Engineering Commons^™

Robotics Development And Design: Optical And Computer Controls, David E. Brown

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In industry today, the use of robotic systems is growing. They can be found in many diverse applications including washing dishes, assembling automobiles and carrying explosives. With such a wide range of applications, robotic systems are a very important division of engineering.

Designing such systems requires an interaction between different disciplines of engineering. In the work world, engineers are required to interrelate with other engineers of differing disciplines and backgrounds. This research was designed to implement this type of partnership and develop a project that required the knowledge of an electrical, a mechanical and a computer science engineer.

Using the …

Behavior Of Composites For The Nasp Project, Robert B. Stone

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

It is well known that ceramics are strong, highly heat resistant, refractory materials. Unfortunately, they are brittle and fail catastrophically. However, the strength as well as fracture toughness of ceramics can be greatly improved with the addition of continuous fibers, thus obtaining ceramic matrix composites (CMC). Normally the addition of aligned continuous fibers to a matrix degrades the transverse (the direction 90° to the fiber axes) properties while greatly improving the longitudinal properties. It has been shown that the addition of whiskers to a continuous fiber CMC will improve moduli and strength properties in both the transverse and longitudinal directions. …

Microcomputer Control Of A Model Robot System, David N. Ilges

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The project involved creating an interface board that would allow an I.B.M.- AT computer to control a model robotic system already in existence. The I.B.M.- AT computer was then to be programmed in Pascal such that the model robotic system could perform various path movements and functions. The interface board involved taking various digital outputs from the computer and converting them to analog control signals or use them to turn devices off and on. The interface board also would collect inputs from the robotic system and convert these analog values back to digital words.

Development Of Software For Detecting Certain Key Features In Skin Tumor Images, Dana M. Brewer

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The goal of Dermvis is to develop a microprocessor-based system that will economically and clearly identify a skin tumor area and type. Dermvis is subdivided into various segments. This segment includes developing software, digitizing images, and manually defining borders in images. Manually drawing borders for digitized images creates bit-maps for average color analysis. Software is developed for determining the average color of the tumor and the surrounding tissue. Batch processing allows images to be analyzed in mass.

Solution Of Divertor Magnetohydrodynamic Equilibria For The Study Of Alpha Particle Edge Transport In Fusion Plasmas, J. W. Schumer

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Removal of thermalized alpha particles from deuterium- tritium (D-T) fusion plasmas can be accomplished through the use of divertor magnetic fields if the magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) equilibria is well understood [1]. Modifying a MHD variational energy principle for poloidal flux surfaces described by �� = ��(ρ, θ) results in an inverse Fourier representation of the three-dimensional (3-D) equilibria solution. Application of the �� = ��(ρ, θ) flux profile allows transformation of the magnetic field into a non-singular coordinate system along the divertor separatrix [2] and therefore, analysis of different divertor schemes. Derivation of the coupled, non-linear differential equations follows [5] except …

Thermal Buckling Of Composite Tubes, S. Fulkerson

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The object was to design and initiate the use of a fixture capable of testing for pre-buckling deflections in a composite tube under thermal loading. The fixture is to be used on a continuing basis to test three types of composites: (1) glass/epoxy, (2) Kevlar/epoxy, and (3) graphite/epoxy. The course of action chosen was to adapt a fixture designed by Tim Streb and Steve Fulkerson in the spring of 1991. The fixture was completed, and one test was performed. An added responsibility was to initiate a course of action such that the volumetric percentage of fiber in the composite may …

A Heat Balance Program For A Nuclear Power Plant, Timothy C. Steadham

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

In a coal fired power plant, the steam leaving the boiler can reach 1000 °F and 3000 psia; this state is superheated considerably. On the other hand, a nuclear power plant is not capable of reaching such conditions without compromising reactor safety and integrity. Therefore, the steam leaving the reactor might only be a few degrees superheated, and hence the steam leaving each turbine will be wet. Since wet steam will erode turbine blades very quickly, devices must be placed between turbines to separate the steam into saturated vapor and saturated liquid. The steam is routed through the next turbine …

Thermally Induced Stresses In Micro-Chip Mounting Devices, K. J. Mikulcik

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

Microchip thermal stress due to the temperature change related to the mounting of a chip to its lead frame was investigated by moire interferometry. Large scale models were made, and the problems of applying a grating to this model at high temperature were addressed without success. Further possibilities, however, remain to be attempted. Moire interferometry was successfully used at room temperature by examining mechanically relieved residual stresses. The results agreed with an analytical approach to stress analysis and also to a finite element analysis. A practical solution to the problem of peeling was found.

Instant Centers Of Velocity In A Kinematically Intelligent Blackboard Environment, R. Jeff Fensterman

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

This project was part of a continuing expansion of a graphical software environment called "Skimp”, originally developed by Dr. J. K. Nisbett.[l] The final version of this software package will allow the kinematic concepts of an introductory machine dynamics class to be taught exclusively on a blackboard sized projected computer screen. This software package will be used as a teaching aid in the classroom as well as a tutorial for students outside the classroom.

The scope of this project was limited to the concept of instant centers of velocity. This portion is a subroutine accessible during the regular execution of …

Implementation Of T1545 In Air Pressure Control, Kenneth D. Kangas

Opportunities for Undergraduate Research Experience Program (OURE)

The Texas Instruments Model 545 programmable logic controller is used to control the air pressure in a heating/ventilation simulator designed and built for a classroom experiment station. Through the use of the PLC's built-in PID algorithm, the pressure in the duct was controlled to within a 2% tolerance and over 72% of the sensor range for a load setting of 10%. The theory of PID controllers and their application to this problem are discussed. Also, the configuration of the simulator, and plans for future work are described.

The Effect Of Flange Restraint On Web Crippling Strength, Bhavnesh H. Bhakta, Roger A. Laboube, Wei-Wen Yu

CCFSS Library (1939 - present)

PREFACE When considering the web crippling strength of a cold-formed steel member, the current edition of the AISI Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members does not distinguish between the behavior of a member having its flanges attached to a support member, and a member not attached to its support. To enhance the industry and design professional's understanding of web crippling, a pilot study was initiated at the University of Missouri-Rolla to explore the influence of flange attachment. The financial assistance for this research was provided by the Metal Building Manufacturers Association (MBMA) and the American Iron and …

A Lower-Bound For The Error-Variance Of Maximum-Likelihood Delay Estimates Of Discontinuous Pulse Waveforms, Kurt Louis Kosbar, Andreas D. Polydoros

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A new lower bound is developed for the error variance of maximum-likelihood time-delay estimation when the received signal is a square pulse, corrupted by additive white Gaussian noise. The bound is generated by combining concepts previously developed for a special class of stochastic processes, induced by the signal model. For moderate signal to noise ratios, the new bound is significantly tighter than previously known ones.

Test Methods For Mechanically Fastened Cold-Formed Steel Connections, Committee On Specifications For The Design Of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

No abstract provided.

Ccfss Technical Bulletin February 1992, Wei-Wen Yu Center For Cold-Formed Steel Structures

CCFSS Technical Bulletins (1993 - 2020)

No abstract provided.

Ccfss News February 1992, Wei-Wen Yu Center For Cold-Formed Steel Structures

CCFSS Newsletters (1999 - 2008)

No abstract provided.

Determining The Chemical Composition Of Cloud Condensation Nuclei, Allen L. Williams, Jane E. Rothert, Kent E. Mcclure, Darryl J. Alofs, Donald E. Hagen, Daniel R. White, A. R. Hopkins, Max B. Trueblood

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This second progress report describes the status of the project one and one-half years after the start. The goal of the project is to develop the instrumentation to collect cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) in sufficient amounts to determine their chemical composition, and to survey the CCN composition in different climates through a series of field measurements. Our approach to CCN collection is to first form droplets on the nuclei under simulated cloud humidity conditions, which is the only known method of identifying CCN from the background aerosol. Under cloud chamber conditions, the droplets formed become larger than the surrounding aerosol, …

Steel Deck Institute Design Manual For Composite Decks, Form Decks, Roof Decks, And Cellular Deck Floor Systems With Electrical Distribution, Steel Deck Institute

Steel Deck Institute (SDI) Specifications and Manuals (1939 - present)

No abstract provided.

Estimating Uplift Capacity Of Light Steel Roof System, Roger A. Laboube

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

No abstract provided.

A Methodology For Customer Requirements Generation In Communication Systems Planning, Negaa Albegami, Yildirim Omurtag

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In electronic communication systems it is nearly impossible to keep up with changing technology. This problem is further aggregated in the developing countries where the contractor (probably a western company) is expected to develop the system from the ground up. A basic problem which confronts this approach is either: 1) The customer will start adding or rejecting some of the capabilities, or 2) The local operation will never use some of the capabilities. Both of these outcomes are costly in terms of time and resources available to a developing country. This paper describes a new methodology for requirements generation to …

Sensor Signal Analysis By Neural Networks For Surveillance In Nuclear Reactors, Shahla Keyvan

Nuclear Engineering and Radiation Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

The application of neural networks as a tool for reactor diagnostics is examined here. Reactor pump signals utilized in a wear-out monitoring system developed for early detection of the degradation of a pump shaft [17] are analyzed as a semi-benchmark test to study the feasibility of neural networks for monitoring and surveillance in nuclear reactors. The Adaptive Resonance Theory (ART 2 and ART 2-A) paradigm of neural networks is applied in this study. The signals are collected signals as well as generated signals simulating the wear progress. The wear-out monitoring system applies noise analysis techniques and is capable of distinguishing …

Computer Networking For Operation Management And Optimization In Power Utility Industry, Ali K. Kamrani, Kamran K. Kamrani

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The connectivity, flexibility, and real time control capability of computer systems have led electric utility companies to consider the use of computers and telecommunication networks. The application of such an environment includes data acquisition, supervisory control, operation optimization, and data management. This paper presents the layout of a computer system network for an electric power utility.

Some Observations Of Bispectral Behavior Of Large Ensembles Of Exact Solutions To The Burgers Equation For Random Initial Conditions, Weiguo Zheng, X. B. Reed

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Accurate bispectra for the Burgers equation have been computed into the high wave-number domain. Although only the imaginary part ib(k,l) contributes to spectral transfer, new insights having implications for three-dimensional turbulence can be gained by incorporating the real part a(k,l). For fixed l, for instance, the modulus of the bispectrum of the Burgers equation manifests a power-law subrange corresponding to the inertial subrange of the energy spectrum and an exponential subrange corresponding to the viscous cutoff of the energy spectrum. © 1992 American Institute of Physics.

Triallylphosphine Plasma Polymerization And Reaction Of The Product With Volatile Transition Metal Compounds, S. D. Clymer, Nicholas C. Morosoff, A. L. Crumbliss

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The plasma polymerization of triallyl phosphine in order to form a crosslinked polymer thin film is described. The plasma polymer thin film has been characterized and shown to contain a high proporation of C=C and P groups conserved from the monomer. The accessibility of the phosphine groups has been demonstrated by reaction with O₂, NO, Ni(CO)₄, and Fe(CO)₅. Reaction with O₂, and NO results in a P=O moiety formation. Reaction with the gaseous metal carbonyls results in fixation of the metal via complexation by the P groups as a result of exchange …

Preparation Of A Plasma Polymer Containing Phosphine Complexed Nickel By Concurrent Nickel Evaporation, N. (Nicholas) C. Morosoff, S. D. Clymer, A. L. Crumbliss

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This article describes one of the first examples of concurrent metal evaporation and substituted hydrocarbon plasma polymerization as a general method for preparing thin films containing a metal coordinated to a plasma polymer. In this report, the evaporation of Ni into a triallyl phosphine (TAP) glow discharge is described Deposition of a plasma polymer with concurrent reaction of Ni atoms with phosphine groups forms nickel containing triallyl phosphine plasma polymer, NiTAPPP. The chemical nature of the product is derived on the basis of infrared spectra taken of the film as formed and after reaction with air, CO, and NO. The …

Hydration Behavior Of Laser Dye Aerosols Of Mixed Composition Having High Critical Supersaturations, Max B. Trueblood, Donald E. Hagen, Darryl J. Alofs

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This Study Concerns Aerosol Particles of Mixed Composition. the Particles Contain a Water Insoluble Core (Polystyrene Latex), Surrounded by a Water Soluble Shell (Various Fluorescent Dyes). a Collison Nebulizer and an Electrostatic Aerosol Classifier Are Used to Prepare the Aerosol; its Critical Supersaturation Spectrum is Measured with a Diffusion Cloud Chamber. Experiments Were Done using Four Different Dyes (Disodium Fluorescein, Sulforhodamine 640, Sulforhodamine B and Rhodamine 560 Chloride) with Five Different Polystyrene Latex Sphere Sizes. the Results Indicate that a Kohler-Type Behavior is Obeyed. This Technique of Putting a Soluble Coating Onto an Insoluble Core is Found to Be a …

Effect Of Ultrasound On Acidified Brine Leaching Of Double-Kiln Treated Eaf Dust, J. A. Barrera-Godinez, Thomas J. O'Keefe, Johh L. Watson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The U.S. steel industry produces approximately 500,000 tons/year of electric arc furnace (EAF) dust, which is classified as a hazardous waste. Increasing disposal costs of these dusts have encouraged studies to investigate treatment processes to render the material non-hazardous, and to possibly recover metal values. This research project was designed to examine the hydrometallurgical recovery of zinc from EAF dusts that have been treated by a double kiln fuming process. The test work consisted essentially of acidified brine leaching of the pelletized calcine to determine the influence of traditional conditions, such as acid concentration, temperature and agitation, plus the application …

Method Of Making Highly Sinterable Lanthanum Chromite Powder, Von Richards, Subhash C. Singhal

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A highly sinterable powder consisting essentially of LaCrO.sub.3, containing from 5 weight % to 20 weight % of a chromite of dopant Ca, Sr, Co, Ba, or Mg and a coating of a chromate of dopant Ca, Sr, Co, Ba, or Mg; is made by (1) forming a solution of La, Cr, and dopant; (2) heating their solutions; (3) forming a combined solution having a desired ratio of La, Cr, and dopant and heating to reduce solvent; (4) forming a foamed mass under vacuum; (5) burning off organic components and forming a charred material; (6) grinding the charred material; (7) …

Effect Of Strain Rate On Cold-Formed Steel Stub Columns, M. Kassar, C. L. Pan, Wei-Wen Yu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The material properties of steel and the strength of steel members are affected by strain rate to investigate this characteristic for compression members 49 stub columns fabricated from 35XF sheet steel and 48 stub columns fabricated from 50XF sheet steel are studied experimentally and analytically under different strain rates The strain rate ranged from 10^-5 to 0.1. in./in./sec (10^-5 to 0.1 mm/mm/s). The material properties of 35XF and 50XF sheet steels developed from previous tests are used for the evaluation of the test data obtained from the member tests using specimens fabricated from the same sheet steel. The …

Asce Lrfd Method For Stainless Steel Structures, Shin Hua Lin, Wei-Wen Yu, Theodore V. Galambos

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In recent years, probability-based load-and-resistance-factor-design (LRFD) method has been successfully applied to the design of hot-rolled steel sections and cold-formed steel members in the United States and foreign countries. In order to develop the LRFD criteria for the design of cold-formed stainless steel structural members and connections, a research project was conducted at the University of Missouri-Rolla since 1986 under the sponsorship of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE). This newly developed LRFD Specification with Commentary has been adopted by ASCE as a new standard in 1990. It supersedes the 1974 edition of the Specification for the Design of …

Composite Stock Cutting Through Simulated Annealing, Hanan Lutfiyya, Bruce M. Mcmillin, Pipatpong Poshyanonda, Cihan H. Dagli

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper explores the use of Simulated Annealing as an optimization technique for the problem of Composite Material Stock Cutting. The shapes are not constrained to be convex polygons or even regular shapes. However, due to the composite nature of the material, the orientation of the shapes on the stock is restricted. For placements of various shapes, we show how to determine a cost function, annealing parameters and performance. © 1992.