Engineering Commons^™

Computer Aided Process Planning System For Generating Alternative Process Plans, Rao T. Gali

Masters Theses

Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP) has a key role in Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) as an interface between design and manufacturing. Current CAPP systems treat process planning as a static function, and always generate the same machine and process combinations. Thus, these CAPP systems are inadequate for advanced manufacturing facilities such as Flexible Manufacturing Systems (FMS). This thesis presents research conducted for the design and development of a CAPP system called Alternative Computer Aided Process Planning (A-CAPP) which generates alternative process plans by interacting with production planning and machine loading functions to satisfy system capacity constraints.

A-CAPP is a variant …

Reactivities Of Some Aromatic Compounds At Supercritical Water Conditions, Chun-Cheng Tsao

Masters Theses

The goals of this study are the removal of nitrogen from the extraction products of coal by Supercritical Water and the development of an understanding of the reactions leading to this removal. Six model compounds with structures similar to the intermediates of the coal liquefaction processes were studied. Benzylamine generated toluene through hydrogen abstraction after the C-N bond rupture. To a lesser extent, the oxidation of the benzylic carbon took place leading to benzene formation. Both reaction pathways occurred with equal probability for benzylidenebenzylamine, producing comparable yields of benzene and toluene. Benzaldehyde generated benzene through the oxidation/decarboxylation sequence. Benzyl alcohol …

1-Nitronaphthalene Causes Ultrastructural Changes Primarily In Nonciliated Bronchiolar Epithelium Followed By Ciliated Epithelium In The Rat, John-Michael Sauer

Masters Theses

This study describes morphological changes in the lung at several time intervals following a single injection of 1-Nitronaphthalene (100 mg/kg intraperitoneal) in male Sprague-Dawley rats using transmission and scanning electron microscopy. Dilation of the smooth endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondrial distension in the nonciliated bronchiolar (Clara) cells was apparent as early as 1 hour after injection, while adjacent ciliated cell showed minimal changes. At 6 hours, when respiratory distress was apparent in the animals, Clara and ciliated cells exhibited chromatin clumping, loss of mitochondrial cristae and cytoplasmic vacuolization. Also at 6 hours, the interstitial area around the terminal bronchioles was infiltrated …

A Modified Parallel Fault Simulator For Combinational Circuits, Shih-Ming Li

Masters Theses

The most commonly used model for fault analysis is called the "Stuck-At" model. With this model, a faulty gate input and/or output is modeled as Stuck-at-0 (s--a-0) or Stuck-at-1 (s-a-1). After a certain number of test vectors are applied to a network, the percentage fault coverage is computed. This computed value relates to the percentage of stuck-at faults detectable at the output. Various studies have been made to enhance the performance of fault simulators. In this paper, a modified parallel simulator MODPAR for combinational circuits is presented. A comparison of simulation results from MODPAR is made with that of SCIRTSS …

Sedimentology Of The Bedford-Berea Sequence (Early Mississippian), Williams Field, Michigan, David Alan Balthazor

Masters Theses

The Berea Sandstone has produced in excess of 1.6 million barrels of oil in the Williams field since discovery in 1980. Seven lithofacies are identified from conventional core in the Bedford-Berea sequence. These facies are interpreted as deltaic deposits comprising prodelta (Bedford Shale), delta front, destructive marine shale, abandoned distributary channel-fill, interdistributary bay-fill, transgressive marine sandstone, and marine shale (Sunbury Shale) facies. Passive channel-fill facies truncate reservoir sandstone bodies and compartmentalize the field NW-SE across the trend of the northwestplunging anticline.

The two reservoir facies in the Williams field are the delta front and transgressive marine sandstones. The sandstone framework …

Channel Routing And Compaction: An Integrated Approach, Roshan A. Gidwani

Masters Theses

An attempt is made at integrating channel routing gnd compaction. A new gridless three-layer channel router based on an integrated approach to channel routing and compaction is presented. Routing is based on combined constraint graphs. Nets are selected from the input net list based on the criteria of ancestor and descendant weights in the combined constraint graphs. Compaction is done immediately after some nets are routed by using a via-segment graph. The router and compacter work hand-in-hand, i.e., the changes made by the compacter are available to the router, which enables the router to route more efficiently. Experimental results show …

Reduced Order H∞ Controller Design, Seng Chu Chow

Masters Theses

"The problem formulation and the development of the H_∞ optimal control theory are reviewed. Various H_∞ robust controller design techniques, including both state and output feedback cases, together with a brief comparison and some remarks on these methodologies arc presented. Also included are a review of the controller order reduction alternatives and various balanced truncation model reduction methods.

A new model reduction technique with reduced error bound is proposed. This proposed technique introduces a new parameter which can be used to select the spectral norm of the model reduction error at low and high frequency ranges according to …

Dose Rate Determination Of The Highly-Enriched Uranium Fuel At The University Of Missouri-Rolla Reactor In Preparation For Transportation, Alice Ann Netzer

Masters Theses

"An analytical model was developed in order to accurately estimate the dose rates in air of the highly-enriched uranium (HEU) fuel at the University of Missouri - Rolla Reactor. Based upon these results, a method is proposed to remove the fuel from the reactor.

First thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were exposed under water to each of the fuel elements in the reactor pool, except for the four control rodded elements. A model was developed to use the in-water TLD readings to calculate the dose rate of the fuel elements in air at 1 foot and 3 feet. The fuel was modeled …

Coordinated Strategic Planning Of Hydroelectric Energy Usage Using Stochastic Dynamic Programming With Decoupled Production Cost Simulation, Duane David Highley

Masters Theses

"The method of Stochastic Dynamic Programming is applied to the problem of Long-term hydrothermal coordination for a five-reservoir system in the Midwest. The model that has been developed will optimize the monthly reservoir elevations to produce the lowest expected energy production cost. The production cost calculations are decoupled from the Dynamic Programming loop, resulting in shorter execution times. Constraints are included for maximum and minimum reservoir elevations, maximum monthly reservoir rise and drop, and maximum and minimum monthly energy production. These constraints help to reduce the state space and shorten execution time. An additional constraint is modeled to control the …

An Ergonomic Study Of Meat Processing Operations, Edgar Delgado

Masters Theses

In this study, physical stresses imposed on the different parts of the musculoskeletal system were assessed using a subjective ratings of perceived discomfort (RPD) scale in the meat industry. The effects of a microbreak system on the perceived discomfort of employees were studied. In addition, a comparison of human physical capacities (i.e., anthropometric, strength, and endurance measures) for Caucasian-American and Hispanic-Mexican employees in the meat industry was performed. These measures were also compared against those of employees engaged in manual material handling tasks. Twenty-eight employees participated in the study.

Based on this study, it can be concluded that: (a) RPD …

Effect Of Refining On The Brightness Of Softwood Ctmp And Tmp Pulps, Ashok Kumar Mishra

Masters Theses

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effect of refining on the brightness of softwood chemithermomechanical (CTMP) and thermomechanical (TMP) pulps. Seven different pulps were refined using a laboratory Valley beater. Brightness, opacity, tensile index, TEA, and fines content of these pulps were determined at four different freeness levels. Scattering (s) and absorption (k) coefficients of these pulps were calculated. One-way analyses of variance (ANOVA) were applied to determine the significance of change in brightness.

Changes in s-values were significantly affected by fiber morphology of different wood species. Refining increased the k-values of the pulps. When the …

Digital Signal Processing Schemes For Fiber Optic Rotation Rate Sensor Scale Factor Linearization, David T. Dembinski

Masters Theses

This study examined and evaluated several scale factor linearization techniques for a fiber optic rotation rate sensor (FORS). The process of scale factor linearization retrieves rotation rate from an FORS signal. Open and closed loop digital signal processing schemes are evaluated on dynamic range, accuracy, and cost.

The results of these experiments show that open loop schemes require few components but have an inherently low dynamic range of operation. Extending the dynamic range of an open loop system is expensive in additional components. Closed loop systems require more initial components, but have a considerably superior dynamic range. It was concluded …

A Systematic Evaluation Technique For Assisting In The Identification And Prevention Of Wrist Stress In The Work Place, Karen Kleinfeld

Masters Theses

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is a cumulative trauma disorder involving compression of the median nerve within the wrist. This disorder has become an industrial epidemic, striking workers whose daily activities involve repetitive motion, wrist deviation, awkward finger postures, and excessive forces to the hand. In an effort to identify and control existing trauma, as well as prevent the onset of further cases of CTS, a systematic evaluation technique has been developed to assist in the ergonomic analysis of the work place. This assessment technique identifies and quantifies occupational risk factors of a task that may predispose workers to CTS. With this …

Modcad: A Graphic Predetermined Time Standards Software For The Ibm P.C., Raad A. Dawood

Masters Theses

MODCAD is a software program designed to give MODAPTS (MODular Arrangement of Predetermined Time Standards) the capability to generate workplace layouts that can be used in conjunction with the time study analysis. Software packages have been developed for MODAPTS such as MODAPTS Plus and Task Master that allow the user to input the predetermined codes of MODAPTS.

AutoCAD (a computer aided design software) is used to combine MODAPTS codes and workplace layout drawings in a single environment by customizing the standard AutoCAD menus and icons to include the MODAPTS codes and routines. AutoLisp (AutoCAD resident language) is used to write …

Microstructural Characterization Of Rapidly Solidified And Extruded Ti-Al-Nb Alloys, Danny Joe Edwards

Masters Theses

"Two titanium alloys have been characterized using transmission and scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and optical metallography techniques. Both of these alloys were rapidly solidified by melt spinning, the resulting ribbons pulverized, and the powders then extruded into cylindrical billets. The alloys are based on the compositions Ti-21.3Al- 9 Nb-0.6-Mo-2.6V and Ti-13.2Al-2.6Nb-0.5Mo-0.9V-0.5Zr-3.1B in atomic percent. The first alloy was examined in both the as-extruded condition and in the annealed condition (looo0c for 12 hours). The second alloy was examined in the as-extruded condition only.

For the first alloy, the as-extruded microstructure consisted of a B2 matrix with alpha-2 particles at …

Fluid Dynamics Of An Atomizer Nozzle, Bhaskar Sengupta

Masters Theses

"A pilot plant gas atomizer was designed and assembled at the Center of Pyrometallurgy, U.M.R., to produce metal powders. The pilot plant utilizes a confined, annular, supersonic nozzle to yield spherical metal powders (aluminum and zinc alloys have been atomized) of average size of 15μm in diameter.

A cold model of the atomizing nozzle was constructed to simulate the pilot plant. First, the high-speed gas flow was studied and later, modelling of the atomizing process was carried out by using water as the atomized liquid. This work has investigated the complex gas flow in the converging-diverging nozzle and around the …

Flotation Deinking Of Ultraviolet Radiation Cured Inks, Narayanasamy Seenivasan

Masters Theses

The objectives of this study were to optimize the variables of pH and surfactant concentration for the maximum flotation efficiency of ultraviolet radiation-cured inks and to increase the understanding of the behavior of the ink particles during flotation. Experiments were designed in two phases: water and ink system and water, fiber and ink system. At 7.t pH at room temperature the flotation efficiency increased with surfactant concentration to 8.2 <μ/>M/L and then dropped with increase in surfactant concentration. Statistical analysis showed that maximum flotation efficiency of 94.8% was obtained at pH of 7.56 at 12.18 <μ/>M/L surfactant concentration. Ink particles …

Application Of Risk Analysis In Investment Decision Making For New Products, Chul Paik

Masters Theses

This study presents the development of a quantitative model to deal with the decision to invest or not invest in the development and production of a new product. It is most applicable to new products which present a high probability of economic failure. The model employs only simple mathematics and statistics, so the decision maker can easily understand the model.

The model uses as input data three variables. These include: (1) the risk of product failure, (2) the maximum loss a company can afford in an investment, and (3) the estimated project cost. These three variables combined furnish as output …

Quantification Of Refining Actions, Hari R. Goyal

Masters Theses

The repeated action of compression-decompression pulses on a wet web of fiber, created by dropping a weight from a height, loosens the internal structure of the fiber. The impaction of fiber did not cause any change in average weighted fiber length, fine content or Canadian Standard Freeness. The sheet made from these fibers showed an increase in tensile strength with increased number of impacts or impact intensity.

In a blend of impacted fibers (internally fibrillated), abraded fibers (externally fibrillated) and fines (fibers shorter than 0.23 mm and created by prolonged beating in a Valley beater), fines were found to be …

An Ergonomic Training Program For Manual Handling Tasks, Akhilesh Agrawal

Masters Theses

The objective of this study was to test whether or not muscular endurance of individuals engaged in industrial manual handling tasks can be improved through a short and intensive training program. This investigation also involved the study of the effect of muscular endurance training program on muscular strength.

The study revealed that, over a six-week period, the muscular endurance can be improved significantly. After sixteen sessions of training, the endurance time increased over 500% for manual materials handling tasks and over 1200% for upper extremity manual handling tasks. The endurance training program, however, did not increase both static and dynamic …

Expansion Of An Existing Power System - A Study, Suresh Arunachalam

Masters Theses

"An existing paper mill is being expanded to increase its installed capacity. Concurrent expansions will be increasing the electrical demand by 40 - 50 MVA. The expansion also includes the addition of DC drives. The existing system has to be used effectively while additional equipment may be added to cater the load increase. Load flow study with various single line diagram configurations has been carried out to find the required solution. A harmonic analysis was also carried out on the suggested new system to install the required filters and capacitor blanks"--Abstract, page ii.

Speech Synthesis Using A Digital Modulation Scheme On The Ibm Personal Computer, John Glenn Wallace

Masters Theses

"Previously the primary output interface that users of personal computers have had available to them were limited to the crt or the printer. This paper presents a method for implementing a voice synthesizer on an IBM personal computer using only the hardware already contained in the personal computer. Presented is a modulation method which can be used with the IBM to obtain good quality voice output. The method consists of 3 parts, 1) sampling and recording the voice, 2) processing and filtering these samples and 3) using these processed samples to drive the speaker. A description of the hardware used …

A Pulsed Field-Gradient System For Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Diffusion Experiments, Saumil Shirish Mehta

Masters Theses

"The construction and performance of a system to generate pulsed magnetic field gradients for use with a commercial superconducting NMR spectrometer for the purpose of molecular self-diffusion measurements is described. Types of coils that provide linear field gradients are discussed. The design and construction of a conventional Helmholtz pair is outlined. A procedure to estimate the magnitude of the field gradients generated by the Helmholtz coils is explained. The design of a circuit to generate fast current pulses using a power MOSFET has been detailed and compared with a functionally similar circuit using bipolar power transistors. The performance of the …

System Modeling And Vibration Reduction Of A Flexible Beam Under Rotary Motion, Jui-Hung Chien

Masters Theses

"The objective of this thesis work is to reduce the end-point vibration of a flexible beam using the feedback control of the partial state variables. The dynamic model is derived from the assumed-modes method. The new feature of this model is that it is applicable to control system analysis and synthesis. A practical example is presented to illustrate the use of control law to improve the transient response"--Abstract, page ii.

Energy Considerations In Stock Preparation Refining Modified By Recycling, Rajendra D. Deshpande

Masters Theses

Experiments were conducted to study the effect of refining on virgin fibers as well as on recycled fibers. Interaction effects of recycling and type of treatment of virgin fibers on characteristics of secondary fiber were studied. A significant reduction in drainage properties of the furnish for both hardwood and softwood pulps were observed. This reduction in properties was found proportional to the amount of refining. It is necessary to achieve required strength properties at higher freeness values, if fibers are to be recycled. This can be done by improvement in uniformity or homogeneity of refining and by gentler and less …

The Relationship Of Pore Volume And Pore Size Distribution To The Development Of Gloss And Scattering Coefficient, John A. Cook

Masters Theses

This study describes in a quantitative manner the relationships between coating structure and optical properties. Gloss, scattering coefficient and void volume were measured after applying different blends of polystyrene spheres to mylar film. Each coating was modeled using large spherical particles of the same size ratios to measure pore size distribution. The coating structure followed well with theoretical packing characteristics of spheres. Optical properties were related to changes in coating structure. Scattering coefficient and gloss correlated better with pore size distribution than particle size. Gloss increased when total void volume was reduced, while the scattering coefficient decreased.

The Evaluation Of Efficiency Determination Of Screening Device (Pressure Screen) By Image Analysis, Rajeev Kumar Goyal

Masters Theses

The Omnicon 3600 image analyzer was used in the study of the evaluation of screening efficiency determination methods. It is very difficult to get a good over all contaminant mass balance across a pressure screen because of the factors involved such as sampling around a screen, time spent in collecting the samples, and possible size reduction of the contaminants by the pump and screen. The image analyzer gives the contaminant analysis in terms of the total number of particles, total area of all the particles, the mean particle area and a histogram of the contaminant size distribution. The histogram data …

Effects Of 0.5 Weight Percent Boron On Cobalt Aluminide, Kevin Thomas Slattery

Masters Theses

"A study was made on the effects of adding 0.5 weight percent boron to the ordered intermetallic Cobalt Aluninide. Thirty gram (30g) specimens were induction melted in an pure argon atmosphere and cast into a copper alloy bar mold. The addition of boron raised the modulus of rupture from 30.1 to 44.3 ksi; increased the Knoop microhardness from 543 to 693; reduced the average grain size from 190 to 70 microns; and gave a more equiaxed grain structure. X-ray diffraction detected the presence of a second phase, AlB , 12 in the material containing boron. Scanning electron micro-scopy revealed that …

Paraffin Deposition Property Measurement Using Differential Scanning Calorimetry, Kevin Lynn Thornsberry

Masters Theses

Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) has been used in past studies to identify the cloud points of diesel fuels, lube oils, jet fuels etc. and it has been assumed that its application extends to all paraffinic hydrocarbons. To verify this and to investigate the possible application of Differential Scanning Calorimetry to the production phase of the petroleum industry, the onset of wax crystallization is compared with ASTM cloud point for a number of paraffinic mixtures including a variety of crude oils. Results show cloud point can be determined for crudes using DSC. Additionally, wax content can be found on a known …

Influence Of Prior Deformation On Structure And Properties Of Heat Treated Aluminum Casting Alloy, Chungwei Hsia

Masters Theses

"A1 356 alloy is extensively used for a wide variety of casting applications. The structure is composed of primary dendrites and eutectic silicon formed during the eutectic reaction. It has long been recognized that the shape of the eutectic silicon significantly affects the ductility of the alloy. Traditionally, the morphology of the silicon is changed by certain chemical and/or thermal processes to improve the ductility. Mechanically deforming the castings to "modify" the shape of silicon has been shown by this research to be an effective alternative method to improve the spheroidization rate of eutectic silicon during heat treatment. The best …