Engineering Commons^™

Micro Cad/Cam System Selection And Implementation, Christian Georg Haas

Theses

The rapid growth of the computer market in the last four decades causes difficulties in evaluating the various systems and configurations of this complex market.

This thesis focuses on graphics capable microcomputers in the computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacturing (CAM) field. The thesis emphasizes the technical possibilities such a system offers in terms of hardware, software and applications. Each hardware and software component is detailed to give a new-comer the opportunity to update him or herself in this high technology field. Technical information, as well as installation and implementation are described. Also, provided are lists of several …

Microcomputer-Controlled Respiratory Rate Monitor, David John Hartmann

Theses

In order to measure the metabolic change in an animal due to the administration of anti-obesity drugs, an instrument was constructed which will allow the continuous sampling of twelve individual animals residing in enclosed chambers. The instrument is based on the principle of Indirect Calorimetry, which measures metabolic rate by sampling the inlet and outlet concentrations of respiratory gases (oxygen and carbon dioxide) of the chamber. The system is controlled by an IBM PC which will control six chambers or twelve chambers simultaneously.

The system assesses the metabolic rate of the animal by calculating the Respiratory Quotient (RQ) and the …

A Computer-Based Microwave Interferometer Instrumentation System As A Non-Invasive Cardiopulmonary Monitor, Chin-Yee Eric Ho

Theses

The system comprises a microwave interferometer as a computer-based non-invasive cardiopulmonary monitor. The microwave interferometer records the mechanical vibration of the chest wall. The objective is to determine whether the signals may have diagnostic value and to evaluate the instrument as a non-invasive and non-contacting cardiopulmonary monitor.

With the help of a computer it is possible to analyze the mechanical vibration of the chest wall produced by the heart and thereby detect, and possibly categorize, cardiac abnormalities. This system is able to process two channels, the first signal from microwave interferometer records chest wall vibrations and the second signal is …

Performance Of Single Dwell Serial Synchronization System, Chan-Yee Hsiung

Theses

By using the sampling theorem, the problem of the detection of a signal in white Gaussian noise, reduces to the consideration of the sum of the squares of statistically independent Gaussian variates. If the transmitter and and receiver are not synchronous, then no data transmission is possible and the decision statistic has a central chi-square distribution. Otherwise, the decision statistic has a non-central chi-square distribution. Also, this. paper presents a method to calculate the mean and variance of the acquisition time which are the most important parameters to evaluate the performance of a PN spread synchronization system. In addition, the …

Role Of Contact Stresses In Surface Fatigue And Wear, Chih-Chi Huang

Theses

This thesis is devoted to the role and analysis of stress distribution at the area of load and slide contact in the surface fatigue. The orthogonal shear stresses are critical stresses for surface fatigue in pure rolling contact. On sliding combination with rolling, the maximum shear stresses become to be the prime cause for surface fatigue because they move from subsurface toward the surface. The compressive residual stress induced during manufacturing could increase the resistance to surface fatigue. Sliding speed rarely affects the stress distribution and surface fatigue. From investigation of the stick-slip region in the contact area, sliding wear …

The Application Of Zero-Sum Games To Low Sensitivity Optimal Control, Jun Huang

Theses

This thesis deals with the synthesis of low sensitivity optimal control systems. Zero-Sum games are applied to the first order linear differential equation system. The goal is to obtain an optimal control of the system performance, and at the same time, reduce the sensitivity of the performance index and sensitivity trajectory.

In this thesis, the quadratic index of performance is selected in the argumented system which is combined/ the system equation with the sensitivity equation. Two control variables U & V are selected to maximize and minimize the system, in order to obtain the optimal value of the system.

Two …

Reliability Of Packaging In Microcircuits, Zia Iqbal

Theses

The semiconductor industry is faced with the problems of how to increase the level of reliability of semiconductor parts being used in the electronic systems which have had their lifetimes extended through new and better system design.

This paper deals with the reliability of packaging constructions commonly used in large scale integration / integrated circuits and will present the failure mechanisms and failure modes which can arise when proper processing is used. In addition, the materials used in each construction and how they affect reliabilty will be analyzed.

It is not the intention of this paper to present any new, …

Determination Of Project Duration For Resource Constrained Projects Without Using Resource Scheduling Procedure, Rabindra Nath Karmakar

Theses

The problem addressed in this thesis is that of determining the practicability of equating measures of network and resource characteristics to the early finish date of a project which is constrained by resources. The output of standard critical path calculations along with information on resource profiles that are easy to calculate can be of use in estimating resource constrained project duration.

Twenty two different equations ( developed by Hall) were used to find the estimated project finish dates. These results were compared to the schedule resulting from the application of the heuristic rule of minimum activity float. It is shown …

Schema Based Wiring Tool : A Computer Network And Cad Design System, Jia Jing Zhang

Theses

For the purpose of building a SBC-8052-Basic micro-controller based instrument system, a new SCHEMA II Computer Aided Design system for IBM-PC is used to enhance circuits design routine, and it is described here. The new features of this CAD are discussed, and the design example of a new version of the SBC-8052-Basic micro-controller is given here in detail.

Since the wiring board system is adopted as tool of the laboratory development and controlled by the QL microcomputer, and since SCHEMA II CAD, on the other hand, is used on the IBM-PC-AT, communication between the two microcomputers is accomplished, and the …

The State And Future Of Televised Professional Training Systems, Robert Michael Brady

Theses

This paper investigates the topic of televised professional training -- that is training and educating managers and technical professionals via live or videotaped television broadcasts. The investigation begins with a description of how some typical educational networks operate; it then goes on to analyze in a strictly theoretical sense, some of the advantages and disadvantages that such a system would have compared with the traditional methods of offering continuing education; it then discusses the results of two specially prepared surveys -- one addressed to the administrator/manager, and one addressed to the student. These areas are then united in a final …

Comparative Energy Analysis Of An Office Building Using A Microcomputeromparative Energy Analysis Of An Office Building Using A Microcomputer, Dale Krasnoff Bromberg

Theses

An energy analysis was performed on an office building using two different software packages - ASEAM and Trakload. The structure studied was the P.S.E. & G. headquarters in Newark, N.J.. The results of various parametric runs were compared. Then results from one of the programs were compared with results of a study carried out by Tishman Research Corporation and Jaros, Baum & Bolles, consulting engineers.

Although the two software products had variations in input requirements, overall the results of the two programs were similar. The overall deviation for total energy consumption between the two programs was between 3% and 15%. …

A Model For The Determination Of Market Based Pricing Of Telecommunication Products, Katherine J. Sullivan

Theses

The deregulation of AT&T, has impacted telecommunication product pricing in the U.S. market. Previously, pricing had been based on cost plus mark-up, as stipulated by regulatory commissions. Now, pricing decisions require consideration of the competitive impact, consumer demand for the product, corporate pricing objectives and marketing strategies. This paper proposes a pricing process that is relevant for this new environment which enables the product manager to price properly.

The method proposed utilizes microeconomic theory and takes into account the product test price, unit cost, opportunity cost, nonprice factor cost and consumer demand. Incorporating a number of different pricing strategies, it …

An Improved Method Of Gas Chromatographic Determination Of Trace Organic Vapors In Ambient Air Collected In Canisters, Yong-Jin Shen

Theses

An improved method for analysis and quantitation of volatile organic compounds in ambient air has been developed. Samples are collected in evacuated SUMMA polished stainless steel canisters using a sampling flow apparatus with a critical orifice as flowrate controller. Analysis of VOCs in the collected air is carried out by cryogenically concentrating the sample, then thermally transfering it onto the head of a capillary column in a gas chromatograph. The column effluent is measured by a parallel flame ionization detector (FID), and electron capture detector (ECD). The problems associating with quantitative transfer of the sample to the initial cryofocusing loop …

An Analysis Of The Dense Packing Of Disks : A Computer Simulated Approach, Jir-Yih Tsaur

Theses

This thesis is concerned with the analysis of dense packing of hard disks. The Voronoi diagram and the geometric neighbours were first computed. The average number of geometric neighbours of a disk is six. It is thus more efficient to choose structural neighbours from among the geometric neighbours than from among all other disks.

Through the Monte Carlo simulation by Rosato et. al., disk configurations after pouring and subsequent shaking were provided for analysis. The mean number of geometric neighbours and the average coordination number were computed. The angular distribution of the structural neighbours was discussed. The packing fraction increases …

Utilization Of The Theory Of Constraints Approach For Improving A Manufacturing Enterprise Profitability : A Case Study, Yaron Chaut

Theses

The past two decades have been a difficult period for the U.S. as it lost its dominant position in one manufacturing industry after another to Japan. The American worker was initially blamed for this phenomenon - he was too expensive, was less productive, and produced lower quality products then the Japanese worker. The opening of factories in the U.S. managed by Japanese with American workers proved this claim to be wrong, as their products were competitive and often even better then the original Japanese products. It also indicated that the Japanese production planning and control methods are the primary reason …

Expert Systems Approach For Means Of Egress Analysis, Dimitrios N. Dontas

Theses

The use of Expert Systems has grown dramatically during the 1980's. Developed as a branch of Artificial intelligence, knowledge based Expert Systems were at first of academic interest only. With successful application of knowledge based Expert Systems to medical and other diagnostic problems, industrial and commercial use of this technique is also increasing significantly. As of 1986, fifty percent of the Fortune 500 companies are embarked in their own Expert Systems research.

A variety of knowledge based Expert Systems has been developed for the Civil Engineering design and construction industries. The applications cover a wide range of subjects, including among …

A Methodology For Evaluating Prospective Investments In Flexible Automation, Werner A. Eikenbusch

Theses

The flexible automation of production systems (FA) provides the technology necessary for competitive success. However, the use of traditional budgeting methods has proved unsatisfactory when evaluating this type of investment, primarily because of the inadequate consideration being given to the resultant strategic benefits.

A methodology considered suitable for evaluating FA investments is proposed together with an illustrative application. To determine its industrial usefulness, manufacturing managers of North American and West German companies were surveyed both via interviews and via questionnaires. Their response confirms the merit of the procedure, despite the differences in competitive foci found between the American and the …

Ibm/Xt-Based Automatic Monitoring Instrumentation System For Eating Behavior Studies In Rats, Binghong Gui

Theses

An auto-feeding system based on the IBM-XT microcomputer has been designed for use in the anti-obesity research program in the Pharmacology Department at Hoffmann-La Roche Inc. By using this system, experimental rats can be automatically fed, some which have been given anti-obesity drugs and some which have not. The system can also collect data, such as eating times and food intake, which are used for studying the rat's eating behavior.

The system is designed to control thirty six cages with one experimental rat in each cage and it performs three functions:

1 ) To automatically dispense a preset quantity of …

Failure Mechanisms Of Hermetically Sealed Solid Tantalum Capacitors, Syed R. Kazmi

Theses

This study has determined the failure mechanisms of solid tantalum capacitors and their causes. It was observed that high leakage current and electric shorts are the most prominant modes of failure. The experimental data has proved that humidity and high temperature are the factors which promote these kinds of failures. It is also stablished that change in electrical parameters due to exposure to harsh weather are reversible. Vacuum treatment to such capacitors helped in improving their electrical characteristics.

Independent Equations Method For Power System State-Estimation, Shun-Gee Lin

Theses

The problem of power system state estimation (PSSE) is to convert the available. redundant and noise contaminated measurements, and other information into a best estimate of the state of the system.

Methods to solve the PSSE, including the sub-problems of bad data presence detection, identification and reconstruction, are reviewed. The Independent Equations Method (IEM) was selected for in-depth study and analysis.

The tree method for bad data identification is tested and failed due to the suspected ill-conditioning of the sensitivity matrix. For bad-data reconstruction, the IEM fails as described. Modifications that saves computing time and ensures reconstruction success are presented …

Gallium Arsenide Standard Cell Cad Database For Digital Design, Nanchou Liu

Theses

This thesis develops a selected design database of gallium arsenide logic cells for automated design. Uniformly applied 1 um gate length physical layout rules are used for the design database with a standard cell design methodology.

Schottky Diode FET Logic (SDFL) technology with double level metallization was selected following a consideration of alternative gallium arsenide MESFET logic types. The SDFL approach is judged to provide improved noise margin, production yield, density, and lower power dissipation.

A cell library with 60 um cell height has been implemented with double entry for each cell input/output. Each cel1 has been simulated with SPICE …

The Design, Manufacture And Mechanical Analysis Of An L4-5 Spinal Disc Prosthesis, Bohdan A. Siryi

Theses

The purpose of this research was to develop an intervertebral disc prosthesis which can provide the biomechanical properties of the natural disc. The prosthesis will be used to replace the symptomatic degenerated disc and thereby limit backpain and subsequent spinal disease.

Four cadaveric L4-5 motion segments were mechanically tested under axial compression and combined compression/torsion, generating compressive moduli and torsional stiffness values. Following, prosthetic discs were fabricated and mechanically tested, with the fabrication technique directed towards the optimization of mechanical properties in compression, torsion and bending.

Thirty silicon rubber and forty five polyurethane disc prostheses were fabricated. Silicon rubber, dacron …

Attenuation Properties Of An Lp 11 Mode In A W-Type Fiber Operating Below Cutoff, Chih-Chiang Wang

Theses

Rigorous formulation of a W-type fiber for its dispersion properties is presented. An LP mode has been studies extensively with respect to its attenuation properties when the frequency of operation is kept below cut-off. Due to rigorous dispersion equation numerical difficulties encountered in the computations, an approximate dispersion equation corresponding to weakly guided modes is solved. Numerical results corresponding to attenuation and propagation characteristics of the W-type fiber for radii and refractive index variations are presented. A computational subroutine for radial functions (Bessel, etc ) for complex argument has been used and proved to be useful in the legion of …

On-Line Blood Glucose Control System, Huan Zheng

Theses

A method has been developed that can monitor and control the meal initiation of rats. The goal of studying meal initiation is to find a mechanism of control of the diet, based upon the assumption that the body weight is closely related to feeding behavior. If the feeding behavior can be controlled, then the body weight can be controlled. The experimental system has two major functions: (1) Continuous measurement and recording of the blood glucose concentration and meal pattern of rats. (2) Automatic or manual infusing of glucose or other substances to the rats intravenously.

For blood glucose concentration and …

C/Ku Band Satellite Television Reception System, Costas A. Economides

Theses

The purpose of this thesis is to examine and investigate the design of a satellite reception system able to receive most C and Ku band North American geostationary satellites' TV transmissions. The performance criterion used for the system design is based on a required demodulated video signal-to-noise ratio maintained for a specified percentage of time in conjunction with overall cost considerations.

Furthermore, a computer program written in FORTRAN 77 is developed, which among other functions lists the notified, operational, geostationary satellites in sight with their corresponding look angles, from any given location on the earth.

Interface To 8052ah-Basic Microcontroller For A Multichannel Priority Interrupt System, Chen-Tung Mo

Theses

This thesis presents the design and development of a system with the capability to detect up to forty channels of signals generated from different analog sources and to process them under the control of a microcomputer.

The present work offers the design and implementation of a hardware interface unit in a multichannel real-time data acquisition system as well as the application software program to operate it. This kind of system can be widely used in process control, musical instrument interfacing, and machine automation.

This interface unit follows the general instrumentation architecture in both signal processing and logic control. The software …

Softening Response Of Concrete In Direct Tension, Teresa Cintora

Theses

Due to the increased attention in nonlinear fracture mechanics and numerical methods of cementitious material, it has become necessary to have a reliable investigation of the post-peak softening response of concrete under direct uniaxial loading. But due to the brittleness of the material previous researchers have encountered great difficulty in obtaining complete data regarding the load-deformation behavior. This study uses a strain-controlled testing method and therefore the post-peak curve can be more easily obtained. Based on these results a unique formula for the normalized load vs. deformation curve has been proposed to be applied in fracture analysis applications.

A Silicon Photodiode Array For Soft X-Ray Sensing, Chih-Te Hu

Theses

An array of 30 x 30 sensing cells including logic within each cell and a self-scan address circuit are described. A unique scintillation technique is used to increase the threshold sensitivity 60dB for X-ray photon sensing beyond that obtainable with conventional photodiode sensors. Simulations for the sensing cell and some additional logic elements are based on SPICE version 2G5 and HILO 3. Worst case analysis includes variations in threshold voltage V_TP and V_TN for the CMOS circuit components. The final CMOS chip dimension using MOSIS 1.2 micron rules is 10mm x 10mm base on the 80 …

Determination Of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons From Incineration Emission Samples, Robert Cebula

Theses

Stack emissions from five sources (one pulverized coal combustion operation, three sewage sludge incineration operations and one gray tin refractory operation) were sampled by use of U.S. EPA Modified Method 5 isokinetic sampling unit for vapor and particulate effluent. The sampling unit provided XAD-2 resin samples, polytetrafluoroethylene and glass fiber filters and impinger washings of dichloromethane. The resins were soxhlet extracted using dichloromethane (DCM) and the filters were soxhlet extracted using DCM followed by acetone. Fractionation of extracts was accomplished by thin layer chromatography. The resulting fractions were analyzed for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), nitro-PAH and quinone-PAH by high-performance liquid …

Study Of The Structure And Capacity Of Construction Industry In Pakistan, Tayyab A. Ansari

Theses

The construction industry is the second largest sector in Pakistan's economy after agriculture. It is a fragmented industry which includes very small and very large contracting groups. It includes professional groups such as architects, engineers, management personnel etc. Major part of this industry is dominated by material's suppliers, vendors etc.

In the light of the developments which have taken place particularly over the last ten years, the study has covered the capacity of the construction industry in terms of estimated output, availability of manpower, demand and production of building materials , financial problems, credit, quality of work, the role of …