Engineering Commons^™

A Novel Microwave Fatigue Crack Detection Technique Using An Open-Ended Coaxial Line, Nasser N. Qaddoumi, Stoyan I. Ganchev, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Surface crack detection on metallic structures (aircraft fuselage, turbine blades and nuclear power plant steam generator turbines) is of utmost importance. The use of an open-ended coaxial line for this purpose is very attractive because it offers advantages such as a wide frequency band of operation, small aperture (sensing) area, and excellent sensitivity.

Detection Optimization Of Disbond In Layered Composites With Varying Thicknesses Using An Open-Ended Rectangular Waveguide, Stoyan I. Ganchev, Nasser N. Qaddoumi, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The detection of air disbond in layered dielectric composite, which is an important practical issue in many industries, is studied both theoretically and experimentally. Sensitivity of disbond detection depends on certain parameters, like the frequency of operation, the distance between the sensor and the first dielectric layer, and the layered composite geometry (conductor backed or terminated by an infinite half-space of air). The impact of all these parameters is investigated theoretically and then verified experimentally.

Simulation Of Communication Systems, William H. Tranter, Kurt Louis Kosbar

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

When both a complex system and a complex channel model are encountered, the result is typically a design or analysis problem that cannot be solved using traditional (pencil and paper) mathematical analysis. Computer-aided techniques, which usually involve some level of numerical simulation, can be a very valuable tool in these situations. The purpose of this article is to provide a tutorial review of some of the basic techniques of communication system simulation. The authors consider the basic techniques used to represent signals, generate signals, and model linear systems, nonlinear systems, and time-varying systems within a simulation. They consider the important …

Direct Relation Between Fresnel's Interface Reflection Coefficients For The Parallel And Perpendicular Polarizations: Erratum 2, R. M.A. Azzam

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications

The record is set straight concerning two equations that determine the reflection phase shifts at a single interface from the intensity reflectances forp- and s-polarized light at one angle of incidence. These equations appeared previously in this journal [J. Opt. Soc. Am. 69, 1007 (1979); erratum, J. Opt. Soc. Am. 70, 261 (1980)].

Transfer Function Matrix Identification From Input-Output Frequency Response Data, Zhiqiang Gao, Bruce Tabachnik, Razvan V. Savescu

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

A new formulation of transfer function matrix identification in frequency domain is introduced. It reduces the problem to a simple linear least square problem. It is shown that such a system identification problem is a special case of a matrix interpolation problem and much insight can be obtained by examining its algebraic characteristics. A new approach is proposed to determine the transfer function matrix of a multi-input and multi-output system from the input-output data. It eliminates the common assumption in the literature that the frequency response of the system is given. Its efficiency and practicality …

Analysis Of Radiation From An Open-Ended Coaxial Line Into Stratified Dielectrics, Sasan Bakhtiari, Stoyan I. Ganchev, R. Zoughi

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Radiation from an open-ended coaxial transmission line into an N-layer dielectric medium is studied in application to nondestructive evaluation of materials. Explicit formulations for two cases of layered media, one terminated into an infinite half-space and the other into a conducting sheet are addressed in general form. In the theoretical derivations it is assumed that only the fundamental TEM mode propagates inside the coaxial line. The terminating admittance of the line is then formulated using the continuity of the power flow across the aperture. The admittance expressions for specific cases of two-layer dielectric composite with generally lossy dielectric properties, and …

Transient Simulations And Modelling Of Semi-Insulating Gaas Photoconductive Switches, Prasun Kumar Raha

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The primary objective of this thesis is to develop a one-dimensional transient simulator for Photoconductive Semiconductor Switches (PCSS) taking into consideration the material characteristics, the internal physical effects, and the external circuit. Simulations have been performed to study the device behavior at different voltage levels for copper-doped silicon-compensated GaAs material, though other materials could easily be simulated by changing the parameters. The model includes hole transport, and the results demonstrate the effect of hole injection, with and without recombination centers. In addition to developing a one-dimensional transient simulator, the role of various physical effects, such as the field-dependence of trapping …

The Development Of A Method To Extract High Purity Oxygen From The Martian Atmosphere, Dongchuan Wu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A glow-discharge in an ambient Mars atmosphere (total pressure of 5 torr, composed of 95% carbon dioxide) results in the dissociation of carbon dioxide molecules into carbon monoxide and oxygen. If the glow-discharge zone is maintained adjacent and close to a silver membrane, operated at temperatures above 400°C, atomic and molecular oxygen, produced by the glow-discharge, can be separated from the other species by atomic diffusion through the membrane to an ultrahigh vacuum region where the desorbed O₂ is then collected. Experiments have been conducted to study the behavior of the glow discharge in both molecular oxygen and carbon …

Dual Versus Single Spark Plug: A Critique, I Mshoro

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Dual spark plugs are occasionally employed on certain modern Spark lg- nited (S') engines, viz lean burn engines. Their benefit has generally been noticed in the operating conditions whenfuel-air mixture is very lean, or when a larger proportion of EGR has been employed, or during the part load conditions and so on. An extensive literature survey has indi- cared an interesting spectrum of reasons for gains due to the dual spark plug. A consistent explanation is found to be missing which can describe the behaviour of the engines with single versus dual spark plugs There are quite "few researchers who …

An Alternative Method Of Interfacing A Dc Motor To A Microprocessor For Mo- Tion Control, M Selekwa

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A Simple and cheap alternative method Of interfacing a permanent mag- net dc motor to a motion control using switch- ing transistor motor drivers is presented. This method involves the use Of very few transistor-transistor logic (TTL) devices and a 555 timer to pro- duce a pulse width modulated (P WM) signal which is required by the mo- ror driver. The motor driver in this case should be of an H-bridge type. Like other methods currently in use, it relieves the MPU of all timing func- tions which are necessary in the generation of P WM signals. The present method, …

Suitability Of The Present Strategic Information Technology Planning (Sitp) Methodologies To The Developing Countries, A Victor

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The needfor strategy formulation, or in general terms strategic planning, for IT is considered as one of the most important aspects of IT manage- ment. To this end, there are a number of IT strategy formulation method- ologies world-wide. These methodologies were developed over a span of time, starting from mid 1960's when IT use started to become a serious issue in the developed countries, and continued with the trends in IT de- velopment and use, as was applicable in those countries. Morc recent of the methodologies were developed through improvements on earlier ones, and based on the new challenges …

Demonstration Of A Novel 3-D Autostereoscopic Display, M. W. Jones, Gregory P. Nordin, S. T. Kowel, J. H. Kulick, R. G. Lindquist, P. J. Nasiatka

Faculty Publications

We report what we believe is the first static implementation of the partial-pixel architecture, which provides a conceptual framework for the construction of real-time three-dimensional displays that are functionally equivalent to holographic stereograms (i.e., the simultaneous display of a series of stereoscopic images). The device is physically realized as a set of amplitude diffraction gratings on a chrome mask that was fabricated by standard photolithographic techniques. The intended three-dimensional object encoded in the display was strikingly visible on readout with an incoherent illumination source.

The Design, Realization And Testing Of The Ilu Of The Ccm2 Using Fpga Technology, David W. Foote

Dissertations and Theses

Most existing computers today are built upon a subset of the arithmetic system which is based upon the foundation of set theory. All formal systems can be expressed in terms of arithmetic and logic on current arithmetic computers through an appropriate model, then work with the model using software manipulation. However, severe speed degradation is the price one must pay for using a software-based approach, making several high-level formal systems impractical.

To improve the speed at which computers can implement these high-level systems, one must either design special hardware, implementing specific operations much like math and image processing coprocessors, or …

Hardware Assists For High Performance Computing Using A Mathematics Of Arrays, H. Pottinger, W. Eatherton, L. Mullin, T. Schiefelbein

Computer Science Technical Reports

Work in progress at the University of Missouri - Rolla on hardware assists for high performance computing and communication is presented. This research consists of a field programmable gate array based rapid prototyping environment (Chameleon) being used to evaluate hardware architectures for speedup of array partitioning and routing algorithms. These algorithms have been developed using a Mathematics of Arrays (MOA) and are optimal in the sense that they reduce normal array indexing operations to a series of primitive additions based on array shape. The method is simple yet powerful, produces algorithms which are provably correct, and are independent of dimensionality. …

An Fpga Based Reconfigurable Coprocessor Board Utilizing A Mathematics Of Arrays, H. Pottinger, W. Eatherton, T. Schiefelbein, L. Mullin, R. Ziegler

Computer Science Technical Reports

Work in progress at the University of Missouri-Rolla on hardware assists for high performance computing is presented. This research consists of a novel field programmable gate array (FPGA) based reconfigurable coprocessor board (the Chameleon Coprocessor) being used to evaluate hardware architectures for speedup of array computation algorithms. These algorithms have been developed using a Mathematics of Arrays (MOA) and are optimal in the sense that they reduce normal array cartesian indexing operations to a series of primitive additions and offsets based on array shape. The method is simple yet powerful, produces algorithms which are provably correct, and are independent of …

A Diffraction-Based Model Of Anisoplanatism Effects In Adaptive Optic Systems, Steven E. Troxel

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a new model for computing the angle dependent performance measures of an adaptive-optics system. By incorporating diffraction caused by the index-of-refraction variations of the atmosphere, the phase and amplitude fluctuations of the propagating wave are computed. New theory is presented, that uses the diffraction-based propagation model to yield optical transfer function (OTF) expressions that are more accurate as compared to current theory that neglects diffraction. An evaluation method for calculating the OTF is presented that utilizes a layered atmospheric model and normalized OTF expressions. The diffraction model is also used to present the first OTF signal-to-noise ratio …

H2 Optimal Control With H∞, Μ, And L1 Constraints, David E. Walker

Theses and Dissertations

H₂ optimization with convex constraints is considered. The optimal order-free solution is shown to be unique through convex analysis. H_∞ constraints with feedforward terms and singular constraints are also allowed. The optimal fixed-order solution is shown to have the same characteristics as a mixed problem with regular H_∞ constraints. Furthermore, these results are shown to hold for controller orders as low as the optimal H₂ order. A numerical method is developed based on analytical gradients which results in sub- and super-optimal fixed-order controllers. The problem is extended to include an upper bound on a mu constraint …

Mixed H2-H∞ Optimization With Multiple H Infinity Constraints, Julio C. Ullauri

Theses and Dissertations

A general mixed H₂/H_∞ optimal control design with multiple H_∞ constraints is developed and applied to two systems, one SISO and the other MIMO. The SISO design model is normal acceleration command following for the F- 16. This design constitutes the validation for the numerical method, for which boundaries between the H₂ design and the H_∞ constraints arc shown. The MIMO design consists of a longitudinal aircraft plant (short period and phugoid modes) with stable weights on the H₂ and H_∞ transfer functions, and is linear- time-invariant. The controller order is reduced …

Noise Reduction For Speech Enhancement Using Non-Linear Wavelet Processing, Hassan Dehmani

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of speech enhancement presents many obstacles in the speech processing field. This thesis develops several speech de-noising systems that can be used in the time, fourier, and wavelet domains. We present two thresholding techniques soft and hard. The application of these thresholding techniques to noisy speech data is discussed. The combination of both wavelets and the Fourier domains with noisy phase restoration proves to yield the best results in terms of intelligibility. Informal listening tests were conducted in order to compare the effects and differences between the speech de-noising systems.

Spatio-Temporal Pattern Recognition Using Hidden Markov Models, Kenneth H. Fielding

Theses and Dissertations

A new spatio-temporal method for identifying 3D objects found in 2D image sequences is presented. The Hidden Markov Model technique is used as a spatio-temporal classification algorithm to identify 3D objects by the temporal changes in observed shape features. A new information theoretic argument is developed that proves identifying objects based on image sequences can lead to higher classification accuracies than single look methods. A new distance measure is proposed that analyzes the performance of Hidden Markov Models in a multi-class pattern recognition problem. A three class problem identifying moving light display objects provides experimental verification of the sequence processing …

Motion Estimation Using Optical Flow Field, Jingning Pan

Dissertations

Over the last decade, many low-level vision algorithms have been devised for extracting depth from intensity images. Most of them are based on motion of the rigid observer. Translation and rotation are constants with respect to space coordinates. When multi-objects move and/or the objects change shape, the algorithms cannot be used.

In this dissertation, we develop a new robust framework for the determination of dense 3-D position and motion fields from a stereo image sequence. The framework is based on unified optical flow field (UOFF). In the UOFF approach, a four frame mode is used to compute six dense 3-D …

Estimation And Cancellation Of Friction In Control Systems, Sofia Mentzelopoulou

Dissertations

The research reported in this dissertation concerns the estimation and cancellation of friction in control systems. For purposes of analysis, the Coulomb friction model, the "extended" Coulomb friction model as well as dynamic friction models are used. In addition, for systems with multiple degrees-of-freedom, a general matrix representation of friction is presented.

For the design of the friction estimators, the theory of nonlinear observers is applied. In particular, for a system with multiple degrees-of-freedom, holonomic constraints, and multiple friction sources, three different observers are presented to estimate the friction force or torque. The first (Generalized Coulomb Friction Observer) is designed …

Investigation Of Paraelectric Ptl Thin Films Using Reactive Magnetron Sputtering, Hyun Hoo Kim

Dissertations

The study of methods to prepare paraelectric perovskite PLT (Pb_1-xLa_xTi_1-x/4O₃; x=0.28) thin films has been important because thin films of this high dielectric strength material are required to make high density capacitors for dynamic random access memory. In this research, paraelectric PLT thin films were prepared on multi-layer (Pt/Ti/SiO₂/Si) and MgO substrates in a unique way by the reactive magnetron sputtering method using a multi-component metal target. The individual control of each metal area on the sputtering target had considerable influence on the stoichiometry and electrical properties of the thin …

Heart Rate Variability Study Using Phase Response Curve, Peizhuan Zhang

Dissertations

A noninvasive phase resetting experiment on human subjects was investigated. The phase response curve was estimated and was used to demonstrate cardiac phase resetting due to a vagal input. The estimated running phase response curve showed that the cardiac cycle resetting depended on the time and the amplitude of the vagal stimulation. The phase response curve was then studied using time circle analysis, topological analysis and nonlinear dynamics analysis. Also phase entrainment and stimulus frequency dependence of the phase response were evaluated. Further, the Van Der Pol model, Generalized Additive model and Knight and Peskin's model were used to simulate …

Blind Detection In Channels With Intersymbol Interference, Raafat Edward Kamel

Dissertations

In high speed digital transmission over bandlimited channels, one of the principal impairments, besides additive white Gaussian noise, is intersymbol interference. For unknown channels, adaptive equalization is used to mitigate the interference. Different types of equalizers were proposed in the literature such as linear, decision feedback equalizers and maximum likelihood sequence estimation. The transmitter embeds sequences with the data regularly to help the equalizer adapt to the unknown channel parameters.

It is not always appropriate or feasible to send training sequences; in such cases, self adaptive or blind equalizers are used. The past ten years have witnessed an interest in …

A Novel Beam-Assisted Thickness Measurement Technique For Nanostructures, Luis Manual Casas

Theses

A novel method for measuring thickness of thin films has been developed. This method is straightforward, quickly accomplished, and offers resolution of device layers approaching that given by transmission electron microscopy. Ion beam bombardment of a multi-layer structure forms a crater in which the crater sidewalls are beveled at a very shallow angle, revealing various layers within the sample at a high degree of magnification. Beveled film thicknesses are measured by scanning Auger electron spectroscopy. Depth profilometry is used to measure the shallow beveling angle. Through knowledge of the beveled layer thickness and the bevel angle, actual film thicknesses are …

Simulation Analysis Of Fddi Network Using Network Ii.5 Software Package, Anastassis A. Lazarides

Theses

In recent years, one of the most exciting advances in media has been the use of fiber optics in LANs. The bandwidth provided by Fiber Optic Technology has drastically increased the number of new applications that can be supported by communication networks. In order to support a variety of services, in 1986, the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) Accredited Standards Committee (ASC) X3, and the ASC X3T9.5 Task Group developed a new standard; the Fiber Distributed Data Interface (FDDI) [1]. This is a high speed (100 Mbps) optical communication network based on a token passing mode of operation. The Medium …

Deterministic And Adaptive Routing Algorithms For Mesh-Connected Computers, Yikui Cai

Theses

The two-dimensional mesh topology has been widely used in many multicomputer systems, such as the AMETEK Series 2010, Illiac IV, MPP, DAP, MasPar MP-1 and Intel Paragon. Its major advantages are its excellent scalability and simplicity. New generation multicomputer uses a switching technique called wormhole routing. The essential idea of wormhole routing is to advance a packet directly from incoming to outgoing channel without sorting it, as soon as enough information has been received in the packet header to select the outgoing channel. It has advantages of low latency and low error rate. The problems addressed by this thesis are …

Performance Analysis Of The "Fiber Distributed Data Interface (Fddi) Network" Using Petri Nets And Spnp Software Package, Savvas Eteoclis Christodoulou

Theses

The main purpose of this thesis is to model a "Fiber Distributed Data Interface" (FDDI) Network using Petri Nets, and to analyze its performance with the help of the SPNP software package. The verification of a communication protocol, by modeling it as a discrete-event system using Petri Nets is a new approach.

The correlation between the throughput rate, voice and data throughput, and the parameters of the system, such as the network load and the network speed are investigated. An overview of the "Fiber Distributed Data Interface" is provided, along with its network protocol and the limitations of its operating …

Characterization Of Lightning Induced Voltages On Overhead Power Lines, Wen-Ta Hsiao

Theses

The transient voltage surge caused by lightning is the major source contributed to the disturbance on power systems. The calculation of induced voltages, which is the propagated voltage surge on overhead power lines due to indirect lightning strokes, has been the subject of theoretical and experimental studies. The objective of this research is to develop a comprehensive numerical method to study the induced voltages on an overhead power line caused by a lightning return stroke with arbitrary shapes, for examples inclined lightning, zigzag lightning, etc.

A finite-length lightning channel of any direction in 3-D space has been modelled and closed-form …