Mechanical Engineering Commons^™

Deposition Of Particles In A Convergent Channel, Hsi-Chung Chiou

Dissertations

The deposition of suspensions for uniform flow in convergent channels under the combined influences of inertia, viscous, gravity and electrostatic image forces were studied theoretically. A two dimensional, steady, incompressible, laminar flow with uniform velocity profile was assumed.

It was found that when the ratio of charge parameter to gravity parameter, Q/G, is greater than 5, the deposition is dominated by the electrostatic image force alone and that the gravity effect can be neglected. When the ratio of charge parameter to gravity parameter, Q/G, is less than 0.001, the image force can then be neglected. It was also observed that …

Vibratory Size Segregation Of Particulate Matter, Anthony La Rosa

Theses

Size segregation imposed by vibration or shaking is an ubiquitous phenomenon whereby a large particle will rise to the top of a bed of smaller spheres upon vibration. Several mechanisms based on computer simulations have been proposed, however a complete theory remains elusive. The objective of this study was to perform experiments to study vibratory segregation of particles for varying size ratios and vibration parameters. More specifically, the rise time of a sphere from the bottom to the top of a vibrated bed was examined. It was found that the rise time decreased with an increase in amplitude for fixed …

Local Stress Factors Of Pipe-Nozzle Due To Radial Load, Circumferential And Longitudinal Moments, Junyu Lin

Theses

This thesis presents a series of stress factor data which provide more detailed information for the calculation of local stresses at the nozzle region, as well as the pipe region, of a pipe-nozzle intersection, subjected to an external radial load, circumferential bending moment, and longitudinal bending moment, respectively.

The pipe and nozzle thicknesses are assumed to be identical. Numerical solutions are obtained through the use of the finite element method. In obtaining the numerical solutions via ANSYS, the quadrilateral element is used to simulate the thin shell pipe-nozzle geometries. The local stresses, at eight different points on both the pipe …

Detection Of Planar Facets In Noisy Range Images, Ajey S. Atre

Theses

Segmentation of the image is one of the major tasks of a machine vision system designed for constructing a three-dimensional representation of the object being imaged. A robust approach for segmenting planar surfaces from range images is presented in this paper. An algorithm based on clustering through fuzzy covariance matrices, which has been proposed by Gustafson and Kessel is considered for planar segmentation. However this algorithm performs poorly if the data is noisy, which is usually the case in real life applications. In order to handle noisy data, a robust modification, based on the "noise clustering" concept, is introduced to …

Processing And Application Of Polyolefin Plastics, Muhammad Khalid

Theses

This thesis describes the manufacturing, processing and application of polyolefin thermoplastics. Polyolefins have become one of the most important kinds of plastics. Polyolefin resin represents about one third of all plastics sold and its application for films and containers dominate the packaging industry. The objective of this thesis is to present the various processing methods and application of polyolefin thermoplastics. Polyolefin is produced by several different processes. Conventional low density polyethylene is made by polymerizing ethylene at high pressure and high temperatures while high density polyethylene is polymerized at relatively low pressure and low temperatures. Generally all polyolefin possess excellent …

Evaluation Of Collision Properties Of Spheres Using High-Speed Video Analysis, Jian Yu

Theses

Experimental evaluation of the collision properties of spheres is performed using video image analysis techniques. A high-speed Kodak EktaPro1000 video camera is utilized to record a collision sequence between two spheres at 1000 frames/sec, and then the images are analyzed to calculate three dimensional translation and rotation before and after the collision. These quantities are used to compute the collision properties for a pair of one inch nylon spheres, i.e. the coefficient of friction, and the coefficients of normal and tangential restitution. The focus of the thesis is on image analysis techniques that provide high accuracy results even though the …

Experimental Investigation Of Submerged, Turbulent, Axisymmetric Air Jet Impinging On A Flat Plate, Lan Xiao

Theses

Experimental investigation was carried out on the flow characteristics of a circular, submerged, turbulent, axisymmetric air jet impinging normally on a smooth, flat, square, Lucite plate and a sand paper covered plate. Jet issuing from a circular nozzle of 0.5 inch diameter while the Reynolds Number varying from 10,000 to 85,000 was investigated. The flow can be considered incompressible since the pressure and the velocity of the jet were not too high, with Mach Number of the order of 0.3.

Various flow parameters were measured to obtain the velocity and pressure distributions at the surface of the flat Lucite plate, …

Performance Of The Stirling Cycle Thermal Regenerator, Cesar A. Cravo

Theses

Most of the methods developed to analyze the performance of regenerators make assumptions which are not valid in Stirling cycle regenerators. To more adequately describe the conditions of an actual Stirling cycle regenerator a more complex method has been investigated. This method takes into account the time dependence of the mass flow and pressure fluctuations and considers the temperature dependence of the thermophysical properties.

The solution is accomplished by finite difference techniques. The solution determines the temperature distributions of the gas and matrix along the length of the regenerator and calculates the effectiveness over a cycle. A wide range of …

An Application Of Neural Networks To Statistical Process Control, Asterios Papaikonomou

Theses

Recent changes in the past World War II economy have produced a more educated, value driven customer. A global economy has emerged to technological advances which has made competition fierce as well as proximate. As a result, manufacturing companies are required to provide consumers with quality products at a reasonable cost. A quality product is defined as one that fulfills the needs and expectations of the consumer and provides him with a sense of value.

Since all companies want to provide quality products, the reason why poor quality is sometimes the result is not the outcome of actions for that …

Statistical, Random And Fractal Characterizations Of Surface Topography With Engineering Applications, Gongyao Zhou

Dissertations

Two methods, namely the conventional and fractal geometry methods, are developed for surface topography characterization. The conventional method utilizing statistical and random process techniques is used to study waterjet machined surfaces. In the study the waterjet surfaces are separated into smooth and striation zones, where striation influence is negligible in the smooth zone. It is found that the smooth zone has a random, moderately isotropic texture, with the height distribution nearly Gaussian. In the striation zone the major frequencies of the surface profile power spectra are independent of cutting parameters, while the amplitudes of these frequencies monotonically increase with cutting …

On Orthogonal Collocation Solutions Of Partial Differential Equations, Herli Surjanhata

Dissertations

In contrast to the h-version most frequently used, a p-version of the Orthogonal Collocation Method as applied to differential equations in two-dimensional domains is examined. For superior accuracy and convergence, the collocation points are chosen to be the zeros of a Legendre polynomial plus the two endpoints. Hence the method is called the Legendre Collocation Method. The approximate solution in an element is written as a Lagrange interpolation polynomial. This form of the approximate solution makes it possible to fully automate the method on a personal computer using conventional memory.

The Legendre Collocation Method provides a formula for …

Coordinate Measuring Machines : A Modern Inspection Tool In Manufacturing, Matthias Richard Mantel

Theses

Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) are flexible and universal dimensional measuring devices with the capability for full integration into a CIM information network. Developed as highly precise measuring machines for specially designed measuring rooms, today's CMMs are more and more used in shop floor applications which is a hostile environment for a precise measuring tool. CMMs are offered in a variety of configurations and levels of automation. For the CMM buyer it is therefore essential to have an overview of the different types of CMMs and their subsystems before making a purchasing decision.

To obtain reliable measuring results that are used …

Design And Development Of Flexible Manufacturing Cells - A Case Study, Behrouz Barzani

Theses

This paper covers the typical ills of American manufacturing companies and provides steps to selecting a flexible manufacturing cell(s) or system as a remedy. For that reason various definition of different types of flexibilities in manufacturing and the interrelationships between the several types have been examined. In addition, their purposes, means of obtaining them and some measurement and evaluations has been discussed. This was done to cover the basic but necessary requirements for understanding and selecting a flexible manufacturing system. Finally, the design process of a flexible system and its intuitive justification were discussed.

Simulation Of Manufacturing Cell Using Hoops Graphic Software And Siman Simulation Language, Parikh Vipul

Theses

Control of jobs being processed in manufacturing shop floor is important to management. The performance of job shop is affected by shop congestion due to arrival rate, batch size, number of machines, buffer capacity, process time variation, and dispatching rules use to load the jobs on the machine.

The job shop is a very complex system and hence, it is difficult as well as time consuming to obtained result using analytical method. A SIMAN simulation language is used to create generic model of a manufacturing cell and simulation analysis of those parameters variation such as job shop efficiency, the average …

Geometric Dimensioning And Tolerancing A Tool For Concurrent Engineering, Tapan Kumar S. K. Jain

Theses

The concept of Concurrent Engineering recognizes an immediate need for a new design environment and technology and so requires extensive interdisciplinary cooperation and integration of diverse functions of a manufacturing organization such as marketing, design, manufacturing and finance. One of the key factors to achieve successful integration among the departments is better communication and it becomes imperative in cases of varying levels of communication needs, especially in interdepartmental cases.

Concurrent Engineering is a philosophy which provides certain benefits. There are various tools and methods available for implementation of Concurrent Engineering concepts. One of the tools is Geometric Dimensioning & Tolerancing …

A Simulation Of A Monitoring And Alarm System In An Energy Management System, Hui-Jen Liu

Theses

This is a simulation for an energy system's monitoring and alarm and working under KEE's environment. Because of KEE's powerful capabilities, we can monitor and get warning signals from several active windows that we attaching them from KEE's system knowledge base to our source code.

It is very convenient for us to set every member of the energy system on an image panel. We can monitor the entire conditions of that member and get highlighted warning signals from its own image panel. Also we can initialize them by a kind of method-actuators windows if we want to restore the system.

A Mathematical Model For The Prediction Of Depth Of Cut In The Course Of Awj Machining, Naijian Ma

Theses

The objective of this study is to develop a practical mathematical model for prediction of the depth of cut in the course of Abrasive Water Jet (AWJ) machining. Semi-empirical method which is an integration of theoretical derivation and statistical analysis is used for process description. A theoretical model was constructed based on kinetic energy conservation equation, physical relationship among operating parameters, abrasive size, material properties and cutting results. Then, correlation between the depth of cut and operational parameters was analyzed in order to improve the theoretical model. Finally, a regression equation representing 1000 samples was constructed.

Three statistical criteria were …

Analysis Of A Band-Saw, Suat Ali Ozsoylu

Dissertations

The solution for the transverse oscillations of a band-saw is determined. Two different models are treated: a fourth-order model and a second-order model. The response characteristics for both models are determined using Laplace transformation. To obtain the inverse Laplace Transform for the fourth-order model, it was necessary to fmd the frequencies by applying the Extended Lanczos Method in order to overcome the problem for computer overflow.

The limits of stability for both models are studied by plotting the eigenvalues against changing parameter values. Conditions for the onset of divergence and flutter instabilities, which need to be taken into account in …

Kinematic Synthesis Of Adjustable Four-Bar Mechanisms For Multi-Phase Motion Generation, Shao Jie Wang

Dissertations

A four-bar linkage can satisfy up to five prescribed positions for the motion generation problem. The adjustable four-bar linkage, on the other hand, can satisfy more than five given positions by making some of the parameters adjustable.

Limited work had been done in the area of motion generation problems of kinematic synthesis of adjustable four-bar linkages until Wilhelm introduced the concept of multiple adjustments.

This study considers for the first time, the adjustment of a moving pivot, and the problems of three phases of motion. Various combinations of the number of prescribed positions for the motion generation problems are solved …

Study Of Surface Properties Produced By Magneto-Plasma On Nitriding For Improving Wear Resistance, I-Tsung Shih

Dissertations

In this work a newly developed surface treatment process, Magneto-Plasma Ion Nitriding process, was developed and studied. This process was developed to increase durability and wear resistance of operational surfaces of different machine components.

In this study, orthogonal experimental analysis was used to develop, optimize, and select the process parameters. Coating layers were characterized and studied by using scanning electron microscopy(SEM), Auger electron spectroscopy(AES), and image analysis system. The influence of different process treatment parameters, such as temperature, nitrogen concentration, and magnetization, on the layers properties was studied. The mechanism of layer formation and bonding was proposed and a mathematical …

Investigation Of The Striation Formation In The Course Of Abrasive Waterjet Cutting, Jo-Fei Chao

Dissertations

The principal defect of the surfaces generated by abrasive waterjet machining is excessive waviness (striation). The existing theories of striation formation are not adequate to explain this phenomenon. The presented study is concerned with the development of an understanding of the mechanism of striation formation.

A spectral analysis of temporal process and spatial surface characteristics demonstrated that the striation is caused by nozzle vibration that is due to the conditions of the motion control of the nozzle. This enabled us to discover a means for improving the surface finish. From a study of the surface spectra, it was found that …

Entrance Effects For Short Catalytic Combustion Monoliths, Dong Dai

Theses

Catalytic combustion/incineration is becoming increasingly important in modern industrial processes. This thesis work investigates the importance of heat and mass transfer entrance effects in short catalytic combustion monoliths, and includes these effects in an engineering model. Consideration is limited to laminar-flow heat and mass transfer in a circular tube, in which Prandtl number is close to unity, as is the case for air. Thermal, mass and velocity boundary layer growths are considered with inlet conditions assumed uniform at a monolith bed entrance. Conservation equations are solved assuming laminar, steady-state flow, with constant wall temperature, and negligible axial diffusion of heat …

Modification Of Wear Testing Machine And Study Of Wear Resistance, Ning Li

Theses

In this work a modification of a wear testing machine has been done by designing a new loading mechanism and redesigning different components for a new roller-on-roller wear testing machine. A new loading mechanism containing gearbox frame and load cell assembly have been designed, manufactured and assembled. A pusher of the pushing mechanism is redesigned for better durability. Existing bearing support was redesigned and replaced. All new units of the wear testing machine were lined up and assembled with the machine. Finite element stress analysis for designed frame in the load mechanism was performed by using the Integrate Design Engineering …

Reverse Engineering : An Evaluation Of Contact Technology And Application In Manufacturing Systems, Shailesh V. Jadhav

Theses

There are many instances where one-of-a-kind parts, such as prototypes or custom-built parts, need to be reproduced. When a Computer Aided Design (CAD) of an existing part is not available, reverse engineering is involved in recreation of such part. Currently, geometric measurements from the surface of a prototype are extracted manually and sent to a CAD system. It is typically time consuming, tedious, and potentially a source of error. This study outlines a methodology, for the development of a CAD model, rapid prototype, and subsequently manufacturing of the part. The method developed uses a contact technique to extract 2-D or …

Graphics Interfaced Computer Automated Process Planning, Ajit Nimbvikar

Theses

The work is based on the manufacturing of gears in a Job Shop type production plant. The topic is divided into three sections. 1. design, 2. graphics, and 3. process planning and analysis. A program is developed using Fortran for the iterative design procedure. With basic inputs, the program provides the design of gears with dimensions. During the procedure, the user has to intervene to specify some codes for the selection of materials and other parameters. Second section deals with the graphics utility. It provides a drawing of the gear with dimensions according to the input obtained from the design …

Heat Resistance Measurements With The Portable Calorimeter Box, Philipp G. Mohr

Theses

The heat resistance of wall section materials has been investigated under laboratory conditions, but reliable measurements in-situ with non-steady weather conditions are not yet available. The portable calorimeter box is designed to make field measurements to test the thermal performance of building envelopes. The experimental setup and the equipment for thermal measurements are described, as well as the computer program for data reduction. The characteristics of the portable calorimeter box and the problems of non-controllable test conditions have been investigated.

Forty experiments were completed. Sixteen preliminary experiments investigated problems associated with insufficient setups; such as a short duration, only partly …

Microstructural Investigation Of Surface Coating Developed By Electro-Spark Deposition Technology, Tianzong Xu

Theses

Electro-spark deposition (ESD) is a pulsed-spark micro-welding process using an electrode to apply a fused, metallurgically bonded coating with an extremely low heat input so as to eliminate thermal distortion or changes in metallurgical structure of the substrate. The deposited surface achieves an exceptionally fine-grained, homogeneous coating that may approach as amorphous structure which is believed to contribute to good wear and corrosion resistance.

In this research, an optical image analysis system, scanning electron microscope with computerized energy dispersive spectrometer, microhardness testing system and computerized surfanalyzer were employed to investigate the microstructure and properties of achieved surface coatings.

As the …

Stepwise Reduction And Approximation Method For Performance Analysis Of Generalized Stochastic Petri Nets, Jinming Ma

Theses

This thesis delves into the performance analysis of generalized stochastic Petri net (GSPN) model by using an approximation method: the Stepwise Reduction and Approximation (SRA) Method. The key point is that we are able to analyze a subnet in isolation by keeping its token flow direction and its sub-throughput equivalent with all the possible tokens entering into the subnet. The thesis first defines various kinds of potentially reducible subnets, subnet selection rules, approximation subnet construction rules, and reduction evaluation rules. Then corresponding to the possible subnets, the approximation method is used stepwisely until the interested measures are found with the …

Forward Kinematics Solution Of A Special Class Of General Stewart Platforms, Jian Li

Theses

A Stewart platform is a fully parallel, six-degree-of-freedom manipulator mechanism. A platform manipulator has a fixed platform acting as base, a mobile platform on which end-effector is mounted, and in-parallel kinematics chains (legs) between the two platforms. Although some direct position kinematics solutions for Stewart platforms of simplified geometry have been represented, to the best of our knowledge, no close-form direct kinematics solution for the general Stewart platform is available yet.

A common feature of six-degree-of-freedom Stewart platform of simplified geometry is the use of pairs of concentric ball joints. Due to inevitable manufacturing and assembly errors, practically there are …

Computer Aided Manufacturing For Production Environment, Biren K. Parikh

Theses

Investments in new technology like Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) increased in the past few years because of the foreign competition in the world market as well as on the home ground. Improper investment in CAM and CIM resulted in the "Islands of Automation" instead of an integrated system. These "Islands of Automation" have created new problems for production planning and factory communication.

The objective of the thesis is to develop the methodology to selection and implementation of the CAM system in the production environment. It is to be noted that a CAM system is part of the overall CIM implementation, …