Engineering Commons^™

Mathematical Modeling And Empirical Validation Of A Conceptual Exoskeleton For Astronaut Glove Augmentation, Joseph Kissling

Masters Theses

Space presents numerous difficulties for astronauts conducting their work, not the least of which is the spacesuit that is worn to protect them from space. It has long been known that a spacesuit is difficult to work in, especially the rigid and pressurized gloves that put strain on the astronaut's hands, frequently leading to injuries. Astronaut gloves inhibit more than 50% of their strength in some cases [1]. NASA and other space agencies have been working to alleviate these problems by attempting to mechanically augment the gloves to reduce the exertions of the astronaut. To date, no augmentation systems have …

Experimental Comparison Between Hollow Cathodes With Cermet, Lanthanum Hexaboride, And Barium Oxide Insert Materials, Nagual Simmons

Masters Theses

This thesis compares two different hollow cathode assemblies (HCA) using three different insert materials. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) provided the H6 HCA and the Lanthanum Hexaboride (LaB₆) insert. A barium oxide (BaO) insert was purchased from Ebeam and used with the H6 HCA. The novel Cermet material was purchased from Plasma Controls, LLC and the HCA was based on the JPL H6 HCA. Plasma properties in the external region of all three inserts and the internal region of the LaB₆ were determine using two separate Langmuir probes. Various operating points were tested at a combination of …

On Wlan Fingerprint Indoor Positioning Systems Clustering, And Classification For Enhanced Performance, Haider G. Al Glehawi

Masters Theses

The most economic and affordable IPS are those incorporating existing infrastructure, such as the widely spread Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN). The Received Signal Strength (RSS) fingerprinting-based system is one of the most promising and powerful techniques so far to be used for indoor positioning. However, there are two challenges in using RSS based IPS; the first challenge is the variation of RSS to indoor multipath propagation, and the second is the high number of Access Points (APs) that are deployed in the region of interest. The first issue leads to degradation in the performance of RSS based IPS, while …

Control-Oriented Automatic Transmission- Based Powertrain Modeling And Simulation With Judder, Harshal B. Kundale

Masters Theses

This work presents automatic transmission-based powertrain modeling. The powertrain consists of an engine, torque converter with lock up clutch, transmission gearbox, propeller shaft, and vehicle body. Simplified powertrain component models are developed for vehicle powertrain dynamic response analysis and future control work. The powertrain components are modeled with algebraic and first order non-linear differential equations. A MATLAB-based powertrain simulation system is developed to investigate the transient characteristics during lock up of torque converter. Simulation results are used in the determination of effects of judder on torque and angular velocity. Clutch judder is a self-excited vibration that occurs during the clutch …

Maintaining Deck Profile In Steel I-Girder Bridges During Deck Placement, Ali Naif Inceefe

Masters Theses

Conventional steel I-girder highway bridges utilize cast-in-place concrete deck. Maintaining the deck profile as per project specifications might be a challenging task. Deformation of girders and formwork used for deck placement need to be controlled during deck placement. Differential deflection between girders, exterior girder web out-of-plane deformation, exterior girder warping, or a combination thereof could impact the deck profile. These deformations challenge maintaining deck profile and need to be considered as a part of constructability evaluation. Determining deck profile due to potential girder deformations is necessary before deck placement so that the remedial actions can be implemented when deck finish …

Pyrolysis Of Plastic Waste From Medical Services Facilities Into Potential Fuel And/Or Fuel Additives, Bright Kweku Ansah Baiden

Masters Theses

Limited space and high costs for landfilling as well as increasing regulations in plastic waste disposal, has led to high operating costs for organizations involved in managing plastic waste from medical facilities which led to the need to investigate an alternative option such as pyrolysis. The overall goal of this study was to evaluate pyrolysis as a means to repurpose plastic waste obtained from medical service facilities into fuel and fuel additive compounds, with two objectives involving, (1) to examine the effect of heat input (as voltage) and reaction/residence time; and (2) to evaluate the effect of the plastic waste …

Time Evolution Of Ecog Network Connectivity In Patients With Refractory Epilepsy, Michael J. Selesko

Masters Theses

Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that causes recurrent, unprovoked seizures. Focal, refractory epilepsy is characterized by seizures that start in a specific area in the brain and do not respond to antiepileptic medication. This study was conducted to characterize the connectivity of the focal brain region where seizures originate, known as the epileptogenic zone. Connectivity was measured from electrocorticogram (ECoG) recordings, during seizure events, using information theoretic measures mutual information (MI) and (TE). MI is the amount of information shared between two discrete random variables. TE is the directed information transfer between two discrete random variables. MI provides information …

A Case Study On Application Of Fuzzy Logic Based Controller For Peak Load Shaving In A Typical Household's Per Day Electricity Consumption, Krishna P. Sharma

Masters Theses

The cost of electricity for consumers depends on the cost of generation, transmission, and distribution of power. The electrical load consumed by consumers per day is not constant throughout the day. The utilities must be capable of meeting the load demand, which means they must have enough electricity generation potential and necessary infrastructure. This cost is significant. However, the revenue they generate will only be for the actual use of electricity by the consumers. In general, the electrical power generation is done in stages, always generating a base load. As demand changes throughout the day, additional stages of power generation …

Identification Of The Seizure Onset Zone By Auto-Regressive Model Residual Modulation Applied To Intracranial Eeg And Its Correlation To Channels With High Preponderances Of Detected Hfos, Allison L. Rogutich

Masters Theses

The objective of this thesis was to examine the ability of the Autoregressive Model Residual Modulation (ARRm) method to identify the Seizure Onset Zone (SOZ) in intracranial electroencephalogram (iEEG) of patients with refractory epilepsy. Patients who have not become seizure free after multiple trials of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) may seek treatment through epilepsy surgery. Cortical electrodes are implanted directly on the cerebral cortex, then iEEG is collected. A specialized neurologist reviews the iEEG, then in consultation with the neurosurgeon, the SOZ is determined and areas of the brain may be chosen for resection. The success rate of epilepsy surgery varies, …

Modeling Of Cold Compressor Pump Down Process, Kyle A. Dinger

Masters Theses

The Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) will use a sub-atmospheric helium refrigeration process operating at 2 K (31 mbar) to support the superconducting radio frequency (SRF) Niobium structures (known as cavities), which are housed within ‘cryo-modules’. The cryomodules are large containers whose exterior forms a vacuum chamber that serves as a thermal shield. The cryo-modules, and the superconducting devices contained within, are used to accelerate charged particles. The accelerator at FRIB is comprised of three separate linear segments, separately or collectively, called a linear accelerator or ‘LINAC’. The helium used as the working fluid to cool the SRF Niobium …

Modelling The Financial Effects Of Naïve Neutral Zone Limits On Energy Storage Systems Participating In Midwest Iso Energy Markets Under Frequency Regulation Prioritization Policies, Patrick J. Mccarthy

Masters Theses

Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) participating in frequency regulation services in MISO (Midcontinent Independent System Operator) energy markets do so by charging from and discharging to the bulk electrical grid to satisfy power demands. Frequency regulation can demand a high energy throughput from a BESS, causing electrochemical aging. The aging of a BESS must be controlled to within financially feasible limits. MISO has proposed new frequency regulation prioritization policies that enable a BESS to manage its own aging by setting its acceptable State of Charge (SOC) range, called its neutral zone. MISO will seek to prioritize a BESS’ regulation so …

Mgsnn2: A New Eco-Friendly Wide Band Gap Semiconductor, Krystal R. York

Masters Theses

Materials having a wide band gap (above 2 eV) can provide new alternatives for existing light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and other opto-electronic devices. Currently, many such devices are comprised of low-earth-abundant elements, such as gallium and indium, which are harmful to the environment to extract and difficult to recycle. Alternatively, MgSnN2 is an unexplored material comprised of earth abundant elements which benefit from a mature recycling infrastructure. This material has a predicted band gap of 3.43 eV, indicating that it could be a viable substitute for GaN (band gap of 3.4 eV), which is commonly used in LEDs and other device …

Determination Of Chemical Notch, KChem On Aluminum And Steel When Subjected Under Slow Strain Rate Test In Corrosive Environment, Joshua Teo Lee Kuok

Masters Theses

When designing for any mechanical components or system, the question would arise as to how the material would react to the loads subjected on it? Would the component survive its service load? How would it react to environmental corrosion? To answer these questions, the technique used in this thesis paper is the Slow Strain Rate Test (SSRT) method. Aluminum and steel were chosen as the material to be tested in this paper. Al 7075-T651, and Al 6061-T651 was chosen due to its wide range of application, high strength to weight ratio and ease of machinability. It is highly used in …

Power-Efficient And Highly Scalable Parallel Graph Sampling Using Fpgas, Muhammad Usman Tariq

Masters Theses

Energy efficiency is a crucial problem in data centers where big data is generally represented by directed or undirected graphs. Analysis of this big data graph is challenging due to volume and velocity of the data as well as irregular memory access patterns. Graph sampling is one of the most effective ways to reduce the size of graph while maintaining crucial characteristics. This thesis presents design and implementation of a field programmable gate array (FPGA) based graph sampling method which is both time- and energy-efficient. This is in contrast to existing parallel approaches which include memory-distributed clusters, multicore and GPUs. …

From Architectural Design To Structural Analysis: A Data-Driven Approach To Study Building Information Modeling (Bim) Interoperability, Mohammed Aldegeily

Masters Theses

BIM has been playing an essential role in building construction projects in recent years. It was used to automate many tasks such as clash detection, 4D planning, and quantity takeoff, among others. However, the interoperability of BIM still lacks in many fields across the architecture, engineering, and construction domains. This research studies the interoperability between architectural design and structural analysis. The goal is to explore structural analysis of BIM models through data transfer processes between different software platforms via three types of paths: (1) Application Programming Interface (API); (2) “immediately connect,” which is the direct link between software programs from …

Forward-Looking, Velocity-Driven, Powertrain Modeling And Optimal Control For Continuous Variable Transmission, Paresh Deshmukh

Masters Theses

This thesis is the second part of a two-part study focused on improving Continuous Variable Transmission (CVT) ratio management and control. The objective of the overall project was to develop a methodology for a vehicle with a CVT and a downsized gasoline engine to deliver the maximum vehicle fuel economy within drivability and performance constraints. The first part of this study, as described in [1], focuses on developing a cycle driven model for optimizing the CVT ratio. The study presented in this paper focuses on developing a velocity driven model to simulate the real-time behavior of a vehicle. The results …

Investigation Of Discrete Element Methods For Stud To Turf Interactions, Justin Rittenhouse

Masters Theses

Artificial turf is frequently used in sports today and attempts to advantageously replicate a natural grass/soil playing surface. Despite numerous advantages, the technology is correlated with an increase in injuries. The concept behind this research is to create and validate a discrete element model (DEM) for the ground/foot interaction through the use of open source software. After validation, the goal is to analyze an arrangement of studs to determine what role stud geometry plays on torque [N-mm] and force [N] generation. The validation data was provided through laboratory experiments. Three football studs attached to a rigid bracket were turned at …

Fusion Of Audio And Visual Information For Implementing Improved Speech Recognition System, Vikrant Satish Acharya

Masters Theses

Speech recognition is a very useful technology because of its potential to develop applications, which are suitable for various needs of users. This research is an attempt to enhance the performance of a speech recognition system by combining the visual features (lip movement) with audio features. The results were calculated using utterances of numerals collected from participants inclusive of both male and female genders. Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) coefficients were used for computing visual features and Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients (MFCC) were used for computing audio features. The classification was then carried out using Support Vector Machine (SVM). The results …

Enhancement Of Performance Of Micro Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells By Structural Modification, Sindhuja Valluri

Masters Theses

“Direct Ethanol Fuel Cells (DEFC’s) are becoming more important in current energy conversion devices because of their higher efficiency compared to other fuel cells. However, the performance of current DEFC’s is not efficient in providing energy to meet increasing energy demand. The objective of this work is to make the cell compact and at the same time improve performance. For this purpose, we have removed gasket and endplates to make structure compact and increased surface area by developing a new corrugated structure. This work also uses 3D printing technology Fused Deposition Modeling (FDM) to make pocket backing case to improve …

Compressive Behavior Of Masonry Columns Confined With Steel Reinforced Grout (Srg) Composite, Sarah Elizabeth Jemison

Masters Theses

"In this study, a new type of composite comprised of steel fiber cords embedded in a natural hydraulic lime mortar matrix, known as steel reinforced grout (SRG), is explored for the use in confinement of masonry columns. An experimental study was carried out to understand the behavior of solid clay brick masonry columns confined by SRG jackets. Twenty-four confined and seven unconfined columns with a square cross-section were tested to failure under a monotonic concentric compressive load. Test parameters considered were the column corner condition, number of fiber jacket layers, and number of fiber overlapping faces. SRG confinement improved the …

Methodology For 3d Full-Wave Simulation Of Electrostatic Breakdown Across An Air Gap, Darwin Zhang Li

Masters Theses

"The Rompe-Weizel SPICE model is used to obtain the time dependent arc resistance during simulation of air gap discharge. The SPICE model is solved using a circuit simulator, and the accompanying 3D model is solved using the transmission-line matrix time domain numerical method. Transient co-simulation is a new technique that is used to solve both circuit and 3D models at the same time. Transient co-simulation with the Rompe-Weizel SPICE model is first validated for different arc lengths using a simple geometry of a rod discharging to a ground plane. Validation is achieved by comparing the discharge currents from simulation with …

Simultaneous Enhancement Of Fluidity And Thixotropy Of Vibration-Free Concrete, Piyush Rajendra Lunkad

Masters Theses

"This research articulates the development of a vibration-free concrete for slip-form paving enabling a simple and rapid construction process. To achieve this, properties such as rheology including thixotropy, shape stability, and workability loss with time are mainly investigated. Concrete mixture with high thixotropic strength and its shape holding ability, flowability, and workability retention with time is evaluated. This study consists of two phases: (1) selection of paste component from rheology of cement paste incorporating various micro- and nano- sized particles (2) study of fresh properties of concrete mixtures using the excess paste layer concept.

From the cement paste study, it …

Developing A Methodology For Estimating The Growth Of Radiated Emission From Multi-Modular Systems, Kaustav Ghosh

Masters Theses

"The large multiscale problems are commonly faced in real-world applications such as analysis of electromagnetic interference for a printed circuit board installed on a large platform with connected cables, wires and other high speed interfaces. EMI problems are not uncommon in high speed systems which involve multiple modules of complex hardware. As the system clock frequency and data rate increases, so does the challenges in controlling the EMI in such systems. The costs to prototype and to develop networking equipment are growing as a result of increasing complexities and densities. EMC regulations require radiated emission testing to be done in …

Processing Different Mixtures Of Regionally Available Resources To Create Pellets That Meet A Minimum Standard, Jacob Hixson

Masters Theses

There are several ways to produce energy today, one of the oldest is the gasification of biomass. This process uses a fire to heat the material until it starts to produce gasses that are used as fuel. There are several types of biomass that can be used, many of which have large pieces with low bulk densities. By pelletizing the biomass bulk density increases and allows the opportunity to add in other biomass materials.

There are standards for condensing large pieces of biomass to smaller pelletized materials. Pellet Fuels Institute has set minimum standards for pellets used in the different …

Development And Monte Carlo Validation Of A Finite Element Reactor Analysis Framework, Wayne J. Brewster

Masters Theses

"This study presents the development and Monte Carlo validation of a continuous Galerkin finite element reactor analysis framework. In its current state, the framework acts as an interface between the mesh preparation software GMSH and the sparse linear solvers in MATLAB, for the discretization and approximation of 1-D, 2-D, and 3-D linear partial differential equations. Validity of the framework is assessed from the following two benchmarking activities: the 2-D IAEA PWR benchmark; and the 2-D Missouri Science and Technology Reactor benchmark proposed within this study. The 2-D IAEA PWR multi-group diffusion benchmark is conducted with the following discretization schemes: linear, …

Multi-Objective Optimal Battery Placement In Distribution Networks, Kiana Khalilnejad

Masters Theses

"Due to high penetration of renewable energy resources in today's electricity generation, considerable voltage fluctuations are witnessed in power systems. As an attempt to solve this issue, in this study, multi-objective optimal placement and sizing of distribution-level battery storage system is performed using semidefinite programing. Placement of one or multiple battery system is studied under various objectives including the cost, voltage regulation, reactive power dispatch, renewable resource curtailment, and minimum network power losses. Power flow equations are solved in the form of semidefinite constraints and the rank constraint is ignored. Additionally, combination of these objectives to form a multi-objective problem …

Analyzing Sensor Based Human Activity Data Using Time Series Segmentation To Determine Sleep Duration, Yogesh Deepak Lad

Masters Theses

"Sleep is the most important thing to rest our brain and body. A lack of sleep has adverse effects on overall personal health and may lead to a variety of health disorders. According to Data from the Center for disease control and prevention in the United States of America, there is a formidable increase in the number of people suffering from sleep disorders like insomnia, sleep apnea, hypersomnia and many more. Sleep disorders can be avoided by assessing an individual's activity over a period of time to determine the sleep pattern and duration. The sleep pattern and duration can be …

Carbon Black Production, Analyzing And Characterization, Shadha Khalid Jebur

Masters Theses

"Carbon black (CB) plays a significant function in the development of the electrical and mechanical properties of high performance for a tough elastic polymeric substance such as rubber materials. Thus, CB is widely used to manufacture a massive number of products such as reinforcing and pigment phase in automobile tires due to its high ability to increase tire life by reducing the thermal damage. This material is also used in belts, hoses, and other non-tire rubber goods. Before use in valuable materials. CB should first be analyzed and characterized by different instruments to obtain its mechanical properties. A new thermal …

Advanced Process To Embed Optical Fiber Sensors Into Casting Mold For Smart Manufacturing, Raghavender Reddy Jakka

Masters Theses

"Optical fiber sensors embedded in metals with distributed sensing can sense temperature at multiple points with single fiber. This is useful for smart manufacturing like structural health monitoring in aerospace industry and smart molds in manufacturing plants. There is a huge difference in thermal coefficient of expansion for fiber and metal. This is the reason for the increase in sensitivity for embedded fiber sensors. However, at high temperatures, the stress on the fiber increases, eventually damaging the sensor. The fiber-metal interface determines the sensor performance. A tight interface results in high sensitivity and a gap in the interface enhances sensing …

Development Of Hollow Coaxial Cable Fabry Perot Resonator For High Temperature Sensing Applications, Mohammed Farhan Ahmed

Masters Theses

"The thesis is comprised of two papers, the first paper presents the novel High-Quality Factor Coaxial Cable Fabry-Perot Resonator for sensing applications. The sensor is fabricated by creating two highly reflective mirrors in a coaxial cable. The temperature response of the sensor was tested, by monitoring the frequency shift of the reflection spectra as the temperature increased linearly from 35 °C to 80 °C in steps of 5 °C. The sensor exhibited high temperature sensitivity and good measurement resolution.

A high Q factor of 133 was recorded. The second paper in the thesis presents a low cost, robust, homemade hollow …