Engineering Commons^™

Design For Manufacturability (Computer Aided Optimum Gear Design), Narayan R. Mareddy

Theses

Design for manufacturing has design as the first manufacturing step. It is important to recognize the importance of design clubing with manufacturing to reduce the production, set up time. In this thesis concepts of design, manufacturing and four different ways of bringing design and manufacturing together are discussed in detail.

As there are large number of variables in the gear rating equations, it is very difficult to achieve optimum design by manual methods unless an extensive trial and error process is carried out. An algorithm has been developed which allows rapid convergence to the optimum gear design. The algorithm has …

A Color Petri Net Simulation Tool, Sanjaykumar V. Desai

Theses

A user friendly, modular and highly interactive graphical tool for drawing, editing and simulating color Petri nets is developed. The tool is designed to model concurrent and interlocked systems, such as flexible manufacturing systems, communication protocols and computer systems. A Color Petri Net(CPN) has a more concise graphical system representation than a standard Petri net, because net entities in CPN carry information. The CPNS(Color Petri Net Simulation) tool simulates a net having conflicts, reveals deadlocks, and creates a log file with the state history of the system yielding performance measures.

Analytical Methodology For Atm Control Panel Design, Donald C. Johnson

Theses

This thesis presents a methodology for control panel design and layout along with a case study of an automated teller machine (ATM). A predictive model of human endurance and fatigue is developed from anthropometric, biomechanical and kinematics research. The layout problem is formulated to assign controls to locations to minimize the fatigue imposed on an operator performing a known set of tasks. A family of optimal and near-optimal layouts are found using conventional algorithms. The final hardware design refinements are suggested by human factors concerns. Ergonomic guidelines are also proposed for software aspects of the design. The methods and guidelines …

Computer-Aided Process Planning (Capp) Sorich, Sohail Pirzada

Theses

The last two decades have witnessed the increasing role of the computer in the process planning function. This has been further enhanced by the advent of the knowledge based expert system, and its impact on Computer Aided Process Planning (CAPP). CAPP has emerged as a strategic link between design and manufacture. This thesis discusses the various methods used in the process planning function. Group Technology (GT) plays a pivotal role in establishing CAPP. The utilization of Artificial Intelligence techniques in CAPP is listed. This study also presents an Interactive Software adaptive to product/part configuration variables.

Redesign Of Parts And Simulation Of Flexible Assembly Cell For Safety Water Shower Assembly, Balraj Y. Gardilla

Theses

A Design for Assembly (DSA) method is used to analyze the safety water shower assembly and to redesign the components with emphasis on meeting the criteria of allowing for flexible Assembly Cell (FAS). An Expert System is developed to select the right Assembly using VP-Expert. This thesis contrasts the old and new safety water shower assembly designs and describes the design of a final Flexible Assembly Cell. A PUMA 550 robot was investigated for use in the cell design. The flexible Assembly cell is simulated on silicon graphics using the IGRIP software. The economics of each part presentation method is …

Error Detection And Correction In Compressed Data, Nadir Sezgin

Theses

Encoded data is very sensitive to the channel errors. Especially if the data is compressed by Arithmetic Encoding procedure, then the error propagation is very high. The error propagation in Arithmetic Coding is studied. Exploiting the high error propagation property when compressing data by Arithmetic encoding procedure, two different algorithms have been proposed for error detection and correction. Under certain conditions these algorithms detect and with a very high probability correct the errors introduced to the compressed data.

Conditional Artificial Dielectrics ; Fabry-Perot Etalon, Ling-Yi Hu

Theses

Fabry-Perot etalons are optical resonators comprise of two mirrors and a spacer layer. By embedding a thin, photo-sensitive layer ( Conditional Artificial Dielectric - CAD layer ) in the middle of the spacer layer, we were able to photo-control the transmission properties of a Fabry-Perot etalon. Different structures have been analyzed and measured to find that a change of .01 was photo-activated in the refractive index of the Conditional Artificial Dielectric layer.

Frictional Resistance Of Geotextiles, Md. Khairul Alam

Theses

The pullout resistance of geotextiles was examined using pullout tests. A suitable wooden box with large (2 ft x 2 ft x 4 ft) dimensions was used to avoid the effect of boundary and to simulate field conditions. Two types of failure patterns were observed. For shallow embedment (<3 ft), geotextile produced a movement of the surrounding mass of sand in the shape of an inverted cone due to interlocking friction between geotextile and sand particles. The cone angle decreases with increase in depth of embedment. For embedment equal to or greater than 3 ft., no sand cone developed and the failure occurred along the interface of geotextile and sand. For 1 ft. surcharge, the increase in the pullout resistance due to combined horizontal and vertical embedment was about 30 %.

Computer Control For 2-Axis Magnetic Suspension System, Jian Chen

Theses

A two-axis magnetic suspension system. using linear-potentiometer position sensing and DC solenoids, controlled digitally by a 80386 microcomputer has been built and operated in our laboratory. Control algorithms obtained by combining the full-state feedback control law with two methods of estimating velocities are studied. One method uses a nonlinear reduced-order observer; the other uses a finite difference algorithm. The nonlinear reduced-order observer performs better in simulation but the difference algorithm takes less calculation time and is used in the implementation. The system has been operated successfully to suspend weights up to 1.2 lb. and to get a slant angle more …

Minimum-Time Control For Submarine Interception, Zaiping Chen

Theses

This thesis attempts to offer a possible improvement for conventional anti-submarine system which is mounted on warship. It consists of two parts: the control law and its realization concerning the particular problem. The control based on optimal theory is devised for three-dimentional minimum-time interception. A microprocessor system is also designed to achieve all necessary steps to track and attack the target. The thesis focuses on the question of how to launch a group of subcharges to destroy a submarine cruising under water: find the optimal trajectory by developing a numerical method to solve the nonlinear dynamic system and design a …

Influence Of Heavy Metal Concentration On Rotating Biological Contrator Performance, Huei-Sheng Cheng

Theses

Seven heavy metals ( Fe⁺², Mn⁺², Zn⁺², Ag⁺, Pb⁺², Cu⁺², Cd⁺² ) at various concentrations were investigated in a Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) system. The experimental data indicated that the degree of heavy metal toxicity in the biological system mainly depended on the ratio of inflow heavy metal concentration to organic loading. The optimal ratio of heavy metal to organic loading was determined on the basis of the maximum removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) under different operating conditions. In addition, the effect of heavy metal on …

Design And Development Of An Automated Assembly System In A Discrete Manufacturing Environment, Sandeep K. Desai

Theses

This work is dedicated to extend the technology of automated assembly to include small and thin parts, light in weight. As the parts are thin a problem exists in the feeding process and orientation. The objective of project is to overcome this difficulty. The main theme of this thesis is to reduce labor cost and to improve productivity and quality of assembly operations by introducing low cost automation in the companies having discrete manufacturing environment.

An example of assembly involving a thin part has been selected. Two components from an electrical switch assembly are chosen, namely the spring and rivet. …

Design Of An Advanced Control Algorithm For A Nuclear Power Plant Feedwater Control System, Randall C. Ezzo

Theses

Electric power companies with nuclear power plants have been aggressively looking for ways to increase plant safety and availability by increasing the reliability and performance of the plant's control systems. The performance of the Oyster Creek Nuclear Station's feedwater control system can be significantly improved by replacing the proportional-integral compensator with a compensator based on modern control concepts. In response to a -10 inch reactor water level setpoint change, settling time is improved from 107 seconds with 3% overshoot to 34 seconds with no overshoot.

A Case Study On Petri Net Modeling, Animation, And Simulation, Suresh C. Gurala

Theses

Petri nets as a graphical tool has developed over the last decade into a suitable model for representing, modeling, designing, analyzing and studying concurrent systems. In this thesis, Petri nets are applied for analyzing, modeling and simulation of a flexible assembly station. An existing AT&T FWS200 flexible assembly workstation for printed circuit board is modeled using Petri nets without the consideration of insertion failures and other abnormalities in the system. The Petri net model is then simulated using Graphics simulation language (GSL).

Bridge Deterioration Models, Christopher R.H. Howard

Theses

The deteriorated condition of America's bridges raises the need for a proper and optimal method of bridge management, from the conceptual stage through the construction stage, and throughout the useful life of our bridges. State agencies need to expand their data collection process so as to include additional information pertinent to the formulation of a credible system. This is critical in order to accommodate increased research efforts to investigate the behavioral pattern/s of the nations bridges and to eventually optimize bridge management systems. This thesis looks at the bridge deterioration model as a vital tool in realizing more effective bridge …

Liquid-Liquid Dispersion In Agitated Vessels Provided With Multiple Impellers, Yu-Tsang Huang

Theses

Baffled vessels with multiple impellers are widely used in industry to generate liquid-liquid dispersions. In this work, a new method to determine the minimum agitation speed for complete dispersion in two immiscible liquids was developed. This method was conceived to replace the traditional visual observation method that has been extensively used in the past for this purpose. The minimum agitation speeds for liquid-liquid dispersion with single and multiple impellers in baffled vessel were also measured. The effect of a number of variables such as size and type of impellers, size of tank, impeller location, spacing between impellers, and dispersed phase …

Fast Arithmetic Operations On The Hypercube Using Conditional Sum Addition And Modified Booth's Algorithm, Umar Bin Iftikhar

Theses

Algorithms for fast arithmetic operations (i.e., addition and multiplication) on the hypercube computer are presented. The hypercube network of dimension d interconnects N = 2^d processors in such a way that each processor is directly connected to d neighboring processors; m order to communicate between processors, the maximum length of the path is d. The addition algorithm is based on the conditional sum technique. The computational time using this algorithm is O(log₂ N+q) where q is the number of the bits per processor in the hypercube of N processors. Operands of size N*q are distributed among the hypercube …

Development Of An Expert System For The Safety Of Workers From Electrical Hazards At Work Place, Faizul Islam

Theses

This thesis presents the development of an expert system for the safety of workers from electrical hazards at work place.

The objective of this work is to show how an expert system within the workplace can be used in helping to create an effective safety program.

An effective expert system for electrical safety have been developed for the workers to prevent accidents from electrical hazards using the safety regulations of Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

The regulations developed by OSHA have been incorporated in rule based expert system which can be accessed by any non computer professional and the system …

Response Characteristics Of Inelastic Single Degree Of Freedom Systems Subjected To Intraplate Earthquakes, Linda C. Jones

Theses

Within recorded, although not recent, history, there have been several large magnitude earthquakes in the Eastern and Central United States and the need to provide measures to protect from potential damage is recognized by the engineering community. Since there are inherent differences between earthquakes that occur along tectonic plate boundaries, interplate, and those that occur within the plate boundaries, intraplate, it is important to understand how these differences impact structural design. A parametric study of single degree of freedom systems subjected to various recorded and artificial ground motions was performed to identify the variations in response characteristics.

It was found …

Stability And Durability Of Large Aggregate Asphalt Concrete, Rais A. Khan

Theses

There are many factors which affect the properties of asphalt concrete and one of these is a maximum aggregate size used in the mix. In this study of the effect of maximum aggregate size on Marshall stability, flow and durability of asphalt aggregate mixtures is investigated.

Two different mixes having gradations with maximum aggregate sizes of 3/4 and 1-1/2 inches were considered. The optimum asphalt content for mix having 3/4 inch maximum aggregate size, was determined by the standard Marshall procedure. The optimum asphalt content for the mix having 1-1/2 inch maximum aggregate size, was estimated based on thickness of …

Three Dimensional Visualisation Of Tmj Anatomy Using Mri Techniques, Mythreyi T. Krishnaswamy

Theses

The best assessment of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) can only be done by the scanning the jaw and getting an image without invivo analysis which causes patient discomfort. There have been innumerable efforts to get the best view using CT techniques for three dimensional visualisation. But very few have done work using MRI techniques.

The TMJ is an integral part of the jaw and helps in mastication and biting. Since the joint is a hinge sliding articulation any dislocation causes immense pain and discomfort.

To get a better assessment of the TMJ, MRI techniques have been used for data acquisition. The …

Computer Aided Design Of A Broadband Microwave Power Divider, Jaideep Mukherjee

Theses

The purpose of this thesis to provide alternative design procedure for a power divider that has broadband characteristics. The Wilkinson power divider consisting of cascaded quarter wave sections is known to increase the bandwidth while maintaining high isolation and good match conditions at individual ports. Resistors placed between the quarter wave sections served to increase isolation. The values of required components were determined using odd and even mode analysis. In this work, the approximate theory developed previously is used as a preliminary design model, and it is extended further by considering optimization techniques and coupling between adjacent arms. This novel …

Studying The Mechanical Response Of Outer Hair Cells To Electric Pulses Using Image Sensors, Wayel F. Mutlag

Theses

The purpose of this research was to develop a way to improve the method used by Dr. Santos-Sacchi at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey to detect the motion of the outer hair cell (OHC). As part of the work, the construction and functioning of the OHC are presented and two designs to detect the motion of the boundary of the OHC were investigated.

The first design utilizes the position sensitive detector (PSD) S3932 made by Hamamatsu Inc. This detector, however, required excessive intensity of the optical signal that was not compatible with the operation of the …

Strength And Fragility Of Concrete, Kang-Qun Shao

Theses

It is known that both strength and fragility are two of the most important properties in concrete. In this research, theories of Chemistry, Physical Chemistry of Surfaces, Thermodynamics and Fracture Mechanics are used to study the relationships between the macromechanical behavior of concrete and the microstructure in concrete. The objectives of this research are therefore to find some effective ways to explain theoretically why the concrete is so brittle (fragile) and how to increase its strength or to decrease its fragility. Based on the present studies, an equation is formulated to calculate the coefficient of the fragility (or brittleness) of …

Synthesis And Characterization Of Silicon Nitride Film Deposited By Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition From Ditertiary-Butyl Silane, Kei-Turng Shih

Theses

Ditertiary-butyl silane (DTBS) and ammonia have been used to deposit silicon nitride films by plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with ammonia. The films were deposited in the temperature range of 150 to 300 °C with 0.15 watts/cm² plasma power density at 100 KHz. The NH₃/DTBS ratio was varied from 1 to 18, the total flow rate was varied between 195 and 570 sccm with total pressure ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 torr.

The deposition rate of these films was found to increase as total pressure or total flow rate increases, but was found to decrease as …

A Graphical Tool For The Simulation Of Timed Petri Nets, Javaid Aslam Siddiqi

Theses

A highly interactive graphical tool is developed for the drawing and simulation of discrete event systems involving time constraints. The Timed Petri Net Simulator tool (TPNS) is capable of simulating systems with deterministic and stochastic delays. Performance and utilization parameters are collected during simulation for behavior and analysis purposes. Simulation results are stored in different files (log, verify, utilize, and mark). Conflict resolution on the basis of priority or random selection of multiple transitions in conflict is implemented to handle complex modeling situations. A user friendly interface is developed for effective interaction between the tool and the user. This interface …

The Strength Of Cement Bentonite In Containment Structures, Liong Tin So

Theses

In recent years the use of cutoff or slurry walls has increased in the containment of hazardous waste. Several materials have been utilized for backfill in slurry walls. Two important properties of the material are shear strength and permeability. Previously, sodium bentonite had been used. However, it was discovered that variable pH would cause an increase in permeability. Studies have shown calcium bentonite have a constant permeability with varied pH (Oweis and Khera, 1990). This study was undertaken to determine strength of calcium bentonite as affected by cement and slag.

Triaxial shear tests and unconfined compression tests were done on …

Temperature Regulation Post Hemorrhagic Shock In Rats : Atheoretical Analysis, Kahambwe Shungu

Theses

The adequacy of a mathematical model in simulating temperature regulation in rats after resuscitation from hemorrhagic shock is investigated. This model, proposed elsewhere, was devised to study temperature profiles during hyperthermia in humans.

Hemorrhagic shock was achieved by bleeding rats to an average mean arterial pressure (MAP) of 30mmHg. The rats were then maintained at this MAP for up to four hours by withdrawing or reinfusing the shed blood. One group (the control group), was allowed to return to normal body temperature after the shock episode without external intervention. A second group (microwave group) was irradiated, for an average of …

A Graphic Editor And Real Time Simulator Of Petri Net, Tenian Tang

Theses

A structurally designed graphic editor and real time simulator of Petri nets (PN) is presented. The package is programmed by Turbo C language, which runs in IBM-PC environmental with graphics adaptor. Various kinds of PN systems such as ordinary, general and timed Petri net can be modeled and analyzed by firing the models with real time token movement animations. Some properties of analyzed PN such as reachability, deadlock, firing time can be studied. Several illustrative examples are presented. The possible further enhancements are also discussed.

Automated Eeg Analysis And Spike Detection, Walter Vanderschraaf

Theses

EEG analysis of epileptic patients is extremely time consuming. Patients are monitored up to 36 hours at a time. The neurologist must visually review stacks of EEG records to determine whether they contain epileptic or artifactual activity. This process is very subjective and can vary from one neurologist to another based on his or her training and experience. The neurologist is only human and may tire or lose his or her concentration. Automated EEG analysis can efficiently reduce the amount of data and time involved in analysis. It is also more consistent and objective than human analysis.

The main objective …