Engineering Commons^™

Dynamic Pulse Buckling Of Columns With Viscous Damping, Murli Kadandale

Masters Theses

This is a study of dynamic pulse buckling of columns with viscous damping. The differential equations of motion were obtained using the Bemoulli-Navier hypothesis. The effects of axial and rotary inertia were included in the analysis. The Voigt-Kelvin model for a viscoelastic material is used. The Finite Difference Method was employed to solve the differential equations of motion. First columns without geometrical imperfections were studied, and a correlation between the damping modulus and the more familiar damping ratio was obtained. Then beams with initial geometrical imperfection were studied. A suitable dynamic buckling criterion was defined. It was observed that viscous …

Design, Fabrication, Processing, And Testing Of Micro-Electro-Mechanical Chemical Sensors, Brian S. Freeman

Theses and Dissertations

Chemical microsensors are a new field integrating chemical thin film technology with solid-state fabrication techniques to make devices capable of detecting chemicals in the environment. This thesis evaluated commercially available fabrication processes and numerous sensor designs for working chemical sensors. The commercial processes used were MUMPS for surface micromachined devices and MOSIS for bulk micromachined devices. Overall, eight fabrication runs and 29 different designs were made. Of these designs, two were shown to work effectively. Other designs failed due to fabrication problems and design errors that caused release problems. One design that worked was a surface micromachined chemoresistor with interdigitated …

Design And Fabrication Of A Micromechanical Gyroscope, Richard M. Kuhns

Theses and Dissertations

Both size and cost of mechanical and optical inertial navigation systems (INS) have prevented their use in many applications. By developing a micromachined gyroscope and combining it with existing micromachined accelerometer designs to form a low sensitivity INS, the cost would be reduced by a factor of 10 or more. The lower per unit cost would open new areas for INS use. A second advantage of the micromachined INS would be its size. A micromachined INS would weigh only a few ounces and take significantly less space, allowing more room for electronics and the weight reduction would lead to longer …

The Effect Of Rotor Wake/Exit Guide Vane Interaction On The Total Pressure Losses In An Airfoil Cascade, Aaron Mosebach

Masters Theses

Computational simulations have been performed to study the effects of unsteady rotor wakes on the total pressure losses and the boundary layer characteristics in a compressor cascade. In the numerical simulations, transitional and turbulent flow conditions were modeled at design and off-design inlet flow angles, and for varying rotor wake widths and wake velocity deficits.

First, simulations were performed in the absence of rotor wakes at the inlet of the EGV (Exit Guide Vane) cascade. Second, simulations were performed for different wake width and wake velocity deficit values at the inlet of the EGV cascade. The majority of the numerical …

Design Modification And Optimization Of The Interior Ballistics For An Existing Naval Gun System., Gregory Allen Dennison

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This thesis determines the physical, chemical and thermodynamic properties of an advanced solid propellant that can be used in the proposed upgrade of the Navy's 5-inch, Mark 45 gun system to achieve a muzzle energy of 14.928x16^6 ft-lbf (20.24 mega Joules(MJ)) firing a proposed 110 pound Precision Guided Munition (PGM). This energy level corresponds to an 95% increase over the current system that uses Navy Cool, or NACO, solid propellant and a 70 pound projectile. The propellant properties were parameterized using the interior ballistics simulation code known as Interior Ballistics of High Velocity Guns - 2 (IBHVG2), version 505D. The …

Design, Fabrication And Characterization Of Micro Opto-Electro-Mechanical Systems, Darren E. Sene

Theses and Dissertations

Several micro-opto-electro-mechanical structures were designed using the Multi-User MEMS Process (MUMPS). Specific design techniques were investigated for improving the capabilities of elevating flip up structures. The integration of several flip up microoptical structures into a microoptical system was explored with emphasis on the development of a microinterferometer. The thermal effects on the Modulus of Elasticity were determined by detecting the resonant frequency for a square Flexure Beam Micromirror Device. The resonance of the device was found to match theory to within 0.1 % and the Modulus of Elasticity was found to decrease by 0.041 GPa/K from 290 to 450 K. …

Florida Exterior Wall Insulation Field Test: Final Report, Florida Solar Energy Center, Stephen Barkaszi

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) have conducted a field test of exterior insulation applied to Florida masonry residences. Approximately 50% of Florida's six million existing residences are of concrete block construction. Many of these homes, particularly those 15 years or older, have uninsulated walls.

Within the project, two single-family homes in Central Florida were extensively monitored to measure the energy savings of the technology. The primary objective was to examine the effect exterior insulation has on air conditioning (AC) energy use and peak electrical demand for two typical residences. A secondary objective was …

1995 Strategic Plan For Museum, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Check from Mr. Gerst Letter from Dr. Omtvedt Plan for Renovation Decision to Replace Roof Estimate from Landscaping

Malt Drying Model Verification For Efficiency Improvement, John David Kribs

Dissertations and Theses

The aim of this work has been to minimize the thermal energy required to dry malt in deep beds while maintaining malt quality, and without increasing the drying time more than one hour. Malt drying usually takes place in deep bed (.7-1 m) driers by forcing hot air through the bed.

Measurements of inlet and outlet relative humidity, temperature, and airflow at a drier at Great Western Malting Company's Vancouver, Washington facility were made to find average moisture content versus time. The measurements were used to develop a wetted surface model of a malt bed. However, the model was not …

Ultrasonic Radiative Transfer In Polycrystalline Media: Effects Of A Fluid–Solid Interface, Joseph A. Turner, Richard L. Weaver

Department of Engineering Mechanics: Faculty Publications

In previous derivations of the ultrasonic radiative transfer equation (URTE) for the modeling of multiply scattered diffuse ultrasound in polycrystalline media, the boundary conditions appropriate to experiments performed in a water bath were not used. In the present work, this fluid–solid boundary condition is discussed as it applies to the URTE. An interpolation scheme is developed that is consistent with the discrete ordinates method used for the solution of the URTE. Steady-state and time-dependent results are presented for the solution of the URTE with a fluid–solid boundary condition. The steady-state results show that diffusive behavior is exhibited nearer the specimen …

Photovoltaic Applications For Disaster Relief, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and earthquakes are natural disasters that can happen at any time destroying homes, businesses, and natural surroundings. One such disaster, Hurricane Andrew, devastated South Florida leaving several hundred-thousand people homeless. Many people were without electrical service, functioning water and sewage systems, communications, and medical services for days, even weeks in the aftermath of the storm. Emergency management teams, the military and countless public and private organizations staged a massive relief effort. Dependency on electrical utility power became a pronounced problem as emergency services were rendered to survivors and the rebuilding process started.

Many of the energy needs …

A Psychological Perspective On Service Segmentation Models: The Significance Of Accounting For Consumers' Perceptions Of Waiting And Service, Ziv Carmon, J. George Shanthikumar, Tali F. Carmon

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

We examine how service should be divided and scheduled when it can be provided in multiple separate segments. We analyze variants of this problem using a model with a conventional function describing the waiting cost, that is modified to account for some aspects of the psychological cost of waiting in line. We show that consideration of the psychological cost can result in prescriptions that are inconsistent with the common wisdom of queuing theorists derived according to the conventional approach (e.g., equal load assignments). More generally, our intention in this paper is to illustrate that aspects of the psychological cost of …

Vibration As An Aid In Robotic Peg-In-Hole Assembly, Hsin-Te Liao

Dissertations

This dissertation presents an analytical and experimental investigation of vibration assisted engagement for parts mating. A dynamic model of assembly is established by using Lagrange's equation for impact to derive impact equations for a robotic manipulator in peg-in-hole assembly. The model can be used to analyze part motion and contact force in the mating of parts by robots. The impact equations of a SCARA robot are derived using this model and utilized to investigate how robot configuration, insertion speed, chamfer angle, coefficient of restitution and other system parameters affect impulsive force and departure angle in the assembly of a peg …

Particle Deposition On Surfaces In A Divergent Channal Flow, Ding Sun

Dissertations

Particle trajectory and deposition of two phase gas-solid flows in a convergent or divergent two-dimensional channel are investigated numerically in a wide range of parameters. For the fluid phase, a two dimensional, incompressible laminar fluid flow is considered in the analysis. The particle phase is a diluted suspension. The effects of inertia, gravity, viscous force and electrostatic image force are included in the computational model.

Both convergent and divergent channel flow are solved by the finite element method based on the software FIDAP. The flow separations will appear in a divergent channel and their separation positions are obtained in the …

Performance Analysis For Genetic Algorithms., Hermrean Wong

Dissertations

Genetic algorithms have been shown effective for solving complex optimization problems such as job scheduling, machine learning, pattern recognition, and assembly planning. Due to the random process involved in genetic algorithms, the analysis of performance characteristics of genetic algorithms is a challenging research topic. Studied in this dissertation are methods to analyze convergence of genetic algorithms and to investigate whether modifications made to genetic algorithms, such as varying the operator rates during the iterative process, improve their performance. Both statistical analysis, which is used for investigation of different modifications to the genetic algorithm, and probability analysis, which is used to …

Auditing & Measuring The Need For Flexibility In A Manufacturing Facility, Kartika-Sari Stroman

Theses

Flexible manufacturing was created out of the need for facilities to be able to efficiently respond to changes in their environment so as to build a competitive advantage. Flexible manufacturing (FM) is currently viewed as a way for facilities to be able to introduce and produce multiple products quickly and more efficiently. In this research we will present some new tools to help managers address the changes that are affecting the facility.

An audit was developed to help system designers identify the changes that are impacting the facilities. The audit provides the opportunity to understand the changes that are occurring …

Chute Flow Experiments, Yahong Zhang

Theses

The objective of this thesis is to study the behavior of granular materials flowing down an inclined chute using three diagnostic techniques under different chute inclination angles and chute floor conditions. The three methods are: (1) tracking the motion of single particle within the mass in a noninvasive manner using a transmitting sphere and antenna receiving system, (2) scale mass flow rate measurement, and (3) high speed camera system to obtain flow velocity measurements.

For these purposes, an experimental setup has been completed and a set experiments has been performed.

Analysis Of Cim Performance Using Different Lan Structures A Simulation Approach, Kirk Rawle

Theses

This research illustrates a systematic procedure for modeling and performance analysis of the integration effect of communication network to the physical system. The concept is to model different layouts of Computer Integration Manufacturing (CIM) using different Local Area Network(LAN) structures. The steps to accomplish this concepts are, a) To determine the performance measures for physical layouts and the communication network, in order to obtain a performance analysis. b) Modeling the physical layout using Promodel simulation package. c) Extracting results from the outcome of the simulation of the physical layout and using this as input to the communication network simulation. d) …

The Effect Of Liquid Gallium On Plastics, Vivek P. Dwivedi

Theses

As part of a joint effort by Cornell University and NJIT to find a replacement for mercury as a pressuring medium for P-V-T devices, we investigated the effect of liquid gallium on four thermoplastics: two semi-crystalline ( high density polyethylene and polypropylene ) and two amorphous ( polystyrene and polymethylmethacrylate ). Test specimens were covered with liquid gallium and held in vacuum oven at temperatures close to their melting points for up to two weeks. Change in weight after treatment with gallium was measured, along with tensile testing and particle analysis using dispersion x-ray spectroscopy. The results are compared with …

Process For The Formation Of Wear- And Scuff-Resistant Carbon Coatings, Gerard W. Malaczynski, Xiaohong Qiu, Joseph V. Mantese, Alaa A. Elmoursi, Aboud H. Hamdi, Blake P. Wood, Kevin C. Walter, Michael Nastasi

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

A process for forming an adherent diamond-like carbon coating on a workpiece of suitable material such as an aluminum alloy is disclosed. The workpiece is successively immersed in different plasma atmospheres and subjected to short duration, high voltage, negative electrical potential pulses or constant negative electrical potentials or the like so as to clean the surface of oxygen atoms, implant carbon atoms into the surface of the alloy to form carbide com pounds while codepositing a carbonaceous layer on the surface, bombard and remove the carbonaceous layer, and to thereafter deposit a generally amorphous hydrogen-containing carbon layer on the surface …

The Characteristics Of Agile Manufacturing That Can Be Implemented In The Manufacture Of Agricultural Equipment, Irvin L. Wilhelms

Graduate Research Papers

The problem of this study was to determine the characteristics of agile manufacturing and their applicability to a manufacturer of heavy agricultural equipment.

An Investigation Into The Use Of Expanded Polystyrene Patterns With The Loose-Sand, Vacuum Assisted Counter Gravitational Casting Process, John B. Vandersall

Graduate Research Papers

"Considered for years as a metal casting renegade, Expendable Pattern Casting (EPC) is believed by some to be tomorrows long-term casting future. Others, however, see it as an unproven headache-ridden process that makes the simple art of metal casting unnecessarily complex." (Lessiter, 1994, p. 36). The complexity of this process has been largely due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the interaction of the metal front and the dissipating polystyrene pattern.

Since the discovery of EPS as a pattern material, numerous applied research projects have been performed to gain a better understanding of the thermal breakdown characteristics of the material. …

An Experimental Investigation Of Wall Cooling Effects On Hypersonic Boundary Layer Stability In A Quiet Wind Tunnel, Alan E. Blanchard

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

One of the primary reasons for developing quiet tunnels is for the investigation of high-speed boundary-layer stability and transition phenomena without the transition-promoting effects of acoustic radiation from tunnel walls. In this experiment, a flared-cone model under adiabatic- and cooled-wall conditions was placed in a calibrated, 'quiet' Mach 6 flow and the stability of the boundary layer was investigated using a prototype constant-voltage anemometer. The results were compared with linear-stability theory predictions and good agreement was found in the prediction of second-mode frequencies and growth. In addition, the same 'N=10' criterion used to predict boundary-layer transition in subsonic, transonic, and …

Buckling Analysis And Optimum Design Of Multidirectionally Stiffened Composite Curved Panel, Navin R. R. Jaunky

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Continuous filament grid-stiffened structure is a stiffening concept that combines structural efficiency and damage tolerance. However, buckle resistant design optimization of such structures using a finite element method is expensive and time consuming due to the number of design parameters that can be varied. An analytical optimization procedure which is simple, efficient and supports the preliminary design of grid-stiffened structures for application to combined loading cases is needed.

An analytical model for a general grid-stiffened curved panel is developed using an improved smeared theory with a first-order, shear-deformation theory to account for transverse shear flexibilities and local skin-stiffener interaction effects. …

Experimental Investigation Of The Inlet Deflector Configuration Variation In The Flow Field At Mach 1.9, Kyu C. Hwang

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

In recent years, active research has been conducted to study the technological feasibility of supersonic laminar flow control on the wing of the High Speed Civil Transport (HSCT). For this study, the F-16XL has been chosen due to its highly swept crank wing planform that closely resembles the HSCT configurations. During flights, it is discovered that the shock wave generated from the aircraft inlet introduces disturbances on the wing where the data acquisition is conducted. The flow field about a supersonic inlet is characterized by a complex three-dimensional pattern of shock waves generated by the geometrical configuration of a deflector …

Assessment Of High-Order Serendipity And Lagrangian Quadrilateral Membrane Elements, Timothy Scott Davis

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The development and implementation of high-order Lagrangian and serendipity quadrilateral elements including a biquartic Lagrangian element, a 16-node serendipity element, and a 17-node serendipity element are presented and assessed. This assessment includes an evaluation of the patch test, an element eigenvalue test to detect any zero-energy modes, and selected plane stress problems. The effects of using both full and reduced numerical integration procedures and optimum locations for stress recovery are discussed. All elements evaluated represent the three rigid-body modes without inducing strains, exhibit geometric isotropy, and pass the membrane patch test. The most promising high-order quadrilateral element proved to be …

Indoor Air Quality Impacts Of Uncontrolled Air Flow And Depressurization In Eight Commercial Buildings In Central Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Cummings

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Field investigations were done in 68 commercial buildings to identify uncontrolled air flows and pressure imbalances. Results from eight buildings (six restaurants and two sports facilities) are reported in this paper. Testing included building airtightness tests, identification of building air barrier location, duct system airtightness, characterization of pressure differentials, building air flow balance, and infiltration/ventilation rates. Six restaurants and one sports facility were found to operate at negative pressures which ranged from -0.003 inWC (-0.8 Pa) to -0.173 inWC (-43 Pa) and averaged -0.051 inWC (-12.7 Pa) under normal operation. A second sports facility operates partially at positive pressure and …

Chp And Energy Conservation, Jim Mcgovern

Articles

The principles of the use of 'combined heat and power' (CHP) for the achievement of fuel energy conservation, minimisation of environmental impact and economic advantage are explained. A distinction is made between the two types of outputs: heat and work. It is argued that an efficiency value that is defined as the sum of the heat and work outputs divided by the energy of the fuel used is not very meaningful. An alternative, rational, efficiency is explained. It is concluded that CHP is an option to be considered where both heating and power are required, but is not a general …

Tractor Test Museum Committee Minutes August 11, 1995, Tractor Museum

Lester F. Larsen Tractor Museum: Planning and Development Documents

Bid for Roof Replacement National Historic Site Additional Support

Window-On-Europe, S. R. Leclair, A. G. Jackson

Mechanical and Materials Engineering Faculty Publications

This report covers a three week visit to the following locations: 1.) A.A. Baikov Institute of Metallurgy of the Russian Academy of Science, Moscow, Russia; 2.) Institute for Applied Informatics, of the Ukrainian Academy of Science, Kiev, Ukraine; 3.)Engineering Design Center.Cambridge University, Cambridge, England- and 4) Artificial Intelligence Department, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, Scotland. The visits involved sites whose current research involved either empirical methods for the design of materials and resultant products and/or the development of empirical methods of potential benefit in automating empirical research of materials and/or processing. The report address, for each site, 1) a brief overview …