Engineering Commons^™

Adsorption-Style Activated-Sludge: Is It A Practical Treatment Process In North America?, Jon Dearmond

Civil & Environmental Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Adsorption/Bio-Oxidation (A/B) processes occupy a small footprint and can be exceptionally energy efficient to the point of being energy positive in optimum conditions. They have the ability to handle industrially influenced municipal wastewater with high pH and BOD swings. The A/B plant configuration also appears to be a great platform for shortcut nitrogen removal processes because of the controlled carbon diversion capabilities of the adsorption stage (A-stage). In Europe, these plants have been successfully implemented at full scale since the early 1980s. However, in the U.S. there is a false conventional wisdom that plants operating at very low SRT's will …

Java Animated Software For Teaching The Frank-Wolfe Algorithm For Static Traffic Network Equilibrium, Zhi Li

Computational Modeling & Simulation Engineering Theses & Dissertations

The popular Frank-Wolfe (FW) algorithm for solving the network equilibrium problems plays an important role in transportation simulation. Not only has the basic Frank Wolfe algorithm been studied, but also other variations of the FW algorithm (such as Conjugate Frank Wolfe and Bi-Conjugate Frank Wolfe algorithms) have been extensively studied by the research communities.

In this work, the basic Frank Wolfe algorithm is re-visited for the purpose of developing a useful, user-friendly, and appealing Java computer animation for enhancing the teaching effectiveness of this fundamental transportation static network equilibrium algorithm. Since the shortest path (SP) algorithms (such as the well-known …

Development Of Analytical Sensitivity Analysis For Ahp Applications, Marie L. Ivanco

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Decision makers often face complex problems, which can seldom be addressed without the use of structured analytical models. Mathematical models have been developed over the last 50 years to streamline and facilitate decision making activities. The Analytic Hierarchy Process constitutes one of the most utilized Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis Methods. While AHP has been thoroughly researched and applied, the method still shows limitations in terms of integrating profile disparities of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). This thesis develops an analytical sensitivity analysis method for AHP based on local partial derivatives to address these limitations. Four examples are presented to demonstrate and validate …

Guidance And Navigation For A Spinning Projectile Using A Strapdown Seeker, Timothy J. Josey

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

This thesis describes the derivation and implementation of an Extended Kalman Filter for the purpose of estimating the line of sight rates between a non-thrusting, guided projectile and a ground target. Line of sight rates are required signals to implement the proportional navigation guidance scheme. Using low-cost strapdown sensors, the line of sight rate is not directly measurable but is observable as shown in this thesis. The line of sight signal generated by strapdown seekers inherently includes projectile body motion, but with the use of a global positioning system and a strapdown inertial sensor suite, the seeker signal is transformed …

Validation Of Open Chain Model During Kinematic Analysis Of Joint Mobilization Of The Foot: An In Vitro Study, Anthony Ross Mcnally

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

Joint mobilization techniques have been shown to improve dorsiflexion range of motion after ankle injury in multiple in vivo studies; however, the underlying arthrokinematic effects of this treatment still require clarification. Therefore, the purpose of this preliminary study was to determine the viability of an open kinetic chain in vitro model for applying Maitland Grade III anterior/posterior joint mobilizations to the talocrural joint while examining the osteokinematic and arthrokinematic changes at the talocrural, subtalar and hindfoot joints. Three fresh frozen cadaver lower legs had Maitland Grade III anterior-to-posterior joint mobilization applied to the talocrural joint in 2 sessions of 200 …

Design Of Timing Circuit For Fuel Injection Conversion And Development Of Laboratory To Analyze Engine Performance Using A Dynamometer, Aditi Jayram Limaye

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A fundamental facility was built to analyze some of the basic parameters involved in engine performance, namely torque and power output of the engine. One of the objectives was to convert a carbureted engine into a fuel injection or (Fl) engine. This was achieved by designing and creating a timing circuit that is required to trigger the electronic fuel injector or (EFI). The facility was designed around a dynamometer and a fuel delivery system; that provided a specialized tool to analyze engines and injectors.

The results from the carbureted experiments and the FI experiments were compared to the rated specifications …

Plasma Activated Air Mediates Gene Transfer, Chelsea M. Edelblute

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Cold plasma is produced when strong applied electric fields accelerate free electrons, which dissociate, excite, or ionize gaseous molecules [1]. The deposition of ions from the plasma source is dependent on power generation, input gas composition, and gas flow rate. In the presence of reactive species, the membrane of eukaryotic cells is compromised allowing for otherwise impermeant molecules, such as DNA, to enter the inner-cell milieu [2].

The efficacy of a novel cold plasma reactor based on shielded sliding discharge for the delivery of plasmid DNA was assessed. The device is entirely non-contact, wherein the plasma never directly touches the …

In Vivo Near Ir Fluorescent Imaging Of Hollow Polymeric Nanocapsules, Venkata Suresh Patthipati

Biological Sciences Theses & Dissertations

Medical Imaging has been an integral component in medical diagnosis and therapeutics. It is frequently used in conjunction with other treatment modalities and has been used for developing applications that range from cancer management to clinical practice. Nanotechnology and its applications are foreseen to have a profound impact on life sciences. Nanomaterial based imaging has a significant potential in addressing medical challenges such as tumor localization, targeted delivery of drugs and real time diagnosis and management of circulation pathology. In particular, polymer based nanoparticles are increasingly being developed as they can be customized according to the diagnostic and/or therapeutic requirements. …

A Hybrid Simulation And Hands-On Experimentation For Electric Machines Laboratory, Youakim Kalaani, Rami J. Haddad, Bikiran Guha

Electrical & Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

In this paper, we presented a hybrid approach to integrate hands-on experimentation with virtual simulation environment in an Electric Machines course. This was achieved by using Lab-Volt’s LVSIM-EMS software as a platform for the virtual simulation environment. The use of this simulation software allowed students to freely experiment and test various circuit designs before they actually conduct any physical experimentations. This hybrid approach helped promote lab safety and also avoid damaging the equipment due to random testing. In addition, it allowed for more student-centric experiments with less hazardous lab environment. A new experiment to derive the equivalent-circuits of a transformer …

Group Decisions In Value Management, Christiono Utomo, Farida Murti, Arazi Idrus

Makara Journal of Technology

This research deals with a technique to expedite group decision making during the selection of technical solutions for value management process. Selection of a solution from a set of alternatives is facilitated by evaluating using multicriteria decision making techniques. During the process, every possible solution is rated on criteria of function and cost. Function deals more with quality than with quantity, and cost can be calculated based on the theoretical time value of money. Decision-making techniques based on satisfying games are applied to determine the relative function and cost of solutions and hence their relative value. The functions were determined …

Efficient Thermal Image Segmentation Through Integration Of Nonlinear Enhancement With Unsupervised Active Contour Model, Fatema Albalooshi, Evan Krieger, Paheding Sidike, Vijayan K. Asari

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Thermal images are exploited in many areas of pattern recognition applications. Infrared thermal image segmentation can be used for object detection by extracting regions of abnormal temperatures. However, the lack of texture and color information, low signal-to-noise ratio, and blurring effect of thermal images make segmenting infrared heat patterns a challenging task. Furthermore, many segmentation methods that are used in visible imagery may not be suitable for segmenting thermal imagery mainly due to their dissimilar intensity distributions.

Thus, a new method is proposed to improve the performance of image segmentation in thermal imagery. The proposed scheme efficiently utilizes nonlinear intensity …

A Mechanical Regenerative Brake And Launch Assist Using An Open Differential And Elastic Energy Storage, David H. Myszka, Andrew P. Murray, Kevin Giaier, Vijay Krishna Jayaprakash, Christoph Gillum

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Publications

Regenerative brake and launch assist (RBLA) systems are used to capture kinetic energy while a vehicle decelerates and subsequently use that stored energy to assist propulsion. Commercially available hybrid vehicles use generators, batteries and motors to electrically implement RBLA systems. Substantial increases in vehicle efficiency have been widely cited.

This paper presents the development of a mechanical RBLA that stores energy in an elastic medium. An open differential is coupled with a variable transmission to store and release energy to an axle that principally rotates in a single direction. The concept applies regenerative braking technology to conventional automobiles equipped with …

Five Factor Model Personality Profiles Of University Of North Dakota Unmanned Aircraft Systems Students, Zachary P. Waller

Aviation Faculty Publications

Efforts to quantify personality characteristics in the pilots of manned aircraft extend back for decades. For individuals interested in piloting Unmanned Aircraft, similar analysis of normative personality characteristics remains relatively unexplored. This research examined the Five Factor Model (FFM) personality profiles of individuals pursuing Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) studies at the University of North Dakota (UND). Using the Big Five Inventory (BFI) general personality index, the responses of a UAS Student sample (n=65) were compared to a Normative sample (n=248) previously collected by Petros (2013). The sample group, comprised of students with either Pre UAS Operations or UAS Operations declared …

Victair Mistifier Gearbox: Shafts And Bearings, Rickey Skinner, Gabe Bruno, Casey Mcfarlen

Mechanical Engineering and Technology Senior Projects

The current global population is 7.2 billion. It is projected to increase by 1 billion over the next 12 years. There is only 5% of usable farming land left on earth. Food is a resource that humans must consume daily. These facts undeniably lead to a shortage of food in the future. It is essential to mankind survival that farming becomes more efficient and sustainable. This provided the motivation to design a more efficient transmission for the Victair Mistifier (orchard and vineyard sprayer). Victair Mistifiers are designed, engineered, and manufactured by H.F. Hauff Company in Yakima, WA. The Hauff Company’s …

Temporal Evolution Of Both Premotor And Motor Cortical Tuning Properties Reflect Changes In Limb Biomechanics, Aaron J. Suminski, Philip Mardoum, Timothy P. Lillicrap, Nicholas G. Hatsopoulos

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

A prevailing theory in the cortical control of limb movement posits that premotor cortex initiates a high-level motor plan that is transformed by the primary motor cortex (MI) into a low-level motor command to be executed. This theory implies that the premotor cortex is shielded from the motor periphery and therefore its activity should not represent the low-level features of movement. Contrary to this theory, we show that both dorsal (PMd) and ventral premotor (PMv) cortices exhibit population-level tuning properties that reflect the biomechanical properties of the periphery similar to those observed in M1. We recorded single-unit activity from M1, …

Implications Of Heterogeneity In The Shock Wave Propagation Of Dynamically Shocked Materials, Jeffrey W. Lajeunesse

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The field of shock physics as a whole has only recently begun to pay particular attention to modeling heterogeneous materials under shock loading. These materials are important because of their practicality in terms of creating stronger, more shock resistant materials. To understand why they absorb shock impact energy better than homogeneous materials means that the small-scale processes that occur during the shock loading of these heterogeneous materials needs to be understood. Recent computational experiments, called mesoscale simulations, have shown that explicitly incorporating small-scale heterogeneous features into hydrocode simulations allows the bulk shock response of the heterogeneous material to be observed …

Removal Of Trace Heavy Metals From Drinking Water By Electrocoagulation, Joe Heffron

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Geologic and anthropogenic heavy metals contaminate drinking water for hundreds of millions of people worldwide. Electrocoagulation -- the in situ generation of coagulant by electrolytic oxidation of metal electrodes -- is a century-old process gaining new traction for metal removal from water and wastewater. However, the low conductivity of drinking water and low target contaminant concentrations required for human consumption present challenges for electrocoagulation of drinking water. This study is unique in that it addresses seven different metal contaminants at the trace concentrations of concern to human consumption and investigates the wide range of possible source water matrices. The goal …

Characterization Of Plasticizer-Polymer Coatings For The Detection Of Benzene In Water Using Sh-Saw Devices, Jude Coompson

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Benzene is a constituent component of crude oil that has been classified as a carcinogen by the EPA with a maximum contamination level (MCL) of 5ppb in drinking water. However, of the aromatic compounds, benzene has one of the lowest polymer-water partition coefficients using commercially available polymers as sensor coatings, resulting in poor limits of detection. This work investigates new coating materials based on polymer/plasticizer mixtures coated onto a shear horizontal surface acoustic wave (SH-SAW) sensor to detect benzene in water. There are many polymers which are unavailable for use as a sensing polymer due to their glassy nature. The …

Development Of A Rapid Compression Controlled-Expansion Machine For Chemical Ignition Studies, John Neuman

Master's Theses (2009 -)

The ability to accurately model fuel combustion processes is essential to the development of transportation, power generation, and manufacturing technology. Models describing the kinetics of chemical oxidation are readily available and highly refined for a wide range of test fuels. However, these models still suffer from high levels of uncertainty under engine-relevant conditions, largely due to a lack of consistency between published validation data. An experimental testing apparatus, known as the Rapid Compression Controlled-Expansion Machine (RCCEM) has been designed and fabricated to conduct chemical kinetic studies. The RCCEM features a pneumatically-driven, custom-designed cam, which governs the volumetric compression and expansion …

Software Tools And Analysis Methods For The Use Of Electromagnetic Articulography Data In Speech Research, Andrew Kolb

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Recent work with Electromagnetic Articulography (EMA) has shown it to be an excellent tool for characterizing speech kinematics. By tracking the position and orientation of sensors placed on the jaws, lips, teeth and tongue as they move in an electromagnetic field, information about movement and coordination of the articulators can be obtained with great time resolution. This technique has far-reaching applications for advancing fields related to speech articulation, including recognition, synthesis, motor learning, and clinical assessments. As more EMA data becomes widely available, a growing need exists for software that performs basic processing and analysis functions. The objective of this …

Pyrolysis For Estrogens Removal From Wastewater Solids, Thomas C. Hoffman

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Wastewater treatment processes are not designed to remove estrogenic micropollutants and therefore when wastewater biosolids are land applied estrogenic micropollutants are discharged to the environment. Release of estrogenic compounds has deleterious effects on the terrestrial environment. Public concern stemming from micropollutants may reduce the value of biosolids which are important to water resource reclamation facilities (WRRF) as by-products. The objective of this research was to evaluate pyrolysis, the partial decomposition of organic material in an oxygen-deprived system under high temperatures, as a sustainable solution to remove estrogenic compounds from biosolids while producing a useable soil conditioner called biochar. Batch pyrolysis …

Verification Of A Dual-State Extended Kalman Filter With Lidar-Enabled Autonomous Hazard-Detection For Planetary Landers, Peter Joseph Jorgensen

Master's Theses (2009 -)

This thesis presents a mathematical model for a LIDAR-enabled Terrain- and Hazard-Relative Navigation sensor and the design and implementation of a dual-state extended Kalman filter. The extended Kalman filter equations are presented in summary. Mathematical models for an altimeter, a velocimeter, a star tracker, and a lidar-enabled mapping/tracking sensor are presented in depth. An explanation of the software designed for computer simulation is included. It is proved through this analysis that, when implemented as part of a well-tuned extended Kalman Filter and in combination with other sensors, the proposed model for a lidar-enabled mapping/tracking sensor significantly reduces estimation error. This …

Nutrient Recovery From Anaerobic Membrane Bioreactor Permeate Using Ion Exchange, Patrick Mullen

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Phosphorus is a common element in wastewater streams and traditional treatment processes are often designed remove it to achieve low effluent limits. Such processes often do not often consider the potential value of the nutrient. Currently, production of phosphate fertilizers has dramatically risen causing concern for the depletion of phosphate rock reserves, bringing about exploration into alternative sources of phosphorus for agricultural use. Combining the needs of phosphorus removal from wastewaters and securing alternate sources of the nutrient provide an opportunity for recovery. This project evaluated a nutrient recovery process through ion exchange with beneficial recovery as precipitated struvite using …

Solid Lubrication Bearing Design Through Analytical And Empirical Vibration Analysis Of Characteristic Frequencies, Christopher A. Schultz

Master's Theses (2009 -)

Ball bearings with solid lubrication lack the damping mechanisms of oil and produce well-defined vibration characteristics based upon given geometry and speed of operation. This work takes advantage of the high signal to noise ratio in x-ray bearings and develops an algorithm to statistically track bearing performance based upon fundamental bearing theory, Monte Carlo simulation, Order Analysis, and Weibull statistics. The technique gathers vibration data solely related to the theoretical operation of a bearing, negates the background noise, and provides descriptive vibration amplitude statistics of individual bearing components for evaluation. The practical implications of the thesis described herein allow the …

A New Global Forecasting Model To Produce High-Resolution Stream Forecasts, Alan Dee Snow

Theses and Dissertations

Warning systems with the ability to predict floods days in advance can benefit tens of millions of people. Because of these potential impacts there have been efforts to improve prediction systems such as the United States’ Advanced Hydrologic Prediction Service and European-developed Global Flood Awareness System. However, these projects are currently limited to relatively coarse resolutions. This thesis presents a method for downscaling and routing global runoff forecasts generated by the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts using the Routing Application for Parallel computatIon of Discharge program that make possible orders of magnitude increases in the density of the resolution …

Developing A Fuzzy Expert System To Examine Hazard Analysis In The United States Army, Charles J. Karels

Theses and Dissertations

The research conducted in this thesis is an attempt to determine if there are any biographical similarities between second lieutenants in the US Army who view risk in a similar manner and if so, which are the most significant. A study was conducted using in-group surveys of 72 second lieutenants receiving training in Infantry Basic Officer Leader Course (IBOLC). The participants were provided with two written surveys each presenting a scenario based on military activities. They were asked to evaluate the scenarios and fill out Risk Management (RM) worksheets based on the US Army's doctrinal process for conducing RM. The …

Impact Of Symmetry On The Ferroelectric Properties Of Catio₃ Thin Films, Michael D. Biegalski, Liang Qiao, Yijia Gu, Apurva Mehta, Qian He, For Full List Of Authors, See Publisher's Website.

Materials Science and Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Epitaxial strain is a powerful tool to induce functional properties such as ferroelectricity in thin films of materials that do not possess ferroelectricity in bulk form. In this work, a ferroelectric state was stabilized in thin films of the incipient ferroelectric, CaTiO₃, through the careful control of the biaxial strain state and TiO₆ octahedral rotations. Detailed structural characterization was carried out by synchrotron x-ray diffraction and scanning transmission electron microscopy. CaTiO₃ films grown on La_0.18Sr_0.82Al_0.59Ta_0.41O₃ (LSAT) and NdGaO₃ (NGO) substrates experienced a 1.1% biaxial strain state …

Cerebrovascular Reactivity Alterations Due To Subconcussive Repetitive Head Trauma In Asymptomatic High School Football Players, Chetas Joshi

Open Access Theses

Chronic neurological damage as a result of chronic repetitive head trauma is a major concern for football athletes today. Repetitive concussions have been linked to many neurological disorders. Recently, it has been reported that repetitive subconcussive events can contribute to long-term neurodegeneration. For these reasons, it is important to understand the effect repetitive subconcussive head trauma has on brain health in young athletes. Past research has demonstrated that cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), an important mediator of cerebrovascular regulation, is impaired following mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). This impairment increases susceptibility to secondary injury following mTBI. In this study, Breath-Hold (BH) task …

Nanomechanical Characterization Of Thermo-Mechanical Properties Of Irradiated Zirconium With Consideration Of Temperature And Microstructure, Jonathan Thomas Marsh

Open Access Theses

Zirconium (Zr) and zirconium-alloys have been utilized in the nuclear industry for decades, most commonly in nuclear fuel cladding. The characteristics which make Zr ideal for these applications include: low density, high hardness, high ductility, and high corrosion resistance. Efforts have been made to further enhance these properties through the use of Zr-alloys, such as Zircaloy-2 and Zircaloy-4, which are made up 95-99% Zr by weight, with the remaining weight percentage being made of other metals (tin, niobium, nickel, iron, chromium). The performance of these materials directly influences the efficiency of the nuclear reactor and are thus of primary concern. …

Development Of A Neuromusculoskeletal Computer Model In A Chondrodystrophic Dog., Gregory Russo States

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is a naturally occurring disease in dogs that produces a spontaneous injury to the spinal cord. IVDD is characterized by mineralization of the intervertebral disc nucleus pulposus, which reduces its load bearing capacity and results in high rates of intervertebral disc herniation (IVDH). IVDH is disproportionately present in Dachshunds compared to other breeds, affecting an estimated 1 in 5 Dachshunds during their lifetime (Levine, J. M. et al., 2011). Assessment of injury severity and recovery in animal models is generally performed using a point scale, where subjects are graded according to metrics such as pain perception, …