Engineering Commons^™

The Detection Efficiency Of Artm Cpm In Aeronautical Telemetry, Michael D. Rice, Erik Perrins

Faculty Publications

ARTM CPM is a partial response, two-index continuous-phase modulation that was adopted as a standard in IRIG 106-04 for aeronautical telemetry. This waveform was selected because it achieves approximately three times the spectral efficiency of PCM/FM. However, the optimum receiver requires 128 real-valued matched filters and keeps track of the waveform state with a trellis of 512 states and 2048 branches. Various complexity reducing techniques are applied and the resulting loss in detection efficiency is quantified. It is shown that the full 512-state trellis is not required to achieve the desired detection efficiency: two different 32-state configurations were found to …

Pam Representation Of Ternary Continuous Phase Modulation, Michael D. Rice, Erik Perrins

Faculty Publications

It is well-known that binary continuous phase modulation (CPM) waveforms can be exactly represented as a pulse amplitude modulation (PAM) waveforms. This has also been shown for nonbinary CPM waveforms with even-sized symbol alphabets. In this paper we show how this is also accomplished for ternary CPM waveforms. We focus the development on signals with shorter frequency pulses, since these cases have the most practical value in designing reduced-complexity detectors. However, we also show the pattern by which these results can be extended to arbitrary frequency pulse durations and also to arbitrary odd-sized symbol alphabets, although little practical value is …

Microwave Backscatter Modeling Of Erg Surfaces In The Sahara Desert, David G. Long, Haroon Stephen

Faculty Publications

The Sahara desert includes large expanses of sand dunes called ergs. These dunes are formed and constantly reshaped by prevailing winds. Previous study shows that Saharan ergs exhibit significant radar backscatter (σ˚) modulation with azimuth angle (∅). We use σ˚ measurements observed at various incidence angles and ∅ from the NASA Scatterometer (NSCAT), the SeaWinds scatterometer, the ERS scatterometer (ESCAT), and the Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission's Precipitation Radar to model the σ˚ response from sand dunes. Observations reveal a characteristic relationship between the backscatter modulation and the dune type, i.e., the number and orientation of the dune slopes. Sand dunes …

Fabrication Of Hollow Waveguides With Sacrificial Aluminum Cores, John P. Barber, Donald B. Conkey, Jeffrey Ryan Lee, Neal B. Hubbard, Larry L. Howell, Aaron R. Hawkins, Gongliang Yin, Holger Schmidt

Faculty Publications

We have developed a process to fabricate dielectric waveguide structures with long hollow cores formed by etching a sacrificial core material. The process is compatible with other planar silicon fabrication techniques. Using aluminum as the sacrificial material, we have investigated fabrication limits and design parameters that determine mechanical integrity of the waveguides. Internal pressure due to the production of gaseous compounds during the core removal process was identified as the yield-limiting factor. A mechanical model based on finite element analysis and confirmed by experiment, predicts ultimate pressures sustainable by these structures. Waveguides less than 10 m wide with 2- m-thick …

Observation And Characterization Of Radar Backscatter Over Greenland, David G. Long, Ivan S. Ashcraft

Faculty Publications

Characterization of the microwave signature of the Greenland snow surface enables delineation of the different snow facies and is a tool for tracking the effects of climate change. A new empirical observation model is introduced that uses a limited number of parameters to characterize the snow surface based on the dependence of radar backscatter on incidence angle, azimuth angle, spatial gradient, and temporal rate of change. The individual model parameters are discussed in depth with examples using data from the NASA Scatterometer (NSCAT) and from the C-band European Remote Sensing (ERS) satellite Advanced Microwave Instrument in scatterometer mode. The contribution …

Optimization Of Shape, Size, And Topology Design Variables In Trusses With A Genetic Algorithm, Kevin M. Gillman

Theses and Dissertations

Briggs' genetic algorithm was extended in the Gillman algorithm to include shape optimization of trusses. Other contributions include value representation, different member linking, alternate genes, automatic k-factor evaluation for buckling, and the option to prevent overlapping members. The purpose of these contributions was to make optimization using a genetic algorithm more accessible to design engineers. The Gillman algorithm was demonstrated in two original examples as well as an example from a published work. The Gillman algorithm was effective in finding lighter designs.

Computer-Simulation-Assisted Lean Manufacturing Training, Luoding Wang

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis assesses the potential of using computer simulation to aid existing lean manufacturing training methods such as lecture and live simulation. An investigation of this possibility was carried out in conjunction with UMEP's Lean 101 class. In the study, two experimental computer simulation models demonstrating the push and pull production scenarios were constructed using ProModel software. Simulation models were equipped with a Visual Basic interface to aid trainees to manipulate the model via ActiveX. Constructed computer simulation was compared with live simulation to answer these research questions: 1. Was computer simulation able to teach additional lean concepts not covered …

Comprehensive Black Liquor Droplet Combustion Studies, Leong-Teng Ip

Theses and Dissertations

Black liquor, a byproduct from pulp production, is burned in a recovery boiler to generate electricity and recover inorganic materials. Black-liquor-droplet combustion is fundamental to understanding and potentially improving recovery boiler performance. This investigation reports comprehensive experimental data collected for a suite of five liquors. All the data were collected with newly-designed laboratory equipment, several aspects of which are unique. Single droplets were suspended on a thermocouple and heated in a furnace. Simultaneous diameter (size and shape), internal and surface temperatures, surface emissivity, and mass were measured under various furnace temperatures and gas compositions. The images recorded by the cameras …

Electromagnetically Induced Transparency In Alkali Atoms Integrated On A Semiconductor Chip, Aaron R. Hawkins, Holger Schmidt

Faculty Publications

We analyze the integration of electromagnetically induced transparency in alkali atoms on a semiconductor chip. We propose the use of antiresonant reflecting optical waveguides with hollow cores to realize the necessary waveguiding capability and optical mode areas of a few square micrometers. We derive the scaling laws and limitations for the reduction in group velocity and single-photon phase shifts as a function of waveguide dimension. We show that miniaturization leads to a large enhancement of single-photon cross-phase modulation, despite the presence of additional limitations due to coherence dephasing and waveguide loss.

Dynamic Reconfigurable Machine Tool Controller, Wei Li

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents a dynamic reconfigurable control strategy based on the Direct Machining And Control (DMAC) research at Brigham Young University. A reconfigurable framework is proposed which will allow a machine tool to be controlled by a variety of applications and control laws. This Reconfigurable Mechanism for Application Control (RMAC) paradigm uses a hierarchical architecture to configure a mechanism into a device driver for direct control by an application like CAD/CAM. The RMAC paradigm is one of a mechanism device driver assigned to each mechanism class or model, and uses only the master model to control the mechanism. The traditional …

Performance Of Concrete Bridge Deck Joints, Lik Hang Yuen

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to identify the types of joints available for use on concrete bridge decks and to investigate the performance characteristics of each type, including primary functions and movement ranges. Eleven reports on joint performance published by state departments of transportation and universities nationwide were analyzed in order to obtain information on joint performance problems typically encountered by state transportation agencies. In addition, test methods and specifications provided by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) were reviewed for application by bridge engineers to ensure the adequacy of deck joints.

The research indicates that compression …

Mechanism Of Targeted Chemotherapeutic Delivery Using Ultrasound, Thaidra A. Gaufin, Byron K. Murray, Seiga Ohmine, Kim L. O'Neill, William G. Pitt, Briant S. Stringham

Faculty Publications

Ultrasound (US) is used to enhance and target delivery of drugs and genes to cancer tissues. The advantages of focused delivery to select tissues are manifold, but the exact mechanisms are largely unknown and need clarification to optimize delivery. The present study further defined the role of collapse cavitation in US-induced permeabilization of cell membranes and subsequent drug or gene uptake by the cell. Cavitation, defined as the collapse of micro-bubbles, produces high shear stresses and shock waves that may transiently puncture cell membranes and has been suggested as the cause of increased permeability. The hypothesis that collapsing bubbles permeabilize …

Efficient Capacity-Based Antenna Selection For Mimo Systems, Michael A. Jensen, Matthew L. Morris

Faculty Publications

The achieved capacity of the multiple-input-multiple-output wireless channel is typically dependent on the array configurations at the transmitter and receiver. Maximizing system capacity or throughput therefore requires that the arrays adapt to changing channel conditions, which may be accomplished by selecting an appropriate subset of available antenna elements for connection to the electronic transmit and receive modules. This work presents algorithms, derived using relatively straightforward information theoretic considerations, for efficiently and effectively selecting the antenna elements. Computational examples using a realistic channel model for indoor environments illustrate the performance of the techniques.

Network Model For Mimo Systems With Coupled Antennas And Noisy Amplifiers, Michael A. Jensen, Matthew L. Morris

Faculty Publications

This work presents a framework for the analysis of mutually-coupled antennas in a multiple-input multiple-output system. The approach uses network theory to formulate the transfer matrix relating the signals input to the transmit antennas to the signals at the output of the receiver front end. This transfer function includes the coupled transmit and receive antennas, the multipath propagation channel, the receiver matching network, and a realistic noise model for the receive amplifiers. Application of the formulation to coupled dipole antennas characterized using full-wave electromagnetic analysis illustrates the performance gains possible from matching the coupled antenna/receive amplifier subsystem for minimum noise …

Spatial Resolution And Processing Tradeoffs For Hydros: Application Of Reconstruction And Resolution Enhancement Techniques, David G. Long, Michael W. Spencer, Eni G. Njoku

Faculty Publications

Recent developments in reconstruction and resolution enhancement for microwave instruments suggest a possible tradeoff between computation, resolution, and downlink data rate based on postcollection reconstruction/resolution enhancement processing. The Hydrospheric State (HYDROS) mission is designed to measure global soil moisture and freeze/thaw state in support of weather and climate prediction, water, energy, and carbon cycle studies, and natural hazards monitoring. It will use an active and passive L-band microwave system that optimizes measurement accuracy, spatial resolution, and coverage. The active channels use synthetic aperture radar-type processing to achieve fine spatial resolution, requiring a relatively high downlink data rate and ground processor …

Effects Of Pressure On Coal Pyrolysis And Char Morphology, Dong Zeng, Thomas H. Fletcher

Faculty Publications

A better understanding of high-pressure coal pyrolysis is needed to design advanced coal gasification combined-cycle systems. High-temperature, high-heating-rate, and high-pressure pyrolysis experiments were conducted on three bituminous coals and a lignite, to more fully understand the effects of pressure on resultant char properties. A flat-flame burner was designed and used inside a high-pressure drop-tube reactor to provide a high-temperature, high-heatingrate environment that is representative of industrial processes. Chars were prepared at four different pressures, ranging from 0.85 atm to 15 atm. The measured total volatiles yields compared well with predictions of the Chemical Percolation Devolatilization (CPD) model. The physical properties …

Simulated Land-Based Turbine Deposits Generated In An Accelerated Deposition Facility, Jared W. Jensen, Sean W. Squire, Jeffrey P. Bons, Thomas H. Fletcher

Faculty Publications

This report presents a validation of the design and operation of an accelerated testing facility for the study of foreign deposit layers typical to the operation of land-based gas turbines. This facility was designed to produce turbine deposits in a 4-h test that would simulate 10,000 h of turbine operation. This is accomplished by matching the net foreign particulate throughput of an actual gas turbine. Flow Mach number, temperature and particulate impingement angle are also matched. Validation tests were conducted to model the ingestion of foreign particulate typically found in the urban environment. The majority of this particulate is ceramic …

Observations Of Flame Behavior In A Laboratory-Scale Premixed Natural Gas/Air Gas Turbine Combustor From Planar Laser Induced Fluorescence Measurements Of Oh, Laser Doppler Anemometer Velocity Measurements, And Coherent Anti-Stokes Roman Spectrometer Temperature Measurements, Thomas H. Fletcher

Faculty Publications

Instantaneous planar laser induced fluorescence (PLIF) images of OH, simultaneous axial/radial and axial/tangential velocity measurements with an LDA (laser Doppler anemometer), and instantaneous gas temperature measurements using a coherent anti- Stokes Raman spectrometer (CARS) were obtained in a pre-mixed, swirl-stabilized laboratory-scale combustor, fired with natural gas. Four operating conditions were examined (two swirl conditions and equivalence ratios of 0.80 and 0.65). The instantaneous PLIF images of OH illustrate the chaotic nature of the turbulent flame eddies. Mean and standard deviations of each variable were measured at different locations in the flame, along with probability density functions. Stability of the flame …

Swelling Properties And Intrinsic Reactivities Of Coal Chars Produced At Elevated Pressures And High Heating Rates, Dong Zeng, Michael Clark, Todd Gunderson, William C. Hecker, Thomas H. Fletcher

Faculty Publications

A high-temperature, high-pressure flat-flame burner reactor was developed to prepare char at different pressures. This system achieves particle heating rates of 10⁵ K/s, which better mimics industrial conditions than conventional drop tube or radiative flow reactors. Previous data at atmospheric pressure demonstrated a significant decrease in particle swelling during devolatilization as heating rates increased from 10⁴ K/s (the typical drop tube heating rate) to 10⁵ K/s. Pyrolysis experiments were performed at pressures from 1 to 15 atm at 1300 C for two bituminous coals and a lignite. Average swelling was determined from a combination of the mass …

Coordination Variables, Coordination Functions, And Cooperative Timing Missions, Randal Beard, Timothy W. Mclain

Faculty Publications

Sponsorship: AFOSR, DARPA. This paper presents a solution strategy for achieving cooperative timing among teams of vehicles. Based on the notion of coordination variables and coordination functions, the strategy facilitates cooperative timing by requiring acceptably low levels of communication and computation. The application of the coordination variable/function approach to trajectory planning problems for teams of unmanned air vehicles with timing constraints is described. Three types of timing constraints are considered: simultaneous arrival, tight sequencing, and loose sequencing. Simulation results demonstrating the viability of the approach are presented.

Autonomous Vehicle Technologies For Small Fixed-Wing Uavs, Randal Beard, Derek Kingston, Morgan Quigley, Deryl Snyder, Reed Christiansen, Walt Johnson, Timothy Mclain, Michael A. Goodrich

Faculty Publications

The objective of this paper is to describe the design and implementation of a small semi-autonomous fixed-wing unmanned air vehicle. In particular we describe the hardware and software architectures used in the design. We also describe a low weight, low cost autopilot developed at Brigham Young University and the algorithms associated with the autopilot. Novel PDA and voice interfaces to the UAV are described. In addition, we overview our approach to real-time path planning, trajectory generation, and trajectory tracking. The paper is augmented with movie files that demonstrate the functionality of the UAV and its control software.

Polymerization Kinetics Of Peo-B-Pnipaam Block Copolymers, William G. Pitt, Yi Zeng

Faculty Publications

Our research in ultrasonic activated drug delivery motivated us to develop polymeric micelles that sequester hydrophobic drugs (Fig. 1) until they are sheared open by cavitation events produced by low frequency ultrasound (Fig. 2). [1] Using this type of drug delivery system, micelles sequestering drug can circulate freely without releasing their drug until they flow through a tumor or other tissue insonated by low frequency ultrasound. There they release part of their drug (Fig. 3). [2,3] This drug delivery technology was used to reduce tumors in a rat model [4] using block copolymers of PEO and PPO. However, we are …

New Product Launch Decisions Under Competition And Uncertainty: A Real Options And Game-Theoretic Approach To New Product Development, James O. Ostler

Theses and Dissertations

New product development is central to many firms' future success. Not only as a means to continue to maintain their piece of the market, but product development can also be a strategic means for a company to diversify, and/or alter focus to adapt to changing market conditions.

Most of the research in new product development has been on how to do it cheaper and faster than the next guy. However, early commercialization does not guarantee a position of strength in the market. Failures of EMI in CT scanners and Xerox in personal computers illustrate that being first to market does …

Dynamic Stability And Handling Qualities Of Small Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicles Unmanned-Aerial-Vehicles, Tyler Michael Foster

Theses and Dissertations

General aircraft dynamic stability theory was used to predict the natural frequencies, damping ratios and time constants of the dynamic modes for three specific small UAVs with wingspans on the scale from 0.6 meters to 1.2 meters. Using USAF DatCom methods, a spreadsheet program for predicting the dynamic stability and handling qualities of small UAVs was created for use in the design stage of new small UAV concept development. This program was verified by inputting data for a Cessna-182, and by then comparing the program output with that of a similar program developed by DAR Corporation. Predictions with acceptable errors …

A Finite Element Simulation Of Temperature And Material Flow In Fricton Stir Welding, Mark J. Lasley

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to use the Transvalor S.A. product, Forge3, to develop a finite element simulation of the friction stir welding process that improves the predictability of temperature evolution and material flow within the plunge portion of the process. Previous modeling created more heating within the billet than experimental results, probably due to the simplification of the simulation with adiabatic boundary conditions. More realistic tooling temperatures were included in this model as these affect heat evolution which is a determining factor in microcrystalline growth. These results were validated by experimental efforts using a billet and tooling instrumented …

Byu Micro-Sar: A Very Small, Low-Power Lfm-Cw Synthetic Aperture Radar, Michael Israel Duersch

Theses and Dissertations

Brigham Young University has developed a low-cost, light-weight, and low power consumption SAR for flight on a small unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) at low altitudes. This micro-SAR, or uSAR, consumes only 18 watts of power, ideal for application on a small UAV. To meet these constraints, a linear frequency modulation-continuous wave (LFM-CW) transmit signal is utilized. Use of an LFM-CW signal introduces some differences from the typical strip map SAR processing model that must be addressed in signal processing algorithms. This thesis presents a derivation of the LFM-CW signal model and the associated image processing algorithms used for the uSAR …

A Method For Winding Advanced Composites Of Unconventional Shapes Using Continuous And Aligned Fibers, Abraham K. Allen

Theses and Dissertations

Advanced composites are extremely strong, rigid, and light, even when compared with advanced metals. Advanced composites are replacing high-tech metals as the material of choice for aerospace engineering. However, the processes used to manufacture advanced composites generally lose some of the properties of the materials by their process limitations.

One process that keeps the theoretically awesome qualities of the composite materials in tact is filament winding. Filament wound parts are used as rocket shells, bicycle frame tubes, drive shafts, pressure vessels, etc. Filament winding is an automated process and makes reliable parts to close tolerances. If a straight tube were …

Understanding And Improving Moment Method Scattering Solutions, Clayton Paul Davis

Theses and Dissertations

The accuracy of moment method solutions to electromagnetic scattering problems has been studied by many researchers. Error bounds for the moment method have been obtained in terms of Sobolev norms of the current solution. Motivated by the historical origins of Sobolev spaces as energy spaces, it is shown that the Sobolev norm used in these bounds is equivalent to the forward scattering amplitude, for the case of 2D scattering from a PEC circular cylinder. A slightly weaker relationship is obtained for 3D scattering from a PEC sphere. These results provide a physical meaning for abstract solution error bounds in terms …

The Effect Of Gas Pressure On No Conversion Energy Efficiency In Nonthermal Nitrogen Plasma, Morris D. Argyle, Gui-Bing Zhao, S.V.B. Janardhan Garikipati, Xudong Hu, Maciej Radosz

Faculty Publications

This work explores the effect of gas pressure on the rate of electron collision reactions and energy consumption for NO conversion in N2 in a pulsed corona discharge reactor. A previous study showed that the rate constant of electron collision reactions, multiplied by the electron concentration, can be expressed as k[e] = βα−0.5P−0.5W0.75exp(−αP/W). The model parameter α remains constant with increasing gas pressure, which verifies the previous assumption that the electron temperature is inversely proportional to gas pressure. However, the model parameter β decreases with increasing gas pressure, which indicates that the rate constant of electron collision reactions decreases with …

Design Of Cmos Four-Quadrant Gilbert Cell Multiplier Circuits In Weak And Moderate Inversion, Craig Timothy Remund

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents four-quadrant CMOS current-mode multiplier architectures based on the bipolar Gilbert cell multiplier architecture. Multipliers are designed using the CMOS subthreshold region to take advantage of the subthreshold exponential I-V relationship that closely matches bipolar modeling. It is discovered that biasing to remove drift current components and to address higher order effects such as ideality factor mismatch, threshold mismatch, body effect, and short channel effects, is important to provide a linear multiplier. It is also shown that distortion caused by device size mismatch and offset input currents can be used to cancel the distortion introduced by drift currents …