Digital Commons Network^™

Micro Cad/Cam System Selection And Implementation, Christian Georg Haas

Theses

The rapid growth of the computer market in the last four decades causes difficulties in evaluating the various systems and configurations of this complex market.

This thesis focuses on graphics capable microcomputers in the computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) field. The thesis emphasizes the technical possibilities such a system offers in terms of hardware, software and applications. Each hardware and software component is detailed to give a new-comer the opportunity to update him or herself in this high technology field. Technical information, as well as installation and implementation are described. Also, provided are lists of several …

Microcomputer-Controlled Respiratory Rate Monitor, David John Hartmann

Theses

In order to measure the metabolic change in an animal due to the administration of anti-obesity drugs, an instrument was constructed which will allow the continuous sampling of twelve individual animals residing in enclosed chambers. The instrument is based on the principle of Indirect Calorimetry, which measures metabolic rate by sampling the inlet and outlet concentrations of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) of the chamber. The system is controlled by an IBM PC which will control six chambers or twelve chambers simultaneously.

The system assesses the metabolic rate of the animal by calculating the Respiratory Quotient (RQ) and the …

A Computer-Based Microwave Interferometer Instrumentation System As A Non-Invasive Cardiopulmonary Monitor, Chin-Yee Eric Ho

Theses

The system comprises a microwave interferometer as a computer-based non-invasive cardiopulmonary monitor. The microwave interferometer records the mechanical vibration of the chest wall. The objective is to determine whether the signals may have diagnostic value and to evaluate the instrument as a non-invasive and non-contacting cardiopulmonary monitor.

With the help of a computer it is possible to analyze the mechanical vibration of the chest wall produced by the heart and thereby detect, and possibly categorize, cardiac abnormalities. This system is able to process two channels, the first signal from microwave interferometer records chest wall vibrations and the second signal is …

Determination Of Project Duration For Resource Constrained Projects Without Using Resource Scheduling Procedure, Rabindra Nath Karmakar

Theses

The problem addressed in this thesis is that of determining the practicability of equating measures of network and resource characteristics to the early finish date of a project which is constrained by resources. The output of standard critical path calculations along with information on resource profiles that are easy to calculate can be of use in estimating resource constrained project duration.

Twenty two different equations ( developed by Hall) were used to find the estimated project finish dates. These results were compared to the schedule resulting from the application of the heuristic rule of minimum activity float. It is shown …

Investigation Of A Technology For Glass Shaping By The Use Of Abrasive Waterjet, Wu-Tzung Lee

Theses

This study investigates the effects of AWJ properties on the results of glass machining and examines the feasibility of contour glass cutting. The principal defects of AWJ glass cutting are identified. A practical technique to prevent defects and to improve the quality of the glass surface is presented. A computer package was developed to provide a computer-aided programming function, a control program transformation fuction, and a object image operation function. Throughout the programming function, robot control programs can be generated to improve cutting quality and cutting speed. The transformation function can be used to change the programming modes or the …

Independent Equations Method For Power System State-Estimation, Shun-Gee Lin

Theses

The problem of power system state estimation (PSSE) is to convert the available. redundant and noise contaminated measurements, and other information into a best estimate of the state of the system.

Methods to solve the PSSE, including the sub-problems of bad data presence detection, identification and reconstruction, are reviewed. The Independent Equations Method (IEM) was selected for in-depth study and analysis.

The tree method for bad data identification is tested and failed due to the suspected ill-conditioning of the sensitivity matrix. For bad-data reconstruction, the IEM fails as described. Modifications that saves computing time and ensures reconstruction success are presented …

Contrast Sensitivity Measurement Via Evoked Potential, Ken-Gen Lu

Theses

This work is concerned with the use of the visual Evoked Response (VER) to determine Contrast Sensitivity in humans. For this purpose, a system has been developed where signals, obtained from scalp electrodes, and stimulated by visual grating patterns, are recorded digitized and processed on a personal computer (IBM compatible). Processing includes signal averaging and digital filtering. The system provides storage, retrieval and graphic representation of data as well as the capability to transfer data to other computer systems. Data processing includes parameter estimation of suitable signal models, which provide effective data compression of the signal into a finite set …

Interface To 8052ah-Basic Microcontroller For A Multichannel Priority Interrupt System, Chen-Tung Mo

Theses

This thesis presents the design and development of a system with the capability to detect up to forty channels of signals generated from different analog sources and to process them under the control of a microcomputer.

The present work offers the design and implementation of a hardware interface unit in a multichannel real-time data acquisition system as well as the application software program to operate it. This kind of system can be widely used in process control, musical instrument interfacing, and machine automation.

This interface unit follows the general instrumentation architecture in both signal processing and logic control. The software …

Computer Aided Synthesis Of A Four-Bar Linkage To Generate A Symmetrical Coupler Curve, Shailendra R. Pachalag

Theses

The purpose of this study is to develop a new analytical technique for the synthesis of four-bar mechanisms to generate symmetrical curves with a coupler point passing through 8 points. The geometric expressions involved in kinematic synthesis often tend to offer difficulties such as negative radicals, alternative choices and repetitions. Here a solution procedure has been developed which avoids these difficulties. This solution procedure includes a development of a computer algorithm that should synthesize a crank-rocker type linkage for any given input crank length. This algorithm dismisses all solutions involving negative radicals and lists magnitudes of members so that those …

Image Enhancement And Edge Detection Using Fuzzy Algorithm, Samir Patel

Theses

A method of image enhancement and edge detection by computer using the fuzzy set is illustrated. The algorithm involves extraction of fuzzy properties corresponding to pixels and then succesive application of fuzzy operator 'contrast intensification' along with smoothing in the fuzzy property plane before detecting its edges. The property plane is extracted from the spatial domain using S, π, and (1- π) functions and the fuzzifiers. Edge detection is achieved using KIRSH operator. A computer routine is developed and the effectiveness of the algorithm with different value of the system parameter is demonstrated on different images. The digital computer HP …

Preconcentration And Direct Flame Ionization Method For Measurement Of Non-Methane Organic Compounds In Ambient Air And Statistical Analysis Of Experimental Data, Lianyi Zuo

Theses

A fast and reliable method for the determination of non-methane organic compounds (NMOC) in ambient air has been developed. Samples are collected in SUMMA polished stainless steel canisters using a sampling system with a critical orifice as flowrate controller. Analysis of NMOC in the atmosphere via a canister is carried out by cryogenic preconcentration and a direct flame ionization detection method (PDFID). This system is sensitive and provides accurate measurement of ambient NMOC concentration even if the concentration is as low as 0.1 ppm carbon. The performance of the method was characterized using 19 pairs of canister samples and tested …

Detection And Determination Of N-Nitrosohexamethyleneimine In Benzenesulfonamide, N-[[(Hexahydro-1-H Azepin-1-Yl)Amino]-Carbonyl]-4 Methyl By Hptlc, Anulfo A. Valdez

Theses

A simple method, by High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography HPTLC), was developed for rapid determination of N-Nitrosohexamethyleneimine in Benzenesulfonamide, N-[((hexahydro-1 H Azepin-1-yl)amino]-Carbonyl]-4 methyl, (Tolazamide). Separation of N-Nitrosohe-xamethyleneimine from a Tolazamide solution in chloroform was obtained by precipitation of Tolazamide with n-heptane and by passing the resulting clear solution through a small silica column which was eluted with methanol.

Determination of the N-nitroso compound was achieved by ultraviolet irradiation of it on activated High Performance Silica Gel Plates. Detection was performed by spraying the plates with triethylamine and fluorescamine reagent giving a fluorescent product. Visual detection limits of 25 ppb were …

Synthesis Of Strained Bridgehead Lactams, Quansing Tu

Theses

While 1-Azabicyclo(3,3,1)nonan-2-one was originally thought to be difficult to synthesize, two different methods (DCC and di-n-butyltin oxide) will produce it with high yield. DCC is a strong reagent for absorbing water; the di-n-butyltin oxide method uses a Dean-Stark to remove water and is very useful. Bredt's rule influences the synthesis and stability of the N-bridgehead bicyclic lactams, this is apparent in the lactam series in the behavior of the (2,2,2) compounds and the (3,2,1) compound which we tried unsuccessfully to synthesize.

Microbial Phenol Degradation Utilizing A Complete-Mix Biological Reactor : The Effects Of Dissolved Oxygen Content, Keith Kollar

Theses

Experiments were conducted using phenol as a sole carbon source in a series of completely mixed biological reactors with solids recycle (CMBR). The reactor working volume was 4 liters, and solids were recycled from 3 liter clarifiers. Dissolved oxygen concentration (DO) was varied in order to determine the impact of this important variable on system operability.

Phenol was removed at better than 99 percent efficiency during most of the runs. Filamentous growth was not observed during any run. However, bulking did occur at higher DO levels, which was the result of microbial slime production.

Wastewater Treatment : Phenol Extraction By Liquid Membrane, Jan-Ming Hou

Theses

Two models for the extraction of phenol by means of liquid surfactant membranes is presented in which external mass transfer around w/o emulsion drop, phase and chemical equilibria are taken into account.

The nonlinear coupled P.D.E.'s is solved under assumptions to get a close-formed analytical approximate solution. The experimental results on the batch extraction of phenol are found to be satisfactory simulated by one of the proposed models provided that phenol concentration is higher than 0.01N. The model requires no adjustable parameter thus it can predict the extraction behavior without doing experiments.

Sorptive And Geotechnical Characteristics Of Kaolinite, Chi-Yuan Shih

Theses

The sorption/desorption behavior of phenol and chlorobenzene as well as their influence on geotechnical characteristics of kaolinite were studied. The results reveal that the sorption process follows closely with the Freundlich adsorption isotherm whereas the sorption/desorption ratio depends upon the characteristics of organic compounds.

A series of geotechnical properties tests was also undertaken after achieving equilibrium at different concentrations of organic compounds. It was found that the parameters such as liquid limit, plastic limit, optimum moisture content, and dry density increase with an increasing-concentration of organic compounds.

The relationship between the geotechnical, properties and sorption behavior of soils provides the …

Modeling And Simulation Of Robot Arms With Flexible Links, John G. Danis

Theses

The design of lightweight robot arms introduces a degree of flexiblity in the individual links which renders the arm difficult to control. Solution of the control problem requires accurate and detailed mathematical models of the arm dynamics. A comprehensive survey of the current literature in this area has shown that although many such models exist, there is a great diversity in their structure, function, and applicability. The different objectives and techniques of model development which lead to this diversity are examined and summarized in this thesis. Bases for classification of the mathematical models and techniques of development are established, and …

Agitation Requirements For Complete Dispersion Of Emulsions, Dun-Huang Tsai

Theses

An investigation on the minimum agitation speed required to achieve complete dispersion in liquid-liquid systems has been carried out. A model based on the momentum balance for a droplet and on Kolmogoroff's theory of isotropic turbulence was used for the prediction of the role of the most important variables on the minimum agitation speed. The equation so derived can be expressed in terms of a number of non- dimensional groups (such as Re, Ar, and Su). For geometrically similar systems the equation contains only one adjustable parameter ( to be determined experimentally) in the form of the proportionality constant correlating …

Use Of Recirculation Reactor To Study Biodegradation Of Aroclor 1242, A Polychlorinated Biphenyl, Babu S. Sanji

Theses

The performance of immobilized microorganisms in the detoxification of hazardous waste was investigated using a recirculation flow reactor, run in a batch mode. A mixed microbial population from a wastewater treatment plant was immobilized in calcium alginate gel. The bio-oxidation ability of these microbes towards a model toxin Aroclor 1242 (R) (PCB 1242) was studied.

A non-ionic surfactant (Triton X-405 (R)) was used as a medium in the enhancement of the solubility of Aroclor 1242 in aqueous phase.

Dissolved oxygen concentration was monitored using a flow Clark-type dissolved oxygen probe. Oxygen consumption was compared to the biodegradation of Aroclor 1242. …

Pentachlorophenol And Oxygen Consumption Of Immobilized Mixed Bacterial Culture, Tesfamariam Stephanos Tsadwa

Theses

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of Pentachlorophenol (PCP) concentration on oxygen consumption of immobilized microbial cells. The microbial population, from a municipal wastewater treatment plant, was immobilized in calcium alginate gel. The following studies have also been conducted in this project:

1. Comparison of the effect of PCP concentration on oxygen uptake between immobilized and free cells.
2. Comparison of the effects of PCP concentration on oxygen uptake between acclimated and an unacclimated bacterial beads.

Dissolved oxygen concentration was monitored using a flow Clark-type oxygen probe, in a micro-assay bioreactor. It was found that PCP concentrations higher than 2000ppm …

Integration Of Cad/Cam System Into A Waterjet Cutting Cell, Sanjay C. Shah

Theses

The work is intended to bridge the gap between CAD and CAM fora waterjet cutting cell. The output of CAD is used by CAM directly through the software interface developed. To achieve this, a postprocessor is designed for a two-dimensional system for the series 8200 Allen Bradley's 5-axes Robot Controller. Calma's DDM & DIMENSION III interactive graphics system implemented on VAX was used for the part design. The postprocessor is a computer program, written in the structured FORTRAN, that is unique for a given machine-tool/controller combination. The conversion of the coding and recording format of the APT file to the …

Seizure And Wear Testing Methodology, I-Tsung Shih

Theses

In this work the seizure as an adhesive wear has been discussed and analyzed The diffusion hypotheses is accepted as the seizure mechanism. It was determined that the surface of machine components, material properties, and contact stresses in sliding and loading zone are responsible for the wear.

A computer controlled wear testing methodology has been developed and a wear testing machine has been designed and assembled. The tests for the selected gray cast non and alloy steel specimens with different surface treatment were performed on the designed wear testing machine.

The test results showed that the selected materials with additional …

Analysis And Simulation Of Chirp Radar System, Tina Tsung Tsai

Theses

This paper consists of a technique to design a Chirp radar system and proposes a solution to optimize the design of the linear time delay network required in such systems. A Chirp radar system has a wide bandwidth for high range resolution, and long pulse duration for high velocity resolution and high transmitted energy. The technique of a pulse compression system offers a means of increasing the average power available to illuminate radar targets without any loss of the resolution at the receiver needed for the tactical requirements of the system. This is accomplished by transmitting a wide pulse in …

Friedman's Model Of Calculating The Optimum Bid Price Using Dbase Iii Plus, Selim Uzel

Theses

The micro-computer program, BIDCALC presented in this thesis is offered as simple, practical, and proven approach to developing an effective data-based competitive bidding strategy. BIDCALC is written in dBASE III Plus programming language for MS-DOS based computers.

Main purpose of the program is to evaluate the optimum bid using the Friedman's model of Maximizing the Expected Profit. At the same time the program keeps track of necessary competitor and project information in data base files which are easily transferable to other software packages. The program is capable of generating a variety of reports in a matter of seconds.

BIDCALC is …

Investigation Of The Characteristics Of The Kerf And The Surface Generated In The Course Of Cutting Titanium With Abrasive Waterjets, Ajay Vora

Theses

The effect of cutting parameters on the quality of cut in the course of cutting Titanium (Gr.2) with Abrasive Waterjet is investigated. The cutting parameters include nozzle traverse rate, size and feed rate of abrasives and nozzle(s) diameter. The width of kerf (top and bottom ), taper and roughness is studied. The measurements are tabulated and plots are made to study the trend and relationship for each set of parameters.

The qualitative conclusions are made successfully but no quantitative relationship was derived. Suggestions are made for the evaluation of technology for feasibility and economic justification, and to achieve desired cutting …

A New Hazardous Waste Treatment Technology Utilizing Low Power Density Microwave Energy, Gabriele Else Windgasse

Theses

Two major applications of a new hazardous waste treatment technology using low power density microwave energy have been characterized: 1) Desorption of organic materials such as: trichloro-ethylene, para-xylene, naphthalene and gasoline hydrocarbons from substrates such as: sand and granulated activated carbon was achieved by microwave induced steam distillation and the application of a new phenomenon: arcing between GAC particles when they are exposed to microwave radiation. All contaminants could be removed to 100% (non-detectable with GC and GC-MS). 2) Decomposition of organic contaminants such as: trichloro-ethylene and trichloro-ethane in arcing/heating GAC beds. A new fluidized bed reactor ("RDW-reactor", after Ray, …

Adsorption And Kinetics Of Adsorption By Flyash In Solution, Murthy K. Jogimahanti

Theses

The phenomena of adsorption is extremely important in water/wastewater treatment process. A process which uses flyash as the sorbent for removing organic compounds from aqueous solutions has been investigated. Also, the rate at which this process occurs, i.e., the kinetics of adsorption, has been studied. Single solute systems were examined and the samples were analyzed using a Flame Ionization Detector Gas Chromatograph. The potentialities of adsorption on flyash as a method of renovation of water have not been realized fully, because little knowledge is available regarding the effective application of the method for this purpose.

Flyash has been known to …

A Model For The Determination Of Market Based Pricing Of Telecommunication Products, Katherine J. Sullivan

Theses

The deregulation of AT&T, has impacted telecommunication product pricing in the U.S. market. Previously, pricing had been based on cost plus mark-up, as stipulated by regulatory commissions. Now, pricing decisions require consideration of the competitive impact, consumer demand for the product, corporate pricing objectives and marketing strategies. This paper proposes a pricing process that is relevant for this new environment which enables the product manager to price properly.

The method proposed utilizes microeconomic theory and takes into account the product test price, unit cost, opportunity cost, nonprice factor cost and consumer demand. Incorporating a number of different pricing strategies, it …

Comparison Of Various Techniques For The Detection Of Lines In 2-Dimensional Images, Somayajulu Bhamidipati

Theses

The detection of straight lines in 2-dimensional images leading to polygonal approximation to the boundaries of the objects is one of the important stages in scene analysis as it leads to the description of the images. The comparison of three diverse approaches for this problem in terms of the efficiency and accuracy is made, and their performance for different types of data and different sets of parameters is studied in this thesis.

The data points are generated using either an edge detection algorithm using chain encoding on real images or a synthetic data generator, which can create a variety of …

Ibm/Xt-Based Automatic Monitoring Instrumentation System For Eating Behavior Studies In Rats, Binghong Gui

Theses

An auto-feeding system based on the IBM-XT microcomputer has been designed for use in the anti-obesity research program in the Pharmacology Department at Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. By using this system, experimental rats can be automatically fed, some which have been given anti-obesity drugs and some which have not. The system can also collect data, such as eating times and food intake, which are used for studying the rat's eating behavior.

The system is designed to control thirty six cages with one experimental rat in each cage and it performs three functions:

1 ) To automatically dispense a preset quantity of …