Engineering Commons^™

Method And Device For Removal Of Cryoprotectant From Cryopreserved Biological Cells And Tissues, Dayong Gao, Xiangdong Cui

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Patents

Novel methods and devices for removing cryoprotectant from cryoprotectant-containing liquids, and from cells residing therein, are disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises passing the cryoprotectant-containing liquid through at least one semipermeable hollow fiber membrane contained in a hollow module in a first direction, while passing a liquid which is substantially free of cryoprotectant through the hollow module in a second direction to remove cryoprotectant across a diffusion gradient. In another aspect, a device is described for removing cryoprotectant from a liquid, comprising a hollow module with at least one semipermeable hollow fiber membrane therein for accomplishing such counter-current diffusion …

Equalization Techniques For Multipath Mitigation In Aeronautical Telemetry, Vladimir Ignacio Paje

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis describes the application of adaptive equalization based on the constant modulus algorithm (CMA) and the decision-feedback minimum mean squared error (DF-MMSE) concept to the two compatible offset QPSK waveforms (FQPSK and SOQPSK-TG) that constitute the ARTM Tier-1 waveforms. An adaptive version of the DF-MMSE equalizer is developed and applied to this application. In the presence of frequency selective multipath interference typically encountered in aeronautical telemetry, both equalization techniques are shown to provide reliable performance for FQPSK and SOQPSK-TG. The performance of both waveforms with the DF-MMSE equalizer is slightly better than that using the CMA equalizer. Implementation trade-offs …

Deconvolution Analysis Of Laser Pulse Profiles From 3-D Ladar Temporal Returns, Michael D. Walter

Theses and Dissertations

Three-dimensional laser imaging systems offer important advantages for battlefield applications, such as night-time targeting and tactical reconnaissance. Recently developed technologies used by coherent detection systems that collect temporally resolved images include arrays of Avalanche Photo-Diodes (APD), Geiger mode APDs, and photo-diodes. Frequently, LADAR systems produce waveforms from each detector that characterize the convolution of the transmitted laser pulse with the target surface. The pulse convolution generates uncertainty as to the precise location of a target surface, which can severely impact various weapon systems' targeting capability. This work analyzes two deconvolution techniques: Wiener filtering and an iterative process derived from the …

Flow Pattern Visualization In A Mimic Anaerobic Digester Using Cfd, Mehul S. Vesvikar, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Three-Dimensional Steady-State Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Simulations Were Performed in Mimic Anaerobic Digesters to Visualize their Flow Pattern and Obtain Hydrodynamic Parameters. the Mixing in the Digester Was Provided by Sparging Gas at Three Different Flow Rates. the Gas Phase Was Simulated with Air and the Liquid Phase with Water. the CFD Results Were First Evaluated using Experimental Data Obtained by Computer Automated Radioactive Particle Tracking (CARPT). the Simulation Results in Terms of overall Flow Pattern, Location of Circulation Cells and Stagnant Regions, Trends of Liquid Velocity Profiles, and Volume of Dead Zones Agree Reasonably Well with the Experimental Data. …

Analytical Modeling Of Wood-Frame Shear Walls And Diaphragms, Johnn Paul Judd

Theses and Dissertations

Analytical models of wood-frame shear walls and diaphragms for use in monotonic, quasi-static (cyclic), and dynamic analyses are developed in this thesis. A new analytical model is developed to accurately represent connections between sheathing panels and wood framing members (sheathing-to-framing connections) in structural analysis computer programs. This new model represents sheathing–to–framing connections using an oriented pair of nonlinear springs. Unlike previous models, the new analytical model for sheathing-to-framing connections is suitable for both monotonic, cyclic, or dynamic analyses. Moreover, the new model does not need to be scaled or adjusted. The new analytical model may be implemented in a general …

All Hexahedral Meshing Of Multiple Source, Multiple Target, Multiple Axis Geometries Via Automatic Grafting And Sweeping, Matthew N. Earp

Theses and Dissertations

The development of algorithms for the automatic creation of finite element meshes composed entirely of hexahedra (all-hex) is an active area of research. All-hex meshes are desirable for their characteristic of high accuracy with a low node count. Sweeping is one of the most widely used algorithms for generating all-hex meshes. A limitation of sweeping, however, is that it can currently be applied only to prismatic or extruded geometry types. This thesis develops a method to combine sweeping with another algorithm known as "Grafting". Grafting adjusts the mesh on one volume to conform to a second volume. In this manner …

Phase Locked Flow Measurements Of Steady And Unsteady Vortex Generator Jets In A Separating Boundary Layer, Laura C. Hansen

Theses and Dissertations

Vortex generator jets (VGJs) have been found to be an effective method of active separation control on the suction side of a low pressure turbine (LPT) blade at low Reynolds numbers. The flow mechanisms responsible for this control were studied and documented in order to provide a basis for future improvements in LPT design. Data were collected using a stereo PIV system that enabled all three components of velocity to be measured. Steady VGJs were injected into a laminar boundary layer on a flat plate (non-separating boundary layer) in order to more fully understand the characteristics and behavior of the …

Size Function Based Mesh Relaxation, John David Howlett

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis addresses the problem of relaxing a finite element mesh to more closely match a size function. The main contributions include new methods for performing size function based mesh relaxation, as well as an algorithm for measuring the performance of size function based mesh relaxation methods.

Determination Of Wall Thickness And Height When Cutting Various Materials With Wire Electric Discharge Machining Processes, Sangseop Kim

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis looks at the capabilities of cutting thin webs on Wire EDM machines that are difficult or impossible to machine using conventional methods. Covered is an investigation of how different material and web thickness affect the capability of machining thin-walled parts.

Five different metals are used for the test; Aluminum 6061 T6, Yellow Brass SS360, 420 Stainless Steel, D2 unheat-treated tool steel 25-30 RC, and D2 heat-treated tool steel 60-65 RC. The small parts were cut to a 6mm (0.2362 inch) height with six different wall thicknesses: 0.30mm (0.0118 inch), 0.25mm (0.0098 inch), 0.20mm (0.0078 inch), 0.15mm (0.0059 inch), …

Structure From Motion Using Optical Flow Probability Distributions, Paul Clark Merrell

Theses and Dissertations

Several novel structure from motion algorithms are presented that are designed to more effectively manage the problem of noise. In many practical applications, structure from motion algorithms fail to work properly because of the noise in the optical flow values. Most structure from motion algorithms implicitly assume that the noise is identically distributed and that the noise is white. Both assumptions are false. Some points can be track more easily than others and some points can be tracked more easily in a particular direction. The accuracy of each optical flow value can be quantified using an optical flow probability distribution. …

A Tool Wear Comparative Study In Turning Versus Computer Simulation In 1018 Steel, Woodrow D. Miner

Theses and Dissertations

The material removal process uses cutting tools in order to produce the desired shape of the workpiece. Tool wear has been a problem for cutting tools, since cutting tools wear and break. Research has been accomplished in the tool wear field for tool life and more recently tool wear. The computer generation has created a method to simulate the material removal process. These computer simulations model the cutting tool reaction with the workpiece. Many of the simulation models use finite element analysis to calculate the reaction of the cutting tool. Different finite element models are being used throughout the world …

Dual-Stage Thermally Actuated Surface-Micromachined Nanopositioners, Neal B. Hubbard

Theses and Dissertations

Nanopositioners have been developed with electrostatic, piezoelectric, magnetic, thermal, and electrochemical actuators. They move with as many as six degrees of freedom; some are composed of multiple stages that stack together. Both macro-scale and micro-scale nanopositioners have been fabricated. A summary of recent research in micropositioning and nanopositioning is presented to set the background for this work. This research project demonstrates that a dual-stage nanopositioner can be created with microelectromechanical systems technology such that the two stages are integrated on a single silicon chip. A nanopositioner is presented that has two stages, one for coarse motion and one for fine …

Manufacturing Quality Of Carbon/Epoxy Isotruss (R) Reinforced Concrete Structures, David Thomas Mccune

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis explores the quality of hand-manufactured carbon-epoxy IsoTruss® grid structures for use as reinforcement in concrete piles. Large IsoTruss® grid structures were manufactured and embedded in 14.0" (35.6 cm) diameter concrete to create IsoPiles™. The IsoPiles™ were designed to have flexural characteristics similar to steel reinforced concrete piles of equal diameter. Bending stiffness was matched based on the longitudinal members. A method for comparing transverse steel reinforcement to helical IsoTruss® members was developed, along with equations to facilitate the design of IsoTruss® structures with rounded nodes.

Compression tests were performed on 3.0 ft (0.91 m) long sections taken from …

Developing A Design Space Model Using A Multidisciplinary Design Optimization Schema In A Product Lifecycle Management System To Capture Knowledge For Reuse, Nathaniel Luke Fife

Theses and Dissertations

Parametric strategies for design automation and optimization can have a big impact on engineering design. When parametric tasks and optimization frameworks and methods are combined, theses strategies can be used to make up what is known as a multidisciplinary design optimization (MDO) schema. Knowledge of a design space can be modeled by using a MDO schema to represent the design process. However, current MDO frameworks used to create this schema lack the scope to capture enterprise wide knowledge for reuse and collaboration. Concurrent with the development of MDO, many companies are moving toward increased use of product lifecycle management (PLM). …

Floodplain And Flood Probability Mapping Using Geodatabases, Douglas J. Gallup

Theses and Dissertations

This research presents methods of creating digital maps for floodplain delineation and flood probability studies and storing them in a geodatabase. Methods for creating a geodatabase for water resources outside of a GIS are presented. The geodatabase follows the ArcHydro data model. Methods are also shown for creating digital flood maps and storing them in the geodatabase. These flood maps, defining the floodplain boundary and flood probability, are stored in a digital format ready for use in a FEMA flood hazard project, allowing for better archival methods and reproducibility.

In-Fiber Optical Devices Based On D-Fiber, Kevin H. Smith

Theses and Dissertations

This dissertation presents the fabrication and analysis of in-fiber devices based on elliptical core D-shaped optical fiber. Devices created inside optical fibers are attractive for a variety of reasons including low loss, high efficiency, self-alignment, light weight, multiplexibility, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. This work details how D-fiber can be used as a platform for a variety of devices and describes the creation and performance of two of these devices: an in-fiber polymer waveguide and a surface relief fiber Bragg grating. In D-fiber the core is very close to the flat side of the ‘D’ shape. This proximity allows access …

Algal Succession And Nutrient Dynamics In Elephant Butte Reservoir, Eric J. Nielsen

Theses and Dissertations

A water quality model was created for Elephant Butte Reservoir, New Mexico to understand nutrient dynamics and algal response during a three year period. The model chosen for this study was CE-QUAL-W2 because of its proven ability to represent hydrodynamics and the ability to represent multiple algal groups. Elephant Butte has been subject to large algal blooms. This study examined the phosphorus loading into the reservoir to see if it could sustain the observed algal growth. Data showed that the amount of bioavailable phosphorus was more than enough to support large blooms. This study also was an initial attempt to …

Identification And Expression Analysis Of Two Inorganic C-And N-Responsive Genes Encoding Novel And Distinct Molecular Forms Of Eukaryotic Phosphoenolpyruvate Carboxylase In The Green Microalga Chlamydomonas Reinhardtii, Tarlan G. Mamedov, Eric R. Moellering, Raymond Chollet

Papers in Biochemical Engineering

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC [Ppc]) has been previously purified and characterized in biochemical and immunological terms from two green microalgae, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Selenastrum minutum. The findings indicate that these algae possess at least two distinct PEPC enzyme-forms, homotetrameric Class1 and heteromeric Class-2 that differ significantly from each other and their plant and prokaryotic counterparts. Surprisingly, however, green-algal PEPC has been unexplored to date in molecular terms. This study reports the molecular cloning of the two Ppc genes in C. reinhardtii (CrPpc1, CrPpc2), each of which is transcribed in vivo and encodes a fully active, recombinant PEPC that lacks the regulatory, …

Role Of Hydrogen Bonds In The Fast Dynamics Of Binary Glasses Of Trehalose And Glycerol: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study, Taner E. Dirama, Gustavo A. Carri, Alexei P. Sokolov

College of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering

Trehalose-glycerol mixtures are known to be effective in the long time preservation of proteins. However, the microscopic mechanism of their effective preservation abilities remains unclear. In this article we present a molecular dynamics simulation study of the short time, less than 1 ns, dynamics of four trehalose-glycerol mixtures at temperatures below the glass transition temperature. We found that a mixture of 5% glycerol and 95% trehalose has the most suppressed short time dynamics (fast dynamics). This result agrees with the experimental analysis of the mean-square displacement of the hydrogen atoms, as measured via neutron scattering, and correlates with the experimentally …

Visual Display Including Linked Bubbles, Igor Kliakhandler, Robert W. Sheldon

Michigan Tech Patents

A visual display including a container, liquidous fluid within the container, a source of gaseous fluid communicating with the liquidous fluid, and at least one binary bubble formed within the liquidous fluid in response to gaseous fluid entering the liquidous fluid. The liquidous fluid is preferably a polymer in water solution or a polymer in mineral oil or silicon oil solution. The binary bubble has two bulbous portions in fluid communication with each other through a neck. The binary bubbles may link together in a chain extending from the bottom of the container to the top of the liquidous fluid. …

Measurement Of Velocity Distribution For Flow Through A Bileaflet Valve Using Color-Coded Digital Particle Tracking Velocimetry, Tienfuan Kerh, Yen-Ming Chen, I Tsou

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

An experimental method, the so-called color-coded Digital Particle Tracking Velocimetry system was set up in this study to investigate viscous flow through an artificial bileaflet valve with three different opening angles, 5°, 30°, and 45°, respectively. An oscilloscope that generated stable wave speed was taken to calibrate measuring result of the equipment. Besides, a fully developed pipe flow case was used to check the reliability of experimental system, and a statistical t-test was performed to further enhance the comparison of analytical solution and measurement. From the details of randomly distributed velocities, interpolated velocity components, and velocity profiles for the studied …

Simulation And Assessment Of Air Impingement Cooling On Squared Pin-Fin Heat Sinks Applied In Personal Computers, Hwa-Chong Tien, Wei-Dong Huang

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The feasibility and effectiveness of air impingement cooling on pin-fin heat sinks applied in personal computers (PC) were investigated numerically in this study. The effects of fin height, fin width, base plate thickness of the heat sink, and ratio of the vertical spacing between the nozzle and the heat sink to jet diameter (z/D) were discussed in detail. For a PC with a P4, 2.8 GHz, 68.4 W CPU, it was found that the cooling effect by using air impingement on a heat sink with z/D = 4 and fin width 4.13 mm for the jet Reynolds number (Re) between …

A Water Station Model With Fuzzy C-Means Algorithm To Promote The Ability Of Water Distribution Systems, Hong-Min Shau, Wen-Chih Huang, Bi-Liang Lin, Jui-Min Hsiao

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

A water station model will simulate the performance of a water distribution system for a given station location and quantity patterns in order to analyze present population distribution in the overall region, establish a reasonable local sample for each district network and obtain the optimal solution of the water supply stations. To establish a local sample, this model uses the Fuzzy C-Means algorithm (FCM algorithm) of the fuzzy clustering method. The sites have been modified with the mobile method so that the group points can be located at places nearest to the roadside in order to achieve the minimum cost. …

The Estimation Of The Initial Number Of Berths In A Port System Based On Cost Function, Wen-Chih Huang, Sheng-Chieh Wu

Journal of Marine Science and Technology–Taiwan

The process of optimizing a port queuing system, from a management perspective, is becoming more and more complicated. If we can find a way to measure the required minimum number and initial number of berths in a port system, and arrive at an optimal solution, we can save time. In this study, we have used many evaluation indexes, including cost functions, to estimate the initial number of berths for a port queuing system. According to our research results, we were able to estimate the initial number of berths (N0) for a port queuing system by using the equation No = …

Visualization Of Medical Images Over Mobile Wireless Handheld Devices, Min Wu, Khurana Ashish, Nadar Mariappan, Chang Wen Chen

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

With the novel advances in wireless communication and personal mobile handheld devices, a newly emerging technology of medical visualization on mobile handheld is believed to provide advance service for physicians, especially in image-based diagnosis. In this paper, we have implemented a real time easy-to-use 3D volume visualization system on mobile handheld devices. The doctors could use their wireless handheld devices, such as Pocket PC or PDA, interactively access medical image at anytime and anywhere in the hospital building. System architecture, technical problems and solutions are discussed. Experimental results are clear enough to show this system to be practical for clinic …

A Novel Multiple Description Scalable Coding Scheme For Mobile Wireless Video Transmission, Haifeng Zheng, Lun Yu, Chang Wen Chen

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

We proposed in this paper a novel multiple description scalable coding (MDSC) scheme based on in-band motion compensation temporal filtering (IBMCTF) technique in order to achieve high video coding performance and robust video transmission. The input video sequence is first split into equal-sized groups of frames (GOFs). Within a GOF, each frame is hierarchically decomposed by discrete wavelet transform. Since there is a direct relationship between wavelet coefficients and what they represent in the image content after wavelet decomposition, we are able to reorganize the spatial orientation trees to generate multiple bit-streams and employed SPIHT algorithm to achieve high coding …

Statistical Investigation Of Friction Stir Processing Parameter Relationships, Jonathan H. Record

Theses and Dissertations

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is an emerging joining technology in which basic process understanding is still inadequate. Knowledge of FSW parameter relationships is needed to better understand the process and implement proper machine control. This study utilized a 3-factor, 3-level factorial design of experiments to investigate relationships between key process inputs and measured output parameters. All experiments utilized 7075-T7 aluminum and a threaded pin tool with a 25.4 mm shoulder diameter, 4.76 mm pin length, and 7.9 mm pin diameter. Spindle speed, feed rate, and tool depth were varied throughout 54 welds while X, Y, and Z forces, X torque, …

Steady State Stress In A Coated Infinite Half-Space Subjected To A Moving Load, Jason M. Cruthirds

Theses and Dissertations

This research investigates the use of coatings to mitigate the stress distribution into an infinite half-space. High energy impact phenomenon at velocities exceeding the speed of sound is an important area of interest to the Air Force Research Laboratory. Holloman Air Force Base's High Speed Test Track sustains significant damage due to this phenomenon. In this thesis, the track system and coating are modeled analytically with equations of motion in terms of linear displacements. Coating thickness and material properties of epoxy or polymer laminates are investigated to understand their affect of stress distribution in the rail. An analytic solution is …

Capacitance-Voltage Study On The Effects Of Low Energy Electron Radiation On Al0.27Ga0.73N/Gan High Electron Mobility Transistor, Thomas D. Jarzen

Theses and Dissertations

The effects of radiation on semiconductors are extremely important to the Department of Defense since the majority of the defense informational, navigational and communications systems are now satellite-based. Due to the high radiation tolerance of gallium nitride and a plethora of high temperature, high power and high frequency applications, the prospect that gallium nitride based devices will become key components in a multitude of military satellite-based systems is highly probable. AlGaN/GaN HEMTs were irradiated at low temperature (~80 K) by 0.45 – 0.8 MeV electrons up to fluences of 1×10¹⁵ e-/cm². Following irradiation, low temperature capacitance-voltage measurements …

Simulation-Based Design Under Uncertainty For Compliant Microelectromechanical Systems, Jonathan W. Wittwer

Theses and Dissertations

The high cost of experimentation and product development in the field of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) has led to a greater emphasis on simulation-based design for increasing first-pass design success and reliability. The use of compliant or flexible mechanisms can help eliminate friction, wear, and backlash, but compliant MEMS are sensitive to variations in material properties and geometry. This dissertation proposes approaches for design stage uncertainty analysis, model validation, and robust optimization of nonlinear compliant MEMS to account for critical process uncertainties including residual stress, layer thicknesses, edge bias, and material stiffness. Methods for simulating and mitigating the effects of non-idealities …