Engineering Commons^™

Efficacy Of Implementing An Ergonomics Program In An Industrial Setting Regarding Cumulative Trauma Disorders To The Upper Extremity, Christa Abraham, Lisa Evans, Patrick Hoban

Masters Theses

The purpose of this study was to determine if implementation of an industrial ergonomics program would decrease the number of upper extremity cumulative trauma disorders, lost days of work, and insurance costs. Data was collected from company records and OSHA logs including type of injury, lost days of work, restricted days of work, and insurance costs. This data was then analyzed using regression analysis and descriptive statistics.; The results of this study supported the concept that ergonomic programs may decrease the number of lost days of work. In this study, a number of limitations and weak correlations were found between …

An Analysis Of The Payback Potential Of New Lighting Technology, James L. Cox

Masters Theses

Recent, energy saving improvements in lighting technology have been made involving the use of more efficient lamps, silver coated light reflectors, and electronic light ballasts. Research indicates that it is economically feasible to retrofit existing light fixtures to utilize the advantages of these developments. This process consists of the removal of all standard lamps and ballasts in each light fixture, the installation of a highly refined light reflector and the replacement of the existing lamps with brighter, more efficient ones. Standard magnetic ballasts are exchanged for more efficient electronic ballasts. Resulting is a light fixture that produces a comparable amount …

An Investigation Of Recycled High Density Polyethylene Reinforced By Short Glass Fibers, Tony Lynn Alwardt

Masters Theses

The mechanical properties of recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) reinforced by short glass fibers were investigated. The composites formed by an injection molding process were examined in terms of tensile strength, percent elongation, and hardness. Recycled HDPE was compared to virgin HDPE regarding the effects of fiber concentrations, types, sizes, and treatments. The addition of three coupling agents at different concentrations was investigated.

The virgin HDPE composites slightly outperformed their recycled HDPE counterparts; having higher tensile strength and hardness, but were less ductile. Increase in fiber concentration generally increased the tensile strength and hardness, but the concentration of fibers was …

An Empirical Investigation Of Quality And Productivity Management Practices In Manufacturing Firms, Kiran Vuppalapati

Masters Theses

A growing number of firms are implementing the concept of Just In Time (JlT) manufacturing and Total Quality Management (TQM). This research examines the impact of these management philosophies in manufacturing firms.

This research identifies a set of critical organizational variables necessary for a successful . implementation and the organizational problems faced during their implementation. The major object is to test the performance of firms implementing both JlT and TQM against firms implementing none of these philosophies. Results show that JIT-TQM firms are more customer focused and have better employee relations than traditional firms. This study also compares the performance …

An Experimental Study Into The Role Of Routing Flexibility In The Justification Of Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Sanjay Pathak

Masters Theses

Increased competition in manufacturing has focused attention on advanced technologies. These costly technologies lead to difficulty in purchase justification using traditional methods. New methods quantify attributes relating to the flexibility of advanced systems. One such attribute is routing flexibility.

This thesis presents results of experiments into evaluation of routing flexibility. The performance of conventional dedicated machinery when compared with that of machines having routing flexibility indicates an advantage of flexible machinery. The thesis indicates a procedure for evaluation of different flexibilities and their comparison with conventional machinery in reality.

An empirical formula is developed that helps in quantifying routing flexibility …

Development Of A Systematic Approach To The Implementation Of A Computer Integrated Manufacturing (Cim) For Small To Medium Sized Companies, G. Steven Trimmer

Masters Theses

CIM technology is rapidly becoming an essential part of businesses of all types and sizes. The impact on the culture of the enterprise is possibly of even greater complexity. Most existing implementations have been done by large businesses large teams of specialized talent.

The unique scope of this work is to simplify the implementation of CIM for small companies. The basic research derived from the WMU/IBM CIM Management Center, a fully functioning CIM facility that provides hands on experience to students and regional businesses.

The cultural references concerning CIM are derived from reading and personal experiences with industry while setting …

Evaluation And Implementation Of Asynchronous Adders, Poornima Y. Shankarreddy

Masters Theses

The need for high speed addition is forcing digital system designers to trade off space. If speed is used as a criterion to judge adders, then the Ripple Carry Adder (RCA) and the Carry Look Ahead Adders (CLAAD) will rank last and first respectively. On the other hand, if space is used, then the order of these two is reversed. The rest of the adders rank between these two. This paper evaluates RCA, CLAAD, and some of the other well documented adders. Both space and speed are used to judge the merits of each of these, and whether or not …

Primary Coolant Flow Characteristics As It Exits The Palisades Reactor, Gregory Alan Baustian

Masters Theses

During fuel cycles 9 and 10 at the Palisades Nuclear Power Plant, new phenomena have been observed using the resistance temperature devices installed in the reactor coolant piping. Oscillations in the temperature readings have been observed leading to the assumptions that there is temperature stratification of the coolant in the reactor hot-legs and that the coolant rotates as it leaves the reactor. In addition, oscillations in the bulk coolant flow within the two hot legs have been postulated. This report outlines work performed using computational fluid dynamics modelling which predict the observed and assumed flow characteristics of the Palisades reactor …

Analysis Of Sandwich Plates Subjected To Blast Loading, Vijay Prasad Bulla

Masters Theses

A dynamic analysis is presented for the bending response of square sandwich plates with isotropic core and facings under blast type pressure. The maximum central deflections of simply supported plates under static and dynamic loadings are compared for various thicknesses and elastic moduli. The deviation of the thick sandwich plate results from the pure-bending theory results is presented for various core properties. Small deflection dynamic iso-response plots are shown for different core rigidities. To study the limits of small deformation linearity for various sandwich plates, non-linear results for deformations under high pressure loads are compared with the linear results. The …

A Study Of Effects Of Flotation Conditions On Flotation Efficiency And Fiber Loss, Wiwat Walaipachara

Masters Theses

Three variables: (1) consistency, (2) agitation, and (3) bubble size were studied for their effects on flotation efficiency and fiber loss. Flotation was done by using a Hallimond apparatus. The floated and non-floated portions were quantified by image analysis based on number of ink particles and total area of ink. The percent fiber loss was calculated from solids' weights of both portions. The floated part was analyzed by a KAJAANI instrument for fiber length average and distribution.

The results showed that flotation efficiency increased with agitation but decreased with increasing consistency. Fiber loss increased with consistency but decreased with increasing …

Rolling Friction Research Instrument, John P. Ward

Masters Theses

An instrument has been analyzed, designed and constructed that will accurately measure the rolling resistance of metallic spheres an plane surfaces subjected to normal loading which will produce contact stresses approaching material yield.

Study Of Single-Electron Capture From He, Ne And Ar By Low-Energy Ne^Q+ Recoil Ions Using Translational Energy Spectroscopy, Renad Qubaj-Said

Masters Theses

No abstract provided.

Nonlinear Dynamic Finite Element Simulation Of Hydroelastic Mounts For Light Weight Vehicles, Talla Jayapal Reddy

Masters Theses

Modern light weight vehicles generate large noise levels, that may need bulky classical rubber mounts to suppress. Hydroelastic mounts can significantly reduce the vibration level of current production automobiles without weight penalty. However, the highly nonlinear behavior of hydroelastic mounts has not been established yet and its use is, therefore, limited to trial and error design methods.

This study discusses the implementation of nonlinear finite element simulation of hydroelastic mounts using the ANSYS finite element code. Fluid elements are limited to linear analysis and therefore are incompatible with the nonlinear hyperelastic elements. A method is proposed to simulate the fluid …

Silicon Carbide/Electroless Nickel Composite Plating For Aluminum Substrates, Ben Charbit

Masters Theses

The effectiveness of producing a composite coating by suspending micron-sized particles in an electroless nickel bath while plating a 2024T4 aluminum alloy part was studied. The variation in the count of particles trapped in the nickel coating due to changes in the particle size, concentration of the particles in the bath, and the substrate surface texture was also studied. Particle sizes of 1 micron and 10 microns, concentrations of 15 gr/lt and 30 gr/lt, and polished and blasted textures were used. It was found that this technique is an effective way to produce composite coatings rendering a high number of …

Simulation Model For Predicting The Impact Of Progressive Diseases In The U.S. Population By Tracking, Biju Suseelan

Masters Theses

Computer Aided Simulation is the process of designing a mathematical-logical model of a real system and experimenting with this model on a computer. Simulation encompasses a model building process as well as the design and implementation of an appropriate experiment involving that model. A simulation experiment involves observing the dynamic behavior of a model by moving from state to state in accordance with well-defined operating rules designed into the model. This research contains the development of a novel approach for the HIV transmission dynamics by using computer simulation to track the HIV positive individuals in a population and to determine …

Middle Terminal Cell Models For Efficient Over-The-Cell Routing, Siddharth Bhingarde

Masters Theses

In this thesis, we introduce a new class of cell models called Middle Terminal Models (MTM) which combines the advantages of existing cell models: BTM and CTM. This class contains the models 2MTM, 3MTM-V, and 3MTM+V depending on the number of metal layers and the permissibility of vias in over-the-cell areas. In MTM, two rows of terminals are located in the middle of the cell. This partitions over-the-cell area into three regions and allows allocation of more nets to over-the-cell area in congested channels. We prove that when vias are allowed over-the-cell, in "almost all" cases the MTM based layouts …

Laser Doppler Velocimetry Research Of The Blowby Gas Characteristics In An Internal Combustion Engine, Mark Kevin Coffill

Masters Theses

The project was designed to measure a reciprocating engine fluid flow (blowby gases past the piston rings) using a laser doppler velocimeter (LDV). Blowby gases were obtained by introducing compressed air into an engine cylinder (piston held at TDC) to simulate engine combustion pressures. Beginning the proposed research included starting an LDV/reciprocating engine laboratory at Western Michigan University and determining the limits of the measurement devices (LDV system in particular).

The limitations which were found in the LDV system only allowed for limited results of in cylinder optical measurements. The results obtained were for cylinder pressures below 0.6 kPa gauge …

A Study Of The Effects Of Polyacrylates On Water Retention And Binder Migration Tendencies Of Coatings, Wichan Charoenkitsupat

Masters Theses

Five commercial polyacrylate samples were used to study their effects on viscosity, water holding, and binder migration under non-pressure conditions. The polyacrylates used were different in acid level, degree of crosslinking, and type of polymer (copolymer and terpolymer). A series of coatings was prepared using a number two clay and three styrene-butadiene latexes of similar particle size and T⋁g but different degrees of carboxylation, then the polyacrylates were added at several levels. The coatings were evaluated for rheological properties, water loss rate and binder migration. The results show that with increasing amounts of polyacrylates, the viscosity increased and the water …

A Computer Simulation Of The Rotary Vacuum Filter Brown Stock Washing System Using Distribution Sampling, Edison G. Yiu

Masters Theses

A probabilistic model was utilized to simulate the brown stock washing system's error due to process variability and measurement noise. Mass balances of the washing system were performed using distribution sampling. This model relies on a nonlinear relationship between displacement and dilution, which permitted the generation of displacement ratio based upon wash liquor ratio. Experimental trials were performed on a pilotscale rotary vacuum single-stage washer. Nonlinear first-order relationship appears to characterize a pilotscale washer adequately. Differences were observed between the means and standard deviations of the measured results compared to the simulation output. Future work is needed to identify the …

An Integrated Simulation Model Development Environment For Slam Ii Using Object-Oriented Paradigm, Rizvan Erol

Masters Theses

An integrated simulation model development environment was implemented to assist the modeler by automating certain activities of simulation modeling. The system included interactive model definition, experimental design, automatic simulation program generation in SLAM II. Object-oriented paradigm at software development stage was extensively used to conceptualize the structure, and rules of the SLAM II language in order to generate efficient, and modular program code. The present system targeted modeling of various probabilistic inventory control system problems. The remarkable advantages of the system were rapid model development time, and achieving reliable program code without requiring any knowledge in SLAM II. Object-oriented programming …

A Study Of The Effects Of Pigment Size And Shape On Binder Migration, Hee Jong Yang

Masters Theses

The effects of pigment size and shape on coating structure and binder migration has been investigated. Clays and ground calcium carbonates of different particle size distributions were used in coatings with 15 pph SB latex.

Coatings were applied to Mylar and a special Tyvek using a wire wound rod. The coatings were dried slowly under ambient conditions, and using hot air immediately or after having been allowed to reach immobilization through penetration into the Tyvek. The dried coatings were evaluated for water holding, relative pore size and migration using the UV technique to measure the increase in SB latex at …

Prediction Of Paper Color: A Process Simulation Approach, Mayank Chaturvedi

Masters Theses

A simulation model was developed for a dye mixing process and for the prediction of the optical properties of the paper. The model was integrated with the MAPPS (Modular Analysis of Pulp and Paper Systems) simulation software package. The model was validated using dyed handsheets made in a laboratory and dyed paper made on a pilot papermachine. Validation comprised of prediction of the optical properties of the handsheets and the machine-made paper which contained various combinations of three non-fluorescent dyes. Sheet reflectances were predicted at 20 nanometer intervals for discrete light wavelength range of 400 to 700 nanometers and verified …

A Study Of The Effect Of Water-Soluble Polymers On Water Holding And Binder Migration Tendencies Of Coatings, Joginder S. Malik

Masters Theses

Water-soluble polymers are being used in the paper coating industry for a variety of purposes including the development of water holding, viscosity control, structure and binder migration control. This study was designed to evaluate the degree that selected types of water-soluble polymers (carboxymethylcellulose, hydroxyethylcellulose, sodium alginate, polyvinyl alcohol and a polyacrylate) influence these properties. The methodology comprised of recently developed techniques in which water holding, immobilization solids and binder migration could all be measured for similar coatings applied on a paper-like porous substrate. The results illustrated that watersoluble polymers affect both the water-loss rate and binder migration, but reduce the …

Optimization Of Sodium Carbonate-Sodium Hydroxide Pulping Of Wheat Straw For Corrugating Medium Production, Irmak Yayin

Masters Theses

This study's primary objective was to present sodium carbonate pulping as an alternative to soda or lime pulping of wheat straw for corrugating medium production. If sodium carbonate pulping is comparable with soda pulping in terms of strength properties, it could be the preference of choice because the recovery of sodium carbonate is simpler requiring less capital investment. The two strength properties that were optimized with respect to total chemical charge, cooking time, and sodium hydroxide fraction in the cooking liquor were Concora crush resistance and STFI compressive strength. These are the two most important strength properties for the end …

Computational Simulation Of Flow Through Elbows In The Approach Piping Systems To A Headbox, Kasinathan Ramanathan

Masters Theses

The successful operation of the wet end in a paper machine is highly dependent on the approach piping system. Sheet basis weight stability and ease of making wet end adjustments are greatly impaired by improperly designed approach piping systems. Most problems in headbox approach piping occur when the flow splits, combines, and passes through elbows.

Elbows create cross flows, flow separation, and eddies, and play an important role in the uniform and stable delivery of the pulp into the headbox. The effect due to an elbow lasts for a considerable distance downstream of the elbow and is severe when two …

The Indentation Of Foam Pattern Surfaces By Coordinate Measuring Machine Probes, Sanjay Nenawati

Masters Theses

When coordinate measuring machines are used to measure the complex shapes of foam patterns, the spherical probe tips indent into the soft surface of the pattern. Such indentation represents a measurement error since the indicated dimension will not be the same as the actual dimension. To determine the magnitude of error, the depth of probe tip indentation into PMMA and EPS foam surface (i.e., elastic indentation) was measured as a function of time, applied load, and foam density. The residual indentation after the removal of the load (i.e., plastic indentation) was also studied.

The depth of elastic indentation increased with …

On Planar Routing Of Multi-Terminal Nets In Vlsi Physical Design, Jahangir A. Hashmi

Masters Theses

In this thesis, we study two problems related to the physical design of VLSI circuits. One problem is related to the VLSI global routing and the other is related to the detailed routing in a bounded region.

We consider the routing of multiple multi-terminal nets on a single layer. We suggest a new approach for this problem. Our approach is based on simultaneously finding a forest of k non-intersecting spanning trees. We present an O(n^3) algorithm for finding two spanning trees corresponding to two nets on a single layer.

We also study the problem of finding a minimum Steiner tree …

Structural, Depositional, And Diagenetic Controls On Reservoir Development: St. Peter Sandstone, Newaygo County, Michigan, Mark S. Caldwell

Masters Theses

Enhanced reservoir quality in the Middle Ordovician St. Peter Sandstone is observed in gas bearing zones in wells located on domal structures. Geometry and degree of this enhanced porosity development is the result of the interplay of structural, depositional, and diagenetic controls. An integrated subsurface study of the Woodville/Goodwell field area was performed in order to document controls on hydrocarbon accumulation.

Recurrent structural growth of domal features throughout the Paleozoic is well documented by isopach mapping. Burial and thermal history studies indicate that hydrocarbons were generated in Ordovician aged source rocks during late Devonian to early Mississippian time, and accumulated …

An Experimental Investigation Of Bevelled Blade Coating For Paper, Mustafa Naci Altug

Masters Theses

In this study the total dynamic force (TDF) acting on the blade was determined at three different web speeds. The objective was to compare quantitatively the experimental results with the predictions of existing models to show whether or not any of these models predict coat weight development. The existing models include the lubrication theory, impact model, lateral force, and combinations of these models.

Under the conditions investigated, the estimated TDF was in good agreement only with the impact force (sum of impulse and hydrodynamic forces) model of blade coating. The impulse force accounted for 94% of the TDF and, therefore, …

Inhibited Spontaneous Emission By Photonic Band Gaps In A Square Lattice Of Periodic Dielectric Medium, Abdullah Al-Ghamdi

Masters Theses

The concepts of band theory for electrons can be employed to describe the behavior of electromagnetic waves propagating in two-dimensional, periodic dielectric structures. These two-dimensional, periodic structures can produce photonic band gaps in which the spontaneous emission by atoms embedded in the structure is prohibited and as a result the performance of many semiconductor devices can be enhanced. The calculations are based on finding the eigenvalues of the algebraic equation for the frequencies of electromagnetic waves moving in a square lattice composed of square dielectric rods with different dielectric constants.