Engineering Commons^™

Texture, Microstructure And Formability Of Aluminum Alloys, Xiang-Ming Cheng

University of Kentucky Doctoral Dissertations

Texture, microstructure and formability were studied in Direct Chill Cast (DC) and Strip Cast (SC) aluminum alloys with regard to crystallographic anisotropy, the Portevin-Le Chatelier effect and aging softening behavior. It was found that material properties change greatly with manufacturing processes (DC vs. SC) and chemical composition (3xxx vs. 5 xxx alloys). DC cast hot band materials are usually fully recrystallized and have strong softening textures while SC hot band materials have a rolling structure with strong deformation textures. Softening textures cause 90 earing while deformation textures result in 45 earing after deep drawing. During cold rolling, 90 earing in …

Advantages Of Using Fuzzy Class Memberships In Self-Organizing Map And Support Vector Machines, Sunghwan Sohn, Cihan H. Dagli

Engineering Management and Systems Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The self-organizing map (SOM) is naturally unsupervised learning, but if a class label is known, it can be used as the classifier. In a SOM classifier, each neuron is assigned a class label based on the maximum class frequency and classified by a nearest neighbor strategy. The drawback when using this strategy is that each pattern is treated by equal importance in counting class frequency regardless of its typicalness. For this reason, the fuzzy class membership can be used instead of crisp class frequency and this fuzzy membership-label neuron provides another perspective of a feature map. This fuzzy class membership …

Isolated Ramp Metering Feedback Control Utilizing Mixed Sensitivity For Desired Mainline Density And The Ramp Queues, Pushkin Kachroo, Kaan Ozbay, Donald E. Grove

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

This paper presents a feedback control design for isolated ramp metering control. This feedback control design, unlike the existing isolated feedback ramp controllers, also takes into account the ramp queue length. Using a nonlinear H∞ control design methodology, we formulate the problem in the desired setting to be able to utilize the results of the methodology.

Meeting The Needs Of Industry: Development Of A Microcontroller Course For Mechanical Engineers, W. G. Culbreth

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

An Interactive Visual Environment For Scientific Problem Solving, Georg F. Mauer

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Modeling, Fabrication, And Optimization Of Niobium Cavities: Phase I, Robert A. Schill Jr., Mohamed Trabia

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

Niobium cavities are important parts of the integrated NC/SC high-power linacs. Over the years, researchers in several countries have tested various cavity shapes. They concluded that elliptically shaped cells and buffered chemical polishing produce good performance. The objective of the proposed research is to maximize the performance of the niobium cavities through studying multipacting, studying the effect of chemical etching on the surface roughness, and redesigning the cavities.

The US Congress has recently authorized exploring an alternative way to deal with spent nuclear fuel: Accelerator Transmuting of Waste (ATW). In this approach, a particle accelerator produces protons that react with …

Experimental Investigation Of Steel Corrosion In Lead Bismuth Eutectic (Lbe): Characterization, Species Identification, And Chemical Reactions, John Farley, Dale L. Perry

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The goal of the present research is to achieve a basic understanding of corrosion of steels by Lead Bismuth Eutectic (LBE). Liquid LBE is under consideration in the transmuter as both a coolant and a target material. There have been studies of LBE, especially by the Russians, but a fundamental understanding and verification of its role in the corrosion of steels is still very 2 incomplete. Post-experiment testing and analysis will be performed on steel samples that have been in intimate contact with LBE. Chemical alterations and resulting chemical species will be measured at the steel surface. Techniques to be …

System Security In An Open Lab Environment, Erik Quist

Masters Theses

This thesis presents a system security process for computer workstations in a university open lab environment, which was developed and implemented for the Lumpkin Hall Computer Labs at Eastern Illinois University (EIU). The system security includes the use of policies and NTFS permissions, registry hacks and script files. These techniques were applied to a mixture of Windows NT 4.0 service pack 6a and Windows 2000 Professional workstations in the Lumpkin Hall Computer Labs. They were then tested for appropriate security setup using a Network Security Checksheet and a survey. The Network Security Checksheet ensured that all of the workstations were …

Effects Of Compression Processing Parameters And Antioxidants On Molecular Degradation Of Biodegradable Poly-L-Lactide (Plla), Thomas J. Hannan Jr.

Masters Theses

The purpose of this research was to find a combination of poly (L-lactic acid), also known as poly-L-lactide or (PLLA) and antioxidants that would, together, produce a product whose degradation rate would be advantageous for use in biodegradable medical implants. Intrinsic viscosity tests were conducted on compression molded samples of PLLA that were molded at various processing parameters in order to find optimal parameters. The optimal processing parameters were found to be time 10 minutes, temperature 220°C, and pressure 1000 psi.

The molecular weight of PLLA sample was taken while pressure, time, and temperature were varied. As pressure increased, no …

Modal Rules Are Co-Implications, Alexander Kurz

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

In [13], it was shown that modal logic for coalgebras dualises—concerning definability— equational logic for algebras. This paper establishes that, similarly, modal rules dualise implications:It is shown that a class of coalgebras is definable by modal rules iff it is closed under H (images) and Σ (disjoint unions). As a corollary the expressive power of rules of infinitary modal logic on Kripke frames is characterised.

Processing Algorithms For Tracking Speckle Shifts In Optical Elastography Of Biological Tissues, Donald D. Duncan, Sean J. Kirkpatrick

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Parametric and nonparametric data processing schemes for analyzing translating laser speckle data used to investigate the mechanical behavior of biological tissues are examined. Crosscorrelation, minimum mean square estimator, maximum likelihood, and maximum entropy approaches are discussed and compared on speckle data derived from cortical bone samples undergoing dynamic loading. While it was not the purpose of this paper to demonstrate that one processing technique is superior to another, maximum likelihood and maximum entropy approaches are shown to be particularly useful when the observed speckle motion is small.

Regularity And Symmetry As A Base For Efficient Realization Of Reversible Logic Circuits, Marek Perkowski, Pawel Kerntopf, Andrzej Buller, Malgorzata Chrzanowska-Jeske, Alan Mishchenko, Xiaoyu Song, Anas Al-Rabadi, Lech Jozwiak, Alan Coppola

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

We introduce a Reversible Programmable Gate Array (RPGA) based on regular structure to realize binary functions in reversible logic. This structure, called a 2 * 2 Net Structure, allows for more efficient realization of symmetric functions than the methods shown by previous authors. In addition, it realizes many non-symmetric functions even without variable repetition. Our synthesis method to RPGAs allows to realize arbitrary symmetric function in a completely regular structure of reversible gates with smaller “garbage” than the previously presented papers. Because every Boolean function is symmetrizable by repeating input variables, our method is applicable to arbitrary multi-input, multi-output Boolean …

Novel Image Enhancement Technique Using Shunting Inhibitory Cellular Neural Networks, Tarik Hammadou, Abdesselam Bouzerdoum

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper describes a method for improving image quality in a color CMOS image sensor. The technique simultaneously acts to compress the dynamic range, reorganize the signal to improve visibility, suppress noise, identify local features, achieve color constancy, and lightness rendition. An efficient hardware architecture and a rigorous analysis of the different modules are presented to achieve high quality CMOS digital cameras

Classification Of Bandlimited Fsk4 And Fsk8 Signals, Visalakshi Ramakonar, Daryoush Habibi, Abdesselam Bouzerdoum

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper compares two types of classifiers applied to bandlimited FSK4 and FSK8 signals. The first classifier employs the decision-theoretic approach and the second classifier is a neural network structure. Key features are extracted using a zero crossing sampler. A novel decision tree is proposed and optimum threshold values are found for the decision theoretic approach. For the neural network, the optimum structure is found to be the smallest structure to give 100% overall success rate. The performance of the both classifiers has been evaluated by simulating bandlimited FSK4 and FSK8 signals corrupted by Gaussian noise. It is shown that …

A Wide Dynamic Range Cmos Imager With Extended Shunting Inhibition Image Processing Capabilities, Farid Boussaid, Amine Bermak, Abdesselam Bouzerdoum

Research outputs pre 2011

A CMOS imager based on a novel mixed-mode VLSI implementation of biologically inspired shunting inhibition vision models is presented. It can achieve a wide range of image processing tasks such as image enhancement or edge detection via a programmable shunting inhibition processor. Its most important feature is a gain control mechanism allowing local and global adaptation to the mean input light intensity. This feature is shown to be very suitable for wide dynamic range imagers

Skin Colour Based Face Detection, Son Lam Phung, Douglas K. Chai, Abdesselam Bouzerdoum

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper describes a new approach to face detection. A colour input image is first processed using neural networks to detect skin regions in the image. Each neural network separates skin and non-skin pixels on the basis of chrominance information. The skin-colour classifier employs the committee machine technique, which improves skin colour detection by combining the classification results of a set of multilayer perceptrons (MLPs). The skin colour classifier achieves a classification rate of 84% compared to 81% for the best individual MLP classifier. The output of the committee machine is processed by a 2D smoothing filter before being converted …

Image Compression Using A Stochastic Competitive Learning Algorithm (Scola), Abdesselam Bouzerdoum

Research outputs pre 2011

We introduce a new stochastic competitive learning algorithm (SCoLA) and apply it to vector quantization for image compression. In competitive learning, the training process involves presenting, simultaneously, an input vector to each of the competing neurons, which then compare the input vector to their own weight vectors and one of them is declared the winner based on some deterministic distortion measure. Here a stochastic criterion is used for selecting the winning neuron, whose weights are then updated to become more like the input vector. The performance of the new algorithm is compared to that of frequency-sensitive competitive learning (FSCL); it …

Skin Color Detection For Face Localization In Human-Machine Communications, Douglas Chai, Son Lam Phung, Abdesselam Bouzerdoum

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper presents the proposed user interface design for computers whereby users can navigate in a 3D graphics scene and change camera viewpoint via head movement. This human-machine communication relies very much on the performance of its face localization module, which must determine head pose and track head movement. We have employed the skin color detection approach to face localization. The approach is studied and presented. The experimental results show that our chosen methodology is very effective. Furthermore, we demonstrate that skin color detection approach can cope with the variations of skin color and lighting conditions

Application Of Shunting Inhibitory Artificial Neural Networks To Medical Diagnosis, Ganesh Arulampalam, Abdesselam Bouzerdoum

Research outputs pre 2011

Shunting inhibitory artificial neural networks (SIANNs) are biologically inspired networks in which the neurons interact among each other via a nonlinear mechanism called shunting inhibition. Since they are high-order networks, SIANNs are capable of producing complex, nonlinear decision boundaries. In this article, feedforward SIANNs are applied to several medical diagnosis problems and the results are compared with those obtained using multilayer perceptrons (MLPs). First, the structure of feedforward SIANNs is presented. Then, these networks are applied to some standard medical classification problems, namely the Pima Indians diabetes and Wisconsin breast cancer classification problems. The SIANN performance compares favourably with that …

A Compact Multi-Chip-Module Implementation Of A Multi-Precision Neural Network Classifier, Amine Bermak, Dominique Martinez

Research outputs pre 2011

This paper describes a novel MCM digital implementation of a reconfigurable multi-precision neural network classifier. The design is based on a scalable systolic architecture with a user defined topology and arithmetic precision of the neural network. Indeed, the MCM integrates 64/32/16 neurons with a corresponding accuracy of 4/8/16-bits. A prototype has been designed and successfully tested in CMOS 0.7 μm technology

Knowledge-Based Genetic Algorithm For Layer Assignment, Maolin Tang, Kamran Eshraghian, Daryoush Habibi

Research outputs pre 2011

Layer assignment is an important post-layout optimization technique in very large scale integrated circuit (VLSI) layout automation. It re-assigns wire segments in a routing solution to appropriate layers to achieve certain optimization objectives. The paper focuses on investigating the layer assignment problem with application to via minimization, which is known to be NP-complete. A knowledge based genetic algorithm for the layer assignment problem is proposed, with the aim of utilizing domain specific knowledge to speed up the process of evolution and to improve the quality of solutions. Experimental results show that this knowledge based genetic algorithm can consistently produce the …

An Intelligent Imaging Approach To The Identification Of Forensic Ballistics Specimens, Clifton L. Smith

Research outputs pre 2011

The characteristic markings on the cartridge and projectile of a bullet fired from a gun can be recognised as a "fingerprint" for identification of the firearm. Over thirty different features can be distinguished. The intelligent imaging of the class characteristics of ballistics specimens will provide the potential to identify the make and model of the firearm. Precise measurement of features allow ballistics metrics to be obtained for the identification of the weapon. This paper will describe progress in the development of a multidimensional cluster analysis model for forensic ballistics specimens. The cluster analysis will provide classification that is based on …

Applying E-Commerce Techniques To Public School Software, Michael Lapke

UNF Graduate Theses and Dissertations

Applying e-commerce technology to public school software is a process that involves an extensive and thorough analysis. There are typically three groups of users who would use such a system: teachers, administrators and parents. Teachers need a system that nearly duplicates the software that they are currently using to enter, store, and calculate their grades, while school administrators and parents need to student and teacher's information. This is where the use of e-commerce technology comes in very nicely.

The analysis performed for this project involved extensive interviews with the expert user set and a walk-through of the current system. The …

Remediation Simulation/Optimization Demonstrations, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Applications of simulation/optimization (S/0) software to develop contamination remediation strategies include formal remediation optimization using heads and gradients (hydraulics-based) and concentrations (risk-based) constraints. The six reported cases involve pump and treat systems, or pump, treat and re-inject systems, together termed PAT systems. We used S/0 modeling to perform hydraulic optimization for two of the sites and transport optimization for four. For four of the six sites, other parties used normal simulation (S) modeling alone to develop pumping strategies. Comparing the S/0 model-developed strategies with the S model-developed strategies showed S/0 modeling benefits ranging up to: (a) 25 percent reduction in …

Simulation/Optimization Applications And Software For Optimal Ground-Water And Conjunctive Water Management, Richard C. Peralta

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

Diverse water management simulation/optimization (S/O) experiences promoted the development of many S/O modeling approaches and models. Several of these are being incorporated within the Simulation/Optimization Modeling System (SOMOS). Non-modeler water scientists or engineers can apply one SOMOS module to optimize field-scale groundwater and conjunctive water management. Experienced groundwater modelers can apply other modules to optimally manage complex heterogeneous aquifer and stream-aquifer systems. SOMOS employs a variety of simulation models and approaches and optimization algorithms to optimize flow and contaminant management. SOMOS or its precursor modules have been well proven in real-world projects. Designed for use by consultants, students, academics, and …

Boron-Doped Homoepitaxial Diamond (100) Film Investigated By Scanning Tunneling Microscopy, Bing Xiao, Weihai Fu, Sacharia Albin, Jason Moulton, John Cooper

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Conducting epitaxial diamond films of high quality are essential for many diamond studies and diamond electronic device fabrication. We have grown boron-doped epitaxial diamond films on type Ila natural diamond (100) substrates by microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition. A gas mixture of H₂/CH₄ was used. Boron doping was done by placing solid sources of pure boron in the microwave plasma. Homoepitaxial films with atomic smoothness were achieved under the following growth conditions: substrate temperature 900 °C, gas pressure 40 Torr, and gas flow rates of H₂/CH₄ = 900/7.2 seem. The growth rate was 0.87 …

Gulfstream Aerospace Aircraft Static Position Utility, Mark Eugene Ray

College of Graduate Studies: Theses & Dissertations (1964–2006)

My research project implements a Java based utility developed for commercial application by Gulfstream Aerospace employees and customers to determine static position data of Gulfstream aircraft. The static position data includes aircraft attitude, nose and main landing gear loads and aircraft ground clearance data.

The previous methods used to obtain this data were a family of spreadsheets. The spreadsheet solution has proven to be awkward and inaccessible for providing the required data. Therefore, Gulfstream Aerospace Management approved the design and implementation of a new aircraft static position utility.

The new utility is identified as the Gulfstream Aircraft Static Position (GASP) …

A Noninvasive Test For Vesico-Ureteric Reflux In Children, R. A. Mevorach, B. Cilento, S. Zahorian, C. Badgett, R. Walker, A. Atala, S. Iannello, M. Meyer

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Objective To report the development and testing of a device for the noninvasive diagnosis of vesico‐ureteric reflux (VUR) which avoids the need for urethral catheterization (currently required to reliably determine the presence of VUR), and which thus avoids the anxiety of parents and patients that causes many families to refuse such evaluation.

Patients and methods Fifty‐four children (49 girls and five boys, mean age 7.2 years, range 4–14) previously evaluated as having VUR volunteered to participate; no child was symptomatic at the time of the study. Refluxing units were known to be present by voiding cysto‐urethrography (within 1 year, mean …

Optical Properties Of Wide Band Gap Indium Sulphide Thin Films Obtained By Physical Vapor Deposition, N. Barreau, S. Marsillac, J. C. Bernède, T. Ben Nasrallah, S. Belgacem

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Thin films of indium sulphide containing oxygen have been synthesized following a dry physical process. The constituents are deposited by thermal evaporation on glass substrates and then annealed under argon flow. Polycrystalline β-In₂S₃ containing oxygen thin films are obtained as soon as the temperature of annealing is between 623 and 723 K. In this paper, these β-In₂S₃ thin films have optically been studied. The optical band gap is direct. Its value is not dependent on the temperature of annealing. It is about 2.8 eV, which is higher than that of β-In₂S_{3 …}

A New Compensating Element For A Femtosecond Photoelectron Gun, Bao-Liang Qian, Hani E. Elsayed-Ali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Design and analysis of a new compensating element for improving the electron pulse front and compressing the pulse duration in a femtosecond photoelectron gun are described. The compensating element is a small metallic cylindrical cavity in which an external voltage is applied in such a way that a special electric field forms and interacts with the electron pulse. This electric field reduces the distances between the faster and slower electrons inside the cavity and efficiently compensates for electron pulse broadening caused by the photoelectron energy spread and space charge effects. Poisson's equation and the equation of motion are solved to …