Engineering Commons^™

Microprocessor-Based Closed-Loop Control, Man T. Chan

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Microprocessor-Based Closed-Loop Motor Control. A dedicated microprocessor control system was built from chip level using the Motorola M6800 family. The system has a keyboard and the interfaces for four LED displays, a phototransistor and a digital-to-analog converter. The system accepts key input in RPM and drives the motor at the input RPM with display of the real RPM updated approximately every second.

Study Of Virtual Memory, Shridhar S. Dixit

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research report gives a general description of virtual memory systems. The mechanisms and policies and their effect on the operation and efficiency of virtual memory are explained. A virtual memory using a real time virtual address decoder, to decode a 32 bits of virtual address for the secondary memory to obtain the primary address location discussed. The decoder is developed with the use of associative or content-addressable memories. Replacement algorithms, used for selecting the pages of the main memory to be replaced, are described. The hardware implementation of the least recently used and least often used replacement policies using …

Computer Driven Training Simulator Of Wastewater Treatment Operations, G. Robert Silkenson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This research involves design and implementation of computer program for simulation of a wastewater treatment plant. The program has the capability to be interfaced with an existing analog wastewater plant process flow training board which is equipped with meter readouts of key process variables and adjustable control valves. It is planned that the total system simulator could be used to train wastewater treatment plant operators to afford them hands-on dynamic experience in plant operations. The wastewater treatment process modeled is the activated sludge process. Beginning with the known plant design stead-state equations for this particular process an algorithm was developed …

Development Of A Graphics Display Controller, David R. Hudnall

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The goal of this research is to define and develop a computer graphics display controller that will provide a high performance to cost ratio by employing state-of-the-art components and techniques. This report briefly defines the phrase "computer graphics display system" and the related technologies. The system requirements for a target display controller are developed and their hardware implications are presented. An architectural overview precedes a detailed explanation of all functional areas of the target system. This includes an overview of the VLSI graphic figure generator, which is the heart of the target system. Finally, the concept of hardware independent graphic …

Optimizing Growth Options For The Wewahootee Pump And Transport System, Joseph O. Lung

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Techniques for performance optimization and energy reduction were reviewed for application to water supply plants. Simple techniques were developed which permit intelligent management decisions for plant operation growth. The techniques were applied to the Wewahootee Water Supply Plant, Cocoa, Florida. Optimum performance for the existing plant was determined together with a growth plan for reducing energy consumption and increasing the maximum flow capacity to meet demand through the year 2000. The following recommendations were made: 1. Plant operators should incorporate the optimized pump operation schedule presented herein. 2. Four existing pumps should be modified for dual speed operation, and a …

Pressure Drop Across A Restriction Of Annular Geometry, Farshid Yarizadeh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This report presents experimental results for the pressure drop across a restriction of annular geometry used in a typical pressurized water reactor steam generator. The pressure drops were obtained for air, water, and the corresponding two-phase mixtures.

The loss coefficients associated with these pressure drops were experimentally determined and empirical relations correlating the results were developed.

The tests were performed at atmospheric conditions (atmospheric temperature and pressure), and the two-phase flow mass velocity ranged from 236 to 711 1bm/s-ft².

A Calorimeter For Solar Collector Testing Facilities, James C. Huggins

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The reference heat source (RHS) is an electrical calorimeter used with solar collector test facilities. It can be used to calibrate the test facility or to measure the thermal performance of a collector. The RHS described here was designed to be accurate enough to be used as a standard for verification of test facility calibrations. The core of the unit consists of resistance heaters, platinum resistance thermometers, a thermopile, and flow mixers. This core is surrounded by a thermally driven copper shield to control heat loss. The electrical power input to the core is measured with an electronic power transducer. …

Simulation Of Naval Training Pipelines, Roger H. Werner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Flow of enlisted Navy men through basic training, BEE school and "A" school was simulated using SLAM. Queuing for courses, pass, setback and failure of students, and the limitation of resources in the BEE schools were modeled for variable numbers of "A" courses and enlisted student ratings. A travel delay between schools was modeled as a direct step function of the distance involved. For each course modeled, data included course duration, interconvening time between classes, minimum and maximum class sizes, pass, failure and setback rates, and the time, measured from the beginning of the simulation, when the first class is …

Imers: An Interactive Medical Records System, Mary A. Garner

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

As computer printouts replace handwritten and typewritten information in a Medical Records department, it becomes more advantageous for the Registered Records Administrator (RRA) to learn how to interact with a computer terminal. Computer applications in the Medical Records field increase the availability and accessibility of patient information. The Medical Records System discussed in this paper has been adapted by the Medical Records department of the College of Health Sciences of the University of Central Florida as a tool for demonstrating the relationship between the computer and the successful management of medical records. This system will provide hands on experience to …

Micro-Scale Hydropower For The Eighties, E. Beatriz Caicedo-Maddison

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The objectives of this project are to show the feasibility of micro-hydropower and to provide adequate engineering data for those people who wish to design their own micro system. Nine case studies are reviewed and analyzed in an attempt to determine general design parameters. Comparative data for these studies comes from preliminary permit applications submitted to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. Information on such topics as flow measurements, heads, generators and turbine technology are presented. Duration curves are explained with examples using data from a river found in Colombia, South America. Finally, a preliminary design of a micro-hydro facility is …

Theoretical Modeling For Detectivity And Resolution Comparison Of Single Aperture And Multiple Aperture Optical Imaging Systems, Steven C. Kellogg

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The detectivity and resolution of single aperture and multiple aperture optical imaging systems are compared for single point sources in optically background limited environments. The single aperture system assumes a single large diameter lens with a detector array at the focal plane. The multiple aperture system assumes an independent detector array at the focal plane of each of the apertures of the multiaperture system. The multiaperture lenses are arranged in a rectangularly symmetric pattern within the perimeter that a single large aperture would occupy.

Due to the presence of a constant signal plus an optical noise field whose amplitude is …

Personal Computer Simulation Program For Step Motor Drive Systems, William M. Koos

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A system of equations modeling a class of step motors known as the permanent magnet rotor step motor is presented. The model is implemented on a APPLE personal computer in a version of BASIC. Measurements are then made on an existing motor and input to the program for validation. A special test fixture is utilized to take performance data on the motor to facilitate comparisons with the predictions of the program. The comparisons show the model is indeed valid for design of step motor drive systems and emphasize the practical nature of using personal computers and simulations for design.

Computer Aided Filter Design Using Intel Spas20 Software, Robert L. Olive

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This paper demonstrates conversion of an analog filter into a digital filter using computer aided software. The filter design to be demonstrated is a common third order Butterworth filter. This paper is not an attempt to review all filter designs or applications, but rather the attempt is to give a detailed explanation of the steps required to design almost any digital filter.

No knowledge of the Intel Series 210 microcomputer development system is assumed. The appendices contain introduction to the Series 210 system.

Chapter I demonstrates the steps needed to design this filter without computer aid. Included are both analog …

A Computer Model To Determine Location Of Stormwater Management Practices, Alan D. Zahm

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

To optimize the placement of stormwater management systems, a Radio Shack BASIC computer program "SELECT" was written. The program selects locations for berms, detention ponds, retention ponds, and underground percolation tanks based upon minimum marginal cost (totally present value cost per pound of nutrient removed annually). Either nitrogen or phosphorus can be chosen as the selected nutrient. The selections occur until the desired percentage removal is obtained. Five output tables show the results of the selection process. The computer model was used to evaluate stormwater management locations for the Lake Tohopekaliga watershed in Florida. Input data consisting of soil types, …

A Computer Method To Evaluate The Vibration Response Of Stiffened Floor Systems To Impact Load, Michael E. Donahue

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Composite construction of floor systems with steel joist or I-beam stiffeners supporting a concrete slab have a tendency to sustain perceptible vibration due to small impacts. An engineering design aid, utilizing a small micro-computer and a BASIC computer program, was developed to analyze rectangular floor systems for susceptibility to sustain vibrations perceptible to humans. The analytical method for the normal modes of vibration using the Rayleigh-Ritz method and the superposition of the normal mode response is derived. A vibration index is calculated to qualitatively rate the floor. The computer method was validated using published data for an I-beam supported concrete …

Examination Of The Feasibility Of An Earth Coolant Tube To Provide Residential Space Cooling, W. Jerry Bowman

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A study was performed to gain an understanding of the feasibility of an Earth Coolant Tube for use in cooling and heating air for residences and industry. It was concluded that previous studies did not include the effect of coolant tube depth or coolant tube operation over long periods of time. A numerical methods approach using finite difference form of the general energy conduction equation was used to evaluate these effects. It was concluded that a coolant tube 1 foot in diameter and 100 feet long could provide as much as 1/6 ton of refrigeration for a 4 month time …

An Improved Flight Simulator Graphics System Using Microcomputer Technology, Wayne D. Parsons

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The field of computer graphics has continued to provide an efficient means of depicting information about complex phenomena for its users. It has become a widely used tool through which the user may manipulate data to generate a different perspective of the problem at hand and, hence, offers a solution to many varied problems. One area of the application for computer graphics is the field of flight simulation.

At the University of Central Florida, research is being conducted in the area of computer graphics simulation to develop a method through which a pictorial representation of the outline of a small …

Applied Steady-State And Transient Modeling Of Mixing Zone Requirements In Streams, Alvin Castro

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Two existing stream dispersion computer models were applied to a hypothetical stream to analyze mixing zone requirements due to point and non-point discharges. Mixing zone curves were developed to define acceptable and unacceptable regions of stream response for stead-state and transient conditions. The impact on these regions due to varying quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the stream and waste discharges were investigated.

In addition, a sensitivity analysis was conducted on the response of a transient one-dimensional stream dispersion model. A logarithmic linear regression analysis, relating the number of time increments specified to a dimensionless hydrograph shape factor for known storm …

Heavy Metals In Floodplains Receiving Highway Bridge Runoff, Elizabeth T. Skene

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A study was supported by SUS/STAR to investigate the fate of heavy metals in bridge runoff which are received by surrounding floodplains. Three bridge sites in Central Florida were selected and various locations in each site were sampled. Soil, plant, and water samples were analyzed for Cd, Zn, Cu, Fe, Pb, Ni and Cr. Statistical analysis of results for heavy metal content of plants and soils at control versus bridge sampling areas were conducted. In agreement with other investigators, Pb was found to be a good indicator of highway pollution in soil, plants and water. Possible mechanisms for metal sorption …

Passive Cooling And Human Comfort, Florida Solar Energy Center, Philip W. Fairey

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Comfort within buildings is primarily controlled by four major factors: air temperature, mean radiant temperature, humidity and airflow. Each can have a dominating effect. Their effects are not necessarily additive and practically never linear. There are, additionally, other factors which affect comfort including clothing, activity level and climatization. Some psychological triggers, such as certain colors, also seem to affect comfort, and "state of mind" can have major effects on individual comfort sensations. Comfort zones, therefore, are very generally defined as the zone in which 80 percent of the population will experience the sensation of thermal comfort.

Trihalomethane Precursor Reduction Using Magnesium Coagulation, Christianne C. Ferraro

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This study investigated the effectiveness of the magnesium coagulation process in reduction of trihalomethane (THM) precursors. The water was obtained from Lake Washington, a highly colored potable water supply which is used by the City of Melbourne, Florida. The THM concentrations in the finished water at Melbourne currently exceed the THM standard of 0.1 mg/l. For Lake Washington water, treatment varies according to seasonal changes in water quality. During the dry period, the recycle magnesium does not perform effectively as a coagulant for THM precursor removal. This is because of the high levels of magnesium in the late water at …

Quantitative And Qualitative Responses Of Lake Eola To Urban Runoff, Timothy B. Walsh

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

For temperate lakes which receive a variable nutrient loading with seasonal variance in their hydrology, it is necessary to consider the dynamic response of the lake to these variable nutrient loadings. An approach to evaluate Lake Eola water quality responses to dynamic discharge of nutrients is presented. The major source of nutrients for this lake is stormwater runoff containing nitrogen and phosphorus. A mass balance of nutrient sources and sinks for the period of one year (April 1980 - March 1981) was performed. To accomplish this, a field determination for various parameters of the hydrologic budget was performed on a …

An Optimal Algorithm For Detecting Pattern Sensitive Faults In Semiconductor Random Access Memories, Richard I. Subrin

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Random-access memory (RAM) testing to detect unrestricted pattern-sensitive faults (PSFs) is impractical due to the size of the memory checking sequence required. A formal model for restricted PSFs in RAMs called adjacent-pattern interference faults (APIFs) is presented. A test algorithm capable of detecting APIFs in RAMs requiring a minimum number of memory operations is then developed.

Impact Of Alum Sludge On Lake Sediment Phosphorus Release And Benthic Communities, David B. Jellerson

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Alum sludge from a Tampa water treatment plant was found to significantly reduce phosphorus release from anaerobic bottom sediments. The kinetics of phosphorus uptake by the sludge was evaluated in batch reactors. Further, the impact of the sludge on benthic organisms was determined in aquarium systems. Aquariums were set up with sediments and organisms from various lake habitats. Organisms were allowed to establish themselves and then test aquaria were dosed with alum sludge to cover the sediments. Benthic survival and heavy metal uptake were evaluated. Favorable phosphorus uptake was demonstrated in the batch reactors. The uptake kinetics were found to …

A Synchronous Phase Detection System For An Optical Interferometric Sensor, Ira J. Bush

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

A system has been developed to accurately detect phase produced in optical interferometric sensors. The system employs optical heterodyning and synchronously detects optical phase by feeding back an error signal to a phase modulator in the reference leg of the interferometer. This system is seen to have properties similar to a phase-locked loop used for the demodulation of FM signals. The system is modeled and found to be of second order and nonlinear. A linear approximation to the original model serves to accurately describe the system in synchronous operation and is corroborated with well matched empirical data. The nonlinear model …

An Energy Resource Allocation Model For The University Of Central Florida Central Energy Plant, Mohammed A. Chamma

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The demand for energy increases every year, and it is important that we ensure that the energy consumed is used efficiently. This study examines a system which provides energy in multiple forms from multiple energy sources using multiple energy conversion equipment. Such a system is termed a Central Energy Plan (CEP). A linear programming model was formulated to provide a close approximation of a CEP operation. It was used to determine the optimal operating configuration, that is, which equipment should be on or off at a particular time of the day to minimize the operating cost of the plant while …

A Simulation Model To Evaluate The Impact Of Provisioning On The Operational Availibility Of Navy Training Devices, Dale H. Pierce

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents the considerations that must be taken into account when formalizing a simulation model to determine the operational availability of a Navy training device. Consideration is given to those design and logistic support parameters that impact the general simulation model before it is formulated. These parameters, are then used as guidelines to collect and screen the data available for use in the general model. The general model is then translated into a computer simulation model. A specific training site is then chosen and data gathered to be used in the computer model. Design and logistic support parameters given …

Heat Transfer Analysis Of A Lamphouse From A Typical Color Photographic Printer, William A. Toy

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

High-speed operatorless photographic printers require high illumination levels at the negative print gate from lamps with stable color temperatures. The lamps using in these applications give off a large amount of heat radiation that is harmful to photographic emulsions as well as printer components and must be removed. This report describes how a typical photographic printer lamphouse separates the visible energy from the infrared, delivers the visible energy to the negative to be printed, and removes the infrared energy from the housing. This report also develops a set of empirically derived equations, which analytically describe the cooling mechanisms. These equations …

Selective Removal Of Color, Toc, And Thm Precursors From A Highly Colored Recycled Magnesium Sludge Using Granular Activated Carbon, Kathleen O. Gill

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The study investigated the ability of granular activated carbon (F-400) to remove organic color, TOCk and THM precursors from a highly organic-laden recycled magnesium sludge without reducing the magnesium concentration. This treatment was attempted in order to render the sludge a more effective coagulant for surface water purification. Adsorption effectiveness was assessed through Freundlich isotherms and continuous-flow GAC columns, with both procedures conducted at three pH values. Color and TOC were adsorbed more effectively at lower pH values, while adsorption of THM precursors was inhibited at low pH. Magnesium was not significantly adsorbed by the carbon. The carbon treatment of …

An Inventory Of Public Water Supply Wells Owned And Operated By Orange County, Florida, Michael J. Henry

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Orange County, Florida, through its Sewer and Water Department, own fifty active and ten inactive water treatment plants. These treatment plants have a total of ninety-four supply wells, sixty-four of which are actually in service. Most of these wells were obtained through purchase from private or investor owned utility companies. A file search was undertaken from records of the Orange County Sewer and Water Department, U.S. Geological Survey, former water system owners, and well drillers in order to compile all available information on these wells. Information was gathered on location, original drilling of the well, static water level and pumping …