Digital Commons Network^™

Validation Of Linearized Flight Models Using Automated System-Identification, Keith Eric Rothman

Master's Theses

Optimization based flight control design tools depend on automatic linearization tools, such as Simulink®’s LINMOD, to extract linear models. In order to ensure the usefulness and correctness of the generated linear model, this linearization must be accurate. So a method of independently verifying the linearized model is needed. This thesis covers the automation of a system identification tool, CIFER®, for use as a verification tool integrated with CONDUIT®, an optimization based design tool. Several test cases are built up to demonstrate the accuracy of the verification tool with respect to analytical results and matches with LINMOD. Several common nonlinearities are …

Incremental Validation Of Formal Specifications, Paul S. Corwin

Master's Theses

This thesis presents a tool for the mechanical validation of formal software specifications. The tool is based on a novel approach to incremental validation. In this approach, small-scale aspects of a specification are validated, as part of the stepwise refinement of a formal model.

The incremental validation technique can be considered a form of "lightweight" model checking. This is in contrast to a "heavyweight" approach, wherein an entire large-scale model is validated en masse.

The validation tool is part of a formal modeling and specification language (FMSL), used in software engineering instruction. A lightweight, incremental approach to validation is beneficial …

A Flight Simulation Study Of The Simultaneous Non-Interfering Aircraft Approach, Brian H. Reel

Master's Theses

Using a new implementation of a NASA flight simulation of the Quiet Short-Haul Research Aircraft, autopilots were designed to be capable of flying both straight in (ILS) approaches, and circling (SNI) approaches. A standard glideslope coupler was sufficient for most conditions, but a standard Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) based localizer tracker was not sufficient for maintaining a lateral track on the SNI course. To track the SNI course, a feed-forward system, using GPS steering provided much better results.

NASA and the FAA embrace the concept of a Simultaneous, Non-Interfering (SNI) approach as a way to increase airport throughput while reducing the noise …

Harmonic Analysis Of A Static Var Compensated Mixed Load System, James David Ruckdaschel

Master's Theses

As power electronic based controllers and loads become more prevalent in power systems, there is a growing concern about how the harmonics generated by these controllers and loads affect the power quality of the system. One widely used power electronic based load is the Variable Frequency Drive (VFDs) used to vary the speed of an induction motor; whereas a common example of a power electronic based controller used in power systems is the Static VAR Compensator (SVC) for improving a system’s power factor. In this thesis, the harmonic content and overall performance of a system including both a VFD and …

Design And Control Considerations For A Skid-To-Turn Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, Tanner Austin Sims

Master's Theses

The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are rapidly expanding and taking on new roles in the military. In the area of training and targeting vehicles, control systems are expanding the functionality of UAVs beyond their initially designed purpose. Aeromech Engineering’s NXT UAV is a high speed target drone that is intended to simulate a small aircraft threat. However, in the interest of increasing functionality, enabling NXT to accomplish wings level skidding turns provides the basis for a UAV that can simulate a threat from a missile. Research was conducted to investigate the aerodynamic and performance characteristics of a winged …

Target Tracking Using Various Filters In Synthetic Aperture Radar Data And Imagery, Jessica L. Kiefer

Master's Theses

This thesis explores the use and accuracy of several discrete-time image filters for the purpose of target tracking in Synthetic Aperture Radar imagery. Both extended targets and point targets are used for tracking, showing the need for different types of filters for each target type.

Monte Carlo analysis is performed on the results of the extended target filter results to determine the absolute mean-squared error between the filter prediction of the target centroid and the actual location of the target centroid. Two different filters were chosen for the extended target: Kalman and H Infinity.

Both the Kalman and H Infinity …

Pipelined Apache Http Server, Kevin Le

Master's Theses

Web servers often become overloaded with irregular surges in web traffic. Several techniques have been explored to cope with these overloads such as distributing load throughout different servers. This thesis presents Pipelined Apache HTTP Server, a modified version of the Apache Software Foundation’s HTTP Server that utilizes a pipelined execution of Apache’s request cycle. We discuss Apache’s original architecture, the modifications necessary for implementation of pipelined execution, and analyze its run time. Ultimately, we hoped to increase throughput of Apache but fall short because of unbalanced request phases and pipelining overhead.

Shielding Effectiveness Of Superalloy, Aluminum, And Mumetal Shielding Tapes, Cindy Suit Cheung

Master's Theses

Using MIL-HDBK-419A, MATLAB and Nomographs, Shielding Effectiveness for the Magnetic Field, Electric Field, and Plane Wave were calculated over a frequency range from 10 Hz to 1 GHz. The three shielding tapes used included superalloy, aluminum, and mumetal. Calculations for Shielding Effectiveness involve the computation of Absorption Loss, Reflection Loss, and Re-Reflection Correction Factor. From the outcome of the calculations, it was suitable to conclude that all three metals fulfill the 40 dB Shielding Effectiveness requirements for SGEMP fields for frequencies greater or equal to 1 MHz. Accordingly, all three shielding tapes provide at least 40 dB of shielding to …

The Effect Of Random, Blocked, And Transition Practice Schedules On Children's Performance Of A Barrier Knockdown Test, Gregory C. Snider

Master's Theses

The purpose of this research was to examine whether a transition schedule of contextual interference facilitated learning in retention and transfer equal to or better than random and blocked schedules among children. The author selected participants from the central coast of California and from youth activity leagues. The author selected children between the ages of 10 to 13 with a mean age of 11.5. There were a total of 36 subjects, half male and half female. Unfortunately, due to computer error, only data from 15 subjects were saved and available for analysis. Researchers randomly assigned participants to one of three …

The Effects Of Alterations To Upper Limb Inertial Properties On Vertical Point-To-Point Movement, Adrian K. Hongo

Master's Theses

Purpose: Several studies have examined intralimb coordination between the shoulder and elbow joints during target-oriented movements. These studies have observed consistent patterns in coordination despite changes in movement variables such as speed, direction, and inertia. Researchers used intersegmental dynamics to quantitatively analyze these patterns between shoulder and elbow joints while systematically changing values of these movement variables. Some studies have examined central nervous system adaptations to inertial changes at the elbow and entire arm during a movement, but none have examined inertial changes to the upper limb. Methods: Five male and five female participants aged 27 to 39 years (mean …

Potential Migration Of Ε-Caprolactam To Water And Wine As Affected By Transportation And Storage, Joseph C. Ianneo

Master's Theses

Abstract: Under normal sealing and storage conditions, Nylon-6, poly-caprolactam-based plastic laminates may release impurities to packaged foods and liquids and the application of heat for cooking often increases the rate of migration. Epsilon-caprolactam is one of the main contaminates found to migrate from a Nylon-6 poly-caprolactam plastic film. The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of solvent, transportation and storage time on the migration of ε-caprolactam from a Nylon-6-based lidding material into water or a white wine substitute (12% ethanol). Polypropylene plastic cups were filled, sealed, packaged, stacked and exposed to a simulated 3-day cross-country shipment. Cups …

Optimization Of Gan Laser Diodes Using 1d And 2d Optical Simulations, Sean Richard Keali'i Jobe

Master's Theses

This paper studies the optical properties of a GaN Laser Diode (LD). Through simulation, the GaN LD is optimized for the best optical confinement factor. It is found that there are optimal thicknesses of each layer in the diode that yield the highest optical confinement factor. There is a strong relationship between the optical confinement factor and lasing threshold—a higher optical confinement factor results in a lower lasing threshold. Increasing optical confinement improves lasing efficiency. Blue LDs are important to the future of lighting sources as they represent the final color in the RGB spectrum that does not have a …

A System For Measuring The Lift And Drag Forces Of A Spinning Golf Ball Held Fixed Within A Wind Tunnel, Ryan R. Miller

Master's Theses

A system was designed, built and tested in order to test the aerodynamic properties of a standard golf ball in a wind tunnel manufactured by ELD, Inc. model 406(B). The system consists of a rotating shaft, on which the golf ball is attached, connected to a two-axis force transducer. Additionally, an automated data acquisition system was built for enhanced precision of measurements. Data for wind speeds up to 160 ft/s and rotational speeds up to 8,600 rpm were obtained and analyzed. The purpose of the designed apparatus was to allow for studies to better understand the lift and drag coefficients …

Temperature Influence And Heat Management Requirements Of Microalgae Cultivation In Photobioreactors, Thomas Hagen Mehlitz

Master's Theses

Microalgae are considered one of the most promising feedstocks for biofuel production for the future. The most efficient way to produce vast amounts of algal biomass is the use of closed tubular photobioreactors (PBR). The heat requirement for a given system is a major concern since the best algae growth rates are obtained between 25-30 °C, depending on the specific strain. A procedure to determine temperature influence on algal growth rates was developed for a lab-scale PBR system using the species Chlorella. A maximum growth rate of 1.44 doublings per day at 29 °C (optimal temperature) was determined. In addition, …

Three-Dimensional Target Modeling With Synthetic Aperture Radar, John R. Hupton

Master's Theses

Conventional Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) offers high-resolution imaging of a target region in the range and cross-range dimensions along the ground plane. Little or no data is available in the range-altitude dimension, however, and target functions and models are limited to two-dimensional images. This thesis first investigates some existing methods for the computation of target reflectivity data in the deficient elevation domain, and a new method is then proposed for three-dimensional (3-D) SAR target feature extraction.

Simulations are implemented to test the decoupled least-squares technique for high-resolution spectral estimation of target reflectivity, and the accuracy of the technique is assessed. …

Effects Of Wall Compliance On Pulsatile Flow Attenuation In Microchannels., Jing-Keat Goh

Master's Theses

The attenuation of pulsatile flow through highly compliant microchannels has been investigated. The expansion of a compliant microchannel subjected to pulsatile flow is able to store fluid temporarily and thereby reduce the peak-to-peak magnitude of flow fluctuation. In a highly compliant microchannel, the microchannel expansion reduces its hydraulic resistance and its associated pressure drop. For a similar inlet pressure condition, the pressure drop along the length of a more compliant microchannel is lower than a rigid microchannel. Therefore, greater net pressure is available to deform the microchannel wall. So the hypothesis of this study is the coupled relationship between higher …

Integral And Non-Integral Dimension Of Modules Over Non-Commutative Rings., Sejal K. Dharia

Master's Theses

This thesis studies the conditions under which certain U (G)-modules have integral dimension. Specifically, the paper explores the circumstances under which certain U (G)-modules are free modules. Two main theorems are proven for this endeavor. The first theorem takes the matrix representation A of a submodule N of a free left module M over an arbitrary ring R. The theorem states that if A can be put into reduced row echelon form, then N and M/N are both free left R-modules. The second theorem takes the matrix representation B of an arbitrary left R-module homomorphism T. If B can be …

Negotiating Multicultural Identities Within The Classroom., Teresa Lee Teng

Master's Theses

This thesis explores cultural identity negotiation among American born Chinese (ABC) college students. Specifically analyzing their communication patterns within the classroom, the author illuminates how ABC students negotiate their multicultural identities through emergent dialectical tensions and patterns of praxis.

Tall Fescue (Lolium Arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) Cultivar Performance In The Central California Coastal Region, Seril Shimizu

Master's Theses

Tall fescue (Lolium arundinaceum (Schreb.) S.J. Darbyshire) has long been known as a turfgrass that utilizes lower levels of inputs than most other cool season turfgrasses (Turgeon, 2005). In recent years, turf breeders have been selecting for cultivars of tall fescue that have finer leaf textures. As the use of tall fescue expands, consumers want to now what cultivar to use and how to manage it. This study looked at 18 tall fescue cultivars grown at two mowing heights of five and 10 centimeters and evaluated plant quality based on stand density, leaf texture, and genetic plant color. In the …

Programming And Conceptual Design Using Building Information Modeling, Mary-Alice Avila

Master's Theses

This thesis explores the benefits of using Building Information Modeling (BIM) during the programming and conceptual design phase of a project. The research was based on a case study undertaken dealing with the decisions and assumptions made during the design phases of the Center for Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The project team used a traditional approach to project plan development. The finding of this study was that the project process would have greatly benefited utilizing BIM tools and a collaborative team approach in the programming and conceptual design phase. Because decisions made early in the project have …

A Unified Resource Platform For The Rapid Development Of Scalable Web Applications, Russell Palmiter

Master's Theses

This thesis presents Web Utility Kit (WUT): a platform that helps to simplify the process of creating modern web applications. It addresses the need to simplify the web development process through the creation of a hosted service that provides access to a unified set of resources. The resources are made available through a variety of protocols and formats to help simplify their consumption. It also provides a uniform model across all of its resources making multi-resource development an easier and more familiar task. WUT saves the time and cost associated with deployment, maintenance, and hosting of the hardware and software …

Joshua And The Education Of A Nation: Jamaica Educational Reform In The Manley-Era, 1972-1980, Dionne Dean

Master's Theses

Former Jamaican Prime Minister, Michael Manley and the Peoples National Party were concerned with the future manpower needs of the developing nation. They were also concerned with what education meant for the political process in Jamaica. World financial organizations such as the IMF and World Bank loaned the country millions of dollars to aid in the development of educational programs. However, they also expected a return on investment in the form of an educated labor force to be utilized by foreign investors. Foreign aid organizations such as CIDA and UNESCO also contributed greatly to educational advancement on the island. They …

Interpreting Quantum Nonlocality As Platonic Information, James C. Emerson

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Uses And Adoption Of Web 2.0 : A Study Of The Next Generation Of The Internet, Caitlin Rives

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Event Based Propagation Approach To Constraint Configuration Problems, Rajhdeep Jandir

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Purposive Dance And Motivating Students In California's Public Schools, Kathleen Wehr

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Praxis : Dialogue, Reflection, And Action Toward A More Empowering Pedagogy, Genvieve Nicole Dorsey

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

Evaluating The Effectiveness Of Micro-Hydropower Projects In Nepal, Shradha Upadhayay

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

The Effect Of Strain On The Electrical Resistivity Of Carbon Filled Elastomers, Scott Leonard Poveromo

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.

A Comparison Of Aquatic Insect Communities Between Man-Made And Natural Ponds, Kristy Kay Whiteson

Master's Theses

No abstract provided.