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Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Railcar Wheel Impact Detection Utilizing Vibration-Based Wireless Onboard Condition Monitoring Modules, Marco A. Barrera May 2022

Railcar Wheel Impact Detection Utilizing Vibration-Based Wireless Onboard Condition Monitoring Modules, Marco A. Barrera

Theses and Dissertations

The current limitations in established rail transport condition monitoring methods have motivated the UTCRS railway research team at UTRGV to investigate a novel solution that can address these deficiencies through wired, onboard, and vibration-based analytics. Due to the emergence of the Internet of Things (IoT), the research team has now transitioned into developing wireless modules that take advantage of the rapid data processing and wireless communication features these systems possess. This has enabled UTCRS to partner with Hum Industrial Technology, Inc. to assist them in the development of their “Boomerang” wireless condition monitoring system. Designed to revolutionize the way the …


Detection Of Periodic Error And Structure Change Using Wavelet Analysis, Chao Lu Jan 2016

Detection Of Periodic Error And Structure Change Using Wavelet Analysis, Chao Lu

Theses and Dissertations

Heterodyne displacement measuring interferometry provides important metrology for applications requiring high resolution and accuracy. Heterodyne Michelson interferometers use a two-frequency laser source and separate the two optical frequencies into one fixed length and one variable length path via polarization. Ideally these two beams are linearly polarized and orthogonal so that only one frequency is directed toward each path. An interference signal is obtained by recombining the light from the two paths; this results in a measurement signal at the heterodyne (split) frequency of the laser source. This measurement signal is compared to the optical reference signal. Motion in the measurement …


Development Of A Sense And Avoid System For Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Robert Andrew Klaus Aug 2013

Development Of A Sense And Avoid System For Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems, Robert Andrew Klaus

Theses and Dissertations

Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) represent the future of modern aviation. Over the past 10 years their use abroad by the military has become commonplace for surveillance and combat. Unfortunately, their use at home has been far more restrictive. Due to safety and regulatory concerns, UAS are prohibited from flying in the National Airspace System without special authorization from the FAA. One main reason for this is the lack of an on-board pilot to "see and avoid" other air traffic and thereby maintain the safety of the skies. Development of a comparable capability, known as "Sense and Avoid" (SAA), has therefore …


Improved Limits And Portability Over Currently Employed Cadmium Monitoring Systems Through Preconcentration For Detection By Way Of Micro-/Nanofluidic Mechanisms, Paul F. Wach Jan 2013

Improved Limits And Portability Over Currently Employed Cadmium Monitoring Systems Through Preconcentration For Detection By Way Of Micro-/Nanofluidic Mechanisms, Paul F. Wach

Theses and Dissertations

Due to risk of environmental and biological accumulation of Cadmium (Cd), improved methods of early detection and monitoring must be explored as a preventative measure. Listed as one of the top three toxic heavy metals by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the effects on ecological and human systems have well documented side-effects of physical mutation, reproductive sterility, kidney failure, liver disease, bone loss, and death. Found in batteries, metal plating, pigments, plastics, and cigarettes, Cd is also used as a neutron absorber in the nuclear industry as well as having 3 known radioactive isotopes. Urine Cd levels, which have been …


Applications Of Search Theory To Coordinated Searching By Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Steven R. Hansen Apr 2007

Applications Of Search Theory To Coordinated Searching By Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Steven R. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Concepts in optimal search theory have been used in human-based aerial search since World War II. This thesis addresses the technical and theoretical issues necessary to apply this crucial theory to search path planning for Small Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (SUAVs). A typical search often requires that more than one target be located. Accordingly, a method is presented to locate multiple targets in three dimensions, as well as to differentiate between them. However, significant error can be present when locating targets from an airborne platform, and the idea of target quality is also introduced as a way to describe the reliability …