Engineering Commons^™

Effect Of Temperature On Short-Term Creep Rupture Response In Polymer Matrix Pultruded Composites, Robert Harold Munson

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Polymer matrix pultruded composites have increasingly been used in applications where high strength-to-weight ratio and corrosion resistance are needed. Bridge and pier components are a couple of recent applications due the composite's resistance to corrosion from salt water. In applications of this sort, the material will commonly be subjected to sizable static loads while exposed to varying weather conditions. In using pultruded composites for these applications safely, a better understanding of the material's response to ambient conditions is necessary.

In this thesis, rectangular specimens of a polyester matrix glass reinforced pultruded composite sheet are subjected to both static tensile loading …

Procedures For Determining A Working Capacity For Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (Dbe) For Highway Construction And Consulting Projects In Kentucky, Brad W. Rister, Donn E. Hancher, Paul E. Toussaint

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

This report documents the working capacity of the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) community performing on federal aid highway projects over the last four federal fiscal years 1995- 98. This includes the work performed by Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Minority Women Business Enterprises (MWBE) , and Women Business Enterprises (WBE) construction firms serving both as a prime contractors and subcontractors. The work of DBE design consultants was not included as part of this study. The impact of five DBE firms who should be graduating from the program is also discussed. In addition several different scenarios are discussed relating to the adjustment …

Kentucky's Road Fund Tax Structure, Ron Zimmer, Merl Hackbart, Steve Calabrese, Susana Luzuriaga

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

In recent years, there has been a great deal of discussion of whether the incoming Road Fund revenue is sufficient to meet the needs of Kentucky's Highways System. Many have suggested a policy of raising the current tax rates on motor fuels as a way of enhancing the financial health of the Road Fund. This current study examines the sources of the Road Fund and evaluates the sources of revenue in terms of stability, equity, competitiveness, and adequacy. Finally, the study examines the impact various changes in motor fuel taxes would have on revenue.

Freight Commodity Flow In Kentucky, Lisa Aultman-Hall, Brad Johnson, Brian Aldridge

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The primary objectives of this project were to further the understanding of freight flows throughout Kentucky and to make recommendations on the potential value of freight commodity flow data as an input for statewide transportation planning models. Freight flow data are difficult to accumulate and to convert to common units for use. However, the data available from Reebie Associates that were developed with the Federal Highway Administration have proved useful. The database itself was found to be consistent with other sources of aggregate freight data for Kentucky except for airports. The data assigned to the highway network was in general …

Environmental Behavior Of Hafnium: The Impact On The Disposition Of Weapons-Grade Plutonium, Gary S. Cerefice '89

Doctoral Dissertations

Experimental and analytical studies were performed to examine the environmental behavior of hafnium and its utility as a neutron poison for the disposition of weapons-grade plutonium in Yucca Mountain. The hydrolysis of hafnium was investigated by potentiometric titration in solutions of varying ionic strength to determine the stability constants for the first four monomeric hydrolysis products. The specific ion interaction theory is used to extrapolate these results to infinite dilution. The solubility of hafnium hydroxide and a meta-stable hafnium carbonate solid phase are studied via solubility experiments using ICP-AES. An upper bound for the stability constant of the first carbonate …

The Effect Of Stimulus Current Pulse Width On Nerve Fiber Size Recruitment Patterns, Robert B. Szlavik, Hubert De Bruin

Biomedical Engineering

There have been theoretical studies presented that postulate a change in the stimulus current amplitude required to recruit nerve fibers with different stimulus current pulse widths. Based on these theoretical predictions, it has been suggested that the stimulus pulse width parameter may be used to selectively recruit fibers of different sizes and that this selectivity should increase with increasing distance from the stimulus electrode. In this paper, a simulation study of the recruitment patterns of a population of motor nerve fibers with a histologically accurate fiber diameter distribution is presented. Nerve fiber excitation simulations coupled with a time varying field …

In Vivo Electrical Stimulation Of Motor Nerves, Robert B. Szlavik

Biomedical Engineering

Stimulus waveform parameters and stimulation protocols are fundamental to the use of electrical stimulation in medical applications. This thesis presents new simulation and experimental procedures that for the first time can quantify the effects on nerve fiber recruitment patterns of variable stimulus waveform parameters, such as pulse width and changes in the stimulation protocol with respect to electrode orientation. The study of the effect of variable electrical stimulus waveform parameters and stimulation protocols is important from the perspective of therapeutic and diagnostic medicine. Variations in the stimulus waveform such as stimulus pulse width have been shown to offer some promise …

Predicting The Cutting Time Of Cottage Cheese Using Backscatter Measurements, Czarena L. Crofcheck, Frederick A. Payne, Sue E. Nokes

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

An automated system for monitoring culture growth and determining coagulum cutting time is needed for cottage cheese manufacturing. A light backscatter measurement system was designed and installed in a local cottage cheese manufacturing plant. A cutting time prediction algorithm was developed using parameters generated from the backscatter profile. The cutting time prediction algorithm, T_cut = T_max + β₂ S, used two time-based parameters generated from the backscatter profile (T_max and S) and one operator selected parameter, β₂, to predict the coagulum cutting time, Tcut. The standard error of prediction for the algorithm was 6.4 …

Modified Strategy For Compliance To National Environmental Standards, Aliaa Samaha

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Development Of A Hierarchical Model-Based Decision Support System (Dss) For Production Planning And Control Systems, Khaled Mohamed Sami Abdel-Hamid

Archived Theses and Dissertations

No abstract provided.

Jet Stability And Noise Computations Using Direct Numerical Simulation, Farouk Owis

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The computations of axisymmetric jet noise with symmetric disturbances are investigated using the direct numerical simulation of the unsteady compressible Navier-Stokes equations. High order accurate numerical schemes are employed for the solution of the governing equations. The investigation shows that MacCormack schemes with operator splitting and minimum dispersion error can be used to predict noise radiated from subsonic and supersonic jets with low and high Reynolds numbers. In addition, different kinds of nonreflecting boundary conditions are used at the inflow and outflow boundaries. These boundary conditions include characteristic boundary conditions, buffer domain technique and perfectly matching layer method. The results …

Development And Application Of Adaptive Dynamic Grids For Wake Vortex/Ground Interaction, Ilker Emin Türkgeldi

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An adaptive and dynamic grid approach is developed for the numerical computations of wake vortex flow problems with ground interaction. The unnecessary grid points at the far field of the original, large, single zone grid are removed for computational efficiency. Next, the grid is modified into an adaptive one, where the fine core region keeps track of the vortices and can be split into two regions when the vortex separation distance exceeds a specified limit length. In the final step a multi zonal feature is added to this grid by means of two embedded grids placed at the vortex centers …

Newton Parameter Update Algorithm For Recurrent Neural Networks Applied To Adaptive System Identification And Control, Donald Allen Gates

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This paper shows that the combination of a second-order neural network parameter update algorithm and internal network feedback can be effectively used for adaptive, nonlinear, dynamical system identification and control. Adaptive neural identification and control algorithms are typically utilized for real-time applications where the rate of adaptation is often critical. A fast, adaptive network parameter update algorithm is presented.

Simulation results show that this algorithm is capable of quickly identifying and adapting to changes in system parameters, making it feasible to use for real-time control and fault accommodation applications.

Differential Reflection Phase Shift Under Conditions Of Attenuated Internal Reflection, R. M.A. Azzam

Electrical Engineering Faculty Publications

The angle-of-incidence dependence of the differential reflection phase shift Δ between p and s polarizations is considered a function of the real and imaginary parts of the relative complex dielectric function ε of an interface in the domain of fractional optical constants, i.e., under conditions of internal reflection. The constraint on complex ε such that oscillatory and monotonic angular responses are obtained is determined. A sensitive and stable technique, which is based on attenuated internal reflection ellipsometry between the Brewster angle and the critical angle, is proposed for measuring small induced absorption (ε_i∼10⁻⁵) in the medium …

Adaptive Sampling For Coordinate Metrology, Robert Edgeworth, Robert G. Wilhelm

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

An iterative sampling process for dimensional measurement is presented. The strategy is based upon the use of surface normal measurement data to develop an interpolating curve between sample points. The interpolant is used to select subsequent measurement targets iteratively. The process is repeated until the measurement converges to a complete and accurate evaluation of the surface. The required sample size is proportional to part quality. The most accurate parts will require the least sample points; whereas, lower quality parts will require a greater number of total samples. The method is particularly applicable to measurement of complex surfaces with coordinate measuring …

Phosphorus And Nitrogen In Runoff Following Beef Cattle Manure Of Compost Application, Bahman Eghball, John E. Gilley

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Manure or compost from beef cattle feedlots can be an excellent sources of nutrients and organic matter when added to soils, but they can also pollute runoff. We determined the effects of simulated rainfall on runoff losses of P and N, and EC and pH following application of manure and compost to a Sharpsburg silty clay loam (fine smectitic, mesic Typic Argiudoll) soil having grain sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] and winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) residues. Manure, compost, and fertilizer were applied to no-till fields at rates required to meet N or P requirements for corn ( …

Evolving Neural Networks Applied To Predator-Evader Problem, Shivakumar Viswanathan, Ilker Ersoy, Filiz Bunyak, Cihan H. Dagli

Computer Science Faculty Research & Creative Works

The creation of strategies to meet abstract goals is an important behavior exhibited by natural organisms. A situation requiring the development of such strategies is the predator-evader problem. To study this problem, Khepera robots are chosen as the competing agents. Using computer simulations the evolution of the adaptive behavior is studied in a predator-evader interaction. A bilaterally symmetrical multilayer perceptron neural network architecture with evolvable weights is used to model the “brains” of the agents. Evolutionary programming is employed to evolve the predator for developing adaptive strategies to meet its goals. To study the effect of learning on evolution a …

Successive Galerkin Approximation Of The Isaacs Equation, Timothy Mclain, Randal W. Beard, John T. Wen

Faculty Publications

The successive Galerkin approximation (SGA) algorithm has recently been developed for approximating solutions to the Hamilton-Jacobi-Isaacs equation. The algorithm produces feedback control laws that are stabilizing on a well-defined region of state space. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate the application of the SGA algorithm to two simple examples. The examples serve several purposes: first they illustrate how the algorithm is applied in a setting that is simple enough to write out in detail, second they demonstrate the convergence of the algorithm in a setting where the actual solution can be derived analytically.

Anatomy Of Soft Tissues Of The Spinal Canal, Hogan Quinn, Jeffrey M. Toth

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Background and Objectives.

Important issues regarding the spread of solutions in the epidural space and the anatomy of the site of action of spinal and epidural injections are unresolved. However, the detailed anatomy of the spinal canal has been incompletely determined. We therefore examined the microscopic anatomy of the spinal canal soft tissues, including relationships to the canal walls.

Methods.

Whole mounts were prepared of decalcified vertebral columns with undisturbed contents from three adult humans. Similar material was prepared from a macaque and baboon immediately on death to control for artifact of tissue change after death. Other tissues examined included …

Large Amplitude Pitching Of Supermaneuver Delta Wings Including Flow Control, Yahia A. Abdelhamid

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The unsteady, three-dimensional Navier-Stokes equations are solved to simulate and study the aerodynamic response of a delta wing undergoing large amplitude pitching motion up to 90° angle of attack. The primary model under consideration consists of a 76° swept, sharp-edged delta wing of zero thickness, initially at zero angle of attack. The freestream Mach number and Reynolds number are 0.3 and 0.45 × 106, respectively. The governing equations are solved time-accurately using the implicit, upwind, Roe flux-difference splitting, finite-volume scheme. Both laminar and turbulent flow solutions are investigated. In the laminar flow solutions, validation of the computational results is carried …

An Analytical Approximation For The Excess Noise Factor Of Avalanche Photodiodes With Dead Space, Majeed M. Hayat, Zikuan Chen, Mohammad Rezaul Karim

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

Approximate analytical expressions are derived for the mean gain and the excess noise factor of avalanche photodiodes including the effect of dead space. The analysis is based on undertaking a characteristic-equation approach to obtain an approximate analytical solution to the existing system of recurrence equations which characterize the statistics of the random multiplication gain. The analytical expressions for the excess noise factor and the mean gain are shown to be in good agreement with the exact results obtained from numerical solutions of the recurrence equations for values of the dead space reaching up to 20% of the width of the …

The Effect Of Platinum And Excess 211 Phase On The Loss Of The Liquid Phase In Melt Textured Yba₂Cu₃O₇₋ₓ, William C. Hicks, Fatih Dogan, Michael Strasik, Arthur C. Day, Kevin E. Mccrary

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Platinum is an important additive in YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x [123] powders for melt processing and growth of large, oriented crystals, but its role in liquid loss during the growth cycle is poorly understood. A series of experiments were conducted to determine how platinum effects liquid loss, and to study the solubility limit of platinum in 123. Both atomically mixed and solid state platinum sources were compared. Crystals were grown on a nonreactive setter so that liquid loss could be clearly distinguished by weight from reaction products with the setter. Based on weight loss studies there was little …

The Effect Of Platinum And Excess 211 Phase On The Loss Of The Liquid Phase In Melt Textured Yba2cu3o7-X, William C. Hicks, Fatih Dogan, M. Strasik, A. C. Day, Kevin E. Mccrary

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Platinum is an important additive in YBa₂Cu₃O_7-x [123] powders for melt processing and growth of large, oriented crystals, but its role in liquid loss during the growth cycle is poorly understood. A series of experiments were conducted to determine how platinum effects liquid loss, and to study the solubility limit of platinum in 123. Both atomically mixed and solid state platinum sources were compared. Crystals were grown on a nonreactive setter so that liquid loss could be clearly distinguished by weight from reaction products with the setter. Based on weight loss studies there was little …

Method For Providing Discharge Protection Or Shielding, Ravi F. Saraf

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Funded Proposals

Electrostatic discharge protection and electromagnetic interference shielding is provided by applying to a dielectric substrate a composition comprising a polymeric matrix and a conductive filler component. The conductive filler component comprises electrically conductive metal particles and at least one electrically conducting polymer.

Electroluminescent Illumination System, Dirk J. Broer, David Braun, Antonius H.J. Venhuizen, Christianne R.M. De Witz

Electrical Engineering

An illumination system has an active layer which includes an electroluminescent material, the active layer being located between an optically transparent electrode layer and a reflective electrode layer. A reflective polarizer is present at a side of the transparent electrode layer facing away from the active layer. A sub-beam incident on the polarizer and having an unwanted polarization is reflected back to the active layer, where it is again partially depolarized to recover a component having the desired state of polarization. The invention also relates to a flat-panel picture display device which includes such an illumination system.

The Effectiveness Of An On-Line Graduate Engineering Management Course, Rosemarie Maffei Evans, Madison Daily, Susan L. Murray

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In the summer of 1997, the Engineering Management Department of the University of Missouri-Rolla's (UMR) began offering its first Internet-based graduate level course. This course, Advanced Production Management, was designed to utilize a combination of Internet-based tools, such as EMail and Chat rooms to create a alternative means for the delivery of course material. This paper will draw these following conclusions from more than a year of research, which included over 100 students in six different course offerings. First, the Internet-based students performed equally as well as the control group students. Second, students tend to have exaggerated time requirement expectations …

Triangulation Rangefinder And Sight Positioning System, Jeffrey Hargrove, William G. Wickham, John E. Briggs

Mechanical Engineering Patents

A rangefinder includes an angle sensitive transducer and a programmed data processor to calculate the distance to a target. In one embodiment, the rangefinder also includes a point-to-point measuring device. Another embodiment provides a linear actuator to selectively move a sight indicator vertically. A yet additional embodiment includes a liquid crystal display which displays information to the user.

Environmental Applications Of Gps, Samuel A. Vigil, Dora Zueck

Civil and Environmental Engineering

The use of the Global Positioning System (GPS) has revolutionized air travel, ocean navigation, land navigation, and the collection of environmental data. Although a basic civilian GPS receiver can be purchased for as little as $100, the receiver is only the tip of a 12 billion dollar iceberg! This paper will discuss the history and basic operation of the Global Positioning System, a satellite-based precision positioning and timing service developed and operated by the Department of Defense. It will also describe the accuracy limitations of the civil GPS service and how accuracy can be enhanced by the use of differential …

Application Of Noise Control In Environmental Engineering Education, Harold M. Cota, Kristy Grace

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Noise control is both a factor in the health and safety of those in the workplace and in the annoyance and interference of the quality of life at home. This falls squarely in the realm of the Environmental Engineering Profession. Noise, its effects and control, is an important element of a few Graduate Environmental Engineering Programs, but it does not have a role in most undergraduate programs. One objective of this paper is to demonstrate that noise is an issue needing to be addressed in Environmental Engineering Programs and to suggest that making it a requirement at the undergraduate level …

Early Experimentation With Civil Engineering Materials, James L. Hanson

Civil and Environmental Engineering

A new project-based teaching method emphasizing laboratory experimentation is being used at Lawrence Technological University. It has excited and energized the students about civil engineering applications. Engineering concepts are introduced early in the students’ academic careers using civil engineering materials. Laboratory activities related to a Civil Engineering Materials course are being used for outreach, recruitment, and an intensive laboratory experience. A departmental effort has included supporting an outreach program and expanding a freshman CE Materials course. This new teaching method has affected and complemented university recruitment and retention efforts. The course introduces incoming students to engineering analysis and the basic …