Engineering Commons^™

A Shape-Based Approach To Change Detection Of Lakes Using Time Series Remote Sensing Images, Jiang Li, Ram M. Narayanan

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Shape analysis has not been considered in remote sensing as extensively as in other pattern recognition applications. However, shapes such as those of geometric patterns in agriculture and irregular boundaries of lakes can be extracted from the remotely sensed imagery even at relatively coarse spatial resolutions. This paper presents a procedure for efficiently retrieving and representing shapes of interesting features in remotely sensed imagery using supervised classification, object recognition, parametric contour tracing, and proposed piecewise linear polygonal approximation techniques. In addition, shape similarity can be measured by means of a computationally efficient metric. The study was conducted on a time …

United States Patent Application Publication: Divide And Conquer System And Method Of Dna Sequence Assembly, Khalid Sayood, Hasan H. Otu

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

The present invention provides a new algorithm for assembling fragments from a long DNA sequence. The algorithm of the invention Solves simultaneously fragment assembly-related problems. Such as the fragment orientation, overlap and layout phases. This is achieved by clustering fragments with respect to their Average Mutual Information (AMI) profiles using the k-means algorithm.

Antenna Selection Scheme For Wireless Channels Utilizing Differential Space-Time Modulation, Le Chung Tran, Tadeusz A. Wysocki

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications (to 2015)

In this paper, the authors prove that the differential space-time modulation techniques proposed in literature provide a full spatial diversity. Based on that, the authors propose an antenna selection scheme called general N-out-of-M antenna selection technique for wireless communications channels utilizing differential space-time modulation. The simulation shows that differential detection associated with our proposed technique provides much better bit error performance over that without antenna selection, and even over coherent detection without antenna selection at certain signal-to-noise ratios.

Displacement Based Route Update Strategies For Proactive Routing Protocols In Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, Mehran Abolhasan, Tadeusz Wysocki

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications (to 2015)

This paper presents a new route update strategy for performing proactive route discovery in Mobile Ad hoc Networks (MANETs). In this strategy, the rate at which route updates are sent into the network is controlled by how often a node changes its location by a required distance. We refer to this updating strategy as Minimum Displacement Update Routing (MDUR). We implemented MDUR on top of the Fisheye State Routing (FSR) protocol and investigated its performance by simulation. The simulations where performed in a number of different scenarios, with varied network mobility, density, traffic and boundary. Our results indicate that MDUR …

Convolutional Interleaver For Unequal Error Protection Of Turbo Codes, Sina Vafi, Tadeusz A. Wysocki, Ian Burnett

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications (to 2015)

This paper describes construction of a convolutional interleaver as a block interleaver and discusses its application to turbo codes with equal and unequal error protection techniques. Based on simulations, different convolutional interleaver structures suitable for turbo codes with unequal error protection capability are suggested. Finally, based on conducted simulations the best method is selected.

A Model For Integrating Construction Design And Schedule Data, Zhigang Shen, Raja R. A. Issa, William O'Brien

Department of Construction Engineering and Management: Faculty Publications

The difficulty of timely retrieval of useful information from heterogeneous data sources is a major cause of low productivity in the construction industry. The goal of this research is to provide a new methodology to handle the data-heterogeneity problems encountered in a construction project. This research proposes a tree-structured product model, which binds design knowledge, cost data and schedule data together, as a feasible solution for the data integration problem in construction projects. The methodology uses the knowledge representation of construction projects based on an ontology. Metadata are used to describe the conceptual structure of the project knowledge. The concept …

Alloy States In Dilute Gaas1-XNX Alloys (X<1%), X. D. Luo, Jinsong Huang, Z. Y. Xu, C. L. Yang, J. Liu, W. K. Ge, Y. Zhang, A. Mascarenhas, H. P. Xin, C. W. Tu

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

A set of GaAs_1-xN_x samples with small nitrogen composition (x<1%) were investigated by continuous-wave photoluminescence (PL), pulse-wave excitation PL, and time-resolved PL. In the PL spectra, an extra transition located at the higher-energy side of the commonly reported N-related emissions was observed. By measuring the PL dependence on temperature and excitation power, the PL peak was identified as a transition of alloy band edge-related recombination in GaAsN. The PL dynamics further confirms its intrinsic nature as being associated with the band edge rather than N-related bound states.

U.S. Fish And Wildlife Service 2003 Amendment To The 2000 Biological Opinion On The Operation Of The Missouri River Main Stem Reservoir System, Operation And Maintenance Of The Missouri River Bank Stabilization And Navigation Project, And Operation Of The Kansas River Reservoir System

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

In 1989, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Corps) initiated consulation with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) regarding operation of the Missouri River Main Stem Reservoir System.  The species covered were the endangered Interior least tern (Sterna antillarum), threatened Northern Great Plains piping plover (Charadrius melodus), and the endangered bald eagle (Hallaeetus leucocehpalus).  Subsequently, the pallid sturgeon (Seaphirhynchus alba) was listed as endangered in 1990.  The bald eagle is now a threatened species proposed for delisting.

Consultation between the Corps and the Service in 2000 covered operations of the Missouri …

Implementation Of The Biological Opinion For The Missouri River Mainstem System, Missouri River Bank Stabilization And Navigation Project, And Kansas River Reservoir System

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

The Endangered Species Act (ESA) requires that the Corps of Engineers (Corps), in coordination with the appropriate resource agencies, will ensure that any action authorized, funded, or carried out is not likely to jeopardize the continued existence of any federally listed threatened or endangered species or result in the destruction or adverse modification of critical habitat. On November 30, 2000, formal consultation between the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and the Corps under Section 7 of the ESA culminated with the "Biological Opinion on the Operation of the Missouri River Main Stem System, Operation and Maintenance ofthe Missouri River …

Effect Of Combined Metal-Carbon Additions On The Microstructure And Structure Of Sm2fe17, B. E. Meacham, Jeffrey E. Shield

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

The effect of combined alloying additions on the structure and scale of rapidly solidified Sm–Fe alloys was investigated. Transition metal additions tend to promote the formation of the disordered TbCu₇-type structure in Sm₂Fe₁₇ alloys, as determined by monitoring the long-range order parameter. Essentially no order was observed for M = Ti, Zr, V, or Nb. Thus, the structure was close to the prototypical TbCu₇-type structure. With M = Si, a large amount of order was observed (S = 0.62), resulting in a structure closer to the well-ordered Th₂Zn₁₇-type. The …

Production Of Fine Nd-Fe-B Alloy Powder By Pulsed Plasma Atomization, Jeffrey E. Shield, S. Christensen, R. W. Kincaid, F. D. Witherspoon

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

Extremely fine (<10 >μm) Nd-Fe-B powder was generated by pulsed plasma atomization processing. The number average was just over 3 μm, as determined by computer-assisted scanning electron microscopy analysis of almost 3000 particles. Despite the fine particle size, alloys of stoichiometric Nd₂Fe₁₄B resulted in the properitectic formation of α-Fe, deleteriously affecting the magnetic properties. Nevertheless, this work shows the possibility of generating extremely fine, isotropic powder for bonded and hybrid magnet applications.

Application And Performance Of Constructed Wetlands For Runoff From Small Open Lots, C. G. Henry, J. P. Harner Iii, T. D. Strahm, M. A. Reynolds

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Presentations and White Papers

Vegetative systems have long been studied and evaluated as alternatives to conventional storage, treatment, and land application systems. This paper discusses the application of vegetative systems, primarily constructed wetlands, as a runoff treatment technology for small livestock operations. The approach used for two small dairies and one beef cattle feedlot is discussed. Cost data for these operations is included as well as nutrient reduction performance results from a three year sampling period for the KS Dairy.

Molecular Dynamics Of Soy-Protein Isolate Films Plasticized By Water And Glycerol, S.-G. Choi, K. M. Kim, Milford Hanna, Curtis L. Weller, W. L. Kerr

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The effects of water and glycerol on the molecular mobility of a soy-protein isolate (SPI)-based film were investigated using ¹H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). SPI-films were prepared with different glycerol contents and equilibrated to various levels of water activity (a_w). The distributed transverse relaxation of film samples showed 2 distinct components: a solid-like fraction (T_2s*) and a liquid-like fraction (T_2m*). The peak T_2s* values of films with lower glycerol concentration were more sensitive to variation in aw. As a_w increased, the change of solid-like to liquid-like fraction was observed in …

Influence Of Sorghum Wax, Glycerin, And Sorbitol On Physical Properties Of Soy Protein Isolate Films, Ki Myong Kim, David B. Marx, Curtis Weller, Milford Hanna

Department of Agricultural and Biological Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Sorghum wax, sorbitol, glycerin, and soy protein isolate (SPI) composite films were prepared. Effects of sorghum wax, sorbitol, and glycerin concentrations on various films were evaluated using response surface methodology. All independent variables significantly (P < 0.05) affected film water vapor permeability (WVP), tensile strength (TS), elongation at break (E), total color difference, and total soluble matter (TSM). Increasing the sorghum wax concentration decreased WVP and E. As sorbitol content increased in the composite films, WVP and TS increased. Sorbitol had a critical point of 2–5 g/5 g SPI for low values of TSM. The addition of sorbitol contributed more to the properties of the film than did glycerin.

Effects Of Oxide Coating And Selected Cations On Nitrate Reduction By Iron Metal, Yong H. Huang, Tian Zhang, Patrick J. Shea, Steve D. Comfort

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

Under anoxic conditions, zerovalent iron (Fe⁰) reduces nitrate to and magnetite (Fe₃O₄) is produced at near-neutral pH. removal was most rapid at low pH (2–4); however, the formation of a black oxide film at pH 5 to 8 temporarily halted or slowed reaction unless the system was augmented with Fe²⁺, Cu²⁺, or Al³⁺. Bathing the corroding Fe⁰ in a Fe²⁺ solution greatly enhanced nitrate reduction at near-neutral pH and coincided with the formation of a black precipitate. X-ray diffractometry and scanning electron microscopy confirmed that both …

Recent Advances In Solid Hydrogen Storage Systems, B. S. Chao, R. C. Young, V. Myasnikov, Y. Li, F. Gingl, Patrick D. Ferro, V. Sobolev, S. R. Ovshinsky

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Scholarship

Hydrogen energy offers great promise as an energy alternative. Hydrogen technologies can reduce and eliminate the release of carbon dioxide from fossil-fuel combustion, the main cause of global warming. One of the main challenges is hydrogen storage. Storing hydrogen in the solid-state hydride form holds a volumetric advantage over compressed and liquid hydrogen states. Solid hydrogen storage systems also have features of low-pressure operation, compactness, safety, tailorable delivery pressure, excellent absorption /desorption kinetics, modular design for easy scalability, and long cycle life.

In this paper, solid hydrogen storage systems (such as portable power canisters, lightweight fiber wrapped vessels, and aluminum …

Theoretical Analysis For Obtaining Physical Properties Of Composite Electrodes, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, John W. Weidner, Thomas A. Zawodzinski, Andrew P. Saab

Faculty Publications

A theoretical analysis is presented that allows in situ measurements of the physical properties of a composite electrode, namely, the electronic conductivity, the ionic conductivity, the exchange-current density, and the double-layer capacitance. Use is made of the current-voltage responses of the composite electrode to dc and ac polarizations under three different experimental configurations. This analysis allows the physical properties to be obtained even when the various resistances in the composite (e.g., ionic, electronic, and charge-transfer) are of comparable values.

Modeling Heat Conduction In Spiral Geometries, Parthasarathy M. Gomadam, Ralph E. White, John W. Weidner

Faculty Publications

A two-dimensional (2-D) energy balance (the 2D model) is reduced to a one-dimensioanl (1-D) energy balance (the 1D-radial-spiral model) by a coordinate transformation approach. The 1D-radial-spiral model, even though 1-D, captures both radial and spiral heat conductions over a wide range of design parameters. By comparing the temperature predictions of the 1D-radial-spiral model and the 2D model, parameter ranges were identified where spiral conduction was important and where the 1D-radial-spiral model held. The 1D-radial-spiral model provided a sixtyfold savings in computation time over the 2D model. When coupled to electrochemistry, the 2D model took approximately 20 h to simulate a …

Analysis Of Molten Carbonate Fuel Cell Performance Using A Three-Phase Homogeneous Model, N. Subramanian, B. S. Haran, P. Ganesan, Ralph E. White, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

In this study a three-phase homogeneous model was developed to simulate the performance of the molten carbonate fuel cell (MCFC) cathode. The homogeneous model is based on volume averaging of different variables in the three phases over a small volume element. This approach can be used to model porous electrodes as it represents the real system much better than the conventional agglomerate model. Using the homogeneous model the polarization characteristics of the MCFC cathode was studied under different operating conditions.

A Mathematical Model Of Oxide/Carbon Composite Electrode For Supercapacitors, Hansung Kim, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

A pseudo two-dimensional model is developed for the general application of supercapacitors consisting of an oxide/carbon composite electrode. The model takes into account the diffusion of protons in the oxide particle by employing the method of superposition. RuO₂/carbon system is modeled as a specific example. From the simulation data, it is found that the oxide particle size and proton diffusion coefficient have an enormous effect on the performance at high discharge rate due to the limitation of proton transport into RuO₂ particles. With increasing carbon ratio, the porosity of electrode increases, which causes the potential drop in …

A Novel Electrodeposition Process For Plating Zn-Ni-Cd Alloys, Hansung Kim, Branko N. Popov, Ken S. Chen

Faculty Publications

Zn-Ni-Cd alloy was electrodeposited from an alkaline electrolytic bath under potentiostatic conditions. Bath analyses using a pH concentration diagram reveal that addition of a complexing agent is essential to maintain the bath stability. Introduction of a low concentration of CdSO₄ reduces the anomalous nature of the Zn-Ni deposit. Deposits obtained from the electrolytic bath which contains 60 g/L of ZnSO₄·7H₂O, 40 g/L of NiSO₄·6H₂O, 1 g/L of CdSO₄, and 80 g/L of (NH₄)₂SO₄ in the presence of additives and ammonium hydroxide at pH 9.3 …

Consensus Software: Robustness And Social Good, Michael N. Huhns

Faculty Publications

In this column I explore some far-reaching issues of software development that lie at the intersection of robust software and sociopolitical systems. These two areas might seem unrelated-and most software developers would likely be horrified to have politics intrude on their programming efforts-but the intersection occurs through these premises: software systems administer and control much of our societal infrastructure; people would appreciate and better accept that control if they had input into the nature of the control and the systems' behavior; designers can make software systems more robust through redundancy, in which different versions of software components might cover for …

A University Wide Smart Card System, Philip Cummins

Theses : Honours

Presently, many tertiary educational institutions utilise card technologies for staff and student identification and the support of other related services within the institution. A new type of card technology has been developed known as a Smart Card, where an existing plastic card has an embedded integrated circuit and is capable of expanding the range of applications and services capable within an institution. This thesis will detail the advantages that these new Smart Cards have over existing institution cards, detail other institution's attempts to use Smart Cards and finally, this thesis proposes a suitable system for integrating Smart Cards into an …

A Multi-Class Suspended Particulate Matter Calibration For Bottom Boundary Layers, Philip M. Orton, David A. Jay, D. J. Wilson

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

We present a multi-class suspended particulate matter (SPM) calibration for use with in situ water sample SPM concentration data and backscatter (or transmission) from one or more acoustic and optical sensors. The output of this calibration is high-resolution SPM concentration data in several discrete settling velocity (Ws) classes. Separately for each sensor, the calibration involves three steps: (1) a calibration of backscatter to total SPM concentration; (2) a decomposition of resulting concentration data into several Wsclasses, utilizing a dynamical vertical SPM profile model; and (3) a sensor bias calibration where water sample concentration data are used to correct for the …

Upper Spokane River Model: Model Calibration, 2001, Chris Berger, Robert Leslie Annear, Benjamin Welle

Civil and Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

The Upper Spokane River system under consideration is located in the Northeastern part of Washington State and runs from the Stateline with Idaho, River mile (RM) 96.0, downstream to Long Lake dam at RM 32.5. Figure 1 shows the river system and an outline the boundaries of the City of Spokane.

The Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) is interested in a water quality model for the Upper Spokane River system for use in developing Total Maximum Daily Loads (TMDLs). As a result, Ecology and the Corps of Engineers funded a study to develop a water quality and hydrodynamic model of …

Manufacturing And Analysis Of A Liga Heat Exchanger For The Surface Of A Tube: A Cooling Simulation Of The Leading Edge Region Of A Turbine Blade, Christophe Marques

LSU Doctoral Dissertations

Fabricating nickel micro heat exchangers directly on planar or non-planar metal surfaces has been demonstrated using the LIGA micromachining process. These heat exchangers can effectively control the temperature of surfaces in high heat flux applications. Of particular interest is the temperature control of gas turbine engine components. The locations in the gas turbine engine where improved, efficient cooling is required includes gas turbine blades, stator vanes, the turbine disk, and the combustor liner. In this dissertation, the primary application of interest is the use of such heat exchangers to cool airfoils such as turbine blades. In the first part of …

An Air-Filter Sensor For Home-Used Air Conditioners, Cheng Y. Lin, Gary R. Crossman, Alok K. Verma

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

This paper presents a successful senior project of instrumentation developed in a Mechanical Engineering Technology senior capstone course. Students were encouraged to approach the problem of designing an air-filter sensor and to propose an optimum and practical solution for the problem. Work includes conceptual design and analysis, implementation, tests and modifications. When an air filter is used in a home air conditioner, inhabitants often forget when to replace it until the cooling or heating capacity is obviously reduced. If the filter remains in service, the efficiency of the cooling/heating system will continue decreasing while the electricity bill will significantly increase. …

Active Learning In Distance Education, Carol Considine, Tony Dean

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

Although there are many strategies for incorporating active learning exercises into the traditional classroom, incorporating active learning exercises in a distance education delivery format is more challenging. Active learning has been shown to enhance student performance and attitudes when used in conjunction with a traditional lecture format.¹ In order for students to be actively involved they must read, write, discuss, problem solve and engage higher-order thinking tasks such as analysis, synthesis, and evaluation.² The implementation of active learning exercises in distance education classes may help establish student rapport and enhance the feeling of community among the students in …

A Matlab-Based Upper Division Systems Analysis Course For Engineering Technology, William D. Stanley, Paul L. Kauffmann, Gary R. Crossman

Engineering Technology Faculty Publications

The Department of Engineering Technology at Old Dominion University offers TAC of ABET accredited baccalaureate programs in Civil Engineering Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, and Mechanical Engineering Technology. All students are required to take traditional courses in algebra and trigonometry, as well as differential and integral calculus, at the freshman and sophomore levels. While these courses provided the necessary basic mathematical skills, it was difficult to justify the traditional upper-division mathematics courses such as differential equations, vector analysis, etc., as appropriate for the special needs of engineering technology students.

To address this issue, the Department has undertaken the development of a …

A Planar Laser-Induced Fluorescence Study On The Effects Of Unsteadiness And Fuel Lewis Number In Hydrogen Laminar Diffusion Flames, Marcos Chaos

Retrospective Theses and Dissertations

Studies on the effect of transport properties coupled with the interaction of fluid dynamics and combustion in acoustically forced laminar hydrogen jet diffusion flames have been performed using the planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) technique. These unsteady diffusion flames are of particular interest because they are reproducible turbulent-like events that can be investigated to gain insight into turbulent combustion. Results reported herein add to the ongoing effort of understanding the complex transport processes taking place in the flames encountered in most modern heat-producing and power-producing devices.

Fuel transport properties (i .e. fuel Lewis number, LeF) were varied by fuel dilution with …