Engineering Commons^™

An On-Line Approach For Evaluating Trigonometric Functions, Rajesh Amin

Theses

This thesis investigates the evaluation of trigonometric functions based on an on-line arithmetic approach. On-line algorithms have been developed to evaluate the sine and cosine functions. Error analysis and heuristics are carried out to arrive at a minimal error algorithm based on the series expansion of the sine and cosine function.

A logical design based on the algorithm is presented where the unit is designed as a set of basic modules. A detailed bit slice design of each module is also presented. A simulator was designed as an experimental tool for synthesis of the on-line algorithms, and a tool for …

Design, Construction, And Operation Of Water Treatment Plant Residual Monofills, Haitao Bian

Theses

Due to the stringent environmental regulations, landfilling becomes the most viable option for ultimate disposal of water treatment plant (WTP) residues. At present, most states apply the regulations for municipal solid waste (MSW) landfills to the landfilling of WTP residues. This is too stringent since the WTP residues are not hazardous. Therefore, development of suitable criteria for WTP residual monofills is necessary and urgent.

A set of environmental and geotechnical experiments was conducted to characterize WTP residues. It can be concluded that very little leachate will be produced and migration of leachate is unlikely. Also it was noted that insignificant …

A Hybrid Low Bit-Rate Video Codec Using Subbands And Statistical Modeling, Ferhat Cakrak

Theses

A hybrid low bit-rate video codes using subbands and statistical modeling is proposed in this thesis. The redundancy within adjacent video frames is exploited by motion estimation and compensation. The Motion Compensated Frame Difference (MCFD) signals are decomposed into 7 subbands using 2-D dyadic tree structure and separable filters. Some of the subband signals are statistically modeled by using the 2-D AR(1) technique. The model parameters provide a representation of these subbands at the receiver side with a. certain level of error. The remaining subbands are compressed employing a classical waveform coding technique, namely vector quantization (VQ).

It is shown …

Base Plate Placement For A Predefined Workspace Of A Stewart Platform Parallel Manipulator, Rajesh Chanda

Theses

This thesis deals with solving the problem of placing the base plate in an optimum position and orientation in a three dimensional space for the desired locations of the mobile end platform of a Stewart platform parallel manipulator.

First the workspace of the mobile plate is expressed as a function of the base plate position. Then the objective function is generated by summing the squared distances from the various desired locations of the mobile plate to the center of the platform's workspace. This function consists of six unknown variables which define the position and orientation of the base plate. A …

Coordination Of Time-Overcurrent Relays For High-Speed Power Line Protection, Nicos Charalambous

Theses

A properly coordinated protection system is essential to ensure that an electricity distribution network can operate within its requirements, regarding the safety of a power system. Automatic operation is necessary to isolate faults on a power system in a minimum time. The study of time coordination of relays suggests improved ways of power line protection. The protection must be sensitive enough to operate when a fault occurs under minimum fault conditions, yet be stable enough not to operate when its associated equipment is carrying the maximum rated current, which may be a short-time value. A power system is used as …

Three Dimensional Diaphragm Simulation Model For The Relationship Of The Tension, Pressure And Shape, Zhangming He

Theses

Weakness of inspiratory muscles is a major cause of respiratory failure. There are many clinical circumstances in which it may occur. The diaphragm is a major respiratory muscle. It has been difficult to quantify its shape, curvature and length.

To solve this question, a three dimensional diaphragm equation was derived on the, assumption that the diaphragm is only attached at its periphery to the rib cage and the abdomen is filled with fluid. Computer programs were developed to fit the equation to the diaphragm contours obtained from plane X rays.

The results indicate that the ratio of transdiaphragmatic pressure to …

In Vitro Testing And Evaluation Of Intraaortic And Extraaortic Balloon Counterpulsation Devices, Joseph V. Izzo

Theses

The primary purpose of this project was to develop an in vitro environment in which the intraaortic and extra-aortic balloon pumps could be tested and evaluated. This was done by modifying a mechanical heart simulator -- the pulse duplicator system -- to accommodate both devices, and developing a software system that could collect and process the data relevant to the operation of the two balloons.

Both counterpulsation techniques were tested in the pulse duplicator where the aortic pressure and flow data were collected. The software system then processes the data to calculate all of the parameters affected by counterpulsation.

While …

Fabrication And Characterization Of Wsi2/P-Si And Tasi2/P-Si Devices, Anitha Kodali

Theses

Thin films Silicides of Tungsten and Tantalum have become very important for IC manufacturing. W and TaSi₂ films were deposited on silicon substrates by CVD and Co-sputtering techniques respectively. These films have been characterized using current-voltage technique. The analysis of the obtained experimental measurements has been performed in the light of Schottky-Mott theory. The effects of annealing were studied using Rapid Thermal Processing technique in the temperature range of 500 to 700°C, in nitrogen atmosphere at a constant pressure of 5x10^-6 ton for a duration of 30 seconds.The increase in annealing temperature resulted in the formation of ohmic …

A Graphical Tool For Timed Petri Nets Using Object Oriented Programming, Baopu Liu

Theses

The objective of this effort is to develop a computer tool for drawing, editing and simulating Timed Petri Nets using object oriented programming. The developed C++ based Timed Petri Net Simulation Tool, TimedPNT, is capable of simulating discrete systems with both deterministic and stochastic delays. Preselection is used for conflict resolution. Performance and utilization results are automatically collected. XView™ Toolkit is used for building the TimedPNT's interactive graphical interface in compliance with AT&T's OPENLOOK® standard on a SunSparc™ IPX running SunOSTM 4.1.2. Compliance with the X Window standard makes the developed tool portable to other X Window based systems.

Prediction Of Linear And Non-Linear Components Of Cutter Deflection In End Milling Tools, Kimberly Nazimek

Theses

In this study, cutter length, cutter diameter, depth of cut, and magnitude of the instantaneous force vector are examined to determine their effects on cutter deflection during end milling. Their contributions to both linear and non-linear cutter deflection are examined. Models are developed to compute deflection for both flat and ball end mills. These models are evaluated to determine the contribution of each type of deflection encountered during a variety of milling conditions. A discussion on the transfer of deflection data to an estimation of machining accuracy is then presented.

Reconstruction And Enhancement Of Medical Computed Tomography Images, Manoj K. Pattahil

Theses

The aim of Computed Tomography is to obtain information regarding the nature of the materials occupying precise positions inside the body. But due to errors in the projection data, which arise due to errors in measurement, beam hardening, missing data and noise, the reconstructed image has artifacts which reduces its diagnostic value. Thus the image obtained has to be processed to remove these artifacts and to improve the quality of the image. This is achieved by iterative reconstruction along with different post-reconstruction processing. Iterative reconstruction is done by repeating the process of projecting the image and creating new projection data …

A Knowledge-Based Designer Assistant System With Application To The Design Of Helical Springs, Giridhar Raja

Theses

Design problems are generally difficult to solve because the domain of solutions is often infinite (like design of gears, bearings, shafts, springs etc.) and generally requires several iterations before we can arrive at the right solution. The search for the right solution satisfied by several constraints is also time consuming. Thus design intrinsically requires backtracking and several iterations to obtain the desired solution.

In the design of helical springs where the load, deflection, allowable stress, and material are specified, there are an infinite number of solutions. If, in addition to these requirements, the mean coil radius, wire diameter, free height …

Development Of A Non-Intrusive Particle Motion Tracking Technique For Granular Flow Experiments, Jerry R. Volcy

Theses

Implementation aspects of monitoring the position and orientation of a one-inch diameter particle in space non-intrusively based on the principle of magnetic induction coupling are discussed. A radio-transmitter embedded within the particle induces voltages in receiver antennae. Position and orientation of the particle are deciphered from these voltages. A previously developed math model that predicts the voltage induced in an antenna given the position and orientation of the transmitter with respect to the antenna as well as the numerical techniques used to obtain the inverse solution of computing position and orientation from a given set of voltages are used.

Practical …

Semi-Automated Approach To Shape Optimal Design Of Planar Structures, Gurinder Pal Singh

Theses

This paper presents a general algorithm, using IDEAS programmability features to integrate different phases of shape optimization process. The present work is mainly concentrated on planar structures, defined by thin or shell finite elements. Interactive programs are generated to convert input data to geometric models, to define mesh areas, to generate finite element mesh and to execute adaptive mesh refinement techniques. The importance of automated mesh generation and refinement is highlighted and various optimization methods are considered. Further, a special attention is given to integration issues of shape optimization capabilities into CAD environment. To demonstrate the developed algorithm, an automotive …

Analysis For Handling Flexible Green Sheets With Automated Tools, Chao Xie

Theses

The electronics industry is characterized by rapid technological advances. Increase in number of I/O interconnections on chips and need for more compact assemblies is forcing designer to consider multilayer ceramic packaging. With the advancement in co-fired technology, the green tapes are becoming widely used now, and will be even more so in the future. There is considerable knowledge and expertise on the preparation of multilayer ceramic materials but little information is available on the handling of laminate ceramic green sheets with automated tools.

In this thesis, we will analyze the displacement, the principal and shearing stress of the different sized …

Sulfuric Acid Resistance Of Fly Ash Mortar, Walairat Bumrongjaroen

Theses

Crown corrosion of concrete pipe and its subsequent repair is a topic much discussed in recent years. Present protective methods have not worked effectively. Due to its properties and its low cost, fly ash was used as a cement replacement of mortar to investigate its sulfuric acid resistance.

Different types and different percentages of fly ashes were mixed with and without admixtures including microsilica, and superplasticizer. The main parameters investigated included the chemical compounds, the fineness and the volume of fly ash. 2"x2" cubes were immersed in a 10% sulfuric acid pond. The weight of each cube was determined continuously …

Geotechnical Characterization Of Water Treatment Plant Residuals, Zhengyuan Xia

Theses

Evaluation of engineering properties of water treatment plant (WTP) residuals is a critical part in predicting their behaviors in monofills. In this study, ten WTP residual samples were collected from ten water treatment plants across the United States. Their general chemical/physical and geotechnical properties including liquid and plastic limits, compaction) shear strength, permeability and durability characteristics were determined.

It was observed that the geotechnical properties of WTP residuals are influenced by various factors such as mineral particle composition, organic content, type and amount of chemical additives) and time of aging, etc. Based on this study, the behavior of WTP residual …

Introduction Of An Information Feedback Loop To Enhance The Urban Transportation Modeling System, Kyle B. Winslow

Theses

The Urban Transportation Modeling System (UTMS) is a methodology used to estimate urban travel demand. This demand is measured as the volume of traffic that flows through a system of streets and highways. Through the use of traffic assignment software, parts of UTMS have become automated. One of the newest automated processes is the extraction of a subarea from a larger model. This extraction process is important to the local planner because it maintains a linkage from the regional model to the local model and it allows the user to extract an already distributed trip table rather than building one …

A Multi-Dimensional Model Of Passive Mesfets For Use In Non-Linear Microwave Signal Processing, Roger Dorval

Theses

A multi-dimensional model which accurately predicts device non-linearities over frequency and power has been developed for MESFETs used in a passive configuration in microwave signal processing applications.

Historically, MESFETs have been used in linear control applications as passive microwave switches and attenuators. More recently, MESFETs operated as passive elements have been employed as power-sensitive non-linear transfer function generators to produce limiters, phase shifters, and linearizers. These devices offer simplicity, high performance, and the opportunity for application in MMIC technology.

This thesis deals with a mapping of passive MESFET non-linear characteristics, and provides insight into the causes of non-linearity in MESFETs …

Investigation Of Cebus Traffic Across A Router, With And Without Acknowledgment, Wannakuwattawaduge Lalith Fernando

Theses

A power line and twisted pair implementation of the Consumer Electronic Bus(CEBus) has great potential toward inexpensive home automation. Since the introduction of the CEBus Standard, there has been increasing efforts on evaluating its performance. However, most of the work has been performed for unacknowledged networks. Pan[18] was able to implement an acknowledged network for PL CEBus. In this thesis, the acknowledgment process has been taken one step further. The effect of acknowledgment on a Power Line and Twisted Pair CEBus network interconnected by a router is studied. CEBus network performance parameters such as message and packet delays, message throughput, …

A Survey Of Manufacturing Practices In Southeast Asia, Fe Irma A. Ramirez

Theses

This paper presents a study of the current manufacturing practices in Southeast Asia particularly Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines. This region is regarded as the next region to watch in terms of economic performance and potential. A mail survey of manufacturing companies in these countries was performed in order to get the data. A six-page questionnaire was sent and covered the following areas: company profile, production control and management, quality management and automation and computerization. Majority of the respondents were medium- and large scale companies and carried a wide array of products. Most of the firms were labor intensive rather …

Polarimetric Fiber Optic Weigh-In-Motion Sensor, Jieping Wang

Theses

During the past decade, the demand for new methods of measuring the weight of moving vehicles has grown substantially. In the 1980's, several techniques for weighing vehicles in motion were developed. However, they often suffer from high installation and maintenance costs as well as low accuracy. This thesis describes a new technique based on polarization preserving optical fibers. A fibercore HB600 Bow-Tie fiber with an initial beat length of 1.16 mm was employed in the present study. Sensor response is discussed in terms of the effects of force amplitudes and velocities on the calibration parameter T_f. T_{f …}

Performance Of The Stirling Cycle Thermal Regenerator, Cesar A. Cravo

Theses

Most of the methods developed to analyze the performance of regenerators make assumptions which are not valid in Stirling cycle regenerators. To more adequately describe the conditions of an actual Stirling cycle regenerator a more complex method has been investigated. This method takes into account the time dependence of the mass flow and pressure fluctuations and considers the temperature dependence of the thermophysical properties.

The solution is accomplished by finite difference techniques. The solution determines the temperature distributions of the gas and matrix along the length of the regenerator and calculates the effectiveness over a cycle. A wide range of …

Design, Fabrication And Characterization Of Infrared Filters, Samiul Amin

Theses

In-situ temperature monitoring, mapping, and control have become significant in semiconductor processes. Temperature of these processes can be measured by making use of the thermal emission from substrates in the infrared region. Various methods have been proposed to provide multicolor infrared detection. One such method involves placing segmented infrared filters close to the focal plane. The present study aims at gaining an insight into the design, fabrication and characterization of infrared filters. Filters were designed and fabricated with peak transmission at 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5 m. Extensive spectroscopic studies, using FTIR spectroscopy, have been performed in the infrared region, on …

Model Parameter Identification Of The Oscillatory Potential In The Electroretinogram, Sung Hoon Jang

Theses

A mathematical model of the oscillatory potential which may be a useful clinical tool to diagnose the progression of diabetic retinopathy. The model has been investigated by compressing from oscillatory potential into three parameters which contain most of the information for the oscillatory potential data.

About thirty subjects including both normal and diabetic subjects were investigated in this study. Comparing normal and diabetic subjects, we found amplitude parameter was most important factor to classify subjects by normal and diabetic.

Since modeling of the oscillatory potential and the estimation of the model parameters were our final goal, we haven't proposed to …

Object Oriented Design Of Petri Net Simulator, Himanshu Juneja

Theses

Petri nets are highly useful for modeling discrete event dynamic systems. The objective of this effort is to develop a tool for drawing, editing and simulating Petri nets using object oriented programming on a standard platform. The object oriented approach was chosen because of its code reuse and extendability features which simplify the task of adding features to the tool as the model evolves. The design stresses on modeling of the problem by objects which closely relate the system design with the implementation.

C++ is used for implementing the object oriented design, and the XView toolkit is used for building …

The Development Of A Senior Unit Operations Laboratory On The Supercritical Extraction Of Solid Naphthalene With Supercritical Carbon Dioxide, Ronald G. Gabbard

Theses

A Senior level Undergraduate Unit Operations Laboratory experiment was developed for the extraction of Naphthalene with supercritical Carbon Dioxide. A Supercritical Extraction Screening System purchased from Autoclave Engineers of Erie, Pennsylvania was modified slightly for use as the laboratory equipment. The experiment consists of extracting solid naphthalene from a sand bed in a fixed bed extractor and determining the mass transfer coefficient for the unit.

The lab has been designed to allow the students to develop their own experimental plan without much direct input. The experimental outline provided for the students primarily focuses on information needed for safe and proper …

Simplification Of The Generalized Adaptive Neural Filter And Comparative Studies With Other Nonlinear Filters, Henry Steven Hanek

Theses

Recently, a new class of adaptive filters called Generalized Adaptive Neural Filters (GANFs) has emerged. They share many characteristics in common with stack filters, include all stack filters as a subset. The GANFs allow a very efficient hardware implementation once they are trained. However, there are some problems associated with GANFs. Three of these arc slow training speeds and the difficulty in choosing a filter structure and neural operator.

This thesis begins with a tutorial on filtering and traces the GANF development up through its origin -- the stack filter. After the GANF is covered in reasonable depth, its use …

Development Of An Intelligent Geometry Measurement Procedure For Coordinate Measuring Machines, Tae-Sung Kim

Theses

A Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMM) is a highly accurate electronic scale for the automatic measurement of 2 and 3 dimensional geometries. In a typical operation the CMM measures a set of user defined points, and then utilizes some internal logic to ascertain whether the inspected part meets the specifications. CMMs have received widespread acceptance among the manufacturing community, and in many instances are required as per supplier contract. Applications of CMMs vary from the measurement of simple 2D parts to complex 3D spatial frames (as for example in their use to measure the integrity of automobile frames). The primary objective …

Vibratory Size Segregation Of Particulate Matter, Anthony La Rosa

Theses

Size segregation imposed by vibration or shaking is an ubiquitous phenomenon whereby a large particle will rise to the top of a bed of smaller spheres upon vibration. Several mechanisms based on computer simulations have been proposed, however a complete theory remains elusive. The objective of this study was to perform experiments to study vibratory segregation of particles for varying size ratios and vibration parameters. More specifically, the rise time of a sphere from the bottom to the top of a vibrated bed was examined. It was found that the rise time decreased with an increase in amplitude for fixed …