Engineering Commons^™

Joint Transform Correlation With A Synthetic Discrimination Function For Object Classification, Inder K. Purohit

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A novel method using adaptive progressive thresholding (APT) and shifted phase-encoded fringe-adjusted joint transform correlation (SPFJTC) that employs a synthetic discriminant function (SDF) image for object classification is presented in this thesis. An adaptive progressive thresholding scheme first processes the given input scene to separate any objects present in the scene from the background. The preprocessing step results in an image having only the foreground objects, such as boats, trees and other cluttered regions, and hence reduces the search space for the correlation step significantly. The processed irμage is then fed to the shifted phase-encoded fringe-adjusted joint transform correlator, which …

The Status Of Women Faculty In Four-Year Aviation Higher Education Programs, David C. Ison

Publications

The purpose of the study was to evaluate the status of women's participation in full-time, non-engineering aviation baccalaureate programs in the United States. In addition, the involvement of women in academic aviation leadership positions (such as chair, dean, or director) was evaluated. Of 353 full-time aviation faculty members employed at 60 different aviation programs meeting the study's criteria, 36 (10.1 %) were female. Eighty faculty were identified in academic leadership positions, and of these faculty leaders, 8 (10%) were women. These participation rates were found to be slightly higher than those found among the pilot population and in the aviation …

Reflection High-Energy Electron Diffraction Studies Of Indium Phosphide (100) And Growth On Indium And Indium Nitride On Silicon (100), Mohamed Abd-Elsattar Hafez

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Study of the effects of atomic hydrogen exposure on structure and morphology of semiconductor surfaces is important for fundamental properties and applications. In this dissertation, the electron yield of a hydrogen-cleaned indium phosphide (InP) surface was measured and correlated to the development of the surface morphology, which was monitored by in situ reflection high-energy electron diffraction (RHEED). Atomic hydrogen treatment produced a clean, well-ordered, and (2x4)-reconstructed InP(100) surface. The quantum efficiency, after activation to negative electron affinity, and the secondary electron emission were shown to increase with hydrogen cleaning time. RHEED patterns of low-index InP(100) surface were modified by the …

Predicting The Seismic Behavior Of The Dywidag Ductile Connector (Ddc) Precast Concrete System, Elizabeth Mary Kenyon

Master's Theses

Structural engineering is heavily dependent on the use of computers. When creating a building model using structural analysis software, it is required that the designer have an understanding of the system behavior and the modeling program capabilities.

Some engineers in the Southern California region are taking steps towards incorporating the Dywidag ductile connector (DDC) and super hybrid systems into building practice due to the advantages found in these systems’ construction methods and seismic performance.

As the DDC and super hybrid systems reach industry, the design engineer will need to model these systems using structural analysis programs. This report describes two …

Experimental Analysis And Modeling Validation Of A Knee Brace In Shock Mitigation, Manish Prakash Dhekane

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An experimental setup simulating the dynamic environment in a high sea state is developed for the lower extremities to study the mitigation of shock impact. A single degree of freedom machine is equipped with six linear induction motors to produce impact acceleration ranging from 0.5G to 4G. The experiments are carried out along the dummy leg by using two configurations, one without a knee brace and one with a knee brace. Force and acceleration data is collected using a data acquisition system.

To develop the analytical model of the same experimental setup, the knee brace and dummy leg were scanned …

A 6-Dof Force Transducer Design From An Existing Rocket Payload Attachment Fitting, Thomas H. Johnson

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Lack of reliable in-flight data regarding the forces experienced by a spacecraft inside a Boeing Delta II rocket have led to the need for a simple and cost effective force measurement solution. This research investigates one solution that creates a direct reading force transducer to monitor the forces and moments experienced by the spacecraft rather than inferring forces from accelerometer readings as is currently practiced. In order to minimize costs, it is desired that the transducer is designed out of the existing structure that connects the spacecraft to the second stage. The existing structure is called a Payload Attachment Fitting …

Object Detection In Poor Visibility Conditions Using Image Segmentation, Triveni Vuppalapati

Electrical & Computer Engineering Theses & Dissertations

It can be dangerous for a pilot to attempt to land an aircraft safely in poor visibility conditions such as rain, fog, haze, snow and low light, but external imagery of a runway can be enhanced to provide increased situational awareness. Objects that are detected in a scene may or may not be a hazard, so interpretation is left to the pilot. In order to detect whether an object is a hazard to safe landing, it is necessary to determine whether the object is on the runway. For this purpose, two image segmentation algorithms: histogram based d-peak algorithm and local …

Integrating Preservation Functions Into The Web Server, Joan A. Smith

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

Digital preservation of theWorldWideWeb poses unique challenges, different fromthe preservation issues facing professional Digital Libraries. The complete list of a website’s resources cannot be cited with confidence, and the descriptive metadata available for the resources is so minimal that it is sometimes insufficient for a browser to recognize. In short, the Web suffers from a counting problem and a representation problem. Refreshing the bits, migrating from an obsolete file format to a newer format, and other classic digital preservation problems also affect the Web. As digital collections devise solutions to these problems, the Web will also benefit. But the core …

Biology-Inspired Approach For Communal Behavior In Massively Deployed Sensor Networks, Kennie H. Jones

Computer Science Theses & Dissertations

Research in wireless sensor networks has accelerated rapidly in recent years. The promise of ubiquitous control of the physical environment opens the way for new applications that will redefine the way we live and work. Due to the small size and low cost of sensor devices, visionaries promise smart systems enabled by deployment of massive numbers of sensors working in concert. To date, most of the research effort has concentrated on forming ad hoc networks under centralized control, which is not scalable to massive deployments. This thesis proposes an alternative approach based on models inspired by biological systems and reports …

Resource-Constrained Load Balancing Controller For A Parallel Database, Z. Tang, J. Douglas Birdwell, J. Chiasson, Chaouki T. Abdallah, Majeed M. Hayat

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

This brief documents experimental results using a deterministic dynamic nonlinear system for load balancing, previously reported by Tang et al. in a cluster of computer nodes used for parallel computations in the presence of time delays and resource constraints. While previous publications by the authors have provided theoretical analysis of this load-balancing strategy using an idealized model, and have documented experiments using a simulated database, experimental results using a complete database for DNA profiles are documented here. Evaluation of the proposed load-balancing strategy using an actual database was critical because of several characteristics of the database that cannot be accurately …

Shallow Vs Deep Ponds Fgcu Final Repot, Stormwater Academy

BMP Trains Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Qc/Qa: Evaluation Of Effectiveness In Kentucky, Kamyar C. Mahboub, Paul M. Goodrum, Andy Glasglow, Jason Enlow, Nick Hendrix, Moin Uddin

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

Quality control and quality assurance in the highway industry is going through a cultural shift. There is a growing trend toward using the contractor data for acceptance and payment purposes. This has led to serious concerns about conflicts of interests. The question remains: are there adequate safeguards in place? To address these concerns, a number of asphalt and concrete QC/QA projects in Kentucky were examined and statistical analyses were conducted. This report presents a summary of findings and recommendations. Generally speaking, the Kentucky experience revealed that the QC/QA system is working well, and the agency’s random inspection data when compared …

A Study Aimed At Characterizing The Interfacial Structure In A Tin-Silver Solder On Nickel-Coated Copper Plate During Aging, D. C. Lin, R. Kovacevic, T. S. Srivatsan, Guo-Xiang Wang

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Research

This paper highlights the interfacial structure of tin-silver (Sn-3·5Ag) solder on nickel-coated copper pads during aging performance studies at a temperature of 150°C for up to 96 h. Experimental results revealed the as-solidified solder bump made from using the lead-free solder (Sn-3·5Ag) exhibited or showed a thin layer of the tin-nickel-copper intermetallic compound (IMC) at the solder/substrate interface. This includes a sub-layer having a planar structure immediately adjacent to the Ni-coating and a blocky structure on the inside of the solder. Aging performance studies revealed the thickness of both the IMC layer and the sub-layer, having a planar structure, to …

Method Of Edge Currents For Calculating Mutual External Inductance In A Microstrip Structure, Marina Koledintseva, James L. Drewniak, Thomas Van Doren, David Pommerenke, Matteo Cocchini, David M. Hockanson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Mutual external inductance (MEI) associated with fringing magnetic fields in planar transmission lines is a cause of socalled "ground plane noise", which leads to radiation from printed circuit boards in high-speed electronic equipment. Herein, a Method of Edge Currents (MEC) is proposed for calculating the MEI associated with fringing magnetic fields that wrap the ground plane of a microstrip line. This method employs a quasi-magnetostatic approach and direct magnetic field integration, so the resultant MEI is frequency independent. It is shown that when infinitely wide ground planes are cut to form ground planes of finite width, the residual surface currents …

The Limnogeology Of The Lakes Sagara And Nyamagoma, Hudson Nkotagu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The present study focuses on the limnogeological aspects of the lakes Sagara and Nyamagoma within the Malagarasi Wetland Ecosystem. Abiotic parameters from water and sediment samples were determined during the dry and wet seasons using appropriate gears and methods. The data show variation of the abiotic parameters in both lakes from the water surface to the bottom. Lake Nyamagoma is less turbid (0.7-24 NTU) than Lake Sagara (25 to 65 NTU). The water transparency was also high at Lake Nyamagoma (0.75-1.5 m) thus supporting the observed turbidity trend. The physical chemical changes may be attributed to processes such as cooling, …

Modeling Of A Spray Assisted Natural Draft Cooling Tower, Kaunde K

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Cooling towers are one of the largest heat and mass transfer devices that are in common use. A novel type of cooling tower has been proposed in which air flow rate into the tower is drawn by ejector action of sprays instead of fans as is done in conventional mechanical forced or induced draft cooling towers. This novel design offers the potential of saving the energy cost for driving the fan. The paper presents mathematical models for momentum transfer which is the driving force causing the entrainment of air. Also the heat transfer model for co-current flow of liquid and …

Application Of Non-Destructive Testing In Evaluating Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements In Buildings, I Rubaratuka

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Of recent a large number of existing reinforced concrete buildings have required reconstruction, renovation and improvement. This tendency poses a number of problems that have to be solved, the main one being to determine the actual strength condition of the structural components/elements of the building. It includes determination of the quality of materials used, specification of the types and description of apparent faults and damages and extent of wear of the building. To undertake this evaluation, non – destructive testing methods are used. In this paper, applications of non – destructive testing methods to determine the strength state of reinforced …

Assessment Of Integrated Water Resources Management Practice In Yatta Canal, Machakos District, Kenya, Lawrence Simitu

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Yatta Canal is situated in Yatta division, Machakos district about 100 km from Nairobi along Thika- Garissa road. It is about 60 Km long and supplies water for domestic, livestock and irrigation use. Over the years, the water supply has been unreliable especially during dry season leading to conflicts between upstream and downstream consumers. Sometimes the Government has been forced to intervene to restore order. The study aimed at assessing the use of Yatta canal, based on the principles of Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) which stipulates efficient use of water and involvement of all stakeholders in decision making for …

Sediment Yield Prediction In Tanzania: Case Study Of Dodoma District Catchments, Mathew Mulemgera

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Soil erosion and sedimentation is serious and is resulting in rapid sedimentation of streams and reservoirs in Tanzania. This makes sediment yield modeling important before undertaking water resources development projects, although it has so far not been done in the country. At present sediment yield prediction can be done using physically based models, empirical soil erosion and sediment yield models, and sediment rating curves. The physically based models contain numerous parameters that are difficult to measure or estimate, making them inappropriate in developing countries like Tanzania. The rating curves give rough estimates while the empirical sediment yield models need runoff …

Mutual External Inductance In Stripline Structures, Marina Koledintseva, James L. Drewniak, Thomas Van Doren, David Pommerenke, Matteo Cocchini, David M. Hockanson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The Method of Edge Currents (MEC) proposed in our previous paper [1] is applied herein for calculating the mutual external inductance associated with fringing magnetic fields that wrap ground planes of a stripline structure. This method employs a quasi-static approach, image theory, and direct magnetic field integration. The resultant mutual external inductance is frequency-independent. The approach has been applied to estimating mutual inductance for both symmetrical and asymmetrical stripline structures. Offset of the signal trace from the centered position both in horizontal and vertical directions is taken into account in asymmetrical structures. The results are compared with numerical simulations using …

Quality Control In The Construction Of Reinforced Concrete Buildings In Dar Es Salaam, I Rubaratuka

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Quality Control in the construction industry is very important to ensure that what is being done conforms to the applicable standards or good practice and the contract documents. In this article, results of investigations conducted at different construction sites for reinforced concrete buildings in Dar es Salaam to check if quality control measures are being implemented are discussed. It has been established that generally quality control is not properly carried out. Finally, measures to enhance quality control on sites are outlined.

Development Of A Genetic Algorithm Based Search Strategy Suited For Design Optimisation Of Internal Combustion Engines, Nalitolela G

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Engine design optimisation is a multi-objective, multi-domain problem in a discontinuous design space. The state of the art of optimisation techniques shows that only methods of direct and adaptive search are appropriate for this type of problem. These include, adaptive random search, simulated annealing, evolution strategies and genetic algorithms. Of these methods, the genetic algorithms have been shown to be the most suited for the optimisation of multi-modal response functions in a discontinuous design space. This paper considers the important characteristics of genetic algorithms and their adaptation for use in parametric design optimisation of internal combustion engines. In order to …

Accuracy Analysis For Kolmogorov Entropy Used In Studying The Chaotic Dynamics Of Cfb Reactors Based On Solids Concentration Fluctuations, Samwel V. Manyele

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

A study on the chaotic dynamics of a high flux circulating fluidized bed (CFB) riser (10-m high and 76-mm i.d.) using the maximum likelihood estimate of the Kolmogorov entropy (KML) is reported. The signals used were measured by using a solids concentration fiber optic probe, accuracy of which is reported based on statistical analysis. The sensitivity analysis of the parameters used for computing KML was conducted to identify optimum settings, based on the standard error, s(KML) and the nature of PDF of the b-values from the reconstructed phase space trajectories. The length of time series, N, sampling frequency, fs, and …

Improving The Availability Of Manufacturability Information Through Decentralization Of Process Planning, Eliab Opiyo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Process planning is part of the general product development and production process that usually follows design and precedes manufacturing. Manufacturability and process planning information in general play central role in many product development and production activities, including paradoxically, conceptual and detail design - the activities that take place before process planning. The need of conducting some of the process planning activities formally before or during design is thus rather obvious. One of the main research issues is therefore the identification of the process planning activities that can be performed before the traditional process planning phase and handling of the process …

Sedimentation Status Of Lake Victoria: Loading From River Mouth And In-Lake Sedimentation, F Mwanuzi1

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Lake sediments consist of the input of suspended solids by river discharges, the autochthonous produced particulate matter in the water column and the settled material on the lake bottom. The loading, transport, formation and decay of the sediments entering the Lake Victoria from Tanzanian side was monitored for the period 2000 to 2005. The sedimentation study focused on; quantification of settling fluxes of particulate nutrients and organic carbon at the off shore(Pelagic) and near-shore(Littoral) monitoring stations. Monitored data on sedimentation rate and settling velocities has been sampled and analysed in the period November 2000 to March 2005. The mean sedimentation …

Open Source Software In Health Information Systems: Opportunities And Challenges, Hashim Twaakyondo

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

The paper presents results of a study seeking to identify constraining and motivating factors associated with the adoption and use of Free Open Source Software to computerise health Information Systems in a developing country. The study approach is interpretive research to case study with a triangulation of several qualitative data collection methods such as interviews, group discussions and document analysis. The findings indicate that using open source software has advantages and disadvantages. The advantages are low entry cost to adopting software, possibilities of software localization, avoiding being hostage of proprietary software and foster knowledge acquisition among software developers. The disadvantages …

Strategies For Promoting The Use Of Concrete Pavements In Tanzania: Technical And Institutional Considerations, Mfinanga A

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

High-type roads in Tanzania have been predominantly of asphaltic concrete construction. This ever enlarging and ageing asphaltic road network represents increasing resource requirements on the road agency in the form of maintenance. Limited resources coupled with the ever sky-rocketing costs of petroleum products and the competing demands of social economic developments, presupposes the need to look for alternative road construction technology that is more cost-effective and resource optimising. Experience gained from developed and some developing countries where concrete pavements have been widely used suggests the potential of this type of pavement in many developing countries. This paper discusses the technical …

Trends Of Rainfall And Maize Productivity In Malawi, T Kimaro

Tanzania Journal of Engineering and Technology (TJET)

Daily rainfall data between 1966 and 2005 across all Agricultural Development Areas (ADDs) in Malawi was investigated to determine changes in selected rainfall characteristics and their impact on Maize productivity. Rainfall indices analyzed included rainfall amounts (annual and seasonal), onset, cessation, dry spells and length of rainy season. Man Kendal’s trend test was applied to the time series of these indices to detect any trends in the time series. Water Requirement Satisfaction Index (WRSI) for maize crop was used to study the spatial-temporal variation of maize productivity and thus its linkage to rainfall. Definition of onset and cessation adopted from …

Development Of A Particle Flow Test For Rotational Molding, Russell B. Whatcott

Theses and Dissertations

One of the current testing method (the Dry Flow test) to qualify resin for use in production in the rotomolding process has been shown to have many flaws in both equipment and procedure. Research was done here to investigate a possible alternative that could eliminate some of these testing deficiencies. By reducing equipment and operator errors, the testing of materials becomes more valuable of an exercise. The Angular Flow test developed in this research can increase repeatability. By coming to understand the rotational molding process better, an evaluation that can give more valid information was devised.

An Exploration Of A Discrete Rhombohedral Lattice Of Possible Engineering Or Physical Relevance (Revised Version) 2008, Jim Mcgovern

Conference Papers

A particular discrete rhombohedral lattice consisting of four symmetrically interlaced cuboctahedral point lattices is described that is interesting because of the high degree of symmetry it exhibits. The four constituent cuboctahedral lattices are denoted by four colours and the composite lattice is referred to as a 4-colour rhombohedral lattice. Each point of the 4-colour lattice can be referenced by an integer 4-tuple containing only the positive non-zero integers (the counting numbers). The relationship between the discrete rhombohedral lattice and a discrete Cartesian lattice is explained. Some interesting aspects of the lattice and of the counting-number 4-tuple coordinate system are pointed …