Engineering Commons^™

Photorefractive Materials For Optical Signal Processing, William B. Lawler

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The optical response of the photorefractive crystals KNbO₃:Ta, KNbO₃:Fe, LiNbO₃:Fe, and nominally pure BaTiO₃ is investigated. In the experiment, a holographic grating is built in the crystal under investigation via a two-wave mixing scheme that utilizes the signal-processing capacities of two acousto-optic Bragg cells. The dynamic interaction of the Bragg cells with the photorefractive grating causes a heterodyned RF signal to appear on the output laser beam, enabling the real-time, direct measurement of the amplitude and phase of the space-charge fields in the crystal. Experimental results are presented for the amplitude and phase …

Application Of A Six-State Passive Track Filter Within A Weapon-Delivery System For A Lock-On-After-Launch Missile, Lynda Jeanne Ciaponi

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Knowing the benefits that a passive air target tracking system gives the host aircraft attempting to conceal its own presence on the battlefield, it is desired to determine whether the aircraft can also deliver one of its own lock-on-after-launch air-to-air missiles to the target via use of the same passive system. The objective of this thesis is to demonstrate that a passive six-state track filter can be successfully used within such a weapon delivery system. The role of the filter within the system is to track the enemy target in cartesian space utilizing only line-of-sight measurements and to track the …

Texture Segmentation And Classification Using Fractal And Energy Measures, Qing Chen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces a multi-feature based texture segmentation and classifi­ cation algorithm. We first present general background on segmentation approaches which can be categorized into three groups : characteristic thresholding and clus­ tering, edge detection, and region merging. According to our texture segmentation objective, we choose characteristic thresholding and clustering along with region merging as our segmentation method which is accomplished by a popular K-mean algorithm applied in the feature space. Fractal geometry is receiving increasing attention as a model for natural phe­ nomena. We present an efficient method for estimating the fractal dimension of image surfaces and show that …

Design Curves For The Reuse Of Stormwater, Gregory Miller Harper

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The reuse of stormwater runoff is becoming an increasingly popular addition to stormwater management systems. The advantages include a reduction in pollution and volume discharges to surface waters, the return of runoff to the ground, and savings in the cost of using potable water. This research, by developing a relationship between the reuse volume (temporary storage volume), the rate at which stormwater is reused, and the percentage of annual surface runoff that is reused, provides a procedure in which to design stormwater reuse systems. The traditional design of pond temporary storage volume has been based on the consideration of water …

Rs170 Image Processing Interface, Charlotte Christou

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

This thesis deals with the hardware design and implementation of an image processing board that digitizes RS-170 video, passes it thru a sobel filter and sends the results to a high-resolution color printer. Most sobels deal with black and white images, but this thesis uses a static color image. The hardware design will allow direct printing from a RGB separate channel RSl 70 video source to a Tektronix 4693DX Color Printer through a Centronics port. It will also allow the red, blue and green video channels to pass through a sobel filter, with the resulting image being sent out to …

An Analysis Of The Parameters Affecting The Stabilization Rate Of Yard Waste Compost, Patricia G. Fleming

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

In recent times, municipalities have turned to yard waste composting in an effort to comply with mandated recycling and reduction laws aimed at extending existing landfill capacity. Composting is a biological process whereby decomposition of organic matter occurs under aerobic conditions, producing a stabilized humified material. The objective of the research was to analyze data gathered during pilot yard waste composting operations utilizing the windrow method. The following tasks were accomplished: temperature and oxygen profiles from daily monitoring data were examined and the effect these parameters had on stabilization was determined; stabilization time of varying yard waste matrices was compared …

Combined Photolasticity And Elastostatic Boundary Element Method In Solid Mechanics Applications, Troy Duane Jensen

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Considerable efforts have recently been made on combining experimental and numerical techniques in a so called "hybrid" method for stress analysis. One of these techniques is combining photoelastic "experimental" data with the boundary element "numerical" method. Most of this work has centered on using the boundary element method to solve the potential problem (i.e., Laplace's equation) where external boundary conditions must be specified. The results are combined with the photoelastic isochromatic information to separate the principal stresses at any desired interior location. This thesis, however, concentrates on combining the photoelastic data with the elastostatic boundary element method. This is advantageou~ …

Transportation Synthetic Modeling For New Villages In Northeast Florida Using Fsutms, Yazan Kamal Haddad

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The Villages of Seminole Forest is a fifty-eight-thousand acre developnent located between Clay arrl Putnam Counties in Northeast Florida and is proposed to have a build-out year in 2043. As required by the Florida Deparbnent of Conmunity Affairs (OCA) , a Developnent of Regional Irn:Pact {DRI) was prepared to study the impact that this developnent might exert on nunerous elements, such as wetlands, wildlife, water, soils, flood-plains, air, and transportation. The Florida Standard Urban Transportation M::>del Structure {FSU'IMS) was utilized in preparing the transportation elanent of the DRI. A roadway network for the project was developed, and FSU'IMS was …

The Enhancemnt Of N-Heptane Vapor Incineration Using Ozone And Hydrogen Peroxide, Michael William Hewett

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Using a narrow bore quartz tube reactor set inside a three zone Lindburg furnace, a measured air stream with a known concentration of n-heptane was heated to temperatures between 637°C and 687°C. A separate measured air stream with known concentrations of ozone was injected just prior to the thermal zone of the reactor. The differences in heptane concentration entering and exiting the reactor under varying time, temperature, and ozone conditions were monitored with a gas chromatograph in an effort to generate kinetic data. The reactor was modeled as a first order plug flow reactor. The constants in the Arrhenius equation …

Freeway Control Via Ramp Metering: Development Of A Basic Building Block For An On-Ramp, Discrete, Stochastic, Mesoscopic, Simulation Model Within A Contextual Systems Approach, Mohamed Yaser Alkadri

Dissertations and Theses

One of the most effective measures of congestion control on freeways has been ramp metering, where vehicle entry to the freeway is regulated by traffic signals (meters). Meters are run with calibrated influx rates to prevent highway saturation. However, recent observations of some metering sites in San Diego, CA indicate that metering, during peak hour demand, is helping freeway flow while sometimes creating considerable traffic back-ups on local streets, transferring congestion problems from the freeway to intersections. Metering problems stem largely from the difficulty of designing an integrated, dynamic metering scheme that responds not only to changing freeway conditions but …

Parplum : A System For Evaluating Parallel Program Optimization Methods, Jingsong Fu

Dissertations and Theses

The diversity of application programs and parallel architectures makes the mapping problem complicated and hard to evaluate. The quality of mapping is machine and application dependent and varies due to inaccurate values of application and architecture characteristics.

A system for developing, applying and evaluating mappings must have four characteristics: (1) Simplicity: A mapping procedure can be evaluated by separately evaluating its submapping, so the complicated problem can be simplified. (2) Generality: A wide range of application programs and architectures can be easily represented and all mapping algorithms can be easily implemented. (3) Multifunctionality: all the mapping steps, application programs, target …

A Practical Parallel Algorithm For The Minimization Of KröNecker Reed-Muller Expansions, Paul John Gilliam

Dissertations and Theses

A number of recent developments has increased the desirability of using exclusive OR (XOR) gates in the synthesis of switching functions. This has, in turn, led naturally to an increased interest in algorithms for the minimization of Exclusive-Or Sum of Products (ESOP) forms. Although this is an active area of research, it is not nearly as developed as the traditional Sum of Products forms. Computer programs to find minimum ESOPs are not readily available and those that do exist are impractical to use as investigative tools because they are too slow and/or require too much memory. A practical tool would …

Neural Network Character Recognition With A 2-D Fourier Transform Preprocessor, Daqiao Du

Dissertations and Theses

In pattern recognition applications, it is usually important that the same identification be given for a pattern, independent of a variety of positions, rotations and /or distortions of the pattern within the recognition device's field of view. This research relates to development of a preprocessor for a neural network character recognition system, where the role of the preprocessor is to assist in minimizing the difficulties related to variations of position and rotations of a character within the field of view. The preprocessor explored here was suggested in 1970' (Lendaris & Stanly, 1970), and is implemented here with more recent advances …

A New Design Approach For Numeric-To-Symbolic Conversion Using Neural Networks, Zibin Tang

Dissertations and Theses

A new approach is proposed which uses a combination of a Backprop paradigm neural network along with some perceptron processing elements performing logic operations to construct a numeric-to-symbolic converter. The design approach proposed herein is capable of implementing a decision region defined by a multi-dimensional, non-linear boundary surface. By defining a "two-valued" subspace of the boundary surface, a Backprop paradigm neural network is used to model the boundary surf ace. An input vector is tested by the neural network boundary model (along with perceptron logic gates) to determine whether the incoming vector point is within the decision region or not. …

Analysis Of A Coordination Framework For Mapping Coarse-Grain Applications To Distributed Systems, Linda Ruth Schaefer

Dissertations and Theses

A paradigm is presented for the parallelization of coarse-grain engineering and scientific applications. The coordination framework provides structure and an organizational strategy for a parallel solution in a distributed environment. Three categories of primitives which define the coordination framework are presented: structural, transformational. and operational. The prototype of the paradigm presented in this thesis is the first step towards a programming development tool. This tool will allow non-specialist programmers to parallelize existing sequential solutions through the distribution, synchronization and collection of tasks. The distributed control, multidimensional pipeline characteristics of the paradigm provide advantages which include load balancing through the use …

Error Control Coding For Meteor Burst Communications, Thomas J. Frederick

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The phenomenon of meteor burst communications is described and its mathematical model is presented. Protocols for meteors burst systems are outlined and examples are given of current use. Recent research in the area of coding performance in meteor burst systems is pointed out. The performance of several error control coding schemes for a meteor burst channel, including two new adaptive algorithms, are evaluated via analysis and simulation. These coding strategies are compared using the probability of successful transmission of a fixed size packet through a single burst as a performance measure. The coding methods are compared via simulation for several …

Itasq : An Ada-Based Interactive Tool For Assessing Software Quality, Ruby Marie Heintze

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

The goal of producing high quality computer programs brings with it the need for a set of quantitative measures that software engineers can use to measure various aspects of software quality. These quantitative measures, known as software metrics, can measure different aspects of program quality. For example, McCabe's Complexity Metric measures the decision structure of a computer program; Halstead's Software Science measures program "impurities II such as unfactored expressions and unnecessary replacements; and Vitro•s Module Coupling Metric measures data transfer characteristics between modules. Using only one of these metrics would not provide a well rounded measure of overall software quality. …

Surface Acoustic Wave Resonator Parameter Extraction And Oscillator Design, Mark Stephen Cavin

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Surface Acoustic Wave (SAW) resonators are frequently used in UHF oscillator designs. SAW resonators are available in the 100 MHz - 1 GHz frequency range which eliminates the need for frequency multiplication necessary with Bulk Acoustic Wave (BAW) devices. As operating frequencies increase, circuit parasitics play a larger role in device performance. One important source of parasitics is the device package and associated interconnects. To model a SAW resonator effectively, these parasitics need to be taken into account Resonator device models and their associated S-parameters can then be used in the design of oscillators. This thesis will discuss the design …

Dose Rate Determination Of The Highly-Enriched Uranium Fuel At The University Of Missouri-Rolla Reactor In Preparation For Transportation, Alice Ann Netzer

Masters Theses

"An analytical model was developed in order to accurately estimate the dose rates in air of the highly-enriched uranium (HEU) fuel at the University of Missouri - Rolla Reactor. Based upon these results, a method is proposed to remove the fuel from the reactor.

First thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) were exposed under water to each of the fuel elements in the reactor pool, except for the four control rodded elements. A model was developed to use the in-water TLD readings to calculate the dose rate of the fuel elements in air at 1 foot and 3 feet. The fuel was modeled …

Coordinated Strategic Planning Of Hydroelectric Energy Usage Using Stochastic Dynamic Programming With Decoupled Production Cost Simulation, Duane David Highley

Masters Theses

"The method of Stochastic Dynamic Programming is applied to the problem of Long-term hydrothermal coordination for a five-reservoir system in the Midwest. The model that has been developed will optimize the monthly reservoir elevations to produce the lowest expected energy production cost. The production cost calculations are decoupled from the Dynamic Programming loop, resulting in shorter execution times. Constraints are included for maximum and minimum reservoir elevations, maximum monthly reservoir rise and drop, and maximum and minimum monthly energy production. These constraints help to reduce the state space and shorten execution time. An additional constraint is modeled to control the …

Properties Of Glass Fabric Reinforced Silicone Glazing For Solar Applications In Rural Areas, Mohammed A Ahmed Dabbour

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Multiple Input Node Dataflow Processor Architecture, Gokhan Kuru

Theses and Dissertations

A new dataflow concept, Multiple Input Node is introduced to overcome the performance and efficiency degradation problems that exist in the current dataflow computation models where the computation unit, node, accepts 2 tokens at a time. Multiple Input Node is a new computation node which has 4 inputs, hence it can accept up to 4 token packets at a time. It can perform any simple arithmetic operation or combination of operations on these 4 input tokens. It is represented by a single instruction and performs the operations in a single instruction execution. This unique Multiple Input Node architecture reduces the …

An Unsolicited Sociotechnical Intervention In A Public System: A Participatory Action Research Approach, Ely Alfred Dorsey Jr.

Engineering Management & Systems Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This research concerns itself with Participatory Action Research in a hostile setting. The thrust is a sociotechnical one, with the intent being to enhance the capacity of the Wallop Public School System, Wallop, USA, to address its problem of racial disparate treatment of Black children. The potential for Organizational Learning among the school system's senior staff is studied. Some new theory about such hostile interventions is proposed. Also discussed are questions about reliability and construct validity within the context of the multiple role playing that an interventionist has in this setting. The role of the press is reflected in the …

An Analysis Of Reinforced Concrete Composites Utilizing Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate Thermoplastic, Jaroslav V. Vaverka

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Removing plastic from landfills does not solve the solid waste problem entirely. Plastic products are difficult to recycle because, unlike aluminum or glass, the plastics used in food packaging cannot be reused for the same purpose. Among the commonly used plastic resins, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) has been widely adopted by the packaging industry. This research study was concerned with recycling of PET thermoplastic in concrete as a way to reduce the volume of solid waste.

Current surveys of recycling efforts reveal that existing PET recycling approaches have become inadequate. Solid waste management is stressing the eminent need for new recycling …

Toward The Development Of Decision Support Tools To Manage The Catis Project Life Cycle, Steven Wayne Mccrary

Doctoral Dissertations

"The American Public Works Administration (1987) states that communities' infrastructures are in need of repair and better management and recommends CATIS (Computer-Assisted Terraspatial Information Systems) as an excellent tool to assist in that endeavor. Small communities have several voids that CATIS technology can fill. This research reports on a life-cycle approach to CATIS adoption that will help small communities to better manage their infrastructure.

It is important for small communities to become aware of the types of systems available and what each system can do. This study presents a straightforward, understandable discussion of CATIS technologies, features, and applications. Justifying the …

Micromechanics Of Granular Materials And Its Relation To Wave Velocity, Tarun K. Agarwal

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The macro characters of the granular materials depend upon micromechanical parameters such as the void ratio, particle shape, contact force distribution, and initial state of the fabric of the assembly. Since it is difficult to evaluate these internal parameters from laboratory experiments, a macro measure is desired which depends directly on these internal parameters. One such measure has been shown to be dynamic shear modulus but it was incomplete in predicting directional changes in the internal parameters. Therefore, it is hypothesized here that the complete elastic moduli matrix will have more direct information about the internal parameters, especially the dynamic …

Numerical Modeling Of Flame Lift-Off Phenomenon And Calculation Of Thermal Loads On A Methane Fuel Injector With Complex Geometry, Taj O. Mohieldin

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A numerical study has been conducted to analyze a fuel injector with three in-line cylinder geometry that has been adopted as a model for investigating the combustion phenomenon in the 8-Foot High Temperature Tunnel (HTT) combustor at the NASA Langley Research Center. The primary objective here is to analyze the flame lift-off phenomenon in the three cylinder fuel injector geometry in two-dimensions. The fluid mechanics model used in the analysis includes time-averaged Navier-Stokes equations that are employed in conjunction with a two-equation k-$\epsilon$ model for predicting the effects of turbulence. Calculations were performed with three chemistry models, namely fast chemistry, …

Toward The Optimization Of Cell Operator Productivity In Computer Integrated Manufacturing, David Leonard Gobeski

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

Computer integrated manufacturing (CIM) has been seen as the answer to maintaining the lead in American productivity. The cell operator was seen as being critical to the success of CIM. The design of the operator's job was seen as very important. As manufacturing engineers design cell jobs, including the roles and tasks, with the operators, it was believed important for the engineer to know what motivated the cell operator. However, past studies of supervisors and their subordinates have shown that supervisors are unable to predict the importance of the elements of job enrichment of the subordinates. It was questioned whether …

Factors Influencing Preparation Needed Of Future Industrial Technology Department Leaders In Higher Education, Rajendra L. Desai

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The object of this study was to help future industrial technology department leaders in higher education develop effective planning strategies and prioritize their preparation before they sought leadership positions in industrial technology. Two hundred fifty-four industrial technology department leaders in higher education from all over the United States were asked to respond to a questionnaire. A five point Likert-type scale was used to rate the importance of 58 statements identified from Marshall's (1984) study. One hundred sixty (62.99%) usable responses formed the basis of this study.

Mean values and standard deviations were determined for all the statements. The grand mean …

Perceived Importance Of Identified Duties And Tasks In The Area Of Design/Drafting Management, John Edward Shultz

Dissertations and Theses @ UNI

The purpose of the study, was to determine the importance of identified duties to the career success of a newly hired design/drafting employee aspiring to become a supervisor or manager as perceived by design/drafting managers and university professors. An opinionnaire was developed which consisted of 141 tasks which were grouped into 13 general duties. The 13 duties represented the job functions for design/drafting managers. The opinionnaire was validated utilizing a jury of experts consisting of eight design/drafting managers and five university professors. It was then mailed to the membership of the American Design Drafting Association (ADDA) who identified themselves as …