Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Implementing The Surface Response To Excitation Method (Sure) With Non-Contact Sensors, Sergio R. Gonzalez Jr.

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Structural health monitoring (SHM) systems generally install low cost excitation component and/or sensors to the machines or buildings permanently to monitor the health of it. Non Destructive Evaluation (NDE) systems use high cost sensors to perform the inspection of structures. It would be advantageous to inspect the some aerospace structures and parts in vacuum environment by using the remotely monitoring systems such as laser vibrometer. In this study, a scanning laser vibrometer is used to detect the location of the problem at the structure. For data collection and analysis recently, developed surface response to excitation (SuRE) method was used.

First …

Development Of A Coupling Model For Fluid-Structure Interaction Using The Mesh-Free Finite Element Method And The Lattice Boltzmann Method, Jaime Mudrich

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the presented thesis work, the meshfree method with distance fields was coupled with the lattice Boltzmann method to obtain solutions of fluid-structure interaction problems. The thesis work involved development and implementation of numerical algorithms, data structure, and software. Numerical and computational properties of the coupling algorithm combining the meshfree method with distance fields and the lattice Boltzmann method were investigated. Convergence and accuracy of the methodology was validated by analytical solutions.

The research was focused on fluid-structure interaction solutions in complex, mesh-resistant domains as both the lattice Boltzmann method and the meshfree method with distance fields are particularly adept …

Development Of A Body For A Pneumatic Crawler For Radioactive Waste Pipelines, Jose Alfonso Matos

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this thesis was to develop a body for a crawler robot to navigate DOE Hanford Site transfer pipelines in a timely fashion. Previous work in pipe crawlers was analyzed and different configurations were studied by this author in order to design a suitable device. Tests were done in CAD to verify the device would fit and be able to travel within the confines of the pipelines’3” inner diameter and 90° elbows with 4.25”radii. Pipelines in Hanford can transition into 2” pipe and this was also taken into consideration when selecting the dimensions for the device. Manufacturing methods …

Tubular And Sector Heat Pipes With Interconnected Branches For Gas Turbine And/Or Compressor Cooling, Brian D. Reding Ii

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Designing turbines for either aerospace or power production is a daunting task for any heat transfer scientist or engineer. Turbine designers are continuously pursuing better ways to convert the stored chemical energy in the fuel into useful work with maximum efficiency. Based on thermodynamic principles, one way to improve thermal efficiency is to increase the turbine inlet pressure and temperature. Generally, the inlet temperature may exceed the capabilities of standard materials for safe and long-life operation of the turbine. Next generation propulsion systems, whether for new supersonic transport or for improving existing aviation transport, will require more aggressive cooling system …

Meshfree Method For Prediction Of Thermal Properties Of Porous Ceramic Materials, Maryam Zahedi

FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In the presented thesis work, meshfree method with distance fields is applied to create a novel computational approach which enables inclusion of the realistic geometric models of the microstructure and liberates Finite Element Analysis(FEA) from the
dependance on and limitations of meshing of fine microstructural feature such as splats and porosity.
Manufacturing processes of ceramics produce materials with complex porosity microstructure.Geometry of pores, their size and location substantially affect macro scale physical properties of the material. Complex structure and geometry of the pores severely limit application of modern Finite Element Analysis methods because they require construction of spatial grids (meshes) …