Rainfall Organization And Geomorphologic Controls On The Flood Response Of Mild-Slope Basins In The South Atlantic Region Of Us, Yiwen Mei

Master's Theses

This study uses data from the Tar-River Basin in North Carolina to explore how space-time rainfall variability influences the hydrologic response from observational and modeling perspectives. For understanding the basin scale effect, the Tar-River Basin is divided into four cascade sub-basins ranging from 1106 km² up to 5654 km². The study evaluates the catchments’ response to rainfall for a large number of storm events by computing the event runoff coefficient based on streamflow observations and through simulations from a semi-distributed hydrological model. Comparison of observed to simulated hydrographs from the hydrological model shows that distributed rainfall forcing …

Enhanced Hydrocarbon Biodegradation Using Bioaugmentation With Biowish™-Aqua Fog, Michael Robert Lehrer

Master's Theses

This study was done to determine the effectiveness of a commercially available bioaugmentation product, BiOWiSH^TM-Aqua FOG, for remediating petroleum-contaminated sandy soil. Biodegradation enhancement by BiOWiSH^TM-Aqua FOG was evaluated in laboratory microcosms by directly measuring total petroleum hydrocarbon (TPH) and indirectly using respirometry. Attempts were made to enrich hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in BiOWiSH^TM-Aqua FOG, and the resulting enrichment cultures were screened using respirometry as well. Potential hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria in BiOWiSH^TM-Aqua FOG were isolated. Experiments were performed at bench-scale using microcosm bottles containing sand contaminated with either motor oil or No. 2 diesel fuel. The …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Torsional Micro-Hinge Structures, Mike Madrid Marrujo

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Fabrication and Characterization of Torsional Micro-Hinge Structures

Mike Marrujo

There are many electronic devices that operate on the micrometer-scale such as Digital Micro-Mirror Devices (DMD). Micro actuators are a common type of DMD that employ a diaphragm supported by torsional hinges, which deform during actuation and are critical for the devices to have high stability and reliability. The stress developed within the hinge during actuation controls how the actuator will respond to the actuating force. Electrostatically driven micro actuators observe to have a fully recoverable non-linear viscoelastic response. The device consists of a micro-hinge which is suspended by two …

The Effect Of Polarization And Ingan Quantum Well Shape In Multiple Quantum Well Light Emitting Diode Heterostructures, Patrick M. Mcbride

Master's Theses

Previous research in InGaN/GaN light emitting diodes (LEDs) employing semi-classical drift-diffusion models has used reduced polarization constants without much physical explanantion. This paper investigates possible physical explanations for this effective polarization reduction in InGaN LEDs through the use of the simulation software SiLENSe. One major problem of current LED simulations is the assumption of perfectly discrete transitions between the quantum well (QW) and blocking layers when experiments have shown this to not be the case. The In concentration profile within InGaN multiple quantum well (MQW) devices shows much smoother and delayed transitions indicative of indium diffusion and drift during …

Effect Of Oxidation On Weld Strengthof Dissimilar Resistance Weld Interface Between 304 Stainless Steeland Near Equiatomic Austenitic Nitinol Guide Wire, Matthew Rudow

Master's Theses

Abbott Vascular encountered strength and variability issues when attempting to resistively weld 304 Stainless Steel to equiatomic Nitinol. Initial observations suggested that passivation layer (Cr₂O₃, TiO₂) formation affected the weld interface. One hundred 304 Stainless Steel/Nitinol pairs were allowed to oxidize in air at room temperature for allowed periods of time (.1, 1, 3, 5, 7, 12, 16, 24, 168, and 336 hours). Each pair was welded resistively with constant current. A Miyachi/Unitek Advanced Data Analysis Monitor (ADAM) recorded the peak resistance at the instance the weld was made. Resistances were compared to Instron …

Improving Broadband Noise Filter For Audio Signals, Alexander Conway

Master's Theses

Abstract

Improving broadband noise filter for audio signals

By

Alex Conway

Filtering broadband noise in audio signals has always been a challenge since the noise is spread across a large bandwidth and overlaps the spectral range of the audio signal being recovered. There have been several broadband noise reduction techniques, such as spectral subtraction, developed for speech enhancement that might be applied to reduce noise in musical audio recordings as well. One such technique that is investigated in this thesis identifies the harmonic components of a signal to be preserved as those spectral magnitude peaks that exceed a chosen decision …

Deposition, Characterization, And Fabrication Of A Zinc Oxide Piezoelectric Thin Film Microspeaker Using Dc Reactive Sputtering, Adam Olzick

Master's Theses

A piezoelectric microspeaker device that could be used in a variety of acoustic applications was designed and fabricated using a thin film ZnO layer that was reactively DC sputtered onto a single crystalline n-type silicon substrate. When tested the microspeaker did not produce sound due to complications in the etching process, the thickness of the diaphragms, and clamping effects. Instead, a characterization approach was taken and the structural, optical, electrical, and piezoelectric properties of the ZnO were investigated. Scanning electron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and atomic force microscopy were utilized to discover the ZnO’s structural properties. Using the XRD and SEM, …

Like Laws And Sausages: The Tale Of A Mere Portion Of The Process To Develop The South Broad Street Corridor Plan, Amy R. Lopez

Master's Theses

The processes to develop community plans share certain standard activities and stages while remaining distinctive and without pre-scripted procedures. This study documents the process that yielded the South Broad Street Corridor Plan June 2012 draft. The objective is to present the decision-making processes and their connections to the final plan document along with the plan document itself.

City Of Watsonville Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, Emily Margaret Lipoma

Master's Theses

The City of Watsonville is vulnerable to a number of natural and man-made hazards. This project analyzed this risk and vulnerabilities to critical facilities within the city, and made recommendations of mitigation strategies and implementation methods to address this risk. Analysis and data collection was conducted in coordination with the City of Watsonville Fire Department and the resulting product will be given to the City for their use and potential adoption. The documents within this Local Hazard Mitigation Plan was developed to the standards and specifications developed by the State of California and Federal Emergency Management Agency for a Local …

Reliable Software Updates For On-Orbit Cubesat Satellites, Sean Fitzsimmons

Master's Theses

CubeSat satellites have redefined the standard solution for conducting missions in space due to their unique form factor and cost. The harsh environment of space necessitates examining features that improve satellite robustness and ultimately extend lifetime, which is typical and vital for mission success. The CubeSat development team at Cal Poly, PolySat, has recently redefined its standard avionics platform to support more complex mission capabilities with this robustness in mind. A significant addition was the integration of the Linux operating system, which provides the flexibility to develop much more elaborate protection mechanisms within software, such as support for remote on-orbit …

Network Channel Visualizing Simulator: A Real-Time, 3d, Interactive Network Simulation Platform, Sean Michael Forsberg

Master's Theses

With a focus of always being connected, it's become typical for laptops and mobile devices to include multiple wireless network devices. Though the additional network devices have created mobility and versatility of how a user is connected, it is common for only one to be active at any given time. While likely that new mesh protocols will help maximize connectivity and power consumption by utilizing lower-power multi-hop techniques, it is still difficult to visualize these protocols due to the complexity created by each node's simple choices. Further challenges are presented by the variety of network devices which share frequency ranges …

Mapping Plant Biodiversity Hotspots At The County Scale: A New Tool For Establishing Resource Conservation Strategies, Kristie Haydu

Master's Theses

Myers first identified the world’s 25 biodiversity hotspots and pioneered innovative ideas about the usefulness of biodiversity models for establishing long-term resource conservation strategies at global scales. Since Myers, most of the subsequent studies using hotspot science for biodiversity modeling have used large spatial scales like countries, provinces or states, and other biogeoraphic regions. The California Floristic Province continues to be one of the recognized global biodiversity hotspots. Our study site, San Luis Obispo County is within this hotspot and we created a map of plant biodiversity hotspots at the county scale using GIS technology. We wanted to determine the …

Evaluation Of Textural Properties Of Cooked Beef Batters, Lee M. Christensen

Master's Theses

In the meat science industry the primary method used to determine the binding capabilities of a raw material is to reference the binding index created by Carpenter and Saffle (1964). This index is primarily based on the emulsification capabilities of meats and does not consider texture. As texture is one of the principal factors in determining acceptability of foods (Bourne, 1978), a testing method that captures textural attributes of raw materials is essential. This work was developed to capture raw material texture and cooking loss in a relatively quick manner.

Textural properties of cooked beef batters using two different salt …

Baseline Groundwater Composition And Quality Below Irrigated Almond And Walnut Orchards In Durham, Ca, Usa., Candace A. Gallion

Master's Theses

BASELINE GROUNDWATER COMPOSITION AND QUALITY BELOW IRRIGATED ALMOND AND WALNUT ORCHARDS IN DURHAM, CA, USA.

Candace A. Gallion

This study investigated groundwater quality in the Durham, California, USA area. The goal of the study was to determine baseline groundwater quality for the study area, whether crop type or time of year influenced groundwater quality, whether groundwater quality was significantly different among sample sites, and if groundwater quality test factors were correlated, and if any limiting factors for irrigation were present. Groundwater samples were collected and analyzed from eleven wells in almond (A2, A4, A5, A6, A7 and A8) and walnut …

Viscoelastic Anisotropic Finite Element Mixture Model Of Articular Cartilage Using Viscoelastic Collagen Fibers And Validation With Stress Relaxation Data, Matthew Alexander Griebel

Master's Theses

Experimental results show that collagen fibers exhibit stress relaxation under tension and a highly anisotropic distribution. To further develop the earlier model of Stender [1], the collagen constituent was updated to reflect its intrinsic viscoelasticity and anisotropic distribution, and integrated with an existing mixture model with glycosaminoglycans and ground substance matrix. A two-term Prony series expansion of the quasi-linear viscoelastic model was chosen to model the viscoelastic properties of the collagen fibers. Material parameters were determined by using the simplex method to minimize the sum of squared errors between model results and experimental stress relaxation data of tissue in tension. …

Wideband, Low-Loss, High-Power Handling Diplexer For Airborne Early Warning (Aew) Systems, Awrang Taiby

Master's Theses

Airborne Early Warning (AEW) systems rely on rotary couplers (RC) to interface rotating antenna elements on aircraft exteriors with stationary onboard systems. The demand for additional channels in new generation AEW systems increases the complexity of rotary couplers significantly. On the other hand, if signals in separate frequency bands use the same channel, existing AEW designs could incorporate additional channels with only minor changes. Passive RF diplexers can accomplish this task. Required characteristics include low-loss (<0.5dB), wideband (4.4:1), and high-power (>6kW) handling capability. Two diplexer candidates are synthesized and characterized with the aid of a commercial circuit simulation package that includes a 3D full-wave …

Getting On The Bus: Marketing San Luis Obispo's Regional Transit Authority, Jenna Higgins

Master's Theses

A new trend is emerging, seeking to recognize the benefits of and encourage the use of public transportation. In the past, public transit agencies have not directed much energy or focus at marketing, seeking to use limited funds elsewhere. “The common perception is that money spent on marketing would be better spent on transit systems themselves…over time, a sustained investment in marketing increases the number of people who use transit. Increased ridership leads to increased revenue, and ideally, an increase in service to match the new demand” (Arpi, 2009).

Even as marketing gains importance in the public transit world, questions …

The Micro Check-In Framework For The Next Generation Of Location-Based Applications, Shraddha Kacha

Master's Theses

Today's mobile computing platforms provide new, convenient possibilities for location-based commercial activity. In particular, the global positioning system (GPS) provides location data for local advertising and retail activity. In this thesis, we take the next step and introduce the concept of micro check-in. Micro check-in is a simple framework that allows users to match their current location to specific objects or places at a resolution much finer than that allowed by GPS based check-in. We show that micro check-in enables customers to reveal their location at a fine level of granularity. By describing the concepts of points of service, service …

Comparing Anti-Vegf Antibodies And Aptamers On Paper Microfluidic-Based Platforms, Katherine Noel Clayton

Master's Theses

The field of microfluidics is expanding into what is known as paper microfluidics. This uses a paper platform rather than materials (i.e. PDMS, PMMA) that are commonly used in microfluidics research. Current devices require an expensive manufacturing process and external sources to power the device. Such devices are not practical in low resource environments. As a consequence, it is the goal of this Thesis to develop a three-dimensional, multiplexed assay chip using nitrocellulose membranes. This device comprises of multiple layers of nitrocellulose membranes with defined fluidic channels. The multiple layers are bound together using double backed tape, and imbedded between …

Comparison Of Unstructured & Structured Meshing For A Circulation Control Wing & Engine Configuration Using Rans Cfd, John Pham

Master's Theses

This thesis was conducted as a contributing report to an ongoing NASA Research Announcement (NRA,#NNL07AA55C). The NRA investigates potential advanced commercial transport designs that could be utilized in the N+2 time frame (about 2025). The basis of the advanced design revolves around a heavily researched technology called Circulation Control that will be investigated through computational and wind tunnel methods for its feasibility in commercial aviation. The work of this thesis evaluates two potential meshing topologies when conducting CFD; Unstructured and Structured Meshing. Greatest challenges faced was handling the complexity of the computational model and capturing the correct physics that consisted …

Touchspice: Physical-Virtual Circuit Emulator, Kevin Christopher Peters

Master's Theses

This thesis involves the creation of a system of embedded touchscreen devices called touchSPICE to aid in the learning of basic circuits. Traditionally, circuit theory is taught to students in two different methods, lectures and laboratory exercises. Lectures focus on auditory and visual learning and are largely passive learning. Lab experiments allow students to physically interact with the circuits, and learn visually through viewing output waveforms from simulators or on measurement devices. The goal of the touchSPICE project is to develop a physical system for virtual, real-time SPICE simulation that mimics the laboratory experience. In touchSPICE, touchscreen devices act as …

Becoming Cittaslow: A City's Journey To Becoming A Cittaslow Member, Megan Alexis Elovich

Master's Theses

The project will explore Cittaslow as an alternative to traditional urban development. Sprawl and consumption of non-local resources are discouraged with Cittaslow and preservation of culture and history become the tangible benchmarks of the community. It will explore the history of Cittaslow as a movement and an organization; as well as its influences on existing member cities and the criteria used to distinguish them from others. The City of San Luis Obispo is used as a case study to determine whether existing conditions measure up to Cittaslow criteria.

Design Of Experimentation To Systematically Determine The Interaction Between Electrospinning Variables And To Optimize The Fiber Diameter Of Electrospun Poly (D, L-Lactide-Co-Glycolide) Scaffolds For Tissue Engineered Constructs, Yvette S. Castillo

Master's Theses

Cardiac disease causes approximately a third of the deaths in the United States. Furthermore, most of these deaths are due to a condition termed atherosclerosis, which is a buildup of plaque in the coronary arteries, leading to occlusion of normal blood flow to the cardiac muscle. Among the methods to treat the condition, stents are devices that are used to restore normal blood flow in the atherosclerotic arteries. Before advancement can be made to these devices and changes can be tested in live models, a reliable testing method that mimics the environment of the native blood vessel is needed. Dr. …

Historically-Informed Development In The Civic Center South Area Of Downtown Los Angeles, John Daniel Von Kerczek

Master's Theses

The site of today’s Civic Center in Downtown Los Angeles evolved gradually over the course of over 150 years before being dramatically transformed in the early to mid 20th century. Understanding how this area evolved and was redeveloped can help guide efforts to restore physical and historical continuity throughout the area. Specifically, this historical understanding can assist in identifying key opportunity sites within the area, such as Civic Center South, and in setting urban design goals for new development. Research for this thesis included an analysis of the area’s historic development and a review of its current conditions. The historical …

Study Of Statistical And Computational Intelligence Methods Of Detecting Temporal Signature Of Forest Fire Heat Plume From Single-Band Ground-Based Infrared Video, Daniel G. Kohler

Master's Theses

This thesis will analyze video from land-based, cooled mid-wave infrared cameras to identify temporal features indicative of a heat plume from a forest fire. Desirable features and methods will show an ability to distinguish between heat plume movement and other movements, such as foliage, vehicles, humans, and birds in flight. Features will be constructed primarily using combinations of statistics and principal component analysis (PCA) with intent to detect key characteristics of fire and heat plume: persistence and growth. Several classification systems will combine and filter the features in an attempt to classify pixels as either heat or non-heat. The classification …

Characterization Of Raw Milk Fouling On Plate-Type Heat Exchangers Using Different Alloys And Cow Phenotypes, Stephen Ernest Nelson

Master's Theses

ABSTRACT

Characterization Of Raw Milk Fouling On Plate-Type Heat Exchangers Using Different Alloys And Cow PhenotypeS

Stephen Ernest Nelson

Milk and other dairy products are widely used in many households today. Milk is a popular beverage that is seen as a healthy alternative to other synthetic beverages such as soda pop and other sugar based drinks. It became law that milk, and milk products are pasteurized before its release to the general public (FDA 2003). Pasteurization is a thermal process where the intent is to lower the concentration of microorganisms in the milk to render it safe to drink with …

3d Electromagnetic Simulation Tool Exposure For Undergraduate Electrical Engineers: Incorporation Into An Analog Filters Course, Bobby B. Pheng

Master's Theses

With the growth of wireless communications, comes the need for engineers knowledgeable in 3D electromagnetic (EM) simulation of high-frequency circuits. To give electrical engineering students a better understanding of the behavior of electromagnetic fields, experiments including the use of 3D EM simulation software were proposed. Most students get lost in differential equations, curls, and divergences; this thesis aims to remedy that by exposing them to 3D EM simulation, which may motivate them toward further study in electromagnetics. Also, experience using EMPro is very beneficial for future RF/microwave/antenna engineers, as use of 3D EM simulation is becoming a requirement for this …

Vibration Health Monitoring Of Gears, Markus Josef Scherer

Master's Theses

Monitoring the health of vibrating gears is important to ensure proper operation especially in potentially life-threatening structures, such as helicopters, nuclear power plants, and uninterruptible power supply transitions in hospitals. The most common monitoring technique is casing mounted accelerometers to measure vibration. In contrast, during the last few years acoustic monitoring techniques have also provided a few diagnostic methods for gear failure. Current diagnostic methods to indicate improper gear behavior use either existing vibration data, recorded from defective gear systems, or modern dynamic models predicting gear failure behavior.

This thesis uses dynamic models to indicate, predict, and diagnose healthy and …

Performance-Based Analysis Of A Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall Building, Garrett Richard Hagen

Master's Theses

PERFORMANCE-BASED ANALYSIS OF A REINFORCED CONCRETE SHEAR WALL BUILDING

Garrett Richard Hagen

In this thesis, a special reinforced concrete shear wall building was designed per ASCE 7-05, and then the performance was investigated using the four analysis procedures outlined in ASCE 41-06. The proposed building was planned as a 6-story office building in San Francisco, CA. The structural system consisted of a two-way flat plate and reinforced concrete columns for gravity loads and slender structural walls for seismic loads. The mathematical building models utilized recommendations from ASCE 41-06 and first-principle mechanics. Moment-curvature analysis and fiber cross-section elements were used in …

Development Of A Ground Based Atomic Oxygen And Vacuum Ultraviolet Radiation Simulation Apparatus, Max Jay Glicklin

Master's Theses

The space environment possesses numerous unique and unusual attributes, creating challenges that must be considered in order to accomplish a successful space mission. Two of the detrimental aspects of the space environment include Atomic Oxygen, AO, and Ultraviolet, UV, radiation. UV radiation becomes more severe in space as there is no atmosphere to attenuate incoming photons, thereby exposing spacecraft to radiation that never reaches the surface of the Earth. Overall, space vehicles are exposed to a total of 107.4 Watts/m² of light shorter than 400 nm. AO is created by the photo disassociation of molecular oxygen by UV radiation …