Engineering Commons^™

Acuta Enews January 2004, Vol. 33, No. 1

ACUTA Newsletters

ln This lssue

ACUTA to Offer Regional Workshops

From ACUTA Headquarters.................. Jeri A. Semer, CAE, Executive Director

ACUTA Announces Online Press Room

Board Report.................... Carmine Piscopo, Providence College

Tech Talk.................... Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

DC Update.............. Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan Univ.

WLNP........................... Greg Stahl, St. Lawrence University

Thanks to Journal Advertisers for '03

Welcome New Members

Human Performance Reliability: On-Line Assessment Using Fuzzy Logic, William J. Kolarik, Jeffrey C. Woldstad, Susan Lu, Huitian Lu

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

This paper presents an on-line approach to monitoring human performance in terms of conditional reliability when one is performing a task. Unlike traditional human reliability analysis, this approach develops a dynamic model that is able to cope with constantly changing conditions that affect operator performance. A fuzzy knowledge-based assessment approach is developed in order to deal with uncertainty and subjectivity associated with human performance assessment. This technology includes three main parts/functions: (i) on-line performance monitoring; (ii) real-time performance forecasting; and (iii) performance reliability assessment. The technology is demonstrated in real-time and provides timely conditioned reliability information regarding task success/failure. In …

Thin-Film Simulation Model For Comparing Production Schedules In A Semiconductor Fabrication Facility, Amr Arisha, Paul Young

Conference papers

Analysis of advanced manufacturing systems in any manufacturing industry requires certain level of knowledge about the system. Flexible manufacturing cells, in particular, are commonly used in most wafer fabrication to provide the ability to change product without requiring the construction of new manufacturing plant. This level of flexibility comes at a significant capital cost and, in order to achieve the maximum potential of each cell, it is essential to characterize and establish the performance of these cells in detail before a new production plan is implemented. Using state-of-the-art computer simulation and a structured modelling methodology a generic model of flexible …

Wear Mechanisms In Ceramic Hip Implants, M. Slonaker

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

The wear in hip implants is one of the main causes for premature hip replacements. The wear affects the potential life of the prosthesis and subsequent removals of in-vivo implants. Therefore, the objective of this article is to review various joints that show lower wear rates and consequently higher life. Ceramics are used in hip implants and have been found to produce lower wear rates. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of ceramics compared to other implant materials. Different types of ceramics that are being used are reviewed in terms of the wear characteristics, debris released, and their size …

Wear Mechanisms In Ceramic Hip Implants, M. Slonaker, Tarun Goswami

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

The wear in hip implants is one of the main causes for premature hip replacements. The wear affects the potential life of the prosthesis and subsequent removals of in-vivo implants. Therefore, the objective of this article is to review various joints that show lower wear rates and consequently higher life. Ceramics are used in hip implants and have been found to produce lower wear rates. This article discusses the advantages and disadvantages of ceramics compared to other implant materials. Different types of ceramics that are being used are reviewed in terms of the wear characteristics, debris released, and their size …

Logistics Outsourcing And 3pl Challenges, Michelle L. F. Cheong

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Logistics has been an important part of every economy and every business entity. The worldwide trend in globalization has led to many companies outsourcing their logistics function to Third-Party Logistics (3PL) companies, so as to focus on their core competencies. This paper attempts to broadly identify and categorize the challenges faced by 3PL companies and discover potential gaps for future research. Some of the challenges will be related with the experience and information collected from interviews with two 3PL companies.

Fee -Based Online Services : Exploring Consumers’ Willingness To Pay, L. Richard Ye, Yue Zhang, Dat-Dao Nguyen, James Chiu

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Many online service businesses are beginning to charge fees for services that they used to provide for free. It is unclear whether consumers are ready to embrace this practice. This study explores consumer attitudes toward fee-based online services. The results of the study indicate that consumers’ willingness to pay for online services is likely to be influenced by their perceived value of convenience these services provide, and by the extent to which they utilize these services. While consumers appear more willing to pay for services that are qualitatively better than free services, there is also indication that the belief remains …

Information Systems Service Quality Measurement: The Evolution Of The Servqual Instrument, Dwayne Whitten

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Due to the increasing service component of information technology, service quality measurement has become increasingly important as IS practitioners attempt to increase service quality to customers. The measurement of service quality in IS evolved from the research done in the marketing literature. The SERVQUAL instrument has evolved to become the most commonly used measurement instrument in both IS and marketing. Although commonly used, the SERVQUAL instrument is not without criticism. This paper describes the SERVQUAL instrument, its criticisms and support, and finally the SERVPERF instrument, a variation of the SERVQUAL instrument which is an attempt at improving upon the SERVQUAL …

Empirical Evidence Of Diminishing Payoff From Successive Generations Of Information Systems, Gerald E. Evans, Neil Morton

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Previous research has focused on a number of important variables that can influence the observed payoffs from information systems investments. In the current investigation conducted in the spring of 2002, personal, on-site interviews were conducted in 138 small and medium sized businesses. Vendor involvement in systems development was less related to systems cost than previously. Unfortunately, vendor involvement was unrelated to any of the four measures of systems success in the entire sample. Further analysis revealed a strong relationship between information system generation and payoffs. Specifically, there appeared to be a point of diminishing return with subsequent generations of information …

Online Reverse Auctions: An Overview, Ching-Chung Kuo, Pamela Rogers, Richard E. White

Journal of International Technology and Information Management

Electronic commerce (e-commerce) is the fastest growing area in the U.S. economy with electronic procurement (e-procurement) being a major component, and online reverse auctions (ORAs) have emerged as a key e-procurement tool. Since the mid-1990s, ORAs have been gaining in popularity because of their potentially significant positive impact on the profitability of both the buyers and the sellers. Much has been written about the new purchasing paradigm and numerous stories have been reported recently. This paper is aimed at providing a critical review of ORAs by examining their historical developments, different forms, advantages, and disadvantages. In addition, 10 important factors …

The Frequency Distribution Of Quantization Error In Digitizers For Coherent Sampling, Sol Neeman Ph.D.

Engineering Studies Faculty Publications and Creative Works

In this paper the frequency distribution of quantization error in coherent sampling of digitizers will be investigated. As the distribution of the quantization error affects the values of THD and SNR, it is relevant for a correct interpretation of THD and SNR of sine waves in coherent sampling. The distribution of the quantization error will be analyzed as a function of N, total number of samples and M, number of cycles in the sample set and it will be proved that for certain cases, the quantization error falls on odd harmonics only of the frequency of the sampled sine wave.

General Creep-Fatigue Life Prediction Models, J. Toland, Tarun Goswami

Biomedical, Industrial & Human Factors Engineering Faculty Publications

This paper presents a data bank that was compiled from published and unpublished sources. Using these data, low cycle fatigue curves were generated under a range of test conditions showing the effect of test parameters on the Coffin-Manson behavior of steel alloys. Generic equations have been developed in this paper to predict the creep-fatigue life of high temperature materials. Several new multivariate equations were developed to predict the creep-fatigue life of following alloy groups; I) Cr-Mo steels, 2) stainless steels and 3) generic materials involving the materials from the following alloy groups, solder, copper, steels, titanium, tantalum, and nickel based …

Implementation Of Lean Method And Value Analysis In The Sandblasting Production Shop At Intersign Corporation, Elbert Zeth Nassey

Masters Theses and Doctoral Dissertations

Intersign Corporation is a small signage manufacturing company in Chattanooga, Tennessee, which employs fewer than one hundred workers. The company produces variety of signage products and customized applications including room signs, room IDs, signs, suite IDs, nameplates, safety signs, menus, activity boards, traffic control signs, and many more. One of the company's main products, and the main subject in this study, is sandblasting products. Sandblasting production is a job shop operation which is placed in a 55 x 100 ft building (building B). In the near future, the company will expand this production by moving several workstations into the new …

Applications Of Simulation In Semiconductor Manufacturing Facilities, Amr Arisha, Paul Young

Conference papers

Semiconductor fabrication facilities face many challenges through the many phases of their life cycle including design, build, various production ramps, and many levels of production. Confronted with global competition and rapidly changing technology and customer requirements, there is an increasing demand for rapid solution techniques to improve efficiency in manufacturing. The complexities and forces of both market and the process combine to make the use of simulation crucial at many different planning and control levels. While not a panacea for sustainable performance, simulation provides an effective vehicle for defining the path from competitive concepts to real world solutions and gives …

Matrix Isolation Infrared Spectroscopic And Theoretical Study Of The Interaction Of Water With Dimethyl Methylphosphonate, Bruce S. Ault, Alex Balboa, David Tevault, Margaret Hurley

United States Army: Publications

Matrix isolation infrared spectroscopy has been combined with theoretical calculations for the characterization of the 1:1 hydrogen-bonded complex between H₂O and dimethyl methylphosphonate (DMMP). The symmetric O-H stretching mode was observed to shift 203 cm^-1 to lower energy upon hydrogen bond formation, while a 32 cm^-1 blue shift was noted for the H-O-H bending mode of the H₂O subunit in the complex. These values compare extremely well with the (unscaled) shifts of -203 and +32 cm^-1, respectively, that were calculated theoretically at the MP2/6-31+G** level. Additional perturbed modes of the DMMP subunit …

Adaptive Critic Neural Network-Based Object Grasping Control Using A Three-Finger Gripper, Gustavo Galan, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Grasping of objects has been a challenging task for robots. The complex grasping task can be defined as object contact control and manipulation subtasks. In this paper, object contact control subtask is defined as the ability to follow a trajectory accurately by the fingers of a gripper. The object manipulation subtask is defined in terms of maintaining a predefined applied force by the fingers on the object. A sophisticated controller is necessary since the process of grasping an object without a priori knowledge of the object's size, texture, softness, gripper, and contact dynamics is rather difficult. Moreover, the object has …

Adaptive Force-Balancing Control Of Mems Gyroscope With Actuator Limits, Mohammed Hameed, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This work presents an adaptive force-balancing control (AFBC) scheme with actuator limits for a MEMS Z-axis gyroscope. The purpose of the adaptive force-balancing control is to identify major fabrication imperfections so that they are properly compensated unlike the case of conventional force-balancing controlled gyroscope. The proposed AFBC scheme controls the vibratory modes of the proof mass while ensuring that the control input satisfies the magnitude constraints and the performance of the gyroscope is enhanced in the presence of fabrication uncertainties. Consequently, commonly reported problems of MEMS gyroscope such as quadrature compensation, drive and sense axes frequency tuning are not needed …

Decentralized Neural Network Control Of A Class Of Large-Scale Systems With Unknown Interconnection, Wenxin Liu, Jagannathan Sarangapani, Donald C. Wunsch, Mariesa Crow

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel decentralized neural network (DNN) controller is proposed for a class of large-scale nonlinear systems with unknown interconnections. The objective is to design a DNN for a class of large-scale systems which do not satisfy the matching condition requirement. The NNs are used to approximate the unknown subsystem dynamics and the interconnections. The DNN is designed using the back stepping methodology with only local signals for feedback. All of the signals in the closed loop (system states and weights estimation errors) are guaranteed to be uniformly ultimately bounded and eventually converge to a compact set.

Discrete-Time Neural Network Output Feedback Control Of Nonlinear Systems In Non-Strict Feedback Form, Pingan He, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

An adaptive neural network (NN)-based output feedback controller is proposed to deliver a desired tracking performance for a class of discrete-time nonlinear systems, which is represented in non-strict feedback form. The NN backstepping approach is utilized to design the adaptive output feedback controller consisting of: 1) a NN observer to estimate the system states with the input-output data, and 2) two NNs to generate the virtual and actual control inputs, respectively. The non-causal problem in the discrete-time backstepping design is avoided by using the universal NN approximator. The persistence excitation (PE) condition is relaxed both in the NN observer and …

Neural Network Controller For Manipulation Of Micro-Scale Objects, Vijayakumar Janardhan, Pingan He, Jagannathan Sarangapani

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A novel reinforcement learning-based neural network (RLNN) controller is presented for the manipulation and handling of micro-scale objects in a microelectromechanical system (MEMS). In MEMS, adhesive, surface tension, friction and van der Waals forces are dominant. Moreover, these forces are typically unknown. The RLNN controller consists of an action NN for compensating the unkoown system dynamics, and a critic NN to tune the weights of the action NN. Using the Lyapunov approach, the uniformly ultimate houndedness (UUB) of the closed-loop tracking error and weight estimates are shown by using a novel weight updates. Simulation results are presented to substantiate the …

Investigation Of Nascar Restrictor Plate Manifold Insert Using Wave Engine Simulation And Response Surface Methodology, John Mason Gross Iii

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

With the increasing growth in computer processing power, computer based computational fluid dynamics simulations are finding increasing acceptance and use in the field of internal combustion engine development. Once fully developed, such simulations provide detailed and expedient tools for testing existing theories, as well as new ideas. While numerous studies on wave propagation and fluid flow in intakes manifolds exist, most restrict the analysis to a single intake runner and port, examining only the dynamics from the runner-to-plenum junction downstream to the valve. While such analyses provide comprehensive models for wave propagation dynamics in the runner, little is published on …

Optimal Test Case Selection For Multi-Component Software System, Praveen Babu Kysetti

LSU Master's Theses

The omnipresence of software has forced upon the industry to produce efficient software in a short time. These requirements can be met by code reusability and software testing. Code reusability is achieved by developing software as components/modules rather than a single block. Software coding teams are becoming large to satiate the need of massive requirements. Large teams could work easily if software is developed in a modular fashion. It would be pointless to have software that would crash often. Testing makes the software more reliable. Modularity and reliability is the need of the day. Testing is usually carried out using …

Effects Of Pressure Suit And Race On Functional Reach, Static And Dynamic Strength, Nageswara Rao Uppu

LSU Master's Theses

In the design of any manual workspace, it is important for the designers to have access to data that can illustrate reach capabilities under real-time work situation. Wearing bulky clothing (pressure suit) and protective restraints (seat or shoulder harness belts) is often mandatory in high acceleration work environments. Clothing and personal equipment worn can influence the functional reach and strength values since they add to the body size. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of wearing a VKK-6M pressure suit on functional reach limitations and strength values. The technology of incorporating body dimensions into cockpit design primarily …

Bezier Curves For Metamodeling Of Simulation Output, Harish J. Kingre

LSU Master's Theses

Many design optimization problems rely on simulation models to obtain feasible solutions. Even with substantial improvement in the computational capability of computers, the enormous cost of computation needed for simulation makes it impractical to rely on simulation models. The use of metamodels or surrogate approximations in place of actual simulation models makes analysis realistic by reducing computational burden. There are many popular metamodeling techniques such as Polynomial Regression, Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines, Radial Basis Functions, Kriging and Artificial Neural Networks. This research proposes a new metamodeling technique that uses Bezier curves and patches. The Bezier curve method is based on …

Route Planning Of Automated Guided Vehicles For Container Logistics, Sanjay Shankarrao Gurav

LSU Master's Theses

Automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are widely used in container terminals for the movement of material from shipping to the yard area and vice versa. Research in this area is directed toward the development of a path layout design and routing algorithms for container movement. The problem is to design a path layout and a routing algorithm that will route the AGVs along the bi-directional path so that the distance traveled will be minimized. This thesis presents a bi-directional path flow layout and a routing algorithm that guarantee conflict-free, shortest time routes for AGVs. Based on the path layout, a routing …

Probabilistic Risk Assessment Method For Prioritization Of Risk Factors, Jay Tarakkumar Shah

LSU Master's Theses

Risk management involves assessing the risk sources and designing strategies and procedures to mitigate those risks to an acceptable level. Measurement of risk factors plays an important role in the assessment of risk. This research proposes to develop risk assessment frameworks and mathematical model (Probabilistic Risk Assessment model) identify the risk factors. Quantification and prioritization of risk factors will help to design controls, resource allocation policies and minimize the total cost using the Cost Minimization model. The proposed models are applied to a complex system that is representative of actual business situations.

Joint Optimization Of Process Improvement Investments For Supplier-Buyer Cooperative Commerce, Erick Comeaux

LSU Master's Theses

This research focuses on supporting the formation of strategic alliances through the concept of cooperative commerce, where suppliers and buyers work together to jointly optimize their businesses. The general goal of this research is to examine existing cooperative commerce models for obstacles that would hinder their successful implementation into modern industrial applications and to address those shortcomings. Total annual cost equations are formulated to capture the joint total relevant cost of cooperative commerce business relationships. These total joint relevant cost models will include terms that capture the ordering cost, holding cost, and cost of quality, as well as any applicable …

Effects Of Automobile Seating Posture On Trunk Muscle Activity, Milton Maada-Gormoh Saidu

LSU Master's Theses

Reports for adult population indicate that almost 80% of the adult population has reported some form of lower back aches. Each year American workers suffer more than 300,000 lost-time injuries involving musculoskeletal disorders of the back, with the costs that run into billions of dollars. Sedentary tasks are known to be major contributing factors of back pain. Prior studies have indicated that the myoelectric activity of the lumbar region decreases when the back rest inclination of a seat increased. An increase in seat pan inclination so that it increases pressure on the leg muscles is also a cause for back …

Discerning Attributes Which Stimulate Performance In Quality Improvement Teams, Dwan Lamar Prude

Masters Theses

"Total quality management (TQM) can be summed up as people and the way they work. One key element of the philosophies of TQM is the heavy emphasis on utilizing quality improvement teams (QITs) and quality tools to effectively create high performance organizations. Specifically, this investigation asks the following questions: 1) What are the key attributes that contribute to performance in QITs? 2) What is the relationship between team communication and QIT performance? 3) What is the relationship between the number of quality tools utilized in a team and QIT performance? Participants for this study were 101 students from the University …

Development Of An Expert Judgement Elicitation And Calibration Methodology For Risk Analysis In Conceptual Vehicle Design, Resit Unal, Charles Keating, Bruce Conway, Trina Chytka

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Faculty Publications

A comprehensive expert-judgment elicitation methodology to quantify input parameter uncertainty and analysis tool uncertainty in a conceptual launch vehicle design analysis has been developed. The ten-phase methodology seeks to obtain expert judgment opinion for quantifying uncertainties as a probability distribution so that multidisciplinary risk analysis studies can be performed. The calibration and aggregation techniques presented as part of the methodology are aimed at improving individual expert estimates, and provide an approach to aggregate multiple expert judgments into a single probability distribution. The purpose of this report is to document the methodology development and its validation through application to a reference …