Engineering Commons^™

An Approach To Exact Modeling Of The Pwm Switch, Anas N. Al-Rabadi

Dissertations and Theses

Large number of small-signal models of de-to-de power converters exists already. These models usually use two techniques. The first is the averaging technique, such as: volt-second and current-second balance, state space averaging, and the averaged modeling approach. The other technique focuses on the exact modeling approach, such as: the application of time varying systems theory to linearize networks. One of the methodologies to apply the above techniques, is to view the three-terminal systems as a two-port network.

The aim of the work presented in this thesis is to develop a new approach, by the application of the two-port network methodology …

Evaluation Of Toxicity, Bioavailability And Speciation Of Lead, Zinc And Cadmium In Mine/Mill Wastewaters, Mujde Erten-Unal, Bobby G. Wixson, Nord Gale, Jerry L. Pitt

Civil & Environmental Engineering Faculty Publications

The toxicity of common compounds of lead, cadmium and zinc was evaluated in waters similar to that found in the world's largest lead producing area in Missouri. Static, acute toxicity tests were performed using fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas) and water fleas (Daphnia magna) respectively. Test organisms were subjected to varying amounts of sulfide, carbonate, chloride and sulfate salts of lead, zinc and cadmium mixed in hard, alkaline waters typical to this region. Median lethal concentrations were calculated using nominal versus measured metal concentrations. Measured metal concentrations included four different metal fractionation (extraction/filtration) techniques at different pH …

Temperature Dependence Of Step Density On Vicinal Pb(111), Z. H. Zhang, H. E. Elsayed-Ali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The temperature dependence of step density on the vicinal Pb(111) surface is investigated using reflection high-energy electron diffraction. When the temperature is increased from 323 to 590 K. the average terrace width and the average string length at the step edge decrease from 85±25 to 37±16 Å and from 220±33 to 25±8 Å, respectively. Thermal step collapse on the Pb(111) surface near its bulk melting temperature is not observed. Above 530±7 K, the change in the string length at the step edge with temperature becomes small, and the intensity of the (00) beam is significantly decreased. We conclude that partial …

Femtosecond Photoemission Study Of Ultrafast Electron Dynamics In Single-Crystal Au(111) Films, J. Cao, Y. Gao, H. E. Elsayed-Ali, R. J. D. Miller, D. A. Mantell

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

The energy-dependent relaxation of photoexcited electrons has been measured by time-resolved two-photon photoemission spectroscopy on single-crystal Au(111) films with thickness ranging from 150 to 3000 Å. It is found that the energy-dependent relaxation does not show any significant thickness dependence, which indicates that electron transport is a much slower dynamical process in the near-surface region than expected from bulk properties. Furthermore, lifetimes of the photoexcited electrons can be fitted well by the Fermi-liquid theory with a scaling factor plus an effective upper lifetime. This observation enables separation of electron-electron scattering, and to a lesser extent electron-phonon scattering, processes from electron-transport …

Atomic Hydrogen Cleaning Of Inp(100) For Preparation Of A Negative Electron Affinity Photocathode, K. A. Elamrawi, M. A. Hafez, H. E. Elsayed-Ali

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

Atomic hydrogen cleaning is used to clean InP(100) negative electron affinity photocathodes. Reflection high-energy electron diffraction patterns of reconstructed, phosphorus-stabilized, InP(100) surfaces are obtained after cleaning at ∼400 °C. These surfaces produce high quantum efficiency photocathodes (∼8.5%), in response to 632.8 nm light. Without atomic hydrogen cleaning, activation of InP to negative electron affinity requires heating to ∼530 °C. At this high temperature, phosphorus evaporates preferentially and a rough surface is obtained. These surfaces produce low quantum efficiency photocathodes (∼0.1%). The use of reflection high-energy electron diffraction to measure the thickness of the deposited cesium layer during activation by correlating …

Modeling Electromagnetic Disturbances In Closed-Loop Computer Controlled Flight Systems, W. Steven Gray, Oscar R. Gonzalez

Electrical & Computer Engineering Faculty Publications

High intensity electromagnetic radiation has been demonstrated to be a source of computer upsets in commercially available digital flight control systems. In this paper we introduce an electromagnetic disturbance model which can be used for stability analysis and augmentation of any such digitally implemented control law. The model is composed of a Markovian exosystem supplying radiation events to a discrete-time jump linear system which models how the radiation interferes with the nominal operation of the closed-loop system. We discuss how this model can be used to characterize stability and how it can be parametrized and validated in an experimental setting.

Chromium Oxides And Lithiated Chromium Oxides. Promising Cathode Materials For Secondary Lithium Batteries, Pankaj Arora, Dong Zhang, Branko N. Popov, Ralph E. White

Faculty Publications

Chromium oxides and lithiated chromium oxides were synthesized by thermal decomposition of chromium trioxide (CrO₃) at high temperatures and oxygen pressures. Synthesis temperature and pressure markedly affect the performance of these cathode materials. Higher pressures lead to a higher O/Cr ratio and fewer impurities in the final product. These materials are stable intercalation hosts for lithium, and exhibit a higher capacity than any of the prominent positive electrodes used in secondary lithium batteries. m-CrO_x has a capacity of 255 mAh/g, while m-LiCrO_x has a capacity of 210 mAh/g, during the first discharge. The average …

Strength And Durability Of Concrete: Effects Of Cement Paste-Aggregate Interfaces, Part Ii: Significance Of Transition Zones On Physical And Mechanical Properties Of Portland Cement Mortar, Turng-Fang F. Lee, Menashi D. Cohen

JTRP Technical Reports

This research was based on a two-part basic research investigation studying the effects of cement paste-aggregate interfaces (or interfacial transition zones-HZ) on strength and durability of concrete. Part I dealt with the theoretical study and Part II dealt with the experimental. Part I, the theoretical part, illustrates the effect of ITZ on the concrete properties by assuming its elastic moduli to be varied continuously in the region. A four-phase composite model is employed and three functions are chosen to model the moduli variation in the ITZ. A theoretical solution for an n-layered spherical inclusion model is used to estimate the …

Strength And Durability Of Concrete: Effects Of Cement Paste-Aggregate Interfaces, Part I: Theoretical Study On Influence Of Interfacial Transition Zone On Properties Of Concrete Materials, Yiguo Zhang, Wai-Fah Chen

JTRP Technical Reports

This research was based on a two-part basic research investigation studying the effects of cement paste-aggregate interfaces (or interfacial transition zones-HZ) on strength and durability of concrete. Part I dealt with the theoretical study and Part II dealt with the experimental. Part I, the theoretical part, illustrates the effect of ITZ on the concrete properties by assuming its elastic moduli to be varied continuously in the region. A four-phase composite model is employed and three functions are chosen to model the moduli variation in the ITZ. A theoretical solution for an n-layered spherical inclusion model is used to estimate the …

Sr‐ And Ni‐Doped Lacoo3 And Lafeo3 Perovskites: New Cathode Materials For Solid‐Oxide Fuel Cells, Kevin Huang, Hee Y. Lee, John B. Goodenough

Faculty Publications

An improved cathode material for a solid‐oxide fuel cell would be a mixed electronic and oxide‐ion conductor with a good catalytic activity for oxygen reduction at an operating temperature T _op ≥ 700°C and a thermal expansion matched to that of the electrolyte and interconnect. We report on the properties of Sr‐ and Ni‐doped LaCoO₃ and LaFeO₃ perovskites that meet these criteria. Single‐phase regions were determined by X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analysis measurements were used to obtain the temperatures above which oxygen loss, and hence oxide‐ion conductivity, occurs. The conductivity and Seebeck measurements indicate the coexistence of both …

All Agents Are Not Created Equal, Michael N. Huhns, Munindar P. Singh

Faculty Publications

As the technology advances, we can expect the development of specialized agents to be used as standardized building blocks for information systems. Two trends lend credence to such a prediction. First, software systems in general are being constructed with larger components, such as ActiveX and JavaBeans, which are becoming closer to being agents themselves. They have more functionality than simple objects, respond to events autonomously, and, most importantly, respond to system builders at development time, as well as to events at runtime. Moreover, there is a move toward more cooperative information systems, in which the architecture itself plays an important …

Placement Of Piezoelectric Actuators For Active Control Of Vibration Using Modal Parameters, Xuegeng Zhu

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

An equation is derived to model the piezoelectric actuators incorporation with flexible structures. This equation permits the comparison of the performance indices over the entire structure for a piezoelectric actuator with constant area, which is unachievable if the Finite Element Method is used for complicated structures.

An index has been developed for placement of piezoelectric actuator for control of vibration of a flexible structure. This index is derived from the definition of H2norm. Computation of the proposed index requires only the natural frequencies and corresponding mode shapes of the structures of interest. The method is well suited to large …

Thermodynamic Modeling And Analysis Of Human Stress Responses, Satish C. Boregowda

Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering Theses & Dissertations

A novel approach based on the second law of thermodynamics is developed to investigate the psychophysiology and quantify human stress level. Two types of stresses (thermal and mental) are examined. A Unified Stress Response Theory (USRT) is developed under the new proposed field of study called Engineering Psychophysiology. The USRT is used to investigate both thermal and mental stresses from a holistic (human body as a whole) and thermodynamic viewpoint. The original concepts and definitions are established as postulates which form the basis for thermodynamic approach to quantify human stress level. An Objective Thermal Stress Index (OTSI) is developed by …

Satellite Technology : Reinforcement Of Computer Data Transmission Technology : Implications For The Maritime World Communications, Data Transfer And Maritime Education, U Kyaw Htut

World Maritime University Dissertations

This dissertation is a study of the impact of data transmission via satellite on the maritime world of communication, data transfer and education. The aim of the study is to understand the technological reinforcement of the maritime industry and the changes taking place in it. With the avalanche of changes that are taking place in the field of information technology, they can be used to facilitate the shipping industry. This dissertation assists in understanding some of the technological evolution of satellite technology and data communication and in the needs of the maritime industry as well. This dissertation describes satellite technology …

Outrigger Design And The Stability Of Outrigger Boats, Benedicto Mercado Selirio

World Maritime University Dissertations

Philippine outrigger boats are small wooden boats that have the distinct characteristics of a very slender hull and bamboo outriggers at each side. The study focuses on the outrigger design and their effect on boat stability. The main idea is to see if there is any design flaw to make the boat susceptible to capsizing. The paper briefly looks into the social and economic significance of outrigger boats in the Philippines and their various uses. It examines recent boat accidents involving boats that capsized and their probable cause. A review of basic outrigger boat parts introduces readers to the boat …

Fire Safety In Connection With The Transport And Handling Of Dangerous Cargoes In Port Areas, Adama Sy

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Cost Effective Quality Maintenance Of Ship Containers : Management And Technical Practices Which Reflect High Standards Of Containers In The Ceylon Shipping Corporation, H.M. Ajith Dehipola

World Maritime University Dissertations

This dissertation seems to highlight the need of have a quality repair standards to develop, implement and oversee the container repairs in the Ceylon shipping corporation. The mechanism and process through which this can be achieved is examined and explained by the author in a manner which can be understood by the readers in the late chapters. It is also emphasised, in this work that the need exist for properly and highly trained personal to fulfil the required standards in container repairs. It is fairly clear that, the life of a container is depend from many factors. Some of the …

Proposal For Improving Maritime Safety In Jordan With Emphasis On The Engineer's Role, Moain Al-Zoubi

World Maritime University Dissertations

This dissertation is a study for improving maritime safety in Jordan with a focus on the marine engineers role. The topic evaluates the current situation of maritime authority structure and safety procedures in all maritime activities. The objective of this proposal is to set out general guidance to improve the planning, management and operational procedures of safety matters in all maritime fields in Jordan. The topic discusses four important areas deemed necessary to improve maritime safety in Jordan, with emphasis on the role of the marine engineer in each area. The first is administrative and management, the second is legal …

The Potential Impact Of Marpol Annex Vi On The Design And Operation Of Oil Tankers, Pratomo Setyohadi

World Maritime University Dissertations

No abstract provided.

The Development Of Training And Practice Of Navigation For Advanced Ships : Application To Merchant Marine Training Centre Programmes In Thailand, Thiti Tingmai

World Maritime University Dissertations

This dissertation is a study of an advanced ship, focusing on the training needs for a navigation officer by taking into consideration technological advances, operational factors and human factors. A short overview is given of current and future trends, and developments in modem technology in shipping including an advanced bridge in the form of an integrated bridge system. The role of the navigator, bridge operational procedures and conditions, and training needs are examined, taking into account manning and technological change that have taken place. The required knowledge, skills and attitude for an operator of advanced ships are identified. The importance …

Implant Having Reduced Generation Of Wear Particulates, David A. Pienkowski

Biomedical Engineering Faculty Patents

A method is provided for reducing the amount of wear particulates generated by a total joint orthopaedic implant. The implant consists of two matched articulating components. The method includes the steps of placing the total joint orthopaedic implant in a fluid bath and articulating the implant in the fluid bath for at least 1,000 cycles. The articulation may be performed in three stages. In the first, the implant is articulated under a load of substantially 0.1-500 Newtons with sliding speeds of substantially 0.01-0.5 meters per second. During a second stage the articulation takes place under a load of substantially 200-2,500 …

Method And Apparatus For Flotation Separation, Xiang-Huai Wang

Center for Applied Energy Research Faculty Patents

A flotation method and apparatus for separating a selected constituent from an effluent of an industrial process is provided. The apparatus includes a conditioning tank and a flotation cell. The conditioning tank allows mixing a flotation reagent with an effluent and includes a mechanism for also dissolving gas in the effluent within the conditioning tank. The flotation cell includes a dissolved gas flotation chamber having an overflow for recovering the selected constituent and a tailings drain. In addition, the flotation cell also includes an added gas flotation chamber having a sparger for injecting gas into the effluent, an overflow for …

On The Strain-Rate Sensitivity Of Columnar Ice, M. E. Manley, E. M. Schulson

Dartmouth Scholarship

A power law relation between stress and strain rate of the form σ ∝ ε̇1/n was used to describe the response to strain rate of S1 ice loaded across the columns at -10°C. The rate exponent, n, decreased with increasing strain from about 4.6 at an observed peak on the load displacement curve to approximately 2.6 at a shortening of 2%. Analysis of these results and of the results of other authors on different forms of ice deformed at the same temperature suggests that the power law exponent, n, is proportional to Fc/Fg. The parameter Fc/Fg is the far-field basal …

Composition Containing A Polymer And Conductive Filler And Use Thereof, Ravi F. Saraf

Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering: Patents

A composition containing a polymeric matrix and a conductive filler component is provided. The conductive filler component comprises conductive particles and a polymer selected from the group consisting of substituted and unsubstituted polyanilines, substituted and unsubstituted polyparaphenylenevinylenes, substituted and unsubstituted polythiophenes, substituted and unsubstituted polyazines, substituted and unsubstituted polyparaphenylenes, substituted and unsubstituted polyfuranes, substituted and unsubstituted polypyrroles, substituted and unsubstituted polyselenophene, substituted and unsubstituted poly-p-phenylene sulfides and substiututed and unsubstituted polyacetylenes, and mixtures thereof, and copolymers thereof. Compositions of the present invention are useful as corrosion protecting layers for metal substrates, for electrostatic discharge protection, electromagnetic interference shielding, and as …

Statistical Continuum Theory For Inelastic Behavior Of A Two-Phase Medium, Brent L. Adams, H. Garmestani, S. Lin

Faculty Publications

This work was supported in part (B.L. Adams) by the MRSEC Program of the National Science Foundation under Award no. DMR-9632556. Further support was provided by the Center for Materials Research and Technology (MARTECH at FSU) and Center for Nonlinear and Nonequilibrium Sciences (CENNAS at FAMU). A statistical contiuum mechanics formulation is presented to predict the inelastic behavior of a medium consisting of two isotropic phases. The phase distribution and morphology are represented by a two-point probability function. The isotropic behavior of the single phase medium is represented by a power law relationship between the strain rate and the resolved …

A Portable Photovoltaic Water Aeration System, Florida Solar Energy Center, William Young

FSEC Energy Research Center®

Water aeration is a method to improve the water quality in a lake by adding oxygen to the water. Because water aeration systems are often located in remote locations, photovoltaics are ideal for powering these systems. This paper describes a water aeration system powered by photovoltaics that is used in Florida. The portable nature of this system permits the owner to conveniently relocate the system and aerate bodies of water as needed.

1998 Reduced Gravity Student Flight Opportunity: Thin Film Extrusion In Microgravity, Jason Duckworth

Honors Capstone Projects and Theses

No abstract provided.

Markovian Decision Control For Traffic Signal Systems, Xiao-Hua Yu, Allen R. Stubberud

Electrical Engineering

Setting signals at intersections to minimize the queue length and vehicle delay time is a key goal in traffic management. In this paper, a new control strategy for a signalized traffic intersection is developed by applying Markovian decision control theory. Statistical analysis of simulation results with different arrival rates indicate the excellent potential of this approach.

Optimal Block Encoding And Optimal Entropy For Lossless Image Compression, Larry Ray Dennis

Dissertations and Theses

In this thesis, a novel approach is designed using a quad-tree stack structure to encode the image to determine the optimal block size at the optimal and effective entropy in the lossless image compression method. Proof is given through encoding of the predictor and randomly constructed planes. There is a high degree of relationship between the placement of bits in the planes. Clearly results shows that use of the optimal entropy and encoding block sizes will increase the compression ratio using the lossless method. The cost of using the block size methods to encoding and entropy is discussed and proven. …

When The "Soft" Sciences Become Hard: The Safety Of Canadian Nuclear Reactors, Ibpp Editor

International Bulletin of Political Psychology

The author discusses the ins-and-outs of the safety of Canadian nuclear reactors.