Biomedical Engineering and Bioengineering Commons^™

Applied Fourier Transform Near-Infrared Techniques For Biomass Compositional Analysis, Lu Liu

Masters Theses

A new method for rapid chemical analysis of lignocellulosic biomass was developed using Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) spectroscopic techniques. The new method is less time-consuming and expensive than traditional wet chemistry. A mathematical model correlated FT-NIR spectra with concentrations determined by wet chemistry. Chemical compositions of corn stover and switchgrass were evaluated in terms of glucose, xylose, galactose, arabinose, mannose, lignin, and ash. Model development evaluated multivariate regressions, spectral transform algorithms, and spectral pretreatments and selected partial least squares regression, log(1/R), and extended multiplicative signal correction, respectively. Chemical composition results indicated greater variability in corn stover than switchgrass, especially among …

Image And Sieve Analysis Of Biomass Particle Sizes And Separation After Size Reduction, Yuechuan Yang

Masters Theses

Improved physical separation of biomass concentrates higher-value components, returns unused plant components to the soil, and provides a more efficient platform for downstream industrial users. Sieving and Image Analysis (IA) were studied to evaluate biomass particle sizes, particle size distribution, and potential separation of biomass materials. Switchgrass, wheat straw, and corn stover were used in the study. Particles prepared by a knife mill equipped with various screen sizes were subject to sieving test and IA. Results showed that all three biomass materials would be analyzed using the fast, easy and accurate IA. Biomass particle physical properties, such as length, width, …

Development Of The Telemetrical Intraoperative Soft Tissue Tension Monitoring System In Total Knee Replacement With Mems And Asic Technologies, Gary To

Masters Theses

The alignment of the femoral and tibial components of the Total Knee Arthoplasty (TKA) is one of the most important factors to implant survivorship. Hence, numerous ligament balancing techniques and devices have been developed in order to accurately balance the knee intra-operatively. Spacer block, tensioner and tram adapter are instruments that allow surgeons to qualitatively balance the flexion and extension gaps during TKA. However, even with these instruments, the surgical procedure still relies on the skill and experience of the surgeon. The objective of this thesis is to develop a computerized surgical instrument that can acquire intra-operative data telemetrically for …

Risk Analysis Of Decentralized Wastewater Design Flows, Patrick Andrew Dobbs

Masters Theses

Decentralized wastewater treatment systems are often designed at flows of either 284 L/person/d (75 gal/person/d) or 568 L/bedroom/d (150 gal/bedroom/d). Water use data suggest that designing systems at these flow rates can lead to overly conservative designs. A study quantifying the risk of failure (exceeding a system design flow) was needed to create a design basis for future systems. The objectives of the study were to quantify the risk of failure of decentralized system design flows depending on the number of residences served by a system and to develop new guidelines for design flows of cluster systems based on quantifiable …

A Simulation Model For Predicting Surface Tension In Condensate Films, Allison Dawn Lewis

Masters Theses

The thesis presents a mathematical model for predicting surface tension in condensate films. The approach taken to this study is different from how surface tension is normally approached. Surface tension is primarily determined through laboratory measurements. This work shows how it can be determined mathematically based on the formulation of bonding energy between atoms as described by the Lennard-Jones potential.

The results are used to predict the surface tension of a selected group of elements and molecules. Predictions from the model compare favorably with the documented surface tension values of the selected elements. However, the model does deviate somewhat from …

Utilizing An Ultrasonic Device To Model The Lumbar Spine While Driving A Tractor Trailer, Gretchen Marie Hinton

Masters Theses

Low back pain is a common occupational effect of the long term driving of vehicles. The sonoSens® Monitor ultrasonic device was utilized to model lumbar spinal motions while driving a tractor trailer. Further data was collected to determine if acceleration from a seat pad and EMG data correlated with the driver’s movements.

Three testing bouts were completed and analyzed for this study. For each test the driver drove a 1998 Peterbuilt 379 fitted with a National Seating 2000 seat. One driver was used for all three tests.

Data analysis was accomplished with the sonoSens® Analyzer and Microsoft® Excel software. The …