Engineering Commons^™

Friends Of The Lester F. Larsen Tractor Test & Power Museum Newsletter, Spring 2013

Friends of the Larsen Tractor Museum

Membership renewal

Annual Meeting, May 17, 2013

Honoring William E. Splinter

Computational Modeling Of The Friction Stir Welding (Fsw) Process And Of The Performance Of Fsw Joints, Ajay Prasad Arakere

All Theses

Friction Stir Welding (FSW) is a solid-state metal-joining process. Within FSW, a (typically) cylindrical tool-pin (threaded at the bottom and terminated with a circular-plate shape shoulder, at the top) is driven between two firmly-clamped plates (placed on a rigid backing support). Due to a high normal downward pressure applied to the shoulder and due to frictional sliding and plastic-deformation, substantial amount of heat is generated at the tool/work-piece interface and in the region underneath the tool shoulder. Thermally plasticized work-piece material is then extruded around the traveling tool and forged into a welding-joint behind the tool. Due to its solid-state …

Longitudinally Graded Optical Fibers, Alexander Evert

All Theses

Described herein, for the first time to the best of our knowledge, are optical fibers possessing significant compositional gradations along their length due to longitudinal control of the core glass composition. More specifically, MCVD-derived germanosilicate fibers were fabricated that exhibited a gradient of up to about 0.55 weight percent GeO₂ per meter. These gradients are about 1900 times greater than previously reported for fibers possessing longitudinal changes in composition. The refractive index difference is shown to change by about 0.001, representing a numerical aperture change of about 10%, over a fiber length of less than 20 m. The lowest …

Reverse Engineering: Wimax And Ieee 802.16e, Katherine Cameron

All Theses

Wireless communications is part of everyday life. As it is incorporated into new products and services, it brings additional security risks and requirements. A thorough understanding of wireless protocols is necessary for network administrators and manufacturers. Though most wireless protocols have strict standards, many parts of the hardware implementation may deviate from the standard and be proprietary. In these situations reverse engineering must be conducted to fully understand the strengths and vulnerabilities of the communication medium.
New 4G broadband wireless access protocols, including IEEE 802.16e and WiMAX, offer higher data rates and wider coverage than earlier 3G technologies. Many security …

Evaluation Of Angular Velocity Data From Inertial Measurement Units For Use In Clinical Settings, Chelsea Ex-Lubeskie

All Theses

Evaluating the human gait cycle with inertial measurement units (IMU) may prove beneficial for applications such as diagnoses of musculoskeletal diseases and assessment of rehabilitation regimes. An IMU system is potentially applicable for diagnosing and assessing rehabilitation outcomes for a variety of neuromuscular diseases since it is small, portable, and less expensive than a camera system. IMUs directly measure angular velocity, whereas position data from a camera system must be processed twice to obtain this information. The purpose of this research is to determine repeatability of IMU angular velocity data, and agreement between angular velocity data from an IMU system …

Quantifying Annual Bridge Cost By Overweight Trucks In South Carolina, Linbo Chen

All Theses

With the economic development in recent decades, more trucks including overweight trucks are operating on the highways. As a result, many bridges are expected to carry more loads than they did in previous years. The impact of overweight trucks on existing bridges has been an urgent concern for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). There is a pressing need to quantify the annual bridge cost in South Carolina caused by trucks and, in particular, overweight trucks so that the SCDOT and the state legislators can determine the appropriate fee structure for operating overweight trucks. This research focused on quantifying …

Characterization Of Potential Wear Sources In Knee Arthroplasty Prostheses After In Vivo Function, Nicole Durig

All Theses

Total joint arthroplasty (TJA) is a common procedure generally performed in patients with osteoarthritis. While TJA continues to be a successful treatment for degenerative joint disease, there are many studies that demonstrate wear and its sequelae as the major limitation of joint replacement longevity. Previous studies have shown that wear debris originates from four main locations: articulating surfaces, modular component surfaces, surfaces of fixation, and adjuvant fixation devices. Each of these possible wear sources can initiate the cascade of failure associated with wear-induced osteolysis and lead to subsequent revision surgery. The objective of this thesis is to characterize the in …

Magnetic Manipulation Of Particles And Cells In Ferrofluid Flow Through Straight Microchannels Using Two Magnets, Jian Zeng

All Theses

Microfluidic devices have been increasingly used in the past two decades for particle and cell manipulations in many chemical and biomedical applications. A variety of force fields have been demonstrated to control particle and cell transport in these devices including electric, magnetic, acoustic, and optical forces etc. Among these particle handling techniques, the magnetic approach provides clear advantages over others such as low cost, noninvasive, and free of fluid heating issues. However, the current knowledge of magnetic control of particle transport is still very limited, especially lacking is the handling of diamagnetic particle. This thesis is focused on the magnetic …

The Effect Of Applying Established Color Theory To Packaging When Visible Product And External Labels Exist Simultaneously, Rachel Randall

All Theses

Color is affected by what is around it. A color doesn't necessarily look the same when its placed against two different colored backgrounds (Ryan, William, and Theodore Conover, 2004) Oftentimes, designers are given a blank package and given the task of creating a label or package for the product. What is missing is the product, which can be an integral part of this design process. What is not yet to be determined by current packaging research is how colors work together through the product and package. One way to determine this would be through transparent bottled packages that contain external …

Parallex File System (Pxfs): Bridging The Gap Between Exascale Processing Capabilities And I/O Performance, Shane Snyder

All Theses

Due to processors reaching the maximum performance allowable by current technology, architectural trends for computer systems continue to increase the number of cores per processing chip to maximize system performance. Most estimates suggest massively parallel systems will be available within the decade, containing millions of cores and capable of exaFlops of performance. New models of execution are necessary to maximize processor utilization and minimize power costs for these exascale systems. ParalleX is one such execution model, which attempts to address inefficiencies of current execution models by exposing fine-grained parallelism, increasing system utilization using asynchronous workflow, and resolving resource contention through …

Three-Dimensional Finite Element Analysis Of Sound Transmission Performance Of Honeycomb Sandwich Structures, Xin Wang

All Theses

Due to the lighter weight of honeycomb structures compared with a cuboid of similar material, honeycomb is widely used in applications requiring a high stiffness to weight ratio. One important honeycomb meta-structure is sandwich composites designed with a honeycomb core between two thin panel layers. The geometry of the honeycomb is formed from periodically spaced, non-overlapping unit cells. An important advantage of cellular materials such as honeycomb is that vibration and acoustic properties can be changed simply by changing the unit cell geometry variables such as included angle, cell wall thickness and length, while keeping the overall dimensions of the …

Influence Of Pcb-Contaminated Water Bodies On The Pcb Content Of Riparian Vegetation Through Foliar Deposition, Timothy Matthew Sattler

All Theses

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are a class of persistent organic pollutants that are generally considered semi-volatile. Volatilization and transport of PCBs from contaminated water bodies can result in PCB accumulation on terrestrial plant surfaces, acting as an entry point for contaminants into terrestrial food webs. Evergreen plants can serve as biomonitors of this PCB accumulation, as they often retain foliage for several years, allowing for greater concentrations to accumulate and subsequently be measured. Rhododendron maximum plants often grow in the riparian zone adjacent to water bodies in the Appalachian region, such as near Town Creek, Pickens, South Carolina. This research aimed …

Application Of Archimedes In Three Dimensions And To Solid Mechanics, Jonathan David Aziz

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

ARCHIMEDES is a computerized learning system that has helped Syracuse University students overcome the challenges of Engineering Statics since 2009. Its success has motivated application of ARCHIMEDES to three dimensional problems and to problems in Solid Mechanics. Other learning software was investigated before seven Solid Mechanics problems were written for ARCHIMEDES. A 3D graphical interface was developed and evaluated by a field test of student volunteers. Student preferences for various features in 3D learning software were obtained. It is clear from student responses that having a 3D scene to manipulate improves visualization of the problem, mitigating the ambiguity of a …

Controlling Bacterial Persister Cells With Low Level Electric Currents, Henry Lars Peterson

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

Bacterial persister cells present a growing concern as they inherit the ability to tolerate high concentrations of antibiotics and repopulate after an antibiotic treatment leading to chronic diseases. Pseudomonas aeruginosa causes many human infections including skin infections and those associated with burn injuries, and implanted medical devices, and are associated with Cystic Fibrosis. Recently, the Ren Lab developed a novel approach to eliminate persister cells of P. aeruginosa, including those in biofilms, using low level electric currents. To evaluate the safety of this method and to better understand how the underlying elements, this study focused on the cytotoxicity of …

Energy-Efficient Smart Home System: Optimization Of Residential Electricity Load Management System, Sangeun Sarah Cho

Renée Crown University Honors Thesis Projects - All

In this project, an algorithm for electrical load management in a hypothetical household setting is proposed, developed and simulated. There are two main goals for the algorithm; firstly, to minimize the total electricity cost when a variable pricing model is applied; secondly, to flatten the demand curve over 24 hours, which, when applied to real-life settings, will minimize investment costs for the utilities – including building more generation plants and transmission lines – as well as the total bill for customers. To simulate the algorithm, mathematical models for appliances are developed based on typical usage and operation patterns.

Design Of A Microstrip Bandpass Filter For 3.1-10.6 Ghz Uwb Systems, Cem Cansever

Electrical Engineering and Computer Science – Theses

In this thesis, ultra-wideband (UWB) microwave filters and design challenges are studied and, a microstrip UWB filter prototype design is presented. The UWB bandpass filter operating in the 3.6 GHz to 10.6 GHz frequency band is targeted to comply with the FCC spectral mask for UWB systems. The prototype filter is composed of quarter-wavelength spaced shunt stub transmission lines. The circuit is first simulated and optimized by using AWR DE simulation software tool. Then Sonnet EM Simulation and CST EM Simulation Tools are further utilized to obtain more accurate simulated results. The fabricated microstrip UWB bandpass filter is then measured …

Biodiesel Synthesis Via Transesterification Reaction In Supercritical Methanol:A) A Kinetic Study, B) Biodiesel Synthesis Using Microalgae Oil, Jiuxu Liu

Biomedical and Chemical Engineering – Theses

The transesterification reaction in supercritical methanol between various oil feed stocks and alcohols is proposed as an alternative cost effective method to produce biofuels. Two studies were conducted related to this process in order to (a) supplement a previous kinetics study to better understand the reaction mechanism and (b) assess basic reaction conditions for effective conversion of microalgae oil to biofuels in supercritical methanol.

A one-step transesterification reaction has been used in some supercritical batch experiments to explain the kinetic results (He, Sun, Wang, & Zhu, 2007; Kusdiana & Saka, 2001). However, one-step kinetic models ignore the detailed multi-step reaction …

Analysis Of Damage In Laminated Architectural Glazing Subjected To Wind Loading And Windborne Debris Impact, Mahesh S. Shetty, Jun Wei, Lokeswarappa R. Dharani, Daniel S. Stutts

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Wind loading and windborne debris (missile) impact are the two primary mechanisms that result in window glazing damage during hurricanes. Wind-borne debris is categorized into two types: small hard missiles such as roof gravel, and large soft missiles representing lumber from wood-framed buildings. Laminated architectural glazing (LAG) may be used in buildings where impact resistance is needed. The glass plies in LAG undergo internal damage before total failure. The bulk of the published work on this topic either deals with the stress and dynamic analyses of undamaged LAG or the total failure of LAG. The pre-failure damage response of LAG …

Capital Infusion, Dedication To Current Infrastructure And Workforce Development: The Three-Pronged Approach To Strategic Industrial Growth In Western New York, Clinton J. Ronan, Gina Pizziconi-Cupples

Industrial Technology Theses

One billion dollars in incentives (Cuomo, December 2012a) will infuse the opportunity for Western New York (WNY) industrial growth. It is critical two areas are carefully evaluated and supported in order to avoid a false start and accomplish a responsible, long term, reinvigorated economy: (1) leverage current viable infrastructure, specifically the Niagara Falls International Airport (NFIAP), and (2) ensure workforce development in lean operations is initiated immediately to complement technical expertise in order to recruit and sustain high paying employers. Case studies introduced in this thesis included the development of a similar regional airport compared to NFIAP as well as …

Greening The Streets: A Comparison Of Sustainable Stormwater Management In Portland, Oregon And Los Angeles, California, Na'ama Schweitzer

Pomona Senior Theses

Stormwater runoff is one of the main sources of pollution for urban waterways. Stormwater has traditionally been managed through concrete-based storm drainage systems, but the past twenty years have introduced an alternative in the form of green infrastructure. Green infrastructure for stormwater management involves the use of low impact development (LID), often vegetated facilities to mimic natural hydrologic systems that capture and allow infiltration of rainwater where it falls and from impervious surfaces upstream, before entering the drainage system. Portland, Oregon and Los Angeles, California have adopted green infrastructure into their stormwater management plans. For this project, bioswales, a form …

Environmentally Friendly Sizing Agent From Corn Distillers Dried Grains, Yue Zhang

College of Education and Human Sciences: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Distillers dried grains (DDGS), the coproducts of corn ethanol production, were used as a textile sizing agent on cotton, polyester and polyester/cotton blends in an effort to find inexpensive and biodegradable alternatives to sizing agents such as poly(vinyl alcohol) that are currently used. Although DDGS is an inexpensive, biodegradable and abundant co-product, it has limited industrial applications. DDGS is a mixture of carbohydrates, proteins and oil which are used as sizing agents or as size additives. The effects of DDGS extraction conditions on sizing evaluation parameters such as fiber adhesion, film properties, viscosity and fabric abrasion were studied in comparison …

Precast/Prestressed Concrete Truss-Girder For Roof Applications, Peter S. Samir

Department of Construction Engineering and Management: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Steel trusses are the most popular system for supporting long span roofs in commercial buildings, such as warehouses and aircraft hangars. There are several advantages of steel trusses, such as lightweight, ease of handling and erection, and geometric flexibility. However, they have some drawbacks, such as high material and maintenance cost, and low fire resistance. In this paper, a precast concrete truss is proposed as an alternative to steel trusses for spans up to 160 ft. without intermediate supports. The proposed design is easy to produce and has lower construction and maintenance costs than steel trusses. The proposed design is …

Pump Controller Design For Variable Primary Flow Configuration Systems, Yifan Shi

Durham School of Architectural Engineering and Construction: Dissertations, Theses, and Student Research

Pump systems are utilized widely in Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) systems. There are mainly three configuration types: (1) the constant primary-only flow configuration, (2) the constant primary/variable secondary flow configuration, and (3) the variable primary-only flow configuration. This thesis focuses on finding the optimal control strategy for it and programming a controller for easy in-field usage.

In this thesis, the pump brake horse power (BHP) of the three pump configurations is simulated and compared using varying control methods. The best pump efficiency staging and DP reset control methods are implemented into the pump controller. A one month field experiment …

Commuting In Portland, Oregon: The Advantages Of Living Within A Transit Oriented Development Community Compared To Traditional Suburban Development By Comparing Environmental, Economic And Health Factors, Kyle Simpson

HIM 1990-2015

Transportation is a function that affects nearly all life decisions, but is often not given much thought by the average individual throughout their daily routines. Most of this complacency streams from the mainstream development patterns in the United States that have changed little from the end of World War II. During the immediate post-war years a perfect mix for suburban living came together: the mass production of automobiles, guaranteed mortgages from the federal government through the G.I. Bill, and in 1956 the passage of the National Interstate and Defense Highways Act. These factors, along with the dominate social paradigm that …

Deutsche Luftshiffahrts-Aktiengesellschaft: Rediscovering The World’S First Airline, Michael Sloan

Bridgewater Review

No abstract provided.

An Engineering Design Stem Project: T-Shirt Launcher, Todd D. Fantz, Melva R. Grant

STEMPS Faculty Publications

Technology education has the potential to be the glue for integrating science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education through the use of the design process. This should result in increased student interest in science and math, resulting in increased standardized science and math scores (Silk, C. Schunn, & Strand, 2009). In order for this to happen, students need to integrate their grade-level mathematics and science content knowledge in their technology and/or engineering design (Tran & Nathan, 2010). Hopefully, this can be accomplished without losing student interest generated by hands-on, kinesthetic learning. This article provides one example of getting technology education …

Evaluation And Modernization Of The Scott Valley Irrigation District, Ashley Parry

BioResource and Agricultural Engineering

The Scott Valley Irrigation District (SVID), located in Etna, California, is a small water district that serves 25 users and runs approximately 14 miles. The district was established in the 1920’s, and few modifications have happened since then. The district approached the Natural Resource and Conservation Service (NRCS) about possible improvements to the system and how do go about making decisions and implement improvements. As an outreach project the NRCS decided to pursue the evaluation and modernization plan.

The project was done in multiple phases from research, evaluation, surveying and design portions. This report will discuss the current state of …

Application Of Non-Local Approaches For Predicting The Response Of V-Notch Under Thermomechanical Fatigue Loading, Trung Nguyen

HIM 1990-2015

The topic of this thesis is the construction of a formula to approximate stress-strain responses at notches under thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) loading. The understanding of material behavior of the V-notched component which experiences TMF is important to the mechanical industries where V-notched structures are often utilized. In such applications, it is crucial that the designers be able to predict the material behavior; therefore, the purpose of this research is to examine and to model the precise effects a stress concentration will have on a specimen made of a generic Ni-base superalloy. The effects of non-isothermal loading will be studied, and …

A Computed Tomography-Based Model Of The Infant Hip Anatomy For Dynamic Finite Element Analysis Of Hip Dysplasia Biomechanics, Kyle Snethen

HIM 1990-2015

Newborns diagnosed with hip dysplasia face severe consequences when treatments fail. The Pavlik harness presents the most common worldwide treatment for correcting this medical hip abnormality in newborns, but becomes increasingly ineffective as subluxation increases. A dynamic finite element analysis on the hip joint would yield results that could provide insight to physicians as to how the Pavlik harness could be optimized to increase its success rate and develop patient-specific treatment plans. The study completes the first step in such an analysis by generating a three-dimensional model of an infant hip joint directly derived from computed tomography imaging in order …

Implementation And Testing Of A Blackbox And A Whitebox Fuzzer For File Compression Routines, Toby Tobkin

HIM 1990-2015

Fuzz testing is a software testing technique that has risen to prominence over the past two decades. The unifying feature of all fuzz testers (fuzzers) is their ability to somehow automatically produce random test cases for software. Fuzzers can generally be placed in one of two classes: black-box or white-box. Blackbox fuzzers do not derive information from a program's source or binary in order to restrict the domain of their generated input while white-box fuzzers do. A tradeoff involved in the choice between blackbox and whitebox fuzzing is the rate at which inputs can be produced; since blackbox fuzzers need …