Engineering Commons^™

An Optimization-Based Framework For Designing Robust Cam-Based Constant-Force Compliant Mechanisms, John Christian Meaders

Theses and Dissertations

Constant-force mechanisms are mechanical devices that provide a near-constant output force over a prescribed deflection range. This thesis develops various optimization-based methods for designing robust constant-force mechanisms. The configuration of the mechanisms that are the focus of this research comprises a cam and a compliant spring fixed at one end while making contact with the cam at the other end. This configuration has proven to be an innovative solution in several applications because of its simplicity in manufacturing and operation. In this work, several methods are introduced to design these mechanisms, and reduce the sensitivity of these mechanisms to manufacturing …

Laser-Induced Fluorescence And Performance Analysis Of The Ultra-Compact Combustor, Patrick J. Lakusta

Theses and Dissertations

The AFIT Combustion Optimization and Analysis Laser (COAL) lab’s modular design and state-of-the-art diagnostic systems make it a flexible and important facility for the analysis of combustion processes. The objectives of the current research are to install several enhancements in the lab, validate the laser diagnostic system, characterize the igniter for AFIT’s Ultra-Compact Combustor (UCC) sections, and perform a non-intrusive laser diagnostic, performance, and high-speed video analysis of a flat-cavity UCC section. Validation of the laser system was accomplished using OH Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence (PLIF) in a laminar hydrogen-air flame produced by a Hencken burner. Results are compared to previous …

Material Flow Behavior In Friction Stir Welding, Brian C. Liechty

Theses and Dissertations

Material flow in friction stir welding is largely uncharacterized due to the difficulty in material flow measurement and visualization in metals. This study investigates plasticine for use as an analog for modeling material flow in friction stir welding (FSW) of metals. Qualitative comparisons between welded plasticine and metal sections exhibit many similarities. The transient temperature response of the plasticine also shows the same qualitative behavior as welds conducted in metal. To quantify its similarity to metal, the plasticine is further analyzed through compression tests to characterize its strain, strain-rate, and temperature sensitivities. A detailed analysis is presented which defines the …

Heat Transfer Due To Unsteady Effects As Investigated In A High-Speed, Full-Scale, Fully-Cooled Turbine Vane And Rotor Stage, Jonathan R. Mason

Theses and Dissertations

Experiments were conducted to examine the effects of film cooling on a gas turbine engine’s high‐pressure turbine section. The focus for this effort was in the tip/shroud region of a rotor stage and a high pressure turbine vane. A primary goal was to understand the unsteady flow effects. Attempts were also made to characterize the effects as caused by the fully‐cooled rotor stage. Data for this investigation was taken at the U.S. Air Force’s Turbine Research Facility (TRF), a transient blowdown facility with instrumentation fitted to a full‐scale, high‐speed, fully‐cooled vane and rotor stage of proprietary design. Measurements of pressure, …

The Impact Of Heat Release In Turbine Film Cooling, Dave S. Evans

Theses and Dissertations

The Ultra Compact Combustor is a design that integrates a turbine vane into the combustor flow path. Because of the high fuel-to-air ratio and short combustor flow path, a significant potential exists for unburned fuel to enter the turbine. Using contemporary turbine cooling vane designs, the injection of oxygen-rich turbine cooling air into a combustor flow containing unburned fuel could result in heat release in the turbine and a large decrease in cooling effectiveness. The current study explores the interaction of cooling flow from typical cooling holes with the exhaust of a fuel-rich well-stirred-reactor operating at high temperatures over a …

Controlling The Processing Parameters For Consolidation Of A1-2124 Micro And Nanopowders Into Bulk Nanostructured Material By Combined Hot Compaction - Intense Plastic Straining, Ahmad Mar Wagih Sadek

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Prediction Of Fatigue Crack Growth Retardation Due To A Tensile Overload Using Two-Parameter (∆K, Kmax) Approach, Wataru Tsutsui

Masters Theses

A theoretical crack growth study on powder metallurgy aluminum alloys AA5091 and AA8022 was conducted. Specifically, the research focused on the crack growth retardation due to the application of a tensile overload. The tensile overload creates a plastic zone ahead of the propagating crack tip that induces the compressive residual stress after unloading. Such compressive residual stress pushes the crack tip faces against each other, which results in crack growth retardation.

In the study, simulation started from the calculation of the compressive residual stress. The details of the calculation steps are explained in the thesis. Eventually, the stress intensity factor …

Applications Of Data Mining For Educational Decision Support, Mohamed Nabil Essam El-Din Ahmed El-Refai Khamis

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Analysis Of The Flow Through A Francis' Turbine Runner Using Computational Fluid Dynamics, William Anthony

Archived Theses and Dissertations

This study investigates the fluid flow through the runner of an exceptionally low specific speed Francis’ turbine using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to predict some performance characteristic of the runner, and to determine the effect of cavitation on the flow features within the turbine. It employs FLUENT CFD codes for the analysis. The study was carried out under steady conditions in two- dimensional analysis, primarily using the RNG k-ε turbulence model. It is mainly on single phase analysis; however a single case of two-phase cavitation modeling was performed in order to evaluate cavitation effects. The hydraulic losses were much dependent …

Density Relaxation Of Granular Matter Through Monte Carlo And Granular Dynamics Simulations, Oleksandr M. Dybenko

Dissertations

Granular materials are the principal ingredients of the industrial complex involved with the handling and processing of bulk solids including pharmaceuticals, chemicals, agricultural and mining materials. Despite the enormous importance of these materials in society, their behavior is not well-understood; in fact, there is no known model available that is capable of predicting the wide range of phenomenon that have been observed. One of the most important of these is known as density relaxation. Here, a granular material undergoes an increase in solids fraction as a result of the application of discrete taps or continuous vibrations.

In this dissertation, the …

Micro, Meso And Macro Materials Processing Using High-Speed Liquid Projectiles, Veljko Samardzic

Dissertations

The objective of this research is developmentof aknowledge base of materials processing by the impact of high-speed liquid projectiles. The work involved experimental study of generation and applications of high-speed liquid projectiles. The projectiles were generated by the launchers, which used gunpowder as an energy source. The experiments were carried out at the low (O.35g of the powder), middle (1.2g) and high (10g to 70g) levels of energy consumptions and at several different launchers modification.

Experimental investigation of effect of gun powder mass on energy of projectile was conducted for ductile and brittle targets. An array of experimental …

Diseño Y Simulación Del Proceso Automático De Calentamiento Y Llenado De Parafina A Las Máquinas De La Línea De Producción De Velas, Lorena Andrea Pulido Ruiz

Ingeniería en Automatización

La parafina, materia prima para la fabricación de velas, se consigue en estado sólido inicialmente, para el proceso de elaboración de velas se fusiona, esta transformación se realizará en un recipiente designado en el proyecto como tanque de calentamiento. La capacidad de parafina para la cual esta diseñado el tanque de calentamiento es de máximo 264 Kilogramos, ya que es la cantidad requerida en la fábrica Espermas La Corona para una obtención de 4400 unidades denominada como una producción completa, el peso de la parafina se determinará con celdas de carga dispuestas en el tanque. El calor para derretir la …

An Investigation Of Positive Engagement, Continuously Variable Transmissions, Ryan R. Dalling

Theses and Dissertations

A Positive Engagement, Continuously Variable Transmission (PECVT) allows for a continuously variable transmission ratio over a given range using positively engaged members, such as gear teeth, to transmit torque. This research is an investigation of PECVTs to establish a classification system and governing principles that must be satisfied for an embodiment to overcome the non-integer tooth problem. Results of an external patent search are given as examples of different concepts and PECVT embodiments that have been employed to negate the effects of the non-integer tooth problem. To classify all published and unpublished PECVT embodiments, a classification system is developed, based …

Nonlinear Unsteady Combustion Of A Solid Propellant, Mark William Olles

Doctoral Dissertations

A nonlinear burning model is developed, valid across a wide range of frequencies, to allow for the incorporation of an admittance function into a nonlinear combustion instability (CI) framework. This is accomplished by extending two existing models to incorporate the effects of nonlinearity, the QSHOD ( Α Β ) model as described by Culick in his 1968 review paper and the 1973 T’ien model. The classical QSHOD model is marred by major limitations due to the simplifications and assumptions made. The most evident is the exclusion of the unsteady gas phase eliminating the high frequency response. The less recognized T’ien …

Benefits Of Leed Designs In Arkansas K-12 Schools, Philip Thrift

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This paper provides and evaluation of an existing LEED certified sustainable green building for energy-efficiency, environmental impact, economic value, and occupant health. The new Bethel Middle School located in Bryant, Arkansas was the first LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified public school building in the state. Based on actual building specifications and validated with the first year's utility bills, a simulation model was used to evaluate various design aspects of the school building. The building's baseline energy usage was compared with numerous energy and environmental scenarios. Results include both environmental and economic assessments. Overall, the study found that …

Experimental Measurement Of Thermal Conductivity Of An Unknown Material, Aaron Christopher Whaley

Masters Theses

The objective of this study was to determine effective thermal conductivity of an unknown material sample for sample temperatures up to 1000 degrees Celsius. A steady state, one-dimensional heat conduction test setup was designed, fabricated, assembled, and used to determine thermal conductivity of the sample. The measurement was accomplished by applying a heat flux from a radiant heater through a stack consisting of the test sample, reference plates, heat spreaders, and insulation layers. The heat transfer equation for steady state, one-dimensional conduction relates thermal conductivity of the sample to the thickness and cross-sectional area of the sample, the temperature difference …

Development Of An Accelerated Ash Loading Protocol For Rapid Evaluation Of Diesel Particulate Filters Including Comprehensive Characterization Of Ash-Loaded Substrates, Adam Daniel Youngquist

Masters Theses

The accelerated ash loading of diesel particulate filters (DPFs) by lube-oil derived products is investigated in the present study. A 517-cc single-cylinder, naturally aspirated direct-injection diesel engine is used to accelerate ash formation by artificially increasing the rate of lube-oil consumption to approximately 40 times that observed during normal engine operation. Lube-oil consumption (LOC) is accelerated by blending diesel fuel with 5% by volume of standard 15-w40 lube oil and is subsequently injected through the fuel injector into the combustion chamber.

The ash loading protocol is a backpressure-based method of determining the amount of soot present within the DPF and …

Development Of Miniature Hybrid Rockets For Orbital Upkeep And Transfer Applications In Nano/Pico-Satellites, Derek Willingham

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

This research has developed and constructed a successful miniature hybrid rocket test assembly for research into hybrid rocket scaling issues. It is hoped that such systems will find eventual integration into small satellites. The test assembly houses 3" fuel grains and provides an inlet for gaseous oxidizer. Although far from complete, preliminary data were taken with PMMA and GOx and some useful conclusions were drawn that will benefit future research into this topic. Fuel grains with combustion chambers whose diameters range from 1/16" to 3/8" were tested at different flow rates and thrust data gathered. Maximum flow information was gathered …

Restart Capabilities Of Hybrid Rocket Motor Utilizing Gaseous Propane And Oxygen Injection System, Joseph Gracy

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Hybrid rockets have become an increasingly popular application in professional and amateur rocketry for their outstanding performance and reliability. An issue pressing the marketability and functionality of these rockets is the ability to restart with an exclusive system after primary ignition. Research and development of a system that can be used reliably in either application to achieve restart under various conditions has been made recently using dual injection of GOX and C3H8 using a 200kV ignition system while implementing a polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) formable polymer as primary fuel. The system used a manual valve arrangement for control. The design features most …

A Review Of Variable Valve Timing Devices, Paul Shelton

Mechanical Engineering Undergraduate Honors Theses

Variable valve timing (VVT) has evolved from simple, manual controlled engine management to automatic, electronic works of engineering. Starting from the need for more power and extending into fuel efficiency and low emissions, VVT has evolved from the constant changing of needs. This paper summarizes various devices used to control the timing of valves from the early 1920s up until 2007.

Micro Air Vehicle (Mav): Numerical Optimization Of A Coaxial Rotor Blade Design, Jeffrey A. Kornuta

Honors Theses

No abstract provided.

Axisymmetric Coanda-Assisted Vectoring, Dustin S. Allen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

An examination of parameters affecting the control of a jet vectoring technique used in the Coanda-assisted Spray Manipulation (CSM) is presented. The CSM makes use of an enhanced Coanda effect on axisymmetric geometries through the interaction of a high volume primary jet flowing through the center of a collar and a secondary high-momentum jet parallel to the first and adjacent to the convex collar. The control jet attaches to the convex wall and vectors according to known Coanda effect principles, entraining and vectoring the primary jet, resulting in controllable r-θ directional spraying. Several control slots (both annular and unique sizes) …

Mechanical Property Testing Apparatus For Use In A Scanning Electron Microscope, Robert Brian Peters

Masters Theses

The purpose of this design project is to develop a mechanical testing device to work in conjunction with a scanning electron microscope [SEM]. The objective of this work was to be able to perform a mechanical property measuring test and observe the small scale physical behavior of the sample with the SEM as the test progresses. The design process is presented from concept development through to the completion of the prototype device. Test data was acquired and analyzed and the results are compared to standard values for the materials being tested. Recommendations for future improvements in the next generation of …

Design For Reliability In Microoptelectromechanical Systems (Moems), Abiodun Abiodun Fasoro

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Dissertations

Microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) is an enabling technology for miniaturization. MEMS consist of micron sized moving mechanical structures and electronics fabricated on a suitable substrate such as silicon. MEMS has found applications in virtually every aspect of human life, ranging from the automobile to the aerospace, and from the telecommunications to the consumer electronic industries. Technology integration has led to several subsets of MEMS e.g. microoptoelectromechanical systems (MOEMS), radio-frequency MEMS (RF MEMS), etc. Together with these added functionalities, by way of technology integration come additional issues and challenges never before experienced by packaging engineers. MEMS and MOEMS package requirements vary widely …

Trajectory Optimization Using Collocation And Evolutionary Programming For Constrained Nonlinear Dynamical Systems, Brandon Merle Shippey

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Theses

Trajectory design and optimization has a broad variety of applications in fields such as aerospace and electrical engineering. The solution of a trajectory that minimizes a cost function subject to nonlinear differential equations of motion and various types of constraints may be obtained by the methods of optimal control theory. A framework is presented for numerical solution of the optimal control problem. The solution is converted to that of a constrained discrete parameter optimization problem. Direct collocation and nonlinear programming are used to perform a local gradient-based search for the optimal solution. A genetic algorithm combined with a shooting method …

Pipe5 Finite Element Analysis For Buried Structures, David Aldous

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

PIPE5 is a finite element analysis (FEA) program designed to analyze buried pipes and culverts whose development was spearheaded by A. P. Moser. PIPE5 started as a modification of the program SSTIPN in 1981 so that the program could run in batch mode on a mainframe and was written in Fortran IV language. Various students made modifications to the original code making it compatible with personal computers and adding additional features. For more history on early PIPE5 developments see Moser [1]. In 2003 Mr. Merrill began a project of updating PIPE5. Mariner did extensive work on making the code compatible …

Time-Resolved Piv And Pressure Measurements Of Oscillating And Pulsating Flow In A Diffuser, Cameron V. King

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Separating oscillating and pulsating flows in an internal adverse pressure gradient geometry are studied experimentally. Simultaneous velocity-pressure measurements demonstrate that the minor losses associated with oscillating flow in an adverse pressure gradient geometry can be smaller or larger than for steady flow. Separation is found to begin high in the diffuser and propagate downward. Flows are able to remain attached further into the diffuser with larger Reynolds numbers, larger stroke lengths, and smaller diffuser angles. The extent of separation grows with L₀/h. The minor losses grow with increasing displacement amplitude in the range 10 < L₀/h …