Engineering Commons^™

Sstar Users Manual, Richard C. Peralta, P. W. Killian, A. Yazdanian, V. Kumar

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

There are four objective functions available to date (11/86), these include 1) maximimize total regional groundwater withdrawl. 2) minimize total coat of satisfying regional needs. and 3) maximize the sum of selected local withdrawls. and 4) maximize the present value of total net economic return.

Randomized Routing On Fat-Trees, Ronald I. Greenberg, Charles E. Leiserson

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

Fat-trees are a class of routing networks for hardware-efficient parallel computation. This paper presents a randomized algorithm for routing messages on a fat-tree. The quality of the algorithm is measured in terms of the load factor of a set of messages to be routed, which is a lower bound on the time required to deliver the messages. We show that if a set of messages has load factor lambda on a fat-tree with n processors, the number of delivery cycles (routing attempts) that the algorithm requires is O(lambda + lg n lg lg n) with probability 1-O(1/n). The best previous …

Lower Bounds On The Area Of Finite-State Machines, M. J. Foster, Ronald I. Greenberg

Computer Science: Faculty Publications and Other Works

There are certain straightforward algorithms for laying out finite-state machines. This paper shows that these algorithm are optimal in the worst case for machines with fixed alphabets. That is, for any s and k, there is a deterministic finite-state machine with s states and k symbols such that any layout algorithm requires Ω(ks log s) area to lay out its realization. Similarly, any layout algorithm requires Ω(ks^2) area in the worst case for nondeterministic finite-state machines with s states and k symbols.

Algorithms For Multi-Channel Dtmf Detection For The We Dsp32 Family, Steven L. Grant, J. Hartung, G. L. Smith

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The authors describe two DTMF (dual-tone multiple frequency) detection algorithms that are highly efficient in the use of both real time and memory. The first algorithm is based on linear prediction (LP) and can be used to implement up to 32 DTMF detectors on a single 25-MHz NMOS WE DSP32. Using a 50-MHZ WE CMOS DSP32C, up to 45 detectors can be implemented. The second algorithm is based on a slight modification of the Goertzel algorithm and can be used to implement up to 16 DTMF detectors on a single DSP32 and up to 32 detectors on a DSP32C. In …

Nonlinear Tracking Control Of Brushless Dc Motors For High-Performance Applications, N. Hemati, Ming-Chuan Leu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The tracking control problem associated with brushless DC motors (BLDCMs) for high-performance applications is considered. To guarantee their high-dynamic-performance operation in motion control systems, the magnetic saturation and reluctance variation effects are accounted for in the BLDCM mathematical model. The trajectory tracking control problem is addressed in the context of the transformation theory of nonlinear systems. A nonlinear control law is implemented and shown to compensate for the nonlinearities of a BLDCM. A case study is presented in which a direct-drive inverted pendulum actuated by a BLDCM is used to investigate the effectiveness of the control law. The effectiveness of …

Adiabatic Shear Banding In Plane Strain Problems, R. C. Batra, De Shin Liu

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Plane strain thermomechanical deformations of a viscoplastic body are studied with the objective of analyzing the localization of deformation into narrow bands of intense straining. Two different loadings, namely, the top and bottom surfaces subjected to a prescribed tangential velocity, and these two surfaces subjected to a preassigned normal velocity, are considered. In each case a material defect, flaw, or inhomogeneity is modeled by introducing a temperature bump at the center of the specimen. The solution of the initial boundary value problem by the Galerkin-Adams method reveals that the deformation eventually localizes into a narrow band aligned along the direction …

Effect Of Volatilization On The Conduction Behavior Of Acceptor‐Doped Chromium Oxide, Rong‐Fong ‐F Huang, Harlan U. Anderson

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The effect of volatilization on the conduction behavior of Li‐ or Mg‐doped Cr₂O₃ was studied. The Po2 dependence on conduction changed from 1/4 to 3/8 when volatilization occurred. The high‐temperature conduction mechanism of Cr₂O₃ may be dominated by the formation of Cr vacancies due to the volatilization effect. Copyright © 1989, Wiley Blackwell. All rights reserved

Oxidation-Reduction Behavior Of Undoped And Sr-Doped Lamno3 Nonstoichiometry And Defect Structure, J. H. Kuo, Harlan U. Anderson, Don M. Sparlin

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Undoped and Sr-doped LaMnO₃ showed reversible oxidation-reduction behavior. These perovskites can be excess, stoichiometric or deficient in oxygen content depending on the specific conditions. Under very reducing conditions decomposition into new phases occurs. Phase stabilities for these oxides were determined. The results showed that Sr doping caused the LaMnO₃ to dissociate at higher oxygen activities than those necessary for undoped LaMnO₃. Defect models are proposed to interpret the thermogravimetric results in which metal vacancies are assumed for the oxygen excess condition and oxygen vacancies are assumed for the oxygen deficient condition. Thermodynamic properties were calculated which …

Possible Applications Of Neural Networks In Manufacturing, S. Lammers, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Summary form only given. An examination is made of the potential of neural networks and the impact of parallel processing in the design and operations of manufacturing systems. After an initial discussion on possible areas of application, an approach that integrates artificial intelligence, operations research, and neural networks for the solution of a scheduling problem is examined

Central-Station Photovoltaic Plant With Energy Storage For Utility Peak Load Leveling, Badrul H. Chowdhury

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The impact of photovoltaic (PV) power generation with energy storage on the electric utility's load shape for load leveling purposes is explored. Results show that utilities employing battery storage for peak load shaving might benefit from use of photovoltaic power, the extent of its usefulness being dependent on the specific load shapes as well as the photovoltaic array orientations. Typical utility load shapes both in the eastern and in the western parts of the US are examined for this purpose. Although photovoltaic power generation seems to have a bigger impact on the load of the western utility, utilities in both …

Permeability Of Clays Under Organic Permeants, Janardanan O. Uppot, Richard Wesley Stephenson

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A Magnesium Montmorillonite and a Kaolinite Clay Are Subjected to Organic and Inorganic Permeants to Study the Changes in Permeability Caused by the Reaction between Clays and Permeants. the Permeants Are Acetic Acid, Aniline, Methanol, and Xylene. Tests Are Conducted in Specially Designed and Constructed Flexible Wall Permeameters that Provide Precise Measurements of Pressures and Flows. Increases in Clay Permeability Due to Clay-Permeant Chemical Reactions Are Measured to Be on the Order of Two to Three Times the Original Permeability. This is in Contrast to the 100 to 1,000 Times Increases Reported by Others. the Writers Believe that the Large …

Sludge Digestion By Anaerobic Fluidized Beds. I: Lab Performance Data, Ju-Chang Huang, Bill T. Ray, Yao Jiang Huang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This study was undertaken to evaluate the laboratory performance of the anaerobic fluidized bed digesting secondary biological sludge at 35° C with four hydraulic-retention times (HRTs): 1, 2.5, 5, and 10 days. In addition, the effects of both operating temperature (15° C, 25° C and 35° C) and the initial sludge solubilization on the digester performance were also examined. It was found that at 35° C, an adequate degree of sludge digestion was obtainable with an HRT of only 1-2 days if the influent biological sludge was presolubilized by treatment with 17.5 meq/L of sodium hydroxide. If no presolubilization was …

Sludge Digestion By Anaerobic Fluidized Beds. Ii: Kinetic Model, Bill T. Ray, Ju-Chang Huang, Brian A. Dempsey

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A model has been developed to describe the gas production and soluble-COD variations from the digestion of waste-activated sludge in the anaerobic fluidized-bed reactor. It indicates that a substantial rate increase can be attained by prehydrolysis of the biological sludge, external to the reactor. The model indicates that the rate-limiting step is in the sludge hydrolysis. The model is developed from an assumption of first-order kinetics in a set of series and parallel, irreversible reactions. That is, the formation of soluble substrate is first order with respect to the particulate biomass present, and that the production of methane is first …

Web-Crippling Strength Of Cold-Formed Steel Beams, C. Santaputra, M. B. Parks, Wei-Wen Yu

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The structural behavior of high-strength cold-formed steel beams subjected primarily to web crippling is investigated analytically and experimentally. Hat sections and I-beams, formed from five different types of high-strength sheet steels, are investigated under various loading conditions. In addition to the test data gathered in this phase of study, the experimental results obtained from the beam tests conducted at various companies are carefully evaluated. The evaluation indicates that the present available design criteria are not suitable for high-strength materials with yield strengths exceeding 80 ksi (552 MPa). New design formulas are derived for different types of loading conditions on the …

Recursive Optimization For Seismic Steel Frames, Franklin Y. Cheng, D. S. Juang

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The theoretical derivations and numerical procedures used in the computer program ODSEWS-2D-II for the analysis and optimum design of two-dimensional regular and irregular steel frames subjected to static, earthquake, and wind forces are presented. The seismic input can be interacting ground motions of actual earthquake records, various response spectra, and different building provisions of the Uniform Building Code (UBC), ATC-03 in the United States, and TJ-11 in China. Included are the mathematical formulation based on the consistent mass and the displacement method with consideration of geometric nonlinearity, three levels of recursive optimization procedures, the objective function of minimum construction and …

Automatic Color Segmentation Of Images With Application To Detection Of Variegated Coloring In Skin Tumors, Scott E. Umbaugh, Randy Hays Moss, William V. Stoecker

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A description is given of a computer vision system, developed to serve as the front-end of a medical expert system, that automates visual feature identification for skin tumor evaluation. The general approach is to create different software modules that detect the presence or absence of critical features. Image analysis with artificial intelligence (AI) techniques, such as the use of heuristics incorporated into image processing algorithms, is the primary approach. On a broad scale, this research addressed the problem of segmentation of a digital image based on color information. The algorithm that was developed to segment the image strictly on the …

An Evaluation Of Leading Versus Lagging Left Turn Signal Phasing, Joseph E. Hummer, Robert E. Montgomery, Kumares C. Sinha

JTRP Technical Reports

No abstract provided.

Portable Curing Frame, George B. Day V, Larry G. Wells, Timothy D. Smith, Ira J. Ross

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Patents

A portable curing frame is provided particularly adapted for use with an automated tobacco harvester. The curing frame includes a substantially rectangular frame member including a series of slotted tracks, in the form of slotted tubes, specially designed for receiving a notched portion of the plant stalks. The slotted track is substantially continuous and thereby allows infinitely variable spacing between the plants and optimization of ventilation for air curing. Legs are also provided on the portable curing frame. The legs are displaceable between a retracted position allowing storage of the frames and loading of the frames with tobacco plants and …

Consumer Facts About Radiant Barriers, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Radiant barriers are becoming popular for use in Florida attics. Some marketing companies are now selling them with inflated claims of energy savings and questionable installation recommendations. Understandably confused consumers have called the FSEC Public Information Office for answers.

Economic Benefits Of Various Energy Conservation Options, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

An energy conservation investment for your home can be a significantly better investment than putting your money in the bank. While safe investments in the financial markets may yield about 8 percent return on investment, many energy investments can yield a considerably greater return when analyzed over their expected service life.

Build Your Own Solar Batch Water Heater, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The solar batch water heater is a fun project for the do-it yourselfer and provides an inexpensive hot water source for the back yard workshop or weekend cabin, It is easy to construct, costs only about $70 to build and produces water temperatures as high as 150 degrees F.

Remember, the batch heater is not designed to operate with pressurized water system and should not be connected to a city water supply. If you are looking for such a system, consider manufactured solar systems, which have been designed to meet strict standards and aesthetic considerations.

Photovoltaic-Powered Lighting System For Overhead Highway Guide Signs, Florida Solar Energy Center, Public Information Office

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The problem: A safety hazard affected motorists traveling through a remote area in Brevard County near the St. Johns River on the eastbound Bee Line Expressway (S.R. 528). At that point the Bee Line splits, sending Titusville- bound motorists to the north, and Central Brevard- bound travelers to the south. Because of the high cost of extending utility service several miles from the nearest distribution point, the overhead guide signs were not illuminated, and at such a critical juncture on the 65-mph highway, it was difficult, if not impossible, to read them at night. The problem-solvers: Since 2.5 million vehicles …

Glass Microspheres, D. E. Day, Gary J. Ehrhardt

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A radioactive microsphere for radiation therapy of a mammal comprising a biologically compatible glass material containing a beta or gamma emitting radioisotope distributed substantially uniformly throughout the glass. Advantageously, the radioisotope is produced by irradiation of the microsphere.

The Role Of The Peripheral Vascular Bed In Arterial Pulse Wave Propagation, L. S. Baker, F. A. Anderson, Jr., H. B. Wheeler, William W. Durgin

Office of the Provost Scholarship

An analytical model was developed to simulate human arterial pulse wave propagation in major arteries. It was verified with an experimental model. The models investigated the effects of the peripheral vascular bed on pressure pulse morphology. The models revealed that the capillary bed in normal humans acts as a high resistance, low reflectance, boundary condition.

Acuta Enews December 1988, Vol. 17, No. 12

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

President's Message

Party Line

User Groups

"Project Eagle" And Favors

University of Kentucky Calls on Voice Automation

Of Mouse & Man

A Systematic Transition To Flexible Manufacturing, Sema E. Alptekin, Daniel L. Webber

Industrial and Manufacturing Engineering

The transition from basic automation to flexible manufacturing is an expensive and tedious procedure. It requires meticulous planning and almost clairvoyant forecasting to insure that the initial flexibility obtained is sufficient to allow growth and expansion in the future. This paper will suggest a systematic and methodological approach to achieve optimal flexibility and describe the present results of its application to an ongoing system transformation. Conclusions based on existing levels of completion are presented along with identification of critical and non critical flexibility requirements. The considerations and steps taken are summarized in a procedural format which may then be applied …

3rd Conference On Senior Engineering Design Projects, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

Senior Engineering Design Conference

The 3rd Conference on Senior Engineering Design Projects was held on December 8, 1988 at the College of Engineering and applied Sciences on the Parkview Campus of Western Michigan University. The college sponsors the conference to showcase the work of its graduating seniors, who are required to complete a capstone project that puts into practice what they have learned. Many of the projects are sponsored by business and industry.

Free Carrier Density Profiling By Scanning Infrared Absorption, Jack L. Boone, Michael D. Shaw, Gene Cantwell, William C. Harsch

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

A prototype instrument for making contactless measurements of free carrier concentration as a function of the surface coordinates has been developed. The instrument requires minimal sample preparation, and the measurements are nondestructive. Measurements are based upon the free carrier absorption of photons at a wavelength of 10.6 μm. The measurement sensitivity is determined by the ability to resolve small variations in the transmitted wave. These variations can be significantly influenced by changes in sample thickness. A scheme has been devised which eliminates thickness variations by rotating the sample through small angles to achieve a transmission maximum at each data point. …

Snow And Ice Removal - Driver Information, Herpicc

Indiana Local Technical Assistance Program (LTAP) Publications

This publication offers information about snow and ice removal for drivers.

System For Boundary Layer Control Through Pulsed Heating Of A Strip Heater, Milton E. Franke, Lawrence Kudelka

AFIT Patents

A system is described for controlling the transition of laminar/turbulent flow at a surface which comprises a thin narrow strip heater disposed adjacent the surface and extending substantially transversely of the flow of the air stream thereacross, the heater being resiliently held in tension on or in closely spaced relationship to the surface, and a power source operatively connected to the heater for applying pulsed voltage of preselected amplitude and frequency to the heater.