Engineering Commons^™

A Study Of The Dynamic Control Of The Inverted Pendulum System, Koon T. Ang

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report describes the simulation of an inverted pendulum control system. The purpose is to provide an interesting learning process through high resolution color graphics animations in the control of dynamic systems. The software uses the graphic capabilities extensively to make it very user-friendly and highly interactive. A numerical analysis method is used to solve the systems of equations. The animation driven by the results is then displayed on the video terminal. Facilities range from selection of controllers, changing of system parameters, plotting graphs, and hardcopy outputs.

A Microsequenced Prolog Inference Engine, Jeffrey J. Ferguson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Prolog is a symbolic logic language presently emerging among numerous expert system designs. The architecture for a microsequenced Prolog machine (UPM) capable of providing the basic language features to a host computer is proposed. The Prolog machine functions are portioned into three processor components – Input/Output, Memory, and Central (CPU), where the design of the Central Processor is emphasized. Detailed discussion outlines the CPU facilities used to implement the forward-chaining and backtracking functions for the UPM. The UPM features are compared to the PLM-1, a microsequenced Prolog inference engine under development at University of California, Berkley. An emulation of the …

Utilization Of Expert Systems In The Work Place: Performing Project Software Cost Estimation On Training Systems, Henry A. Marshall

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report investigates the use of an expert system to aid project engineers at the Naval Training Systems Center in making decisions concerning the requirements of the computer systems used in simulators. For a prototype system domain, the author chose an expert system that would generate a software development cost estimate. This system questions the user about the features and options required on the training system. The expert system then analyzes the information to generate a “lines of code” estimate. A selected model will combine various factors to generate s value answer for the user. The capabilities and features …

An Experimental Study Of A Single-Phase Natural Convection In A Cylindrical, Vertical Channel, S. Ali A. Hashemi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Presented in this paper is the first known experimental assessment of a single-phase natural convection in a cylindrical, vertical channel subjected to non-uniform or uniform heat flux. This work was conducted at the University of Central Florida in the College of Engineering.

The results of this experimental study were compared with theory. The experimental values of Nusselt numbers (Nu = hD/K) in the entrance and fully-developed regions were somewhat lower and higher, respectively, when compared with theory.

The Effect Of Thickness On Neuber's Rule For Estimation Of Fatigue Life, Shahram Elmi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

To predict the fatigue life of a notched member from a strain-life curve, the high strain concentration at the root of the notch must be known. For determining this high (post yield) strain, the Neuber’s Rule (for plane stress) and linear rule (for plane strain) can be applied. To investigate the accuracy of these method a notched member which is subjected to fully reversed cyclic loading is analyzed by the finite element method. Moreover, members with different thicknesses are analyzed with three dimensional elements, and a correlation between plane and three dimensional data is obtained. This correlation may be used …

Noise In Interferometric Sensors, Mark Phillips

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A noise analysis is conducted on an interferometric sensor employed in the study of underwater acoustic noise. Primary emphasis is placed on finding the output Signal to Noise Ratio of the sensor.

Once the initial problem of the type of noise is established, the analysis proceeds along fairly classical lines. Field equations establish the signal reaching the director. Linear filter analysis establishes the nature of the spectrum after passing through a lowpass filter. Finally, second moment theory is used to derive expressions for the output Signal to Noise Ratio.

It is noted that the random ocean noise introduced to the …

A One Step Collision Detection Method For Computer Graphics Programs, Gregory T. Eichner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The topic of this thesis is a collection detection algorithm for use in computer programs dealing in three dimensional graphics. Collision detection is usually accomplished by breaking the movement into small steps and checking if a collision has occurred at each of these discrete steps. This method is a very time-intensive way to detect for collisions and therefore, inefficient for a system which typically moves in large increments. For this kind of system, a method could be developed which checks once for collisions without dividing the move into multiple small increments. The subject of this paper is an algorithm, developed …

The Gate Array Implementation Of An Area Calculation Pipeline, Edward J. Janssen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A gate array is a semi-custom designed integrated circuit. The integrated circuit is designed by a customer and then turned over to a vendor to be manufactured. A single gate array is capable of replacing a full board or more of SSI and MSI components. An area calculation path of a special purpose computer that was designed into a gate array. LSI Logic Corporation was used as the vendor. The gate array was designed and then simulated with the Tegas Description Language. The simulation revealed a worst case timing problem which was corrected by adding an additional stage in the …

Interactive Micro-Computer Software For The Production Of Engineering Drawings, Brian R. Garvey

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This project has developed a microcomputer-based interactive Graphics Software System for the production of engineering drawings. The drawings, stored in a digital format, can be recalled and updated much faster than by using conventional drawing methods. This allows for increased production and a standardized drawing format.

The system was designed to be easy to use so that with little training, a user can create, edit, plot, and save drawings for later retrieval. In addition, an open architecture was used in the design of the drawing database and program command structure so that the system can be easily expanded upon as …

Non-Linear Plane Stress Analysis Using The Finite Element Method, Habib Amirzadeh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Purpose of the Study

The objective of this report is to check the Neuber and Linear rules, and to find the percent differences in comparison with the plane stress and plane strain solution using the non-linear finite element method. All the data are based on the maximum stress concentration where the crack forms and the material behaves non-linearly. This particular problem has been solved using ANSYS, which is a general purpose finite element program.

Life Prediction

Another purpose, which is not the main subject of this report, is to use the result from Neuber and Linear rules to predict the …

An Inexpensive, Portable Data-Acquisition System, Ali I. Navvab

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Recognizing the need for an inexpensive data acquisition system, it was decided to investigate the use of the Hewlett-Packard Interface-Loop concept.

The equipment necessary to acquire, store, and display voltage/time measurements was purchased. This report discusses the integration, application, and operation of this equipment. It was found that such a system would perform satisfactorily under limited conditions but, as might be anticipated, was severely limited in frequency response. It is recommended that the system be upgraded to multi-channel capability.

The Effect Of Winglet Twist And Toe Angle On The Drag Of A High Aspect Ratio Wing, Thomas T. Moore

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Winglets have been shown to significantly reduce the lift induced drag. Different parametric studies have identified important winglet characteristics, but none have examined effects on drag from varying winglet twist and toe angle. The purpose of this research report is to examine the drag reducing effect of winglet twist and toe angle on a transport type high aspect ratio wing.

By using a cost-effective three dimensional vortex-lattice program which included two dimensional profile drag, the effect of winglet twist was found to have a moderate drag reduction against an untwisted winglet for the same toe angle. For the wing-winglet configuration …

Multi-Computer Communication With Crossbar Switches, Teh-Cheng Song

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the design and implementation of a MC6809 multi-computer communication system, which includes a hardware communication controller, with emphasis on the system's software development. A communication program written in 6809 assembly language has been developed to interface each user and the controller. The communication program acts as a postman, sending and taking messages for each user via the interrupt-driven sending and receiving software. A message is transmitted over a crossbar switched path, which is 8 bits wide, to increase the transmission rate and decrease dedicated CPU time. Every time MC6809 microcomputer in the system can send or receive …

A Signal Conditioner For Speech Processing, Daniel K. Weir

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the design, implementation and testing of an analog signal conditioner for use in processing of speech signals. The signal conditioner provides gain and bandwidth control for the speech signal and also indicates the signal level. It is designed to be used in conjunction with a digital speech processor and has ports for a microphone or other signal source, an input signal monitoring device such as an oscilloscope, and interfaces to the digital speech processor. Signal bandwidth control is provided by a variable cutoff frequency lowpass switched capacitor filter, which is driven by a clock. In this thesis, …

Comparison Of Apodization Geometries For Bidirectional Surface Acoustic Wave Transducers Based On Efficient Track Modelling, Armando J. Vigil

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Apodization, or spatial overlap weighting, is a common tap weighting technique for Surface Acoustic Wave filter transducers. The two most common apodization strategies are beam centered and slant centered overlap weighting. Two lesser known apodization geometries are beam spread overlap weighting and generalized distance weighting.

A wide variety of SAW transducer weighting techniques are described. Analysis is focussed on the four apodization geometries listed above. An efficient track based modelling system is developed in order to accurately solve for the acoustic radiation profiles, apodization loss and frequency dependent acoustic conductance. This modelling system becomes the foundation for a set of …

The Application Of Systolic Architectures In Vlsi Design, Steven V. Manno

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuit technology has offered the opportunity to design algorithms and data structures for direct implementation in integrated circuits. In order to take full advantage of this opportunity, the designer must understand the geometric limitations of the technology. Because the interconnections between components in a VLSI circuit are costly in both chip area and performance, the designer must consider the complexity of the data paths between components when selecting algorithms and architecture.

Systolic architectures offer a way to implement massively parallel special-purpose systems in VLSI circuits while minimizing costly interconnections between processing components. In a systolic …

Apodization Of Surface Acoustic Wave Three Phase Unidirectional Transducers, Benjamin P. Abbott

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents an introduction to surface acoustic wave (SAW unidirectional transducer (UDT) apodization. An unbalanced apodization structure is described. The structure is shown to suffer from an unbalanced capacitive effects, significant apodization losses and passband ripple. A balanced UDT structure is developed for the purpose of improving performance and minimizing undesirable effects associated with the unbalanced structure.

Each apodization structure is analyzed and compared using a typical impulse response of a SAW transducer. The analysis is accomplished using SAWCAD2, a unidirectional Surface Acoustic Wave Computer Aided Design FORTRAN-77 program developed at the University of Central Florida. Having shown the …

Setting Time Standards In A Service Environment: A Case Study, Nael H. Hasweh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

One of the most important and costliest resources a hospital has are its personnel and their productivity. Almost invariably, they offer the greatest opportunities for cost containment.

This report is the result of a study conducted in the maintenance department at a local hospital. The objective of the study was to design and implement a work measurement system that is capable of producing accurate time standards. Comparison of actual times reported by employees with these standards would then be used to produce accurate productivity measures.

The proposed system is explained in detail, and the results obtained by implementing such a …

Simulating The Thermal Behavior An Earth-Stationed Satellite Terminal, Anthony M. Jacobi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Lumped parameter modeling using finite differencing, form the basis for a C language simulation of a thermal system. The study of the earth-stationed satellite terminal includes an introduction to the system, derivation of the governing equation, development of a simulation, and a comparison of the results to empirical data.

The analysis is undertaken with emphasis on the worst-case thermal environment, and with determination of the cooling loads and transient response as primary goals. Comparing the predicted cooling loads to empirical data, and previous analyses, indicates an accurate simulation has been constructed. The computer models are offered as an alternative method …

A Colpitts Oscillator Design Technique Using S-Parameters, Timothy K. Johnson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report describes a method for designing a Colpitts oscillator using S-parameters. The oscillator components are grouped into three functional blocks: 1) an unstable active network (which includes the transistor, feedback capacitor, and input resistor); 2) an output matching network (which includes the inductor, tuning capacitor, and load); and, 3) an input matching network (which consists of the remaining tank capacitor). This configuration not only satisfies the standard Colpitts oscillator topology, but allows the use of three simple criteria (based on the network S-parameters) to predict oscillation. A computer program was developed to calculate specific tank component values based …

The Effects Of Trace Organic Carbon On Aluminum Solubility, Fernand J. Tiblier

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Alum jar tests were performed on raw portable waters of varying TOC. Parameters monitored include alum dose, pH and mixing conditions. Finished waters were analyzed for residual aluminum, residual TOC and hardness in order to investigate the effects of TOC on aluminum residual as would be encountered by alum coagulation and lime softening process in practice.

Three-dimensional graphs of residual aluminum, residual TOC and pH were constructed to illustrate the relationship among these measured parameters for the different sources. Statistical analyses were conducted to verify aluminum-organic complexation at reduced alum dosages for varying TOCs; initial TOC, reaction pH and dose …

Fate Of Phosphorus From Residential Stormwater Runoff In A Southern Hardwood Wetland, Benjamin M. Fries

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The movement and fate of phosphorous inputs from residential stormwater runoff were investigated in a 1.0 hectare hardwood wetland near Sanford, Florida. This wetland receives stormwater runoff from a large residential community through a small shallow canal and provides treatment prior to discharge to Hidden Lake. Field investigations were begun in 1984 and were divided into the following tasks: (1) assessment of the quantity of nutrients and heavy metals entering the wetland by way of stormwater runoff, (2) measurement of the attenuation (3) monitoring of the concentrations of nutrients and heavy metals in groundwaters, (4) accumulation of nutrients and heavy …

The Hydrology And Solids Removal Efficiency Of A Detention Pond With Groundwater Inflow, Cameron A. Boss

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Most recently, research on stormwater detention ponds has focused on designs and operations that will improve the water quality of the discharge. Historically stormwater detention ponds were used to reduce the rate of runoff from the watershed area of using temporary storage to attenuate flow rates.

The study site was located near Orlando, Florida, and consisted of a detention pond, namely Lake Angel, which received stormwater runoff from a 131-acre area. Hydrologic data such as precipitation, runoff, and pond outflow were measured at the site. Total and suspended solids data for the pond outflow and stormwater runoff also were collected …

Root Locus Plotter For A Dual Tank System Under Feedback Control, John M. Decatrel

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A root locus graphics routine was written in Turbo Pascal for the analysis and design of a linearized dual tank control system. The routine is a subprogram to be incorporated with an editor written by L. Fadden. This editor allows for the saving and changing of parameters to the system.

The dual tank system is a good example for classical feedback control analysis. A brief description of the process and system is presented. The system may be described by linearized differential and algebraic equations. From these, a characteristic equation is derived, which gives rise to the root locus. The root …

Control Of A Nonlinear System By Linearization, Drew D. Nelson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In today’s linear control systems, exact solutions can be obtained by the use of Laplace Transforms in the frequency domain. In dealing with nonlinear systems, exact solutions are not always achievable. For this reason, it is necessary to linearize the system and then apply frequency response methods.

This paper shows the comparison of a nonlinear system with the linearized model of the same system. For both proportional and proportional-integral control, the response to a unit step change in the set point showed minimal difference between the linearized and nonlinear system.

Multiplexing Phototransistor Arrays Using Transistor Capacitance, Gary E. Morrissette

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Photodetector Focal Plane Arrays are used in electronic image detection. This paper examines the multiplexer that converts the detected signals to a Time Division Multiplexed form. This paper will present two types of multiplexers, a traditional linear multiplexer and a matrix addressed multiplexer. These arrays will use the concept of charge storage to amplify the detected signal. The capacitance of the junctions of phototransistors are used for charge storage.

The Secant-Corrector Spectral Iterative Method For Analyzing Scattering From Planar Periodic Surfaces, Robert Middelveen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The secant method is applied to an iterative algorithm of electromagnetic scattering from planar surfaces with periodic structure. The theory of convergent solutions for iterative techniques is discussed and examined. The Secant method is applied to the spectral iteration approach to accelerate and assure convergence of the basic iterative scheme. The derivation of the method as applied to surfaces containing parallel thin wire gratings is presented, and the conditions for achieving convergence are explored. This new method is also applied to gratings made of coated wires. The reflection characteristics of the grating as a function of wire spacing, wire conductivity, …

A Pool Boiling Map: Water On A Horizontal Surface At Atmospheric Pressure, O. Burr. Osborn

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop a boiling map for liquid water at an atmospheric pressure. The map indicates the type of pool boiling phenomenon will initially occur in terms of the bulk temperature of the liquid and the interfacial contact temperature. The geometry studied was that of a flat horizontal plate with boiling incipient from the upward facing surface.

Previous analytical and experimental studies have been conducted concerning pool boiling. Several of these studies are summarized in this thesis and it is seen that there are gaps and limitations in the existing state of knowledge. Therefore, further …

The Application Of Expert Systems To Automated Storage And Retrieval, Robert E. Mcdonald

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report discusses the major functions, decisions, and strategies of automated storage and retrieval systems (AR/RS). The report surveys the essential features of expert systems and discusses how they can be applied in automated warehousing environments. A blackboard expert system architecture was examined and found to be a flexible and responsive control system for automated warehousing applications. A simple AR/RS expert system was constructed using an expert system software package. A warehousing simulation was performed which compared the expert system’s performance to a typical AR/RS control system. The expert system produced increased efficiency of operation because of the intelligent rules …

On-Line Microprocessor Control Of Optical Disc Recorders And Players, Howard Luebcke

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this paper is to document the work performed in the development of the software required to operate a video disc player and recorder in the on-line mode using a portable computer. Applications of video disc systems are discussed as are future improvements to the developed system.

This paper also includes a description of the hardware, functional requirements and design of the software, and the end result of the development of the software in the form of program listings.