Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Digital Commons Network

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

2004

West Virginia University

Mechanical engineering

Articles 1 - 29 of 29

Full-Text Articles in Entire DC Network

Development Of A Test Method To Measure "In-Use" Emissions From Stationary And Portable Diesel Sources, Gurudutt A. Nayak Dec 2004

Development Of A Test Method To Measure "In-Use" Emissions From Stationary And Portable Diesel Sources, Gurudutt A. Nayak

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A cost-effective, accurate and easy-to-use in-field test method was developed that would allow regulatory bodies, such as the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to determine in-use compliance with emission standards for newly manufactured portable and stationary engines. As emissions measured during an engine-dynamometer test do not faithfully reflect real-world emissions, a test method that functions like an Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) type test method was developed. Only concentration measurements of pollutants such as oxides of nitrogen (NO x) and carbon dioxide (CO2) are required to determine compliance using this "compliance factor, F" approach. Hence, errors introduced due to engine work …


Manufacturing And Evaluation Of Structural Products With Recycled Polymers, Raghuram Phani Aditham Dec 2004

Manufacturing And Evaluation Of Structural Products With Recycled Polymers, Raghuram Phani Aditham

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The rapid growth of Wastes from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) can be attributed to the rapid developments in technology, leading to reduction in service life to less than 2 years in certain products. Thermoplastics such as Acrylonitrile-Butadiene-Styrene (ABS) and Polycarbonate (PC) form a significant percent of the Electronic Shredder Residue (ESR) that were used in this research to manufacture and evaluate structural products with recycled polymers.;In this research, offset blocks for highway and bridge guardrail systems were developed using recycled polymers reinforced with glass fabric as shell and discarded tire strips/wood as core materials. Optimum compression molding process parameters …


Load-Based Energy Savings In Three-Phase Squirrel Cage Induction Motors, Subodh Chaudhari Dec 2004

Load-Based Energy Savings In Three-Phase Squirrel Cage Induction Motors, Subodh Chaudhari

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Energy is an extremely valuable resource which should be used carefully. After realizing this in the 1990's DOE started various energy efficiency measures in order to reduce the energy consumed by US industry. Motors use almost 50 percent of the electricity in the United States. If motor efficiency could be increased then energy consumption could be reduced. There have been efforts to increase motor efficiency over past decade which lead to development of premium efficiency motors. Designed motor efficiency is normally above 90 percent so motors do not waste energy. However, motor efficiency decreases when load factor is less than …


Effect Of Driving Cycles On The Particulate Mass And Number Emissions From In-Use Heavy Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles, Sairam Thiagarajan Dec 2004

Effect Of Driving Cycles On The Particulate Mass And Number Emissions From In-Use Heavy Heavy-Duty Diesel Vehicles, Sairam Thiagarajan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This study focused primarily on the particle mass and number emission from various in-use heavy heavy-duty diesel vehicles operating on different driving cycles. Chemical speciation results are also presented to discuss the formation and composition of particles emitted during various cycles. Tests were performed with West Virginia University's Transportable Heavy Duty Vehicle Emissions Testing Laboratory located at Riverside, California. Five vehicles were selected to cover a wide range of model year from 1989 to 2004. All five vehicles were subjected to chemical speciation and analysis conducted by Desert Research Institute. WVU employed the use of the Scanning Mobility Particle Sizer …


Finite Element Analysis Of Interaction Between Actin Cytoskeleton And Intracellular Fluid In Prechondrocytes And Chondrocytes Subjected To Compressive Loading, Sundar Viswanathan Dec 2004

Finite Element Analysis Of Interaction Between Actin Cytoskeleton And Intracellular Fluid In Prechondrocytes And Chondrocytes Subjected To Compressive Loading, Sundar Viswanathan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Prechondrocytes exhibit a change in their actin cytoskeletal arrangement when subjected to loading. This study looks at the implications of the altered solid-fluid interactions due to this change. A 2-D Finite element model of a cell was developed. A solid-fluid interaction solution procedure was validated and used to determine fluid flow/pressure in a cell when subject to deformation. These values were then used to calculate fluid flow induced stresses on individual actin fibers. The results suggest that prechondrocytes alter their cytoskeletal structure to reduce stresses as a result of fluid flow due to deformation of the cell.


Experimental Validation Of The "Target Hood Static Pressure" Balancing Method For Exhaust Ventilation Systems, Michael Winifred Dodrill Dec 2004

Experimental Validation Of The "Target Hood Static Pressure" Balancing Method For Exhaust Ventilation Systems, Michael Winifred Dodrill

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

An experimental trial of a new method to balance industrial exhaust ventilation systems was performed. Although balance by design is considered preferable, many ventilation systems incorporate dampers to balance the system to a different airflow distribution after installation. The "target hood static pressure" method aims to minimize the time, effort, frustration and confusion invested in the balancing effort. It requires only one and one-half adjustment rounds, can be prepared as a computerized spreadsheet, and substitutes hood static pressure readings for airflow traverse readings. The method also minimizes the system static pressure to the least possible, thereby keeping friction losses at …


Finite Element Simulation Of Creep Behavior In Enhanced Refractory Material For Glass Furnace, Praveen Kumar Kuntamalla Aug 2004

Finite Element Simulation Of Creep Behavior In Enhanced Refractory Material For Glass Furnace, Praveen Kumar Kuntamalla

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

An important focus in the glass melting industry, which is an energy intensive industry, is towards greater output and increased energy efficiency in the glass melting process. Conversion to the oxy-fuel-fired furnace from the traditional air-fuel-fired furnace is one means to achieve greater output and energy efficiency, since the capital cost per ton of glass pulled is approximately 58% less for the oxy-fuel-fired furnace compared to the air-fuel-fired furnace.;The main disadvantages of the oxy-fuel-fired furnace are its higher operating temperature, possibly to more than 2200°F, and its alkali partial pressure that hasten the corrosion of refractory materials, particularly in silica …


Dynamic Modal Analysis And Optimization Of C-130 Project Oculus' Mechanical Arm/Pod Sensor Deployment System Using The Finite Element Method, Adam C. Naternicola Aug 2004

Dynamic Modal Analysis And Optimization Of C-130 Project Oculus' Mechanical Arm/Pod Sensor Deployment System Using The Finite Element Method, Adam C. Naternicola

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The Department of Defense (DoD) and the United States Army National Guard (USARNG) have sponsored West Virginia University's Center for Industrial Research Applications (CIRA) to design, fabricate, test and optimize an articulating, mechanical arm/pod system. The mechanical arm/pod system will be designed to accommodate a 500-pound sensor payload deployable in flight from a C-130 Hercules military aircraft used for counter narco-terrorism efforts. During the overall deployment (translation and rotation) of the mechanical arm/pod system and in the final resting position for optimal operating conditions for the data acquisition sensors (DAS), the mechanical structure will be subjected to a variety of …


Reduction Of Natural Gas Engine Emissions Using A Novel Aftertreatment System, Timothy S. Burlingame Aug 2004

Reduction Of Natural Gas Engine Emissions Using A Novel Aftertreatment System, Timothy S. Burlingame

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The global objective of this study was to develop an exhaust aftertreatment system to reduce gaseous and particulate matter emissions from natural gas fueled vehicles. Specific objectives of this study were to evaluate and characterize emissions from a natural gas fueled vehicle powered by a Cummins C8.3G+ engine with and without the particulate matter (PM) filter and oxidation catalyst (OC) combination, which was designed and developed by West Virginia University in collaboration with Lubrizol-ECS. Central Business District (CBD) Cycle tests were performed on West Virginia University's Transportable Emissions Testing Laboratory. A heavy-duty transportable chassis dynamometer and a dedicated "clean" dilution …


Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stacks, Brian J. Hetzer Aug 2004

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Of Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cell Stacks, Brian J. Hetzer

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) is applied to a small, four cell Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) fuel cell stack to examine the stack response as the load current changes. The measured stack response is compared to a simulated response generated by a stack model that has been developed using MATLAB. The results show that the model predicted well the behavior of the VI curve for currents less than 50 Amps. The model also qualitatively predicted the impedance response as a function of current and frequency. Because of apparent model incompleteness, it was not able to predict accurately the shape of the …


Honeycomb Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sandwich Composites For Development Of Aquaculture Raceway Systems, Avinash Vantaram Aug 2004

Honeycomb Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Sandwich Composites For Development Of Aquaculture Raceway Systems, Avinash Vantaram

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

It is argued that the utilization of impaired mine waters abundant in WV and other mid-Appalachian states for fish culture can substantially increase aquaculture economic development. The primary limitation to the effective utilization of discharged waters is the lack of suitable fish culture tanks that can be easily installed in rugged terrains surrounding mine water treatment plants, where cast-in-place concrete tanks cannot be constructed. Therefore, Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (FRP) sandwich materials offer an economical option for production of light, transportable and durable fish culture raceway systems. This study is concerned with the development and evaluation of prototype fish culture tanks using …


Particle Breakage In Sand Blasting Due To Impact On Ductile Materials, Ravi Kishore Bandaru Aug 2004

Particle Breakage In Sand Blasting Due To Impact On Ductile Materials, Ravi Kishore Bandaru

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Cleaning of rust, paint or removing burrs and many other such applications are done by several processes. Sand blasting is one of them, where a stream of sand particles is forcefully projected onto a surface, with compressed air or steam. These sand particles break up into very small pieces upon impact, which are inhaled by workers to cause silicosis. While much research has been done on the surface being impacted, very little research has been done on the particle itself. Hence, proper analytical modeling of the sand blasting process from the particle perspective, validated by experimental results, is required to …


Influence Of Rearrangement Of Actin Cytoskeleton On The Overall Material Properties Of Atdc5 Cells During Chondrogenesis, Madhavi V. S. Ayyalasomayajula Aug 2004

Influence Of Rearrangement Of Actin Cytoskeleton On The Overall Material Properties Of Atdc5 Cells During Chondrogenesis, Madhavi V. S. Ayyalasomayajula

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Studies show that when chondrocytes are cultured in 2D, they lose their phenotype. This change is reversed when the cells are embedded in a 3D culture system such as in agarose gel. Previous experiments in our lab showed that when prechodrocytic cells were embedded in agarose, chondrogenesis was triggered in these cells. This work attempts to understand the mechanical implications of this behavior. It also provides an estimate of the sensitivity of the apparatus that would be required to carry out compression loading experiments of gel-cell constructs that can distinguish between pre-chondrocytes and chondrocytes.;ATDC5 cells were cultured in 3D for …


Finite Element Modeling Of Crack Detection In Aircraft Structures Using Electrical Current, Ramkumar Kumar Geetha Aug 2004

Finite Element Modeling Of Crack Detection In Aircraft Structures Using Electrical Current, Ramkumar Kumar Geetha

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Various non-destructive test methods have been developed for the detection of cracks in metallic structures. Electromagnetic non-destructive testing (NDT) is one of the widely used non-destructive methods used for the detection and characterization of cracks. Utilizing the principle of electromagnetic induction, this technique is used in the areas of nuclear, aerospace, power, transport, petroleum and other industries to inspect defects in metallic sheets, plates and tubes that have good electrical conductivity.;Aircraft structures and wings are made of aluminum sheets riveted together. Cracks are often found emanating from the edge of the rivet holes which are covered by the rivets and …


Effects Of Artificial Neural Network Speed-Based Inputs On Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Prediction, Nastaran Hashemi Aug 2004

Effects Of Artificial Neural Network Speed-Based Inputs On Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Prediction, Nastaran Hashemi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The PM split study was performed in Southern California on thirty-four heavy-duty diesel vehicles using the West Virginia University Transportable Heavy-Duty Vehicle Emissions Testing Laboratories to gather emissions data of these vehicles. The data obtained from six vehicles in the 1985--2001 model year and 33,000--80,000 lb weight range exercised through three different cycles were selected in this thesis. To predict the instantaneous levels of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrocarbons (HC) and carbon monoxide (CO), an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) was used. Axle speed, torque, their rates of change over different time periods and two other variables as …


Failure Mechanisms In Impact Erosion Of Ductile Materials, Ramesh Padavala Aug 2004

Failure Mechanisms In Impact Erosion Of Ductile Materials, Ramesh Padavala

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Solid particle erosion in ductile materials is a common problem in many industrial applications. It is defined as material loss resulting from the mechanical contact between the particle and the metal surface. Many experimental studies were reported in the past to determine the loss of the material due to these ductile impacts. Conducting experiments for numerous materials at different conditions is difficult and costly. A finite element model to predict the ductile erosion loss at various conditions for different materials is more expedient.;In this thesis a finite element model was developed to predict the erosion loss for AL 6061-T0 at …


Smoking And Dose-Dependent Early Effects Of Nicotine On Bone Mechanical Properties And Histology, Daniel Shaw Porter Aug 2004

Smoking And Dose-Dependent Early Effects Of Nicotine On Bone Mechanical Properties And Histology, Daniel Shaw Porter

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The objective was to study the effects of nicotine and cigarette smoke on mechanical properties of cortical bone. Experiments were conducted for 5 weeks with New Zealand White Rabbits. The first experiment of 18 rabbits studied the effect of nicotine levels delivered via a nicotine patch (5.25, 10.5, 21 ng/ml), measured by different mechanical tests, porosity, and composition. There was no significant difference between the control and the treatment groups.;The second experiment of 22 rabbits studied the effects of nicotine delivered via a nicotine patch (10.5 ng/ml) and via a smoking chamber on fracture toughness and porosity. The rabbits exposed …


Design Of A Standardized Sensor Platform For A C-130 Aircraft, Zenovy S. Wowczuk Aug 2004

Design Of A Standardized Sensor Platform For A C-130 Aircraft, Zenovy S. Wowczuk

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The development of a standardized sensor pallet system for a C-130 aircraft was conceived by the National Guard to assist in counterdrug reconnaissance activities within the United States. Before development, the design parameters were established by the National Guard mission requirements and by the limitations of the C-130 aircraft. These limitations include using Commercial off the Shelf (COTS) and Government off the Shelf (GOTS) items when developing the system that must be universal on all C-130 aircraft variants B thru H. Further design criteria are delegated by the limitations of the C-130 aircraft. The following work describes the design process …


Application Of Digital Infrared Thermography For Nondestructive Evaluation Of Composite Bridge Components, Archana Vasudevan May 2004

Application Of Digital Infrared Thermography For Nondestructive Evaluation Of Composite Bridge Components, Archana Vasudevan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The objective of this research is to evaluate the applicability of digital infrared thermographic system to detect subsurface defects such as debonds and delaminations in Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) bridge decks and other composite bridge components such as beams and columns wrapped with steel or FRP jacket.;This thesis investigates the use of digital infrared thermography on FRP bridge decks both under laboratory and field conditions. Air-filled and water-filled debonds were inserted between the wearing surface and the underlying FRP deck. Also, simulated subsurface delaminations (of various sizes and thickness) were created at the flange-to-flange junction between two FRP deck modules.;The …


Analysis Of Composite Moving Beams Using Higher Order Shear Deformation Theory, Govindan Nagappan May 2004

Analysis Of Composite Moving Beams Using Higher Order Shear Deformation Theory, Govindan Nagappan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A Composite beam moving longitudinally over its supports is analyzed based on a higher-order shear deformation theory. The dynamic behavior of the beam is carried out using the finite element method. The formulation is based on a variational principle. The essential constraints are applied via Lagrange multipliers. This method is effective for the moving beam problem where the relative support locations change with time and therefore the supports do not fall exactly at the nodes. An initially deformed overhang beam moving over two simple supports is used for the analysis. The first flexural mode shape of the beam is used …


Portable Implementation Of Computer Aided Design Environment For Composite Structures, Santosh Kumar Pagadala E. May 2004

Portable Implementation Of Computer Aided Design Environment For Composite Structures, Santosh Kumar Pagadala E.

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Composite materials are widely used due to their low weight, long durability and the ability to tailor their properties to specific design requirements. Their wide range of applications requires a solid understanding of their behavior under different load conditions. The calculations needed for efficient and accurate design of composites could be exhaustive and time consuming. Therefore an efficient computer program which would facilitate effective design becomes a key factor to supporting commercial use of composite materials.;A portable software tool was developed in Java programming environment for design analysis of composite materials. This software tool is superior to its predecessor, the …


Repeatability Of On-Road Routes And A Comparison Of On-Road Routes To The Federal Test Procedure, J. Axel Radermacher May 2004

Repeatability Of On-Road Routes And A Comparison Of On-Road Routes To The Federal Test Procedure, J. Axel Radermacher

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

West Virginia University has developed a Mobile Emissions Measurement System that recorded vehicle, engine, and exhaust behavior during in-use testing. This system obtained data from numerous vehicles over specified on-road routes. A study was conducted on on-road route repeatability. A methodology for finding repeatability had to be established, and factors influencing repeatability were identified. It was found that routes and drivers significantly influenced repeatability, and that further study of a larger sample group needs to be conducted before specific conclusions could be drawn about the influences of the vehicle on repeatability.;A further study was conducted on how well the on-road …


Design Of A Rodent Dynamometer, Angel M. Dorsch May 2004

Design Of A Rodent Dynamometer, Angel M. Dorsch

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

In the past, computer controlled dynamometers have been used to perform isometric and isovelocity testing to study the effects of velocity, acceleration, and position on muscle injury. However, the effect of constant force on muscle injury in animals has not yet been studied.;A computer-controlled dynamometer was designed which could perform isometric, isovelocity, and isotonic testing on both male and female rats. A mechanical device was designed to position the rats for testing as well as provide a platform for the motor and other system components. All of the system components were connected electrically through a National Instruments UMI-7764 breakout box, …


Sensitivity Analysis Of The C-130 Sensor Deployment System Arm Using Finite Element Methods, Lawrence Anthony Feragotti May 2004

Sensitivity Analysis Of The C-130 Sensor Deployment System Arm Using Finite Element Methods, Lawrence Anthony Feragotti

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The Finite Element Method may be the most powerful tool in the engineer's toolbox today, and can be used in many different applications. The purpose of this thesis is to utilize this tool to optimize the current design of the roll-on roll-off sensor deployment system support arm for the C-130 Hercules. The Department of Defense (DOD) and the National Guard (NG) will be using these sensor pallet systems in a variety of command and control configurations for counter narco-terrorism applications. The original design for the sensor deployment arm will be drawn using CAD, and then a Finite Element Analysis will …


Characterization Of In-Use Emissions From Marine Engines, Sam George May 2004

Characterization Of In-Use Emissions From Marine Engines, Sam George

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Recently, exhaust emissions from marine engines have become a cause of growing concern. Emission reduction technologies applicable to marine engines need to be developed and tested so that the emission regulations can be met. A review of emission reduction technologies applicable for marine engines is presented in this study. The experimental results of onboard testing of a high-speed passenger ferry to determine the benefits of low sulfur diesel (LSD) fuel and intake air water injection are presented. Gaseous emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NOx), carbon dioxide (CO2), and particulate matter (PM) emissions were measured using on-board emission measurement systems developed …


Parametric Modeling And Analysis Of Structural Bonded Joints, Sailaja Malladi May 2004

Parametric Modeling And Analysis Of Structural Bonded Joints, Sailaja Malladi

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

A closed form model of a double lap bonded joint based on the Hart-Smith Model is considered. An extensional link is added to the inner adherend in order to minimize the magnitude of the shear distribution in the adhesive along the overlap length and equations are formulated for this new model. Various parametric studies are performed on the closed form model to observe their effect on the behavior of the shear stress distribution in the adhesive. Overlap length, stiffness of the extensional link, thickness of the adhesive and stiffness of the adherends are varied in the parametric study.;A 2D finite …


Separation Of Small Particles Due To Density Differences In A Cfb Riser System, Jeremy L. Regester May 2004

Separation Of Small Particles Due To Density Differences In A Cfb Riser System, Jeremy L. Regester

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

Common wet density separation processes require large amounts of water, expensive wastewater cleanup, and do not effectively recover fine particles. A circulating fluidized bed riser system was developed as an exploratory system for dry separation by density that will eliminate many problems associated with wet separation. The system sends an air-solid mixture through a vertical riser. The flow pattern in the riser, established by varying gas velocity (Uo) and mass flux (Jp), allowed dense particles to collect at the bottom of the riser while less dense particles were collected through the riser exit at the top. The system was developed …


Thermomechanical Property Evaluation Of Molybdenum Alloys, Ashok Varadarajan May 2004

Thermomechanical Property Evaluation Of Molybdenum Alloys, Ashok Varadarajan

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

The ultra high temperature structural intermetallic molybdenum and its alloys were studied for their thermal properties and correlated to the material microstructure. Thermal expansion tests were carried out using thermo-mechanical analyzer (TMA). Thermo cycling tests were conducted around 650°C for spinel dispersed molybdenum alloys with 3% wt of spinel or 6% wt of spinel (MgAl 2O4) particles. Results show that the coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) value decreases with the addition of spinel and silicide particles. Furthermore, pure molybdenum alloys with different processing method also affect the CTE values. Thermo cycling tests show that molybdenum alloy with 6% wt of …


Modeling And Testing Of Stitched Composite Laminates For Enhanced Interlaminar Strength, Janet M. Wood May 2004

Modeling And Testing Of Stitched Composite Laminates For Enhanced Interlaminar Strength, Janet M. Wood

Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports

This research assesses the effects of stitching a four-layer E-glass/Epoxy cross-ply laminate with translaminar reinforcement consisting of E-glass yarns. Both experimental characterization and finite element analysis have been employed to accurately predict and analyze the properties of the stitched material.;Tensile and Double Cantilever Beam testing indicated that translaminar stitching degrades the effective extensional modulus of the laminate by about 15.9 percent, while it enhances the opening Mode I interlaminar fracture toughness. This degradation in the effective in-plane stiffness is attributed to the localized damage inflicted on the fiber plies by the needle penetration of the sewing machine used to insert …