Engineering Commons^™

Design And Development Of A Low-Cost High Range Resolution X-Band Radar, Paul C. Cantu

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) is one of the main tools for microwave remote sensing because of its multi-dimensional high resolution characteristics and the capability to operate in nearly all weather conditions, day and night. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) initiated the design and development of a low-cost airborne SAR in January 2001 to support our Airborne Remote Sensing Program. The objectives of this project are separated into various evolutionary stages. This thesis will focus on the initial phase of design and construction of an X-band high range resolution radar (HRR) using basic RF /microwave and digital components. The following stages …

Learning Real-Time A* Path Planner For Sensing Closely-Spaced Targets From An Aircraft, Jason K. Howlett, Michael A. Goodrich, Timothy W. Mclain

Faculty Publications

This work develops an any-time path planner, based on the learning real-time A* (LRTA*) search, for generating flyable paths that allow an aircraft with a specified sensor footprint to sense a group of closely-spaced targets. The LRTA* algorithm searches a tree of flyable paths for the branch that accomplishes the desired objectives in the shortest distance. The tree of paths is created by assembling primitive turn and straight sections of a specified step size. The operating parameters for the LRTA* search directly influence the running time and path-length performance of the search. A modified LRTA* search is presented that terminates …

Large-Scale Inverse Ku-Band Backscatter Modeling Of Sea Ice, David G. Long, Quinn P. Remund

Faculty Publications

Polar sea ice characteristics provide important inputs to models of several geophysical processes. Microwave scatterometers are ideal for monitoring these regions due to their sensitivity to ice properties and insensitivity to atmospheric distortions. Many forward electromagnetic scattering models have been proposed to predict the normalized radar cross section (σ˚) from sea ice characteristics. These models are based on very small scale ice features and generally assume that the region of interest is spatially homogeneous. Unfortunately, spaceborne scatterometer footprints are very large (5-50 km) and usually contain very heterogeneous mixtures of sea ice surface parameters. In this paper, we use scatterometer …

Solving Multi-Objective Multi-Constrained Optimization Problems Using Hybrid Ants System And Tabu Search, Hoong Chuin Lau, Min Kwang Lim, Wee Chong Wan, Hui Wang, Xiaotao Wu

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Many real-world optimization problems today are multi-objective multi-constraint generalizations of NP-hard problems. A classic case we study in this paper is the Inventory Routing Problem with Time Windows (IRPTW). IRPTW considers inventory costs across multiple instances of Vehicle Routing Problem with Time Windows (VRPTW). The latter is in turn extended with time-windows constraints from the Vehicle Routing Problem (VRP), which is extended with optimal fleet size objective from the single-objective Traveling Salesman Problem (TSP). While single-objective problems like TSP are solved effectively using meta-heuristics, it is not obvious how to cope with the increasing complexity systematically as the problem is …

A Generic Object-Oriented Tabu Search Framework, Hoong Chuin Lau, Wee Chong Wan, Xiaomin Jia

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Presently, most tabu search designers devise their applications without considering the potential of design and code reuse, which consequently prolong the development of subsequent applications. In this paper, we propose a software solution known as Tabu Search Framework (TSF), which is a generic C++ software framework for tabu search implementation. The framework excels in code recycling through the use of a welldesigned set of generic abstract classes that clearly define their collaborative roles in the algorithm. Additionally, the framework incorporates a centralized process and control mechanism that enhances the search with intelligence. This results in a generic framework that is …

Developing A Sensing System For The Measurement Of Oxygen Concentration In Liquid Pb-Bi Eutectic: Quarterly Progress Report (May. 01 – July 31, 2003), Yingtao Jiang, Bingmei Fu, Woosoon Yim

Transmutation Sciences Materials (TRP)

The report for Y01 has been prepared and submitted. The final part of our apparatus, the N3Si4 stirrer, was received by the end of May. The assembly of the apparatus has almost been completed. The control plan for our apparatus has been revised. To run FLUENT, a high-end Unix-based Sun workstation has been acquired. Plan has been made to ship our apparatus to LANL.

Modeling Electromagnetic Wave Propagation In Electrically Large Structures, Jon Wallace

Theses and Dissertations

Existing unified numerical electromagnetic methods are often unable to analyze electrically large structures due to the amount of memory and processing power required, necessitating approximate analyses with limited applicability. In this research a hybrid modeling methodology is adopted to solve these complex problems more efficiently than unified numerical methods and more accurately than analytical methods. Electromagnetic modeling problems are divided into two or more levels of scale. Each level analyzes a specific level of detail and only promotes the required information to the next level. The method is demonstrated by successful application to three important problems: (1) remote sensing of …

Polymethylmethacrylate Augmented With Carbon Nanotubes, David A. Pienkowski, Rodney J. Andrews

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

An augmented synthetic resin is provided. That resin includes carbon nanotubes dispersed in a polymethylmethacrylate matrix. The method of preparing this synthetic resin includes the mixing and disaggregating of the carbon nanotubes.

Formulation Of Solid Body Wash From Dragon Fruit Peel Waste With Pandan Leaf Extract, Anggun Puspitarini Siswanto, Georgius Aldo

ASEAN Journal of Community Engagement

This paper highlights the formulation of dragon fruit waste material for a solid body wash, which arguably contain better substance for skin health. The result of this experiment opens up a possibility to be applied as part of community project, contributing to sustainable environment and healthier lifestyle. Red dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) is a plant originating from a dry tropical climate with a fairly thick peel that accounts for 30%–35% of the fruit’s total weight. The peel is rarely used or reprocessed and thus often becomes waste. The peel’s polyphenol and other important substances component makes it rich …

Local Applications Of The National Livestock And Poultry Environmental Stewardship Curriculum, Diane Huntrods, Richard K. Koelsch, Frank Humenik

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

This paper introduces the LPES curriculum project, summarizing the curriculum development process, the final curriculum materials, and the outreach activities. Following an overview of the LPES Curriculum Impact Survey, the authors will present representative examples of uses and modifications made of the LPES curriculum as it is used with targeted audiences. This model for utilizing national expertise to address state and local educational needs may have benefit in other extension education programs as land grant university resources decrease. The paper concludes with a discussion of lessons learned from this national extension education curriculum development effort.

45th Rocky Mountain Conference On Analytical Chemistry

Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance

Final program, abstracts, and information about the 45th annual meeting of the Rocky Mountain Conference on Analytical Chemistry, co-endorsed by the Colorado Section of the American Chemical Society and the Rocky Mountain Section of the Society for Applied Spectroscopy. Held in Denver, Colorado, July 27-31, 2003.

Special Article. Space Security In A World Of Security And Insecurity, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article provides a theoretical analysis from which a space security expert could appreciate the complexity and richness of the space security challenge.

Value Stream Improvements Using Kanban For The X-Workcell, Jason Noble

Morehead State Theses and Dissertations

A thesis presented to the faculty of the College of Science and Technology at Morehead State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Science by Jason Noble on August 26, 2003.

Cross-Layer Protocols Optimized For Real-Time Multimedia Services In Energy-Constrained Mobile Ad Hoc Networks, William S. Hortos

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

The optimization of cross-layer protocols for real-time multimedia services in energy-constrained mobile ad hoc networks (MANET) was presented. The cross-layer optimization was based on stochastic dynamic programming conditions derived from time-dependent models of MANET packet flows. The performance of the optimized cross-layer protocols was also determined by using dynamic programming conditions.

Analysis And Design Of Surface Micromachined Micromanipulators For Out-Of-Plane Micropositioning, Kimberly A. Jensen

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis introduces two ortho-planar MEMS devices that can be used to position microcomponents: the XZ Micropositioning Mechanism and the XYZ Micromanipulator. The displacement and force relationships are presented. The devices were fabricated using surface micromachining processes and the resulting mechanisms were tested. A compliant XYZ Micromanipulator was also designed to reduce backlash and binding. In addition, several other MEMS positioners were fabricated and tested: the Micropositioning Platform Mechanism (MPM), the Ortho-planar Twisting Micromechanism (OTM), and the Ortho-planar Spring Micromechanism (OSM).

Short Pulse Laser Propagation Through Tissues, Champak Das, Ashish Trivedi, Kunal Mitra, Tuan Vo-Dinh

Biomedical Engineering and Sciences Faculty Publications

An experimental and numerical study is performed to analyze short pulse laser propagation through tissue phantoms without and with inhomogeneities/tumors imbedded in it. Short pulse laser probing techniques has distinct advantages over conventional very large pulse width or cw lasers primarily due to the additional information conveyed about the tissue interior by the temporal variation of the observed signal. Both the scattered temporal transmitted and reflected optical signals are measured experimentally using a streak camera for samples irradiated with a short pulse laser source. Parametric study involving different scattering and absorption coefficients of tissue phantoms and inhomogeneities as well as …

Adaptive Live Video Streaming By Priority Drop, Jie Huang, Charles Krasic, Jonathan Walpole

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper we explore the use of Priority-progress streaming (PPS) for video surveillance applications. PPS is an adaptive streaming technique for the delivery of continuous media over variable bit-rate channels. It is based on the simple idea of reordering media components within a time window into priority order before transmission. The main concern when using PPS for live video streaming is the time delay introduced by reordering. In this paper we describe how PPS can be extended to support live streaming and show that the delay inherent in the approach can be tuned to satisfy a wide range of …

A.M.I.S. And The Partitioning Of Preference, Ted H. Grossardt

Kentucky Transportation Center Presentations

This presentation reviews work by the researchers that combines group dialogic techniques with analytic hierarchy and GIS to bring the knowledge of large groups of people to bear on a highway routing problem. A significant question is how technical knowledge and local information can be combined, either dialogically or mathematically, to provide the most faithful and practical version of a collaborative preference surface, what we call the Analytic Minimum Impedance Surface, or AMIS. While all preferences can be summed directly for this purpose, it may be more accurate and effective to partition the preference contribution to the landscape by knowledge …

Oscillatory Interlayer Exchange Coupling And Its Temperature Dependence In [Pt/Co]3/Nio/[Co/Pt]3 Multilayers With Perpendicular Anisotropy, Z. Y. Liu, Shireen Adenwalla

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: Faculty Publications

Interlayer exchange coupling that oscillates between antiferromagnetic and ferromagnetic as a function of NiO thickness has been observed in [Pt(5 Å)/Co(4 Å)]₃/NiO(t_NiO Å)/[Co(4 Å)/Pt(5 Å)]₃ multilayers with out-of-plane anisotropy. The period of oscillation corresponds to ~2 monolayers of NiO. This oscillatory behavior is possibly attributed to the antiferromagnetic ordering in NiO. The antiferromagnetic interlayer exchange coupling for the 11 Å NiO layer shows an increase in coupling strength with increasing temperature, in agreement with the quantum interference model of Bruno for insulating spacer layers. A coexistence of exchange biasing and antiferromagnetic interlayer exchange coupling has …

Real-Time Adaptive Cancellation Of Satellite Interference In Radio Astronomy, Andrew Joseph Poulsen

Theses and Dissertations

Radio astronomy is the science of observing the heavens at radio frequencies, from a few kHz to approximately 300 GHz. In recent years, radio astronomy has faced a growing interference problem as radio frequency (RF) bandwidth has become an increasingly scarce commodity. A programmable real-time DSP least-mean-square interference canceller was developed and demonstrated as a successful method of excising satellite down-link signals from both an experimental platform at BYU, and the Green Bank Telescope at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in West Virginia. A performance analysis of this cancellation system in the radio astronomy radio frequency interference (RFI) mitigation regime …

Closely Linear Temperature Dependence Of Exchange Bias And Coercivity In Out-Of-Plane Exchange-Biased [Pt/Co] 3/Nio (11 Å) Multilayer, Z.Y. Liu, Shireen Adenwalla

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: Faculty Publications

Strong out-of-plane exchange biasing has been observed in out-of-plane exchange biased [Pt (5 Å)/Co (4 Å)] ₃/NiO (11 Å) multilayer with perpendicular easy axis. Both the exchange field H_E and coercivity H_C display a closely linear temperature dependence except at very low temperatures. A thin NiO layer coated on the top of a Pt/Co multilayer has a great effect on the domain pattern of the Pt/Co multilayer, which is in a more irregular configuration with much smaller domain sizes than the uncoupled Pt/Co multilayer. A simulation according to Malozemoff's random field model gives a good agreement to …

Texture And Residual Stresses On Nanocomposite Coatings, Hussam E. Aikhasawneh

Masters Theses

Nickel was electroplated on cold-rolled 2024-T3 aluminum. The coating was done with reinforcement by nanoparticles of y-alumina or silicon carbide. For comparison, nickel-only coatings were done too. Rectangular samples were coated in nickel sulfamate bath with no particles to determine the optimum coating conditions. The optimized parameters were the current density, time of coating, and agitation rate. After coating conditions were established, composite samples were coated using these conditions. The coated layer was characterized by measuring: thickness, residual stresses, and crystallographic preferred orientation. The coated layer was tested by SEM for evaluation of the quality of the coatings. The presence …

A History Of Space Security, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

This article provides a conceptual infrastructure for thinking about the history of space security.

Development Of Advanced High Temperature Heat Exchangers: Proposal, University Of Nevada, Las Vegas. Research Foundation

Publications (NSTD)

A research team led by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) Research Foundation proposes a project to develop advanced high temperature heat exchangers (HTHX) for hydrogen production and electrical energy conversion from advanced nuclear reactor concepts. This project will also support the development of Generation IV reactors. The research team includes researchers from UNLV, General Atomics (GA), Sandia National Laboratories (SNL), The University of California, Berkeley UCB) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL).

The proposed project will be administered by the University of Nevada Las Vegas Research Foundation (UNLVRF). UNLVRF will provide the overall contract administration and is the …

Uncertainties In Precipitation And Their Impacts On Runoff Estimates, Balazs M. Fekete, Charles J. Vörösmarty, John O. Roads, Cort J. Willmott

Advanced Science Research Center

Water balance calculations are becoming increasingly important for earth-system studies. Precipitation is one of the most critical input variables for such calculations because it is the immediate source of water for the land surface hydrological budget. Numerous precipitation datasets have been developed in the last two decades, but these datasets often show marked differences in their spatial and temporal distribution of this key hydrological variable. This paper compares six monthly precipitation datasets—Climate Research Unit of University of East Anglia (CRU), Willmott–Matsuura (WM), Global Precipitation Climate Center (GPCC), Global Precipitation Climatology Project (GPCP), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission (TRMM), and NCEP–Department of …

Veneer-Based Product And Method Of Manufacture, Laurent Malanda Matuana, Julia A. King

Michigan Tech Patents

A veneer-based product is made of a plurality of veneer layers, a resin binding the layers, and a filler having a high thermal conductivity.

Development Of An Advanced Stem Heating Model, Joshua L. Jones

Theses and Dissertations

A new one-dimensional heat conduction model for predicting stem heating during fires is presented. The model makes use of moisture and temperature dependent thermal properties for bark and wood. Also, the thermal aspects of the processes of bark swelling, desiccation, and devolatilization are treated in an approximate fashion. Simulation with a surface flux boundary condition requires that these phenomena be accounted for. Previous models have used temperature-time boundary conditions, which prevents them from being directly coupled to fire behavior models. This model uses a flux-time profile for its boundary condition, making it possible to eventually couple it to fire behavior …

Micro-Genetic Algorithm Design Of Hybrid Conventional Waveguide And Photonic Crystal Structures, J. Cai, S. Kim, Gregory P. Nordin, J. Jiang

Faculty Publications

We previously proposed the hybrid integration of photonic crystals (PhCs) and conventional index-guided waveguides (CWGs) as a potentially attractive method of realizing compact waveguide elements for large-scale planar lightwave circuits (PLCs). We now examine 90-deg bends and beamsplitters in PhC/CWG structures in which the waveguide core has a high refractive index (3.25) and yet a low refractive index contrast (1.54%) with the clad material. A PhC structure composed of a triangular or square array of air holes is placed at the intersection of input and output waveguides to obtain high efficiency 90-deg bends. We find that diffraction from the boundary …

Efficacy Of Speed Monitoring Displays In Increasing Speed Limit Compliance In Highway Work Zones, Jeanne Marie Bowie

Theses and Dissertations

Safety in highway work zones has become a concern among Departments of Transportation (DOTs) throughout the country as the highway network has begun to age and more maintenance and construction work has been necessary. Safety in highway work zones is more compromised than in other areas for two reasons. First, the construction workers are near traveling vehicles as they perform their already dangerous work, increasing the risk of an accident. Second, the highway user is at increased risk because of the increase in roadside obstacles, because other vehicles are more likely to act in unpredictable ways (such as sudden braking …

North American Specification For The Design Of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members, 2001 Edition, With Incorporation Of Errata No. 1, American Iron And Steel Institute

American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) Specifications, Standards, Manuals and Research Reports (1946 - present)

The material contained herein has been developed by a joint effort of the American Iron and Steel Institute Committee on Specifications, the Canadian Standards Association Technical Committee on Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members (S136), and Camara Nacional de la Industria del Hierro y del Acero (CANACERO) in Mexico. The organizations and the Committees have made a diligent effort to present accurate, reliable, and useful information on cold-formed steel design. The Committees acknowledge and are grateful for the contributions of the numerous researchers, engineers, and others who have contributed to the body of knowledge on the subject. Specific references are included in …