Engineering Commons^™

2011 Nanoelectronic Devices For Defense & Security (Nano-Dds) Conference: A Request For Funding To Support Attendee Participation. To Be Held Aug. 29 To Sept 1, 2011 At Nyu-Poly, Carl P. Tripp

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

Intellectual Merit: The Nanoelectronic Devices for Defense & Security (NANO-DDS) Conference is a bi-annual science and technology event which has been organized for the purpose of reviewing the evolving research and development (R&D) activities in the arena of nanoelectronic devices that have direct relevance to critical capability needs for national defense & security in the future. The charter of this special conference is to unify and focus the very broad array of nanoelectronic and supporting nanotechnology activities that are currently engaged in reaching the long expected applications payoffs in core defense and security related areas such as sensing, data processing, …

Minerva 2012, The Honors College

Minerva

This issue of Minerva includes a celebration of the life and impact of former Honors Dean, Charlie Slavin; a discussion of the Honors College's role in the University of Maine Blue Sky Strategic Plan; and profiles of student Kyle Franklin and alumni Heidi Crosby and Richard Becker.

Integration Of Process Parameter Control And Digital Image Correlation Methods In An Investigation Of The Variability Of Marine Polymer Matrix Composite Material Properties, Keith Andrew Berube

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The very nature of continuous fiber composite materials, with their heterogeneous structure of layered and interwoven fibers bound together by a polymer resin matrix, lead to an inevitable variability in mechanical properties. This is especially true if the fabrication process is not well controlled. Unlike fabricating components with metals, where the properties of the material are known beforehand, the final properties of the composite material are determined during the process of fabricating the composite part. The research described herein was undertaken to better enable the use of polymer matrix composites in the marine construction industry by developing a knowledge base …

Cleavage Of Acetyl Groups For Acetic Acid Production In Kraft Pulp Mills, Ravikant Amogisidha Patil

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The objective of this thesis was to determine appropriate conditions for cleavage of acetyl groups from northeast hardwood. Currently, acetyl groups end up in a waste product stream in most wood based pulp mills and thus are underutilized. Recently, a techno‐economic analysis was published that evaluated the suitability of the ‘Near‐Neutral Extraction’ process for recovery of acetic acid and ethanol in Kraft pulp mills. The results showed that the proposed process suffered from high capital investment and a low rate of return on investment. Additionally, the revenues generated by the sale of acetic acid were two times greater than the …

Assessment Of Audio Interfaces For Use In Smartphone Based Spatial Learning Systems For The Blind, Shreyans Jain

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Recent advancements in the field of indoor positioning and mobile computing promise development of smart phone based indoor navigation systems. Currently, the preliminary implementations of such systems only use visual interfaces—meaning that they are inaccessible to blind and low vision users. According to the World Health Organization, about 39 million people in the world are blind. This necessitates the need for development and evaluation of non-visual interfaces for indoor navigation systems that support safe and efficient spatial learning and navigation behavior. This thesis research has empirically evaluated several different approaches through which spatial information about the environment can be conveyed …

Collaborative Research: North East Cyberinfrastructure Consortium, Michael Eckardt

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

EPS-0918284, University of Vermont & State Agricultural College, J. L. Van Houten, linked to EPS-0918033 (University of New Hampshire), EPS-0918078 (University of Delaware), EPS-0918018 (University of Maine), EPS-0918061 (University of Rhode Island)
Collaborative Research: North East Cyberinfrastructure Consortium

This award is funded under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (Public Law 111-5).

The North East Cyberinfrastructure Consortium (NECC) unites Maine (ME), New Hampshire (NH), Vermont (VT), Rhode Island (RI), and Delaware (DE) to support cyber-enabled research that requires analyses of large datasets. The project is organized around sharing resources, expertise and facilities in order to make cyber-enabled collaborative …

Exp-Sa: Explosives Tracking: A Microsystem For Detection Of Bacterial Endospores As Self-Replicating Nucleic Acid Taggants, Paul J. Millard, Mauricio Pereira Da Cunha, John T. Singer

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

This proposal presents an integrated research and educational plan directed toward the production, detection, and identification of bacterial endospore taggants for explosive tracking. While the most immediate application of the research is related to stemming the activities of bioterrorists, the anticipated fundamental advances in bioengineering and sensor science and engineering will have significant societal relevance to other applications, including first-responder activities, healthcare, food safety, and pollution avoidance and mitigation.

Intellectual Merit
The investigators propose to combine bioengineering of Bacillus stearothermophilus endospores with microdevices for sample processing and taggant identification. A surface acoustic wave (SAW) microdroplet mixing/transport/incubator system will be coupled …

Testing Of A Ducted Axial Flow Tidal Turbine, Thomas A. Lokocz

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Energy independence and a reduction on the reliance on fossil fuels is a critical area of current research and development. Utilizing the energy in the world’s oceans can help the world move towards a more sustainable energy supply. One of the most promising sources of ocean energy is tidal energy or marine hydrokinetics, the topic of this thesis. This research analyzes the performance of a ducted axial flow tidal turbine and compares the result to an unducted turbine. While the focus of this research is on experimental results obtained in tow tank tests, the turbine and duct were designed using …

Physical Modeling Of Suction Caissons Loaded In Two Orthogonal Directions For Efficient Mooring Of Offshore Wind Platforms, Jade Chung

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Over the past decade a number of Federal and State policies and programs have promoted the development of the wind energy industry, including the establishment of offshore wind. A strategy by the Department of Energy set objectives of reducing cost and reducing time to deployment through specific deliverables such as innovative anchor and mooring design for floating offshore systems and hardware design concepts including turbine array grids. This research program proposes and investigates use of suction caissons as combined anchors to resist line loads from multiple platforms as an efficient solution for anchoring a network of wind turbine platforms.

Suction …

Flow Field Measurements For A Cross Flow Turbine, Matthew Cameron

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Understanding the flow pattern around hydrokinetic devices is important for the development of tidal energy technology. The objective of the research is to provide the wake characteristics from laboratory measurements, including wake structure, and flow recovery in the near and far fields of a cross-flow turbine. The data can be used to assist in optimization of an array of turbines by providing experimental results for numerical models validation and industrial developers of tidal energy. Another critical use of this data will be to provide a basis for parameterization of energy extraction in coastal ocean models in resource assessment. The experimental …

Career: A New Class Of Modified Mesoporous Silica Membranes With Controlled Pore Size And Surface Functionalization Through Unique Synthetic Approaches, William J. Desisto

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

Artificial membranes made from sand-like materials known as silica are potentially more energy efficient than other separation processes such as distillation (change in phase from liquid to gas) because there is no phase change required to perform the separation. In addition, the opportunity exists for combining reaction and separation within a single unit using membrane reactors, thereby increasing yield on thermodynamically-limited reactions. However, the fabrication of high-quality silica membranes with pore size control and surface chemistry control remains challenging because of the inherent limits of existing synthetic approaches used to fabricate silica membranes. The researchers at the University of Maine …

Analysis Modeling And Optimization Of A Smart Sulky, Nicholas C. Noble

Honors College

For several hundred years, the Standardbred harness racing industry has remained relatively unchanged. The sulkies pulled by the horses have seen only minor changes. New construction techniques and lighter materials have allowed sulkies to become lighter and generally faster. However, there is currently no sulky that uses a modern control system to adapt to changing racetracks, horses, and drivers. A Smart Sulky would be able to accomplish these things. The Smart Sulky would be capable of measuring changes in the movements of the horse and compensate for rotational movement and vibration, which the horse transfers to a conventional sulky. The …

Data Logging Radiation Detector, Joseph P. Record

Honors College

This thesis describes significance of radiation detection and describes the design, build, and test of a radiation detection device called the Data Logging Radiation Detector. The device is capable of measuring alpha, beta, and gamma radiation and storing the resulting data to an SD card. The Data Logging Radiation detector consists of four major blocks: a DC-DC boost switched mode power supply, a Geiger-Müller tube, an ATMega328p microcontroller, and a removable SD card. The switched mode power supply generates the necessary high voltage to bias the Geiger tube. Alpha particles, beta particles, and gamma rays are then able to be …

Chemically Enhanced Water Removal In Papermaking, James John Beaupré

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

This work examines the utilization of chemical means to enhance the amount of water removed in the papermaking process prior to the application of heat. Through wet end application of a cationic surfactant, a significant increase in the amount of water removed in the forming and pressing sections is observed. This results in a reduction in the energy required to thoroughly dry the paper.

A variety of compounds hypothesized to potentially enhance dewatering were examined. A cationic surfactant, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB), produced significant enhanced dewatering via addition to a pulp slurry. Extensive bench top testing characterized the extent of reduction …

Surface Variable Effects On The Dynamic Properties Of Thoroughbred Horse Racetracks, Christie A. Mahaffey

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Historically, equine racing surfaces have been selected and maintained without considering quantifiable data for horse biomechanics or surface mechanical properties. This approach is currently shifting in the racing industry, with an increased interest in understanding the mechanics of the hoof-surface interface to reduce injuries. This dissertation examines three components influencing the hoof-surface interface: 1) correlations between mineralogical composition of dirt tracks, track designs, and climate; 2) the effect of variable cushion depth on dynamic loading, and 3) the effects of different horseshoes on dynamic loading. The second and third pieces of this research are based on an experimental procedure designed …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Mesoporous Silica Membranes Modified By Atomic And Molecular Layer Deposition, David Emmett Cassidy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Inorganic membranes offer a means for chemical separations in a variety of applications including chemical processing, drug delivery systems, battery separators and fuel cells. There is currently a “pore size gap” in silica membranes between 1-2 nanometers. Synthesizing membranes with a fine control of the pore size and distribution within that gap is a significant challenge. This thesis reports findings on using atomic and molecular layer deposition as new synthesis approaches to controlling pore size and chemical functionality of silica membranes. Mesoporous silica membranes, prepared using surfactant-templates with pore diameters ~4nm, were modified using atomic layer deposition and molecular layer …

Depth Sensing Planar Structures: Detection Of Office Furniture Configurations, Brendan O'Shaughnessy

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Handheld devices with depth sensors have the potential to aid low-vision users in performing tasks that are difficult with traditional modes of assistance. Heuristic studies have revealed that tables have a key functional role in indoor scene descriptions. The research question addressed in this thesis is: how can we robustly and efficiently detect tables in indoor office environments? This thesis presents a solution that utilizes a functional approach to robustly detect rectangular tables in depth images generated from a Kinect sensor.

Perhaps the most significant function of a table is to provide its users with a supporting plane. This demands …

Development Of Oxidizer Flow Control For Use In Hybrid Rocket Motors Of The Scientific Sounding Rocket Scale, Luke Saindon

Honors College

To successfully build a rocket engine with variable thrust you must devise a reliable and robust oxidizer flow control system. The goal of this thesis is to contribute to the goal of building a variable thrust (throttled) hybrid rocket engine, which could eventually be used to power scientific sounding rockets. A variable thrust hybrid engine would increase reusability, flexibility, and capability of almost any small rocket.

Specifically, this thesis work regards the development of the closed loop oxidizer flow control system. To do this, a small test rig was built in the lab that consists of all the components in …

Substrate Stiffness And Adhesivity Influence Neuron Axonal Growth, Eben Grant Estell

Honors College

The nervous system is a complex organ system that coordinates all of the actions of an animal. The transmission of signals between different body parts by this organ system allows the body to function as a whole and interact with the external environment. It is clear then that the nervous system is integral to the function and survival of those organisms in which it has developed; and yet much is lacking in our understanding of the system’s key constituents: neuronal cells or, neurons. In satisfaction of the Honors Thesis, this research investigates how certain conditions of the extracellular environment …

An Adaptive Reuse And Restoration Of A Maine Barn, Sarah Elizabeth Williams

Honors College

This is a study of a post and beam barn in Orono, Maine that examines the changes necessary to use the barn as an event center. Included is a structural analysis of the current barn structure to determine its adequacy for the new use under current design standards, including IBC 2009. The architectural portion of this study examines the capacity of the building and the egress and restroom facilities requirements for that capacity, as well as the ADA requirements. Provided is a final design that incorporates the architectural aspects and the structural changes necessary to meet modern standards. Structural modifications …

Development Of Porous Polymeric Implants For Use In Orthopedic Research And Development Applications, Alexander Caddell

Honors College

Current orthopedic implants comprised of plastic, ceramic, or metal alloys are susceptible to surface degradation at the implant-implant interface. The resulting microscopic fragments cause tissue irritation that can lead to osteolysis. In addition, existing percutaneous implants, such as pins used to stabilize fractures, are prone to bacterial infections due to the inability of the surrounding soft tissue to adhere to the implant and form a biologic seal. The goal of this Honors Thesis was to develop porous polymeric implants for orthopedic research and development applications that improve upon current designs in an attempt to remedy the issues detailed above. A …

Track 2 Gk-12: Sensors!, John F. Vetelino, Stephen Godsoe, Constance Holden

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

This proposal describes a Track 2 project developed by the University of Maine in collaboration with several Maine public school systems in urban, suburban, and rural communities to capitalize upon UMaine's interdisciplinary, state-of-the-art sensor science and engineering resources to establish strong partnerships with middle and high schools, benefiting GK-12 fellows, teachers, middle and high school students, senior personnel, and business and community stakeholders. Focusing on sensor science and engineering, the PI, Dr. Vetelino is carefully integrating NSF RET, GK-12, REU, and IGERT programs, reaching students from middle school through the Ph.D. The synergy among the PI's education and research programs …

Goali: Multicomponent Molecular Transport In Nanoporous Materials, Douglas M. Ruthven, David Sholl, Ronald Chance

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

In recent years novel diffusion controlled catalytic processes and non-conventional separation processes such as adsorption and membrane processes have gained an increasingly important place in the petroleum and petrochemicals industries. Several factors have driven this trend, including the need to improve the energy efficiency and throughput of refineries, stricter limits on the allowable composition of gasoline and diesel fuel requiring the removal of aromatics and sulfur containing compounds to extremely low levels, the need to process increasingly complex deposits of both natural gas and liquid hydrocarbons, and the possibility of producing liquid fuels from non-traditional sources such as biomass. Although …

Exp-Sa: A Lateral Field Excited Acoustic Wave Sensor For Peroxide-Based Explosives, John F. Vetelino, David J. Neivandt

University of Maine Office of Research Administration: Grant Reports

Intellectual Merit:
The candidate films will be functionalized on the quartz surface of the LFE sensing platform and exposed to peroxide-based IEDs and the materials used to fabricate them under simulated conditions. Critical sensor element properties such as the response level, response time, detection limit, resolution, and linearity will be measured and the selectivity will be determined by exposing the sensor to known concentrations of chemical simulants. In addition the admittance of each sensor element will be measured to isolate mechanical and electrical property changes in the film so as to identify the unique chemical signature of each analyte and …

Effective Stochastic Modeling Of Energy-Constrained Wireless Sensor Networks, Ali Shareef, Yifeng Zhu

Graduate Student Scholarly and Creative Submissions

Energy consumption of energy-constrained nodes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs) is a fatal weakness of these networks. Since these nodes usually operate on batteries, the maximum utility of the network is dependent upon the optimal energy usage of these nodes. However, new emerging optimal energy consumption algorithms, protocols, and system designs require an evaluation platform. This necessitates modeling techniques that can quickly and accurately evaluate their behavior and identify strengths and weakness. We propose Petri nets as this ideal platform. We demonstrate Petri net models of wireless sensor nodes that incorporate the complex interactions between the processing and communication components …

Place-Based Approaches To Alternative Energy: The Potential For Forest And Grass Biomass For Aroostook County, Jason Johnston, Soraya Cardenas

Maine Policy Review

Teams at the University of Maine Presque Isle and the University of Maine at Forth Kent are engaged in evaluating the potential for forest and grass biomass energy in Aroostook County, funded through Maine’s Sustainability Solutions Initiative. The article discusses how this potential is being evaluated and the possible ways in which expanding grass and wood biomass might benefit farmers and residents of The County. It suggests that using some of Maine’s farmland for fuel might be sustainable with appropriate management and with consideration for potential environmental and socioeconomic drawbacks

Research For The Sustainable Development Of Tidal Power In Maine, Teresa Johnson, Gayle B. Zydlewski

Maine Policy Review

Generating electricity from Maine’s substantial tides has been a dream for generations. Today, the state is poised for a new era in sustainable tidal-power development. A pilot project is already underway in the Cobscook Bay/Western Passage area near Eastport and Lubec. Tidal-power development presents technical, environmental, and social challenges, however, and the authors discuss how the Maine Tidal Power Initiative is working to develop a cooperative framework that integrates stakeholders, developers, and policymakers to tackle some of these challenges.