Engineering Commons^™

Developing G-Rim And Participants Tests For Specific Commercial Programs For The Florida Natural Gas Association, Florida Solar Energy Center, Richard Raustad

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center performed an economic assessment for 7 common commercial appliances. This assessment calculates the gas rate impact measure and participants test score for selecting natural gas equipment over comparable electric equipment over a 20-year period. This type of analysis provides an indication whether or not the specific appliance program favors the end use customer and/or the utility company as economic beneficiaries. Given the project assumptions, all natural gas equipment types, with the exception of the pool heat pump water heater, show measures greater than 1 indicating that the natural gas appliance will have lower life-cycle costs …

Imprinting Polymerfilm On Patterned Substrate, Li Tan, Yen-Peng Kong, Stella W. Pang, Albert F. Yee

Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering: Faculty Publications

A method of applying a pattern on a topography includes first applying a polymer film to an elastormer member, such as PDMS, to form a pad. The pad is then applied to a substrate having a varying topography under pressure. The polymer film is transferred to the substrate due to the plastic deformation of the polymer film under pressure compared to the elastic deformation of the PDMS member pulls away from the polymer layer, thereby depositing the polymer layer, thereby depositing the polymer layer upon the substrate.

Device And Methods For Atomizing Fluids, Vedanth Srinivasan, Abraham J. Salazar, Kozo Saito, Richard Alloo, Sakakibara Masahito

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Patents

One embodiment of the invention is directed to an apparatus for atomizing a fluid. This apparatus includes an atomizing nozzle assembly. The atomizing nozzle assembly includes: a spray applicator enclosure having a fluid entry zone, a flow shape profiler region, a transducer, and a cavitation enhancer module, wherein the cavitation enhancer module includes a residence modulation zone and the residence modulation zone includes a backward facing step region. The apparatus is configured such that fluid can enter the fluid entry zone to the nozzle profiler, the transducer and the cavitation enhancer module. Other embodiments relate to methods for atomizing fluids.

Intrusion Detection Methods And Apparatus That Use A Building's Infrastructure As Part Of A Sensor, Nikola Subotic, Christopher Roussi, Peter Jensen, William Buller

Michigan Tech Patents

Intrusion detection methods and apparatus exploit the infrastructure of the building itself. The preferred embodiments use the existing power line infrastructure to provide power, data, and sensor observables to a monitoring system which is simply connected at one point, namely, the connection of the building to the city power grid. Computer network interfaces may also be used. In terms of sensors, impedance, capacitive, inductive, electric field and Radar modalities may be used.

The Potential Of Cubesat Networks, Robert J. Twiggs

Robert "Bob" Twiggs STEM Education Collection

A PowerPoint presentation created by Professor Bob Twiggs titled "The Potential of CubeSat Networks" from November 17, 2009.

East Bay Energy Consortium Legal Committee Meeting Minutes, November 16, 2009, East Bay Energy Consortium

East Bay Energy Consortium Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

East Bay Energy Consortium Budget Committee Meeting Minutes, November 16, 2009, East Bay Energy Consortium

East Bay Energy Consortium Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

Pegylation Of Niosomes, John A. Elliott

USF Tampa Graduate Theses and Dissertations

The research presented in this dissertation describes the creation and characterization of a novel antibody-vesicle conjugate modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) that possesses enhanced binding to and uptake by inflammation-activated endothelial cells with improved storage stability and longer shelf-life and potential reduction in immunogenic potential compared to previous designs.

Targeted drug delivery provides an effective means of delivering therapeutic concentrations of a drug to the site or organ of action. The drug is delivered using a niosome, a vesicle with an aqueous core and a bilayer membrane composed of non-ionic surfactants and cholesterol. Antibodies that recognize specific cell antigens are …

Airport Bird Hazard Management, Flavio A. C. Mendonca Ph.D.

Publications

Aircraft collisions with birds, also commonly referred to as bird strikes, annually cost the commercial aviation industry in Brazil at least $6 million in direct damage and associated costs and hundreds of hours of aircraft down time. Although the economic costs of wildlife strikes are extreme, the cost in human lives lost when aircraft accidents occur as a result of strikes best illustrates the need for management of the wildlife strike problem. Bird strikes have been an increasing problem for the aviation industry. Air travel has become widespread all over the world. The aircraft has played an important role not …

Intermittent Behaviour Of A Cracked Rotor In The Resonance Region, Grzegorz Litak, Jerzy T. Sawicki

Mechanical Engineering Faculty Publications

Vibrations of the Jeffcott rotor are modelled by a three degree of freedom system including coupling between lateral and torsional modes. The crack in a rotating shaft of the rotor is introduced via time dependent stiffness with off-diagonal couplings. Applying the external torque to the system allows to observe the effect of crack “breathing” and gain insight into the system. It is manifested in the complex dynamic behaviour of the rotor in the region of internal resonance, showing a quasi-periodic motion or even non-periodic behaviour. In the present paper report, we show the system response to the external torque excitation …

Precast Post-Tensioned Segmental Pole System: U.S. Patent No. Us 6,851,231 B2, Maher K. Tadros, E. Terence Foster, Sherif A. Yehia, Audra L. Hansen

Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering: Faculty Publications

A precast post-tensioned segmental pole system capable of supporting a load is provided. The pole system includes a plurality of pole segments that use connectors and strands to anchor them together. The strands extend within a cavity formed in the pole segments and are external to the wall structure of the pole segments. The strands may be coupled between both of the pole segments, or be anchored to a connector. The connector includes an upper piece that is coupled to one pole segment, and a lower piece that is coupled to the other pole segment. Upper and lower pieces interlock …

Dilute Sulfuric Acid Pretreatment Of Switchgrass In Microwave Reactor For Biofuel Conversion: An Investigation Of Yields, Kinetics,, Oscar Martin

Theses and Dissertations

Lignocellulosic materials provide a raw material source for biofuel conversion and offer several advantages over fossil fuels- usage of a renewable resource, reduced greenhouse emissions, a decreased dependence on foreign oil, and stimulation of the agricultural sector. However, a primary technological challenge in converting lignocellulosic biomass into fuel is overcoming the recalcitrance of its matrix to enzymatic hydrolysis. To overcome these problems for chemical processing, naturally occurring cellulose biomass must be pretreated before it can be further processed using enzymatic hydrolysis or bioconversion. The goal of this work was to develop a model that predicts the glucose yield (pretreatment and …

An Unstructured Finite Volume Method For Incompressible Flows With Complex Immersed Boundaries, Lin Sun, Sanjay Mathur, Jayathi Y. Murthy

PRISM: NNSA Center for Prediction of Reliability, Integrity and Survivability of Microsystems

A numerical method is developed for solving the 3D, unsteady, incompressible flows with immersed moving soldis of arbitrary geometrical complexity. A co-located (non-staggered) finite volume method is employed to solve the Navier-Stokes governing equeations for flow region using arbitrary convex polyhedral meshes. The solid region is represented by a set of material points with known position and velocity. Faces in the flow region located in the immediate vicinity of the solid body are marked as immersed boundary (IB) faces. At every instant in time, the influence of the body on the flowis accounted for by reconstructing implicitly the velocity the …

Enhanced Vehicle Identification Utilizing Sensor Fusion And Statistical Algorithms, Stephane Roussel, Hemanth Porumamilla, Charles Birdsong, Peter Schuster, Christopher Clark

Mechanical Engineering

Several studies in the area of vehicle detection and identification involve the use of probabilistic analysis and sensor fusion. While several sensors utilized for identifying vehicle presence and proximity have been researched, their effectiveness in identifying vehicle types has remained inadequate. This study presents the utilization of an ultrasonic sensor coupled with a magnetic sensor and the development of statistical algorithms to overcome this limitation. Mathematical models of both the ultrasonic and magnetic sensors were constructed to first understand the intrinsic characteristics of the individual sensors and also to provide a means of simulating the performance of the combined sensor …

Robust Sybil Detection For Manets, Athichart Tangpong, George Kesidis, Hung Yuan Hsu, Ali Hurson

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

In this research, we propose a robust Sybil attack detection framework for MANETs based on cooperative monitoring of network activities. We do not require designated and honest monitors to perform the Sybil attack detection. Each mobile node in the network observes packets passing through it and periodically exchanges its observations in order to determine the presence of an attack. Malicious nodes fabricating false observations will be detected and rendered ineffective. Our framework requires no centralized authority and, thus, is scalable in expanding network size. Privacy of each mobile node is also a consideration of our framework. Our preliminary experimental results …

2009 Scholars And Artists Bibliography, Michael Schwartz Library, Cleveland State University, Friends Of The Michael Schwartz Library, Michael Schwartz Ph.D.

Scholars and Artists Bibliographies

This bibliography was created for the annual Friends of the Michael Schwartz Library Scholars and Artists Reception, recognizing scholarly and creative achievements of Cleveland State University faculty, staff and emeriti. Dr. Michael Schwartz was the honored guest.

Computer-Aided Assessment Of Diagnostic Images For Epidemiological Research, Alison G. Abraham, Donald D. Duncan, Stephen J. Gange, Sheila West

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications and Presentations

Background: Diagnostic images are often assessed for clinical outcomes using subjective methods, which are limited by the skill of the reviewer. Computer-aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithms that assist reviewers in their decisions concerning outcomes have been developed to increase sensitivity and specificity in the clinical setting. However, these systems have not been well utilized in research settings to improve the measurement of clinical endpoints. Reductions in bias through their use could have important implications for etiologic research. Methods: Using the example of cortical cataract detection, we developed an algorithm for assisting a reviewer in evaluating digital images for the presence and …

Developing Natural Gas Cost Escalation Rates For The Associated Gas Distributors Of Florida, Florida Solar Energy Center, Richard Raustad

FSEC Energy Research Center®

The Florida Solar Energy Center (FSEC) created a spreadsheet tool used to calculate the fuel escalation rates for electricity and natural gas for the previous 5-year and 10-year periods. These escalation rates are calculated at the local, State, and national level for both residential and commercial customers. The previous 5-year and 10-year general inflation rate as determined by the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics consumer price index are also included. These calculations are made in accordance with rules established by the Florida Building Commission pursuant to rule 9B-13.0071, Cost Effectiveness of Amendments to Energy Code.

Phase Stability And Transformations In Niti From Density, Karthik Guda Vishnu, Alejandro Strachan

PRISM: NNSA Center for Prediction of Reliability, Integrity and Survivability of Microsystems

We used density functional theory to characterize various crystalline phases of NiTi alloys: (i) high-temperature austenite phase B2; (ii) orthorhombic B19; (iii) the monoclinic martensite phase B190; and (iv) a body-centered orthorhombic phase (BCO), theoretically predicted to be the ground state. We also investigated possible transition pathways between the various phases and the energetics involved. We found B19 to be metastable with a 1 meV energy barrier separating it from B190. Interestingly, we predicted a new phase of NiTi, denoted B1900, that is involved in the transition between B190 and BCO. B1900 is monoclinic and can exhibit shape memory; furthermore, …

Development Of Rapid Die Wear Test Method For Assessment Of Die Life And Performance In Stamping Of Advanced/Ultra High Strength Steel (A/Uhss) Sheet Materials, Omer Necati Cora

Theses and Dissertations

Automotive companies are actively pursuing to increase the use of high-strength-lightweight alloys such as aluminum, magnesium, and advanced/ultra high-strength steels (A/UHSS) in body panel and structural part applications to achieve fuel efficiency while satisfying several environmental and safety concerns. A/UHSS sheet materials with higher strength and crashworthiness capabilities, in comparison to mild steel alloys, are considered as a near-term (i.e., ~5 years) choice of material for body and structural components due to their relatively low cost when compared with other lightweight materials such as aluminum and magnesium. However, A/UHSS materials present an increased level of die wear and springback in …

Temperature-Induced Restructuring Of Self-Assembled Ptpd Nanoparticle Superlattices, Guoqiang Ren, Yangchuan Xing

Chemical and Biochemical Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

PtPd nanoparticle superlattices were prepared at room temperature and investigated for their restructuring at elevated temperatures. the PtPd nanoparticles were spherical with a diameter of 3.5±0.3nm and were capped with surfactants of oleic acids and oleylamine. Images of the nanoparticle superlattices were taken using a transmission electron microscope. Analysis of the images with fast Fourier transform (FFT) revealed whether the superlattices were crystalline or amorphous. It was found that the critical temperature that induced a phase transition of PtPd superlattices from a crystalline state to an amorphous state fall in the range of 100-110 °C. Meanwhile, heat-induced restructuring transformed less-ordered …

Microwave-Assisted Synthesis Of Zno Micro-Javelins, Suresh Pillai, Declan Mccormack, John M. Kelly, Sibu C. Padmanabhan

Articles

The microwave (MW)-assisted formation of ZnO micro-javelins from zinc nitrate and urea in aqueous solution is described. The particles (named as ‘micro-javelins’ because of their high aspect ratio and needle-like tips) grow hexagonally with well-defined facets in the h0110i direction and pointed tips in (0001) direction. Powder X-ray diffraction patterns show the appearance of a strikingly dominant (1000) orientation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations reveal the morphological evolution of these hexagonal ZnO particles with time. The effect of precursor concentrations, counterion type andMWirradiation power and their consequent influence on pH and Zn2+ ion concentration are …

Design And Development Of A Pvdf Sensor To Monitor Intracranial Pressure (Icp), Vivek Vijaywargi

Theses and Dissertations

Monitoring ICP non-invasively is a challenge. A novel method to measure ICP using actuators and sensors has been proposed where the skull is vibrated at high frequencies and the receiving signal is measured at the surface eyelid. A design of experiments approach is used to develop the sensor part of the ICP monitoring device so that gain can be maximized using factors such as area, thickness, electrode, and applied pressure. Statistical analysis showed that thickness has the biggest effect on overall gain. Numerical analysis confirmed these results. In addition, sensor packaging is optimized to minimize dampening of the signal and …

Aligned Nanotubule Membranes, Bruce J. Hinds Iii

Chemical and Materials Engineering Faculty Patents

A method is provided for producing a permeable membrane, comprising the steps of aligning a plurality of hollow nanotubules to form a mat, coating the mat with a continuous polymer matrix to form a membrane. The membrane is etched (a) to open the plurality of hollow nanotubules and form pores and (b) to oxidize the carboxyl groups to carboxylate groups. At least one additional functional unit having at least one available amine group to bind the at least one additional functional unit to the nanotubule end carboxylate group may be provided. Membranes fabricated in accordance with the method of the …

Ceas E-News 11.03.2009, College Of Engineering And Applied Sciences

College of Engineering and Applied Sciences News

Two CEAS faculty honored with top WMU awards

Investigate Correlations Of Microstructures, Mechanical Properties And Fsw Process Variables In Friction Stir Welded High Strength Low Alloy 65 Steel, Lingyun Wei

Theses and Dissertations

The present study focuses on developing a relationship between process variables, mechanical properties and post weld microstructure in Friction Stir Welded HSLA 65 steel. Fully consolidated welds can be produced in HSLA 65 steel by PCBN Convex-Scrolled-Shoulder-Step-Spiral (CS4) tool over a wide range of parameters. Microstructures in the nugget center (NC) are dominated by lath bainite and a few polygonal/allotriomorphic grain boundary ferrites. FSW dependent variables are related to FSW independent variables by non-linear relationship. Heat input is identified to be the best parameter index to correlate with microstructures. With increasing heat input, the volume of bainite is reduced, the …

East Bay Energy Consortium Meeting Minutes, November 2, 2009, East Bay Energy Consortium

East Bay Energy Consortium Meeting Minutes

No abstract provided.

A Clustering Based Discretization For Supervised Learning, Ankit Gupta, Kishan Mehrotra, Chilukuri K. Mohan

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science - All Scholarship

We address the problem of discretization of continuous variables for machine learning classification algorithms. Existing procedures do not use interdependence between the variables towards this goal. Our proposed method uses clustering to exploit such interdependence. Numerical results show that this improves the classification performance in almost all cases. Even if an existing algorithm can successfully operate with continuous variables, better performance is obtained if variables are first discretized. An additional advantage of discretization is that it reduces the overall time-complexity.

Semi-Automatic Image Segmentation For Volumetric Visualization Of Pelvis Ct Scan-Images, Suprijanto Suprijanto, Farida I. Muchtadi, Irwan Setiawan

Makara Journal of Technology

Semi-Automatic Image Segmentation for Volumetric Visualization of Pelvis CT Scan-Images. The current development of computerized tomography (CT) has enable us to obtain cross sectional image using multi slicing techniques in an order of few seconds. The obtained images represent several tissue structures on cross section slice being imaged. One challenge to help diagnosis using CT images is extracting an anatomic structure of interest using a method of image segmentation and volumetric visualization with the assistance of computers. In case of volumetric visualization of pelvis bones extracted from multi-slice CT images, whole images which are containing part of pelvis bone structures …

Implementation Of Six Sigma Method To Maintain The Quality Of Construction Projects, Yusuf Latief, Retyaning Puji Utami

Makara Journal of Technology

Implementation of Six Sigma Method to Maintain The Quality of Construction Projects. Six sigma (6-sigma) is a method that widely developed in the world, especially in manufacturing industry to decrease failures in achieving good quality in construction projects. The objective of this research is to explore the existing condition of quality management and the aplication of 6-sigma method in maintaining quality of construction projects. Structured interviews to experienced experts and people who were recommended by their companies were conducted. Non-parametric analysis using frequencies distribution procedures were used for analysis. The result shows that existing condition in quality management of construction …