Digital Commons Network^™

Thin-Film Dynamics Above A Periodically-Stretched Alveolar Substrate, Lu Luo

Master's Theses and Capstones

During last few years several new respiratory diseases including SARS and avian flu have appeared in various parts of the world. With deteriorating environmental conditions and increased air travel, more and more people will suffer breathing disorders, leading to an increased demand for methods to prevent and treat these diseases. To properly address this problem, it is necessary to gain a more complete understanding of the mechanics of respiration. This research constitutes a further step toward this goal by focusing on the coupled solid/liquid micromechanics of an idealized piece of lung tissue.

Gas exchange in mammalian lungs is efficient because …

Non-Invasive Keyboard Fatigue Monitoring System For Improving User Performance And Reducing Incidences Of Repetitive Strain Injuries, Satheesh Jayakumar

Master's Theses and Capstones

Computers are ubiquitous in their application and deployment all over the world. Along with their universal appeal and versatility they also pose dangers to their various users in the form of ailments such as Repetitive Strain Injuries, Carpals Tunnel Syndrome, etc. which are all specifically related to keyboard use. The objective of this thesis was to explore the possibility of developing a deterministic and non-invasive method of detecting keyboard fatigue. A software application was developed which allowed us to reliably monitor this as a function of the latency between keyboard key-press and key-release events recorded by the resident operating system. …

Intelligent Airlift System For Submersible Cage Aquaculture, Darren Landino

Master's Theses and Capstones

The University of New Hampshire's Open Ocean Aquaculture Project operates offshore fish cages in the exposed ocean near the Isle of Shoals. A need exists for improved vertical control of their cages that would permit continuous depth control, communication with operators, and logging of data. This thesis investigates the feasibility and practicality of applying a computer controlled lifting system to an experimental fish cage.

The submersible fish cage investigated has a diameter of 15.54 meters, and in internal volume of approximately 1500 cubic meters. The cage is moved through the water column via an airlift located beneath the cage. Air …

Statistical Characterization Of Correlation-Based Time/Frequency Synchronizers For Ofdm, Anupama Sankaran

Master's Theses and Capstones

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) has been widely adopted as a modulation format for reliable digital communication over multipath fading channels, e.g. IEEE 802.11g "WiFi" networks, as well as broadband wireline channels, e.g. DSL modems. However, its robustness to channel impairments comes at the cost of increased sensitivity to symbol timing and carrier frequency offset errors, and thus requires more complex synchronization methods than conventional single-carrier modulation formats.

In this thesis, a class of synchronization methods based upon the intrinsic autocorrelation structure of the OFDM signal is studied from a statistical perspective. In particular, the reasons for the existence of …

Blending Techniques For Underwater Photomosaics, Fan Gu

Master's Theses and Capstones

The creation of consistent underwater photomosaics is typically hampered by local misalignments and inhomogeneous illumination of the image frames, which introduce visible seams that complicate post processing of the mosaics for object recognition and shape extraction. In this thesis, methods are proposed to improve blending techniques for underwater photomosaics and the results are compared with traditional methods. Five specific techniques drawn from various areas of image processing, computer vision, and computer graphics have been tested: illumination correction based on the median mosaic, thin plate spline warping, perspective warping, graph-cut applied in the gradient domain and in the wavelet domain. A …

Simulation And Control Of Processes, Maninder Gill

Master's Theses and Capstones

Process control is required in most of the industries to regulate the output of a specific chemical process. Any improvement in control design results in process optimization, consistent production, hence less waste. In this thesis, process dynamics of first and second order systems was studied in terms of a response to a step input change. A software called LabVIEW from National Instruments was used to simulate a number of processes to observe time response and frequency response to calculate gain, phase margin and Bode plots. This was followed by system stability analysis. Programs in LabVIEW were created to calculate Ziegler …

Women In Science And Engineering: Politics Of Gender, Ibironke Lawal

VCU Libraries Faculty and Staff Publications

Women are fewer than men in science and engineering, therefore, the assumption is that women generally prefer arts and humanities. But to some analysts, the reason for the low percentage of women in these careers may be due to innate mental and psychological differences between them and men. Others contend that women have the capacity to excel in any profession and that their fewness in science and engineering can be attributed to other factors. They urge educational institutions and employers to develop programs and specific policies that would allow women to strike a better balance between the demands of work …

Structural Modeling Of Full Depth Concrete Deck Panels, Rebekah Joelle Briggs

Master's Theses and Capstones

As technology for finite element software improves, the ability to create accurate models of existing systems becomes feasible. Structural modeling is used to predict response to various loading conditions, and if used with structural parameter estimation, could be a successful tool for structural health monitoring.

In June 2006, laboratory testing was completed at the University of New Hampshire on two sets of pre-cast, post-tensioned concrete deck slabs. This work was sponsored by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation for future use in rapid bridge construction. Models of these slabs were created using the finite element software package GTSTRUDLRTM.

This research …

Improving The Sound Absorbing Capacity Of Portland Cement Concrete Pavements Using Recycled Materials, Jonathan Gene Pitre

Master's Theses and Capstones

Over 50 percent of the United States population is exposed to traffic noise at a disturbance level of 70 decibel, while 15 percent are subjected to noise levels even higher and are considered an actual nuisance. Porous portland cement concrete pavements reduce noise at the source and have been very successful in Europe. A method was developed to predict the aggregate and concrete porosity and that was verified by image analysis. A laboratory manufactured impedance tube was developed to test the acoustical performance of the samples. Relationships were determined between the porosity, sample depth, aggregate type and acoustical performance. Detailed …

Engineering Science As Opposed To Natural Science, Eugene Coyle, Mike Murphy, William Grimson

Presentations

No abstract provided.

Experiences With Virtual Learning Environments In Control Engineering Education, Aidan O'Dwyer

Conference papers

The twin pressures of the need for students to learn a wider variety of concepts, ideally in a self-learning mode, and the reduction in class contact time has led to the use of increased levels of information technology in control engineering education. This paper reports on, reflects on, and evaluates the author’s use of virtual laboratories (computer based laboratories available on the internet) in control engineering modules at DIT Kevin St. The use of the virtual laboratories helps in the ongoing evolution of the teaching approach from a traditional didactic lecture and laboratory course to a more learner-centred approach. The …

Engineering - An Inherently Philosophical Enterprise, William Grimson

Books/Book chapters

No abstract provided.

Educating Engineers For The 21st. Century: And Why Some Elements Of History And Philosophy Should Be Incorporated Into The Curriculum, William Grimson, Mike Murphy, Eugene Coyle

Conference papers

It has been said that in some respects the Russian composer Igor Stravinsky was a magpie – borrowing styles and ideas from diverse sources for whatever musical project he was working on. The practice of engineering has this same characteristic in that it willingly takes ideas, knowledge and techniques from wherever in pursuit of completing its goal. Further, Engineering is, at least in part, in agreement with Fyodor Dostoevsky – ‘if everything on Earth were rational, nothing would happen’. Against such a background it is proposed that a framework based on both philosophy and the history of engineering, science and …

2006 Fall Engr333 Project Final Report, 2006 Fall Engr333

ENGR 333

The objective of this project was to demonstrate Calvin’s interest in alternative energy. The development of a short-term plan to implement a demonstration wind turbine and a long-term plan to determine the feasibility of a larger turbine for the future demonstrates this interest. The class was divided into five teams: management, external relations, long-term technology, short-term technology, and campus infrastructure. While each team had its own objectives, everyone worked together to share information and accomplish the overall project goals. This management technique provided necessary structure and simulated an environment typically found in a career environment.

2006 Fall Engr333 Project Posters, 2006 Fall Engr333

ENGR 333

To demonstrate Calvin’s interest in alternative energy by developing a short-term plan to implement a demonstration wind turbine and a long-term plan to determine the feasibility of a larger turbine for the future.

Engineering The Future: Staying Competitive In The Global Economy, Paul A. Camuti

Online Journal for Global Engineering Education

Maintaining and bolstering America's position as an innovation and technology leader requires aggressive, progressive and creative curricular changes in engineering education. Preparing future engineers in the Age of Globalization requires additional skill sets beyond traditional technical capabilities, drawn from the humanities, social sciences and, above all, foreign languages. The author discusses how Siemens Corporation has been navigating the opportunities and pitfalls presented by globalization by seeking out and developing "Renaissance Engineers."

Certifications Offered By Cost Estimating Organizations, Donald S. Remer, Karen M. Ahle, Kevin J. Alley, John Silny, Karen Hsin

All HMC Faculty Publications and Research

There has been an increasing trend in professional and engineering circles to place greater emphasis on official credentials. These credentials commonly come in the form of certificates – documented recognition by a professional body that an engineer or other professional has the qualifications and technical knowledge to be a practitioner in that field. These certificates are somewhat analogous to merit badges in scouting – the certification is evidence that the holder has a certain minimum level of competence in the subject area. This review will help you decide what certifications are applicable to you and the requirements to obtain a …

2006 Fall Engr333 Project Assignment, Matthew K. Heun

ENGR 333

In the Fall 2006 semester, I challenged the ENGR333 students to “construct a realistic plan to make a significant impact on the Calvin College campus with electrical power generated from wind resources.”

Customer

The customer for this project was Calvin’s VP for finance Henry DeVries.

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 22, Number 8, June 2006, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

An eight page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

Design Of Iteration On Hash Functions And Its Cryptanalysis., Mridul Nandi Dr.

Doctoral Theses

No abstract provided.

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 22, Number 7, May 2006, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

An eight page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

An Evalulation Of Variables Affecting Gold Extraction At A Mineral Processing Plant Operated In A Sub-Arctic Environment, John T. Hollow

Engineering

The Fort Knox Mine, located 25 miles northeast of Fairbanks, Alaska, is operated in a sub-Antic environment. Since process slurry temperatures cycle seasonally with air temperature, the mine presents a unique opportunity to measure the impact of slurry temperature on process performance under full scale plant, conditions. This thesis analyzes an energy balance approach to model the seasonal variations in slurry temperature throughout the Fort Knox mill. The mill utilizes both gravity concentration and cyanidation for gold recovery. Models were developed to accurately predict the impact of slurry temperature on cyanide leach, carbon adsorption and cyanide destruction kinetics. The energy …

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 22, Number 6, April 2006, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

A six page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

Physics Alumni Newsletter Spring 2006, Terry Goforth

Physics Alumni Newsletter

Physics Alumni Newsletter

The Physics Alumni Newsletter is produced by the SWOSU Physics Department.

Our Engineering Physics students are recruited in fields such as electronics, aerospace, mechanical engineering, petroleum engineering and software engineering. Graduates also have careers in meteorology, architecture, education and more.

Studies On Pairing-Based And Constant Round Dynamic Group Key Agreement., Ratna Dutta Dr.

Doctoral Theses

This thesis describes research that I conducted during the course of my Ph.D. study at Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), Kolkata. I hope that this work is of use and will be carried on.I would like to begin by thanking my supervisor, Prof. Rana Barua for his support and endless patience. He has provided me background in Cryptography, Combinatorics and Theory of Automata during the period 2000-2002 of my course work of M.Tech in Computer Science at Indian Statistical Institute. I really appreciate his extraordinary patience in reading my numerous inferior drafts, for listening and analyzing all my ideas, forcing me …

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 22, Number 5, February 2006, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

A six page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

Five Good Reasons For Engineering As The Focus For Technology Education, Robert C. Wicklein

Publications

The article presents information on a paper which discusses why engineering design should be the focus for technology education. Technology education is still viewed as a non-essential instructional program and this is because school administrators and counselors have inadequate understanding of it. Even general populace have inadequate understanding concerning technology education. The pervasiveness of technology literally affects every living creature in our society. Therefore, it is of critical importance that the educational system includes and supports the study of technology in the general curricula. The deficiency within the technology education profession to formulate a clear and defined target for the …

Wright State University College Of Engineering And Computer Science Bits And Pcs Newsletter, Volume 22, Number 4, January 2006, College Of Engineering And Computer Science, Wright State University

BITs and PCs Newsletter

A ten page newsletter created by the Wright State University College of Engineering and Computer Science that addresses the current affairs of the college.

Engineering Student Outcomes For Grades 9-12, Vincent Childress, Craig Rhodes

Reports of Center Studies

The following research study was conducted during the 2005 – 2006 academic year. Its purpose is to help the National Center for Engineering and Technology Education determine those engineering outcomes that should be studied in high school when the high school student intends to pursue engineering in college. The results of the study will also be used to determine those engineering student outcomes that all technology education high school students should learn in order to aid them in becoming more technologically literate.

A modified Delphi approach as used for the study. The participants were a panel of experts consisting of …

Modeling Of Diffusional Creep And Stress Relaxation In Copper Grains During Manufacturing Of Microelectronic Integrated Circuits, Vasyl M. Grychanyuk

Doctoral Dissertations

The finite element technique was developed to study diffusional creep and stress relaxation in Cu grains with several atomic monolayers thick grain boundary region of enhanced diffusivity. The model was motivated by the need to study nanoscale back-end interconnect structures of microelectronic circuits. These structures have the length scale that does not conform to the assumptions of classical dimensional theories of diffusional creep.

Both diffusion and elasticity governing equations are considered in the coupled formulation of mass flow and stress analysis. Vacancy concentration field in the grains subjected to external load is coupled to stress field through diffusional creep strains. …