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Full-Text Articles in Engineering

Modeling Solid Propellant Ignition Events, Daniel A. Smyth Dec 2011

Modeling Solid Propellant Ignition Events, Daniel A. Smyth

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation documents the building of computational propellant/ingredient models toward predicting AP/HTPB/Al cookoff events. Two computer codes were used to complete this work; a steady-state code and a transient ignition code Numerous levels of verification resulted in a robust set of codes to which several propellant/ingredient models were applied. To validate the final cookoff predictions, several levels of validation were completed, including the comparison of model predictions to experimental data for: AP steady-state combustion, fine-AP/HTPB steady-state combustion, AP laser ignition, fine-AP/HTPB laser ignition, AP/HTPB/Al ignition, and AP/HTPB/Al cookoff. A previous AP steady-state model was updated, and then a new AP …


Detail Extraction From Electron Backscatter Diffraction Patterns, John A. Basinger Dec 2011

Detail Extraction From Electron Backscatter Diffraction Patterns, John A. Basinger

Theses and Dissertations

Cross-correlation based analysis of electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) patterns and the use of simulated reference patterns has opened up entirely new avenues of insight into local lattice properties within EBSD scans. The benefits of accessing new levels of orientation resolution and multiple types of previously inaccessible data measures are accompanied with new challenges in characterizing microscope geometry and other error previously ignored in EBSD systems. The foremost of these challenges, when using simulated patterns in high resolution EBSD (HR-EBSD), is the determination of pattern center (the location on the sample from which the EBSD pattern originated) with sufficient accuracy to …


A Performance-Based Model For The Computation Of Kinematic Pile Response Due To Lateral Spreading And Its Application On Select Bridges Damaged During The M7.6 Earthquake In The Limon Province, Costa Rica, Kevin W. Franke Dec 2011

A Performance-Based Model For The Computation Of Kinematic Pile Response Due To Lateral Spreading And Its Application On Select Bridges Damaged During The M7.6 Earthquake In The Limon Province, Costa Rica, Kevin W. Franke

Theses and Dissertations

Lateral spread is a seismic hazard associated with soil liquefaction in which permanent deformations are developed within the soil profile due to cyclic mobility. Lateral spread has historically been one of the largest causes of earthquake-related damage to infrastructure. One of the infrastructure components most at risk from lateral spread is that of deep foundations. Because performance-based engineering is increasingly becoming adopted in earthquake engineering practice, it would be beneficial for engineers and researchers to have a performance-based methodology for computing pile performance during a lateral spread event. This study utilizes the probabilistic performance-based framework developed by the Pacific Earthquake …


Damage Tolerance Of Unidirectional Basalt/Epoxy Composites In Co-Cured Aramid Sleeves, Devin Nelson Allen Dec 2011

Damage Tolerance Of Unidirectional Basalt/Epoxy Composites In Co-Cured Aramid Sleeves, Devin Nelson Allen

Theses and Dissertations

Unidirectional basalt fiber rods consolidated with an aramid sleeve were measured for compression strength after impact at various energy levels and compared to undamaged control specimens. These structural elements represent local members of open three-dimensional composite lattice structures (e.g., based on isogrid or IsoTruss® technologies) that are continuously fabricated using advanced three-dimensional braiding techniques. The unidirectional core specimens, nominally 8 mm (5/16") and 11 mm (7/16") in diameter, were manufactured using bi-directional braided sleeves or unidirectional spiral sleeves with full or partial (approximately half) coverage of the core fibers. The 51 mm (2") specimens were shorter than the critical buckling …


Damage Tolerance Of Buckling-Critical Unidirectional Carbon, Glass,And Basalt Fiber Composites In Co-Cured Aramid Sleeves, Michael D. Embley Dec 2011

Damage Tolerance Of Buckling-Critical Unidirectional Carbon, Glass,And Basalt Fiber Composites In Co-Cured Aramid Sleeves, Michael D. Embley

Theses and Dissertations

Compression strength after impact tests were conducted on unidirectional composite rods with sleeves. These elements represent local members of open three-dimensional composite lattice structures (e.g., based on isogrid or IsoTruss® technologies). The unidirectional cores composed of carbon, glass, or basalt fiber/epoxy composites were co-cured in aramid sleeves. Sleeve patterns included both bi-directional (unsymmetric) braids and unidirectional spiral wraps with sleeve coverage ranging from nominally half to full. The diameters were nominally 8 and 11 mm (5/16 and 7/16 in). The larger diameter had nominally twice the cross-sectional area, to quantify the effects of scaling. The specimens were long enough to …


Creativity And Innovation: A Comparative Analysis Of Assessment Measures For The Domains Of Technology, Engineering, And Business, Tyler Lewis Dec 2011

Creativity And Innovation: A Comparative Analysis Of Assessment Measures For The Domains Of Technology, Engineering, And Business, Tyler Lewis

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this literature review is to investigate and discuss: (1) the characteristics measured by innovation assessments, and (2) the comparison of characteristics measured by creativity assessments with those of innovation assessments. This will be done by: (1) collecting creativity and innovation assessments, and (2) comparing and contrasting the characteristics measured by each assessment. This study reveals that innovation assessments do not measure the innovation process in its entirety. The findings show that creativity and innovation assessments lack in assessing the entire innovation process, assessing the innovation process on an individual level, and assessing an individual's change or growth …


Model Decomposition And Constraints To Parametrically Partition Design Space In A Collaborative Cax Environment, Felicia Diane Marshall Dec 2011

Model Decomposition And Constraints To Parametrically Partition Design Space In A Collaborative Cax Environment, Felicia Diane Marshall

Theses and Dissertations

An industry survey was conducted to collect information on current collaboration methods and project management and communication structures. The results, along with other design collaboration philosophies, were used to develop a method of coordinating users in a multi-user design space. These thesis methods will regulate collaboration and avoid user collisions in the same model space, either by cooperative interaction or by spatial decomposition with regional blocking. The method partitions the design space by integrating a graphical user interface tool into the engineering application used to define and assign the necessary tasks of the project. A simple implementation of this method …


Development Of A Grond-Based High-Resolution 3d-Sar System For Studying The Microwave Scattering Characteristics Of Trees, Justin Frank Penner Dec 2011

Development Of A Grond-Based High-Resolution 3d-Sar System For Studying The Microwave Scattering Characteristics Of Trees, Justin Frank Penner

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents the development of a high-resolution ground-based 3D-SAR system and investigates its application to microwave-vegetation studies. The development process of the system is detailed including an enumeration of high-level requirements, discussions on key design issues, and detailed descriptions of the system down to a component level. The system operates on a 5.4 GHz (C-band) signal, provides a synthetic aperture area of 1.7 m x 1.7 m, and offers resolution of 0.75 m x 0.3 m x 0.3 m (range x azimuth x elevation). The system is employed on several trees with varying physical characteristics. The resulting imagery demonstrates …


A Framework For Studying The Physical Degradation Characteristics Of Dvds And Their Relationship To Digital Errors, Brian K. Saville Dec 2011

A Framework For Studying The Physical Degradation Characteristics Of Dvds And Their Relationship To Digital Errors, Brian K. Saville

Theses and Dissertations

The methods used to store data on DVD-R discs have been proven to work over the last 15 years. However, there has been a growing concern that these discs will be outlasted by the paper records they were meant to replace. The data on a DVD-R is stored as optical contrasts which have the potential to be misread and even damaged. This damage may occur either on the surface or internally to the disc, especially on the recording layer itself. The literature is saturated with studies attempting to determine the time period in which discs may fail and what the …


Reduction In Wick Drain Effectiveness In Typical Utah Clays, Gabriel M. Smith Dec 2011

Reduction In Wick Drain Effectiveness In Typical Utah Clays, Gabriel M. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

Consolidation theory states that decreasing the spacing of prefabricated vertical drains will decrease the time required to achieve primary consolidation. Previous field tests have shown that there exists a "critical" drain spacing, which is the point at which further spacing decrease does not decrease the time of primary consolidation. This "critical" spacing is thought to be due to disturbance effects from installation of the drains. Previous studies have found that the "critical" drain spacing may be dependent upon soil layering and drain and mandrel dimensions. Thin, interbedded clay layers have been found to be affected greatly due to the smear …


Strength Of Concrete Masonry Prisms Constructed With Non-Traditional Grout And Type-M Mortar, Scott Michael Watterson Dec 2011

Strength Of Concrete Masonry Prisms Constructed With Non-Traditional Grout And Type-M Mortar, Scott Michael Watterson

Theses and Dissertations

The Concrete Masonry Association of California and Nevada in conjunction with Brigham Young University devised a masonry prism testing scheme to aid in the determination of whether prisms constructed with grouts possessing high levels of supplemental cementitious materials could meet minimum masonry compressive strength requirements. ASTM standards, identical to that of concrete, place restrictions on quantities, by weight, of supplemental materials that can replace ordinary Portland cement. For an all fly ash replacement, up to 40% of Portland cement can be replaced while up to 70% can be replaced by a fly ash-slag combination. Research is focused on class F …


Range Data Segmentation Of A 3d Imaging Sensor With Applications To Mobile Robot Navigation, Guruprasad M. Hegde Dec 2011

Range Data Segmentation Of A 3d Imaging Sensor With Applications To Mobile Robot Navigation, Guruprasad M. Hegde

Theses and Dissertations

The primary goal of this research is to develop range data segmentation method for a new class of 3D imaging sensors⎯,Flash LADARs. The imaging sensors are compact in size and provide dense range data at high frame rates which makes them suitable for autonomous navigation of small mobile robots. However, they have relatively large measurement errors in range data. This issue has hindered their applications to mobile robots. Most of the existing methods for segmenting range data are based on local features such as surface normals that are too sensitive to the noise of the range data. Therefore they are …


Investigation Of Selected Complexes And Alloys For Use In Hydrogen Storage And Related Applications, Michael Joseph Wolverton Dec 2011

Investigation Of Selected Complexes And Alloys For Use In Hydrogen Storage And Related Applications, Michael Joseph Wolverton

Theses and Dissertations

The storage of hydrogen in adequate amounts limits its practical application as a fuel. This is especially important for automotive applications. Metal hydride based storage systems may yet be able to meet these storage parameters. However, no ideal hydride system has yet been identified. This work explores methods of increasing the feasibility of metal hydride based hydrogen storage by: (1) improvement of hydrogen uptake/release in known hydrides through catalysis, and (2) characterization of new hydrides and hydrogen storage materials. Catalysis work concerns primarily borohydrides due to their large hydrogen content. Catalysis and destabilization of borohydrides by addition of bulk alloy …


Avian Hazard Advisory System (Ahas): An Evaluation Of Ahas Accuracy As A Predictive Tool In Bird Strike Risk Assessment For Civil Aviation, Inger Catherine Oyoko Dec 2011

Avian Hazard Advisory System (Ahas): An Evaluation Of Ahas Accuracy As A Predictive Tool In Bird Strike Risk Assessment For Civil Aviation, Inger Catherine Oyoko

Theses and Dissertations

The problem of bird strikes began when human aviators made their first ventures in flight and joined birds in an already crowded environment. In the decades following these first flights, the bird strike problem has resulted in numerous fatalities and millions of dollars worth of damaged or destroyed aircraft in both civil and military aviation. The problem has been further exacerbated by the technological leaps in the aviation industry such as the increase in the number of aircraft and engines on an aircraft, the introduction of the jet engine, and also faster, quieter more efficient engine design making aircraft harder …


Selective Deposition Of Metallic And Semiconductor Materials Onto Dna Templates For Nanofabrication, Jianfei Liu Nov 2011

Selective Deposition Of Metallic And Semiconductor Materials Onto Dna Templates For Nanofabrication, Jianfei Liu

Theses and Dissertations

This work examines the selective deposition of metallic and semiconductor materials onto DNA templates for the fabrication of nanodevices. DNA origami provides a simple and robust method for folding DNA into a variety of shapes and patterns and makes it possible to create the complex templates needed for nanodevices, such as nanoelectronic circuits, plasmonics, and nanosensors. Metallization of DNA origami templates is essential for the fabrication of such nanodevices. In addition, selective deposition of semiconductor materials onto the DNA template is of importance for making many nanodevices such as nanocircuits. Metallization of DNA origami presents several challenges beyond those associated …


Influence Of Supraglottal Geometry And Modeling Choices On The Flow-Induced Vibration Of A Computational Vocal Fold Model, Timothy E. Shurtz Nov 2011

Influence Of Supraglottal Geometry And Modeling Choices On The Flow-Induced Vibration Of A Computational Vocal Fold Model, Timothy E. Shurtz

Theses and Dissertations

Computational models of the flow-induced vibrations of the vocal folds are powerful tools that can be used in conjunction with physical experiments to better understand voice production. This thesis research has been performed to contribute to the understanding of vocal fold dynamics as well as several aspects of computational modeling of the vocal folds. In particular, the effects of supraglottal geometry have been analyzed using a computational model of the vocal folds and laryngeal airway. In addition, three important computational modeling parameters (contact line location, Poisson's ratio, and symmetry assumptions) have been systematically varied to determine their influence on model …


Improved Stereo Vision Methods For Fpga-Based Computing Platforms, Wade S. Fife Nov 2011

Improved Stereo Vision Methods For Fpga-Based Computing Platforms, Wade S. Fife

Theses and Dissertations

Stereo vision is a very useful, yet challenging technology for a wide variety of applications. One of the greatest challenges is meeting the computational demands of stereo vision applications that require real-time performance. The FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) is a readily-available technology that allows many stereo vision methods to be implemented while meeting the strict real-time performance requirements of some applications. Some of the best results have been obtained using non-parametric stereo correlation methods, such as the rank and census transform. Yet relatively little work has been done to study these methods or to propose new algorithms based on …


Using Commodity Flow Data For Predicting Truck Freight Flow On State Truck Routes, Goangsung Jin Nov 2011

Using Commodity Flow Data For Predicting Truck Freight Flow On State Truck Routes, Goangsung Jin

Theses and Dissertations

The increase in truck traffic on highways has brought many problems and challenges to transportation planning and traffic operation, including traffic congestion, transportation system deficiency (insufficient truck parking, etc.), safety, infrastructure deterioration, environmental impacts (air quality and noise), economic development, and so forth. Along with the increase in truck traffic, the need for developing a statewide truck freight demand model has grown so that a state can estimate truck traffic at any point on its highways. The most significant hurdle to including freight transportation in the transportation modeling process is that most of the demand forecasting methodologies currently available were …


A Time-Efficient Method For Accurate T1 Mapping Of The Human Brain, Yung-Yeh Chang Nov 2011

A Time-Efficient Method For Accurate T1 Mapping Of The Human Brain, Yung-Yeh Chang

Theses and Dissertations

The signal resulting from the IR-FSE sequence has been thoroughly analyzed in order to improve the accuracy of quantitative T1 mapping of the human brain. Several optimized post-processing algorithms have been studied and compared in terms of their T1 mapping accuracy. The modified multipoint two-parameter fitting method was found to produce less underestimation compared to the traditional multipoint three-parameter fitting method, and therefore, to result in a smaller T1 estimation error. Two correction methods were proposed to reduce the underestimation problem which is commonly seen in IR-FSE sequences used for measuring T1, especially when a large turbo factor is used. …


Surface Modification Of Liposomes Containing Nanoemulsions, Jonathan Michael Hartley Nov 2011

Surface Modification Of Liposomes Containing Nanoemulsions, Jonathan Michael Hartley

Theses and Dissertations

Many attempts have been made to make cancer therapy more selective and less detrimental to the health of the patients. Nanoparticles have emerged as a way to solve some of the problems of traditional chemotherapy. Nanoparticles can provide protection for the therapeutic from degradation or clearance, as well as protection to healthy tissue from the damaging effects of chemotherapy drugs. Researchers are pursuing different strategies but all have the same goals of improving the outcomes of cancer patients. The field of controlled release of drugs has increased significantly in hopes of better treating diseases like cancer. Improved control of drug …


Tissue Engineering An Acellular Bioresorbable Vascular Graft To Promote Regeneration, Patricia Wolfe Nov 2011

Tissue Engineering An Acellular Bioresorbable Vascular Graft To Promote Regeneration, Patricia Wolfe

Theses and Dissertations

Tissue engineering is an interdisciplinary field that aims to restore, maintain, or improve diseased or damaged tissues. Electrospinning has become one of the most popular means to fabricate a scaffold for various tissue engineering applications as the process is extremely versatile and inexpensive. The ability for electrospinning to consistently create nanofibrous structures capable of mimicking the native extracellular matrix (ECM) is the basis behind why this technique is so successful in tissue engineering. Cardiovascular disease has been the leading cause of death in the United States for over 100 years, and because of this, the need for coronary artery replacements …


Bearing-Only Cooperative-Localization And Path-Planning Of Ground And Aerial Robots, Rajnikant Sharma Nov 2011

Bearing-Only Cooperative-Localization And Path-Planning Of Ground And Aerial Robots, Rajnikant Sharma

Theses and Dissertations

In this dissertation, we focus on two fundamental problems related to the navigation of ground robots and small Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAVs): cooperative localization and path planning. The theme running through in all of the work is the use of bearing only sensors, with a focus on monocular video cameras mounted on ground robots and UAVs. To begin with, we derive the conditions for the complete observability of the bearing-only cooperative localization problem. The key element of this analysis is the Relative Position Measurement Graph (RPMG). The nodes of an RPMG represent vehicle states and the edges represent bearing measurements …


Investigation Of Biomolecular Interactions For Development Of Sensors And Diagnostics, Xiaojuan Zhang Nov 2011

Investigation Of Biomolecular Interactions For Development Of Sensors And Diagnostics, Xiaojuan Zhang

Theses and Dissertations

The highly specific recognition processes between biomolecules mediate various crucial biological processes. Uncovering the molecular basis of these interactions is of great fundamental and applied importance. This research work focuses on understanding the interactions of several biomolecular recognition systems and processes that can provide fundamental information to aid in the rational design of sensing and molecular recognition tools. Initially, a reliable and versatile platform was developed to investigate biomolecular interactions at a molecular level. This involved several techniques, including biomolecule functionalization to enable attachment to self-assembled monolayers as well as atomic force microscopy (AFM) based force spectroscopy to uncover the …


Investigations On The Corrosion Resistance Of Metallic Bipolar Plates (Bpp) In Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (Pemfc) - Understanding Of The Effects Of Material, Coating And Manufacturing, Ender Dur Nov 2011

Investigations On The Corrosion Resistance Of Metallic Bipolar Plates (Bpp) In Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells (Pemfc) - Understanding Of The Effects Of Material, Coating And Manufacturing, Ender Dur

Theses and Dissertations

Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell (PEMFC) systems are promising technology for contributing to meet the deficiency of world`s clean and sustainable energy requirements in the near future. Metallic bipolar plate (BPP) as one of the most significant components of PEMFC device accounts for the largest part of the fuel cell`s stack. Corrosion for metallic bipolar plates is a critical issue, which influences the performance and durability of PEMFC. Corrosion causes adverse impacts on the PEMFC`s performance jeopardizing commercialization. This research is aimed at determining the corrosion resistance of metallic BPPs, particularly stainless steels, used in PEMFC from different aspects. Material …


Microstructural Evaluation In Friction Stir Welded High Strength Low Alloy Steels, Majid Abbasi Gharacheh Nov 2011

Microstructural Evaluation In Friction Stir Welded High Strength Low Alloy Steels, Majid Abbasi Gharacheh

Theses and Dissertations

Understanding microstructural evolution in Friction Stir Welding (FSW) of steels is essential in order to understand and optimize the process. Ferritic steels undergo an allotropic phase transformation. This makes microstructural evolution study very challenging. An approach based on Electron Backscattered Diffraction (EBSD) and phase transformation orientation relationships is introduced to reconstruct pre-transformed grain structure and texture. Reconstructed pre-transformed and post-transformed grain structures and textures were investigated in order to understand microstructural evolution. Texture results show that there is evidence of shear deformation as well as recrystallization in the reconstructed prior austenite. Room temperature ferrite exhibits well-defined shear deformation texture components. …


Optimized Hyperspectral Imagery Anomaly Detection Through Robust Parameter Design, Francis M. Mindrup Oct 2011

Optimized Hyperspectral Imagery Anomaly Detection Through Robust Parameter Design, Francis M. Mindrup

Theses and Dissertations

Anomaly detection algorithms for hyperspectral imagery (HSI) are an important first step in the analysis chain which can reduce the overall amount of data to be processed. The actual amount of data reduced depends greatly on the accuracy of the anomaly detection algorithm implemented. Most, if not all, anomaly detection algorithms require a user to identify some initial parameters. These parameters (or controls) affect overall algorithm performance. Regardless of the anomaly detector being utilized, algorithm performance is often negatively impacted by uncontrollable noise factors which introduce additional variance into the process. In the case of HSI, the noise variables are …


Quantifying Mass Sediment Movement In Deer Creek Reservoir During Spring Runoff And Potential Water Quality Impacts, Colin Rodger Ricks Oct 2011

Quantifying Mass Sediment Movement In Deer Creek Reservoir During Spring Runoff And Potential Water Quality Impacts, Colin Rodger Ricks

Theses and Dissertations

The accurate prediction of water quality is essential for management of reservoirs used for drinking water supply. Since algae are a major source of taste and odor problems in drinking water, understanding and controlling algal growth and production is an important task. Deer Creek Reservoir supplies drinking water for over one million people in northern Utah and has been highly eutrophic in the past. Despite major reductions in external nutrient loading, including phosphorus, seasonal algal blooms in Deer Creek have not decreased to desired levels. Resuspension of sediment has been suggested as a potential source of internal nutrient loading for …


Aerial Rendezvous Between An Unmanned Air Vehicle And An Orbiting Target Vehicle, Mark Andrew Owen Oct 2011

Aerial Rendezvous Between An Unmanned Air Vehicle And An Orbiting Target Vehicle, Mark Andrew Owen

Theses and Dissertations

In this thesis we develop methods that facilitate an aerial rendezvous between two air vehicles. The objective of this research is to produce a method that can be used to insert a miniature air vehicle behind a rendezvous vehicle and then track that vehicle to enable a visual rendezvous. For this research we assume the rendezvous vehicle is following a relatively stable and roughly elliptical orbit. Path planners and controllers have been developed that can be used to effectively intercept the rendezvous vehicle by inserting the MAV onto the orbit of interest. A method for planning and following time-optimal Dubins …


Automated Flow Path Design Optimization Using Mesh Morphing, William Dennis Gough Oct 2011

Automated Flow Path Design Optimization Using Mesh Morphing, William Dennis Gough

Theses and Dissertations

The use of CAD models and CFD analysis has become an essential part of fluid flow design. To reduce the time spent determining a design, optimization frameworks have been implemented to automate the process. Mesh morphing has been implemented within these frameworks to further reduce the time needed. While optimization methods have been developed to optimize a fluid flow path, the optimum design needs to be recreated in a CAD model. A method has been developed which eliminates the need to recreate the optimal results in CAD. This is accomplished by using mesh morphing, CAD and CFD together in an …


Fpga Bootstrapping Using Partial Reconfiguration, Patrick Sutton Ostler Sep 2011

Fpga Bootstrapping Using Partial Reconfiguration, Patrick Sutton Ostler

Theses and Dissertations

Partial reconfiguration (PR) is the process of configuring a subset of resources on a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) while the remainder of the device continues to operate. PR extends the usability of FPGAs and makes it possible to perform design bootstrapping. Just like bootstrapping in PCs, bootstrapping in FPGAs consists of using a small application to initialize basic services and load a larger, more complex application to the device. Bootstrapping allows for unique design applications that can be used to maintain communication services, increase design security, reduce initial configuration time, and reduce nonvolatile configuration memory storage. This thesis presents …