Engineering Commons^™

Comprehensive Study Of Biomass Fly Ash In Concrete: Strength, Microscopy, Kinetics And Durability, Shuangzhen Wang, Larry Baxter

Faculty Publications

ASTM (American Standard Testing and Materials) C 618 prohibits use of biomass fly ash in concrete. This document systematically investigates the strength, microscopic study and durability (mitigation of Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) expansion) of biomass fly ash concrete (cement partially replaced by fly ash) and kinetics of the mixture of biomass fly ash and calcium hydroxide. The biomass fly ash in the investigation comes from cofired (herbaceous with coal) fly ash, which includes different kinds of coal and biomass. All the results show that biomass fly ash with cofiring concentration within the interest to commercial coal–biomass cofiring operations at power …

Ceas E-News 07.24.2007, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences News

Titania nano-research could reap environmental rewards

Sheep Updates 2007 - Part 4, Dean Thomas, Dominique Blache, Dean Revell, Hayley Norman, Phil Vercoe, Zoey Durmic, Serina Digby, Di Mayberry, Megan Chadwick, Martin Sillence, David Masters, R. Silberstein, F. Byrne, P. G. H. Nichols, J. Young, L. Aitkins, M. G. Wilmot, A. J. Rintoul, T. Lambert, D. R. Mcclements, P. Raper, P. Ward, C. Walton, T. York, David Pethick, David Hopkins, Malcolm Mcphee, D. B. Savage, J. V. Nolan, I. R. Godwin, A. Aoetpah, T. Nguyen, N. Baillie, C. Lawler, Ken Geenty, John Smith, Darryl Smith, Tim Dyall, Grant Uphill, John Young, Michael Paton, John Dorrian

Sheep Updates

This session covers eight papers from different authors:

GRAZING

1. The impact of high dietary salt and its implications for the management of livestock grazing saline land, Dean Thomas, Dominique Blache, Dean Revell, Hayley Norman, Phil Vercoe, Zoey Durmic, Serina Digby, Di Mayberry, Megan Chadwick, Martin Sillence and David Masters, CRC for Plant-based Management of Dryland Salinity, Faculty of Natural & Agricultural Sciences, The University of Western Australia, WA.

2. Sustainable Grazing on Saline Lands - outcomes from the WA1 research project, H.C. Norman^1,2, D.G. Masters^1,2, R. Silberstein^1,2, F. Byrne^2,3, P.G.H. Nichols …

Guidelines For The Application Of Recycled Concrete Aggregate In The Egyptian Construction Industry, Ahmed Moustafa Essam Aly Kamel

Archived Theses and Dissertations

Construction industry is one of the most important fractions of economy worldwide. This industry consumes enormous amounts of raw materials and produces considerable waste. The optimization of construction material usage not only saves costs but also can significantly contribute towards sustainable development. The concept of recycling the construction and demolition rubble is being addressed in this study as a solution. The recycling of concrete, resulting from both the construction activities and the demolition activities, in order to be used as a source of aggregate is being focused upon in this study. Although the idea of using recycled concrete has been …

Sheep Updates 2007 - Part 2, Ian Mcfarland, Catherine Stockman, Anne Barnes, David Pethick, Jenny Davis, Brett Thompson, Ron Leng, Sally Pieruzzini, Elizabeth Jackson, Mohammed Quaddus, Nazrul Islam, John Stanton, Melanie Dowling

Sheep Updates

This session covers six papers from different authors:

CONCURRENT SESSIONS

FINISHING LAMB AND BEEF

1. Precision Feedlot Lamb, Ian McFarland, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia

2. Feeding sheep under high heat load did not decrease intake of feedlot rations, Catherine Stockman, Department of Agriculture and Food, Western Australia & Murdoch University, Anne Barnes, Murdoch University David Pethick, Murdoch University

3. Taking the stress out of fifishing lambs and cattle - EasyFeed solutions, Jenny Davis, Brett Thomson, Milne AgriGroup, Welshpool WA, Ron Leng, Emeritus Professor, University of New England, Armidale, NSW

WOOL

4. DAFWA …

Transitions Between Hover And Level Flight For A Tailsitter Uav, Stephen R. Osborne

Theses and Dissertations

Vertical Take-Off and Land (VTOL) Unmanned Air Vehicles (UAVs) possess several desirable characteristics, such as being able to hover and take-off or land in confined areas. One type of VTOL airframe, the tailsitter, has all of these advantages, as well as being able to fly in the more energy-efficient level flight mode. The tailsitter can track trajectories that successfully transition between hover and level flight modes. Three methods for performing transitions are described: a simple controller, a feedback linearization controller, and an adaptive controller. An autopilot navigational state machine with appropriate transitioning between level and hover waypoints is also presented. …

49th Rocky Mountain Conference On Analytical Chemistry

Rocky Mountain Conference on Magnetic Resonance

Final program, abstracts, and information about the 49th 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 Breckenridge, Colorado, July 22-26, 2007.

Development Of A Multiple Microphone Probe Calibrator, Jonathan Reed Oldham

Theses and Dissertations

This paper presents the theory, design, and validation of a microphone calibrator used to calibrate multiple microphones simultaneously. This work was done in conjunction with the development of an acoustic energy density probe, which was used to validate the calibrator. The probe uses multiple microphones to acquire the data needed to compute the acoustic energy density. The probe microphones are 0.006 m diameter electret microphones which typically do not have an ideal “flat" response over a wide range of frequencies as compared to precision condenser microphones. The probe microphone characteristics prompted the need for simultaneous, multi-microphone magnitude calibration. The idea …

Elliptical Rolling Link Toggle Mechanisms For Passive Force Closures With Self-Adjustment, Jacob Ross Montierth

Theses and Dissertations

This thesis presents elliptical rolling contact joints as an alternative to circular rolling contact and conventional revolute joints where high quality force transmission "low friction and backlash" with variable output are desired. Parameters specific to the joint and its position are developed in terms of relative link angles and elliptical surface geometry. These parameters are used to generate the basic forward kinematics for elliptical rolling link toggle mechanisms with oscillatory motion and high mechanical advantage. As large compressive loads are characteristic of such mechanisms, stress conditions are identified and principles for joint stability with variable, precision outputs are discussed. Finally, …

Buckling-Restrained Braced Frame Connection Design And Testing, Bradly B. Coy

Theses and Dissertations

As typically designed, the beam-column-brace connections of buckling-restrained braced steel frames have undesirable failure modes that compromise the integrity and performance of the frames and are costly to repair. To decrease the time and resources needed to repair the frames following an earthquake, a new connection design was developed that attempts to confine yielding to replaceable frame components. The design incorporates a gap in the beam beyond the edge of the beam-gusset weld that acts as a hinge and reduces moment forces transferred to the connection; it is bridged by splice plates that are bolted to the beam top flanges. …

Loading Rate Effects On Axial Pile Capacity In Clays, Michael Paul Garner

Theses and Dissertations

In order to design more efficient and reliable structures, axial load tests are performed on foundation piles. Traditionally, static tests with an average duration of approximately twenty-four hours have been performed on test piles to obtain their axial capacity. These static tests require multiple piles used as anchors in addition to the test pile. Static tests are both expensive and time consuming. An alternative to static testing is dynamic testing which requires sophisticated interpretation, can damage the pile and may not produce accurate results. There is a relatively new testing method called the Statnamic Testing Method which tests foundation piles …

Soft Surface Roll Mechanics Parameters For Light Vehicle Rollover Accident Reconstruction, Kevin Claude Henry

Theses and Dissertations

Light vehicle rollover accidents on soft surfaces can be modeled assuming constant drag with linear motion equations and other engineering principles. The concept of using segment average results to evaluate roll mechanics parameters throughout a roll sequence, and specifically, segment duration to evaluate vehicle trajectory between ground impacts is developed. The trajectory model is presented, explained and compared to values obtained by analyzing digital video of rollover crash tests. Detailed film analysis procedures are developed to obtain data from rollover crash tests that are not otherwise documented. Elevation of the center of gravity of vehicles is obtained where instrumentation does …

Dynamic Testing Of A Full-Scale Pile Cap With Dense Silty Sand Backfill, Todd J. Valentine

Theses and Dissertations

Full-scale dynamic lateral load tests were performed on a pile cap with a dense silty sand backfill condition. Two hydraulic load actuators connected a test pile cap with a reaction cap. The load actuators incrementally loaded the test cap up to 50 mm of displacement. After each load increment, the displacement was held constant while an eccentric mass shaker induced dynamic loads under a ramping sequence from 1 Hz to 10 Hz. A baseline response was developed under a no backfill condition. Passive soil pressure was measured using pressure cells and tactile sensors. It was concluded that the presence of …

Combined Spatial Filter And Relay Systems In Rotating Compensator Ellipsometer/Polimeter, Martin M. Liphardt, Blaine D. Johs, Jeffrey S. Hale, Craig M. Herzinger, Steven E. Green, Ping He, John A. Woollam

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Low aberration relay systems modified to perform as spatial filters in rotating compensator ellipsometer, polarimeter and the like systems.

Particle Filter Based Mosaicking For Forest Fire Tracking, Justin Mathew Bradley

Theses and Dissertations

Using autonomous miniature air vehicles (MAVs) is a cost-effective, simple method for collecting data about the size, shape, and location characteristics of a forest fire. However, noise in measurements used to compute pose (location and attitude) of the on-board camera leads to significant errors in the processing of collected video data. Typical methods using MAVs to track fires attempt to find single geolocation estimates and filter that estimate with subsequent observations. While this is an effective method of resolving the noise to achieve a better geolocation estimate, it reduces a fire to a single point or small set of points. …

Laterally Loaded Pile Cap Connections, Tony Eugene Stenlund

Theses and Dissertations

There is presently considerable uncertainty regarding appropriate connection details between driven piles and pile caps. Prior research on the subject suggests that given a proper embedment length, a specialized reinforced connection may not be necessary. Eliminating these costly connection details could save thousands of dollars on both labor and materials. This research study focuses on the importance of the pile-to-cap connection detail with respect to the reinforcement connection and pile embedment length. Four pile caps were constructed, each with two 40 foot-long steel pipe piles, and were tested with different connection details. Two caps included a reinforced connection detail while …

Improving Pediatric Cardiology Consultation Methods By Introducing Digital Interactive 3-D Heart Models: A Proof Of Concept Study, Adam Verigan

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The purpose of a pediatric cardiology consultation is to inform, or educate, the patient and family of all aspects surrounding a certain congenital heart defect. Consultation education methods and materials may include verbal descriptions, two-dimensional (2-D) heart diagrams, and take-home pamphlets. Because the human heart is a complex three-dimensional (3-D) object, the problem lies within the clarity to which these methods are performed by the doctors and understood by the patients and families. Therefore, during a consultation the cardiologist must a) possess the ability to describe a defect visually as well as verbally and b) ensure that the patient and …

A Safety Analysis Of Fatigue And Drowsy Driving In The State Of Utah, Hunter T. Young

Theses and Dissertations

Fatigue and drowsy driving in the state of Utah has been a causal factor in thousands of crashes over the years and poses a serious threat to public safety. Consequently, the purpose of this research was to evaluate the impact of drowsy driving in the state, to identify locations where fatigue and drowsy driving may be contributing factors to current crashes, and to identify methods to help mitigate these crashes. A 3-year drowsy driving crash rate spanning the years 2002 – 2004 was used to determine which segments of Utah highway are most prone to drowsy driving crashes. Drowsy driving …

Investigation Of Particle Velocity And Drag With Spherical And Non-Spherical Particles Through A Backward Facing Step, Kyle Frederick Larsen

Theses and Dissertations

Numerous practical applications exist where dispersed solid particles are transported within a turbulent accelerating or decelerating gaseous flow. The large density variation between phases creates the potential for significant differences in velocity known as velocity slip. Flow over a backward facing step provides a well characterized, turbulent, decelerating flow useful for measuring the relative velocities of the solid and gaseous phases in order to determine velocity slip and particle drag. Numerous investigations have been conducted to determine the gas phase velocity in a backward facing step for both laminar and turbulent flows and therefore the gas phase flow is well …

A Selective Approach To Hexahedral Refinement Of Unstructured Conformal Meshes, Michael Hubbard Parrish

Theses and Dissertations

Hexahedral refinement increases the density of an all-hexahedral mesh in a specified region, improving numerical accuracy. Previous research using solely sheet refinement theory made the implementation computationally expensive and unable to effectively handle multiply-connected transition elements and self-intersecting hexahedral sheets. The Selective Approach method is a new procedure that combines two diverse methodologies to create an efficient and robust algorithm able to handle the above stated problems. These two refinement methods are: 1) element by element refinement and 2) directional refinement. In element by element refinement, the three inherent directions of a hexahedron are refined in one step using one …

A Wind And Rain Backscatter Model Derived From Amsr And Seawinds Data, Seth Niels Nielsen

Theses and Dissertations

The SeaWinds scatterometers aboard the QuikSCAT and ADEOS II satellites were originally designed to measure wind vectors over the ocean by exploiting the relationship between wind-induced surface roughening and the normalized radar backscatter cross-section. Recently, an algorithm for simultaneously retrieving wind and rain (SWR) from scatterometer measurements was developed that enables SeaWinds to correct rain-corrupted wind measurements and retrieve rain rate data. This algorithm is based on co-locating Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission Precipitation Radar (TRMM PR) and SeaWinds on QuikSCAT data. In this thesis, a new wind and rain radar backscatter model is developed for the SWR algorithm using a …

A Geometry-Based Motion Planner For Direct Machining And Control, Robert M. Cheatham

Theses and Dissertations

Direct Machining And Control (DMAC) is a new method of controlling machine tools directly from process planning software. A motion planning module is developed for the DMAC system that operates directly off path geometry without pre-tessellation. The motion planner is developed with the intent to process Bezier curves. The motion planning module includes a deterministic predictor-corrector-type curve interpolator, a dynamics limiting module, and a two-pass jerk-limited speed profiling algorithm. The methods are verified by machining an automotive surface in a clay medium and evaluating the resultant machine dynamics, feed rate, and chordal error throughout the machining process.

Autonomic Product Development Process Automation, John E. Daley

Theses and Dissertations

Market globalization and mass customization requirements are forcing companies towards automation of their product development processes. Many task-specific software solutions provide localized automation. Coordinating these local solutions to automate higher-level processes requires significant software maintenance costs due to the incompatibility of the software tools and the dynamic nature of the product development environment. Current automation methods do not provide the required level of flexibility to operate in this dynamic environment. An autonomic product development process automation strategy is proposed in order to provide a flexible, standardized approach to product development process automation and to significantly reduce the software maintenance costs …

Hardware Support For A Configurable Architecture For Real-Time Embedded Systems On A Programmable Chip, Spencer W. Isaacson

Theses and Dissertations

Current FPGA technology has advanced to the point that useful embedded SoPCs can now be designed. The Real Time Processor (RTP) project at Brigham Young University leverages the advances in FPGA technology with a system architecture that is customizable to specific applications. A simple real-time processor has been designed to provide support for a hardware-assisted real-time operating system providing fast context switches. As part of the hardware RTOS, the following have been implemented in hardware: scheduler, register banks, mutex, semaphore, queue, interrupts, event, and others. A novel circuit called the Task-Resource Matrix has been created to allow fast inter/intra processor …

Potential Energy Surfaces For Small Alcohol Dimers. Ii. Propanol, Isopropanol, T-Butanol, And Sec-Butanol, Richard L. Rowley, Christopher M. Tracy, Tapani A. Pakkanen

Faculty Publications

Potential energy landscapes for homogeneous dimers of propanol, isopropanol, tert-butanol, and sec-butanol were obtained using 735 counterpoise-corrected energies at the MP2/6-311+G(2df,2pd) level. The landscapes were sampled at 15 dimer separation distances for different relative monomer geometries, or routes, given in terms of the yaw, pitch, and roll of one monomer relative to the other and the spherical angles between the two monomer centers (taken as the C atom attached to the O). The resultant individual energy surfaces and their complex topographies were also regressed using a site-site pair potential model using a modified Morse potential that provides a mathematically simple …

Comparing The Feasibility Of Cutting Thin-Walled Sections From Five Commonly Used Metals Utilizing Wire Electric Discharge Machining, Richard C. Stephenson

Theses and Dissertations

Wire Electric Discharge Machining (wire-EDM) is a non-traditional machining process. Controlled electric sparks are successively used to vaporize part of a workpiece along a programmed path in order to machine a desired part. Because there is no tool that comes in direct contact with the workpiece, it is possible to machine thin, delicate parts. This thesis was designed to observe and analyze the differences in cutting capabilities for a conventional wire-EDM machine when cutting thin-walled sections from five commonly used metals utilizing a variation of roughing and finishing passes. The five metals that were used in this study are: Aluminum …

Ceas E-News 07.10.2007, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences News

Motivating and preparing future engineers - a goal of summer day camp

Mechanical Behavior Of Fuel Cell Membranes Under Humidity Cycles And Effect Of Swelling Anisotropy On The Fatigue Stresses, Ahmet Kusoglu, Anette M. Karlsson, Michael H. Santare, Simon Cleghorn, William B. Johnson

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

The mechanical response of proton exchange membranes in a fuel cell assembly is investigated under humidity cycles at a constant temperature (85°C). The behavior of the membrane under hydration–dehydration cycles is simulated by imposing a humidity gradient from the cathode to the anode. Linear elastic, plastic constitutive behavior with isotropic hardening and temperature and humidity dependent material properties are utilized in the simulations for the membrane. The evolution of the stresses and plastic deformation during the humidity cycles are determined using finite element analysis for two clamping methods and various levels of swelling anisotropy. The membrane response strongly depends on …

Additive-Assisted, Cerium-Based, Corrosion-Resistant E-Coating, James O. Stoffer, Thomas J. O'Keefe, Eric L. Morris, Xuan Lin, Scott A. Hayes, Pu Yu

Chemistry Faculty Research & Creative Works

Corrosion resistance of metallic components such as stainless steel components of vehicles, and especially aluminum- based components of aircraft, is enhanced by application of an e-coat paint or primer which is enhanced by incorporation of cerium ions into the e-coat electrolytic bath. The resulting overall coating includes a cerium-based layer under a cerium-enhanced e-coat paint or primer layer.

Analysis Of A Laser Induced Plasma In High Pressure Sf6 Gas For High-Voltage, High-Current Switching, Waylon Clark

Optical Science and Engineering ETDs

The Laser Triggered Switch Program at Sandia National Laboratories is an intensive development study to understand and optimize the laser triggered gas switch (LTGS) for the Z-Refurbishment (ZR) project. The laser triggered gas switch is the final command-triggered switch in the machine, and reliability and performance of the switch is crucial. A modified LTGS trigger section with optical viewing windows perpendicular to the laser propagation is used to analyze a laser induced plasma spark in SF6 gas in order to quantify parameters such as spark length and plasma temperature. The laser spark is created through a focusing lens by the …