receivers for relative position measurements to improve their accuracy. An experimental study was performed using two clusters, each with five GPS receivers, with a fixed distance of 4.5 m between the clusters. Although the relative position was fixed, the entire system of ten GPS receivers was on a mobile …

Diesel Spray Mixing Limited Vaporization With Non-Ideal And Multi-Component Fuel Thermophysical Property Effects, Jaclyn Elyse Nesbitt

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Internal combustion engines are, and will continue to be, a primary mode of power generation for ground transportation. Challenges exist in meeting fuel consumption regulations and emission standards while upholding performance, as fuel prices rise, and resource depletion and environmental impacts are of increasing concern. Diesel engines are advantageous due to their inherent efficiency advantage over spark ignition engines; however, their NO_x and soot emissions can be difficult to control and reduce due to an inherent tradeoff. Diesel combustion is spray and mixing controlled providing an intrinsic link between spray and emissions, motivating detailed, fundamental studies on spray, vaporization, …

Effect Of Mesh Distortion On The Accuracy Of High Order Vorticity-Velocity Cfd Approaches, Anurag Rajan

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The numerical solution of the incompressible Navier-Stokes equations offers an alternative to experimental analysis of fluid-structure interaction (FSI). We would save a lot of time and effort and help cut back on costs, if we are able to accurately model systems by these numerical solutions. These advantages are even more obvious when considering huge structures like bridges, high rise buildings or even wind turbine blades with diameters as large as 200 meters. The modeling of such processes, however, involves complex multiphysics problems along with complex geometries. This thesis focuses on a novel vorticity-velocity formulation called the Kinematic Laplacian Equation (KLE) …

Effects Of Hibernation On Bone In Yellow-Bellied Marmots, Samantha J. Wojda

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Disuse osteoporosis is a problem for people with spinal cord injury or stroke, patients confined to bed rest, and astronauts exposed to microgravity. Unlike most mammals however, bears have been shown to prevent bone loss during hibernation, a seasonal period of disuse. Similarly, studies in ground squirrels indicate preservation of whole bone strength during hibernation, though evidence suggests there may be some increased osteocytic osteolysis. Uncovering the mechanism by which these animals prevent bone loss during hibernation could lead to an improved treatment for osteoporosis in humans. Marmots are a good animal model for these studies because they are small …

Computational Prediction Of The Influence Of Crosslink Distribution On The Thermo-Mechanical Properties Of Epoxies, Ananyo Bandyopadhyay

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

Experimental studies on epoxies report that the microstructure consists of highly crosslinked localized regions connected with a dispersed phase of low crosslink density. The various thermo-mechanical properties of epoxies might be affected by the crosslink distribution. But as experiments cannot report the exact number of crosslinked covalent bonds present in the structure, molecular dynamics is thus being used in this work to determine the influence of crosslink distribution on thermo-mechanical properties. Molecular dynamics and molecular mechanics simulations are used to establish wellequilibrated molecular models of EPON 862-DETDA epoxy system with a range of crosslink densities and various crosslink distributions. Crosslink …

Development Of A Technique For Achieving An Optimum Bsfc For Laf Engine, Shreyash S. Ukidave

Dissertations, Master's Theses and Master's Reports - Open

The reserves of gasoline and diesel fuels are ever decreasing, which plays an important role in the technological development of automobiles. Numerous countries, especially the United States, wish to slowly decrease their fuel dependence on other countries by producing in house renewable fuels like biodiesels or ethanol. Therefore, the new automobile engines have to successfully run on a variety of fuels without significant changes to their designs. The current study focuses on assessing the potential of ethanol fuels to improve the performance of 'flex-fuel SI engines,' which literally means 'engines that are flexible in their fuel requirement.'

Another important area …