Development Of Pilot Plant For Bio-Ethanol Processing,
2010
Department of Chemical and Mining Engineering, University of Dar es Salaam
Development Of Pilot Plant For Bio-Ethanol Processing, Emrod Elisante
Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)
The paper outlines achievements obtained in developing a pilot bio-ethanol plant at the Department of Chemical and Mining Engineering (CME), University of Dar es Salaam. The pilot plant consists of: 30 L inoculums tank; 1,700 L fermenter; 1,500 L/day distillation column; and ancillary equipment. The prototype is a platform intended to be used for technology demonstration and research by graduate and undergraduate students studying the production of bio-ethanol using traditional and non-traditional raw materials like coffee mash, cashew fruit, and sisal inulin. The equipment has been developed using locally available engineering resources and the distillation column with 18 sieve tray …
Gold Nanoparticles And Their Polymer Composites: Synthesis Characterization And Applications,
2010
University of South Florida
Gold Nanoparticles And Their Polymer Composites: Synthesis Characterization And Applications, Nidhi Joshi
USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations
Gold nanoparticles are excellent candidates for all the biomedical applications due to their size and shape dependent optical and physiological properties. In this study, gold nanoparticles were synthesized chemically for bio-application. It was observed that the size and shape of gold nanoparticles depend strongly on the concentration of chemical solution, type of reducing agent used in the reaction, temperature of the solution and stabilizing agent for reaction. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) has been used extensively to determine the size and shape of the gold nanoparticles. Optical properties of the size and shape selected nanoparticles were studied using UV-vis spectrophotometer in …
Sorting Results Of Automated Concept Generators Based On Design For Manufacture And Assembly,
2010
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Sorting Results Of Automated Concept Generators Based On Design For Manufacture And Assembly, Kerry R. Poppa, Robert B. Stone
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Early in the design process, it is desirable to produce a large number of potential solutions. Completely exploring a problem's solution space is an unreasonable expectation for an unaided designer or design team. Computational tools have emerged to help designers more fully explore possible solutions. These automated concept generators use knowledge from existing designs and the desired functionality of the new product to suggest solutions. Existing automated concept generation methods produce many candidate solutions, but often provide unmanageably large sets of solutions. Techniques are needed to organize the set of concepts into smaller groups, more easily parsed by the human …
Automated Residential Energy Monitoring: An Approach To Performance Comparisons,
2010
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Automated Residential Energy Monitoring: An Approach To Performance Comparisons, Christopher D. Wright, Robert B. Stone
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Techniques for residential energy usage monitoring is an emerging field that is currently drawing significant attention. This paper is a description of the current efforts to monitor and compare the performance of three solar-powered homes built at Missouri University of Science and Technology. the homes are outfitted with an array of sensors and a data logger system to measure and record electricity production, system energy use, internal home temperature and humidity, hot water production, and exterior ambient conditions the houses are experiencing. Data will be collected to measure the performance of the houses, compare to energy modeling programs, design and …
A Natural Language To Component Term Methodology: Towards A Form Based Concept Generation Tool,
2010
Missouri University of Science and Technology
A Natural Language To Component Term Methodology: Towards A Form Based Concept Generation Tool, Matt Robert Bohm, Robert B. Stone
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Over the last few decades design researchers have put forward theories and proposed methodologies that increase the chance that a design team will reliably arrive at the optimal solution to a given design problem. Studies, however, bear out that theories and methodologies alone will not guarantee an optimal or even good design solution. Instead, a breadth of knowledge across multiple engineering domains and the time and tools to thoroughly evaluate the design space are as important as any prescriptive design method. This work presents one of the underlying engineering technologies needed to leverage artificial intelligence approaches to thoroughly search the …
Functioncad: A Functional Modeling Application Based On The Function Design Framework,
2010
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Functioncad: A Functional Modeling Application Based On The Function Design Framework, Robert L. Nagel, Kenneth L. Perry, Robert B. Stone, Daniel A. Mcadams
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
This paper presents a functional modeling application, Function CAD, based on integrated functional and process modeling within the Function Design Framework. Function CAD provides for mixed, hierarchical models of environment, process and function with relationships represented via flows of material, energy and signal. This paper discusses the technical details of the Function CAD software including its two major components: (1) the library, libFCAD, for handling the internal representation of the model and (2) the GUI for user-Based model manipulation and visualization. the application of Function CAD within a computational, function- based conceptual design process is discussed along with the plugin …
Prediction Of The Transport Properties Of A Polyatomic Gas,
2010
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Prediction Of The Transport Properties Of A Polyatomic Gas, Zhi Liang, Hai-Lung Tsai
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
An Ab Initio Molecular Potential Model is Employed in This Paper to Show its Excellent Predictability for the Transport Properties of a Polyatomic Gas from Molecular Dynamics Simulations. a Quantum Mechanical Treatment of Molecular Vibrational Energies is Included in the Green and Kubo Integral Formulas for the Calculation of the Thermal Conductivity by the Metropolis Monte Carlo Method. using CO2 Gas as an Example, the Fluid Transport Properties in the Temperature Range of 300-1000 K Are Calculated Without using Any Experimental Data. the Accuracy of the Calculated Transport Properties is Significantly Improved by the Present Model, Especially for the Thermal …
Piezoresistive Nano-Composites: Characterization And Applications,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
Piezoresistive Nano-Composites: Characterization And Applications, Thomas B. Hyatt
Theses and Dissertations
Innovative multifunctional materials are essential to many new sensor applications. Piezoresistive nano-composites make up a promising class of such materials that have the potential to provide a measurable response to strain over a much wider range than typical strain gages. Commercial strain gages are currently dominated by metallic sensors with a useable range of a few percent strain at most. There are, however, many applications that would benefit from a reliable wide-range sensor. These might include the study of explosive behavior, instrumentation of flexible components, motion detection for compliant mechanisms and hinges, human-technology interfaces, and a wide variety of bio-mechanical …
Validating Module Heuristics On Large Scale Products,
2010
Missouri University of Science and Technology
Validating Module Heuristics On Large Scale Products, Rachel Day, Robert B. Stone, Katie Grantham Lough
Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works
Decreasing time and costs is a major objective in many businesses today. Including modularity in the early design phases can effectively decrease time spent on and costs associated with a project. the task of identifying modules within a product early in the design process (when decisions are less expensive) is made less daunting by using the techniques of functional modeling and module heuristics. This paper discusses the results of the initial efforts to verify the module heuristics on large products (products with functional models consisting of more than 30 sub-functions) since the module heuristics were originally developed on small products. …
Intelligibility Of Electrolarynx Speech Using A Novel Actuator,
2010
Technological University Dublin
Intelligibility Of Electrolarynx Speech Using A Novel Actuator, Brian Madden, Mark Nolan, Ted Burke, James Condron, Eugene Coyle
Conference Papers
During voiced speech, the larynx provides quasi-periodic acoustic excitation of the vocal tract. Following a laryngectomy, some people speak using an electrolarynx which replaces the excitatory function of the absent larynx. Drawbacks of conventional electrolarynx designs include the buzzing monotonic sound emitted, the need for a free hand to operate the device, and difficulty experienced by many laryngectomees in adapting to its use. Despite these shortcomings, it remains the preferred method of speech rehabilitation for a substantial minority of laryngectomees. In most electrolarynxes, mechanical vibrations are produced by a linear electromechanical actuator, the armature of which percusses against a metal …
Testing The Test: Validity And Reliability Of Senior Exit Exam,
2010
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Testing The Test: Validity And Reliability Of Senior Exit Exam, Lizabeth Schlemer, Daniel Waldorf
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
A senior exit exam is considered an excellent direct measure of student learning for ABET assessment, but the usefulness of the information gathered is related to the validity and reliability of the test itself. The Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo has used a content exam for several years. This paper will discuss test development, administration, and the role it plays in the assessment process. In addition, the test is evaluated using the standard psychometric techniques of reliability and validity. The results of the evaluation are used to refine the test. The importance …
Development And Implementation Of An Introduction To Stem Course For Dual-Enrollment Programs,
2010
The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Development And Implementation Of An Introduction To Stem Course For Dual-Enrollment Programs, Horacio Vasquez, Arturo Fuentes, Javier Macossay-Torres, Martin W. Knecht, Robert Freeman
Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications
A new Introduction to Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) course was developed and taught for the first time during the summer in 2009 to dual enrollment college students at South Texas College (STC). The new Introduction to STEM course was developed in collaboration between STEM Faculty members at the University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA) and STC, with the objective of creating, supporting and strengthening STEM pathways for students in the Dual-Enrollment Engineering Academy (DEEA) and other dual-enrollment or similar programs. The course was offered to two groups of students, at two different campuses in the DEEA program at STC. …
Laminar Flow Past An Oscillating Circular Cylinder In Cross Flow,
2010
Department of Naval Architecture and Ocean Engineering, Pusan National University, San 30, Jangjeon-Dong, Gumjeong-Gu, Busan, 609-735, Korea
Laminar Flow Past An Oscillating Circular Cylinder In Cross Flow, Pham Anh-Hung, Lee Chang-Yeol, Seo Jang-Hoon, Chun Ho-Hwan, Kim Hee-Jung, Hyun-Sik Yoon, Dong-Woo Park, Il-Ryong Park
Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan
The present study numerically investigates the twodimensional laminar flow past a circular cylinder forced to oscillate transverse to the free-stream. The numerical simulations are performed at a various range of cylinder oscillation frequency ranged between 0.8 and 1.2 of the natural vortex shedding frequency, and the oscillation amplitude extended up to 50% of the cylinder diameter at one Reynolds number of 185 showing the typical two-dimensional vortex shedding. The immersed boundary method is used to handle the oscillating cylinder in a rectangular grid system using the finite volume method. The primary vortex shedding frequency has the same value with the …
Computer Simulation Of A Biomass Gasification-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power System Using Aspen Plus,
2010
Technological University Dublin
Computer Simulation Of A Biomass Gasification-Solid Oxide Fuel Cell Power System Using Aspen Plus, Wayne Doherty, Anthony Reynolds, David Kennedy
Articles
The operation and performance of a solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stack on biomass syn-gas from a biomass gasification combined heat and power (CHP) plant is investigated. The objective of this work is to develop a model of a biomass-SOFC system capable of predicting performance under diverse operating conditions. The tubular SOFC technology is selected. The SOFC stack model, equilibrium type based on Gibbs free energy minimisation, is developed using Aspen Plus. The model performs heat and mass balances and considers ohmic, activation and concentration losses for the voltage calculation. The model is validated against data available in the literature …
Natural Fibers And Fiberglass: A Technical And Economic Comparison,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
Natural Fibers And Fiberglass: A Technical And Economic Comparison, Justin Andrew Zsiros
Theses and Dissertations
Natural fibers have received attention in recent years because of their minimal environmental impact, reasonably good properties, and low cost. There is a wide variety of natural fibers suitable for composite applications, the most common of which is flax. Flax has advantages in tensile strength, light weight, and low cost over other natural fibers. As with other natural and synthetic fibers, flax is used to reinforce both thermoset and thermoplastic matrices. When flax is used in thermoplastic matrices, polypropylene and polyethylene are the main resins used. Although at first glance flax may seem to be a cheaper alternative to fiberglass, …
Testing Guidelines For New Product Development,
2010
Brigham Young University - Provo
Testing Guidelines For New Product Development, Derek W. Egbert
Theses and Dissertations
While many literary sources outline the product development process, few make mention of the prototyping and testing stage. This thesis suggests that because of its importance in the product development process, "Testing" should be documented as a major step and not just listed as a side note. As part of the testing step, it is suggested that standardized, in-use, and market tests be used to properly evaluate a product. While many rely solely on standardized tests to validate their products, effective in-use tests can be another vital tool that can prove the performance of the product in more specific and …
Development And Assessment Of A Pcb Layout And Manufacturong Laboratory Module In Introductory Electric Circuits For Ee And Non-Ee Majors,
2010
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Development And Assessment Of A Pcb Layout And Manufacturong Laboratory Module In Introductory Electric Circuits For Ee And Non-Ee Majors, Albert Liddicoat, Jianbiao Pan, James G. Harris, Gary Perks, Linda Shepherd
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
In standard introductory electric circuits laboratories for electrical engineering (EE) majors and non-EE majors, prototype boards are typically used to construct and test electric circuits. Students typically do not learn how to design and manufacture Printed Circuit Boards (PCB) that are commonly used in more sophisticated design projects and other engineering applications. This paper will present the development and assessment of a PCB layout and manufacturing laboratory module that has been used in introductory electric circuits laboratories for EE and non-EE majors. The feasibility of integrating the new PCB layout and manufacturing module into the electric circuit course will be …
Assessing Curriculum Improvement Through Senior Projects,
2010
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Assessing Curriculum Improvement Through Senior Projects, Jianbiao Pan, Albert Liddicoat, James G. Harris, Linda Shepherd
Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering
Senior project and/or capstone design courses are intended to provide a culminating design experience for students and to demonstrate their understanding of engineering knowledge and their ability to apply that knowledge to practical problems. It is expected that the quality and attributes of students’ senior design projects can be used as a good measure of determining how well the curriculum prepares students to engage in engineering design as well as a measure of faculty teaching and student learning. This paper reports the results of a study designed to assess whether the new computer engineering curriculum implemented at Cal Poly over …
Ground Support Equipment For Northrop Grumman Massive Heat Transfer Experiment,
2010
California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Ground Support Equipment For Northrop Grumman Massive Heat Transfer Experiment, Michael A. Manuel, Christopher J. Sparber, Greg A. Trent
Aerospace Engineering
California Polytechnic State University students designed, built, and certified ground support equipment for the Northrop Grumman Massive Heat Transfer Experiment. The Cal Poly design team built the 10000, 20000, and 30000 assemblies to meet Northrop Grumman requirements. The requirements included interface limitations, design load factors, delivery, and testing specifications. The design process consists of requirements generation, conceptual design, preliminary design, design reviews, manufacturing, and certification. The hardware was successfully completed and is used at the Johnson Space and Kennedy Space Center.
Irrigation Leak Detection: Using Flow Rate Sensors To Detect Breaks In An Irrigation System,
2010
California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo
Irrigation Leak Detection: Using Flow Rate Sensors To Detect Breaks In An Irrigation System, Adam Openshaw, Kalvin Vu
Computer Engineering
This report details the exploration and invention of a mechanism that can detect breaks in an irrigation system. With the ultimate goal of conserving water, we have designed an inexpensive, self sustaining flow rate monitor that can be used to identify anomalies in an irrigation system and wirelessly communicate the status of the system to a base station. Our implementation can also determine the direction of the anomaly based on the nature of the anomaly itself. This means that multiple monitors can be used to pinpoint the location of a break within the system in addition to merely detecting its …
