Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Mechanical Engineering Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Articles 1 - 20 of 20

Full-Text Articles in Mechanical Engineering

Design, Development, And Analysis Of A Twin-Fluid Fire Suppression Atomizer And Characterization Of Electrostatically Charged Droplet Sprays, Chad Everett Moore Jan 2003

Design, Development, And Analysis Of A Twin-Fluid Fire Suppression Atomizer And Characterization Of Electrostatically Charged Droplet Sprays, Chad Everett Moore

LSU Master's Theses

A twin-fluid water mist fire suppression atomizer is designed, developed, and analyzed. Of primary interest is the development of a twin-fluid atomizer that produces a large droplet diameter and velocity distribution and also produces a mist with sufficient cone angle to be effective in fire suppression applications. Spray characterization experiments are conducted utilizing Phase Doppler Particle Analysis (PDPA). The effect of atomizer nozzle geometry on internal two-phase flow and resulting spray pattern is investigated. National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Standard 750 characterization experiments are conducted to verify that the sprays produced by the developed atomizer are classified as a water …


Effect Of Jet Hole Arrays Arrangement On Impingement Heat Transfer, Lujia Gao Jan 2003

Effect Of Jet Hole Arrays Arrangement On Impingement Heat Transfer, Lujia Gao

LSU Master's Theses

A comprehensive investigation on impingement heat transfer of different jet array arrangements is presented. Experiments on the inline jet arrays and the linearly stretched arrays are performed using transient liquid crystal technique. Three experimented basic inline jet arrays are configurations 4X4, 8X4 and 8X8. Two experimented cases for the linearly stretched arrays are the uniform diameter case and the varying diameter case. For the inline jet arrays, three jet heights Z/D=1, 3 and 5 and three Reynolds numbers Re=5000, 10000 and 15000 are investigated. For linearly stretched arrays, the same three jet heights and Re=2000, 6000 and 10000 are investigated. …


Film Cooling From Cylindrical Holes In Transverse Slots, Mohammed Altorairi Jan 2003

Film Cooling From Cylindrical Holes In Transverse Slots, Mohammed Altorairi

LSU Master's Theses

In this study, heat transfer coefficient and film effectiveness distributions are investigated for a film cooling hole configuration that has inclined holes discharging into a tangential slot before interactions with the mainstream. The cylindrical holes are inclined 35° along the mainstream direction. The effect of coolant-to-mainstream blowing ratio is examined for M=0.5 and M=1.0. Different slot width to hole ratios and also the effect of hole exit condition (square edge and triangular edge) is considered. The mainstream velocity and free-stream turbulence intensity in the low speed wind tunnel are 9 m/s and 7% respectively and the mainstream Reynolds number based …


Effect Of Unsteady Wake, Free Stream Turbulence, Tip Geometry On Blade Tip Flow And Heat Transfer, Vikrant Saxena Jan 2003

Effect Of Unsteady Wake, Free Stream Turbulence, Tip Geometry On Blade Tip Flow And Heat Transfer, Vikrant Saxena

LSU Master's Theses

A comprehensive investigation of the effect of various tip sealing geometries is presented on the blade tip leakage flow and associated heat transfer. The linear cascade is made of four blades scaled up HPT turbine in a low speed wind tunnel facility with the two corner blades acting as guides. The tip section of a HPT first stage rotor blade is used to fabricate the 2-D blade. The wind tunnel accommodates an 116 degree turn in the flow through the blade cascade. The mainstream Reynolds number based on the axial chord length at cascade exit is 4.83e5. The center blade …


Evaluation Of Mechanical Fitness For Service Of High Temperature Hydrogen Attacked Steels, Brent Matthew Saba Jan 2003

Evaluation Of Mechanical Fitness For Service Of High Temperature Hydrogen Attacked Steels, Brent Matthew Saba

LSU Master's Theses

A novel approach is introduced in evaluating one of industry’s most complex corrosion phenomena, high temperature hydrogen attack (HTHA). Limited efforts have been made by industry to address this degradation mechanism and even less data are available to properly utilize their evaluation techniques. The predominant fracture mechanics based analysis of HTHA relies on Charpy V-Notch (CVN) impact test data. In the face of limited CVN test data, accurate results are shaky at best. The HTHA evaluation set forth in this paper combines the analysis tools of plastic collapse and both static and dynamic fracture mechanics. The first condition addresses plastic …


Numerical Solution Of Ocular Fluid Dynamics, Satish Kumar Jan 2003

Numerical Solution Of Ocular Fluid Dynamics, Satish Kumar

LSU Master's Theses

Numerical calculations of the aqueous humor dynamics in the anterior chamber of both the rabbit and the human eye are presented to delineate the basic flow and transport mechanisms. The calculations are based on a geometrical model of the eye, which represents the Trabecular mesh (TM) as a multi-layered porous zone of specified pore sizes and void fraction. Buoyancy is observed to be the dominant driving mechanism for the convective motion in both orientations (horizontal and vertical) of the eye. Reducing the TM pore size does not appear to have a significant influence on the intra-ocular pressure (IOP) until the …


An Experimental Investigation Of Whirl Instability Including Effects Of Lubricant Temperature In Plain Circular Journal Bearings, Darryl, Jr. Chauvin Jan 2003

An Experimental Investigation Of Whirl Instability Including Effects Of Lubricant Temperature In Plain Circular Journal Bearings, Darryl, Jr. Chauvin

LSU Master's Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to experimentally investigate the effect of lubricant temperature on the presence of whirl instability in journal bearings. The first set of conditions that are studied is an extremely low eccentricity rotor and the occurrence of oil whirl at the start-up of the experiment. Lubricant temperature, bearing temperature, frequency and amplitude of vibration, and rotational speed are monitored and analyzed in relation to presence of whirl instability. Additionally, another rotor with a slightly higher eccentricity is tested with respect to the presence of such instability. Particularly with this rotor, the system is brought just below …


Axis-Switching In Square Coaxial Jets, Victor Piffaut Jan 2003

Axis-Switching In Square Coaxial Jets, Victor Piffaut

LSU Master's Theses

Airflow from single and coaxial contoured nozzles with a square cross section is studied using constant temperature anemometry. The inner to outer jet velocity ratio is 1.5. The Reynolds number of the outer jet based on the hydraulic diameter of the outer nozzle exit is 15,300. Results are compared to previous data obtained with circular nozzles under the same conditions. Properties of the jets and their shear layers such as turbulence shear layer thicknesses and growth rates were derived from the velocity record. The mixing between the jets and with the external flow was found to be enhanced by passive …


The Rapid Template Fabrication Process For Producing A Liga Heat Exchanger Bonded To A Mechanical Seal, Jason Patrick Tuma Jan 2003

The Rapid Template Fabrication Process For Producing A Liga Heat Exchanger Bonded To A Mechanical Seal, Jason Patrick Tuma

LSU Master's Theses

Mechanical seals are widely used in the chemical processing, aerospace, and automotive, industries. When a mechanical seal fails, considerable cost is typically involved in replacing the seal. Most seal failures are a result of high temperatures generated by frictional heating. Effectively removing the heat generated would significantly increase the mechanical seal’s work life and lead to significant monetary savings. One method of removing the heat generated is bonding an effective LIGA micro heat exchanger to the mechanical seal and forcing coolant through the heat exchanger. Previous work on this subject revealed promising results, especially for micro heat exchangers with microstructures …


Structure And Mechanical Properties Of Ti-Si-N Coatings, Xiaodong Zhang Jan 2003

Structure And Mechanical Properties Of Ti-Si-N Coatings, Xiaodong Zhang

LSU Master's Theses

In order to better define conditions under which ~{!0~}super-strengthening~{!1~} occurs in the Ti-Si-N system, we performed detailed experimental studies on how the structure and mechanical properties of Ti-Si-N coatings are influenced by the deposition temperature. Different series of Ti-Si-N specimens were prepared in an inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-assisted reactive sputtering system at both low and high temperatures. Coating compositions were measured by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) technique, surface roughness was examined on an atomic force microscope (AFM), coating thicknesses were obtained by performing cross-sectional scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and their structure examined with transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Vibrational frequency results …


Precipitate Growth Features In The Duplex Size Gamma Prime Distribution In The Superalloy In738lc, Indranil Roy Jan 2003

Precipitate Growth Features In The Duplex Size Gamma Prime Distribution In The Superalloy In738lc, Indranil Roy

LSU Master's Theses

IN738LC is a modern, nickel base superalloy utilized at high temperatures in aggressive environments. Durability of this superalloy is dependent on the retention of strengthening by Gamma Prime precipitates. The precipitate growth features in the duplex size (fine and coarse) precipitate distribution was studied by heating the alloy for various times in vacuum at selected temperatures in the range 800 °C to 1100 °C. Increasing the holding times from 1 hour to 100 hours shows joining of the fine particles to form bigger particles, leading to distinct raft patterns. Two different Gamma Prime precipitate growth processes had been observed: merging …


Minimization Of Power Losses In Active Magnetic Bearing Control, Nader Motee Jan 2003

Minimization Of Power Losses In Active Magnetic Bearing Control, Nader Motee

LSU Master's Theses

A solution to the problem of AMB control with reduced electrical power losses will be presented in this thesis. The proposed control solution will be founded on the integrator backstepping technique, which decouples the rotor stabilization problem from the bias flux design problem. It further allows for the easy redesign of the control law to compensate for uncertainties in the AMB system. A class of nonlinear controllers will be developed that reduces the AMB power losses in comparison to standard fixed-bias controllers, while containing no control singularity. Control laws will be presented for the standard AMB operating mode where both …


A Disjoining Pressure For Small Contact Angles And Its Applications, Qingfang Wu Jan 2003

A Disjoining Pressure For Small Contact Angles And Its Applications, Qingfang Wu

LSU Master's Theses

A thin liquid film experiences additional intermolecular forces when the film thickness h is less than roughly 100 nm. The effect of these intermolecular forces at the continuum level is captured by the disjoining pressure . Since dominates at small film thicknesses, it determines the stability and wettability of thin films. To leading order, a thin film can be treated as uniform and . This form, however, cannot be applied to films with non-zero contact angles. A recent ad-hoc derivation to include the slope leads to a that allows a contact line to move without slip. This work derives a …


Thermohydrodynamic Analysis Of Compressible Gas Flow In Compliant Foil Bearings, Zhengchun Peng Jan 2003

Thermohydrodynamic Analysis Of Compressible Gas Flow In Compliant Foil Bearings, Zhengchun Peng

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis deals with the development of mathematical models and numerical schemes for simulating the hydrodynamic pressure and temperature rise of compliant foil bearings lubricated by a thin gas film in between its compliant bearing surface and the rotating shaft. The model accounts for the compressibility of gas, the compliance of the bearing surface, and the interaction between the pressure field and temperature field of the gas film in the bearing system. Numerical solutions obtained over a fairly large range of operating speeds show excellent agreement with existing experimental data from both load performance test and bearing temperature measurement. A …


Predictions For Multi-Scale Shock Heating Of A Granular Energetic Material, Venugopal Jogi Jan 2003

Predictions For Multi-Scale Shock Heating Of A Granular Energetic Material, Venugopal Jogi

LSU Master's Theses

This thesis addresses the multi scale heating of a granular energetic solid due to shock loading. To this end, an existing mathematical model that has been used to predict low pressure bulk and localized heating of the granular high-explosive HMX ([CH2NNO2]4) is extended to account for compressibility and melting of the pure phase solid. Dense granular HMX has a heterogeneous structure composed of randomly packed small grains (average size ~ 100 µm) having a free-pour density that is approximately 65% of the pure phase solid density. The shock loading response of this material is …


Micro Molding Of 3 D Ceramic Parts, Dinakar Palaparti Jan 2003

Micro Molding Of 3 D Ceramic Parts, Dinakar Palaparti

LSU Master's Theses

The objective of this research was to manufacture and evaluate three-dimensional (3D) ceramic parts with microstructures, characterize the ceramic injection molding process used for it along with fabrication and evaluation of various mold insert formats, electroplated patterns and X-ray masks used in the process. The patterns were electroplated in nickel on two formats of mold insert substrates. The first format was a modified 1” diameter stainless/tool steel plug suitable for test structures and for complete penetration by melt during injection. The molding was done by CoorsTekâ (Golden CO) as they possessed the required wherewithal and the mold base. The second …


The Transcendental Eigenvalue Problem And Its Application In System Identification, Kumar Vikram Singh Jan 2003

The Transcendental Eigenvalue Problem And Its Application In System Identification, Kumar Vikram Singh

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

An accurate mathematical model is needed to solve direct and inverse problems related to engineering analysis and design. Inverse problems of identifying the physical parameters of a non-uniform continuous system based on the spectral data are still unsolved. Traditional methods, for the system identification purpose, describe the continuous structure by a certain discrete model. In dynamic analysis, finite element or finite difference approximation methods are frequently used and they lead to an algebraic eigenvalue problem. The characteristic equation associated with the algebraic eigenvalue problem is a polynomial. Whereas, the spectral characteristic of a continuous system is represented by certain transcendental …


Manufacturing And Analysis Of A Liga Heat Exchanger For The Surface Of A Tube: A Cooling Simulation Of The Leading Edge Region Of A Turbine Blade, Christophe Marques Jan 2003

Manufacturing And Analysis Of A Liga Heat Exchanger For The Surface Of A Tube: A Cooling Simulation Of The Leading Edge Region Of A Turbine Blade, Christophe Marques

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Fabricating nickel micro heat exchangers directly on planar or non-planar metal surfaces has been demonstrated using the LIGA micromachining process. These heat exchangers can effectively control the temperature of surfaces in high heat flux applications. Of particular interest is the temperature control of gas turbine engine components. The locations in the gas turbine engine where improved, efficient cooling is required includes gas turbine blades, stator vanes, the turbine disk, and the combustor liner. In this dissertation, the primary application of interest is the use of such heat exchangers to cool airfoils such as turbine blades. In the first part of …


Large Eddy Simulations Of Complex Turbulent Flows, Mayank Tyagi Jan 2003

Large Eddy Simulations Of Complex Turbulent Flows, Mayank Tyagi

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

In this dissertation a solution methodology for complex turbulent flows of industrial interests is developed using a combination of Large Eddy Simulation (LES) and Immersed Boundary Method (IBM) concepts. LES is an intermediate approach to turbulence simulation in which the onus of modeling of “universal” small scales is appropriately transferred to the resolution of “problem-dependent” large scales or eddies. IBM combines the efficiency inherent in using a fixed Cartesian grid to compute the fluid motion, along with the ease of tracking the immersed boundary at a set of moving Lagrangian points. Numerical code developed for this dissertation solves unsteady, filtered …


Advanced Turbulence Modeling For Industrial Flows, Raymond Michael Jones Jan 2003

Advanced Turbulence Modeling For Industrial Flows, Raymond Michael Jones

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation deals with the development of an improved two-equation turbulence model and its application to various flows. Six different conventional turbulence models were initially tested for predicting the flow inside of an unbaffled stirred tank reactor (STR), and the results are compared with experimental LDV data. Each of the models use low Reynolds number corrections. Results indicate that the radial velocity component in the impeller discharge region is overpredicted by each of the models. The tangential velocity component in the impeller discharge region is predicted well by the models, but is underpredicted near the shaft. The low Reynolds number …