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Articles 3031 - 3060 of 4850

Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Closed-Volume Pdms Recirculation Pumps For Mems-Based Photonic Biosensors, Haobo Jack Dong, Dr. Gregory Nordin Aug 2013

Closed-Volume Pdms Recirculation Pumps For Mems-Based Photonic Biosensors, Haobo Jack Dong, Dr. Gregory Nordin

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Microfluidics is the science and technology of systems that process or manipulate small amounts of fluidics, using channels with dimensions of tens to hundreds of micrometers [1]. Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), a soft elastomeric material, is a popular choice in microfluidics research due to its tunable elastic properties, ability to seal with silicon and glass, low cost, forgiving and simple fabrication procedures [2]. To control and move fluids within the system, on-chip valves and pumps are needed. This paper reports a PDMS recirculation pumps device for MEMS-based biosensors.

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Pace Global Collaboration Race Car Project And Pace Emerging Market Engine Project, Jesse Davis, Dr. C. Greg Jensen Aug 2013

Pace Global Collaboration Race Car Project And Pace Emerging Market Engine Project, Jesse Davis, Dr. C. Greg Jensen

Journal of Undergraduate Research

I have been involved with Partners for the Advancement of Collaborative Engineering Education (PACE) since January 2008. The goal of this organization involving industry sponsors and student teams is to teach and foster engineering collaboration in today’s global market. Various projects are undertaken in PACE, but the main focus is design and engineering in the automotive field. I participated in two projects during the past year.

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Analysis Of Prosthetic Leg Shock Absorption And Structure, David Williams, Russell Dibb, Dr. Mark Colton Aug 2013

Analysis Of Prosthetic Leg Shock Absorption And Structure, David Williams, Russell Dibb, Dr. Mark Colton

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The purpose of the prosthetic leg project was to research and design a below-the-knee prosthetic leg that could be used in developing countries. Many prosthetic legs that are currently on the market are very expensive and difficult to manufacture in undeveloped areas of the world. The engineering challenges that the prosthetic leg design addressed include a device that is 1) capable of being manufactured at a low cost ($100-$500), 2) simply and easily reproducible in a developing country, 3) durable enough to hold up to the vigorous conditions that exist in a developing country, and 4) able to effectively modeling …

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Mechanical Characterization Of Accelerated Human Lumbar Disc Degeneration, John Sessions, Dr. Anton Bowden Aug 2013

Mechanical Characterization Of Accelerated Human Lumbar Disc Degeneration, John Sessions, Dr. Anton Bowden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

It is reported by the American Academy of Orthopeadic Surgeons that in 2005, 24% of the population sought treatment for back pain [1]. Additionally, Americans spent over $85.9 billion (2005) on health treatment costs related to back problems with the vast majority being connected to disc degeneration [1]. Despite the vast sum of money being spent on treatment of disc degeneration, the leading surgical treatments for disc degeneration (spinal fusion, total disc replacement) have been shown to increase degeneration at the discs in adjacent levels to the surgery [2].

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High-Speed, Three-Dimensional Quantification Of Ladybug (Hippodamia Convergens) Flapping Wing Kinematics During Takeoff, Ryan B. George, Dr. Scott L. Thomson Aug 2013

High-Speed, Three-Dimensional Quantification Of Ladybug (Hippodamia Convergens) Flapping Wing Kinematics During Takeoff, Ryan B. George, Dr. Scott L. Thomson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Ladybug wing and body kinematics during takeoff is explored using high-speed stereoscopic imaging. Recordings of the specimens during flight are acquired at a rate of 3000 frames per second. A direct linear transformation algorithm is performed using custom implementation in Matlab to quantify positions of selected locations on the body, forewings (elytra), and hindwings. Design and setup of instrumentation and analysis procedures are explained. Flapping frequency is reported. Significant motion of the elytra and other findings are presented and their applications are discussed.

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Transtibial Suspension, Peter Jepsen, Dr. Anton Bowden Aug 2013

Transtibial Suspension, Peter Jepsen, Dr. Anton Bowden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Amputees in developing countries struggle to find employment because of their disabilities, but also struggle to afford the artificial limbs that are available to them. Further compounding the problem is the lack of comfortable fitting prosthetics, which are hard to find and design even in advanced nations. I researched, designed and tested suspension systems that could be made for a transtibial (below the knee) prosthetic leg that would be both comfortable and inexpensive.

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Characterization Of Biomass Fuel Properties Based On Functional Groups, Richard B. Reid, Dr. Larry Baxter Aug 2013

Characterization Of Biomass Fuel Properties Based On Functional Groups, Richard B. Reid, Dr. Larry Baxter

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The search for sustainable energy sources and technologies is one of the world’s primary concerns in the 21st century. Biomass energy is projected to be an important component of a diverse and sustainable energy portfolio. In order to utilize this source effectively there must be accurate composition data and predictive correlations for material properties. Though the literature provides some empirical correlations of fuel properties such as heating value [Jenkins et al 1996], fundamental chemical and structural analyses have not been explicitly correlated with such properties. This project has sought to establish relationships between fuel properties and chemical functional group contributions …

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Optical Fiber To Integrated Waveguides: Bridging The Gap, Mallory Phillips, Dr. Aaron R. Hawkins Aug 2013

Optical Fiber To Integrated Waveguides: Bridging The Gap, Mallory Phillips, Dr. Aaron R. Hawkins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Optoelectronics are made on the surface of a thin substrate of semiconductor material by attaching light-sensitive polymers to the surface, then removing patterns generated in the polymer. Waveguides can be made on the same substrate to interface directly with optoelectronics. They are made from raised channels running along the substrates surface and guide light through total internal reflection, much like optical fibers [1]. Optical fibers are used for internet and cable connections, in order for information to be successfully used, that information must make a transition from the optical fiber to integrated waveguides [2]. The engineering challenge associated with this …

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Optimizing Cvt Performance For A Sae Mini-Baja Application, Jisang Sun, Dr. Robert H. Todd Aug 2013

Optimizing Cvt Performance For A Sae Mini-Baja Application, Jisang Sun, Dr. Robert H. Todd

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) is a mechanical device that transfers power from an engine to another device such as a gear box or reducer. It mainly consists of three major parts; a speed sensitive drive pulley, a torque sensitive driven pulley and a V-belt. A CVT has the ability to adjust the gear ratio between the engine and the gear box automatically based on engine RPM and the torque needed to drive the driven pulley. CVT’s are widely used in special purpose vehicles such as all terrain vehicles (ATV’s) and snowmobiles. CVT’s are also used for the national Mini-Baja …

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Mathematical Model Of Friction Stir Welding, Jeremy D. Webb, Dr. Russell Daines Aug 2013

Mathematical Model Of Friction Stir Welding, Jeremy D. Webb, Dr. Russell Daines

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a semi-solid state joining process. The process utilizes a threaded pin tool “stirring” two aluminum plates together as it “sews” the seam together. One application of this process would replace the use of rivets to join aluminum paneling on commercial aircraft.

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Analysis Of A Compliant Centrifugal Clutch Using Computeraided Engineering Tools, James D. Baker, Dr. Larry L. Howell Aug 2013

Analysis Of A Compliant Centrifugal Clutch Using Computeraided Engineering Tools, James D. Baker, Dr. Larry L. Howell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Contemporary engineering has received the benefits of computer-aided engineering (CAE) tools that automate and simplify the design of mechanical systems. However, such tools do not provide direct support for the specific field of compliant mechanisms, whose behavior can require difficult techniques for design and synthesis. Compliant mechanisms utilize flexible segments instead of joints, to achieve their motion. It was proposed that two CAE tools, namely Pro/ENGINEER and ADAMS/View, along with a method for analyzing compliant mechanisms known as the pseudo-rigid-body model, could greatly reduce the time and effort required to generate accurate results in the analysis of a compliant centrifugal …

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The Design And Synthesis Of A Compliant Bicycle Derailer, Matthew Christensen, Dr. Larry L. Howell Aug 2013

The Design And Synthesis Of A Compliant Bicycle Derailer, Matthew Christensen, Dr. Larry L. Howell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Compliant mechanisms are those which gain part or all of their motion from the flexibility of their parts. For example, the motion of a hinge can be alternatively provided by a pin (like a hinge on a door), or by a thin flexible member (like a hinge in the cover of a book). The door hinge is easily designed by selecting brackets and a pin with adequate strength to support the loads. The book hinge is more difficult to design. The book has additional considerations like designing the material thin enough to bend, thick enough to bear the load, and …

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Char Combustion And Late Burnout Reactivity, Rhett Brewer, Dr. William Hecker Aug 2013

Char Combustion And Late Burnout Reactivity, Rhett Brewer, Dr. William Hecker

Journal of Undergraduate Research

To study the effects of the carbon structure on coal reactivity during the late stages of combustion, it was necessary to be able to know what effect mineral content had on the reactivity. Two coals, dietz (high mineral content) and pitt 8 (low mineral content), were chosen for the experiment so that their behavior during the late stages of combustion could be compared.

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Instrumentation Of Rebar For Use In The Structural Analysis Of A Culvert And Data Reduction For A Pile Study, Paul W. Richards, Dr. Kyle M. Rollins Aug 2013

Instrumentation Of Rebar For Use In The Structural Analysis Of A Culvert And Data Reduction For A Pile Study, Paul W. Richards, Dr. Kyle M. Rollins

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Pheonix Gunite is an engineering firm responsible for the ongoing construction of several culverts (underground tunnels) in the Las Vegas area. These reinforced culverts serve a variety of purposes including pedestrian walkways and water transportation. My proposed project was to instrument the rebar going into one of these culverts and then obtain stress data while the completed culvert experienced a loading sequence. I then intended to reduce the data and use it to aid in optimizing the design of future culverts.

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Barrette Foundations, Richard Christensen, Dr. Richard Balling Aug 2013

Barrette Foundations, Richard Christensen, Dr. Richard Balling

Journal of Undergraduate Research

During the past 60 years, ever since the discovery of mass produced steel, the world has used this steel to produce buildings that touch the sky. These skyscrapers have become a point of competition and interest throughout the world. Each country tries to outdo the next in building height and beauty.

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Digital Filter Design, Ruth Bell, Dr. Doran Wilde Aug 2013

Digital Filter Design, Ruth Bell, Dr. Doran Wilde

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A number of approaches to constructing high performance recursive digital filters have been attempted. An approach using piplelined multiply-accumulate blocks in which computations are performed most significant digit (msd) first has demonstrated important benefits. A recent computer journal article describes 1 msd first multiply accumulation and presents the basis for a systematic method of deriving VLSI architectures for low latency, pipelined recursive systems.

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Yscat—Byu’S Dock Based Scatterometer, Brett T. Walkenhorst, Dr. David V. Arnold Aug 2013

Yscat—Byu’S Dock Based Scatterometer, Brett T. Walkenhorst, Dr. David V. Arnold

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Scatterometry is a method used today to track and predict global warming, storms, and other important factors in the earth’s climate. NASA currently has a scatterometer in orbit around earth called QuikScat. There are many useful applications of scatterometry, but there are still many environmental factors that interfere with the scatterometer’s data that we don’t completely understand and can’t account for yet. For this reason, NASA is funding a research project called YSCAT, BYU’s own scatterometer. YSCAT will be deployed on a dock off the coast of southern California and will be used to collect data from the ocean waves. …

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Temperature Induced Birefringence Change In D Fibers, Idris El Bakri, Dr. Richard H. Selfridge Aug 2013

Temperature Induced Birefringence Change In D Fibers, Idris El Bakri, Dr. Richard H. Selfridge

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The project was an experimental and theoretical research effort to determine the effect of temperature on the birefringence of optical D fibers. Such fibers have a D shaped cross section, hence their name, and consist of a three major regions: the light guiding core, the cladding and the super cladding. Different components of light waves traveling in this kind of fiber travel at different velocities, and such a fiber is said to have high birefringence (HB). HB fibers are very useful as temperature sensors.

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Modification And Testing Of A Simplified Field-Wise Optimization Algorithm For Use In Wind Scatterometry, Charles G. Brown, Dr. David Long Aug 2013

Modification And Testing Of A Simplified Field-Wise Optimization Algorithm For Use In Wind Scatterometry, Charles G. Brown, Dr. David Long

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Wind scatterometry is the science of estimating speed and direction of near-surface ocean wind using radar measurements from satellite scatterometers. 1 Satellite scatterometers transmit microwave pulses to the ocean’s surface and record the power of the backscattered radiation. Estimates of ocean wind speed and direction can be obtained by inverting a geophysical model function, which relates wind speed and direction to microwave backscatter.

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Moving Towards Technology Literacy: An Evaluation Of Teachers And Curriculum, Braden Boss, Dr. Geoffrey A. Wright Aug 2013

Moving Towards Technology Literacy: An Evaluation Of Teachers And Curriculum, Braden Boss, Dr. Geoffrey A. Wright

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Many people struggle defining technology literacy. Some say that there is no “absolute definition of literacy” because technology literacy varies from society to society.1 No matter what society you belong to, how you define technology literacy depends on how you view technology and education.

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Small Uavs For Perch And Stare Missions: Ground Locomotion And Self-Launch, Stephen Carlson, Dr. Jerry Bowman Aug 2013

Small Uavs For Perch And Stare Missions: Ground Locomotion And Self-Launch, Stephen Carlson, Dr. Jerry Bowman

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The mission of this project was the development of an Unmanned Air Vehicle capable of complete autonomy in a terrestrial environment. Using a jumping system for zero-distance take-offs and the addition of ground locomotion devices and energy harvesting systems, the vehicle could operate indefinitely without human assistance. Although this aircraft is unfinished, it and later design attempts have been tested to satisfy the basic fundamentals of this mission. The project will be continued until the stated mission objectives are achieved.

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The Development And Refinement Of Constant-Force Mechanisms For Use In Future Applications, Brent L. Weight, Dr. Larry L. Howell Aug 2013

The Development And Refinement Of Constant-Force Mechanisms For Use In Future Applications, Brent L. Weight, Dr. Larry L. Howell

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A compliant mechanism is one in which the mechanism’s motion comes from deflection of one or more of its members. Compliant mechanisms offer several advantages over rigid-body mechanisms. The member deflection characteristic of compliant mechanisms results in the ability to store energy directly within the member, eliminating the need for additional energy storage devices (i.e. springs) found in rigid-body mechanisms. The member deflection also allows for the replacement of pin joints with small length flexural pivots, or living hinges, thereby reducing part count and assembly time. In fact, one of the most significant advantages of compliant mechanisms is their ability …

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Freeze-Thaw Effect On Mechanical Properties Of Bovine Ligaments, Alan Bordon, Dr. Anton Bowden Aug 2013

Freeze-Thaw Effect On Mechanical Properties Of Bovine Ligaments, Alan Bordon, Dr. Anton Bowden

Journal of Undergraduate Research

My ORCA grant proposal was to study the effect that freezing and thawing a soft tissue has on the results of the mechanical property tests (i.e how strong) performed on the tissue. I was to study the effect of a single and multiple freeze/thaw cycles on the tissue. My hypothesis was that there was a deleterious effect and this was important to account for when doing testing with soft tissue.

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The Determination Of Grain Boundary Structure, Ryan J. Larsen, Dr. Brent L. Adams Aug 2013

The Determination Of Grain Boundary Structure, Ryan J. Larsen, Dr. Brent L. Adams

Journal of Undergraduate Research

A growing focus of material science research is relating material properties to grain boundary geometry. The purpose of my research has been to improve current methods of determining grain boundary geometry and to relate interface geometry to sensitization of AISI type 304 stainless steel. Sensitization is the formation of chromium carbides that occurs in a temperature range of 500-800 °C, and makes the material more susceptible to intergranular stress corrosion cracking and stress corrosion cracking.

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The Effect Of The Duct Area To Rocket Area Ratio And Rocket Expansion On Ejector-Rocket Performance, Michael I. Kellogg, Dr. Russell Daines Aug 2013

The Effect Of The Duct Area To Rocket Area Ratio And Rocket Expansion On Ejector-Rocket Performance, Michael I. Kellogg, Dr. Russell Daines

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Space is the final frontier. That has been generally believed since Sputnik went up in the 1950’s, but in spite of this optimistic belief, homesteaders have not yet begun to settle Mars, nor have businesses sponsored ventures to other planets. One of the reasons that the final frontier is so quiet is the prohibitive expense of getting there. Currently it cost about $10,000 to launch a pound of payload into low earth orbit.1 NASA, in an effort to lower the cost of launching payloads into space, has been encouraging researchers to develop alternative launch vehicles to replace the Space Shuttle. …

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Particle Morphology And Elemental Composition Of Heavy Fuel Oil Ash At Varying Atomization Pressures, Daniel Abraham Tovar Aug 2013

Particle Morphology And Elemental Composition Of Heavy Fuel Oil Ash At Varying Atomization Pressures, Daniel Abraham Tovar

Theses and Dissertations

Land-based turbine engines are currently used to burn heavy fuel oil (HFO), which is a lower cost fuel. HFO contains inorganic material that forms deposits on turbine blades reducing output and efficiency. Magnesium based additives are used to inhibit vanadium pentoxide deposition and reduce the corrosive nature of the gas and deposits in the hot gas path of the gas turbine. The focus of this study was to determine particle morphology and elemental composition of ash when firing HFO in an atmospheric combustor at various fuel injector atomization pressures. Prior to firing, the HFO was washed with water to remove …

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Examination Of Material Flow Characteristics In Friction Stir Welding, S. James Felsted, Dr. Tracey W. Nelson Aug 2013

Examination Of Material Flow Characteristics In Friction Stir Welding, S. James Felsted, Dr. Tracey W. Nelson

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Friction Stir Welding is a solid state joining process that makes possible the joining of materials that were previously difficult or impossible to weld. A closer examination of friction stir welding shows that welding occurs because of mechanical mixing, frictional heating, and forging. Welds are made on a conventional milling machine that powers a steel tool consisting of a shank, shoulder, and pin (1). This process is being investigated in order to better understand the interaction of the tool with the material and the nature of the material deformation.

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Hydrothermal Stability Of The Davisil/Cab-O-Sil Silica Catalyst Carriers, Clint G. Guymon, Dr. Calvin H. Bartholomew Aug 2013

Hydrothermal Stability Of The Davisil/Cab-O-Sil Silica Catalyst Carriers, Clint G. Guymon, Dr. Calvin H. Bartholomew

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The Fischer-Tropsch Synthesis (FTS) sustained Germany’s fuel needs during World War II as well as South Africa’s since the 1960’s.1 This catalytic technology is enthralling and left to the interested reader to reap in the deluge of information present in the literature. The principle reaction in FTS is a simple polymerization: nCO + 2nH2 ­ [-CH2-]n + nH2O, over a metal such as iron or cobalt. This paper focuses on the problem of hydrothermal stability of silicasupported cobalt FTS catalyst.

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Rectangular Carbon Fiber Isotruss Reinforcement In Concrete Beams, David Jarvis, Dr. David Jensen, Dr. Fernando Fonseca Aug 2013

Rectangular Carbon Fiber Isotruss Reinforcement In Concrete Beams, David Jarvis, Dr. David Jensen, Dr. Fernando Fonseca

Journal of Undergraduate Research

The objective of this research was to determine the flexural strength of concrete beams reinforced by the rectangular carbon fiber IsoTruss. The rectangular IsoTruss is a threedimensional composite grid structure patented by Brigham Young University. It is a modification of the regular IsoTruss that is also being researched at Brigham Young University.

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Internal Cleave And Fill: A Method For Internal Refinement Of All-Hexahedral Swept Meshes, Michael Borden, Dr. Steven E. Benzley Aug 2013

Internal Cleave And Fill: A Method For Internal Refinement Of All-Hexahedral Swept Meshes, Michael Borden, Dr. Steven E. Benzley

Journal of Undergraduate Research

Three-dimensional finite element analysis (FEA) is an important design tool for scientists and engineers. Before the analysis can begin, a continuous domain must be subdivided into small elements (i.e., finite elements). The process of subdividing a continuous domain is called meshing. There is currently significant research being devoted to the generation of such meshes. Tetrahedral meshes are well developed and have been incorporated in numerous software packages. Hexahedral meshes provide some advantages over tetrahedral meshes but are currently more restrictive in the geometrical shapes they can fill.[1]

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