Engineering Commons^™

A Cloud-Removal Algorithm For Ssm/I Data, David G. Long, Douglas L. Daum, Quinn P. Remund

Faculty Publications

Microwave radiometers, while traditionally utilized in atmospheric and oceanic studies, can also be used in land surface applications. However, the problem of undesirable atmospheric effects caused by clouds and precipitation must be addressed. In this paper, temporal composite surface brightness images are generated from special sensor microwave/imager (SSM/I) data with the aid of new algorithms to eliminate small-scale distortion caused by clouds or precipitation. Mean, second-highest value, modified maximum average (MMA), and hybrid compositing algorithms are compared. The effectiveness of each algorithm is illustrated through simulation and real data distribution analysis. The results show that the second-highest value algorithm is …

An Analysis Of Sustained Collaborative Research Activities Between University Organized Research Units And Industry: A Case Study Of Three Institutions, Elizabeth Taraski Mcdonnell

Seton Hall University Dissertations and Theses (ETDs)

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Surface Resistance Measurements Of Superconducting Niobium Samples With A Triaxial Cavity, Paul Martin Boccard

Physics Theses & Dissertations

This experimental study has revealed and investigated many of the physical issues that affect accurate measurement of the surface resistance for small samples consisting of superconducting niobium films on copper substrates. It is believed that this work provides the groundwork for future research directed towards solving this important problem. Accurate measurement of surface resistance for such samples is needed to allow the rapid evaluation and optimization of the deposition parameters necessary for manufacturing low-loss superconducting niobium films.

A superconducting niobium triaxial cavity was investigated to determine its suitability for measuring the residual surface resistance of copper samples that were sputter-coated …

Light Aircraft Management System, Evan Karjalainen

Theses : Honours

This report details methods to construct a flight data logging system that can be used to manage student flight and aircraft maintenance records. These methods utilise GPS, embedded processors and associated software to depict the occurrence of landings, "Touch and Goes" and record aircraft total flight time. By manipulating these methods it was possible to produce a usable data-logging unit which facilitated the automation of flight maneuver recording. This datatogging unit was constructed from embedded components and interfaced with a user defined database. Perusal of the details within should provide the reader with a clear understanding of the tasks involved …

(Ω, Ξ)-Logic: On The Algebraic Extension Of Coalgebraic Specifications, Rolf Hennicker, Alexander Kurz

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

We present an extension of standard coalgebraic specification techniques for statebased systems which allows us to integrate constants and n-ary operations in a smooth way and, moreover, leads to a simplification of the coalgebraic structure of the models of a specification. The framework of (Ω,Ξ)-logic can be considered as the result of a translation of concepts of observational logic (cf. [9]) into the coalgebraic world. As a particular outcome we obtain the notion of an (Ω, Ξ)- structure and a sound and complete proof system for (first-order) observational properties of specifications.

Steel Bridge Protection Policy: Warranty Clauses For Indot Steel Bridge Paint Contracts, Luh M. Chang, Tarek Zayed, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

The study identifies various painting systems that are successfully used in Indiana’s surrounding states and other industries. The identified systems are further screened and evaluated. After prudently comparing INDOT’s inorganic zinc / vinyl system with the waterborne acrylic system, the moisture cure urethane coating system, and the 3-coat system of zinc-epoxy-urethane, the results show that the new 3-coat system fulfills INDOT’s needs with the most benefits. Therefore, the 3-coat system is recommended to replace INDOT present inorganic zinc / vinyl system. To deal with the problems facing the lead-based paint, a comparison between full-removal and over-coating alternatives is made. Results …

Steel Bridge Protection Policy: Main Report, Luh M. Chang, Tarek Zayed, Jon D. Fricker

JTRP Technical Reports

The study identifies various painting systems that are successfully used in Indiana’s surrounding states and other industries. The identified systems are further screened and evaluated. After prudently comparing INDOT’s inorganic zinc / vinyl system with the waterborne acrylic system, the moisture cure urethane coating system, and the 3-coat system of zinc-epoxy-urethane, the results show that the new 3-coat system fulfills INDOT’s needs with the most benefits. Therefore, the 3-coat system is recommended to replace INDOT present inorganic zinc / vinyl system. To deal with the problems facing the lead-based paint, a comparison between full-removal and over-coating alternatives is made. Results …

An Iterative Approach To The Beam Hardening Correction In Cone Beam Ct (Proceedings), Jiang Hsieh, Robert C. Molthen, Christopher A. Dawson, Roger H. Johnson

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Research and Publications

No abstract provided.

Mössbauer Effect Determination Of Relative Recoilless Fractions For Iron Oxides, Sei J. Oh, Desmond C. Cook

Physics Faculty Publications

The relative recoilless fraction (F-value) of each of six iron oxides, defined as the ratio of the recoil-free fractions of two different materials, was experimentally determined relative to hematite at 300 K and 77 K by Mössbauer spectroscopy. Using the relative recoil-free fractions compared to that of hematite, the relative recoilless fractions between all pairs of the seven iron oxides were determined. The F-values can allow conversion of Mössbauer subspectral areas to the relative atomic, molecular, or weight fractions of each iron oxide present in a mixed oxide phase sample.

Correlation Of Double-Layer Capacitance With The Pore Structure Of Sol-Gel Derived Carbon Xerogels, Chuan Lin, James A. Ritter, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

Nine different sol-gel derived carbon xerogels were prepared with different pore structures by varying the carbonization temperature (in flowing N₂) and activation time (in 5% CO₂ in N₂). For each of these carbon xerogels, mesopore and micropore size distributions and cumulative surface areas were extracted from a density functional theory analysis. Increasing the carbonization temperature caused a decrease in the number of micropores in the 6 Å range but had little effect on the mesopore size distribution and thus mesopore cumulative surface area. Increasing the CO₂ activation time caused an increase in the number …

Development Of Carbon-Metal Oxide Supercapacitors From Sol-Gel Derived Carbon-Ruthenium Xerogels, Chuan Lin, James A. Ritter, Branko N. Popov

Faculty Publications

Sol-gel derived high surface area carbon-ruthenium xerogels were prepared from carbonized resorcinol-formaldehyde resins containing an electrochemically active form of ruthenium oxide. The electrochemical capacitance of these materials increased with an increase in the ruthenium content indicating the presence of pseudocapacitance associated with the ruthenium oxide undergoing reversible faradaic redox reactions. A specific capacitance of 256 F/g (single electrode) was obtained from a carbon xerogel containing 14 wt % Ru, which corresponded to more than 50% utilization of the ruthenium. The double layer accounted for 40% of this capacitance. This material was also electrochemically stable, showing no change in a cyclic …

A Mathematical Model For Electroless Copper Deposition On Planar Substrates, M. Ramasubramanian, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White, K. S. Chen

Faculty Publications

A mathematical model for the electroless deposition of copper on a planar electrode is presented and used to make time-dependent predictions on the various quantities in the system. The model takes into account mass transport by diffusion and migration, Butler-Volmer kinetics at the electrode surface, and mixed potential theory. A finite difference approach is used to solve the equations, and the resultant model is used to predict the concentration profiles, potential response, and plating rate as a function of time and concentration of various reactive components.

Determination Of The Lithium Ion Diffusion Coefficient In Graphite, Ping Yu, Branko N. Popov, James A. Ritter, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

A complex impedance model for spherical particles was used to determine the lithium ion diffusion coefficient in graphite as a function of the state of charge (SOC) and temperature. The values obtained range from of 1.12 × 10^–10 to 6.51 × 10^–11 cm²/s at 25°C for 0 and 30% SOC, respectively, and for 0% SOC, the value at 55°C was 1.35 × 10^–10 cm²/s. The conventional potentiostatic intermittent titration technique (PITT) and Warburg impedance approaches were also evaluated, and the advantages and disadvantages of these techniques were exposed

Finding Of No Significant Impact Bank Stabilization Project Ponca State Park, Nebraska Missouri National Recreational River

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

An environmental assessment has been prepared that summarizes the expected effects of the proposed project on the existing environment. This is a project proposed by the Omaha District, Corps of Engineers to halt the erosion occurring along the riverfront at Ponca State Park in Dixon County, Nebraska, and protect the access road to the park's public boat ramp. This project is authorized under the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act amendment of 1978 (Public Law 95-625). The proposed project is located along the right bank of the Missouri River between River Miles (RM) 753.9 and 753.5 at Ponca State Park about …

Final General Management Plan Environmental Impact Statement

United States Army Corps of Engineers, Omaha District

This Final General Management Plan / Environmental Impact Statement presents three alternatives for the future of the Missouri National Recreational River: a continuation of existing (conditions (no-action) alternative, a resource protection/recreation (preferred) alternative emphasizing protection and enhancement of biologic values and the history and culture of the area, and a recreational emphasis alternative. In both action alternatives, the Corps of Engineers (COE) and the National Park Service (NPS) would manage the area through a cooperative agreement. The Corps of Engineers would function as the day-la-day manager of the water-related resources, while the National Park Service would administer the land-related resources. …

Doppler Measurements Using A Coherent Ultrawideband Random Noise Radar, Muhammad Dawood, Ram M. Narayanan

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

The University of Nebraska has developed a random noise radar system which transmits an ultrawideband random noise waveform with a uniform power spectral density (PSD) in the 1-2 GHz frequency range. Simulation studies and controlled laboratory tests confirm the system's ability to preserve the instantaneous phase of the received signal [l, 2]. The potential of the system to characterize the Doppler shift of moving targets exhibiting varying linear and rotational velocities was clearly demonstrated [2]. This paper provides with the results of recent field experiments at a range of about 200 m which confirm the ability of the system to …

Complete Maps Of The Aspect Sensitivity Of Vhf Atmospheric Radar Echoes, R. M. Worthington, R. D. Palmer, S. Fukao

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications

Using the MU radar at Shigaraki, Japan (34.85°N, 136.10°E), we measure the power distribution pattern of VHF radar echoes from the mid-troposphere. The large number of radar beam-pointing directions (320) allows the mapping of echo power from 0° to 40° from zenith, and also the dependence on azimuth, which has not been achieved before at VHF wavelengths. The results show how vertical shear of the horizontal wind is associated with a definite skewing of the VHF echo power distribution, for beam angles as far as 30° or more from zenith, so that aspect sensitivity cannot be assumed negligible at any …

Ds Cdma Scheme For Watm With Errors And Erasures Decoding, Beata J. Wysocki, Hans-Jürgen Zepernick, Tadeusz Wysocki

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering: Faculty Publications (to 2015)

In the paper, we present simulation results for the 13 channel DS CDMA WATM LAN utilising optimized complex spreading signatures based on Walsh functions. The method to obtain those optimized spreading signatures, as well as the full set of the coefficients giving the minimum level of cross-correlation between any pair of the channels is shown. The resultant system BER as well as the distribution of errors within WATM cells is given. The obtained results indicate that with the application of a hybrid ARQ scheme with errors and erasures decoding, the number of WATM cells which would require retransmission is in …

Models In Manual Materials Handling, M. M. Ayoub, Jeffrey C. Woldstad

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

The ergonomics approach to manual materials handling (MMH) tasks defines a Man-Task-Environment System. A generally accepted means of minimizing MMH related injuries is to design MMH tasks so that the demands of the tasks are less than the capacities of the individuals performing these tasks. Task design is dependent, in part, on the availability of comparable data for task demands and worker capacities. The generation of the appropriate data is dependent, in part, on being able to identify the pertinent capacity parameters of manual materials handling activities.

In the past, a substantial effort has been directed at determining ‘safe’ lifting …

Road Rescue Implements A Continuous Process Improvement Framework, John Olson, Paul Savory

Department of Industrial and Management Systems Engineering: Faculty Publications

Continuous improvement programs traditionally focus on making small incremental improvements to a system. Unfortunately, their success can be limited due to the rapid changing environment within which most small companies operate. Improvement efforts should be flexible enough to capitalize on incremental and radical changes to a system. This paper presents a case analysis of how Road Rescue, an ambulance manufacturer, uses a continuous improvement framework to capitalize on both radical and incremental improvement opportunities. Results include a 10% increase in throughput, reduced cycle time of 44%, increased customer satisfaction, and higher quality.

Climbing Fibre Purkinje Cell Twins Are Found, Donald C. Wunsch, Witali L. Dunin-Barkowski, S. N. Markin, L. N. Podladchikova

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

At the IJCNN'93 in Nagoya we have pronounced a challenging goal: to get activity patterns of airs of Purkinje cells(PC), controlled with the same climbing fiber (CF), - a CF PC Twins problem Here, for the first time in cerebral studies, CF PC twins have been identified and studied. Several important features of the CF PC Twins activity are demonstrated: (1) High constancy of conduction time of impulses of cells of inferior olives to the targetted PCs, (2) a relatively high failure rate (0.05-0.18) of impulse propagation into terminal branches of CF, (3) a salient difference in complex Spikes(CS) - …

Effects Of Dissolved Organic Matter And Ph On Heavy Metal Uptake By Sludge Particulates Exemplified By Copper(Ii) And Nickel(Ii): Three-Variable Model, Jianmin Wang, C. P. Huang, Herbert E. Allen, Ira Poesponegoro, Haryanto Poesponegoro, Luis R. Takiyama

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Dissolved organic matter (DOM) and pH are important factors affecting heavy metal uptake by sludge particulates. Copper(II) and Nickel(II) uptake behavior by primary and secondary sludge particulates was studied under various pH and DOM conditions. A three-variable model, incorporating effects of pH and DOM, was developed to describe heavy metal uptake. Results show that heavy metal uptake by sludge particulates can be better described by the three-variable model than by the modified Langmuir model in a wide pH range.

Design, Optimization, And The Prototyping Of A Small Tuning-Fork Ultrasonic Piezoelectric Linear Motor, Daniel S. Stutts, James R. Friend

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The design, optimization, and properties of a prototype small traveling-wave ultrasonic piezoelectric linear motor design are described. A method for optimizing the geometry of the motor to maximize its mechanical output for a given electrical input is described, as is the inherent properties of the design to maximize the motors durability and utilization of the piezoelectric material. Results from testing the motor demonstrate the design and indicate a maximum speed of 2.5 cm/s with a preload of 16 g due to an applied voltage of 80 V/RMS/ at an applied current of 15 mA.

Optimized Calibration For Unsteady Flow Modeling Using A Genetic Algorithm, Daniel Sanchez, Jerome A. Westphal

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The calibration of an unsteady flow model generally relies on the estimation of roughness coefficients, which act as descriptors of friction resistance along the channel. Here an optimized procedure is implemented by incorporating a genetic algorithm (GA) to automate the process. This approach is suitable because discrete parameters are considered. The target is a one-dimensional unsteady flow model in which the roughness coefficient is allowed to vary not only along the river axis, but also dynamically with discharge. The objective function is the root mean square of the difference between measured and computed water levels at a given cross section. …

Stage-Discharge Relations On The Middle Mississippi River, Jerome A. Westphal, D. B. Thompson, Glendon Taylor Stevens, C. N. Strauser

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Based on measurements made on the Middle Mississippi River during the 1993 flood, stage-discharge relations for the rating curve are not single-valued. Analyses of these data suggest that the range of flow rates at a given stage is larger than that attributable to measurement replication error alone. Patterns of stage-discharge measurements also imply a tendency toward hysteresis. However, neither changes in stage nor changes in flow rate correlate with short-term scour and fill at gauging sites.

Crippling Capacity Of Web Elements With Openings, Roger A. Laboube, W. W. Yu, S. U. Deshmukh, C. A. Uphoff

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Commonly used cold-formed steel sections utilized as either wall studs or floor joists contain web holes. The web holes may be factory punched or field cut. Because the Specification for the Design of Cold-Formed Steel Structural Members does not address the potential impact that a web hole can have on the structural integrity of the cold-formed steel member, research was necessary. Researchers at the University of Missouri-Rolla have explored the behavior of a flexural member that possesses a web hole. The scope of the UMR research includes flexure, shear, web crippling, and combinations thereof. The present paper will summarize the …

Liquefaction Of Silts And Silt-Clay Mixtures, Tianqiang Guo, Shamsher Prakash

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

Low plasticity silts and silty clays occur extensively in the central United States. For evaluating their liquefaction potential during an earthquake, no guidelines are available based on their density, void ratio, plasticity index, standard penetration values, or any other simple soil property. Their liquefaction behavior is not properly understood at present and is often confused with that of sand-silt mixtures. Pore water pressures and liquefaction in silt and silt-clay mixtures are discussed, and the influences of plasticity index on their cyclic strength are reviewed critically. It is concluded that considerable additional work is needed to fully understand the liquefaction behavior …

Truck Route Access Evaluation: Paducah-Mccraken County, Us 60 Business Route And Locust Drive, Site #14, David H. Cain, Kenneth R. Agent, Brian Aldridge, Lisa Aultman-Hall, Nicole Lefever, Nikiforos Stamatiadis, Joel M. Weber

Kentucky Transportation Center Research Report

There are two main objectives of the Freight Movement and Intermodal Access in Kentucky Study (SPR 98-189) undertaken by the Kentucky Transportation Center for the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet: evaluation of the access for trucks between intermodal or other truck generating sites and the National Highway System (NHS); and furthering the understanding of freight commodity flows throughout the state. This report summarizes the access evaluation for one cluster of facilities located in McCracken county in the Purchase Area Development District (ADD) and KYTC Highway District # 1. The location of the site in Paducah is shown in Figure 1. Work on …

Neurocontrol Of Turbogenerators With Adaptive Critic Designs, Ganesh K. Venayagamoorthy, Donald C. Wunsch, Ronald G. Harley

Electrical and Computer Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

This paper presents the design of a neuro-controller for a turbogenerator using a novel technique based on adaptive critic designs (ACD). This adaptive critic design based neuro-controller augments/replaces the traditional automatic voltage regulator (AVR) and the turbine governor of the generator. Simulation results are presented to show that neural network controllers with the ACD have the potential to control turbogenerators when system conditions and configuration changes.

Mechanism Of Interaction Of Asphalt Cement With Crumb Rubber Modifier, Magdy Abdelrahman, Samuel Carpenter

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering Faculty Research & Creative Works

The nature of the interaction process between asphalt cement and crumb rubber modifier (CRM) has not been fully understood. Two main types of mechanisms that affect the produced binder properties are reported: particle swelling and degradation (devulcanization and depolymerization). These mechanisms occur as the binder is subjected to different combinations of interaction time and temperature. Insight into the mechanisms by which the interaction between the two materials takes place through monitoring the changes in the rheological parameters of the binder is provided. The effects of the interaction process variables, time and temperature, are explained. The effect of CRM properties, including …