Engineering Commons^™

Oil Consumption Measurements Of A Production Engine Using The Sulfur-Trace Method, Verlyn Royal Benson

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Controlling the oil consumption of diesel engines is important for customer satisfaction. Existing oil consumption measurement methods are adequate; however, improved methods offer the possibility of faster and more comprehensive results. The sulfur-trace method is an example.

Major objectives of this investigation were to adopt a sulfur-trace analyzer for oil consumption measurements, to improve the oil consumption measurement process, and to demonstrate application of the sulfur-trace instrument to individual cylinder sampling. To achieve these objectives, four research questions were applied:

1. What procedures and attention to detail are required?
2. How can results be reported to maximize data interpretation?
3. How do the …

An Evaluation Of The Aws Entry Level Welder Training Program, John R. Rice

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a training program for Entry Level Welders and to provide this information to the American Welding Society (AWS), industry, and educators. The problem of this study was to evaluate the AWS Entry Level Welder Training Program (ELWTP) by obtaining the opinions of faculty members who taught the program and welders who had completed the program.

Two groups comprised the research population for this study. The first group consisted of faculty members who were actually involved in teaching the course at institutions accredited by the AWS to offer the curriculum. …

Proposal For Improving Maritime Safety In Jordan With Emphasis On The Engineer's Role, Moain Al-Zoubi

World Maritime University Dissertations

This dissertation is a study for improving maritime safety in Jordan with a focus on the marine engineers role. The topic evaluates the current situation of maritime authority structure and safety procedures in all maritime activities. The objective of this proposal is to set out general guidance to improve the planning, management and operational procedures of safety matters in all maritime fields in Jordan. The topic discusses four important areas deemed necessary to improve maritime safety in Jordan, with emphasis on the role of the marine engineer in each area. The first is administrative and management, the second is legal …

The Development Of Training And Practice Of Navigation For Advanced Ships : Application To Merchant Marine Training Centre Programmes In Thailand, Thiti Tingmai

World Maritime University Dissertations

This dissertation is a study of an advanced ship, focusing on the training needs for a navigation officer by taking into consideration technological advances, operational factors and human factors. A short overview is given of current and future trends, and developments in modem technology in shipping including an advanced bridge in the form of an integrated bridge system. The role of the navigator, bridge operational procedures and conditions, and training needs are examined, taking into account manning and technological change that have taken place. The required knowledge, skills and attitude for an operator of advanced ships are identified. The importance …

Satellite Technology : Reinforcement Of Computer Data Transmission Technology : Implications For The Maritime World Communications, Data Transfer And Maritime Education, U Kyaw Htut

World Maritime University Dissertations

This dissertation is a study of the impact of data transmission via satellite on the maritime world of communication, data transfer and education. The aim of the study is to understand the technological reinforcement of the maritime industry and the changes taking place in it. With the avalanche of changes that are taking place in the field of information technology, they can be used to facilitate the shipping industry. This dissertation assists in understanding some of the technological evolution of satellite technology and data communication and in the needs of the maritime industry as well. This dissertation describes satellite technology …

The Cost Effective Quality Maintenance Of Ship Containers : Management And Technical Practices Which Reflect High Standards Of Containers In The Ceylon Shipping Corporation, H.M. Ajith Dehipola

World Maritime University Dissertations

This dissertation seems to highlight the need of have a quality repair standards to develop, implement and oversee the container repairs in the Ceylon shipping corporation. The mechanism and process through which this can be achieved is examined and explained by the author in a manner which can be understood by the readers in the late chapters. It is also emphasised, in this work that the need exist for properly and highly trained personal to fulfil the required standards in container repairs. It is fairly clear that, the life of a container is depend from many factors. Some of the …

Outrigger Design And The Stability Of Outrigger Boats, Benedicto Mercado Selirio

World Maritime University Dissertations

Philippine outrigger boats are small wooden boats that have the distinct characteristics of a very slender hull and bamboo outriggers at each side. The study focuses on the outrigger design and their effect on boat stability. The main idea is to see if there is any design flaw to make the boat susceptible to capsizing. The paper briefly looks into the social and economic significance of outrigger boats in the Philippines and their various uses. It examines recent boat accidents involving boats that capsized and their probable cause. A review of basic outrigger boat parts introduces readers to the boat …

Fire Safety In Connection With The Transport And Handling Of Dangerous Cargoes In Port Areas, Adama Sy

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Potential Impact Of Marpol Annex Vi On The Design And Operation Of Oil Tankers, Pratomo Setyohadi

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

1998 Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunity: Thin Film Extrusion In Microgravity, Jason Duckworth

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Optimal Block Encoding And Optimal Entropy For Lossless Image Compression, Larry Ray Dennis

Dissertations and Theses

In this thesis, a novel approach is designed using a quad-tree stack structure to encode the image to determine the optimal block size at the optimal and effective entropy in the lossless image compression method. Proof is given through encoding of the predictor and randomly constructed planes. There is a high degree of relationship between the placement of bits in the planes. Clearly results shows that use of the optimal entropy and encoding block sizes will increase the compression ratio using the lossless method. The cost of using the block size methods to encoding and entropy is discussed and proven. …

Orbit Estimation Using Track Compression And Least Squares Differential Correction, Vincent J. Chioma

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis develops two methods of compressing a track of radar observations of a satellite into a single state vector and associated covariance matrix, and a method of estimating orbits using results from multiple tracks. The track compression uses least squares differential correction to determine a state vector at the central observation time. The resulting state vectors and covariance matrices are then used to estimate the satellite's orbit, also using least squares differential correction. Numerical integration using two-body, J₂ and an atmospheric drag model is used to represent the dynamics. This orbit estimation produces a state vector which includes …

Recycling Of Composite Material, Shereen Hassanein El Attawi

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

An Examination Of Elements Necessary For Transfer Of An Environmental Remediation Technology From Full-Scale Demonstration To Implementation, Glenn C. Mandalas

Theses and Dissertations

The fact that an innovative environmental remediation technology has been proven feasible in a full scale evaluation does not assure that the technology will be implemented. A number of regulatory, economic, and institutional barriers may impede the transition of a remediation technology from full scale demonstration to implementation. This research explores these barriers, suggesting means to overcome them. Regulators, technology users, and other remediation decision makers apply the nine criteria specified in the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation and Liability Act (CERCLA) to evaluate the applicability of an innovative remediation technology at uncontrolled hazardous waste sites. These criteria consider such things …

Metabolic Inhibition Of A Toluene-Enriched Microbial Population Due To Lead (Pb2+): Verification Of A Free Metal Ion Toxicity Model, Patrick J. S. Marbas

Theses and Dissertations

A dissolved oxygen probe and an ion specific electrode were used to study the lead-induced metabolic inhibition in a toluene-enriched microbial population. Predicted toxicity values were compared to the actual toxicity responses using a free metal ion toxicity model (TM) which linked metabolic inhibition with lead activity. Experimentally derived values for the model parameters (lead activity and a lead distribution coefficient) were used in the TM. It was postulated that cellular metabolism is disrupted by the conformational changes to the cell's plasma membrane produced by lead ion adsorption. The predicted toxicity values were higher than the actual toxicity response. This …

A Reconfigurable Superscalar Architecture, Christopher B. Mayer

Theses and Dissertations

The invention of the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) has led to a number of interesting developments. One is the idea of providing custom hardware support for applications running on a computer. These reconfigurable computers have been shown to decrease the execution time for some applications. Based on past results, attention has subsequently turned to using reconfigurable computing in general-purpose computers (e.g. desktop and workstation environments). This thesis develops a design for just such a computer. The design, FPGADLX, is based on a hypothetical superscalar computer running the DLX instruction set and is generic enough in principle to be adapted …

Flow Field And Loading Analysis On A Wrap-Around Fin Missile, Thomas C. Mcintyre

Theses and Dissertations

Wrap-around fin (WAF) missiles offer packaging benefits but experience rolling moments due to the curved fin design. Rolling moments stabilize unguided projectiles, but cause guidance and control problems for future guided applications. Understanding the flow field in the vicinity of the fins is critical to future missiles. Fin pressure profiles were characterized with pressure-sensitive paint. Two rectangular four-fin constructions were tested-one solid and one with a rectangular hole (slotted fin). Static pressure data were divided by free-stream total pressure for presentation. Tests were conducted at Mach numbers of 2.15, 2.28, 2.41, 2.86, 3.25, 3.50 and 3.83. Reynolds numbers based on …

Using Cross-Eye Techniques To Counter Radio Frequency Agile Monopulse Processing, Gregory J. Meyer

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to evaluate how current cross-eye techniques protect an airborne platform versus a pulse-to-pulse Radio Frequency (RF) agile monopulse processing threat and, if necessary, develop a new cross-eye techniques to counter this threat. This research evaluates how both current retrodirective cross-eye techniques and an original technique, namely synchronized cross-eye, hide the true skin return in the time and frequency domain while preserving the necessary phase interferometric effects at the threat radar location. Existing retrodirective cross-eye techniques are inadequate to counter the RF agile threat due to propagation delays. Using modeling and simulation, the research shows …

Atmospheric Induced Errors In Space-Time Adaptive Processing, Vinod D. Naga

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis examines the effects of atmospheric turbulence-induced phase perturbations on the performance of ground-based Space-Time Adaptive Processing (STAP) systems. Both Fully Adaptive Joint Domain Optimum and Partially Adaptive Factored-Time Space processing methods are examined. This thesis concentrates on the turbulence effects on STAP applied to ground-based arrays. This thesis further focuses on the capability of STAP to resolve targets at low elevation angles in the presence of turbulence. Only clutter interference and receiver noise are considered. Turbulence effects on the EM phase-front are calculated for turbulence strength Cn(2) values ranging from 5.0 x 10^-14 m^-2/3 to 5.0 …

Cepstral Processing For Gps Multipath Detection And Mitigation, Charles D. Ormsby

Theses and Dissertations

This work presents a novel approach to code phase multipath mitigation for Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. It uses the power and complex cepstra for multipath detection and mitigation prior to code phase tracking by a standard non-coherent delay lock loop. Cepstral theory is presented to demonstrate how multipath reflection delays can be detected through the use of the power cepstrum. Filtering can then be performed on the complex cepstrum to remove multipath effects in the cepstral domain. Finally, an inverse complex cepstrum is calculated yielding a theoretically multipath free direct path estimate in the time domain. Simulations are presented …

Department Of Defense Hazardous Waste Site Remediation Issues In The Republic Of Korea, Edwin H. Oshiba

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to provide information to DoD decision makers regarding factors influencing hazardous waste site remediation policy for South Korea. This study addressed: International agreements and U.S. and South Korean laws and policies relevant to hazardous waste sites; objectives of DoD environmental policy makers; extent and effects of soil and groundwater contamination; cleanup precedents set in other foreign countries; availability of resources and technical capabilities to investigate and remediate hazardous waste sites in South Korea; and opportunities for cooperation between the U.S. and South Korean military with regard to hazardous waste site remediation. Data were collected …

Forecasting Methodologies For Usaf Facility Maintenance And Repair Funding Requirements, Gregory R. Ottoman

Theses and Dissertations

Eighteen methodologies for forecasting facility maintenance and repair funding requirements were investigated and analyzed to determine which methodology is best suited for use by the United States Air Force (USAF). The literature review identified four primary factors, or criteria, that determine facility maintenance and repair funding requirements. The methodologies were scored against the four criteria with respect to their appropriate application to USAF requirements. An analysis of dominance was accomplished; the results suggested that no one methodology was clearly superior. Fourteen of the methodologies were dominated, and consequently eliminated from further analysis. Four methodologies were non-dominated: the U.S. Army Construction …

Scattering From Dielectric Bodies, Jeffery M. Parks

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to develop an RCS measured database of non-PEC targets and provide an example of its use to validate a code, 3D-RCIE. RCS prediction codes that handle penetrable materials require measured data to determine their accuracy. The materials used for this research include polyethylene and polyurethane with dielectric constants around 2.3 and 1.03, respectively. The polyethylene targets include a mini-arrow, ogive, conesphere, conesphere with a gap, sphere, and a large and small cube. The cubes were the only targets made from the polyurethane foam. Additionally, r-card was applied to the cubes and mini-arrow. The material …

Fpga Processor Implementation For The Forward Kinematics Of The Umdh, Steven M. Parmley

Theses and Dissertations

The focus of this research was on the implementation of a forward kinematic algorithm for the Utah MIT Dexterous Hand (UMDH). Specifically, the algorithm was synthesized from mathematical models onto a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) processor. This approach is different from the classical, general purpose microprocessor design where all robotic controller functions including forward Kinematics are executed serially from a compiled programming language such as C. The compiled code and subsequent real time operating system must be stored on some form of nonvolatile memory, typically magnetic media such as a fixed or hard disk drive, along with other computer …

Speaker Verification In The Presence Of Channel Mismatch Using Gaussian Mixture Models, Robert B. Reid

Theses and Dissertations

A channel compensation method is sought for use in speaker identification (ID) and verification applications under matched and mismatched training and testing conditions. This work expands on previous work on matched conditions by investigating three techniques on matched and mismatched conditions using the TIMIT and NTIMIT speech databases. First, previous results on 168 speakers are reproduced for matched conditions using Gaussian mixture models (GMM) and mel-frequency cepstral coefficients. Next, cepstral mean subtraction with band limiting (CMSBL) is investigated. The third method, developed in this thesis uses a modified Wiener filtering approach to channel compensation. New GMMs are created for each …

Architecture, Design, And Implementation Of A Rapidly Prototyped Virtual Environment For A Military Spaceplane, Scott A. Rothermel

Theses and Dissertations

The new Global Engagement vision places increased emphasis on the Air Force's ability to control and exploit space. A military spaceplane combining reliable access to space, high operational tempos, and multi-mission capabilities is in conceptual stages of development. Virtual environment technology provides an opportunity to investigate system requirements and unconventional interface paradigms for this unique vehicle. A virtual environment architecture and design based on support for a rapid prototyping development process, separation of concerns, and user interface development is presented. The rapid prototyping process allowed management of changing requirements via an evolutionary approach to implementation. Separation of the activities performed …

A Wire Antenna Designed For Space Wave Radiation Over The Earth Using A Genetic Algorithm, Brian S. Sandlin

Theses and Dissertations

A wire antenna is designed for optimal performance at low elevation angles in the presence of a lossy half-space. A simple genetic algorithm (GA) and GENOCOP III software are each integrated with Numerical Electromagnetics Code Version 4.1 (NEC4.1) to optimize a wire antenna geometry for multiple objectives: power gain, azimuthal symmetry, and input impedance. The performance of the two versions of the integrated GA are compared. Several of the resulting antennas are analyzed, and an antenna is proposed for use in a Remote Intrusion Monitoring System (RIMS). Simulations suggest that the proposed antenna, which is well-matched, offers a significant increase …

Effects Of Liquid Transpiration Cooling On Heat Transfer To The Diverging Region Of A Porous-Walled Nozzle, Daniel J. Schieb

Theses and Dissertations

This research effort investigated the effects of evaporation of water on the heat transferred to the wall of the diverging portion of a porous walled nozzle The AFIT High Pressure Shock Tube was used with a two-dimensional Mach 3 nozzle. One flat surface of the nozzle was fitted with a layer of porous stainless steel from the nozzle throat to the exit. This porous material was saturated with water to simulate liquid transpiration cooling. Surface temperature data was taken in this region using fast response coaxial thermocouple. Heat transfer was determined from the surface temperature history. Data was taken for …

Optimal Non-Coplanar Launch To Quick Rendezvous, Gregory B. Sears

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this study was to determine the feasibility of launching a Delta Clipper-like vehicle on an optimal, non-coplanar trajectory to rendezvous with an earth orbiting object in one orbit or less. The focus of the research was to determine what such a trajectory would look like, and to determine the cost, in payload mass, of flying such a trajectory. A model for the ascent trajectory was developed using the dynamics equations of motion, an atmosphere model, and an aerodynamic model for the DC-Y concept vehicle. A boundary value problem was posed and solved for a coplanar rendezvous. The …

Constrained Model Predictive Control Of A Nonlinear Aerospace System, Christopher M. Shearer

Theses and Dissertations

Recent research efforts have applied the receding horizon Model Predictive Control (MPC) strategy to linearized high performance aerospace systems. The research contained in this thesis used these recent results in order to apply the MPC strategy to a nonlinear high performance aerospace system, specifically an F-16 fighter aircraft model. The model was commanded to follow dynamic trajectories of roll angle and altitude. Further, adaptive constraint techniques were used to improve system tracking. To accomplish these tasks, code and block diagrams were generated using the commercial software packages of Matlab and Simulink. Numerous simulations were conducted with the goal of achieving …