Engineering Commons^™

Power Amplifier Principles And Modern Design Techniques, Vladimir I. Prodanov, Mihai Banu

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

Characteristics Of Urban Arterial Crashes Relative To Proximity To Intersections And Injury Severity, Abhishek Das, Anurag Pande, Mohamed Abdel-Aty, Joseph B. Santos

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Intersections of an urban arterial corridor may influence crashes that occur even beyond their physical area. This study examines the effect of the gradual change in the distance of intersection influence on crash characteristics that explain injury severity outcomes of arterial crashes. The approach adopted involves simultaneous estimation of two variables: an ordinal variable representing crash-injury severity and a binary variable representing crash location (intersection versus segment crashes). The dichotomy in crash location is based on the threshold distance of intersection influence. Five sets of bivariate simultaneous models were estimated by using five threshold distances of influence varying from 0 …

Discovering Indirect Associations In Crash Data Through Probe Attributes, Anurag Pande, Mohamed Abdel-Aty

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Association analysis is a popular data-mining technique for detecting dependencies in transaction databases. The algorithms for discovery of association rules attempt to find the products that tend to sell together. For this purpose, one can treat crashes as individual transactions and crash characteristics as the "products" part of that transaction to discover patterns of the crash characteristics that tend to coexist. The a priori algorithm to search for association rules employs the lower bound on intersection (i.e., joint) frequency of two crash characteristics to ensure that only significant patterns are discovered. Hence, remarkable associations relating crash characteristics that have joint …

Simulated Effects Of Dynamic Row Spacing On Energy And Water Conservation In Semi-Arid Central California Greenhouses, A. Moya, T. Mehlitz, Ilhami Yildiz, S. F. Kelly, C. Hardin

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

Considerable effort is expended to conserve energy and water in current greenhouse systems, and look for alternative energy sources, especially passive heating and cooling strategies. Proper environmental management systems can significantly change the energy and moisture dynamics of greenhouse production systems. In this study, specifically, influences of dynamic row spacing on energy and water conservation were investigated. A dynamic computer simulation model was used to compare different row spacings, plant heights, and leaf dimensions to draw a conclusion about energy and water conservation. The results showed that using smaller spacings between cucumber crop rows (for instance, 0.5 m instead of …

Simulated Performance Of A Renewable Energy Technology – Heat Pump Systems In Semi-Arid California Greenhouses, C. Hardin, T. Mehlitz, Ilhami Yildiz, S. F. Kelly

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

In addition to the labor, energy and water consumption are the two main cost drivers in current greenhouse systems. Consequently, considerable effort is expended to conserve energy and water, and look for alternative energy sources, especially environmentally friendly renewable energy sources and technologies. Greenhouses in hot and arid regions also require large quantities of water for irrigation. Using proper technologies and environmental management systems can significantly change the energy and moisture dynamics of greenhouse production systems. This study aims to focus on reducing natural gas, electricity, and water consumption in semi-arid California greenhouses introducing renewable energy heat pump technologies to …

Simulated Effects Of Various Environmental Management Practices On Water Consumption In Open And Confined Greenhouse Systems, Ilhami Yildiz, D. P. Stombaugh

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of relative humidity, light management, minimum ventilation rates, CO₂ enrichment and canopy size on water consumption in three different greenhouse systems (conventional, open heat pump, and confined heat pump) in winter, spring, and summer months. Using different relative humidity set points resulted in almost the same relative humidity regimes within the confined greenhouse system, resulting in similar transpiration rates. No difference was observed in transpiration rates in the open system in winter either, because the inside relative humidity levels never reached the 70% and 80% set points. Some differences …

Cartilage Growth And Remodeling: Modulation Of Balance Between Proteoglycan And Collagen Network In Vitro With Β-Aminopropionitrile, Anna Asanbaeva, Koichi Masuda, Eugene J-M.A. Thonar, Stephen M. Klisch, Robert L. Sah

Mechanical Engineering

Objective

To examine the effect of β-aminopropionitrile (BAPN), an inhibitor of lysyl oxidase, on growth and remodeling of immature articular cartilage in vitro.

Design

Immature bovine articular cartilage explants from the superficial and middle layers were cultured for 13 days in serum-containing medium with or without BAPN. Variations in tissue size, accumulation of proteoglycan and collagen (COL), and tensile mechanical properties were assessed.

Results

The inclusion of serum resulted in expansive tissue growth, stimulation of proteoglycan and COL deposition, and a diminution of tensile integrity. Supplementation of medium with BAPN accentuated this phenotype in terms of a further increase in …

Cal Poly Wind Power Research Center, Patrick Lemieux, John Ridgely

Mechanical Engineering

The Wind Power Research Center is being created at California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo, California. This center brings together faculty, undergraduate and graduate students, and industry partners to conduct applied research and education in support of the wind power industry. Particular emphasis is given to research which serves the needs of manufacturers of smaller wind turbines, and to educating engineers who are well trained to work in all segments of the wind power industry.

A Two-Disk Extended Jeffcott Rotor Model Distinguishing A Shaft Crack From Other Rotating Asymmetries, Xi Wu, Jim Meagher

Mechanical Engineering

A mathematical model of a cracked rotor and an asymmetric rotor with two disks representing a turbine and a generator is utilized to study the vibrations due to imbalance and side load. Nonlinearities typically related with a “breathing” crack are included using a Mayes steering function. Numerical simulations demonstrate how the variations of rotor parameters affect the vibration response and the effect of coupling between torsional and lateral modes. Bode, spectrum, and orbit plots are used to show the differences between the vibration signatures associated with cracked shafts versus asymmetric shafts. Results show how nonlinear lateral-torsional coupling shifts the resonance …

Response Of A Warped Flexible Rotor With A Fluid Bearing, Jim Meagher, Xi Wu, Chris Lencioni

Mechanical Engineering

A two-complex-degrees-of-freedom model is developed and compared to experimental data for various amounts of rotor bow and its orientation to mass imbalance of the rotor. The equation of motion is developed by adding constant forces that rotate with the rotor to a Bently-Muszynska two-mode isotropic rotor model with a plane journal bearing. Diagnostic information discernable from probes at the bearing is explored and compared to midspan response, where previous research has concentrated. The model presented also extends earlier work by representing the effect of a nonrigid bearing. Good agreement between the analytical model and experiment demonstrates that the analysis presented …

Performance Comparison Of Thermal Insulated Packaging Boxes, Bags And Refrigerants For Single-Parcel Shipments, S. P. Singh, Gary J. Burgess, Jay Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

A range of packaging solutions exists for products that must be kept within a specific temperature range throughout the supply-and-distribution chain. This report summarizes the results of studies conducted over a span of 2 years by the Consortium for Distribution Packaging at Michigan State University. Thermal insulation packaging materials such as expanded polystyrene, polyurethane, corrugated fibreboard, ThermalCor® and other composite packaging such as thermal insulating bags were studied. Phase change materials such as gel packs were also evaluated. Properties such as R-value, melting point and heat absorption were examined and are reported.

Lipid Productivity Of Algae Grown On Dairy Wastewater As A Possible Feedstock For Biodiesel, Ian C. Woertz

Master's Theses

The objective of this thesis is to develop a biological wastewater treatment system that utilizes algal growth to simultaneously create renewable energy in the form of biodiesel and digester biogas, remove polluting nutrients, and abate greenhouse gases. Research under the Department of Energy Aquatic Species Program during 1978-1996 concluded that cultivating algae for biofuels was cost prohibitive at that time and that an integrated approach should be studied that combined wastewater treatment with algal biofuel production. Nutrient removal, in particular nitrogen and phosphorus, from wastewater is a growing regulatory need and the use of algae cultivation could create a unique …

Relative Intensity Noise Study In The Injection-Locked Integrated Electroabsorption Modulator-Lasers, Xiaomin Jin, Bennet Yun Tarng, Shun Lien Chuang

Electrical Engineering

No abstract provided.

A High Power, High Efficiency Amplifier Using Gan Hemt, Bumjin Kim, Dennis Derickson, Cheng Sun

Electrical Engineering

A class B and a class F power amplifier are described using a GaN HEMT device. They both were designed to operate at a frequency of 1.7 GHz with the same bias conditions. The performances of each amplifier were successfully simulated and compared. A class B amplifier was physically implemented and achieved a high power-added-efficiency of 69.2%, 39.9 dBm output power and associated gain of 14.9 dB. The experimental results were in close agreement to the simulation results.

Evaluation Of Current Nonlinear Static Procedures For Concrete Buildings Using Recorded Strong-Motion Data, Rakesh K. Goel, Charles Chadwell

Civil and Environmental Engineering

This study evaluates current Nonlinear Static Procedures (NSPs) specified in the FEMA356, ASCE-41, ATC-40, and FEMA-440 documents using strong-motion data from reinforced-concrete buildings. For this purpose, three-dimensional computer models of five reinforced concrete buildings – Imperial County Services Building, Sherman Oaks Commercial Building, North Hollywood Hotel, Watsonville Commercial Building, and Santa Barbara Office Building – are developed. When appropriate, springs at the building’s base are included to account for the soil-structure interaction effects. These buildings are selected because they were strongly shaken, several deformed beyond their linear-elastic range, during past earthquakes and their recorded motions are available. The recorded motions …

Efficiency Study Of Adjustable Speed Drive With Dual Motor Connection, C. Mitsui, S. Tu, Taufik, M. Anwari

Electrical Engineering

This paper presents a study of AC adjustable speed drive when used to operate two induction motors. The impact of running the two motors under various loading conditions and operating output frequency to overall efficiency of the adjustable speed drives under room temperature will be discussed. Data obtained from laboratory and their analysis will be presented

Life Cycle Aware Computing: Reusing Silicon Technology, John Y. Oliver, Rajeevan Amirtharajah, Venkatesh Akella, Roland Geyer, Frederic T. Chong

Electrical Engineering

Despite the high costs associated with processor manufacturing, the typical chip is used for only a fraction of its expected lifetime. Reusing processors would create a "food chain" of electronic devices that amortizes the energy required to build chips over several computing generations.

Measurement And Analysis Of Vibration Levels On Warehouse And Retail Store Material Handling Equipment, S. P. Singh, Jay A. Singh, P. Gaur, K. Saha

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Material Handling Equipment (MHE) is widely used to move packaged goods from manufacturing to warehousing, storage, transportation, in both warehouses and distribution centers to retail stores. Moving product between facilities is done by different types of equipment ranging from manually pushed carts to automated vehicles. A considerable amount of research has been conducted to evaluate the ergonomics of manual or mechanized MHE in the past. There is, however, no published work documenting vibration conditions that occur when transporting packages using MHE. This study measured the vibration levels for typical MHE used at warehousing facilities. Power spectral density plots were generated …

Variability In Compression Strength And Deflection Of Corrugated Containers As A Function Of Positioning, Operators, And Climatic Conditions, Jay A. Singh, P. Bainbridge, S. P. Singh, Eric Olsen

Industrial Technology and Packaging

ASTM D642 is a commonly used standard for measuring the ability of containers to resist external compressive loads applied to its faces, to diagonally opposite edges, or to corners. The procedure recommends testing by centering the specimen on the lower platen of the testing machine in the desired orientation, so as not to incur eccentric loading. It is also recommended by the standard that the load be applied with a continuous motion of the movable platen of the testing machine at a speed of 0.5 ±0,1 in. (12.7 ± .25 cm)/min until failure or a specified load, has been reached. …

An Examination Of The Variables Affecting Rfid Tag Readability In A Conveyer Belt Environment, Jay A. Singh, C. Deupser, Eric Olsen, S. P. Singh

Industrial Technology and Packaging

There is a growing list of companies implementing radio frequency identification (RFID) systems to help optimize their supply chain processes. These companies realize that a successful RFID system can potentially lead to lower supply chain inventory levels, reduced operating expenses, and greater visibility throughout the supply chain. However, since RFID technology is still relatively immature, a majority of the applications experience less than perfect read rates for tagged items moving through the supply chain. This paper reports the results for a variety of different arrangements of variables that may influence the readability of the RFID tags in a conveyer belt …

Converting Traditional Materials Labs To Project-Based Learning Experiences: Aiding Students' Development Of Higher-Order Cognitive Skills, Linda Vanasupa, Katherine C. Chen, Jonathan Stolk, Richard N. Savage, Trevor S. Harding, Blair London, William L. Hughes

Materials Engineering

Against a backdrop of compelling societal needs, graduates in science and engineering now must master their disciplines and demonstrate a sophisticated level of cognitive, affective and social development. This has lead a number of national and international commissions on science and engineering to urge educators to re-think the way in which STEM disciplines are taught. We have chosen to "repackage" a traditional undergraduate materials engineering curriculum in a form designed to promote the development of higher-order cognitive skills like self-directed learning and design. Classic metallurgy experiments have been converted to project-based learning experiences where students are put in the role …

Digitally Controlled Zvs Quasi-Resonant Boost Converter With M-Type Switch, Taufik, Patrick Luther, Makbul Anwari

Electrical Engineering

This paper presents the analysis, modeling and design of zero-voltage-switching (ZVS) quasi resonant boost converter. The use of M-type switch in the topology will be described, including circuitpsilas mode of operation along with the derivations of critical voltage and current equations in each mode. Computer simulation using OrCAD Pspice and hardware development for the resonant converter with digital control will be presented. Results from both simulation and laboratory measurements to compare with theoretical analysis will be discussed.

Comparative Study Of Sinusoidal Pulse-Width And Hysteresis Modulations In Current Source Inverter, Taufik, Yat Tam, Makbul Anwari

Electrical Engineering

In this paper, modeling and comparative analysis of current source inverter (CSI) using sinusoidal pulse-width-modulation (SPWM) and hysteresis modulation (HM) will be presented. The modeling of both CSI-SPWM and CSI-HM are implemented using OrCAD Pspice. Results from the simulations will be presented along with the performance analysis of both inverters. More specifically, comparative analysis pertaining to output current regulation, harmonic contents, and transient response will be discussed. Moreover, further investigation about the effect of current THD, power factor and efficiency for balanced and unbalanced three-phase input sources with ±1%, ±3%, ±5% rms variation at the converter stage to various output …

Undergraduate Research: Experiences From A Three-Year Project, Peter Schuster, Charles Birdsong

Mechanical Engineering

There are significant benefits of research for the involved undergraduate student. These include exposure to advanced topics, introduction to research methods, and direct interaction with faculty and other students. Faculty and institutions benefit as well by the increased interaction with students – fresh eyes in research projects, more energized research groups, and more engaged alumni. However, there are some challenges in designing a research program to work primarily with undergraduates. These include the students’ lack of exposure to advanced topics, short tenure on the project, and potentially lower commitment to the results. There are a number of ways to address …

Designing And Manufacturing Microelectronic Packages For High-Power Light-Emitting Diodes, Brian Wright, Jianbiao Pan, Richard Savage

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

A new microelectronic package was designed for a high-power light-emitting diode (LED). The objective was to build a package that enables the LED to operate with currents as high as 2 Amps. An innovative thin-film interface has been developed to electrically connect the cathode of the LED die to a 22AWG Cu wire. This thin-film interface is wirebondable and solderable, and consists of three layers: Au, Ni93/V7, and Si. Four 1 mil Au wirebonds, supporting 2A of maximum current, connect the Au thin-film to the LED die cathode. Sn96Ag4 solder is used for connecting the Ni93/V7 thin-film to the 22AWG …

In-House Development Of Scheduling Decision Support Systems: Case Study For Scheduling Semiconductor Device Test Operations, Tali Freed, K. H. Doerr, T. Chang

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Most manufacturing processes can benefit from an automated scheduling system. However;: the design of a fast, computerised scheduling system that achieves high-quality results and requires minimal resources is a difficult undertaking. Efficient .. scheduling of a semiconductor device test facility requires an information system that provides good schedules quickly. Semiconductor device testing-is the last stage of the long semiconductor manufacturing process, and therefore. is subjected to customer service pressures. The cost of an off-the-shelf computerised scheduling system may he prohibitive for many companies. In addition, many companies are taken aback by other characteristics of off-the-shelf scheduling systems, such as code …

Spatial Distributions Of Heating, Cooling, And Industrial Degree-Days In Turkey, Ilhami Yildiz, B. Sosaoglu

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The degree-day method is commonly used to estimate energy consumption for heating and cooling in residential, commercial and industrial buildings, as well as in greenhouses, livestock facilities, storage facilities and warehouses. This article presents monthly and yearly averages and spatial distributions of heating, cooling, and industrial degree-days at the base temperatures of 18 °C and 20 °C, 18 °C and 24 °C, and 7 °C and 13 °C, respectively; as well as the corresponding number of days in Turkey. The findings presented here will facilitate the estimation of heating and cooling energy consumption for any residential, commercial and industrial buildings …

Fabrication Of Functionally Graded 3a/5a Zeolites By Electrophoretic Deposition, X. Wang, E. A. Olevsky, E. Bruce, M. B. Stern, D. T. Hayhurst

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

Functionally graded zeolites of molecular sieve type 3A and 5A are deposited by electrophoretic deposition (EPD) from acetone suspension with 8% volume concentration of n-butylamine as particle charging agent. The EPD characteristics of both 3A and 5A suspensions are studied. Functionally graded zeolite 3A/5A deposits are obtained at 200 V DC. Energy dispersive X-ray dispersion (EDX) analysis results confirm the graded structure. The deposited zeolites are also analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The factors influencing the deposition process are discussed.

Measurement And Analysis Of Truck And Rail Shipping Environment In India, Sher Paul Singh, A. P. S. Sandhu, Jay A. Singh, E. Joneson

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Free trade agreements have been on the rise in all regions of the world in the past decade. This has allowed for global distribution and marketing of products in an international market. Products once produced for domestic markets must now be able to compete in international markets without trade barriers. Increased international commerce and manufacturing have forced many packaging and logistics engineers to broaden their true understanding of the global distribution environment. India is a recent entrant on the global arena for manufacturing and services. While China’s economic developments have dominated global headlines, India’s own growth has been impressive as …

Measurement And Analysis Of International Air Parcel Shipping Environment For Dhl And Fedex Between Europe And United States, Manuel-Alfredo Garcia-Romeu-Martinez, S. Paul Singh, Vicente-Agustin Cloquell-Ballester, Koushik Saha

Industrial Technology and Packaging

Various studies have been conducted to determine the dynamics that single packages undergo during distribution between destinations as a function of package size and weight and carrier. Previous studies have normally focused on regional and domestic measurements of these environments in Europe and North America. However, no information is available to determine the international handling and shipping environment of single parcels between the two continents. This study used instrumented packages containing triaxial accelerometers. The measured shocks were analysed to determine the velocity change levels as a function of the events measured in the distribution environment and to develop data for …