Engineering Commons^™

Acuta Enews December 2003, Vol 32, No 12

ACUTA Newsletters

In This Issue

From the President........................ Walter L. Czerniak, Northern Illinois Univ.

Tech Talk................................. Kevin Tanzillo, Dux Public Relations

Eleanor Smith, ACUTA Business Manager, Retires

Meet ACUTAs New Business Manager, Margaret Riley

Wireless lndustry Announces Recycling lnitiative...................... CTIA

DC Update........................ Whitney Johnson, Retired, Northern Michigan univ.

ACUTA Member Sites to See

Thanks to Sponsors for '03

ACUTA: Have You Shopped the eStore Lately?

Welcome New Members

Trust, Collaboration, And Financial Return In Conservation/Development Partnerships, New England Environmental Finance Center

Economics and Finance

In early 2002 the New England Environmental Finance Center hosted a series of roundtable discussions among municipal officials, residential developers, land trust representatives, and others about "Innovative Approaches to Land Conservation and Smart Growth". Among our observations was that for many of the over 20 conservation/development partnerships we discussed in the series, creation and maintenance of trust was central to success or failure of various stages of the partnership. This suggested a link between creation of trust and financial return for traditionally opposed project partners.

To further examine this matter, we interviewed 11 round table participants and asked questions about …

Web Crippling And Combined Bending And Web Crippling Of Cold-Formed Steel Beam Headers, Sutton F. Stephens, Roger A. Laboube

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Beam headers are commonly used in walls framed with cold-formed steel studs to span openings in bearing walls. This paper presents the results of an experimental study conducted at the University of Missouri-Rolla to establish the web crippling strength of both box- and I-beam headers for an interior-one-flange (IOF) loading condition. the beam header specimens were tested as a system consisting of two C-sections together with top and bottom track sections. the header configuration used in this study are defined in the Standard for Cold-Formed Steel Framing, Header Design (2000). Tested as a system, it was found that the web …

California Agricultural Water Electrical Energy Requirements, Charles M. Burt, Daniel J. Howes, Gary Wilson

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The Irrigation Training and Research Center, working under agreement with the California Energy Commission as part of its Public Interest Energy Research Program, conducted an analysis of the energy used to supply water to California's agriculture and examined potential future trends in the agriculture water community to predict future energy requirements.

Deceleration Lanes Of Left-Turn Bays Of Four-Lane Expressways, Karen Schurr, Patrick T. Mccoy, Geza Pesti, Anthonny Egelhoff, Rebecca Burdick

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Interactive Lego Robots Learning In A Controlled Environment, Jonathan Mcgehee

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

This paper reports on learning in autonomous Lego robots programmed to play soccer. The specific focus here is upon how different behaviors can be learned by two identical robots, based on the different type of feedback they receive from the environment. After being constructed with the same design and the same software, two Lego robots are able to perform the same basic soccer actions, such as moving to the ball, determining where the goal is. and kicking the ball. A non-deterministic version of the Q-step learning algorithm is then used to allow a robot to learn a correct series of …

33rd Conference On Senior Engineering Design, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

Senior Engineering Design Conference

The 33rd Conference on Senior Engineering Design Projects You are invited to attend the thirty-second Conference on Senior Engineering Design Projects. The conference will be held from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Tuesday, December 2,2003 at the Bernhard Center on the campus of Western Michigan University. The College of Engineering and Applied Sciences sponsors the conference to showcase the work of its graduating seniors, who are required to complete a capstone project that puts into practice what they have learned. Many of the projects are sponsored by business and industry.

Uml Extensions For Real-Time Control Systems, Qimin Gao, Lyndon Brown, Luiz Fernando Capretz

Electrical and Computer Engineering Publications

The use of object oriented techniques and methodologies for the design of real-time control systems appears to be necessary in order to deal with the increasing complexity of such systems. Recently many object-oriented methods have been used for the modeling and design of real-time control systems. We believe that an approach that integrates the advancements in both object modeling and design methods, and real-time scheduling theory is the key to successful use of object oriented technology for real-time software. Surprisingly several past approaches to integrate the two either restrict the object models, or do not allow sophisticated schedulability analysis techniques. …

Automated Casting Cleaning, Chris Anderson

Graduate Research Papers

The dilemma facing all foundries today is finding a cost effective, efficient, and safe manner in which to clean castings. At the same time produce a cleaned casting that meets consistent quality and delivery expectations. Today nearly 90% of all casting produced are cleaned by the use of manual labor via chipping an grinding. This manual method has proved to be very labor intensive, costly, lacking consistent quality, and carry high rates of injuries. The use of automation to clean castings is in its embryo stage in the foundry industry. The use of automation in the foundry industry, products currently …

Optimizing The Space Transportation Information Network: A Training Model For An Innovative Project At Nasa Glenn Research Center, Jeff Rybak

All-Inclusive List of Electronic Theses and Dissertations

The Space Transportation Information Network (STIN) was developed to solve the challenge of managing a geographically disparate NASA program. By its nature, this "enterprise information portal" enhances communication, saves time, and retains expertise as a form-driven knowledge management data base. However, for the Revolutionary Turbine Accelerator Project (RTA) led by the NASA Glenn Research Center, a comprehensive STIN training program, designed specifically for RTA, had never been instituted. To help optimize STIN for this population, a training intervention model was designed and developed to clarify the purpose, policy, and technical usability of STIN. As the front-end to the training development …

Why Toyota And Honda Topped The 2002 J.D. Power Quality Study, Susan Lightle, Kenneth Yale Rosenzweig, John Talbott

Accounting Faculty Publications

Toyota again topped the annual J. D. Power and Associates quality study released in late May of 2002. Toyota scored the highest mark ever with l 07 defects per l 00 vehicles, while Honda came in second with 113 defects. The study was based on responses of approximately 65,000 new car owners queried during their first 90-days of ownership.

These results do not surprise us, as we have been fortunate to make numerous sojourns to the Toyota plant in Georgetown, Kentucky, and observe the manufacturing processes. These trips were normally facilitated by a former Japanese student of ours, Minako Yanke, …

Using Dynamic Optimization For Control Of Real Rate Cpu Resource Management Applications, Varin Vahia, Ashvin Goel, David Steere, Jonathan Walpole, Molly H. Shor

Computer Science Faculty Publications and Presentations

In this paper we design a proportional-period optimal controller for allocating CPU to real rate multimedia applications on a general-purpose computer system. We model this computer system problem in to state space form. We design a controller based on dynamic optimization LQR tracking techniques to minimize short term and long term time deviation from the current time stamp and also CPU usage. Preliminary results on an experimental set up are encouraging.

Investigation Of Electrical Properties And Structure Of Vacuum Evaporated C60 Films, Angiras D. Pandya

Masters Theses

C₆₀ is an important electronic material and its properties can be tuned by thermal annealing process and solid phase crystallization process. These properties were investigated as a function of thermal annealing temperature and solid phase crystallization. However there is no systematical study on annealing effect and Solid Phase Crystallization of C₆₀ films. In this study, the effect of thermal annealing on formation of nanocrystalline C₆₀ thin films were investigated for annealed samples and solid phase crystallized samples. The C₆₀ films described here were prepared by vacuum thermal evaporation method. The structural properties of C₆₀ films …

Effect Of Crucible Diameter Reduction On The Convection, Macrosegregation, And Dendritic Morphology During Directional Solidification Of Pb-2.2 Wt Pct Sb Alloy, Jun Chen, Surendra N. Tewari, G. Magadi, H. C. Degroh Iii

Chemical & Biomedical Engineering Faculty Publications

The Pb-2.2 wt pct Sb alloy has been directionally solidified in 1, 2-, 3-, and 7-mm-diameter crucibles with planar and dendritic liquid-solid interface morphology. For plane front solidification, the experimentally observed macrosegregation along the solidified length follows the relationship proposed by Favier.([17,18]) Application of a 0.4 T transverse magnetic field has no effect on the extent of convection. Reducing the ampoule diameter appears to decrease the extent of convection. However, extensive convection is still present even in the 1-mm-diameter crucible. An extrapolation of the observed behavior indicates that nearly diffusive transport conditions require ampoules that are about 40 mum in …

Assessing The Benefits Of Misting-Cooling Systems For Growing-Finishing Swine In Kentucky As Affected By Environment And Pig Placement Date, Thomas C. Bridges, R. S. Gates, Douglas G. Overhults, Larry W. Turner

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

The growth performance of animals is often affected by extreme environmental conditions. In the case of swine, generally a cold environment will increase feed intake as the pig strives to maintain body temperature, while warmer environments may reduce growth, increase body maintenance demands, and subject the animal to environmental stress. Confinement houses are widely used as a primary means of modifying the environment to improve conditions for the growth of swine. Environment in these structures is usually controlled by natural or mechanical ventilation and by insulation for cold climates and limited use of evaporative cooling for summertime conditions.

Hot Melt Inks For Rotogravure-Formulation, Printability And Rheology, Hrishikesh Shreeram Bhide

Masters Theses

A new generation of "Hot melt inks for Rotogravure" was formulated. They melt during heating and reach printable viscosity between 75° C and 130° C, depending on formulation. After printing onto substrate, they solidify. Selections of the best formulations were done based on ink rheology, and print analysis. The formulated inks were also printed on the Moser sheet-fed proofing press .. The rheological data indicated that hot melt inks (without viscosity modifier) have viscosity in the range of 10°-10¹ Poise at 95°C. After printed on a laboratory gravure K-Proofer, the inks showed good reflective density (0.90 - Yellow, 1.30 …

Effects Of Sodium Metaborate On Kraft Pulping, Biljana M. Bujanovic

Dissertations

The kraft lime cycle can be either replaced or supplemented by borate-based autocausticizing (total or partial autocausticizing, respectively). The borate-based autocausticizing uses sodium metaborate to produce sodium hydroxide in the two-step reaction performed in a recovery boiler and dissolving tank. In accordance with the borate-based autocausticizing chemistry, sodium metaborate is an additional chemical in both pulping and recovery. The studies of kraft pulping in the presence of sodium metaborate provide insight into the effect which sodium metaborate might have on the pulping process including the delignification rate, selectivity of lignin removal, and the properties of both pulp and black liquor. …

Psychophysically Derived Work Frequencies Associated With Roof Shingling Operations Involving Change In Grade, Sang Dae Choi

Dissertations

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of roof slope on psychophysical roof shingling frequency. Twelve healthy males (21-30 years old) were used as participants. Experiment one was designed to determine Maximum Acceptable Roof Shingling Frequency (MARSF) for a workday period using psychophysical methodology. Results indicate that 198 shingles/hr is an acceptable roof shingling frequency for a workday. Furthermore, 2 hours is an acceptable testing period (equivalent to the workday). Postural sway and physiological variables support these findings. Experiment two was designed to study the effect of slope (18°, 26°, and 34°) on MARSF. Experiment two indicates …

Helping Students Organize And Retrieve Their Understanding Of Dynamics, Glenn W. Ellis, Warren A. Turner

Engineering: Faculty Publications

When confronted with the large amount of information presented in an introductory physics course, students often have difficulty assimilating the concepts and seeing the big picture. Thus they may have difficulty transferring their knowledge to new situations. In this paper we present a conceptual framework that we have developed for teaching and applying dynamics at both the secondary school and college levels. In this framework the causes of motion are graphically related to the description of motion using Newton's laws and impulse/momentum relationships. The framework accommodates translation and rotation, multiple dimensions, and time-varying forces. In addition to presenting the framework, …

Innovative Contracting Prequalification/Selection Model Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (Ahp), Saad J. Zidan

Masters Theses

Design-Build, Cost-Plus-Time, and warranty are the three innovative contracting methods that the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) decided to fund. FHWA allowed the usage of these methods in federally funded projects if this will result in reducing time, improving quality, and saving tax payers' money. Prequalification is recognized as the best way of assuring that contractors do have the required qualifications to deliver projects successfully. Prequalification is even more critical when low-bid selection method is used with any of the innovative contracting, since incompetent contractors may get awarded for low-bids that are not based on valid assumptions.

This study presents a …

Fiscal Year 2003 Fhwa-536 Report For The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, Steven Douglas Kreis

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) requires state transportation agencies to submit a biennial report on local highway finances. The purpose of these reports is to provide FHWA with the data it needs to capture the financing of highway activities at the local level. Based on this information, it can identify trends in revenue, expenditures, investments, and program development, and in turn make decisions about future investments. The report, FHWA-536, asks agencies to report on four areas of local highway finance: 1) disposition of highway-user revenues; 2) revenues used for roads and streets identified by source and funding type; 3) road …

Mechanical Properties And Corrosion Resistance Of Ni-Sic Nano Composite Coatings On 2024-T3 Aluminum, Amit Jain

Masters Theses

Coatings of nickel with and without silicon carbide nano-particles were carried out on 2024-T3 aluminum alloy by the electrochemical process. The size of the silicon carbide particles was less than 50nm. Nickel coatings were done using a nickel sulfamate bath maintained at a constant temperature of 50° ± 5° C. Tensile specimens were prepared and studied to determine the Young's modulus of bare aluminum, with nickel coatings and with composite nickel and silicon carbide coatings. Wear samples of 1 inch² (6.45cm²) were prepared and studied for wear resistance. The residual stress measurements were done by the hole …

The Effect Of Non-Stoichiometry On The Structure Of La-Ni And La-Ni-Ga Alloys, Pertrice Auguste Wethey

Masters Theses

Non-stoichiometric samples of the AB₅ system defined by the formula La_1-yNi_5+2y and LaNi_5+2xGa_1-x were cast using an arc-melting furnace. The samples were then analyzed to determine their lattice parameters and phases present using XRD. They were then heat-treated to produce homogeneous compounds and quenched with the intention of retaining high temperature compositions. Following the heat-treatment, the alloys underwent XRD again as well as SEM/EDS. The XRD information was analyzed using Rietveld refinement and the elemental data derived from the EDS was used to ascertain the compositions were statistically akin to the weighed values. …

Simulated Properties Of Kagomé And Tetragonal Truss Core Panels, S. Hyun, Anette M. Karlsson, S. Torquato, A. G. Evans

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The finite element method has been used to simulate the properties of panels with Kagomé and tetragonal cores under compressive and shear loading. The simulation has been performed for two different materials: a Cu-alloy with extensive strain hardening and an Al-alloy with minimal hardening. It is shown that the Kagomé core is more resistant to plastic buckling than the tetragonal core under both compression and shear. One consequence is that the Kagomé structure has the greater load capacity and a deferred susceptibility to softening. Another is that the Kagomé core is isotropic in shear: contrasting with the soft orientations exhibited …

Development And Validation Of A 3-D Model To Predict Knee Joint Loading During Dynamic Movement, Scott G. Mclean, Anne Su, Antonie J. Van Den Bogert

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The purpose of this study was to develop a subject-specific 3-D model of the lower
extremity to predict neuromuscular control effects on 3-D knee joint loading during movements that can potentially cause injury to the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the knee. The simulation consisted of a forward dynamic 3-D musculoskeletal model of the lower extremity, scaled to represent a specific subject. Inputs of the model were the initial position and velocity of the skeletal elements, and the muscle stimulation patterns. Outputs of the model were movement and ground reaction forces, as well as resultant 3-D forces and moments acting …

Implementation Of The Superstructure/Substructure Joint Details, Maher K. Tadros

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Spliced I-Grinder Concrete Bridge System, Maher K. Tadros, Charles J. Vranek

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

Experimental Evaluation Of Constraint Automata Solutions To The Genome Map Assembly Problem, Viswanathan Ramanathan

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

DNA sequences are really huge having a length of around 3-4 million base pairs. Hence, each DNA sequence has to be cut down into small fragments using restriction enzymes. Once analyzed, these fragments have to be arranged or assembled into a single set of sequences called a genome map, to obtain the original DNA sequence. This problem is called the Genome Map Assembly Problem. A Constraint-Automata Solution was proposed for this purpose [11]. This thesis improves and implements the Constraint-Automata Solution to find all the possible solutions. The Modified Constraint-Automata Solution was implemented in Perl and executed on parts of …

Constraint Datalog In Trust Management, Scot Anderson

School of Computing: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Constraint Datalog holds an increasing role in Trust Management. We discuss several Trust Management systems and give a description of the environment and requirements for Trust Management. Constraint Datalog using addition constraints and approximation theory provides an expressive semantic with which to describe security policies for credentials, delegations and authorizations. Approximation theory allows halting in Constraint Datalog over addition constraints. We use the decision problem of Diophantine equations to show that Constraint Datalog over addition constraints is complete. Combining these two concepts provides an approximately complete, safe language. The problem of constant additions to closed languages provides reasons for using …

Water Level Sensor Testing, Stuart Styles, Sarah Herman, Marcus Yasutake, Chuck Keezer

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The findings presented here are the continuation of a series of studies begun in 1998 by the Irrigation Training and Research Center (ITRC) at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, California, on behalf of the Mid-Pacific Region of the United States Bureau of Reclamation (USBR) to test water level sensors under a variety of hydraulic conditions. This report is intended as a supplement to the original 1999 report, entitled “Water Level Sensor and Datalogger Testing and Demonstration” (ITRC Report No. R-01010), which describes the testing processes in detail and presents detailed results for the first 17 sensors …