Engineering Commons^™

Stormwater Intelligent Control System (2005), Martin Wanielista

BMP Trains Research and Publications

Water restrictions, pollution control, volume balances, and the emergence of stormwater utilities have lead to the development of an automated intelligent system (“I-Water”) for water use and control. With the use of this system, water stored in stormwater ponds or in the surficial aquifer is not discharged to surface waters because it is used to meet water demands, such as, lawn irrigation, environmental protection, agriculture, drinking and industrial uses.

The drop in groundwater levels and the increasing use of reclaimed water illustrates a need for alternative water supplies. Ground water depletion is occurring which is adding to the destruction of …

Biodiesel Plant Development Seminar, Larry Breeding

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

CONTENTS:
West Central History
Annual Operations
Sales History (millions)
Soy Nutrition Products
West Central Biodiesel Plant
Why Biodiesel?
Reduce Emissions
Operational Benefits
Energy Balance of Biodiesel
Expanded use for Soy Crops
Nation’s Energy Goals
USES FOR BIODIESEL
RENEWABLE ENERGY GROUP
MANAGEMENT
PROCUREMENT
SALES & MARKETING
SUMMARY

Biodiesel Plant Development Seminar, What You Need To Know

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

Agenda

Biodiesel Plant Investment—Making The Correct Decisions, Leland Tong, Steve Howell

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

Overall Purpose of IBFG:
• Provide the most accurate, up-to-date, detailed, independent information on biodiesel and the biodiesel industry
• Provide Information you need to make an intelligent decision on a biodiesel plant….

Biodiesel Plant Development Seminar, What You Need To Know: Technology Processes And Provider Overview, Steve Howell

Industrial Agricultural Products Center: Publications and Information

CONTENTS:
The Transesterification Reaction
Transesterification Material Balance
Esterification of Free Fatty Acid
Biodiesel Production
Biodiesel Technology Providers
Educational Resources
NBB Resources
Other Biodiesel Resources
IBFG

Cut-And-Solve: A Linear Search Strategy For Combinatorial Optimization Problems, Sharlee Climer, Weixiong Zhang

All Computer Science and Engineering Research

Branch-and-bound and branch-and-cut use search trees to identify optimal solutions. In this paper, we introduce a linear search strategy which we refer to as cut-and-solve and prove optimality and completeness for this method. This search is different from traditional tree searching as there is no branching. At each node in the search path, a relaxed problem and a sparse problem are solved and a constraint is added to the relaxed problem. The sparse problems provide incumbent solutions. When the constraining of the relaxed problem becomes tight enough, its solution value becomes no better than the incumbent solution value. At this …

Navigation And Control Technologies For Autonomous Micro Vehicles, Randal Beard, Timothy W. Mclain

Faculty Publications

Sponsorship: Air Force Research Laboratory / Munitions Directorate. During this project we focused on four primary objectives which are listed below. 1. Magnetometer Integration. Integrate and flight test magnetometers with the current version of the autopilot (Spiral 1). 2. Height-Above-Ground Sensor Integration. Integrate and flight test height-above-ground sensors with the current version of the autopilot (Spiral 1). 3. Automatic Gain Adjustment. Develop and flight test automatic gain adjustment algorithms that automatically tune the servo loops of the autopilot. 4. Automatic Trim Seeking. Develop and flight test automatic trim seeking algorithms to recursively estimate the trim values of the UAV.

Refining And Expanding The Feature Stamping Process, Russell N. Emery

Theses and Dissertations

The accuracy of numerical models analyzing hydrologic and hydraulic processes depends largely on how well the input terrain data represents the earth's surface. Modelers obtain terrain data for a study area by performing surveys or by gathering historical survey data. If a modeler desires to create a predictive model to simulate the addition of man-made features such as channels, embankments and pits, he must modify the terrain data to include these features. Doing this by hand is tedious and time consuming. In 2001 Christensen implemented a tool in the Surface-water Modeling System (SMS) software package for integrating man-made geometric features …

Approximate Thermal Modeling Of Radiofrequency Cardiac Ablation, Aaron Joseph Walter

Theses and Dissertations

The ultimate objective of the research which led to this thesis is to increase the efficacy and safety of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) of cardiac tissue. The purpose of RFCA is to carefully heat selected locations in the heart. The resulting thermal injury creates lesions which prevent the generation or propagation of arrhythmias. The ability to predict the appropriate amount of energy required at any ablation site is essential to increasing the efficacy and safety of RFCA. The research documented in this thesis focuses on the development of an approximate thermal model of the time-dependent temperature profile within the myocardium …

Secure Combinatorial Optimization Using Dfs-Based Variable Elimination, Marius C. Silaghi, Adrian Petcu, Boi Faltings

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science Faculty Publications

It is known that, in general, Constraint Optimization Problems (COP) are NP-hard. Existing arithmetic circuits for secure protocols solving such problems are exponential in the number of variables, $n$. Recently a combinatorial optimization algorithm was proposed whose cost is exponential only in a parameter of the Depth First Search tree (DFS) of the constraint graph, smaller than $n$. We show how to construct an arithmetic circuit with this property and solving any COP. For forest constraint graphs, this leads to a linear cost secure solver.

Characterization Of Recycled Concrete For Use As Pavement Base Material, Brandon J. Blankenagel

Theses and Dissertations

The use of recycled concrete material (RCM) as pavement base material is a promising but unproven technique for road rehabilitation and construction. A telephone survey conducted to investigate the state of the practice concerning RCM usage in Utah County revealed that RCM is infrequently used in this application due primarily to a lack of practical knowledge about the engineering properties of the material. Therefore, this research was aimed at evaluating the physical properties, strength parameters, and durability characteristics of both demolition and haul-back sources of RCM available in Utah County for use as pavement base material. The study included extensive …

Crosslinked Chitosan: Its Physical Properties And The Effects Of Matrix Stiffness On Chondrocyte Cell Morphology And Proliferation, Anuradha Subramanian, Hsin-Yi Lin

Papers in Biotechnology

Chitosan [<(1-4)-2 amino-2-deoxy-d-glucose], the natural polyaminosaccharide derived from N-deacetylation of chitin [<(1-4)-2 acetamide-2-deoxy-d-glucose], has been shown to possess attractive biological and cell interactive properties. Recently chitosan and chitosan analogs have also been shown to support the growth and continued function of chondrocytes. In the present study, chitosan substrates are crosslinked with a func-tional diepoxide (1,4 butanediol diglycidyl ether) to alter its mechanical property, and the viability and proliferation of the canine articular chondrocytes seeded on the crosslinked surface are further assayed. Of interest is the impact of substrate stiffness on the growth and proliferation of articular canine chondrocytes. Cross linked scaffolds were also sub-jected to degradation by chitosanase to examine the impact of cross linking on enzyme- assisted degradation. The hydrophilicity and compression modulus of the crosslinked sur-faces were measured via contact-angle measurements and compression tests, respec-tively. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and fluorescent staining were used to ob-serve the proliferation and morphology of chondrocyte cells on noncrosslinked and crosslinked surfaces. The crosslinked chitosan was found to be nontoxic to chondrocytes and more hydrophilic. Its compression modulus and stiffness increased, which may im-prove the scaffold resistance to wear and in vivo shrinkage once implanted. The in-creased stiffness also seemed to serve as an additional mechanical stimulus to promote chondrocyte growth and proliferation. The cell morphology on crosslinked scaffolds seen by SEM and fluorescent stain was the typical chondrocytic rounded shape. The method proposed provides a nontoxic way to increase the mechanical strength of the chitosan scaffolds.

Modeling Catalytic Trickle-Bed And Upflow Packed-Bed Reactors For Wet Air Oxidation Of Phenol With Phase Change, Jing Guo, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In This Study, to Simulate the Steady-State Behavior of Packed-Bed Reactors for Catalytic Wet Oxidation of Phenol, One-Dimensional (1D) Axial Dispersion Model for the Liquid Phase is Coupled with a Cell Stack Model for the Gas Phase, Providing Considerable Phase Change under the Selected Operating Conditions. the Reactor Scale Governing Equations, Reaction Kinetics Involved, and Solution Strategy Are Discussed. the Computational Approach Accounts for the Observed Catalyst Activities, Combined with Local Transport and Catalyst Wetting Effects. the Approach Selected is Shown to Be Suitable and Efficient in Dealing with the Problem in Question. Comparisons of Simulated Model Predictions and Lab …

Purification And Scale-Up Of A Recombinant Heavy Chain Fragment C Of Botulinum Neurotoxin Serotype E In Pichia Pastoris Gs115, Michael P. Dux, Rick Barent, Jayanta Sinha, Mark Gouthro, Todd Swanson, Ardis Barthuli, Mehmet İnan, John T. Ross, Leonard A. Smith, Theresa J. Smith, Robert Webb, Bonnie Loveless, Ian Henderson, Michael M. Meagher

Papers in Biochemical Engineering

A recombinant C-terminus heavy chain fragment from Botulinum neurotoxin serotype E (BoNT/E) is proposed as a vaccine against the serotype E neurotoxin. This fragment, rBoNTE(Hc), was produced intracellular in Pichia pastoris GS115 by a three-step fermentation process, i.e., glycerol batch phase and a glycerol fed-batch phase to achieve high cell densities, followed by a methanol fed-batch induction phase. The rBoNTE(Hc) protein was purified from the soluble fraction of cell lysates using three ion-exchange chromatography steps (SP Sepharose Fast Flow, Q Sepharose Fast Flow, Sp Sepharose High Performance) and polished with a hydrophobic charge induction chromatography step (MEP HyperCel). Method development …

Privatization Of Space Ventures: Proposing A Proven Regulatory Theory For Future Extraterrestral Appropriation, Jonathan Thomas

Brigham Young University International Law & Management Review

No abstract provided.

Nonhydrostatic And Nonlinear Contributions To The Energy Flux Budget In Nonlinear Internal Waves, S. K. Venayagamoorthy, O. B. Fringer

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

We use high-resolution two-dimensional simulations to model the generation, and evolution of nonlinear internal waves formed as a result of the interaction of a first-mode internal wave field with idealized slopes. The derivation of the energy equation and the energy flux terms are presented. By employing an analysis of the distribution of the energy flux across the shelf break, we quantify the contributions to the energy flux budget from nonhydrostatic as well as nonlinear effects in comparison to the contribution from the baroclinic pressure anomaly term used widely for linear internal waves. Our results show that the contributions to the …

Apparatus And Method For Three-Dimensional Contouring, Carl B. Kieranen, Charles A. Hallstrom, Glen R. Simula, Nils P. Ruonavaara, James D. Waineo

Michigan Tech Patents

A device and method for contouring three-dimensionally curved surfaces includes an elongated contouring assembly that is supported at opposite ends by height adjustment mechanisms. The height adjustment mechanisms raise and lower the ends of the contouring assembly independently of each other, thereby allowing the contouring assembly to create a three-dimensionally curved surface as it passes over an area to be contoured. The control of at least one end of the contouring assembly is based on a comparison of its measured position with a profile of the surface to be leveled that is stored in a computer memory. A pivot or …

Flow Distribution Characteristics Of A Gas-Liquid Monolith Reactor, Shaibal Roy, Muthanna H. Al-Dahhan

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Flow Distribution Characteristics in a 0.05 M Diameter Monolith Reactor, Operated Co-Current Downward in the Taylor Flow Regime, Was Investigated and Quantified using Gamma Ray Computed Tomography (CT). the Results Indicate that the Flow Distribution is a Strong Function of Liquid Distributor Design, and Gas and Liquid Superficial Velocities. Additionally, within the Range of Gas and Liquid Superficial Velocities Investigated, a Window of Operating Condition (Gas and Liquid Velocities) Was Identified Which Resulted in a Close to Uniform Phase Distribution. © 2005 Elsevier B.V. All Rights Reserved.

Adaptive Control Of A Projectile Fin Using Piezoelectric Elastic Beam, Smitha Mani, Sahjendra N. Singh, Surya Kiran Parimi, Woosoon Yim, Mohamed B. Trabia

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

No abstract provided.

Variable Structure Control Of Unsteady Nonlinear Aeroelastic System, With Partial State Information, Sushma Gujjula, Sahjendra N. Singh

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Research

This paper treats the question of control of a two-degree-of-freedom unsteady aeroelastic system with partial state information in the presence of uncertainties. The chosen model describes the plunge and pitch motion of a wing and a single trailing-edge control surface is utilized for the purpose of control. Based on the Lyapunov approach, a variable structure control law is derived. For the control law derivation, the system is treated as the interconnection of two subsystems in which the subsystem associated with the unsteady aerodynamics is input-to-state stable. The stability property of this subsystem is exploited to generate a dominating signal for …

Assessing Construction Management Higher Education Strategies: Increased Demand, Limited Resources, And Over-Enrollment, Kristen Lea Wynn

Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of this research was to see how Baccalaureate Construction Management Programs accredited by the American Council for Construction Education (ACCE) were managing increased enrollments within their programs. The review of literature identified related topics, comparable studies, and relevant issues surrounding over-enrollment. Forty-nine of the 53 accredited ACCE programs responded to the survey instrument. Over two-thirds of the respondents stated that they were either approaching, or were at the limits of enrollment capacities. Most of the respondents listed limited enrollment, the use of adjunct faculty, and funding from industry as leading strategies for managing or obtaining resources. Because CM …

Effects Of Pressure On Coal Pyrolysis At High Heating Rates And Char Combustion, Dong Zeng

Theses and Dissertations

Clean coal technologies are now becoming popular because of their high efficiencies and minimal environmental impact. Higher operating pressures have been applied to clean coal technologies. The effect of pressure on coal pyrolysis and char combustion has been extensively studied but still remains to be further explored. The objective of this project was to characterize high pressure, high heating rate coal pyrolysis and char combustion, with emphasis on improving coal/char high pressure combustion models. A flat-flame burner was used in a high pressure laminar flow facility to conduct high temperature, high heating rate pyrolysis and combustion experiments for four coals. …

Development Of A Frost Heave Test Apparatus, Russell David Lay

Theses and Dissertations

Frost heave damage to roadways costs millions of dollars every year. The need for an improved understanding of the fundamental mechanisms associated with frost heave and methods for efficiently improving frost-susceptible materials prompted the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Brigham Young University (BYU) to undertake a project to design, construct, and verify the functionality of a new frost heave testing apparatus. Frost heave research has been carried out for more than 75 years. The equipment used to conduct this testing has advanced in accuracy and utility over the years. To establish a background in past and current frost …

Modular Communication System, Stephen O. Bozzone, Bonnie Bachman, Ryan Nilsen

Economics Faculty Research & Creative Works

A modular communication system (10) can include an adaptable communication module (12) having a transceiver (13) coupled to a processor (14) and memory (20), and a first interface block (24) coupled to the processor, and a host device (30) having a power source (36), a user interface (34), and a second interface block (46). The host device can be among a plurality of host devices having different user interfaces and the processor is adaptable to control the different user interfaces when the first interface block recognizes the second interface block. The module can further include a DSP (16) and a …

The Calculation Of Characteristic Impedance And Propagation Operator Associated With Isothermal And Viscous Effects In Acoustic Tubes, Dean R. Wheeler

Faculty Publications

Chebychev type approximations are used to represent the Kelvin functions and in turn the complex Bessel functions needed in modeling the characteristic impedance and propagation operator for an acoustic tube. This technique is used to approximate the Bessel functions of the first kind of order zero and order one with complex arguments. The method is then used to approximate the ratio of Bessel functions in an effort to decrease computing time. The results are used in electrical analog expressions for computing system frequency response of miniature transducers.

Solid-State Current Amplifier Based On Impact Ionization, Aaron R. Hawkins, Hong-Wei Lee

Faculty Publications

The operation principle, fabrication, and measurement results for a stand-alone amplifier based on impact ionization are reported. The device was built in silicon using standard microelectronic processes. Testing was performed by connecting the device to both silicon and indium-gallium-arsenide photodiodes to demonstrate its compatibility with arbitrary current sources. Preamplified leakage currents of less than 1 nA were measured along with current gains greater than 100.

A Method For Characterizing The Properties Of Industrial Foams, Shaun M. Salisbury

Theses and Dissertations

Assessing the effect of foam layers on transport phenomena is of significant interest in many industries, so a method for predicting foam layer properties has been developed. A model of the propagation of radiation from an amplitude-modulated laser beam through a non-absorbing foam layer has been developed using diffusion theory. Measurements predicted by diffusion theory were compared to results generated using Monte Carlo methods for a variety of foam layer properties in both the time-domain and the frequency-domain. The properties that were varied include the layer thickness, the scattering coefficient, and the asymmetry parameter. Layer thicknesses between 8.5 mm and …

Cooperative Control Of Miniature Air Vehicles, Derek R. Nelson

Theses and Dissertations

Cooperative control for miniature air vehicles (MAVs) is currently a highly researched topic. There are many application for which MAVs are well suited, including fire monitoring, surveillance and reconaissance, and search and rescue missions. All of these applications can be carried out more effictively by a team of MAVs than by a single vehicle. As technologies for microcontrollers and small sensors have improved so have the capabilities of MAVs. This improvement in MAV performance abilities increases the possibility for cooperative missions. The focus of this research was on cooperative timing missions. The issues faced when dealing with multi-MAV flight include …

Showering In The Sun, Florida Solar Energy Center, James Haggard

FSEC Energy Research Center®

For thousands of years, man has used energy from the sun to heat water. Today, the typical way of obtaining hot water for a shower is through a residential or commercial thermal system installed on a building. This type of shower is too big and heavy to use outdoors, although camping facilities and parks may have such systems for their patrons. Original outdoor showers that were developed for use in remote locations were bulky and not particularly portable. Today's solar shower is designed to be practical for camping, recreational and marine use. New products are made of plastic for lighter …

Disasters: Photovoltaics For Special Needs, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The National Hurricane Center tracks the path of a hurricane to determine where it will make landfall. People in harm's way are informed of its approach and the need to evaluate options to prevent injury and protect lives. One of the many groups of people at high risk is those with special needs. They have health conditions that require special care. Before a disaster, these individuals live in hospitals, care facilities and homes. During and following a disaster, many would be moved, along with their supplies, equipment and a caretaker, to a special needs shelter. Others would stay with relatives …