Engineering Commons^™

Selection Of The Spraying Technologies For Over-Coating Of Metal-Stampings With Thermo-Plastics For Use In Direct-Adhesion Polymer Metal Hybrid Load-Bearing Components, M. Grujicic, V. Sellappan, Laine Mears, X. Xuan, Norbert Seyr, Marc Erdmann, Jochen Holzleitner

Publications

The suitability of various polymer-powder spraying technologies for coating of metal-stampings used in polymer metal hybrid (PMH) load-bearing automotive-component applications is considered. The suitability of the spraying technologies is assessed with respect to a need for metal-stamping surface preparation/treatment, their ability to deposit the polymeric material without significant material degradation, the ability to selectively overcoat the metal-stamping, the resulting magnitude of the polymer-to-metal adhesion strength, durability of the polymer/metal bond with respect to prolonged exposure to high-temperature/high-humidity and mechanical/thermal fatigue service conditions, and compatibility with the automotive body-in-white (BIW) manufacturing process chain. The analysis revealed that while each …

Internet Enabled Remote Driving Of A Combat Hybrid Electric Power System For Duty Cycle Measurement, Jarrett Goodell, Marc Compere, Wilford Smith, Mark Brudnak, Mike Pozolo, Et Al.

Publications

This paper describes a human-in-the-loop motion-based simulator interfaced to hybrid-electric power system hardware, both of which were used to measure the duty cycle of a combat vehicle in a virtual simulation environment. The project discussed is a greatly expanded follow-on to the experiment published in [1,7]. This paper is written in the context of [1,7] and therefore highlights the enhancements. The most prominent of these enhancements is the integration (in real-time) of the Power & Energy System Integration Lab (P&E SIL) with a motion base simulator by means of a “long haul” connection over the Internet (a geographical distance of …

Numerical Simulation Of Waves And Fronts In Inhomogeneous Solids, A. Berezovski, M. Berezovski, J. Engelbrecht, G. A. Maugin

Publications

Dynamic response of inhomogeneous materials exhibits new effects, which often do not exist in homogeneous media. It is quite natural that most of studies of wave and front propagation in inhomogeneous materials are associated with numerical simulations. To develop a numerical algorithm and to perform the numerical simulations of moving fronts we need to formulate a kinetic law of progress relating the driving force and the velocity of the discontinuity. The velocity of discontinuity is determined by means of the non-equilibrium jump relations at the front. The obtained numerical method generalizes the wave-propagation algorithm to the case of moving discontinuities …

A Lean Modeling Protocol For Evaluating Green Project Delivery, Leidy E. Klotz, Michael Horman, Mark Bodenschatz

Publications

The first vital step to leaning an operation is to model or map the processes used to deliver value in that operation. This allows the requisite understanding of where waste and non value-adding activity exists, and provides the foundation for improvement. Current protocols for modeling operations present the basic tenets for lean mapping, but tend to be based in manufacturing language, and are not easily adapted to capital facilities projects. “Green” or “sustainable” capital projects delivered using current project delivery systems seem to be laden with hidden waste. These projects tend to be more challenging to deliver due increased levels …

Derivation And Application Of A Conserved Orbital Energy For The Inverted Pendulum Bipedal Walking Model, Jerry E. Pratt, Sergey V. Drakunov

Publications

We present an analysis of a point mass, point foot, planar inverted pendulum model for bipedal walking. Using this model, we derive expressions for a conserved quantity, the “Orbital Energy”, given a smooth Center of Mass trajectory. Given a closed form Center of Mass Trajectory, the equation for the Orbital Energy is a closed form expression except for an integral term, which we show to be the first moment of area under the Center of Mass path. Hence, given a Center of Mass trajectory, it is straightforward and computationally simple to compute phase portraits for the system. In fact, for …

Real-Time System Identification For Impact-Based Part Positioning, Laine Mears, Jeannie Falcon

Publications

Simplified part positioning in manufacturing has been achieved using pushing or tapping actuation in place of more complex pick-and-place systems. However, positioning by impact introduces a new source of uncertainty: interfacial frictional effects of sliding, which can result in an uncontrollable and often poorlypredictable actuation distance. The described work provides a friction-based dynamic model of the sliding distance after impact that is used to predict static friction characteristics. A prototype system is simulated and validation data used to improve the model. A control algorithm is also described, tested and validated over a range of actuated masses.

Soldier/Hardware-In-The-Loop Simulation-Based Combat Vehicle Duty Cycle Measurement: Duty Cycle Experiment 2, Mark Brudnak, Mike Pozolo, Victor Paul, Syed Mohammad, Marc Compere, Et Al.

Publications

This paper describes a human-in-the-loop motion-based simulator interfaced to hybrid-electric power system hardware both of which were used to measure the duty cycle of a combat vehicle in a virtual simulation environment. The project discussed is a greatly expanded follow-on to the experiment published in [1]. This paper is written in the context of [1] and therefore highlights the enhancements. The most prominent of these enhancements is the integration (in real-time) of the Power & Electric System Integration Lab (P&E SIL) with a motion base simulator by means of a “long haul” connection over the Internet (a geographical distance of …

Should There Be A National Curriculum For Technological Literacy?, Laura J. Hummell, Ethan B. Lipton, Melissa Morrow, Jerry Streichler, Karen Zuga

Publications

The author discusses her belief that the United States should have a national curriculum for technological literacy. The author asserts that there are huge discrepancies and deficiencies existing in technology-based curricula, and as a result students in the United States are being ill-prepared for living and working in a globally based economy and society. The author believes that if a national curriculum for technological literacy is developed it should resemble the Standards for Technological Literacy (2000/2002), which was created by the International Technology Education Association. The author points out that in order for such a curriculum to be successful it …

Resources: Student Friendly Modeling Materials, Todd R. Kelley, Jared Berrett

Publications

The article presents cost-effective materials for elementary classrooms that allow students to create models. These materials include card stock, clay, cable or zips ties, fasteners and bolts, and commercially manufactured building kits such as LEGOs, Erector Sets, Tinkertoys and K'Nex. In addition, the author asserts the importance of using such materials in promoting student learning of technology and engineering.

Resources: Building Big (And Small), Todd R. Kelley

Publications

The article offers a set of videos and web resources for elementary teachers to help them explore five different structures, including bridges, domes, skyscrapers, dams, and tunnels, that have been built big to meet the human needs and wants. It includes the miniseries video "Building Big" by David Macaulay and the website www.pbs.org/buildingbig.com.

Curricular Value And Instructional Needs For Infusing Engineering Design Into K-12 Technology Education, David K. Gattie, Robert C. Wicklein

Publications

An overarching objective of Technology Education in the U.S. is to improve technological literacy among K-12 students (DeVore, 1964; Savage and Sterry, 1990; International Technology Education Association, 1996, 2000, 2003). This is addressed in part through a focus on end-product technology and the use and importance of various technologies in society (Savage and Sterry, 1990). While such a focus is certainly necessary, it may not be sufficient if the objective is to infuse engineering into the technology education field. Current efforts at the University of Georgia propose adjusting the focus of Technology Education to a defined emphasis on engineering design …

Critical Features Of Engineering Design In Technology Education, Paul A. Asunda, Roger Hill

Publications

The purpose of this study was to find critical features of engineering design that can be incorporated within technology education learning activities, and develop a rubric for assessing these features. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with three professors actively involved in engineering education. Supporting documents such as engineering design course outlines and rubrics were also examined. Using a phenomenological approach, this study identified the concept of engineering design, key features of the engineering design process, and critical elements that should be assessed in an engineering design activity in the context of technology education. A key product of the study …

Impulsive-Actuation Part Positioning Through Constrained Energy Balance Planning, Laine Mears, Thomas R. Kurfess

Publications

Impulsive actuation has been researched in the past two decades as an inexpensive alternative to multi-degree-of-freedom precision positioning systems. The position of a sliding workpiece can be controlled by a 2-degree-offreedom actuation system through simple pushing path planning. However, the final part position as a result of the last touch of the actuator is subject to uncertainty in the friction model used for actuation planning, particularly the free-sliding distance undergone by the workpiece after losing contact with the actuator. This paper first reviews an impact planning method, then augments it using a restitutionbased model that results in an explicit actuator …

Heating Methods And Detection Limits For Infrared Thermography Inspection Of Fiber-Reinforced Polymer Composites, Jeff R. Brown, H. R. Hamilton

Publications

The use of fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites to strengthen existing civil infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Many FRP systems used to strengthen reinforced concrete are applied using a wet lay-up method in which dry fibers are saturated on site and then applied to the surface. This research investigated using infrared thermography (IRT) as a nondestructive evaluation (NDE) tool for detecting air voids and epoxy-filled holes in FRP systems bonded to a concrete substrate. Four small-scale specimens with FRP thicknesses ranging from 1 to 4 mm (0.04 to 0.16 in.) containing fabricated defects were constructed and inspected in a laboratory setting. Three …

Data Mining Methods Applied To Flight Operations Quality Assurance Data: A Comparison To Standard Statistical Methods, Alan J. Stolzer, Carl Halford

Publications

"In a previous study, multiple regression techniques were applied to Flight Operations Quality Assurance-derived data to develop parsimonious model(s) for fuel consumption on the Boeing 757 airplane. The present study examined several data mining algorithms, including neural networks, on the fuel consumption problem and compared them to the multiple regression results obtained earlier. Using regression methods, parsimonious models were obtained that explained approximately 85% of the variation in fuel flow. In general data mining methods were more effective in predicting fuel consumption. Classification and Regression Tree methods reported correlation coefficients of .91 to .92, and General Linear Models and Multilayer …

Robust Control Techniques Enabling Duty Cycle Experiments Utilizing A 6-Dof Crewstation Motion Base, A Full Scale Combat Hybrid Electric Power System, And Long Distance Internet Communications, Marc Compere, Jarrett Goodell, Miguel Simon, Wilford Smith, Mark Brudnak

Publications

The RemoteLink effort supports the U.S. Army's objective for developing and fielding next generation hybrid-electric combat vehicles. It is a distributed soldierin- the-Ioop and hardware-in-the-Ioop environment with a 6-DOF motion base for operator realism, a full-scale combat hybrid electric power system, and an operational context provided by OneSAF. The driver/gunner crewstations rest on one of two 6-DOF motion bases at the U.S. Army TARDEC Simulation Laboratory (TSL). The hybrid power system is located 2,450 miles away at the TARDEC Power and Energy System Integration Laboratory (P&E SIL). The primary technical challenge in the RemoteLink is to operate both laboratories together …

Developing A Methodology For Assessing Safety Programs Targeting Human Error In Aviation, Scott Shappell, Douglas Wiegmann

Publications

There is a need to develop an effective methodology for generating comprehensive intervention strategies that map current and proposed safety programs onto well-established types of human error. Two separate studies were conducted using recommendations from NTSB accident investigations and several joint FAA and industry working groups. The goal of the studies was to validate a proposed framework for developing and examining safety initiatives that target human error in aviation. The results suggest five approaches to reducing human factors associated with aviation accidents. When combined with the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System, the resulting Human Factors Intervention Matrix will provide …

The Effect Of Auditory And Visual Distracters On The Useful Field Of View: Implications For The Driving Task, Joanne Wood, Alex Chaparro, Louise Hickson, Nick Thyer, Philippa Carter, Julie Hancock, Adrene Hoe, Ivy Le, Louisa Sahetapy, Floravel Ybarzabal

Publications

PURPOSE. The driving environment is becoming increasingly complex, including both visual and auditory distractions within the in-vehicle and external driving environments. This study was designed to investigate the effect of visual and auditory distractions on a performance measure that has been shown to be related to driving safety, the useful field of view.

METHODS. A laboratory study recorded the useful field of view in 28 young visually normal adults (mean 22.6 +- 2.2 years). The useful field of view was measured in the presence and absence of visual distracters (of the same angular subtense as the target) and with three …

Efficacy Of Virtual Models In A Production Systems Course, Lawrence Whitman, Barbara Chaparro

Publications

Wichita State University has developed an integrated set of virtual reality models of an aircraft assembly line. These models are intended to provide students an ‘artifact’ of industrial and manufacturing engineering by providing a realistic environment for initial learning and application. By utilizing a virtual model of the line, students are able to view the process and interrogate the process details, make changes and observe the effects, and gain a better understanding of the concepts and their interrelationships. This paper presents the method used to assess if virtual models (computer models of a real factory) lead to: improved perception of …

Innovative Schematic Concept Analysis For A Space Suit Portable Life Support Subsystem, M. Schuller, R. Kobrick, T. Lalk, L. Wiseman, F. Little, Et Al.

Publications

Conceptual designs for a space suit Personal Life Support Subsystem (PLSS) were developed and assessed to determine if upgrading the system using new, emerging, or projected technologies to fulfill basic functions would result in mass, volume, or performance improvements. Technologies were identified to satisfy each of the functions of the PLSS in three environments (zero-g, Lunar, and Martian) and in three time frames (2006, 2010, and 2020). The viability of candidate technologies was evaluated using evaluation criteria such as safety, technology readiness, and reliability. System concepts (schematics) were developed for combinations of time frame and environment by assigning specific technologies …

Human Error And Commercial Aviation Accidents: A Comprehensive, Fine-Grained Analysis Using Hfacs, Scott Shappell, Cristy Detwiler, Kali Holcomb, Carla Hackworth, Albert Boquet, Douglas Wiegmann

Publications

The Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) is a theoretically based tool for investigating and analyzing human error associated with accidents and incidents. Previous research has shown that HFACS can be reliably used to identify general trends in the human factors associated with military and general aviation accidents. The aim of this study was to extend previous examinations of aviation accidents to include specific aircrew, environmental, supervisory, and organizational factors associated with 14 CFR Part 121 (Air Carrier) and 14 CFR Part 135 (Commuter) accidents using HFACS. The majority of causal factors were attributed to the aircrew and the …

Reweighting At-Sat To Mitigate Group Score Differences, Andrew R. Dattel, Raymond E. King

Publications

The Air Traffic Selection and Training (AT-SAT) test battery is the selection tool for applicants for Air Traffic Control Specialist (ATCS) positions within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) who have not previously been employed as an air traffic controller. AT-SAT is an aptitude test developed to predict the likelihood of successfully learning ATCS skills. Before operational use, however, concerns were raised about the low passing rate of incumbent (who are fully trained and certified) ATCS personnel (who participated in the initial research) and score differences between groups, which could result in adverse impact (possible unfair discrimination). To address these concerns, …

Investigation Of Corrosion Effects On Bond-Slip And Tensile Strength Of Reinforced Concrete Members, M. A. Shayanfar, Amir Safiey, M. Ghalehnovi

Publications

The corrosion effect on tensile strength of RC members is very important to region with high corrosion conditions. In this article a study on finding bond behaviour, crack pattern, crack spacing, and tensile strength of RC members is presented. For this purpose a comprehensive experimental program including reinforced concrete cylanders with different concrete covers and reinforcement ratios under various corrosion rates is conducted. The specimens are located in large tub containing water and salt (5% salt solution) with a devich for accelerated corrosion production. For each specimen, the variation of total tensile strength versus its average strain is plotted and …

Real-Time Identification Of Sliding Friction Using Labview Fpga, Laine Mears, Jeannie S. Falcon, Thomas R. Kurfess

Publications

Friction is present in all mechanical systems, and can greatly affect system stability and control in precision motion applications. In this paper, we present application of a frictional model to trajectory planning of a part centering system with real-time identification of model parameters through system force and position response. This identification is carried out using LabVIEW motion control software and digital signal processing (DSP) and field-programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware. A comparison of hardware performance for force measurement is also made.

Beneath The Tip Of The Iceberg: A Human Factors Analysis Of General Aviation Accidents In Alaska Versus The Rest Of The United States, Cristy Detwiler, Carla Hackworth, Kali Holcomb, Albert Boquet, Elaine Pfleiderer, Douglas Wiegmann, Scott Shappell

Publications

Historically, general aviation (GA) accidents have been overlooked and their impact under-appreciated when compared with those in the commercial or military sector. Recently however, the Federal Aviation Administration and other governmental and civilian organizations have focused their attention on one piece of this proverbial “iceberg,” that being GA accidents occurring in Alaska. This study examines more than 17,000 GA accidents using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System. Comparisons of Alaska to the rest of the U.S. (RoUS) included traditional demographic and environmental variables, as well as the human errors committed by aircrews. Overall, categorical differences among unsafe acts (decision …

Numerical Simulation Of Nonlinear Elastic Wave Propagation In Piecewise Homogeneous Media, Arkadi Berezovski, Mihhail Berezovski, Juri Engelbrecht

Publications

Systematic experimental work [S. Zhuang, G. Ravichandran, D. Grady, J. Mech. Phys. Solids 51 (2003) 245–265] on laminated composites subjected to high velocity impact loading exhibits the dispersed wave field and the oscillatory behavior of waves with respect to a mean value. Such a behavior is absent in homogeneous solids. An approximate solution to the plate impact in layered heterogeneous solids has been developed in [X. Chen, N. Chandra, A.M. Rajendran, Int. J. Solids Struct. 41 (2004) 4635–4659]. The influence of the particle velocity on many process characteristics was demonstrated. Based on earlier results [A. Berezovski, J. Engelbrecht, G.A. Maugin, …

Five Good Reasons For Engineering As The Focus For Technology Education, Robert C. Wicklein

Publications

The article presents information on a paper which discusses why engineering design should be the focus for technology education. Technology education is still viewed as a non-essential instructional program and this is because school administrators and counselors have inadequate understanding of it. Even general populace have inadequate understanding concerning technology education. The pervasiveness of technology literally affects every living creature in our society. Therefore, it is of critical importance that the educational system includes and supports the study of technology in the general curricula. The deficiency within the technology education profession to formulate a clear and defined target for the …

Integrating The Study Of Technology Into The Curriculum: A Consulting Teacher Model, Thomas Erekson, Steven Shumway

Publications

Over the past 40 years there have been several initiatives by leaders in the profession to make revolutionary changes in philosophy, curriculum, methods, and facilities in the transition from industrial arts to technology education. The transition to technology education has been grounded in the dramatic changes that technology and technological innovations have brought to all aspects of society. It has been postulated that to fully participate in a technologically-based society, people must be technologically literate (Pearson & Young, 2002). Thus, the need arose to assure that all students have experience in technology education in order to acquire technological literacy.

Review Of The Book - Teaching About Technology: An Introduction To The Philosophy Of Technology For Non-Philosophers, Vincent Childress

Publications

Marc de Vries' latest book, Teaching about Technology: An Introduction to the Philosophy of Technology for Non-Philosophers, was interesting to the reviewer because it provided a link between philosophies of technology and the nature of the technology curriculum more than any other philosophy-related work he has read. The book is intended for use with pre-service teachers, graduate students, and others who are interested in teaching technology. Teaching about Technology is part of a series of books on science and technology that is edited by William Cobern of Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, Michigan. The editorial board for the series is …

Composting Of Biodegradable Municipal Waste In Ireland, Niamh Power, Jerry D. Murphy

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The implementation of the Landfill Directive (96/31/EC) will lead to a massive reduction in quantities of Biodegradable Municipal Waste (BMW), which may be landfilled. In 2016, an estimated 2.6 million tonnes of BMW will require diversion from landfill in Ireland. Recycling of dry paper, reuse of textiles and home composting will divert significant quantities of BMW. However, to divert the quantities required to comply with the Directive a significant proportion of the Organic Fraction of Municipal Solid Waste (OFMSW) will require treatment in centralised biological facilities. A survey was undertaken of composting facilities in Ireland to ascertain present capacity, present …