Engineering Commons^™

Development Of Rural Bicycle Compatibility Index, Elizabeth G. Jones

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

A New High Power Parallel Converter Scheme For Active Power Filters, Malabika Basu, S. P. Das, Gopal Dubey

Articles

A new topology for efficient utilisation of parallel converters as VAR compensators and active power filters (APF) for high power loads is proposed. Because of limited power handling capacity of individual devices, paralleling is the choice to increase rating of equipment, while keeping the THD of the current at the PCC within the agency specified standards. It has been reported in the literature that paralleling several converters, rather than switches, is more reliable in sharing of load. From this perspective, multilevel converters carry lot of weight, as their typical power circuit configuration limits the stress on individual devices to an …

Impulse, Dave Graves, Kyle Johnson, Greta Stewart, Denise Watt

Impulse (Jerome J. Lohr College of Engineering Publication)

Features:
[Page] 2 Expo's physics wizard captures attention of high schoolers: The "Wonders of Science" never get old for Professor Larry Browning.
[Page] 4 Science and Engineering Fair: The campus attracts nearly 500budding scientists every year
[Page] 6 Key donation, cooperation create observatory at Oak Lake: Two remotely controlled telescopes will be in operation the fall.
Faculty:
[Page] 8 A Storry worth telling: Co-workers and former students remember late dean Junis Storry.
[Page] 10 Math Professor Ken Yocom isn't about to retire: Long-time department head has taken a new position.
[Page] 12 Dennis Loban is remembered for quality and …

Accreditation Of Mechanical Engineering Education In The Usa In 21st Century, Said Shakerin

All Faculty Articles - School of Engineering and Computer Science

Accreditation board for engineering and technology (ABET) in the USA made a paradigm shift in its accreditation criteria for evaluation of engineering education in 2000. Under the new criteria, called ABET2000, educational programs are evaluated based on thir outcomes as opposed to their contents, which were the mail focus under the old criteria. Engineering education has thus undergone major changes. In this paper, ABET s purpose, its criteria, and the evaluation process are explained, followed by specific industrial.

Transparency Tube Provides Reliable Measure Of Water Clarity And Suspended Solids Concentration In California Waterways, Gary M. Litton, R. Dahlgren, E. V. Nieuwenhuyse

All Faculty Articles - School of Engineering and Computer Science

We examined the efficacy of using transparency-tube measurements to estimate turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS) and particulate nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations in several California waterways. Just as lowering a black-and-white disk (Secchi disk) into a lake provides a convenient way to measure its water clarity, a transparency tube offers a practical alternative for measuring water clarity and suspended solids concentrations in California streams and waterways. While transparency relationships with turbidity and TSS are strongest within a given sampling location, these relationships are relatively robust across a wide range of water bodies displaying contrasting conditions. However, transparency-tube measurements appear to have …

Time Blanking For Gbt Data With Radar Rfi, Weizhen Dong

Theses and Dissertations

The 1215 MHz to 1400 MHz band is important for radio astronomers to observe redshifted extragalactic hydrogen ionic (HI). Observations at these frequencies are complicated by radio frequency interference (RFI) from strong man-made transmissions such as the ARSR-3 Air Surveillance Radar. In this thesis, we characterize some data files recorded at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) at Green Bank, West Virginia, USA, where this RADAR system causes significant data corruption. Using this data, we present a blanking technique to separate RFI from cosmic signal. There are generally two blanking approaches, time window blanking and detected pulse blanking. Compared with …

Acuta Enews July 2004, Vol. 33, No. 7

ACUTA Newsletters

In This lssue

Meet the Board for 2004-05

From ACUTA Headquarters.................... Jeri A. Semer, CAE, Executive Director

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

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

Recapturing Long-Distance Revenues..................... Mark Allen, MobilSphere

2005 ACUTA Seminar Topics Announced

Board Report................................. Carmine Piscopo, Providence College, ACUTA Secretory/Treasurer

Welcome New Members

Suitability Of A Gps Collar For Grazing Studies, Carmen T. Agouridis, Timothy S. Stombaugh, Stephen R. Workman, Benjamin K. Koostra, Dwayne R. Edwards, Eric S. Vanzant

Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering Faculty Publications

The traditional means of tracking animal location in a field is by visual observation. Not only is this method labor intensive, it is also prone to error as the observer can alter cattle movement, observation periods are often too short to obtain confidence in general daily behavior patterns, and observer fatigue becomes an issue. In the 1990s, the University of Kentucky began using GPS collars on cattle to track their position with the goal of incorporating this information into cattle management practices. One of the key unanswered questions regarding the GPS collars is the accuracy of the position data recorded …

Post-Tier Rail And Typar® Or Metal-Covered Tobacco Field Curing Structures, George A. Duncan

Agricultural Engineering Extension Publications

Tobacco producers are rapidly adopting field curing structures with several variations in construction materials and methods. They are looking to lower costs and increase efficiency by installing structures that require less maintenance and last longer.

Two recently designed structures appear to provide more permanent options for producers who dislike the tedious tasks of covering and securing the plastic over the tobacco during the curing season. Both structures use two-rail-wide, two-post wooden construction, but they differ in their roof coverings. One uses Typar®, and the other uses metal.

Taking Dcop To The Real World: Efficient Complete Solutions For Distributed Event Scheduling, Rajiv Maheswaran, Milind Tambe, Emma Bowring, Jonathan Pearce, Pradeep Varakantham

Research Collection School Of Computing and Information Systems

Distributed Constraint Optimization (DCOP) is an elegant formalism relevant to many areas in multiagent systems, yet complete algorithms have not been pursued for real world applications due to perceived complexity. To capably capture a rich class of complex problem domains, we introduce the Distributed Multi-Event Scheduling (DiMES) framework and design congruent DCOP formulations with binary constraints which are proven to yield the optimal solution. To approach real-world efficiency requirements, we obtain immense speedups by improving communication structure and precomputing best case bounds. Heuristics for generating better communication structures and calculating bound in a distributed manner are provided and tested on …

Estimation Of Heart-Surface Potentials Using Regularized Multipole Sources, Daryl G. Beetner, R. Martin Arthur

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Direct inference of heart-surface potentials from body-surface potentials has been the goal of most recent work on electrocardiographic inverse solutions. We developed and tested indirect methods for inferring heart-surface potentials based on estimation of regularized multipole sources. Regularization was done using Tikhonov, constrained-least-squares, and multipole-truncation techniques. These multipole-equivalent methods (MEMs) were compared to the conventional mixed boundary-value method (BVM) in a realistic torso model with up to 20% noise added to body-surface potentials and ±1 cm error in heart position and size. Optimal regularization was used for all inverse solutions. The relative error of inferred heart-surface potentials of the MEM …

Neural Network Stabilizing Control Of Single Machine Power System With Control Limits, Wenxin Liu, Jagannathan Sarangapani, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Donald C. Wunsch, Mariesa Crow

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Power system stabilizers are widely used to generate supplementary control signals for the excitation system in order to damp out the low frequency oscillations. This paper proposes a stable neural network (NN) controller for the stabilization of a single machine infinite bus power system. In the power system control literature, simplified analytical models are used to represent the power system and the controller designs are not based on rigorous stability analysis. This work overcomes the two major problems by using an accurate analytical model for controller development and presents the closed-loop stability analysis. The NN is used to approximate the …

Aeroelastic Analysis Of A Flexible Membrane Wing, Isaac Nguri Wanjohi

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

The focus of this research proposal is the investigation of the aeroelastic effects of a flexible lift augmentation system (LAS) wing. This research involves characterization of the forced vibration response of a wing appendage used to augment short field take off and landing (STOL) operations.

Although flutter theory is now well understood, the LAS presents the complications of a highly deformable airfoil shape as well as larger structural damping values compared to metal wings.

The proposed research will involve derivation of the equations of motion aided by experimental data from nodal excitation of the wing; stiffness and rigidity modeling from …

Modeling Launch Vehicle Success Using Artificial Neural Networks, Jennifer A. Schuck

Master's Theses - Daytona Beach

Expendable launch vehicles in the United States currently have a reliability of 92%. The failures that do occur cost millions of dollars in spacecraft replacement, lost revenue, and other expenses. These costs are passed on in higher insurance rates and launch vehicle price. If the launch outcome of the launch vehicles could be better predicted, the overall cost of launching payloads into space would decrease. This study used artificial neural networks to model the overall launch outcome of a launch vehicle so that the results of a launch could be predicted. Two neural network architectures--MLP and fuzzy ARTMAP--were trained on …

Stability Analysis Of Jump-Linear Systems Driven By Finite-State Machines With Markovian Inputs, Sudarshan S. Patilkulkarni

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A control system with a fault recovery mechanism in the feedback loop and with faults occurring in a non-deterministic manner can be modeled as a class of hybrid systems, i.e., a dynamical system switched by a finite-state machine or an automaton. When the plant and controller are linear, such a system can be modeled as a jump-linear system driven by a finite-state machine with a random input process. Such fault recovery mechanisms are found in flight control systems and distributed control systems with communication networks. In these critical applications, closed-loop stability of the system in the presence of fault recoveries …

Pilot Performance And Eye Movement Activity With Varying Levels Of Display Integration In A Synthetic Vision Cockpit, Julie Michele Stark

Psychology Theses & Dissertations

The primary goal of the present study was to investigate the effects of display integration in a simulated commercial aircraft cockpit equipped with a synthetic vision display. Combinations of display integration level (low/high), display view (synthetic vision view/traditional display), and workload (low/high) were presented to each participant. Sixteen commercial pilots flew multiple approaches under IMC conditions in a moderate fidelity fixed-base part-task simulator. Pilot performance data, visual activity, mental workload, and self-report situation awareness were measured.

Congruent with the Proximity Compatibility Principle, the more integrated display facilitated superior performance on integrative tasks (lateral and vertical path maintenance), whereas a less …

Qos Provisioning For Multi-Class Traffic In Wireless Networks, Mona El-Kadi Rizvi

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

Physical constraints, bandwidth constraints and host mobility all contribute to the difficulty of providing Quality of Service (QoS) guarantees in wireless networks. There is a growing demand for wireless networks to support all the services that are available on wired networks. These diverse services, such as email, instant messaging, web browsing, video conferencing, telephony and paging all place different demands on the network, making QoS provisioning for wireless networks that carry multiple classes of traffic a complex problem. We have developed a set of admission control and resource reservation schemes for QoS provisioning in multi-class wireless networks.

We present three …

Dynamical Studies Of Model Membrane And Cellular Response To Nanosecond, High-Intensity Pulsed Electric Fields, Qin Hu

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The dynamics of electroporation of biological cells subjected to nanosecond, high intensity pulses are studied based on a coupled scheme involving the current continuity and Smoluchowski equations. The improved pore formation energy model includes a dependence on pore population and density. It also allows for variable surface tension and incorporates the effects of finite conductivity on the electrostatic correction term, which was not considered by the simple energy models in the literature. It is shown that E(r) becomes self-adjusting with variations in its magnitude and profile. The whole scheme is self-consistent and dynamic.

An electromechanical analysis based on thin-shell theory …

Fuzzy Modeling Of Electromagnetic Emissions From Portable Electronic Devices Onboard Commercial Aircraft, Madiha Jamil Jafri

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) is prohibited during take-off and landing of an aircraft because PEDs may emit signals that can interfere with the aircraft's navigation and communication systems. The electromagnetic interference (EMI) on the aircraft's electronics due to PEDs emissions is examined for Boeing 737 and 747 aircraft. This work, funded by the NASA Graduate Researchers Program, uses Interference Path Loss (IPL) data, collected by researchers from NASA Langley Research Center, Eagles Wings Inc. and United Airlines on several out-of-service United B737 and B747 airplanes.

B737 and B747 IPL data has been analyzed using a graphical analysis …

Functional Model Of The Army's Initial Capabilities Training Plan (Ictp) Generation Process (Transitioning To A Knowledge-Base Enterprise), Bryon Keith Hartzog

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Background: The Army's transformation of its requirements and acquisition process to the Joint Capabilities Integration Development System (JCIDS), supporting the paradigm shift from a threat-based to capabilities-based methodology, signifies that the training/ training support business processes must also change. The new Capabilities Integration Development System - Army (CIDS-A) will prevent the development of service-only oriented materiel solutions that do not interoperate. Additionally, the CIDS-A will force early analysis across the Doctrine, Organization, Training, Leader, Material, Personnel, and Facilities (DOTLMPF) focus areas. This early DOTLMPF analysis ensures materiel solutions incorporate dynamic and flexible training/ training support. To efficiently manage the training …

Interactive Land Use Vrml Application Using Servlet Assist, Suresh Chitithoti

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The integration of VRML and Servlet technologies has the potential to revolutionize web-based simulation visualization. The Interactive Land Use VRML Application (ILUVA) uses Java Servlets enabling one to perform urban planning by taking a virtual land area and add buildings, roadways, landscaping, and other features. The Virtual Reality Modeling Language (VRML) is a web-based technology for specifying and delivering interactive three-dimensional visualizations over a browser. The Java Servlet technology offers several powerful capabilities such as user authentication, session management, database connectivity for maintaining several possibly simultaneous user sessions, and dynamically generated VRML. Save and restore capabilities for any applications are …

Evaluation Of Kentucky’S “Buckle Up Kentucky: It’S The Law And It’S Enforced” 2004 Campaign, Kenneth R. Agent, Eric R. Green

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

The objective of this report was to document the results of the “Buckle Up Kentucky: It’s the Law & It’s Enforced” 2004 campaign in Kentucky. The campaign involved a combination of earned media, paid media, and enforcement. The earned media started two weeks prior to Memorial Day 2004 and continued through the enforcement period. The paid media started one week prior to Memorial Day. The enforcement period was a two-week period including the week before and the week of Memorial Day.

The evaluation of the campaign included documenting the activities associated with the program (publicity and enforcement) and evaluating the …

L10 Ordered Fept:C Composite Films With (001) Texture, M. L. Yan, Renat F. Sabiryanov, Yinfan Xu, Xingzhong Li, David J. Sellmyer

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: Faculty Publications

Highly textured (001) FePt:C nanocomposite thin films, deposited directly on thermally oxidized Si wafers, are obtained by multilayer deposition plus subsequent thermal annealing. Nanostructures, crystalline orientations, interactions, and magnetic properties are investigated by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), magnetic force microscopy, and magnetic measurements. The formation of the ordered L1₀ phase is confirmed by XRD, and only visible (00 ) peaks indicate a high degree of the (001) texture. TEM observation reveals that FePt grains are embedded in the C matrix and appear to be well isolated.

Nanostructure And Magnetic Properties Of Fept :C Cluster Films, Yinfan Xu, M. L. Yan, David J. Sellmyer

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: Faculty Publications

Magnetic properties and nanostructure of FePt : C cluster-deposited films with C volume fraction of 7%, 14%, 33%, and 45% have been studied. As-deposited FePt : C films were prepared by a multilayer method in which FePt layers were deposited from a cluster source employing a gas-aggregation technique and C layers from a normal sputtering gun. In the as-deposited films, FePt clusters with fcc structure are embedded in the C matrix. The high anisotropy FePt L1₀ cluster structure was realized in the films via post-deposition annealing and the nanostructure of the films was observed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope …

Magnetization Processes In Melt-Spun Sm-Co-Based Alloys With The Tbcu7-Type Structure, A. Hsiaoa, S. Aich, L. H. Lewis, Jeffrey E. Shield

Materials Research Science and Engineering Center: Faculty Publications

The initial magnetization processes in melt-spun Sm-Co alloys with remanent ratios above 0.7 have been studied. Alloys of (Sm_(1/(6+x) Co _(5+x)/(6+x) ) ₉₄Nb₃C₃ (x = 067, 1.7, 2.3 and 3) alloys modified with Nb and C were melt spun at wheel speeds of 20 and 40 m/s, and the compositions span the range between the Sm₂Co₁₇ and SmCo_{5 stoichiometries. Structurally, all alloys formed in the TbCu7-type structure, although a small amount of Sm2Co7 was observed in Sm-rich samples, and a small amount of fcc Co formed …}

Multilevel Inverters With Equal Or Unequal Sources For Dual-Frequency Induction Heating, B. Diong, S. Basireddy, Keith Corzine, Yakov L. Familiant

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Most existing power supplies for induction heating equipment produce voltage at a single (adjustable) frequency. Recently, however, induction heating power supplies that produce voltage at two (adjustable) frequencies have been researched and even commercialized. Dual-frequency power supplies are a significant development for heat-treating workpieces with uneven geometries, such as gears, since different portions of such workpieces are heated dissimilarly at a single frequency and so require a two step process using a single-frequency power supply. On the other hand, a dual-frequency power supply can achieve the desired result for such workpieces in a one step process. This paper proposes the …

Cs 340: Programming Language Workshop In Java, Ronald F. Taylor

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

This course is designed as a self-study in Java. You are expected to work independently to learn the Java language and solve a set of programming problems assigned to you using latest Java SDK available at http://java.sun.com or other software as approved by the instructor. There are no exams. We officially meet only once in a quarter. However, I will be available in the posted office hours for clarifications and general discussion of the programming assignments. Do not expect support in debugging badly documented code.

Cs 214: Object Oriented Programming, Roddy Keish

Computer Science & Engineering Syllabi

No abstract provided.

Conductive Concrete For Bridge Deck Deicing And Anti-Icing, Christopher Y. Tuan

Nebraska Department of Transportation: Research Reports

No abstract provided.

A Theoretical Analysis Of Long-Term Bisphosphonate Effects On Trabecular Bone Volume And Microdamage, Jeffry S. Nyman, Oscar C. Yeh, Scott J. Hazelwood, R. Bruce Martin

Biomedical Engineering

Bisphosphonates increase bone mass and reduce fracture risk, but their anti-resorptive action may lead to increases in fatigue microdamage. To investigate how bisphosphonate effects influence changes in bone volume and microdamage in the long term, a strain-adaptive model of bone remodeling and microdamage balance was developed for a continuum-level volume of postmenopausal trabecular bone by invoking Frost's mechanostat hypothesis. Both disuse and fatigue microdamage were assumed to stimulate the activation frequency of basic multicellular units (BMUs) such that bone remodeling served to remove excess bone mass and microdamage. Bisphosphonate effects were simulated as follows: low, intermediate, high, or complete suppression …